Page 88 of Gathered Sparkle

“Fuck, Copy,” Nicholas mutters, looking at Koen. “This could end in a disaster.”

“We’ve planned for every contingency,” Koen counters.

“Have you, though?” I challenge. “Because it sounds like there were gaps the first time around.”

“That’s why we’re revisiting it now.” Ace’s gaze is still on me. “To make sure there are no gaps this time.”

“And some new tricks,” Koen chimes in, a faint smile playing on his lips. “Coins and cards.”

“Speaking of… how will we communicate if it’s outside?” Ace asks, his brow furrowing slightly.

“Same as inside,” Sylus replies with a shrug. “Earpieces.”

“Will that… work with your… you know?” I glance at Koen, hating myself for asking that in the first place.

Does everyone in here know?

“His hearing aids are even more high-tech than the earpieces. It’s no problem to make them act as some,” Sylus answers as if it’s not a big deal at all.

Maybe it isn’t.

Koen shrugs. “What he said.”

It definitely isn’t.

Ugh, I’m an idiot.

Nicholas frowns. “Veronica will notice me wearing one.”

“So, you won’t,” Sylus says smoothly. “At least not until she knows that she’s fucked.”

“And what happens after?” I ask, turning to Koen. “When the show’s done, you’ve stolen a Lamborghini, and the Strip is buzzing with chaos?”

“We’re off to live a happy life elsewhere,” Sylus says smoothly, pulling me closer.

“And where would that be?” I arch a brow when he kisses up the side of my face.

“The plan was Malta.” Koen shrugs. “But I think Italy has a nice ring to it.”

“It does,” Ace agrees.

“I heard they have pretty good food,” Sylus whispers in my ear.

“What do you say, Snickers? Ever been to Italy?” Koen asks Nicholas.

“No, but I could get used to the idea.”

Italy. Tuscany.Rosalee’s dream.

My escape plan.

Find some crumbling villa surrounded by golden hills, sip wine under the stars, and forget about the ghosts that haunt me. I thought it was mine alone, something I’d chase after when everyone else was gone.

But it’s like they’re inviting themselves into that dream, not as intruders, but as partners.Family.It could be not just my escape.

It could be ours.

And the thought terrifies me. Not because I don’t want them there.God, I want that more than I’ve let myself admit. But because I’ve always imagined this ending with me alone. Now, I’m daring to picture something different. Koen’s laughter echoing through a sunlit kitchen, Nicholas lounging near the pool with Sylus doing embroidery next to him, and Ace and me playing cards in the shadow of a pine tree.

---