Page 217 of Gathered Sparkle

Foster takes a cautious step forward, his face still red as the audience laughs and claps. “Thanks for being a good sport, Harold.” Koen pats him on the shoulder. “Now, back in line, please.”

Foster shuffles back into place with his head bent, and Koen turns his attention back to the other two men, his smile widening. “Shall we continue?”

He moves smoothly down the line, then takes Blackwood’s wrist in one hand, gives it a sharp but controlled pull before he can protest, and taps his forehead. “Sleep.”

Blackwood’s body complies, and Koen steadies him until he’s sure he stands on his own. He repeats the routine again with Belmont, then Foster, and the audience watches in awe, the murmurs of disbelief and amazement swelling with each man Koen puts under.

“All of you feel good, you’re safe,” he commands to them all. “You love to be here, love talking to me, and everything that comes out of your mouth will be the truth.”

Veronica starts backing away, her smile gone. Levi tracks her, staying close and acting casual about it as he lightly rests his hand on her arm, sensing she’s preparing to bolt.

Koen steps in front of Belmont, and the crowd goes quiet, anticipation building for what he’ll do next.

“Richard, where do you know Veronica from?”

Belmont’s jaw works slightly. “We fuck.”

A ripple of shocked laughter runs through the crowd as Koen theatrically raises his brows. “Okaaay.”

“Fucking told you all along,” I muse before pressing my lips together, remembering to keep my commentary to myself.

Veronica actually looks embarrassed and tries to pull her arm from Levi’s grip, but he only holds her tighter.

“Did we just stumble over your confession, Veronica, love?” Levi asks with a grin, making the crowd chuckle until Belmont’s voice cuts through again.

“She used my casinos to launder millions of dollars. Cleaned dirty money through high-end clients. Made me rich. Made her richer.”

“Wow.” Koen whistles softly, shaking his head. “You guys really know how to network, huh?” His chuckle is light, but his eyes flick to Veronica, who looks as though she might combust on the spot. “That was so not what I was looking for. So, let’s try the next one.”

I snicker to myself.

Sure, it wasn’t.

Koen moves to Foster, and the crowd holds their collective breaths as he repeats the question. “Harold, tell us about Veronica Harrington. Where do you know her from?”

Foster’s voice is flat, devoid of emotion, but the words come out clearly. “I oversee the casinos for her. Manage the books, keep the profits flowing.”

Koen smiles at Veronica, who paints a smile back onto her face and looks almost a little relieved.

“That sounds fun. What else do you do?”

“I find the girls,” he replies immediately. “The ones who’ve got nowhere else to turn. I put them to work, and she takes the biggest cut.”

The crowd gasps, the sound rippling through the air like a shockwave. Koen’s eyebrows shoot up, and he lets out a nervous laugh, glancing toward the audience. “Well, that’s… unexpected.” He rubs the back of his neck as if genuinely uncomfortable. He shoots Veronica a sheepish smile, his eyesprobably catching the way Levi’s grip on her arm tightens even further. “Let’s move on, shall we?”

God, he’s selling this so damn well.

I almost forgot just how good both of them are under the spotlight. It’s been so fucking long since I’ve seen them like this.

It’s a shame there won’t be any more shows after tonight—no matter how this plays out.

Veronica’s mask is cracked, no pretend smile in sight as she tries to take another step away, but Levi tugs on her arm as he whispers to her, “Don’t. Stay.”

It sounds a lot like a command, and damn, she looks like she’s not giving a fuck about that as she narrows her eyes on him.

“Well, maybe I’m a little out of practice.” Koen’s laugh is light for the crowd.

“I’m sorry.” Levi’s voice is a soft murmur for Veronica, while his smile is still charming for the audience. “This wasn’t our intention. But it’s all right. We’ve got you. Give Koen time to fix this.”

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