Page 9 of Gathered Sparkle

Sylus nods, giving me one last peck on the lips. “You heard that, brother? You’re gonna look after our girl?”

“Always.” Koen’s response is immediate, filled with a determination that makes my heart skip.

Butterflies erupt in my stomach despite everything that’s happened tonight.

Theirgirl?

Fuck.

CHAPTER THREE

Novalee

The bike moves much slower now as we make our way back to my place. My arms are wrapped around Sylus, my head resting against his bare back as the city’s sounds blur around us.

I try to take in the neon lights, the late-night crowd, a distant hum, something outside the small world that is just Sylus and me, and the pulse of his heart against my hands.

We turn the corner to my street, and I spot Ezra sitting in the Bronco, his bike parked beside it. His head lifts when we drive by, his gaze meeting Sylus’s for a second. He looks away again, disinterest masking whatever he’s really feeling.

Sylus pulls up in front of my building, the rumble of the bike fading as he kills the engine. He swings his leg over, and I follow, my legs a little shaky as he helps me off. He takes my hand in his, lacing our fingers together as he walks me to the door.

The stairwell is dark and quiet, each step slightly echoing as we climb. My heart is still pounding from everything that’s happened tonight, but Sylus is steady beside me, his hand warm and reassuring. When we finally reach my apartment, I let out a breath, but before I can even grab my keys, the door swings open.

Koen stands there, his eyes locked on mine, relief flickering over his face.

“How did you get inside?” I ask, blinking at him.

“Magic.” Sylus grins beside me.

But Koen doesn’t smile. Instead, he pulls me into a hug so fierce it takes my breath away. One hand presses against the small of my back, the other cradles the back of my head, and the scent of vanilla and spices suddenly surrounds me as he murmurs into my hair, “You’re okay.”

“I’m okay,” I parrot, my voice muffled against his chest. My arms come up, wrapping around him slowly as I sink into the warmth of his embrace. He holds me for a long moment, and the tension inside me begins to ease.

I’m safe.

When Koen finally lets me go, he steps back, eyes searching my face, then he looks over my head at Sylus. They exchange a look, and I turn to see Sylus nod, a grin spreading across his face. Koen gives a slight nod back, something like approval flickering in his eyes.

Then Sylus turns me to him, his hands on my waist as he rests his forehead against mine. “Be good for Koen,” he murmurs teasingly. “But don’t forget to think about me.”

“I couldn’t, even if I wanted to,” I answer truthfully.

He laughs, the sound warm and genuine, as he gives me one last peck on the lips. “Love you, baby,” he whispers, making my heart skip a beat.

Before I can respond—before I can even fully process the words—Sylus turns to Koen, holding out his fist. Koen bumps it, a grin twitching at the corners of his lips.

“If anyone comes in here, let her handle it,” Sylus teases. “She’s got a mean right hook, and you… yeah, you’re gonna hurt yourself.”

“Fuck you, Sy,” Koen huffs. “I can handle a punch.”

“Oh, you can,” Sylus agrees, grinning wider. “But you fold like a baby when your knuckles hurt afterward.”

A laugh escapes me, and Koen shoots me a playful scowl.

“Well, good thing Ezra’s out there keeping an eye on us,” he mutters, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Now fuck off, brother.”

Sylus doesn’t move right away. Instead, he turns back to me, his fingers curling around my throat, pulling me to him—his grip not too tight, just enough to make my pulse stutter. His thumb brushes the hollow of my neck, his touch firm, possessive.

“See you soon, Sparkle.” He presses a slow, deliberate kiss to my forehead. His lips linger for a second longer than necessary like he’s branding me with it. Then, with a smirk, he releases me and steps back, turning away without another word.

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