Koen is the first to spot me, his sharp gaze flicking from me to where Nicholas had been standing moments ago as he smirks. “Appears you were successful.”
“How would you know?”
“I could practically see his infatuation from here.” Koen’s eyes glint with amusement. “He couldn’t take his eyes off you.”
“How could he fucking not? It’sher.” Sylus snorts. “I’m surprised he wasn’t drooling.”
Koen throws a quick, annoyed glance at Sylus. I ignore them and pull out my phone to open my messages and text Captain Bossy.
Done.
His reply is instant.
Captain Bossy
Good.
Now, ask one of the guys to point out mark two for you.
I want the card in his chest pocket without him noticing.
I’m about to put my phone away when another text comes in, several seconds delayed from the others.
Be careful.
I smile softly to myself as I tuck my phone away and palm the hotel card.
Let’s get this over with.
I turn to Koen, my pulse already starting to quicken again. “All right. Who is mark two?”
Koen steps close to me and slides an arm around my waist in such a familiar, intimate way that shivers skate down my spine. Then he pulls me in front of him, his front flush to my back, and the heat of his body warms me all over. The sudden proximity sends my newfound nerves into overdrive, erasing any calm the conversation with Nicholas provided.
He turns us, his hand on my waist as he directs my focus toward the far side of the room.
“See him?” Koen murmurs, his lips dangerously close to my ear. “Off alone, leaning against the wall as if he owns the place, wine glass in hand.”
I follow his gaze, though it takes more effort than it should to concentrate on anything other than how Koen’s body feels pressed against mine.
Across the room stands a man who fits the description perfectly—sharp features and a suit that looks as though it costs more than I’ve ever made in a week. His posture radiates arrogance, the kind that makes my stomach churn, but it’s nothing compared to Koen’s grip tightening on my waist.
“That’s your mark.” Koen’s breath grazes my ear as he steps back, leaving me cold in his absence.
God, I hate that feeling.
“Tall, dark, and handsome.” Levi grins.
Sylus snorts as I shake off the lingering sensation of Koen’s touch. “Don’t fuck it up, Sparkle.”
“Thanks for the confidence boost.” I snark back at the guy I know best in this motley crew. And I only learned his last name minutes ago. And his first name a few minutes before that.
Shoving that all away, I take a deep breath.
You’ve got this, Nova. Focus, distract, plant the card.
Easy.
“Be careful.” Koen leans in, his lips brushing close to my ear once more. “He’s not just some guy.”
