Without that,it’s just words.
Words that can be powerful, can push someone to do things against their will at that moment, sure. But after a while?
Just words.
Glitter doesn’t know that, and tipsy Glitter knows even less, and that’s what I’m counting on. If she believes it, if she’s convinced she’s under my influence, which she already toldme as much, then maybe it’ll be enough. The placebo effect is powerful, and she’s pliable enough to believe she truly feels it.
She might bristle at the commands, hating them,hating mefor them, but I can take it. If she truly believes she can’t drink or talk, then that belief alone will keep her in line.
“Wake up.”
Her eyes flutter open, and I’ve already taken a step back and blanked my expression as if I didn’t force her under again, as though I didn’t just take away a piece of her freedom. Her jaw tightens, but she doesn’t protest.
Interesting.
“You all right there, Glitter?” Levi’s voice breaks through the tension, his usual carefree grin still plastered on his face, but his eyes are wary as if he’s expecting her to blow up at any moment.
It would be deserved. What I did was awful, something I’ve never done to anyone.
Tough times and all that shit.
There are real stakes here beyond the possibility of her exposing my vulnerability.
She meets my brother’s gaze for a second before drifting back over to me and then briefly to my ear. The guilt is still gnawing at her, overriding what must be a myriad of other emotions.
Ah, that’s why.She’s still battling her demons.
Well, same, and I’m so over it.
“Mentalist lesson’s over for today,” I announce as I give her my back to walk over to Levi, allowing myself some deep breaths as I go. “Your turn. Let’s see what she’s got.”
Levi’s grin widens in excitement. He’s always eager for a show. I ignore the lingering tension between Glitter and me. What matters more is seeing what she’s truly capable of. I need to determine if all of this has been worth it, if she’s someone we can use and trust, if only temporarily.
She takes a breath, and I watch as she shakes off the tension. It’s almost mesmerizing the way she draws in a deep breath, her eyes flickering shut for a brief second before she opens them again, shaking off her stress.
She smiles as she crosses her arms over her chest, her body language shifting effortlessly into something more playful, more controlled. “All right…” she shrugs confidently, “… let’s have some fun.”
It’s like watching her put on a mask, slipping seamlessly into a persona. She wraps herself in allure and confidence that fool people into thinking they’re seeing all of her when they see nothing at all.
It’s her own disappearing act.
I continue to observe her closely as she moves toward Levi. She’s casual, acting like this is a game, but I can see the gears turning in her mind. She’s trying to anticipate his actions. Good.
Levi, on the other hand, is relaxed, open, and unguarded, which is his status quo and perfect for seeing what she can do. She circles him and brushes her fingers against his glittery sleeve. I can’t help but be amused by the way she leans in, pretending to charm him and how Levi responds with an exaggerated smile.
“So…” She grins, “You think you’ve got something worth losing?”
Levi chuckles and leans against the stage as he plays the part. “Oh, I’ve got plenty, Little Bird.”
“We’ll see about that.”
Her fingers brush his chest as if she’s fixing his collar, but I catch the sleight of hand as she slips her fingers into his back pocket and effortlessly pulls out his wallet.
He doesn’t even notice.
She steps back, twirling the wallet between her fingers with a triumphant grin. “Looks like you’ve already lost something.”
Levi glances down in surprise and then lets out a chuckle. “Come on, that’s basic shit.”
