Page 154 of The Unravelings

“You really think?” I ask softly, eyeing the lacy red crop top wearily as it clings to my body and accentuates my tits perfectly.

“Yeah, you’re like a completely different person. It’s amazing,” he whispers with awe.

I look like a fucking dream. But it’s so odd seeing a woman staring back at me again. Me. Despite the short hair. It’s me. Olivia. A girl I left behind a long time ago. I traded her in for Olivia Seven. A new version of Olivia Viotto. The agent. The hard worker. Burning herself out with so much work and training, she never had to confront her past or think about it. Now, before me is the girl who sat in a tree house with her three best friends and watched the stars. Who snuck out of her bedroom to be with those boys when she was lonely and beaten down.

Maybe one day I’ll get back to being her.

One day.

Simon tilts his head. “So what are you trying to achieve tonight? Do you want everyone to keep their eyes off you? Because if that’s the case, then we need to put you in a turtleneck and hide you away…”

“No,” I croak, shaking my head. I hold his gaze in the mirror. “I want every eye on me when I walk into the room. For tonight only.” Because that’s all I can afford. I can’t expose myself to everyone.

Simon’s eyes widen with realization. “Ohhh, are you hunting?” he chuckles. “Well, if you’re on the prowl, this outfit says meow.”

I burst out with a laugh, shaking my head. “Well then, I guess this is it.” Because he’s right. I am on the prowl tonight. I need to ensnare Malic in my clutches, make it to his room, and get my damn glasses back.

Yeah, I’m the best secret agent ever. Not.

How the hell did I get here?

Standing back in my changing room, I snap a picture of my outfit and send it to Jordy for reassurance. He’s my best friend; I know he won’t lie to me.

Jordy: **Eyes bulging GIF** Umm, who is the hotty? Big Date Livy Poo?

I snort to myself, staring at my outfit in the mirror again.

Oli: Just need to seduce my old one-night stand because I lost my capture glasses at a party and now I need them back…

I hesitate when I hit enter, but send it anyway.

Jordy: Lost…your glasses… Oh Jesus.

Jordy: Livy, is that safe? I mean…how does HE have them?

Jordy: Hold up. Nope…

Jordy: You know what? I’m asking way too many questions that I don’t want the answers to.

Jordy: You’ll be safe, though. Right? Condoms included? Might bring your knife…

Jordy: Wait…wait…it’s the psycho, isn’t it? Oh my God, the Viking??

Jordy: For the love of God, Oliviaaaaa. Please be safe.

Jordy: Are you ever going to shut me up?

Oli: Shut up, Jordy…

Oli: And I promise. I’ll be safe.

After we buy our outfits and leave the store, Simon drags me to the food court again and buys us pretzels with cheese. His treat.

Simon bites into his pretzel with a moan. “I crave these every day,” he mumbles. “I can’t come here without grabbing one.” He licks a glob of cheese from the side of his lip with a grin. “Soooo, are you excited for the fights? With that outfit?”

I smile, tentatively taking a bite and nodding. “Mmmm,” I hum, savoring the flavor of the pretzel on my tongue. I swallow hard. “And yeah, I’m ready for the fights. It’ll be fun.”

More like exhilarating. I’m nervous about doing this, yes. Extremely nervous. So many things could go wrong. Going undercover as Claire. Trying to hide who I really am. Plus Oliver. It’s the thrill of the hunt, too. My inner secret agent is ready to go and get my glasses back.