Page 41 of Klaz

I laughed, retreating back into the dressing room. “Let’s see what else we’ve got.”

The next dress was a deep emerald green, with a plunging neckline and a slit up one thigh. When I emerged, Klaz’s breath audibly caught.

“That color,” he said, his voice low. “It reminds me of home.”

A heated blush crept up my cheeks. “Is that a good thing?”

He nodded slowly. “Very good.”

I tried on a few more dresses, each eliciting a different reaction from Klaz. But it was the final dress that I knew was the one.

It was a deep, midnight blue, adorned with thousands of tiny crystals that caught the light with every movement. The bodice hugged my torso before flaring out into a full skirt that swished around my legs.

As I twirled in front of the mirror, admiring how the midnight blue fabric hugged my curves, my eyes caught the glint of metal around my ankle. The explosive anklet. A stark reminder that this wasn’t just another con, another game.

My throat tightened, then I pushed the thought away. No use dwelling on what I couldn’t change. I had a job to do, and I’d be damned if I let a little thing like imminent death throw me off my game.

When I stepped out of the dressing room, Klaz stood, his eyes never leaving me. “That’s the one,” he said softly.

I twirled, watching the skirt flare out around me. “You think so?”

He nodded, a rare smile gracing his features. “You look beautiful, Cinta.”

Oh.

In my ‘work’ I’d made sure to get compliments and admiration from my marks. It was just part of the job.

But somehow it was different with Klaz.

“Thank you,” I managed, suddenly feeling shy.

“Now,” I said, clearing my throat. “Your turn.”

Klaz looked surprised. “My turn?”

“Can’t have you looking shabby next to all this finery,” I teased, gesturing to my dress. “Come on, big guy. Let’s find you a suit.”

I grabbed his hand, pulling him towards the men’s section. The saleswoman, sensing another sale, hurried over to assist us.

“Something classic,” I told her. “But with a bit of an edge.”

She nodded, pulling out a sleek black suit with subtle red accents. “How about this?”

I looked to Klaz, who shrugged. “Go on,” I urged. “Try it on.”

He disappeared into the dressing room, emerging a few minutes later. The suit fit him perfectly, accentuating his broad shoulders and trim waist.

“Well?” Klaz asked, amusement in his voice.

I swallowed hard, suddenly very aware of how attracted I was to this man. “You clean up nice,” I managed, aiming for nonchalance.

Klaz smirked, seeing right through me. “I think this will do,” he said to the saleswoman.

As we made our purchases, I stole glances at Klaz. The formal wear had transformed him, highlighting the dangerous grace that always lurked beneath the surface.

I let myself imagine what it would be like if this were real - if we were just a normal couple, preparing for a night out.

But the weight of the anklet around my leg brought me crashing back to reality. We weren’t normal. We weren’t even free.