Page 16 of Beautifully Scarred Omega

“I don’t know, Finn.” I set my glass on the side table and lean closer. “There’s just something about you...”

My lips hover above his. Close enough to feel his breath. Close enough to see the way his pupils have blown wide, swallowing the blue.

Slowly, achingly slowly, I close the distance.

The first touch of his lips is electric.

My entire body answers, and for one terrifying moment I forget who I am. The mission, what he is, all of it gone, leaving nothing but the warmth of his mouth and the way his hand comes up to cup my jaw, gentle, like I’m something precious.

I force my eyes open, still kissing him. My hand drifts toward my clutch, fingers finding the hidden compartment. The sedative lipstick slides into my palm. I pop the cap with my thumb, positioning it carefully⁠—

That’s when I see the keycard sleeve.

It’s on the side table, right next to my bourbon glass. White cardstock with the hotel logo, a name handwritten across the front in black ink.

Finn Preston.

Not Frederic Zimmer.

Finn Preston.

The world tilts.

Wrong alpha. Wrong fucking alpha.

I jerk back so fast I almost fall off the couch. The lipstick cap snaps back on as I shove it into my clutch, my heart hammering against my ribs.

“Sylvie?” Concern edges Finn’s voice. “Are you okay?”

“What’s your name?” The question comes out too high. I barely recognize my own voice.

He blinks at me. “Finn. I told you that.”

“Your last name.”

“Preston.” His brow furrows. “Finn Preston. Why are you⁠—”

“I have to go.”

I’m already on my feet, moving toward the door. My heels snap against the floor, echoing in the suite.

Griffin is going to kill me. Where’s the real Frederic? Is he still here? Oh God, please let me not be too late⁠—

“Sylvie, wait.”

Finn’s voice follows me, but I don’t stop.

“Did I do something wrong?”

“No.” I’m at the door now, fumbling with the handle. “No, you didn’t. But I have to go. I’m sorry. I have to go.”

“How can I find you?”

But I’m already through the door, running for the elevator, my mind racing over how much time I’ve wasted on the wrong man while the real monster slips away.

The elevator doors open.

I slam the button for the lobby.