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“Of course, she did,” I roll my eyes. “There is nothing she cares about more than appearances.”
“True,” Seraphina shrugs. “But she wants him there because he’s been nominated infourfreaking categories and is one of the favorites to win them.”
Penelope’s lips curl in a smile, surprise written on her face. “Really?”
“It’s not a big deal,” I shrug. “And it’s not like you guys are far behind anyway.”
“Somebody has to keep you on your toes,” Sera chuckles. “You promised her you’d come back for this.”
“I know,” I groan, rubbing my hand over my face. “And I’ll be there. She didn’t have to send you here.”
Seraphina shrugs. “I wanted to come.” She looks around the apartment, her eyes not missing anything. “Check out where you are, how you’re doing. Meet the girl who has you so transfixed. The whole article leaking was just the excuse I’ve been waiting for.”
She pushes to her feet and walks toward us. Like every time she leaves her house, she has on her public persona. Her dark hair is curled, making the purple strands shine under the light. Black eyeliner surrounds her eyes, and dark purple lipstick covers her mouth. She’s dressed in her usual jean jacket with a black tee and a short leather skirt, fishnet stockings, and high-heeled boots.
I raise my brow at her as she comes to a stop in front of us, but she ignores me, her whole focus on Penelope.
“I’m sorry, nobody taught Bash manners. I’m…”
“Seraphina, one of the V.I.X.E.N.S.” Penelope says, her attention shifting to my friend.
Surprise flashes on Sera’s face. Dramatically she covers her chest as she turns to me. “Have you been talking about me, Bash?”
“Hell to the no.”
I like Sera—well, when she’s not bugging me, that is—but the last thing I wanted was for her to meet Penelope. I wasn’t sure what would happen, and I didn’t want Penelope to be scared away by my friend. Although I guess I should have known better. If Penelope wasn’t scared of me when we first met, she could deal with Seraphina too.
But what about others?
The question pops into my head unexpectedly, throwing me off guard. Was I overthinking about this? Worrying too much? Could she belong to my world? And I didn’t mean musically. If we were talking just about her talent, she’d blend in perfectly. Hell, she was much more talented than half the people I knew.
I worried about her heart. I worried that people would hurt her, and that was one thing I wouldn’t allow to happen. Not to Penelope. Not on my watch.
“Be nice.” Penelope nudges me with her elbow, snapping me out of my thoughts. “I’ve listened to some of your music. It’s really good.”
“What?” I push her at arm’s length. “Since when are you being so nice?”
“I’m always nice. And her music is good.”
“Why weren’t you nice to me when we first met?”
“Because you’re a broody asshole?” Seraphina offers, but I choose to ignore her.
“Oh, I don’t know.” Penelope taps her chin as if she’s thinking about it. “Maybe because you bumped into me and tried to blame me for it?”
“You weren’t paying attention to where you were walking!”
“Then, if you were, you should have moved out of the way.”
I slide my finger under her chin, turning her to look at me. “Maybe I just hoped that if I ran into you, you’d give me two seconds of your attention. Ever think of that?”
Penelope’s lips part. “Liar.”
I quirk my brow. “Are you sure about that?”
“Yes, I’m sure! You were so mean to me.”
“You didn’t have a problem standing up to me,” I whisper, my thumb sliding over the outline of her lower lip.
