But here he was, in the flesh, ready and waiting with his daughter. The man looked tall and fit, with a deep tan and a head of silver hair and wrinkles in his smile. He wore a luxurious linen shirt underneath a perfectly tailored suit, and his hands sat easily in his pockets, giving him an easy sort of confidence. Behind his glasses was a glimmer in his eye and a warmth that, if Sydney had known nothing about him, she would have found genuine.
Now all she could do was imagine that glimmer in his gaze while he oversaw the torture of a hostage. While he snapped his fingers and ordered the execution of an entire family.
She noted an attendant standing in the corner, waiting to fulfill any request. Two more stood near a large sliding glass door that led to the gardens. She had no doubt there were guards stationed throughout the house.
Eli Morrison gave them a smile and stood up. Penelope did the same, her hands wringing nervously.
“Well!” he said. His voice was quiet and kind, not what Sydney was expecting. Chills ran down her spine. “I imagine the city’s traffic must have you both in a mood. Hopefully your temporary home will soothe that.”
Winter smiled at him. “I’ll say.”
Sydney let herself stand a little closer to Winter. Let Eli think that Sydney was playing the role of a good bodyguard. Beside her father, Penelope Morrison uncrossed her arms as they drew near. Now Sydney could see that the girl was shaking slightly, her smile oscillating between excited andterrified. Her hand repeatedly tucked her hair behind her ear even though there were no loose strands. Her eyes looked glossy with excited tears, her gaze hooked on Winter as if she was physically incapable of turning away.
His biggest fan, indeed.
When she glanced at Winter, he seemed at ease, completely unbothered. No doubt used to this kind of reaction.
Eli smiled at the superstar. “Winter Young,” he said, offering a hand to him. “I’d like to extend to you and your team my deepest thanks for fitting us into your busy schedule. I like to make sure I know anyone in this world worth knowing—and I’d say you’re at the top of that list for a lot of people.”
To Sydney’s relief, Winter didn’t miss a beat. He took a step forward, returned the man’s smile, and shook his outstretched hand. “The honor’s mine, sir,” he answered. “If I’d known you were going to greet us here yourself, I’d be much more anxiously dressed.”
Eli laughed, waving Winter’s deference away. “And what does that look like, Mr. Young?”
Winter glanced to Eli’s side and met Penelope’s gaze for the first time. She startled. “A guy trying to make a good first impression,” he said, giving her his polite, secret smile.
She looked away from his gaze immediately, as if she couldn’t bear it. Her eyes wandered instead to Sydney. Sydney offered her a courteous nod.
“This is my daughter, Penelope Morrison,” Eli said, squeezing the girl’s shoulder affectionately. Sydney noted that Penelope didn’t respond to the gesture. “She’s been talking my ear off about you for years.”
Winter gave her a bow of his head. “What an honor, Miss Morrison,” he said to her.
“Oh!” she breathed, and for a moment, she seemed at a loss for words. “The honor’s mine,” she managed. Her voice was trembling a little, but otherwise it sounded high and clear. “I’ve been a fan of yourssince your first single.” Her nervous smile returned. “I love everything you’ve ever put out.”
Winter laughed a little in surprise, as if this was the first time he’d ever heard such a compliment. “That means a lot, coming from you,” he replied, and she blushed so red that Sydney thought she might buckle.
Winter glanced at Sydney. “This is Ashley Miller, one of my best bodyguards.” Then he nodded at Claire, who offered them both a polite smile. “And Claire Richardson, my manager.”
“Of course,” Eli Morrison said, giving Claire a respectful nod of his head. “Please, sit. Eat. Make yourself at home.”
“It’s the best celebration we’ll attend all year,” Claire replied, sweeping her hands in front of her in an elaborate gesture. She took a spoonful of caviar and heaped it onto a tiny toast. “Winter’s excitement at your invitation was something to behold.”
“We’ve attended several of your concerts, you know,” Eli told Winter as they sat down. Beside him, Penelope nodded, her lips pressed together. “You put on an impressive show.”
“Thank you.” Winter said with a shy smile. “I do my best.”
“I think I enjoyed your performances almost as much as she did,” Eli said with a laugh. Penelope fiddled with the edge of her dress. “You’re one of the only things we can agree on, Mr. Young.”
“I’m flattered,” Winter said.
“And when should we expect to see you next?” Claire said to Eli. “I want to make sure we’re ready for our next encounter.”
Sydney felt a rush of affection for the woman. Claire couldn’t seem to care less that she was talking to a billionaire—she was cool and unbothered all the same.
“I’ll look forward to your presence at the concert,” Eli said.
Penelope took out a little yellow card and pen from her pocket. When she flipped the card over, Sydney saw that it was a portrait of Winter. “I was wondering if I could get your autograph?” she asked hesitantly. “Maybe a photo?”
As Winter got up to accept her card and take a picture with her, Sydney’s eyes flickered to Eli. The man was staring at her. He offered her a kind smile. “You must be very good at your job,” he said, “to be the only bodyguard that Winter Young chose to have with him.”
