And she really did.
However, she wasn’t sure how to broach the subject because Obsidian had told her she couldn’t tell Winnie anything. Granted, Penelope wasn’t sure how you casually mentioned that the man you were in love with was an angel, even had the wings to prove it, and that your relationship had somehow been set in motion by the Fates.
Yeah, perhaps she should hold off because it sounded ludicrous, even to her.
“I was surprised when Reidar told me you were here,” Winnie said. “I’ve never known you to be the jump-into-love sort, yet here you are, shacking up with a guy.”
Technically, she wasn’t shacking up. While they’d talked about plenty, she hadn’t had the whole long-term commitment convo with Obsidian. He’d brought her here as a means of protecting her from the demons. Didn’t mean she’d been invited to move in.
Not that she could tell Winnie that.
“Where is Reidar, anyway?” she asked, looking around.
“He said he had to talk to someone.” Winnie’s voice lowered. “I met his boss. Man, he was intimidating.”
Penelope smiled. “You met Obsidian?”
Winnie’s pale green eyes settled on her face, and a second later, a smile formed. “He’s your man, isn’t he?”
Unable to deny it, she nodded.
“Holy crap, he’s tall.” Winnie chuckled. “Probably doesn’t help that you’re teeny tiny.”
“Hey!” she replied in mock irritation. “I’m five four.”
“Five three and a half,” Winnie countered. “On a good day.”
“Whatever.” She laughed, relaxing more. “Do you know if—”
“Excuse me, ladies. Don’t mean to interrupt.”
Penelope was looking at Winnie as Reidar stepped into the room, which was why she noticed the way her friend’s face smoothed out, her eyes twinkling. Yeah, she was a goner.
“Hey,” Winnie stood, her grin widening.
Reidar didn’t hesitate, stepping up to Winnie and pulling her into his arms. It was a move that surprised Penelope, honestly. While Winnie liked to poke fun at her for not being the type to fall in love quickly, the same could be said about her friend. However, Winnie had always been the sort to run from relationships while Penelope simply never found them.
But as long as she was happy, Penelope figured it was none of her business.
The sound of footsteps drew her attention to the hallway. When Obsidian appeared, she scanned his face, attempted to read his expression. He instantly looked at Reidar and gave a barely discernible nod. Had Reidar not exhaled heavily, she wouldn’t have known what message Obsidian had been passing on.
“The morning meal’s about to be served,” Obsidian announced, then held out his hand for Penelope to join him.
Fifteen minutes later, everyone was piling into the dining room.
Reidar took the time to introduce Winnie to everyone who was there, while Penelope took her seat beside Obsidian and watched the pair.
“I can assume Michael approved?” she asked, leaning her shoulder against Obsidian’s arm.
“For now,” he said softly.
“Does that mean we can speak candidly?”
“I’d prefer you not share too much too soon.”
“So I guess you shouldn’t sprout those wings, huh?” she teased.
He barked a laugh, evidently surprised by her comment. It was then Obsidian’s shoulders seemed to relax.
