AllFreeNovel
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“Oh, stop it. You were so full of yourself; you didn’t need me to fawn over you on top of everybody else.”
“Maybe, but you’re most definitely my most precious fan,” Sebastian whispers, his lips brushing against mine.
Tingles spread under my skin at his touch, and I can feel it all the way to my toes. I lift my hand, cupping his cheek.
God, I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of kissing this man. Never get ti—
“And the winner of the Favorite Rock Artist of the Year is… Sebastian Black!”
* * *
SEBASTIAN
Thanking the announcers, I take the little statue in my hand, turning my attention to the audience. My eyes scan the space until they land on Penelope’s fair head in the distance, she’s sitting in her seat, but even from here, I can see the beaming smile on her face.
I clear my throat, the sound echoing in the silent room.
“Well, this is awkward.” The room booms in laughter, and I can feel myself relaxing slightly. “With so many amazing artists nominated this year, I genuinely didn’t think I stood a chance of winning an award, so I didn’t really prepare a speech, but my mother insisted I should go, and if you had a chance to meet her, you know she isn’t the type of the woman you say no to.” The corner of my mouth twitches into a smile as the laughter grows louder. Glancing down, I look at the little statue in my hand. “This last year has been… hard. As musicians, we live to connect with our fans through our music. That’s why we love to tour. Tours give us life, but at the same time, they’re draining. A lot has happened this year, some things I’m not proud of, but it amazes me and makes me even more thankful to have fans who’ll stick by my side through the good and the bad times. Thank you all so much.”
With a wave, I take a step back and return to my seat to the cheers of the audience and even a loud whistle. A few people shake my hand as I pass by, but my attention is firmly on one person, the one standing up and clapping excitedly.
“Well, I didn’t expect that,” I say as I join Penelope.
She throws her arms around me, and I pull her to me. “I knew you’d win.”
The rest of the show goes smoothly, and by the time they wrap it up, I’m so ready to take Penelope home. Or maybe stop to get some food first.
“Hey, you wanna e—”
“Bash!” somebody yells my name, stopping me before I can finish.
I’m half tempted to make a run for it, pretending like I haven’t heard her, but before I can do exactly that, the woman jumps in front of me, flashing me a big smile. “Can we have a word?”
The microphone is shoved into my face, the camera filming my every movement.
“Sure,” I agree reluctantly.
“First of all, congratulations on winning the Favorite Rock Artist of the Year. How does it feel to know your fans had your back even after you’ve canceled half of your tour only to disappear from the world?”
My fingers curl into a fist, and I’m pretty sure I’m squeezing Penelope’s hand tightly, but she doesn’t make a sound. Still, I force myself to loosen my grip.
“As always, I’m very thankful to my fans for voting for me and supporting me.”
“Will you finally share with them what was the real reason why you canceled the tour?” the woman asks, all sweet smile, but I can see the calculating gleam in her irises.
I grit my teeth. “Because I was dealing with some health issues.”
She gives me a once-over, her dark eyes meeting mine. “You look quite healthy tonight.”
“Not all illnesses are visible,” I say diplomatically, pulling Penelope into my side.
The woman’s gaze shifts from me to her, and I know what kind of question is coming next, but before she can ask it, I interrupt her: “Now, if you’ll excuse us.”
With a nod in the direction of the camera, I slide my hand to Penelope’s back, giving her a quiet signal to start walking when I hear a commotion.
My head snaps up just in time to catch somebody running toward us.
Instinctively, I step in front of Penelope, shielding her as the guy rushes at us.
