Page 17 of King of Hollywood

“If he pretty much never leaves the house that means he’s home now, right?” She nodded to herself. “And the sun just went down—”

“Winnie, no.” I could see where this was going. I did not like it. I did not like it one bit.

My panic did not dissuade her—because she was obviously evil. She rose from her seat, pizza slice in hand, and headed toward the front door, my protests be damned.

Immediately, I skidded after her. Stupid fucking socks, making me slide—

“Winnie—” I tried a third time as I thunked into the wall. I was as uncoordinated as I’d been as a teen now that she was teasing. My pleas fell on deaf ears. It only took her two seconds to slide her flip-flops on. I—unfortunately—was forced to watch as she skidded out the front door while I attempted to tie my shoes.

Fuck, fuck.

Fuck loafers.

Christ.

“Winnie, no!” I yelled after her as the front door shut. Horrified, I finished tying my laces as quickly as possible, all the while cursing Italian leather. Then I shoved out the door after her, and sprinted across the street, my heart pounding.

She’s going to humiliate me.

Oh fuck, oh fuck.

She’s going to tell him about the smiling.

The smiling that totally did not happen—but also definitely did.

I caught up just in time—Winnie’s fist raised to knock, her cheeks full of the remaining bites of pizza.

“Don’t do this—” I grabbed her wrist, pleading with her. As per usual, she ignored me and did as she liked.

Using her free arm, she rapped on the door, eyes dancing with mischief as I released her with a panicked groan. It was dark out—which more than likely meant that Felix would answer.

Please don’t answer.

Please don’t answer.

Please answer.

Please answer.

Even my mind was a traitorous bitch.

The door swung open, and my heart did a horrifying little flip-flop as Felix came into view. He was dressed how he usually was, a lovely soft sweater, crisp trousers. A ridiculously large hat—that I wanted to throw into a fire—and his sunglasses.

Winnie frowned, then looked down, obviously surprised she had to crane her neck quite so far. She was a giant like I was—like all of us were.

“Hi.” Her smile was practically feral. Unhinged.

Why, oh why, could I not have been born an only child?

It wasn’t fair.

“Hello?” Felix tipped his chin back, that lovely jaw peeking out from beneath the shadows as he glanced at her, then me, then her again. He cocked his head to the side.

This could not get any worse.

“My name is Winnie Warden.”

“Hi, Winnie,” Felix looked shell-shocked. “I’m Felix.”