13
“YOU CAN DROP us there at the side entrance,” Penelope said, leaning toward Josh. They were cruising down Sunset Boulevard, which was jam-packed on a Friday night. Neon lights flashed a rainbow of colors across the interior of the SUV, and music blasted from neighboring cars. Lines formed in front of popular clubs. Penelope ignored Stefan, who was sitting in the passenger seat in front of her and Elena.
“I’m going in, too.” Stefan’s jaw was set tight. He’d acquiesced, but he clearly wasn’t happy about it. She’d reminded him that he wasn’t there to run her life; he was only there to protect her.
Penelope opened her mouth to protest, but then thought better of it. If he hadn’t been there when she’d arrived home, she would have been terrified at seeing the gruesome photograph in her bat
