Chapter 8
Selina never expected to see Trevon at Starlight Club.
"Selina, what are you doing here?" Trevon, after checking his tab at the bar, had gone downstairs looking for Charm. Someone had mentioned a woman sounding like her going towards the bathroom. He followed, finding Selina, his wife in name only.
As Trevon approached, his deep voice—the kind that made hearts flutter—filled the room, his presence intensifying with each step. His sharp eyes, his perfectly tailored suit, and the faint scent of tobacco—it was all intensely captivating.
"Hanging out at Starlight Club. I'm here to have fun. Did you get my last message?" Selina asked.
"Nope, haven't checked. I'm here to find someone."
Trevon stopped close, leaning in. "You have some blood on you," he remarked, brushing a speck from beneath her earring.
Selina barely flinched. She'd been careless cleaning up after the scuffle, a habit born of years of neglect.
His eyes narrowed, drifting to the slightly ajar bathroom door. "Someone giving you trouble?"
"He won't be anymore," Selina replied calmly. "And Trevon, let's be clear: I'm in this charade of living together to handle your family drama, but don't forget—service center, 3 PM sharp tomorrow. You might need to step in."
Before he could respond, Selina's phone buzzed. She answered and moved away. "Got something else to handle. See you tomorrow. Don't be late. We'll talk."
Trevon watched her go, then entered the bathroom. He found Kevin, battered and barely conscious. Trevon kicked open each stall, finding them empty.
Could it really be Selina? She's only twenty-one, but is she the famous hacker Charm from the Dark Web, who rose to prominence two years ago? he wondered. It seemed unbelievable. Selina was an enigma. He made a call.
"Bow, what do you need?" came the voice on the other end.
"Dig deeper. Scour all our sources for anything on Selina. I want a full briefing by tomorrow."
After the call, Trevon checked the club's security footage and arranged for someone to deal with Kevin.
"Help... help me..." Kevin's plea was weak, his vision blurring. He reached out, desperate.
But Trevon stepped back, his disgust evident, and crushed Kevin's hand under his foot. The snap of bone was Kevin's last sensation before darkness consumed him.
Selina ducked into a quiet corner and answered Lydia's call.
"What? Your band's guitarist was in an accident on his way here? And it's serious?" Selina was stunned. "So, what's the plan for the show?"
"Selina, we need a miracle, and that's you. You still play guitar, right?" Lydia always gave Selina unique gifts, including a guitar, hoping to inspire her. She didn't want Selina to become lost and directionless, like she had been. In Lydia's eyes, Selina wasn't just good; she was a prodigy.
"Yeah, I can play." Selina paused, memories of her outcast status in the Harvey family flashing through her mind. It had been ages since she played. She feared she'd falter or embarrass Lydia.
But this was her second chance. She was done being the Harvey family's underdog, yearning for acceptance.
"Count me in, Lydia," Selina said resolutely, ready to reclaim what she deserved.
"That's what I'm talking about!" Lydia's voice brightened. "Tonight, we'll set Starlight Club on fire!"
"Let's rock."
Backstage, Selina felt the room's scrutiny. The Rose's manager, a nervous, bespectacled woman in her forties, rushed to Lydia. "Lydia, if it's not a sure thing, let's cut our losses. We can work with the club to adjust the lineup and save the show. A bad set could kill The Rose's reputation."
"Elaine, I wouldn't bet on it if I weren't sure. Meet my friend—Selina. She'll fill in on guitar, and we'll kill it. If it bombs, I'll take the hit and leave The Rose," Lydia promised.
"Lydia, you're The Rose's hottest act right now," Elaine Moore sighed, handing Selina the music sheets. "Honey, it's all on you. We're on in thirty minutes."
Thirty minutes to sync up! Most bands needed a full day, especially at Starlight Club, even with their regular lineup. For Selina to jump in and succeed would be remarkable. Selina didn't miss a beat, her eyes scanning the music, instantly memorizing each note.
"Relax, Selina," Lydia reassured, giving her a supportive pat. "You've got this. Warm up with this guitar!"
"Sure thing." Selina took the guitar. It was beautiful, adorned with a fiery cloud design and strings that caught the stage lights perfectly. She plucked a string—the sound was crisp and vibrant, exactly as she liked it. Then, a pair of twins approached.