Page 101 of Introvert

With that, he walked off the bus, leaving us staring after him.

Santino frowned. "I don't get it. What's the big deal?"

Hayden patted his shoulder and said, "It'll be okay. Ryker's just having a moment."

"He's upset," Elliot said to London. "He'll get over it."

"Sorry for what my brother said," Felix added. "Don't take what he said to heart. He didn't mean it."

"He meant it," London said quietly. Then she glanced at mewitha sad smile. "That's why it hurts."

My heart panged in sympathy. "Even nice guys can be jerks sometimes," I said. "I can't speak for everyone, but I'm so glad you're here."

"Thanks, Ror."

"It's not even like we're the only ones sleeping together," Santino said, and my eyes widened before they went to his. He was already staring at me with a glint in his eyes.

"You know?" I asked.

"About you and Felix?Please, I've known the whole time."

Elliot nodded, and Hayden said, "Me too."

London sniffed then gave me a smile that looked a little wobbly around the edges. "It's not like Fe did a good job hiding it, stomping around in the dark."

Felix pursed his lips. "I'm super stealth."

"Sure you are."

Ryker stepped back onto the bus and walked until he rejoined the group.

Hayden crossed his arms. "Got something to say?" he asked.

"Yeah." Ryker took a deep breath then added, "I'm sorry for my outburst. It was uncalled for."

His eyes settled on London.

"You're right. You can do whatever you want with whoever you want. Stay or go. It has nothing to do with me. It never did."

Ryker nodded to Santino.

"Your wrist okay?"

Santino sent him a smile. "It's all good, man."

He palmed the back of his neck. "Not sure why I gotso bent out of shape."

I knew the answer to that, and she was standing not three feet away. But I didn't feel it was my place to make him see the light. Ryker would eventually acknowledge his feelings for London. Hopefully, it wouldn't be too latewhen that happened.

"It's not like they're the only ones sharing a bunk anyway," Ryker added.

I frowned. "Seriously? Doeseveryoneknow?"

That broke the tension on the bus, and laughter followed.

It was a bright moment.So far, the tour had been full of them.

I just hoped it could stay that way.

---