Page 117 of Introvert

1)Elise's words.

I couldn't get them out of my head.

What happens when the tour ends?

2)Felix's back.

He was currently facing away from me, so I was the big spoon to his little spoon.

His body seemed too tense for sleep, the muscles in his shoulders taut.There were so many things I wanted to say to him. I just wasn't sure where to start. Plus, maybe he didn't want to talk.

But what if he did?

"Hey, are you awake?" I said quietly, half-hoping he wouldn't respond.

"Yeah," he said.

So much for that.

When he stayed quiet, I took a deep breath and tried again.

"How are you?" I asked. "After today?"

"You mean my dad showing up?"

"Yeah—but you don't have to talk if you don't want to.I'm not trying to be nosy, Felix. I was just…worried."

A beat passed, then he sighed.

"My dad's an ass," Felix said."He never hangs around long, but whenhe's here, he messes everything up. I wish he'd stay gone. It'd be better for Ryker."

"And you," I added.

Felix gave a tight shrug. "I've alreadygiven up on him. My brother hasn't."

I stayed quiet, sensing that he needed someone to listen more than anything.

"I get it. I wish he was good."A scoff."Buthe left us. Dad's a cheater.He ran around on our mom, spends all his money on drinking and gambling.Heonly cares about himself and only comes around when he needs something."

Felix's voice turned cold.

"I hate him," he said.

"Then I hate him too," I said.

"Why?"

"For you, because he broke his promise to you and Ryker."

"Wasn't the first time, won't be the last."

I placed my arm around him, rested my cheek against his back, couldn't help it. I justfelt like he needed a hug and wanted to take allhis pain away.And yeah, maybe I needed that hug too.Thankfully, he let me hold him.

"Princess?" Felix asked.

"Yeah?" I said.

"You want to hear my biggest fear?"