Page 140 of Introvert

I wasn't sure what I meant either.

Please don't kiss me.

Please do.

Please, please, please don't get my hopes up just to break my heart again.

He searched my eyes, but at that moment, the car glided to a stop.

"We're here," Essie said, breaking the moment andsaving me from having to answer. "Good luck tonight, you two."

I leaned back, and Felix released me.

"Later, Essie," he said. Shaking his head, he got out of the car, and I felt like I could breathe again.

"Want a piece of advice?" Essie said.

"If it'll help me figure out what to do with all these feelings, then sure," I said.

She turned around to face me.

"Don't let fear put you in a cage," she said."Do what feels right. Deal with the consequences later."

I waited, but that was all apparently.It was more than enough.

"Thanks, Essie," I said.My world felt rocked by her words."I'll try."

She nodded, and whenI got out of the car, Felix was there waiting. We walked into the venue together.Not touching or talking. I was too in my head for that.Members of the crew were onstage,getting everything ready, while the band warmed up. Izzy was there too, and she was the first to spot us.

"Oh thank goodness," she said, sounding relieved. "Aurora, this wasn't exactly what I meant when we talked about aFerorabreakup. A little too literal."

"Sorry," I said.

She patted my shoulder. "It's fine.Just glad youand Felix are back."

I stepped onstage, and since he'd gone ahead of me, Felix was already there, talking with the band.His eyes were on me even as he spoke to them.Somehow we ended up on opposite sides. Several feet separated us; it seemed like a great distance.

And yet, something in my chest ached for me to cross the divide, pulling me toward him. Maybe I'd readJane Eyreone too many times, or possibly,probably I'd been listening to Taylor Swift on repeat too much. But as I stared at him, it felt like a string linked us together, heart-to-heart, and I wondered if mine would ever beat the same again after meeting Felix.

Elliot ran onto the stage, breaking our connection. All eyesswung to him.

"I can't find her," he said, sounding out of breath."I looked everywhere."

"Can't find who?" Hayden asked.

"My sister."

Elliot shook his head.

"London's gone."

Hayden glanced around then said, "Looks like Ryker's MIA too.Maybe they're together."

"I hope not. They hate each other."

No one corrected him, but I couldn't believe he didn't seethe sparks between London and Ryker. When they were in the same room, it was impossible to miss.

"Maybe we should send out a BOLO," Santino said.

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