Page 156 of Introvert

"Yeah, actually, she did."

"That's because she's the best girl," he said, reaching down and ruffling Onyx's fur.

I arched a brow. "You don't look surprised to see her."

"Because I'm not."

Felix whistled which must've been some signal because Onyx left and trotted over to…London, who was standing near the stage door with a knowing smile on her face.When did she get there?Felix stepped forward and took my hands in his.As he nodded his thanks to London, I looked back and forth between the two of them.

"What's going on?" I asked.

"Nothing really," he said.Somewhere in the background I could hear Hayden and Santinowarming up the audience. They wereloud and getting restless."But I wanted to talk to you before the show starts."

"Okay, but I still don't understand why Onyx is here."

"She's my accomplice."

"For?"

"This." Felix's eyes never left mine, and he brought my hand to his lips and kissed my knuckles. "I love you," he murmured softly.

"What did you say?" I breathed, thinking my ears must being playing tricks.

He took a deep breath, shrugged and smiled. "I love you, princess."

Something had broken inside me because my eyes immediately started watering.

"I needed you to know before I do this."

My brow furrowed. "Do what?"

Instead of answering, Felix backed up, keeping his eyes on me even as he walked on the stage. Thefanswent wild, and I looked on, curious to see where this was going. Hayden finished up, propped the mic into its stand, then stepped aside.Felix took his place behind the microphone.

"Hey everyone," Felix said,strapping his guitar across his back. "I asked the guys if I could playa special tribute. I hope you don't mind."

The screams only got louder.

"A while ago, I met a girl." Felix'sgaze collided withmine before he continued. "I fellhardbut couldn't tell her. Partly because she disappeared in the night, but mostly because even when I found her, I didn't have the words. But now I do."

I covered my mouth as understanding set in.

"People say love at first sight is a lie, but for me, she was it."

Felix's voice carried to every corner of the venue and over the audience, who were going crazy.

"I knew it that night on the beach," he said. "I still do.I fell in love with you, Aurora. I'm sorry it took me this long to find the words."

He strummed his guitar, and as if it was a cue, bright lights lit the rest of the stage.I saw my cousins sitting there with their instruments, and the guys from HERS too, standing ready to play.My heart was beating so hard I hardly knew what to do with myself.

"Hopefully this makes up for it," Felix said.

Then he started playing.

From the opening notes, I knew the song. It resonated deeply within me, always had, but there was something about this version. I'drecognize Scarlett's string arrangements anywhere. One of my favorite things wasplaying with my cousins, but ranked closely tothat was listening to them play. Andthis was something else.

The best part, though, was Felix.

I'd never heard his voice in person before. The videos online didn't do it justice. It was like dark chocolate, rich, deep, and warm like him.I Wanna Be Yoursby Arctic Monkeys would forever be a favorite—but Felix's version hit different.

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