Page 33 of Introvert

"I can't believe she's still sleeping."

"Maybe she wouldn't be if someone didn't keep her up last night."

"My snoring is not that bad."

There was a round of guffaws in response.

"I hear the sleepcuddler struck again."

"Santino, tell me you didn't."

"Don't be jealous, Iz. If you'd been on the bus,you know I would've found my way to you."

A scoff. "As if I'd ever sleepwith you."

"Never say never."

"In this case, it's definitely never."

Santino sounded amused when he said, "Ah, you know I love a challenge."

Rolling out of bed, I rubbing my eyes and walked to the front of the bus.When I got there, all conversation suddenly ceased like the volume was switched off.

"There she is," Taylor said after a beat. Somethingwas oddabout her tone. "Morning, Aurora. You wantanything to eat or drink? Muffin, scone, doughnut?"

I noticed the breakfast spread but shook my head.

"No, I'm okay," I said and grabbed a banana. "I'll just take this."

"Might want something a little stronger," Santino murmured.

It was then I noticed everyone staring at me.The sensation was unsettling. If I'd been more awake, I would'vespotted it before. The feeling that I might be theshethey were talking about hit me like a slap.

"Is something wrong?" I asked.

"No…and yes.We have a problem," Taylor said, and I got thedistinct sense of déjà vu.Felix was sitting in the corner, however. He obviously wasn't missing,so I knew this was a different issue.Unlike everyone else, he didn'tlookconcerned, more amused than anything. But when he met my eyes, something shiftedin his expression. Was that…guilt?"Nothing big. But a problem nonetheless."

"Or an opportunity," the young woman standing next to her spoke up.

"Aurora, this is Izzy." Taylor gestured to thenewcomer. "She runs the band's PR, social media accounts, things like that."

"Hi," I said.

"Hi back."Izzy looked like she was in her early 20s with raven black hair, gorgeous, clear skin, and ice blue eyes surrounded by thick black lashes. With her rockabilly hairstyle, cat eyeliner, and ruby red lips, she kind of reminded me of a punk Snow White."It's all a matter of perspective," shewent on, throwing me a smile. "You sleep okay, Aurora?"

"Not exactly," I said, slow and unsure."But it could've been worse."

I glanced around the table.

"Will someone please tell me what's going on?"

The not-knowing was killing me.

Felix leaned forward, but Ryker put a hand on his arm.

"Aurora," Taylor said gently, and my eyes moved to her."How exactly do you know Felix?"

With a shrug, I said, "We met yesterday. In the parking lot."

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