Page 52 of Introvert

The word sounded inadequate, wrong somehow. Felix and I weren't really friends—but we also weren't dating. Which begged the question: whateven were we?

And as for the "pretty" comment, I gave a mental scoff.

Next to this girl, I felt like an ogre.

Which was weird because I tried hard not to fall into the trap of comparing myself to other people.Must be a side effect of seeing her hug Felix—which was concerning on so many levels.Had they hooked up? Was she his actual friend—or something more?

I braced myself.

Felix rolled his eyes then said, "London, we both know you can introduce yourself, but since you insist, this is Aurora, my girlfriend."

My breath hitched. As his eyes met mine, I hoped he couldn't see how much the wordsaffected me.

"Aurora, this is—"

"What are you doing here?" a low voice interrupted.

Ryker was standing behind me, staring at our new visitor, his features marred by a deep scowl.

London crossed her arms, meeting his glare head on. "Icame to see the show and catch up with some of my favorite people."

His look darkened."Who let you on the bus?"

"I did," Essie spoke up from the driver's seat. "You got a problem with that?"

Silence was the only response.

"It's nice to see you again, Ryker," London said.

The guy behind me bristled. "Is it?"

Ignoring this, she said, "You're not nearly as scary as I remember."

"And you're just as annoying as I remember."

My jaw dropped as I peered over my shoulder. Ryker was usually such a nice guy. I mean, sure his appearance was menacing, what withhis size andthe whole tall, dark, and silent thing he had going on. But I'd never heard him be so cold to anyone.

Except London.

Ryker didn't take his eyes off her for a second. He opened his mouth, but before he could say a word,Elliot stepped forward and clucked his tongue.

"Now, now, kids, play nice," he said.

The drummer's eyes went to him. "Why should I?"

"Because she's my baby sister, and I'd have to kill you if you hurt her feelings."

Sister?

My eyes widened as Elliot threw his arm around London, and she laughed.

"Thanks, bro," she said, "but I don't need youto protect me. I can do that myself."

Ryker didn't move a muscle.

"And baby sister?" Londongave a scoff. "Just because you were born like five minutes before doesn't make you older."

"Actually, that's exactly what it means," Elliot replied.

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