Page 88 of Introvert

"Hey."

I looked up to meet Felix's concerned gaze.

"Why are you crying?" he asked.

Reaching up, I felt the tears on my face and shook my head. "Sorry, I didn'tknow I was."

He sighed then pulled me to him in a hug. "Don't apologize, princess. You're probably still processingwhat happened."

The tears fell faster, and I couldn't seem to get them to stop.

"You're okay," he said into my hair.

"I know," I said with a hiccup. "I'm with you."

"Ah, you're killing me."

He held me tighter, and I clung to him. I knew I shouldn't find so much comfortinhis embrace, but the truth was, I did. After a moment, I pulled back and wiped the wetness from mycheeks.

"Sorry about that," I said. "Don't know what came over me."

Felix shook his head. "I'm pretty sure I broke that guy's nose. If it makes you feel better."

"It does a little."

"I could break it again."

I gave a watery laugh. "I think once was enough."

He sent me a small smile.

"Felix?"

"Yeah?" he said.

"Would it"—God, I couldn't believe I was even asking this—"can I stay here? Just to sleep?"

He didn't say anything, just rose from the couch, still holding my hand in his and led me to the bed.Taking off my shoes, I got under the covers, and after a few seconds, heturned off the light andfollowed. As Felix curled up behind me, wrapping his arm around my waist, I felt him release a longexhale.

"You sure you don't need that ice?" I asked, resting my hand over his.

"I've got everything I need right here," he murmured.

My stomach tightened.

"Don't worry, princess. You're safe."

"I know."

And I did.

We weren't on the bus, butsomehow, we ended up in the same position. Sharing a bed. Me and the rockstar.I tried not to overthink it—but my mind was full, wondering what Felix could possibly be getting out of this. What was he thinking and feeling? And would I ever work up the courage to tell himmy truth—once I admitted it to myself anyway?

Several minutes later, Felix's breath evened out, and Iknew he was asleep. So I did what I'd wanted to do since I saw thosebruises on his skin. Careful not to wake him, I lifted his hand to my lips and laid a soft kiss against each of his knuckles.My eyes closed, and before sleep finally came, I felt myself fall.

Even harder for him.

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