Page 145 of Introvert

"Did you tell anyone beforehand?"

"Nope."

"I think Elliot would've appreciated a note or something."

London winced at that. "You're right. I should've toldmy brother—but I didn't want anyone to worry or come after me."

I smiled sadly. "Too late. Elliot was pretty freaked out."

"He was?"

"Yeah, he got everyone to search for you."

She cursed under her breath. "I blame Ryker for this. He's always pushing me."

"I'm sorry he was a jerk again."

London shrugged. "Same song, different verse."

Looking back over my shoulder, I saw Ryker still standing exactly where he had been.

"You know he's here right?"

"Yeah, glaring at me, condemning me with his eyes," she said."What else is new?"

"I don't think it's that," I replied. "I thinkhe's brooding. I thinkhe followed to make sure you were okay."

She scoffed.

"He's watching over you like a grumpy guardian angel."

London stared at him fora moment before turning away. "More likea villain plotting my demise."

"Hey." A man stepped up to our table. His eyes and smile were directed at London. "Are we related? Becauseif not, I really wanted to ask you to dance."

London smiled at him but shook her head. "No, I don't think so."

"To the first or second question?"

Before she could answer, a shadow fell over us.

Ryker stood behind the manwith his arms crossed.The drummer'slips were turned down in displeasure. His eyes were cold as ice. And I didn't think he'd blinked for the past ten seconds.

He said nothing.

Just stood there, looming.

That was enough for the man toget the message. He beat a hasty retreat, and then it was just the three of us. London decided to pretend Ryker wasn't even there—which was something considering how tall, broad, and gorgeous he looked as hestared down at her.

"So," she said, ignoring him completely, "how is everything at home, Aurora? Did you—"

"We need to talk," Ryker said.

London lifted a brow in his direction. "Oh? Why?"

"I'm sorry for what I said."

Her eyes widened slightly, but she played it cool. "Are you going to apologize for scaringthat guy off too?"

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