Page 82 of Introvert

"Honestly?" I said. "I'm still recovering."

"It's okay, Aurora." She patted my back. "The woman inspires awe and a hint of fear wherever she goes."

"Only a hint?" Constance called out from a few feet away, and we looked at her with wide eyes as she laughed.

London shook her head, mumbling, "She has to be superhuman."

"Maybe she can read lips," I said.

"She's amazing and terrifying," London went on. "Everything I wantto be when I grow up."

"Yeah."

Linking her arm through mine, she gave Felix a look. "I'm stealing your girlfriend for a dance."

Felix crossed his arms. "Fine, but just the one."

"You snooze you lose, Fe."

As she dragged me away, I said quietly, "Seriously, London, I hate dancing in public."

"One song," she said. "Please?I've been out here by myself pretty much all night. Unless you count the creepy older men who've hit on me."

"How could you not count them?" I joked.

She gave me a pleading look.

Relenting, I said, "Okay, but only one."

Londonwhooped then did exactly as promised, swaying with me to the music. Her smile was infectious, and even though I was still self-conscious, it wasn't so terrible being out here with my friend.Until she released a long sigh, and I realized she wasn't as happy as she was acting.

"What's wrong?" I said.

"Nothing," she replied.

"London, I'm a terrible dancer. If it's embarrassing you, I can leave."

"Nice try." Herbrightsmile made a brief reappearance before it dimmed. "It's not you, Aurora. I'm just sad."

"About what?"

"My life," she said. "My lack of a love life, my inability to move on. Take your pick."

Looking over her shoulder, Icaught sight of the guys. Felix had joined them, but my eyes moved to his big, brooding brother. And Ryker was definitely brooding as hewatched London.

"Looks like you're not the only one who can't move on," I said.

"What do you mean?"

"Ryker's been staring at you all night."

"Whatever, no, he hasn't."

"Um yeah. I've been people watching while he's been London watching."

She scoffed.

"He's doing it right now," I said.

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