"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.
 
 #