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I wonder if it’s because of the scars on his neck

Ryler looks apologetically at ned I hesitate, al the part I’m supposed to play--because I don’t want to be ree But I also want to co a breath, I lift n to him, "It’s nice to meet you, Ryler"

His head jerks back, his brown eyes wide and filled with surprise Then his brows furrow, and he stares at ain, only this tiued

With his eyes locked on e?"

I nod and begin creating a lie for when he asks how I learned to sign and why

"You don’t need to sign to ns

I let a breath of relief ease from my lips

He didn’t ask

So I don’t have to explain everything

I smile "Okay"

He smiles back at me "I like the sound of your voice It reh escapeswith me? The idea makes the butterflies in my stomach dance

"Smooth, Romeo, real smooth" Luke pats Ryler on the shoulder as Violet chokes on a laugh "We’re heading inside to get ready for the poker gaaze slides to lances at Violet

She shrugs "I don’t care who you invite, just as long as she doesn’t turn out like Haven"

Ryler’s eyes widen, and then he and Luke exchange a look I really want to find out what Haven did because, by their worried expressions, I’ bad, but I can’t work up the courage to pry