Chapter 2
Xena's POV
Leonard threw his hands up defensively. "That was one time!"
"One time too many," I muttered. I washed my hands and grabbed my camera, picking the best angle.
Click.
"Perfect," I said. The photo would make an excellent addition to my portfolio. I could sense Logan's impatience, his protective big brother vibes radiating across the room. He didn't want to leave me alone with Ryder, that much was obvious.
I'm fine, bro.
I sent through our mental link and put the camera on the counter, slipping on gloves to clean my workstation.
I don't trust him, Logan replied, his mental voice tense.
I sighed, gathering used supplies and tossing them into the proper bins. Ama will
be with me, and if you're late again, Dad will kill you.
There was a pause before Logan's grudging response. Fine. I want to know exactly when he leaves. It was an order.
But we both knew those didn't work on me. I smirked. Yes, sir.
The three boys-Logan, Leonard, and Samuel-stood and headed toward the door. Logan paused beside Ryder, tension crackling between them like electricity.
"I don't think I need to tell you to treat my sister appropriately," Logan said, his voice low and threatening.
the threat, but he remained still, controlled. "I'm not
"X," he
exhaled slowly once they left, turning to Ryder. "Sorry about that. Have
drawers, trying to look
I'd like to schedule an appointment," Ryder replied, his eyes tracking my movements as I continued to collect scattered parts from the floor and returned them to their
employee here?" he asked, curiosity evident in
counter and pulled out my appointment book. "Yes. This shop is mine. Only
I spotted an opening. "I can fit you in tomorrow at five. We'll see how long you can sit, then schedule future
train in the mornings, so that's
with a pen. "Here's what you
are these forms for?" he asked, flipping
the small print stuff," I explained. "This is a legitimate business that I file
his arm. "Alright. See you tomorrow
out from
walked out the door, Ama bounced over to me, her green eyes
my god, if you don't fuck him, I will!"
For all her flirting and kissing, she was still
him," I warned her, though the thought of Ryder's intense gaze
eyebrows suggestively. "Wouldn't that be a dreamy
Standing outside, I took a moment to admire the storefront: "Road Rebel Garage"
before strapping on my helmet. It wasn't until my leg swung over the bike's seat that
me goosebumps. "Almost," I replied to something
us now. The shop's interior was soundproofed, but out here, with
I said to Ama, revving my engine. "I need a run to burn
something in them I didn't understand, something wild and ancient that called
Martha
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