Chapter 35

Xena's POV

"Go ahead," Ryder said as he walked past Martha to stand in front of me. I didn't like this, so I shifted slightly to the side, choosing to face Martha directly.

Martha glared at me, then shot Ryder a withering look. We'd reached an impasse. She glanced toward my father's office, considering her options before quickly walking away, leaving Ryder and me standing there. Not wanting to see the pity in his eyes, I turned to leave.

"Thank you," I said, despite the cliché hero-saves-damsel moment. He had helped me escape Martha, so I owed him that much.

"Spend the day with me," Ryder suddenly said.

I stopped walking but immediately regretted it. He was still wearing only the shorts from last night, his bare chest seeming to call out for my touch. I felt heat rush through my body and quickly resumed walking. If I stood there too long, he might catch my scent and realize my desire. Werewolf senses were too damn sharp, and that was the last thing I

wanted.

"Spend the day with me," he repeated, his voice carrying a hint of something I couldn't

refuse.

Ten minutes later, I pushed open the door to the gym, relieved to find it empty. I headed straight for the treadmill to warm up, hoping the exercise would distract me and calm the

restlessness inside me.

"What did you have in mind? Why do you want to spend the day with me?" I asked, trying to keep my voice cold and disinterested.

Ryder sat on a nearby bench, and I could feel his eyes roaming over me. "Just regular stuff. I want some company, and a female perspective wouldn't hurt."

ask a girl from your pack? Take Ama with you. Isn't she going to be your female Beta?" I

to pass up an opportunity to get away from

1/4

Chapter 35

the motorcycles. It's a bit of

my interest. I glanced at him, and

this first," I said, trying to steady my breathing as I increased the

off the treadmill and put

enough to make Ryder step back. He'd underestimated me. I felt a small surge of satisfaction, I wasn't far behind other

what others think,” he replied, his voice slightly breathless as I continued my assault on the bag. I couldn't help

as a good deed? Getting me away

course," Ryder leaned forward

I was going

and falling. Ryder struggled to keep his eyes on mine. More than once,

to balance my

half-smile. Damn, I needed a cold shower. I could feel

and it

he joked... at least I think he

a shower..."

known.

can have lunch first, then head out," Ryder

caught off guard by my

2/4

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255