Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

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."

not ask a girl from your pack? Take Ama with you. Isn't

you really going to pass up an opportunity to get

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Chapter 35

fresh air? Plus, we could take the motorcycles. It's a bit of a ride," he

I glanced at him, and he knew he'd

to steady my

and put on boxing

me," I said, delivering several punches hard enough to make Ryder step back. He'd underestimated

he replied, his voice slightly breathless as I continued my assault on the bag. I

you're inviting me purely as a

forward slightly. "Want a

punching until I was exhausted. If I was going to ride, leg workouts

rising and falling. Ryder struggled to keep his eyes

balance my books first," I

I needed a cold

and it wasn't just

joked... at least I

like you need more than just a shower..." My eyes glanced down to

known.

We can have lunch first, then head out,"

off

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