Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 38

Chapter 38

Xena's POV

"She was my girlfriend freshman year. She had some attitude problems, got into some trouble, so her parents took her away, Ryder explained, his green eyes locked on mine.

"I can't keep beating up your ex-girlfriends. Who else should I be looking out for?

I tore at the napkin on the table, avoiding his intense gaze.

"Why are you so calm about what she said?"

I sighed. Wren's comments had stung, but they weren't untrue.

"Well, the rumors about Logan and me aren't exactly false. Besides, she told us Helen wants to cheat. Now we can prepare," I said dismissively.

"She's in a cell. How can she cheat?"

"Never underestimate a woman with a grudge." I smiled slightly, crumpling the napkin and tossing it into the trash can by Ryder's feet.

Yara approached with our drinks and a plate of sausages. I brought you some appetizers to try. They're new on the menu. Let me know what you think!"

When the plate arrived, I saw several thick, deep red sausages with a slight sheen, their cut surfaces revealing coarse black pepper and red chili flakes. Simple white bread and pickles accompanied them.

"Thanks!" I cut into the first piece, and juices immediately seeped out, releasing a rich smoky aroma. The first bite offered a slight resistance from the casing before it burst in my mouth with a "pop." The meat was coarse yet juicy, and the coarse grains of black pepper and chili immediately exploded on my tongue, sending a wave of heat straight to my head. I reached for a napkin.

"Damn, this is amazing, Ryder almost moaned as he finished his portion.

"No way!" After swallowing that bite, I gulped down half my tea. Ryder watched me with amusement. I could feel my cheeks burning and my lips swelling.

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Chapter 38

"Can't handle spice?" he asked playfully.

"Not at all. I'm such a baby. Even mild is too spicy for me!" My nose started running. Ryder laughed as I had to blow my nose and fan my face. I felt embarrassed.

"Seriously?"

"Absolutely."

asked,

couldn't answer, just drank water frantically. My

numbed state.

pulled the napkin holder from the next table and placed it in front of me.

piece. I shook my head silently, wondering

property located?"

hour's drive

I leaned forward, gazing through the window. Spring sunlight bathed the distant fields,

took a sip of water, his gaze fixed on me over the rim of his

for my birthday, one for the dance." I

"What's that look for?"

birthday party is

"So...?"

black, the other's deep red," I was deliberately teasing

you're planning to wear the red one for

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Chapter 38

approved. I'll make one

me forced me to cross my legs. In that moment, a wave of heat spread from my chest throughout my body, and I could almost hear

The aroma of food wafted toward us. I

spread it on the

Ryder asked, looking

anyway." I shrugged, enjoying the

took a few bites. "This is

the best!" Smiling, I finished my barbecue

observed Ryder's profile, finding even his

anything else?" Yara

please!" I said. Ryder nodded, but his mouth was

on

way! Let me pay!" I quickly protested, not wanting to

the time. Enjoy your day!" She walked away

could protest again.

Ryder asked, pulling

can pay,"

paying." Ryder left 50 dollars on the table.

they had charged us. The generous gesture was enough to warm my heart. "Thank you for doing that," I said as we

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