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.

7/5

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, looking at my

drank water frantically. My tongue and cheeks

numbed state.

it in front of me. "These

walked away, and Ryder grabbed another piece. I shook my head

that property located?"

hour's drive

for a nice ride." I leaned forward, gazing through the window. Spring sunlight

when you went shopping?" Ryder took a sip of water, his gaze

my birthday, one

"What's that look for?"

party

"So...?"

the other's deep red," I

planning to wear the red one

215

Chapter 38

Logan approved. I'll make one hell of

looked at me forced me to cross my legs. In that moment, a wave of heat spread from my chest throughout my

The aroma of food

it on the meat before

asked, looking

just fall out anyway."

took a few bites.

finished my barbecue and fried okra. While

profile, finding

else?"

said. Ryder nodded,

one's on the

Let me pay!" I quickly protested, not

time. Enjoy your day!" She

could protest again.

to go?" Ryder asked, pulling out his

I can

was my idea, I'm paying." Ryder left

even if they had charged us. The generous gesture was enough to

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

Comments ()

0/255