Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 71

Xena's POV

"Are you angry?" he asked.

"No, I just hope she forgives me," I replied, my mind still replaying the events of the

night.

"Maybe she'll feel better after she showers and rests," Ryder said, his hand resting on my

hip.

I must have fallen asleep because the next thing I knew, I heard the car door opening.

"We're home," Ryder said softly. He got out and helped me down from the car.

"How come you don't seem to be in pain?" I asked, feeling the ache throughout my entire

body.

"I blacked out, so my muscles didn't get strained like yours did when you were thrown

from the car," he explained.

I frowned, considering his explanation. It made sense, but I was still surprised at how quickly he'd recovered. Every muscle in my body was screaming in protest, yet he seemed completely fine.

"How's your arm feeling?" I asked. The sun was rising, but thankfully we hadn't encountered anyone. Ryder led me straight to his room.

"Stay here," he muttered, walking to his closet. He pulled out one of his T-shirts. "Do you

want to take a shower?"

"Yes, thank you," I answered, hoping the hot water would ease my pain.

Ryder walked into the bathroom and turned on the shower. I followed him and

set out female soap

slightly irritated. Does he

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Chapter 71

for you. I didn't know

So..."

the jealousy vanishing as quickly as it had appeared. "You

"Didn't think of it."

shampoo, conditioner, and body wash

them in the shower.

need help?" he

thanks." Ryder looked conflicted. I could see he wanted to

was

my space.

leaned down to give me a

but after a minute, it felt amazing. I washed my hair and body, then just stood there, letting the water massage my

my hair and teeth, I

"Still alive?" Ryder asked.

He was lying on

he said, pointing to two white pills on the

I trusted he wouldn't

"Tylenol."

took the pills

"The Tempest."

William Shakespeare,"

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Chapter 71

it?" He seemed surprised by my literary

years ago. Not my favorite of his works,

off the light. The blinds

I was alone. Looking around, I saw the bathroom light was on with steam coming out. Testing my muscles,

closet. I pulled out a pair of underwear, loose shorts, a sports bra, and a tank top, and changed into them. I had

damp, falling casually across his forehead, complemented by a light beard that gave him a mature sexiness. The towel covered only the essentials, revealing his perfect chest and muscular arms. His body was flawless-well-defined muscles, broad shoulders, and his back bore several

scrapes.