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

that he had set out female soap

feeling slightly irritated. Does

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Chapter 71

bought for you. I didn't know

So..."

jealousy vanishing as quickly as it had appeared. "You didn't just ask Ama?"

"Didn't think of it."

grabbing some shampoo, conditioner, and body

them in the shower.

need help?"

looked conflicted. I could

was

my space. "Ryder, get

smiled and then leaned down to give me a gentle kiss before

into the shower. The hot water stung at first, but after a minute, it felt amazing. I washed my hair and body, then just stood there, letting the water massage my

brushing my hair and teeth, I

"Still alive?" Ryder asked.

really good." He was lying on the bed,

said, pointing to two white

I trusted he wouldn't harm

"Tylenol."

I took the

"The Tempest."

Shakespeare," I

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Chapter 71

it?" He seemed surprised by my

years ago. Not my favorite of his

put the book down and turned off the light. The blinds were drawn, making the room completely dark.

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

about to head out when I noticed my suitcase by the closet. I pulled out a pair of underwear, loose shorts, a sports bra, and a tank top, and changed into them. I had just tied my hair into a messy bun when

that gave him a mature sexiness. The towel covered only the essentials, revealing his perfect chest and muscular arms. His

scrapes.