Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 80

Xena's POV

Sitting in Ryder's car, I could feel myself leaving that world behind with each mile marker we passed. A new chapter was beginning, and the first order of business was getting out of this damn dress and into something that actually felt like me. The second I stepped through his front door, I made a beeline for his bedroom to change. I could sense him following me, his footsteps quiet but purposeful behind mine, but I was too focused on my mission to care. Though I did leave the door open for him. That was intentional.

As I rummaged through my bag for the clothes I wanted, he brushed past me and started unbuttoning his shirt, his fingers working methodically down the row of buttons. Then came his pants. I tried not to look I really did - but my traitorous eyes couldn't help stealing glances at the sculpted muscles of his back, the way they flexed and shifted

beneath his skin as he moved.

Shit. I need to get out of here before I do something stupid.

I ducked into the bathroom, locking the door behind me with trembling fingers. When I caught my reflection in the mirror, I hardly recognized the woman staring back at me. Her lips were cracked, with healing cuts at the corners. Dark shadows hung beneath her eyes, and her skin looked dull, lifeless. I took a deep breath, steadying myself against the sink.

Get it together, Xena. This isn't you. You're stronger than this.

I stripped off the dress, relieved to be free of the fabric that felt like it belonged to someone else's life, and pulled on a pair of shorts and a sports bra top. My muscles protested with every movement, still sore and healing, but I ignored the pain. Today was a working day, and I wasn't about to let a few bruises stop me. And I sure as hell wasn't going to let Ryder tell me I couldn't.

Time to face him.

When I emerged from the bathroom, he was sitting on the edge of the bed, already changed into basketball shorts and a tank top that did nothing to hide the definition in

his arms and chest.

"What's your plan for today?" I asked, setting my bag down beside the door.

1/3

4:16 pm L

Chapter 80

resting on his knees, green eyes locked on mine. "Cleared my schedule. I'm all yours. Whatever you

my shop," I stated, waiting for the argument I was sure

follow.

"Alright, let's go."

caught off guard by his

nodded

like that?" My inner alarm bells were ringing. This felt like a

I'd lock you in here?" He stood up and walked

each step deliberate, predatory.

least try," I admitted, suddenly very aware of

separated us.

would have

it. This new version is...

my ear, his warm breath sending shivers racing down my spine. "When I

lower. "You'll be moaning my

me. Heat pooled between my

I watched him straighten up with that satisfied smirk on his

strode toward the door.

do that? How can he make me want him with just