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

knees, green eyes locked on mine. "Cleared my schedule. I'm all

clean up my shop," I stated, waiting

follow.

"Alright, let's go."

caught off guard by his

He nodded once,

alarm bells were

expecting? That I'd lock you in here?"

each step deliberate, predatory.

I

separated us.

know would have a hundred reasons why I

simply command it.

shivers racing down my spine. "When I

an octave lower. "You'll be moaning my name until

betrayed me. Heat pooled

straighten up with that satisfied smirk on

strode toward the door.

he make me want him