Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 81

"You arranged all that?" My jaw literally dropped.

Ryder reached over, one finger gently pushing my chin up to close my mouth. "I'll have those lips parted again later. But I can only take partial credit. Logan had to handle the

rest."

"What do you mean by 'dismantle'?" A knot of anxiety tightened in my stomach.

"I'm sorry, but there's not much left to salvage. You're going to need a complete overhaul. Look at it as an opportunity to change the layout or anything else you've been wanting to

modify."

"Ryder, I don't have that kind of money. My father won't pay for it, and you can't just-"

"Wait until we get there. See how you feel."

His tone was gentle, indulgent even, like he was enjoying keeping me in suspense. It was infuriating and endearing all at once.

If it really needs a complete rebuild, that's going to cost a fortune. I don't want to owe anyone, especially not Ryder. If he pays to rebuild my shop, I'll give him my travel savings. Travel isn't that important anyway... shit.

When we pulled up to the shop, the yellow caution tape had already been removed. People were streaming in and out, carrying debris to a large dumpster parked outside.

"What the hell is happening?” I murmured, more to myself than to Ryder.

So many people... what are they doing here? Why would all these people come to help?

light sheen of sweat on her upper lip. Her curls bounced with each step. "I'm

back at Ryder, who was leaning against

and anticipation flooding my system.

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Chapter 81

so many people inside, clearing glass, vacuuming, tearing out damaged drywall, and dismantling

"These are..."

right. Every single person here is someone you've hired before,

Here, take this." Penelope handed me a folded piece

opened it to find a bank account statement. The balance read

slightly as I stared at the numbers. It

substantial amount to me.

club and wouldn't take tips, all the work you did for the school and never got paid for.

better

the money, then at all the people who had come to help, and found

person who came over to greet me, to ask how I

me that I hadn't

me. Every person I

was alone, unappreciated, but now... they're all here for me. The feeling of being

for, was

Ryder placed his hand on the small of my

said softly, giving me a gentle push

with the

been stripped down to the studs, the bathroom was completely gutted, and the floor was

be done in a few hours," Penelope beamed. "What do you