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?

of sweat on her upper lip. Her curls bounced

at Ryder, who was leaning against his car, watching as

a mix of anxiety and

1/3

Chapter 81

inside, clearing glass, vacuuming, tearing out damaged drywall, and dismantling what was left of

"These are..."

single person here is someone you've hired before, or helped

this." Penelope handed me a folded piece of

it to find a bank account statement.

fingers trembled slightly as I stared at the numbers. It

substantial amount to me.

school and never got paid for. They've been giving it to me to hold. We all knew about your

be better used

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

came over to greet me, to ask how I was doing,

that I hadn't realized had

Every person I helped, they remembered.

but now... they're all here for me. The feeling

being cared for, was

skin when Ryder placed his hand on the small of

and look," he said softly, giving me a

hung in the air, mixed with the sharp scent of sweat

the bathroom was

done in a few hours," Penelope beamed. "What