Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

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Chapter 82

Xena's POV

"Yes, I've been thinking about it for a long time," I said, trying to mask the vulnerability in my voice.

"That's fantastic! Show me the designs as soon as you can. No rush though- whenever you finish is fine." Penelope clapped her hands together, flashing me that bright smile that could light up a room.

I couldn't help but feel a surge of warmth spread through my chest. "You're literally the best person in the world, you know that?"

"Anything for you. I owe you so much-this is nothing." The sincerity in Penelope's eyes made something inside me soften, a rare occurrence these days.

"Are you sure you don't need my help?" I asked, shifting my weight from one foot to the other. The words felt strange leaving my mouth. I wasn't used to offering help-I was used to doing everything myself.

"Nope, you just tell us the design you want," Penelope insisted.

Ryder nodded, turning toward his car. His casual confidence both irritated and attracted

me in equal measure.

"Fine, call me if you need anything," I replied reluctantly. The idea of handing over control to someone else-of standing by while others worked-felt like wearing shoes on

the wrong feet. Uncomfortable. Unnatural.

"Will do." Penelope waved goodbye, and I walked toward Ryder's car, each step feeling

heavier than the last.

absently out the window, watching the

things, who handled problems, who never relied on anyone. Now, suddenly being asked to

"Xena, look at me."

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intense green eyes that seemed to see right through every wall I'd carefully constructed.

handle this. There's nothing wrong with letting people

weird," I admitted, hating

get used to it," he said, a

crossed my arms defensively. "Why should I get used to it?" My voice came out

said so," he

at him, one eyebrow

"For this, yes."

any real threat, almost bordering on playful. Ryder looked like he wanted to say something

shifted in my seat, desperate to change the subject. "Have you and

gripping the steering wheel tighter. "Nothing's been done yet. Given that both your birthday celebration and school events will be public, we're holding off

at my reaction. The old me would have been raging, demanding immediate retaliation, insisting on eye-for-

They have a garage in the next city over. We're going to pay

I know they owned that place?" My brow

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in confusion.