Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 85

Xena's POV

"So I'm your safe choice," Ryder's voice carried a wounded tone, his green eyes dimming

with hurt.

I shifted my weight from one foot to the other, unable to meet his gaze directly. The intensity between us was suffocating in the close confines of his bedroom. Everything about this space screamed Ryder-the faint pine scent, the leather jacket tossed casually over a chair, sketches of motorcycle designs pinned to a corkboard.

"Yes and no," I finally responded, my voice barely above a whisper. "Yes, you make me feel safe. I'm comfortable here, I like it here." I gestured vaguely around us before dropping my hand. "But you yourself aren't a safe choice. You mean vulnerability. You have the capacity to hurt me-emotionally, mentally, even physically. I'm afraid of being your mate because then you'd feel all my insecurities, my weaknesses, my fears. You're an unknown variable to me, and my brain is screaming at me to run, but my heart wants to stay. Giving you that power and trusting you not to abuse it... it's terrifying."

My chest constricted painfully with each confession. The walls I'd built over years were crumbling, and I felt exposed in a way I never had before, not even with Samuel. The thought of Samuel sent a fresh wave of pain through me. So much loss, so much

heartache.

"You're afraid of being loved," Ryder said softly.

His words cut through me like a blade, finding the most tender part of my heart with terrifying accuracy. Yes, I was afraid of being loved, because love meant the possibility of loss. I knew it was irrational, but the fear was embedded in my marrow, impossible to shake off easily.

"Sometimes, love isn't enough," I replied, my voice trembling slightly. I hated how vulnerable I sounded. "Dad loves me, but it's not enough. Logan loves me, but it's not enough. Samuel loved me, and now he's dead." The words caught in my throat. "What if one day you love me too, and then you die because of it? I'm not worth that sacrifice."

Ryder remained silent for a long minute, his green eyes never leaving my face. Then he stood up, moving with that predatory grace that never failed to make my heart skip a

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Chapter 85

beat. Before I could react, he'd scooped me up and sat me on his lap, trapping my feet with his calves so I couldn't escape.

My first instinct was to struggle, to break free from this cage of warm flesh, but something in his steady heartbeat against my back made me gradually relax.

"You are absolutely worth being loved," he said, his voice firm but gentle. "I wish you could see how beautiful your heart is. I know I can't convince you of anything right now, but after tomorrow, I'll spend the rest of my life making you understand how loved you

are."

Ryder cupped my face in his hands and placed the gentlest kiss on my lips, then pulled me into a tight embrace. I fit perfectly against his chest, melting into his arms with an

ease that frightened me.

was so foreign-being cherished, protected, not for my value or capabilities but simply because I was me.

trust him.

we continue with the designs?" he

want to

reluctantly.

books and laid them on the

do

truly wanted my space to look like, envisioning my perfect motorcycle shop now that I had

green walls. The flooring shouldn't be too dark, but

that was

thinking about practical

I don't

that will show dust or

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4:17 pm

Chapter 85

about this?" He produced another sample that was

It had built-in subtle texturing that would hide

one. How much per square foot?" I

budget. Even if you picked the most expensive options,

have a gift for selecting the right

bathroom and customization area when there was a knock on the door. "Xena?" It was Ama's voice. I walked over to open

curls bouncing as

room.

finished designing my shop!" I said

sunbathe by the

Penelope. William and I have some work to handle, and then we'll join you

asked Ryder, suddenly realizing I hadn't given it to

it to him," Ama quickly interjected. Something

tell me what you're

to go swimming!"

I didn't bring a swimsuit," I pointed

you!" She held up