Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Don't Poke the Luna

Chapter 100

Xena's POV

Ryder shrugged, his expression deliberately casual as he leaned against the doorframe. I picked Italy."

"What?" My heart skipped a beat as I

at him, not daring to belleve what I'd just heard,

Ryder said, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth as he watched my reaction.

"We're going to Italy for our honey

"Thank you!" I couldn't contain my excitement, throwing myself at n with such force that he had to take a step back to catch me. Pure joy bubbled up inside me like a geyser. This was literally the place I'd been dreaming about! Ever since I'd seen pictures of those ancient cities and breathtaking coastlines, I'd wanted to witness them with my own eyes.

"Don't mess up my masterpiece!" Ama shouted from behind me.

Ryder caught me easily, his strong arms wrapping around my waist as he pressed his lips to mine. The smug satisfaction radiating from him was impossible to miss, but I couldn't bring myself to care

"Now open our gifts," William sighed, shaking his head at our public display of affection, but I could see the fondness in his eyes.

"You still haven't guessed my IQ correctly," I reminded them, trying to keep a straight face.

I caught Ama flashing four fingers to William. "Hey! That's cheating! I called out, secretly amused by her antics.

"147?" William asked hesitantly.

"Nope." I picked up the envelope they'd handed me earlier and carefully opened it. Inside was a gift card with "Italian Shopping Extravaganza" written in elegant script.

But Ama, is this a gift for me or for yourself?" I laughed,

wear anything you currently own to Italy. But I'm going to enjoy picking out clothes for you. Now, go

William called out as I disappeared

my head back around the

and gave

him a thumbs up.

I whispered as I slipped into my dress, a laugh escaping my lips. The crimson gown hugged every curve of my body, making me look both elegant and seductive. The fabric felt smooth against my skin, the cut leaving little to the imagination

What?" I said to Ryder through our

response was brief, but I could feel his complete attention

me.

my dress. His broad shoulders filled out the suit impeccably, making

Ryder's gaze traveling slowly up and down my body, taking in every detail. I deliberately slowed my steps, enjoying

intensity that made my breath catch. I

1/3

Chapter 100.

threatening to

seated, his face expressionless. He'd closed off our emotional

like it?" I asked through our mental connection,

and embraced me. His body heat penetrated the this fabric of my dress, making

at you tonight is going to have his eyes gouged out by me. This evening better end quickly so I

heart raced. "So you like it?"

upward, then back down again. Each touch sent electricity shooting

you," I said softly, reveling in the feel of his fingertips

going to lose her mind." Ama emerged from the closet, admiration clear in her voice. She wore a strapless pearl-white evening gown that

I laughed, imagining Martha's face

me.

opened the door and walked in, dressed in a royal blue suit. Ama, you look fucking gorgeous!" he exclaimed, rushing to embrace

released me, but his eyes never left my body, watching me as if I were the most precious thing in

I felt like the most beautiful girl in the world, arm in arm with the sexiest man. The feeling was both foreign