Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

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Don't Poke the Luna

Chapter 108

Xena's POV

"Time to get up for breakfast," Ryder's voice was a gentle murmur against my ear, his breath warm against my skin.

“No,” I grumbled, pressing my ass against him, feeling his chest rumble with quiet laughter. I could feel the heat of his body against mine, tempting me to stay wrapped in this cocoon of warmth.

"You need to get up and eat a good breakfast. You've got a fight to win today," he said, his fingers tracing light patterns on my bare

shoulder.

That got my attention. "I'm looking forward to it!" My voice carried an undeniable edge of excitement.

Ryder's arms tightened around me, his tone more serious than I'd expected. "You need to focus. Winning this fight will show everyone else not to challenge you so easily."

I rolled over to face him, studying the concern etched into his features. "Who else would dare challenge me? Besides, I'm the one who issued this challenge."

from the bed, suddenly very

The vulnerability that once made me uncomfortable was

a shower, but I wanted one anyway. I

before the fight. It was strategic-I couldn't afford to let my opponent

under the hot spray of

possibility is there," Ryder muttered as he stepped into the shower behind me. I almost rolled my eyes at his persistent

not sexual-just two people sharing a shower and a conversation. We'd reached a level of comfort I never thought possible.

fight yet, but I'd rather not see it at all," Ryder replied, his displeasure evident

the subject, trying to lighten the mood. "Is

"He should be."

switched positions so I could rinse the shampoo from my hair. "I still can't believe he

rate accelerating as unease washed over me.

Aut Penelope isn't. She's a scholar, like

still fight," Ryder

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Chapter 108

rinse, Ryde turned

have some things to take care of today," Ryder

fine. I can find my way downstairs. I hadn't done anything wrong-he'd known about this fight for

Ryder walked out, closing the bedroom door with more force