Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 131

Xena's POV

"What do you want for dinner?" Ryder asked as he walked toward the bathroom.

A million choices flashed through my mind, but I decided not to be picky. "Sandwiches or wraps will do. Whatever they have, I'll eat it. I'm not fussy." I answered, secretly wishing for seafood salad, but not wanting him to think I was high-maintenance.

"Alright," Ryder called from the bathroom, followed by the sound of the shower turning on.

The bathroom door was open, but I wasn't sure if I should go in and oin him. My heart rate picked up a little, imagining water droplets sliding down his body, but ultimately, I decided to open the balcony door and sit in one of the lounge chairs.

After a minute, I grew bored and wanted a book to pass the time. My thoughts needed to be immersed in something else, not constantly drifting to the image of him in the shower.

"Ryder, I'm going to the library to grab a book, I'll be right back!" I called toward the bathroom.

"Be back quickly!" he said sternly.

"Yes, sir,” I replied sarcastically, but couldn't help smiling at this small freedom, even though the library was just at the end of the

hallway.

I walked into the library. The smell of paper and ink was something I'd never tire of. I took a deep breath, letting the familiar scent fill my senses. Finding a book, I picked it up and returned to the bedroom. Ryder was still in the shower, so I headed to the balcony and started reading, hoping to distract my mind from the complicated emotions swirling inside me.

"What are you reading?" Ryder's voice startled me as he sat down beside me. He wore only shorts, water droplets still clinging to his chest, making me hold my breath involuntarily.

keep my voice steady as I looked down at the

of his

feminist philosophy or the social construction of gender roles?" His question caught me off guard. I slowly raised my head, surprised to find genuine curiosity flickering in

surprise in my

works.

thinking, how she questions everything we take for granted.” He leaned against the doorframe, sunlight casting warm patches across

"The idea that

the windows,

sounded on the bedroom door. Ryder got up to

a plate of food on the small table next to me and I put

I said, my stomach giving a small

"Hmm."

1/3

Chapter 131

sun dip completely below the horizon as stars began to appear one by one. The warm breeze played with my hair, and the moment felt so peaceful that I

and wash

"Go ahead."

I walked into the bathroom. The water felt amazing against my skin, although it stung a little where I'd been bitten. It felt so good to have clean hair

went to the closet for silk pajama shorts and a

was still on

so I grabbed my glass and sat

"Feel better?" he asked.