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.

Second Sex by Simone de Beauvoir," I answered, trying to keep my voice steady as I looked down at the pages, avoiding

of his half-naked

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

hide the surprise in my voice. In my world, few people would

works.

Beauvoir has an interesting way of thinking, how she questions everything we take

her exploration of the concept of 'the Other," I said, finding myself relaxing. "The idea that our identities are somewhat determined

windows, creating an intimate atmosphere in the

knock sounded on the bedroom door. Ryder got up to answer it. He returned pushing

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

my stomach

"Hmm."

1/3

Chapter 131

The warm breeze played with my hair, and the moment felt so peaceful

need to take a quick shower and wash all

"Go ahead."

into the bathroom. The water felt amazing against my skin, although it stung a little where I'd been bitten. It

closet for silk pajama shorts and a

was still on the

grabbed my glass and

"Feel better?" he asked.