Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 162

Xena's POV

"I actually prefer this room," I said, scanning the space with a critical eye. "Having a private bathroom would be convenient."

Luna Kestrel's face lit up with excitement as she clapped her hands together. "Perfect! I have a team that just finished renovating a house and is ready to start their next project. We could have them begin work here today. We just need to decide on flooring and paint. If you can decide what you want today, I'll make sure it gets lered. And let me know what kind of desk you'd like."

I opened my mouth to respond, but my thoughts tangled together. Before I could organize them into something coherent, Ryder jumped in.

"I was planning to work in Dad's office today since he has other matters to handle,” he explained to his mother. The relief I felt at his intervention was embarrassing. Why did simple conversations with his family make me so nervous?

"That works perfectly!" Luna Kestrel glanced at her watch. "I'll let you use my laptop so you can select and purchase what you want."

"Sounds good," Ryder replied with an easy smile that made my stomach flutter.

We followed her to the office, where Ryder settled into his father's chair while Luna Kestrel placed her laptop on the coffee table.

cart and purchase it," she instructed,

before I could stop it-a

her eyes. "Buy whatever you want. I want you to feel comfortable here. This is your space to design and create, so do it your way. Do what makes

home."

I'd never had a woman look at me with such genuine affection and warmth. My mouth parted slightly as warmth rushed through me, mingled with a strange sense of unreality. When she left the room, I found myself staring at the door for several moments before turning

Ryder's question pulled me from my thoughts, my heart rate

mother. Last time we talked, it hadn't gone well. I picked up the laptop and placed it on my knees, focusing on the screen to hide

on images. There were

like?" I asked Ryder, hoping

Ryder shrugged. I shot him a glare before turning back

colors," he muttered, almost as an

bubblegum pink...

but returned to

attention-a dark slate

with touches of cream to

The rug was predominantly white with gray patterns,