Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Xena's POV

I watched as Ryder slipped on a pair of basketball shorts and a tank top that did absolutely nothing to hide the definition in his arms. When he sat down to put on his shoes, I saw my opportunity and took it.

As I walked past him, I "accidentally" let my phone slip from my bar, clattering to the floor just within his view but conveniently out of his reach. I bent down

completely to retrieve it, making sure he got a perfect view of my backside. It was an old trick, but sometimes the classics worked best..

I could feel the wave of desire radiating from him before he quickly suppressed it. The fact that he was restraining himself was fascinating.

"Ready to go?" I straightened up and headed toward the bedroom door, feeling his eyes on me.

Ryder stood and walked toward me, his gaze dropping to my necklace before meeting my eyes again. "Oh, yes. His expression remained frustratingly neutral.

As we stepped into the hallway, Ryder closed the bedroom door behind us and locked it.

"We have time for breakfast before heading to the shop," he said.

You want breakfast?" I asked, surprised by his suggestion.

"Is that strange?"

"You're not exactly a morning person. You barely eat breakfast, and lately your appetite's been like a bird's," he said with a shrug.

"Maybe I'm tired of being miserable. Maybe I want to

to be happy too, but things have

you after all these days together." I nodded and pushed

me a look that said he wasn't buying my act, but thankfully he didn't argue

of water. I sat down and waited for Ryder to join me. By the time I'd finished my muffin, he still hadn't sat down. Looking over, I saw a group of girls had cornered him, and from his expression, he

free, William and Ama

up to today? You're up kinda early." Ama gave me

front of Ryder. I'm trying to prove a point. Second, I got an email saying our order is being delivered today and needs a signature, so we're heading over after he finishes eating. Though at this rate, he might never get to

want William asked,

him, and I'm not concerned enough to find out." I shrugged

indifference.

you?" Ama shook her head in

1/2

Chapter 174

the I knew when to show jealousy and when not to.

wasn't the time.

worry, I like it when you get jealous for me,' William said suddenly,

kissed

muttered, just as Ryder finally escaped and sat down

gross?" he asked, digging into his

I pointed at William and

hate us because you can't be an affectionate mate!