Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 175

Xena's POV

"She hasn't given me any reason to be jealous, Ryder said thoughtfully after a moment of consideration.

I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, wondering if he was questioning by desirability. The way he so casually dismissed the possibility of jealousy made something twist inside me.

"So, if some random guy came up and hugged her, you'd be completely fine with it? Ama pressed, leaning forward with that mischievous glint in her eye I knew all too well.

"If a stranger tried to touch her, she'd probably punch him in the throat, Ryder replied without hesitation.

I glanced at him, noting how his expression had transformed from casual to deadly serious in an instant. So possessive. The thought crossed my mind before I could stop it.

Ama reluctantly conceded the point. "Whatever. One day, one of yous going to get jealous, and I'll be right there laughing and saying I told you so." She stood up, pointing her finger at us accusingly. "That day will come, and you two... you'll deserve it." With that dramatic declaration, she stormed out, William trying and failing to hide his amused smile as he followed after her.

"When was the last time she got laid?" Ryder asked bluntly.

Clearly William isn't fulfilling his duties," I replied with a laugh, watching as Ryder finished the last bite of his food.

"Would you get jealous?" I asked suddenly, my heart racing a little faster as I waited for his answer.

"Only before we complete the mate bond. You don't open up to me easily, and I find it hard to read you," Ryder shrugged, his casual

tone belying the intensity in his eyes.

almost certain he'd never admit it outright. "Hmm..." It almost

think about trying," he warned, seeing right

to you?" I feigned innocence, placing a hand

split second, I genuinely wondered what he'd look like jealous. Not because I wanted to hurt him, but because seeing him lose control over me would give me

standing up to throw our trash away.

we'd had an audience.

when he returned, pulling

me wanted to ride my motorcycle,

causing it to lurch forward. I dramatized dropping

his eyes widening as

was a bit excessive," I said as I turned around to retrieve my phone. "Oops, sorry." I deliberately pointed

1/3

Chapter 175

eventually asked, his voice noticeably

I got it," I said, settling back in

Ryder placed his hand on my thigh, the heat of his palm searing

prom

"No, why?"

I replied with a

lot

at his words and turned toward the

a bad thing, but you're acting strange," he clarified, his

briefly meeting mine.