Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 178

Xena's POV

"Yes," I said, the single word hanging in the air between us.

Logan leaned against the counter of my shop, his expression softening. "That's all

I care about. I've spent seventeen years of my life making sure you're as safe as possible. I love you, but you've taken mouth quirked up in that familiar teasing smile.

a pretty significant chunk of my time." The corner of his

I fought the urge to smile back. "Jeez, you're so gracious."

"Knowing you're safe and happy here lets me do what I need to do. Yes, I was frustrated, pissed off, and stressed, but as you can see, I'm fine now. Twelve hours later, I'm back to my old self. All problem solved. You just need to worry about yourself, and passing your test on Thursday."

A flicker of annoyance rose in my chest, though I,knew it was just our familiar banter. "I could have passed those tests when I was

ten."

"If you had passed them then, you wouldn't have met Ryder," Logan pointed out, his eyebrows lifting meaningfully.

My mind flashed back to the moment I first saw Ryder, that instant acceleration of my heartbeat that still happened whenever he walked into a room. "I met him here, not at school," I reminded him.

"But it was at school where he heard about you."

"That's stretching it, but I'll accept it since my grades will be better than yours anyway." I gave his arm a light punch, my words sharp but my heart warm.

"Such a good little sister!" Logan ruffled my hair and then pulled me into a proper hug. His familiar scent surrounded me, bringing with it a deep sense of security I'd never admit to needing.

I pretended to gasp

but kept his hands

I answered softly, the cloud over my mood genuinely

try having more faith in me." Logan gave me a mock-wounded look.

everything. A lot has happened in the last two weeks." I defended myself, swatting at

to be strong in publie, but in private, it's okay not to be okay. I was going

hit a vulnerable spot inside me. I didn't want

don't want

0

Logan's

"Yeah, I know, you'

"I

dumb, though I knew

1/2

Chapter 178

don't like saying 'I love

say those words in genuinely sincere moments."

tell

isn't a sincere

always the emotional

love you, but I have to

too," I said

work, but I'll take it." Logan shook

that's all

bro hug before Logan walked out of the shop. I just

now?"