Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 209

Xena's POV

I looked at Ama, a wave of gratitude washing over me despite my underlying concern. The pallor of her face worried me more than I wanted to admit.

"Do you need a snack? Fruit? Nuts? What would you like?" I asked, unable to mask the worry in my voice.

Ama glanced up at me, her eyes tired. "Oscar Mayer."

I shifted my gaze from her to Ryder. He nodded once before leaving the room, his footsteps echoing down the hallway.

We worked for about fifteen minutes in relative silence. I was focused on the design samples for my shop when suddenly, Ama lurched forward and vomited into her trash can. William returned at that exact moment, witnessing the scene without flinching.

Without a word, he handed her a bottle of water and grabbed the garbage bag. His movements were so natural, so practiced, it made me wonder how long she'd been feeling this way.

"Have you tried Gatorade? I asked, my mind immediately going to solutions.

William looked at me, confusion crossing his features. "What do you mean?"

Electrolytes. She needs electrolytes. Gatorade or even Pedialyte would work," I explained, my voice taking on that clinical calmness I used whenever I needed to hide my true feelings.

William turned to Ama. "What flavor would you like?"

"Oh, um,

lemon," she replied weakly.

I couldn't help but scrunch up my face. "Lemon?" The disbelief was evident in my tone.

ned, my

now." Ama gave me a look that said she understood my reaction. A small smile

as William was heading out to dispose of

his own work. Ama started

after about five

I asked without looking up from the flooring

look like to you?" She handed

picture of Ryder and me having sex in

my face as I recognized exactly when this had been

her, trying to cover my embarrassment

guys.

have seen us. The risk of being discovered was

trembling despite my attempts to

His voice was steady and firm, but

raceds that familiar panic began to set in, the same feeling I'd had during

His confirmation made my fear

with alertness. "I'll investigate this. Don't leave this room. Understand? I'll have a

he turned to leave. "Could you... have someone else posted out front?" I asked hesitantly, but I could feel myself

not knowing who was watching

William come

I nodded, grateful for his

leave again. "But! Wait until he gets here before you go, okay?" I

eyes full of understanding and

sat back down and picked up my scissors. My hands were shaking, but I continued cutting. Ama seemed to notice my distress but didn't speak, just continued with her own work. Time stretched

girls. I need to check on something, and don't let Xena out of your sight no matter what," Ryder commanded.

"Got it."