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

me a look that said she understood my reaction. A small

out to dispose of the trash bag. He placed the food on the

his own work. Ama started eating

said after

I asked without looking up from the flooring samples

to you?" She handed me a

was actually a picture of Ryder and me having sex in the forest. I

he leaned against a tree. Heat rushed to my face as I recognized

asked, looking at her, trying to cover my

guys. Is that

was on the edge but deep enough that no one should have seen us.

I stood up, my voice trembling

was steady and firm, but I could tell he sensed

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

confirmation made my

expression sharpening with alertness. "I'll investigate this. Don't leave this

else posted out front?" I asked hesitantly, but I could feel myself starting to panic. The

knowing who was watching us, took me back to that dark

have William

nodded, grateful for

leave again. "But! Wait until he gets here before you go, okay?" I hated sounding so dependent, but in this moment, fear

He agreed, his eyes full of understanding and

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 on endlessly until William

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

"Got it."