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

sounds really good right now." Ama gave me a look that said she understood my reaction. A small smile flickered across her pale face, and I felt my heart

just as William was heading out to dispose of the trash bag. He placed the food on the table

work. Ama started eating while continuing to

Ama said after

without looking up from the flooring

like to

me having sex in

my face

like a good time?" I asked, looking at her, trying to cover my embarrassment and

behind you guys. Is that

edge but deep enough that no one should have seen us. The risk of being discovered was part of what had made having sex there so exciting. Yet this photo had been taken during that time,

up, my voice trembling despite my attempts to control

"What is it?" His voice was steady and firm, but I could tell he sensed my

out. My heart raceds that familiar panic

made my fear

at me, his expression sharpening with alertness. "I'll investigate this. Don't leave

as he turned to leave. "Could you... have someone else posted out front?"

was watching us, took me back to that

William come

I nodded, grateful

before you go, okay?" I

eyes full of understanding and

I wasn't afraid. I slowly 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,

out of your sight

"Got it."