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 weird, but it 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 ease just

as William was heading out to dispose of the

the desk to begin his own work. Ama

said after

I asked without looking up from the

look like to you?"

a picture of Ryder and me

while he leaned against a tree. Heat rushed to my face

at her, trying to cover my embarrassment and growing

behind you guys. Is

background. This area was part of the forest we hadn't explored yet. It was on the 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, with a hand visible in the background.

trembling despite

"What is it?" His voice was steady and firm,

hand to you?" I pointed it out. My heart raceds that familiar panic began to set in,

made my fear

at me, his expression sharpening with alertness. "I'll investigate this.

posted out front?" I asked hesitantly, but I could feel myself starting to

knowing who was watching us, took

William

grateful for

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

He agreed, his eyes full of understanding and

let the kidnapping experience defeat me, I couldn't lie and say 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, just continued with her own work. Time stretched

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

"Got it."