Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 239

Xena's POV

so... do we have the day off tomorrow?" a young man next to Novak asked.

You need to be ready in case something happens, but yes, you can relax, Ryder put his hand on my knee, as if to say it was time to go to bed.

"Everyone get some sleep," I stood up and said. Ryder followed me out, and everyone said goodnight.

"Why isn't William back yet? I asked as we walked down the hallwa

"I don't know." Ryder's hand settled on the small of my back as we climbed the stairs, his touch grounding me in a way that nothing else could. "I'll mind-link him."

"Okay."

We reached our room, and Ryder paused at the door. "Still on the phone with Ama. She's got Galen handling it, but it looks like it's going to take a while."

"That's fine." The yawn escaped before I could stop it, my body finally catching up with the emotional exhaustion of the day.

Tired?" His green eyes searched my face, concern flickering in their depths.

our door and secured it behind us, the click of the lock somehow making the

us both whiskey, the amber liquid catching the lamplight

words came out flat, emotionless, but inside my

Ryder sighed as he settled beside me, handing me the glass. His arm came around my shoulders, and I leaned into his warmth, taking a small sip of the burning liquid. "I'm going to miss

know, but isn't his happiness worth what he's prepared

leaving mine. There was something complex in those green depths, something I couldn't quite read. "It is, but Logan will be all the family I have left. Even though your

Leonard. They're like your siblings, and even though you and William constantly bicker,

let out a soft snort, grateful for the momentary lightness. Ryder leaned forward, setting down his

gulp. We walked to the bed together, and I went through the motions of undressing, pulling off my shorts, shirt, and underwear before grabbing one of his discarded shirts

1. fe.

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Chapter 239

under the covers, I felt Ryder pull me against him, his strong arms wrapping around me

the last thing

bringing with it all the anxiety

the doorway of our walk-in closet. I already showered, curled my hair, and applied my makeup, but now I stood in my matching underwear,

perfect ass and a fitted athletic shirt that showed off every defined muscle. Even in my current state, I couldn't help but

me full force now and I had to fight to control

a dress or one of those romper things." Ryder stepped into the closet, surveying my options with the