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.

unlocked our door and secured

tomorrow?" He moved to pour us both whiskey, the amber liquid catching the lamplight as I sank into the

for." The words came out flat, emotionless, but inside my chest felt

position, death might be a relief." 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

happiness worth what he's prepared

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 parents are difficult... at

and even though you and William constantly bicker, he seems like a

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

let's get some sleep." He stood and extended his hand to me. I accepted it, downing the rest of my whiskey in one burning gulp. We walked to the bed together, and I went through the motions of undressing, pulling off my

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Chapter 239

his strong arms wrapping around me like a shield against the

were the last thing

it all the anxiety managed

already showered, curled my hair, and applied my makeup, but now I stood in my matching underwear,

jeans that hugged his perfect ass and a fitted athletic shirt that showed

I had to fight to control the sweat threatening to ruin my carefully applied makeup. My heart was beating so fast I was sure it would burst from

options with the same intensity he brought to