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.

trying to play off how bone-deep weary I felt. Ryder unlocked our door and secured it behind us, the click of

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

but inside my chest felt like it was being crushed by stones. Each

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

his happiness worth what he's prepared

couldn't quite read. "It is, but Logan will be all the family I have left. Even though your parents are difficult...

Ama and Leonard. They're like your siblings, and even though you

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

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 shorts, shirt, and underwear before grabbing one of his discarded shirts to sleep in. The

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Chapter 239

under the covers, I felt Ryder pull me against him, his strong arms wrapping around me like a shield against the world. 'Sleep, baby. You're safe

were the last thing I heard before darkness

soon, bringing with it all the anxiety managed to d escape

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, staring at the wall of clothes

athletic shirt that showed off every defined muscle.

me full force now and 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 my

things." Ryder stepped into the closet, surveying my options with the same