Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder) novel Chapter 131

Chapter 131

Xena’s POV

“What do you want for dinner?” Ryder asked as he walked toward the bathroom.

A million choices flashed through my mind, but I decided not to be picky. “Sandwiches or wraps will do. Whatever they have, I’ll eat it. I’m not fussy.” I answered, secretly wishing for seafood salad, but not wanting him to think I was high–maintenance.

“Alright,” Ryder called from the bathroom, followed by the sound of the shower turning on.

The bathroom door was open, but I wasn’t sure if I should go in and oin him. My heart rate picked up a little, imagining water droplets sliding down his body, but ultimately, I decided to open the balcony door and sit in one of the lounge chairs.

After a minute, I grew bored and wanted a book to pass the time. My thoughts needed to be immersed in something else, not constantly drifting to the image of him in the shower.

“Ryder, I’m going to the library to grab a book, I’ll be right back!” I called toward the bathroom.

“Be back quickly!” he said sternly.

“Yes, sir,” I replied sarcastically, but couldn’t help smiling at this small freedom, even though the library was just at the end of the

hallway.

I walked into the library. The smell of paper and ink was something I’d never tire of. I took a deep breath, letting the familiar scent fill my senses. Finding a book, I picked it up and returned to the bedroom. Ryder was still in the shower, so I headed to the balcony and started reading, hoping to distract my mind from the complicated emotions swirling inside me.

“What are you reading?” Ryder’s voice startled me as he sat down beside me. He wore only shorts, water droplets still clinging to his chest, making me hold my breath involuntarily.

“The Second Sex by Simone de Beauvoir,” I answered, trying to keep my voice steady as I looked down at the pages, avoiding the

sight of his half–naked body.

“Interested in feminist philosophy or the social construction of gender roles?” His question caught me off guard. I slowly raised my head, surprised to find genuine curiosity flickering in his eyes.

“You know this book?” I asked, unable to hide the surprise in my voice. In my world, few people would be familiar with s terary

works.

“Read parts of it. Beauvoir has an interesting way of thinking, how she questions everything we take for granted.” He leaned against the doorframe, sunlight casting warm patches across his shoulders.

“I like her exploration of the concept of ‘the Other,” I said, finding myself relaxing. “The idea that our identities are somewhat determined by society rather than just our own choices… it makes you think.”

The evening light slanted through the windows, creating an intimate atmosphere in the room.

A knock sounded on the bedroom door. Ryder got up to answer it. He returned pushing a cart of food.

Dinner’s here.” He set a plate of food on the small table next to me and I put down my book to start eating.

“Thank you,” I said, my stomach giving a small twinge of hunger.

“Hmm.”

1/3

Chapter 131

We ate in silence, just watching the sun dip completely below the horizon as stars began to appear one by one. The warm breeze played with my hair, and the moment felt so peaceful that I almost forgot about all the tension and danger between us.

“I need to take a quick shower and wash all this blood off,” I said.

“Go ahead.”

Ryder got up to pour himself a glass of scotch while I walked into the bathroom. The water felt amazing against my skin, although it stung a little where I’d been bitten. It felt so good to have clean hair again.

After drying off, I went to the closet for silk pajama shorts and a matching camisole. Ryder was still on the balcony sipping his

chair. drink, so I grabbed my glass and sat in my

“Feel better?” he asked.

“Yes.” The scotch burned my throat, making me grimace.

“I had that poured specifically for you.”

“Thanks. This stuff is awful.” I downed it in one go and went back inside, rummaging through the cabinets until I found Jack Daniel’s Gentleman Jack. Pouring myself a glass, I returned to my seat on the balcony. “Much better,” I murmured, enjoying the smoother taste.