Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder) novel Chapter 178

Chapter 178

Xena’s POV

“Yes,” I said, the single word hanging in the air between us.

Logan leaned against the counter of my shop, his expression softening. “That’s all I care about. I’ve spent seventeen years of my life making sure you’re as safe as possible. I love you, but you’ve taken mouth quirked up in that familiar teasing smile.

a pretty significant chunk of my time.” The corner of his

I fought the urge to smile back. “Jeez, you’re so gracious.”

“Knowing you’re safe and happy here lets me do what I need to do. Yes, I was frustrated, pissed off, and stressed, but as you can see, I’m fine now. Twelve hours later, I’m back to my old self. All problem solved. You just need to worry about yourself, and passing your test on Thursday.”

A flicker of annoyance rose in my chest, though I,knew it was just our familiar banter. “I could have passed those tests when I was

ten.”

“If you had passed them then, you wouldn’t have met Ryder,” Logan pointed out, his eyebrows lifting meaningfully.

My mind flashed back to the moment I first saw Ryder, that instant acceleration of my heartbeat that still happened whenever he walked into a room. “I met him here, not at school,” I reminded him.

“But it was at school where he heard about you.”

“That’s stretching it, but I’ll accept it since my grades will be better than yours anyway.” I gave his arm a light punch, my words sharp but my heart warm.

“Such a good little sister!” Logan ruffled my hair and then pulled me into a proper hug. His familiar scent surrounded me, bringing with it a deep sense of security I’d never admit to needing.

After a few moments, I pretended to gasp for air. “Can’t breathe!”

Logan released me but kept his hands on my arms. “Better now?”

“Yes,” I answered softly, the cloud over my mood genuinely lifting.

“You could try having more faith in me.” Logan gave me a mock–wounded look. “I get upset once, and this is how you respond?”

“Hey! It’s not just you, it’s everything. A lot has happened in the last two weeks.” I defended myself, swatting at his arm.

“I’ll give you that, but you need to remember that it’s okay not to be okay. I need you to be strong in publie, but in private, it’s okay not to be okay. I was going to say it’s okay to cry, but…” Logan’s voice trailed off.

His words hit a vulnerable spot inside me. I didn’t want to continue this conversation. “Alright, I don’t want to talk about this anymore.”

༣

“I love you, sis.” Logan’s voice was gentle, affectionate.

“Yeah, I know, you‘

Logan gave me a look. “I thought you were past that phase?”

“What phase?” I played dumb, though I knew exactly what he meant

1/2

Chapter 178

“The one where you don’t like saying ‘I love you.“”

I only say those words in genuinely sincere moments.” I shot him a don’t know how to tell you look.

“This isn’t a sincere moment?”

“You were always the emotional one between us.” I laughed.

“Fine, I love you, but I have to go.”

“L–love you too,” I said sarcastically, drawing out the words

“Needs some work, but I’ll take it.” Logan shook his head at me.

“Good, because that’s all you’re getting.”

Logan smiled, then turned and shook hands with Ryder. They even did a little bro hug before Logan walked out of the shop. I just stood there awkwardly, watching Ryder for several seconds until he sighed and walked over to me.

“Feeling better now?” he asked.

“Maybe, I looked down and away.

Alow growl rumbled in Ryder’s throat as he bent down and grabbed the back of my thighs. He picked me up, making me wrap my legs around him, and placed me on the counter. I was completely trapped, unable to move. His hand cradled my neck, then grabbed some of my hair, forcing me to look at him. A soft moan escaped my lips when I met his eyes. The fire in them made my entire body