Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder) novel Chapter 179

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Chapter 179

Xena’s POV

“No, I’m not questioning it. I just wanted to hear you say it,” Ryder chickly explained, his green eyes searching mine.

Ryder, you make me the happiest girl in the world,” I said, sliding my hand out from under his shirt to touch his face. Every time I touched him, electricity shot through my body, reminding me how powerful our connection was. “You’re my mate, the other half of my soul, the love of my life. You get all of me–the good, the bad, and the ugly. You’re the lucky one who has to deal with my mood swings.”

Ryder cupped my face in his hands, his touch gentle yet possessive. You know I would rather die than let anything happen to you.”

“You took a bullet for me. I’ll never forget that moment.” I pulled his face down to mine, and we kissed softly for several minutes. Each touch of his lips made my wolf stir inside me, craving more, be now wasn’t the time.

“We should get back to work,” Ryder said, pulling,away.

I grabbed his shirt and helped him take it off. “Much better.”

“I’m better shirtless?” he asked, confusion written across his features

“Yeah, gives me something nice to look at while I work.” I smiled at him. I could see the laughter he was trying to hide.

“Get your ass back to work,” Ryder said as he helped me down.

“Yes, Alpha,” I said, swaying my hips as I walked away, deliberately teasing him.

Ryder narrowed his eyes but went back to clearing away dust. After another fifteen minutes, I had one tool cart assembled. I wiped the sweat from my forehead, admiring my handiwork.

“Three more to go,” I muttered.

“Looks good,” Ryder said, coming over to inspect it.

“Thanks. I still have-” The bell over the door jingled as several teenagers walked in.

“We heard you were working here today and wanted to know if you needed help,” Nolan said with a smile. His friends stared around the shop in awe.

Relief washed over me immediately–this was exactly the help I needed. “Perfect! You guys can install these two tire changers and make sure they’re functional.”

“Should be easy enough,” Nolan said, looking them over.

“That tool cart took me thirty minutes,” I said as Ryder helped me to my feet. I felt his strong arm supporting me.

“Damn. Alright.” The kids immediately got to work, freeing me up to arrange the rest of the shop.

Ryder had set up my display area with various custom parts: gleaming chrome exhaust pipes, performance–enhancing carburetors, uniquely styled handlebars, comfortable seats, and various headlights. Though Ryder had arranged everything, I still rearranged it to my liking before heading into my office.

As I opened my laptop case, I accidentally knocked something over. What’s this?” I asked softly, reaching to pick up a picture frame. Inside was a photo of Ryder and me.

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Chapter 179

I had it printed. Thought it would look nice in here,” Ryder said from my doorway. He leaned against the frame, arms crossed, looking sexy as hell.

Thank you, that was really thoughtful,” I set the frame back in its place and continued setting up my laptop.

“Everything’s cleaned up. I got the bathroom

set

“Ptoo,” Ryder said, hot moving, watching me boot up the computer.

“You’re amazing.” I smiled at him, genuinely grateful for his help and support,

“Can we talk for a minute?” Ryder walked in and closed the door. My office wasn’t large, but I didn’t mind the closeness with Ryder. His action of closing the door made me nervou

sensing an important conversation coming.