Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder) novel Chapter 239

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.

“Yeah…” I shrugged, trying to play off how bone–deep weary I felt. Ryder unlocked our door and secured it behind us, the click of the lock somehow making the weight on my chest a little heavier.

“Worried about tomorrow?” He moved to pour us both whiskey, the amber liquid catching the lamplight as I sank into the couch.

“My father might die, and my brother will get the role he was born for.” The words came out flat, emotionless, but inside my chest felt like it was being crushed by stones. Each breath was a struggle against the suffocating weight of reality.

“I think for someone in your father’s 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 small sip of the burning liquid.

“I’m going to miss him.”

“I know, but isn’t his happiness worth what he’s prepared your entire life for?”

I looked at Ryder. He drained his whiskey in one smooth motion, his eyes never leaving mine. There 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 least they’re alive. When you lose both parents, it feels completely different.” My voice tightened, the familiar ache of loss threatening to overwhelm me.

“You still have Ama and Leonard. They’re like your siblings, and even though you and William constantly bicker, he seems like a brother too.”

“He is annoyingly brotherly.” I let out a soft snort, grateful for the momentary lightness. Ryder leaned forward, setting down his empty glass.

“Come on, 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 shorts, shirt, and underwear before grabbing one of his discarded shirts to sleep in. The fabric still carried his scent, warm and masculine a

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Chapter 239

Sliding 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 here. You’re loved here.”

His words were the last thing I heard before darkness claimed me.

The next morning arrived too soon, bringing with it all the anxiety managed to d

escape in sleep.

You ready?” Ryder called from 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 like they were enemy combatants.

Ryder looked incredible in dark jeans that hugged his perfect ass and a fitted athletic shirt that showed off every defined muscle. Even in my current state, I couldn’t help but appreciate how devastating he looked.

my hands were shaking, my legs wouldn’t stop trembling, “I don’t know what to wear.” The anxiety was hitting 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 chest.

“Wear a dress or one of those romper things.” Ryder stepped into the closet, surveying my options with the same intensity he brought to pack business. “This one. I love how you look in this.”