Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder) novel Chapter 33

Chapter 33

Xena’s POV

Ama sat on the ground, rubbing her injured ankle in frustration. “Damn it,” she muttered, clearly annoyed. William was still pacing back and forth, patrolling the area with watchful

eyes.

Leonard’s girl–Cindy–looked much better than before. She was now clinging to Leonard, sobbing into his chest as he comforted her.

Ryder and I straddled the fallen tree trunk. He gently tilted my chin up as I kept my hands at my sides to avoid flashing anyone. His movements were incredibly gentle as he

removed pieces of glass from my face one by one.

“By tomorrow morning, most of these marks will be gone,” I said, trying to make it sound

like no big deal.

“What about your ribs?” He completely ignored my comment, his eyes flickering with

concern I couldn’t ignore.

“They don’t hurt that much, actually,” I said, while mentally debating whether to tell him

the truth–that each breath felt like a knife slicing through me.

“Probably still the adrenaline working,” Leonard mumbled. Looking up, I saw him

watching Ryder’s “work” intently.

“Hmm,” Ryder hummed softly. He’d moved to my neck and collarbone, even having to shift

my T–shirt. “Anywhere else?”

I pulled my shirt open with one hand to check. “I don’t think so.” Hell, whether there was

or not, I wasn’t about to tell him.

“Need help checking?” Leonard joked. His date immediately slapped him on the arm.

We all laughed. “What? It’s not like I’m getting lucky tonight anyway.”

“Leonard, you’re never getting lucky with me,” I said with a laugh as I adjusted my position, no longer straddling the log but sitting with my legs crossed.

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7:30 pm

Chapter 33

“Are you two mates? The chemistry between you is really good,” Cindy asked, looking

between Ryder and me.

An awkward silence followed. I felt a little disappointed when Ryder remained silent,

saying nothing.