Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder) novel Chapter 35

Chapter 35

Xena’s POV

“Go ahead,” Ryder said as he walked past Martha to stand in front of me. I didn’t like this, so I shifted slightly to the side, choosing to face Martha directly.

Martha glared at me, then shot Ryder a withering look. We’d reached an impasse. She glanced toward my father’s office, considering her options before quickly walking away, leaving Ryder and me standing there. Not wanting to see the pity in his eyes, I turned to leave.

“Thank you,” I said, despite the cliché hero–saves–damsel moment. He had helped me escape Martha, so I owed him that much.

“Spend the day with me,” Ryder suddenly said.

I stopped walking but immediately regretted it. He was still wearing only the shorts from last night, his bare chest seeming to call out for my touch. I felt heat rush through my body and quickly resumed walking. If I stood there too long, he might catch my scent and realize my desire. Werewolf senses were too damn sharp, and that was the last thing I

wanted.

“Spend the day with me,” he repeated, his voice carrying a hint of something I couldn’t

refuse.

Ten minutes later, I pushed open the door to the gym, relieved to find it empty. I headed straight for the treadmill to warm up, hoping the exercise would distract me and calm the

restlessness inside me.

“What did you have in mind? Why do you want to spend the day with me?” I asked, trying to keep my voice cold and disinterested.

Ryder sat on a nearby bench, and I could feel his eyes roaming over me. “Just regular stuff. I want some company, and a female perspective wouldn’t hurt.”

“Why not ask a girl from your pack? Take Ama with you. Isn’t she going to be your female Beta?” I countered.

“Are you really going to pass up an opportunity to get away from the pack and breathe

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Chapter 35

some fresh air? Plus, we could take the motorcycles. It’s a bit of a ride,” he said, raising an eyebrow.

That caught my interest. I glanced at him, and he knew he’d hit the mark.

“I’ll finish this first,” I said, trying to steady my breathing as I increased the speed on the treadmill.

He nodded slightly. Fifteen minutes later, I stepped off the treadmill and put on boxing gloves, gesturing for him to hold the punching bag.

“Some might think you’re interested in me,” I said, delivering several punches hard enough to make Ryder step back. He’d underestimated me. I felt a small surge of satisfaction, I wasn’t far behind other warriors.

“I’m not in the habit of caring what others think,” he replied, his voice slightly breathless as I continued my assault on the bag. I couldn’t help but smile.

“So you’re inviting me purely as a good deed? Getting me away from here?”