Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder) novel Chapter 174

Xena’s POV

I watched as Ryder slipped on a pair of basketball shorts and a tank top that did absolutely nothing to hide the definition in his arms. When he sat down to put on his shoes, I saw my opportunity and took it.

As I walked past him, I “accidentally” let my phone slip from my bar, clattering to the floor just within his view but conveniently out of his reach. I bent down completely to retrieve it, making sure he got a perfect view of my backside. It was an old trick, but sometimes the classics worked best..

I could feel the wave of desire radiating from him before he quickly suppressed it. The fact that he was restraining himself was fascinating.

“Ready to go?” I straightened up and headed toward the bedroom door, feeling his eyes on me.

Ryder stood and walked toward me, his gaze dropping to my necklace before meeting my eyes again. “Oh, yes. His expression remained frustratingly neutral.

As we stepped into the hallway, Ryder closed the bedroom door behind us and locked it.

“We have time for breakfast before heading to the shop,” he said.

You want breakfast?” I asked, surprised by his suggestion.

“Is that strange?”

“You’re not exactly a morning person. You barely eat breakfast, and lately your appetite’s been like a bird’s,” he said with a shrug.

Damn it. “Maybe I’m tired of being miserable. Maybe I want to be happy.” My tone dripped with sarcasm.

“I want you to be happy too, but things have been rough lately. I figured you’d be a little down.”

“Nice to know I can still surprise you after all these days together.” I nodded and pushed open the kitchen door.

Ryder gave me a look that said he wasn’t buying my act, but thankfully he didn’t argue as we headed toward the buffet.

True to my word, I grabbed a chocolate chip muffin and a bottle of water. I sat down and waited for Ryder to join me. By the time I’d finished my muffin, he still hadn’t sat down. Looking over, I saw a group of girls had cornered him, and from his expression, he wasn’t thrilled about it. Typical. Į gazed out the window, pretending not to care.

Before Ryder could finally break free, William and Ama approached my table.

“Hey, gift. What are you up to today? You’re up kinda early.” Ama gave me a curious look.

“First of all, don’t say that in front of Ryder. I’m trying to prove a point. Second, I got an email saying our order is being delivered today and needs a signature, so we’re heading over after he finishes eating. Though at this rate, he might never get to eat.” I gestured vaguely in his direction.

“What do they want William asked, glancing at the girls surrounding Ryder.

*No idea. They walked up to him, and I’m not concerned enough to find out.” I shrugged and leaned back in may chair, feigning

indifference.

“You really don’t get jealous, do you?” Ama shook her head in disbelief.

1/2

Chapter 174

Not usually. Maybe I’m just weird that way. That wasn’t entirely the I knew when to show jealousy and when not to. This clearly

wasn’t the time.

“Don’t worry, I like it when you get jealous for me,‘ William said suddenly, running his finger along Ania’s chest.

Ama blushed as he kissed the tip of her nose.

“Gross. Seriously gross, 1 muttered, just as Ryder finally escaped and sat down at our table.

“What’s gross?” he asked, digging into his food.

“Them. Just… them,” I pointed at William and Ama.

“Don’t hate us because you can’t be an affectionate mate! Ama defended herself.

“Ryder, am I an affectionate mate?” I turned to him, already knowing his answer.