Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder) novel Chapter 18

Chapter 18

Xena’s POV

I suddenly felt uncomfortable, though I maintained my cool exterior. “Yeah, the brake pads and those parts on the tool rack. Could you grab them for me?”

Ryder nodded and walked toward the cabinet. I couldn’t help but stare at his solid frame, the muscles in his arms flexing unconsciously as he picked up the items. My heart rate quickened despite my best efforts.

“Don’t you think standing like that is inconvenient?” Ryder suddenly paused, turning back with a challenging smile playing at his features. His gaze traveled from my injured leg up to my composed expression, as if waiting for my reaction.

I frowned slightly, uncomfortable with being the object of anyone’s concern, but managed

a reluctant smile. “I’m fine, don’t worry about it.”

Instead of continuing his task, Ryder turned and approached me, standing uncomfortably close. “You’re strong, but you don’t always need to carry everything alone.” His tone was gentle but carried an unmistakable suggestion that made my skin tingle.

My heart hammered in my chest, but I fought to keep my composure. I cleared my throat and replied flatly, “Just grab the stuff, that’s all.”

Ryder’s eyes flickered, and he let out a soft chuckle before continuing to gather the tools I

needed.

“I’ve got two clients scheduled for tonight. Put those on the tool cart, brake pads on the second shelf, and the chain and sprocket at the top,” I instructed. Watching him complete

these tasks, I walked to the counter. With fifteen minutes before my first appointment, I

pulled out my sketchbook and continued working on my phoenix design. Drawing always

calmed me, as if all my pain could flow away through the tip of my pencil.

Ryder came over, looking at my phoenix sketch. “That looks incredible.”

“Thanks,” I replied briefly.

I suddenly remembered I needed to send the spelling bee word list. I quickly sent the link with my selected words, wondering why I still involved myself in school activities while

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Chapter 18

knowing it was my only way to maintain “normalcy” and belong somewhere.

He picked up my sketchbook and began flipping through it.

The entire evening dragged on with Ryder quietly watching me as I worked. My injury made routine tasks exceedingly difficult. What normally took an hour now required two, and customers had to return another day to complete their orders. I inwardly sighed. Damn! That bitch!

Ryder looked bored in the corner of the room. He spent most of his time either watching me work or texting. Part of me wanted to know who he was texting, but I reminded myself it wasn’t my business. I shouldn’t develop any curiosity about Ryder; it would only complicate things.

After the last customer left, I walked to the door and flipped the sign to show CLOSED. The feeling of closing up shop was satisfying. Finally, after a busy day, all I wanted was to collapse into bed.

“All done?” Ryder asked as he watched me put on gloves to start cleaning.

“Yeah, just need to clean up and check the books.” I tossed sharp objects into their special

container and waste into the trash bin. A few chains that should have gone back to the

cabinet remained on the tool cart. Ryder just watched me work.

“Does Luna Martha hit you?” Ryder asked abruptly.

My entire body froze. Damn. He probably already knew the answer but wanted to hear me say it. I felt my throat tighten, anger and shame washing over me simultaneously. Why

would he ask that?

“Doesn’t matter. I won’t be around much longer anyway,” I tried to make my voice sound

indifferent.