Chapter 25
Xena’s POV
“You didn’t reply to my text.” Ryder’s voice broke the silence as he leaned against the counter of my shop.
“No, I didn’t.” I moved past him, organizing the tools in my cart, the metal clanking as I put each one in its place.
“How are you feeling?” he pressed, his green eyes tracking my every movement.
“Just fine.” I kept my voice neutral, focusing on my task rather than the way his presence seemed to fill the entire space.
“Damn it, Xena, can’t you just give me a straight answer?” His voice rose in frustration, causing William and Ama to pause their flirting and look over at us.
I slammed a wrench down harder than necessary. “What do you want from me, Ryder? I’m fine. A few broken ribs isn’t anything new to me. As a warrior, I go through this kind of thing every other week. I’m not some fragile girl who’s going to fall apart or needs a man hovering over her. You disappeared after dropping me off at home. Maybe you’re the one who should be explaining yourself.”
The words burst out of me with more force than I intended, my anger rising to the surface. Ryder fell silent, and I refused to look at him as I aggressively wiped down my work cart. In my fury, I twisted too quickly, sending a sharp pain radiating through my ribcage. I had to brace myself against the wall, breathing deeply until the stabbing sensation subsided.
“Need some ice?” Ama’s voice was soft, uncertain.
“I’m fine.” Not wanting them to see the tears pricking at my eyes, I hurried to the bathroom.
It was a mixture of pain and anger. The pressure of my upcoming birthday and finding my mate was making me irritable. The anxiety was like an invisible hand, squeezing my throat until I couldn’t breathe. I pulled open the drawer and found the Tylenol. Two 500mg pills would help.
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Chapter 25
Eventually, the tears dried, and I fixed my face. Part of me hoped they would be gone when I returned, but they were all still there.
“Maybe we skip the club and have a picnic in the forest instead?” Ama suggested, her eyes
full of concern.
“With all the Rogue attacks?” I doubted the guys would agree to that.
“I know a safe spot I could take you girls,” William smiled, slipping his arm around Ama’s
waist.
“Why don’t you two go alone? Sounds like a couple thing.” I said, thinking how some time alone would help clear my head. These complicated emotions were exhausting me lately.
“I don’t want to leave you,” Ama frowned.
“You’re not. I’m kicking you out,” I replied with a small smile.
“Blade…” Ama tilted her head, looking at me with those soft eyes.
“Seriously, go. Enjoy your time together. I’ll finish up here.”
“I haven’t done much,” Ama frowned.
“More than I have. Really, go. It’s fine.”
“Take my car,” Ryder said quietly, tossing his keys to William. His offer seemed to seal the deal, and William took Ama’s hand, both of them leaving with the excitement of kids in a
candy store.
I walked to the bathroom and tossed the rag into the sink. “What work do you have to do?” Ryder asked, now standing in the bathroom doorway, his frame blocking most of the
exit.
“Just school stuff. Making sure everything’s in order. Balancing accounts. That sort of thing.” I didn’t meet his eyes as I pushed past him, heading for the counter.
“How much do you have left?” He followed close behind me.
“Considering Ama types about three words per minute, pretty much all of it. But it’ll only take me an hour.” I opened my laptop, ready to finish what Ama had started.
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7:23 pm
Chapter 25
“Do you have any appointments?” Ryder checked his watch.
“Two. Both just finishing touches. Won’t take long. You don’t have to stay.” My irritation
deepened, giving a harsh edge to my voice.
“I told Logan I’d stay with you since the Rogues have gotten too close to town. I guess Samuel isn’t up for the job.” Ryder seemed oblivious to my anger as he spoke.
At the mention of Samuel’s name, my fingers paused over the keyboard for just a second,
a reaction that didn’t escape Ryder’s notice.
“I see.”
“You don’t know why he’s not here… do you?” I sighed, looking up at him. “Just say what you want to say.” I was tired of his probing. Each test felt like a shallow cut across my
heart.
“Is there something between you two?” His green eyes searched mine.
“Why do you care?”
“Answer my question first.”
“There’s nothing between us. We have an arrangement. No feelings, just kissing when we’re drunk. Nothing more. Mainly because I’m saving myself for my mate and I can’t control my emotions. Besides, getting emotionally attached to Samuel would be a terrible idea if he’s not my destined mate.” The admission lifted some of the storm clouds from
my mind.
“Plus the fact you want to leave,” Ryder added, placing both hands on the counter as he
watched me.
“Yup.” I really popped the P as I started working again.
“Sounds like he has real feelings and you don’t care.”
That comment reignited my anger. “Are you satisfied now? Have I fulfilled your curiosity about something that has nothing to do with you?” I snapped, my eyes flashing with
irritation.
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Don’t Poke the Luna
Chapter 26
