Chapter 58
Xena’s POV
“Why are you so moody this morning?” I couldn’t help asking as we turned the corner.
Ryder glanced around to make sure we were alone before pushing me against the wall.
“No one gets to touch your body but me,” he growled in my ear, his arm wrapping possessively around my waist. Images from last night flashed through my mind, making my body heat up involuntarily.
My heart raced, but I refused to show weakness in front of him. “I’m not going to stop sparring. That wasn’t flirting, it was normal combat training. Though he definitely needs to learn some manners
Footsteps echoed from down the hallway, and Ryder immediately stepped back. “Let’s go,” he growled, just as Ama and William rounded the corner.
“What’s going on here?” Ama asked curiously.
“Apparently Ryder woke up on the wrong side of the bed today,” I said sarcastically, though I was nervous about how intimate we’d just been, hoping the others hadn’t noticed my flushed cheeks.
Ryder rolled his eyes, clearly understanding my implication.
“Okay…” William gave Ryder a strange look.
“Come on! I need a shower, and then we’re getting breakfast, and I’m all yours today!” I grabbed Ama’s hand and pulled her up the stairs, trying to change the subject.
“Who’s in such a good mood this morning?” Ama laughed as she sat down on the couch and turned on the TV.
“Slept well!” I called out as I walked into the bathroom. My thighs were a bit sore, but overall I felt great. Memories of last night came flooding back.
After my shower, I threw on some athletic shorts and a t–shirt, nothing too fancy, but I still took the time to blow–dry and style my hair. After applying some light makeup, I was ready.
“Wow, all dressed up for me today?” Ama joked, standing up when she saw my carefully put–together appearance.
“Just feeling especially good today,” I answered.
“This wouldn’t have anything to do with a certain someone, would it?”
“More Ike the change of scenery,” I lied.
We headed to the kitchen, where only William and Ryder had arrived before us. I sat next to Ryder, while Ama took a seat beside
William. The food was laid out buffet–style on the side.
“Help yourselves, ladies,” William nodded toward the food.
“Awesome!” Ama said excitedly, and I followed behind her. The spread was impressive–sausages, bacon, waffles, pancakes, and even biscuits and gravy. I poured myself coffee, adding some milk and sugar, feeling content.
Find what you wanted?” Ama approached me.
1/3
Chapter 58
“I did As I turned around, I saw that a group of girls had already stated themselves next to the guys. Disappointment waslied or me, but I tried to hide it, just shrugging and moving to the end of the table with Ama following. I felt an unexpected wave of Jealousy and loss, especially after being so intimate with Ryder last night, only to watch other girls surround him today,
I could have made them leave… Ama whispered.
If you want to sit next to William, you should,” I shrugged, pretending to be unbothered.
Ama glanced at them, sighed, and sat across from me. “Are you really going to help me? Ama asked quietly.
“Of course, I want you to succeed; you’ve been, good to me. I don’t know why you’re having trouble here,” I said sincerely, putting my own emotions aside for the moment.
“William wants things done his way, not how I think they should be done. We’re always butting heads.”
“It’s hard letting someone else take over and do things their way,” I said, taking a bite of my cereal.
“How can you eat that stuff?” Ama looked at my choice with disgust.
“Because it’s delicious,” I laughed, feeling a bit lighter.
“Are you sure about the red dress?”
“Absolutely!!” I said with a laugh, giving Ama a wink.
Ama cheered, and we both started laughing. “I can’t wait to see her face; it’s going to be epic,” I said, taking a sip of my coffee.
“Me too! Let me put some decorations in your hair!” Ama was still excited, her voice unintentionally getting louder, drawing curious glances from the girls nearby.
“Deal!”
“Yes!!” She excitedly waved her arms.
“But not like last time. I looked like a damn rhinestoned frog.” I grumbled under my breath.
Ama burst out laughing. By the time the guys walked over to us, we were both crying with laughter.
“What’s so funny?” William asked.
“Ama’s ability to decorate frogs. Done with your conversation?” I asked, wiping my eyes.
“Why didn’t you come back and sit with us?” William’s tone actually sounded a bit hurt.
“You were surrounded by girls and didn’t even notice where we were. Must have been important,” I said, with more bitterness in my
voice than I’d intended.
