Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 131 Xena's POV "What do you want for dinner?" Ryder asked as he walked toward the bathroom.

A million choices flashed through my mind, but I decided not to be picky. "Sandwiches or wraps will do. Whatever they have, I'll eat it. I'm not fussy." I answered, secretly wishing for seafood salad, but not wanting him to think I was high-maintenance.

"Alright," Ryder called from the bathroom, followed by the sound of the shower turning on.

The bathroom door was open, but I wasn't sure if I should go in and oin him. My heart rate picked up a little, imagining water droplets sliding down his body, but ultimately, I decided to open the balcony door and sit in one of the lounge chairs.

After a minute, I grew bored and wanted a book to pass the time. My thoughts needed to be immersed in something else, not constantly drifting to the image of him in the shower.

"Ryder, I'm going to the library to grab a book, I'll be right back!" I called toward the bathroom.

"Be back quickly!" he said sternly.

"Yes, sir," I replied sarcastically, but couldn't help smiling at this small freedom, even though the library was just at the end of the hallway.

I walked into the library. The smell of paper and ink was something I'd never tire of. I took a deep breath, letting the familiar scent fill my senses. Finding a book, I picked it up and returned to the bedroom. Ryder was still in the shower, so I headed to the balcony and started reading, hoping to distract my mind from the complicated emotions swirling inside me.

"What are you reading?" Ryder's voice startledas he sat down beside me. He wore only shorts, water droplets still clinging to his chest, makinghold my breath involuntarily.

"The Second Sex by Simone de Beauvoir," I answered, trying to keep my voice steady as I looked down at the pages, avoiding the sight of his half-naked body.

"Interested in feminist philosophy or the social construction of gender roles?" His question caughtoff guard. I slowly raised my head, surprised to find genuine curiosity flickering in his eyes.

"You know this book?" I asked, unable to hide the surprise in my voice. In my world, few people would be familiar with s terary works.

"Read parts of it. Beauvoir has an interesting way of thinking, how she questions everything we take for granted." He leaned against the doorframe, sunlight casting warm patches across his shoulders.

"I like her exploration of the concept of 'the Other," I said, finding myself relaxing. "The idea that our identities are somewhat determined by society rather than just our own choices... it makes you think." The evening light slanted through the windows, creating an intimate atmosphere in the room.

A knock sounded on the bedroom door. Ryder got up to answer it. He returned pushing a cart of food.

Dinner's here." He set a plate of food on the small table next toand I put down my book to start eating. "Thank you," I said, my stomach giving a small twinge of hunger.

"Hmm." 1/3 Chapter 131 We ate in silence, just watching the sun dip completely below the horizon as stars began to appear one by one. The warm breeze played with my hair, and the moment felt so peaceful that I almost forgot about all the tension and danger between us.

"I need to take a quick shower and wash all this blood off," I said.

"Go ahead." Ryder got up to pour himself a glass of scotch while I walked into the bathroom. The water felt amazing against my skin, although it stung a little where I'd been bitten. It felt so good to have clean hair again.

After drying off, I went to the closet for silk pajama shorts and a matching camisole. Ryder was still on the balcony sipping his chair. drink, so I grabbed my glass and sat in my "Feel better?" he asked.

"Yes." The scotch burned my throat, makinggrimace.

"I had that poured specifically for you."

"Thanks. This stuff is awful." I downed it in one go and went back inside, rummaging through the m cabinets juntil found Jack Daniel's Gentleman Jack. Pouring myself a glass, I returned to my seat on the balcony. "Much better," I murmured, enjoying the smoother taste. "What color is your prom dress?" Ryder asked.

"Black." "Good." "Good?" I looked at him in confusion, not understanding what was special about black. "Means I don't have to buy anything new to match you," Ryder said, sipping his drink.

"You're welcome," I replied sarcastically, thinking what a pragmatist he was.

it." "There are only a few weeks left of school," Ryder began. I looked at him, waiting for him to continue When I didn't respond, he went on, "Given everything that's happening, it might be better to have the teachers send the finals over and just be done

I didn't answer. Instead, I looked up at the dark sky, wishing I was on sbeach somewhere. Wearing a tiny silver bikini with a drink in my hand. How I longed to feel sand between my toes, the salty warm ocean breeze through my hair. Yet here we were, trapped in this reality, surrounded by danger and complicated relationships. I sighed, closing my eyes to escape for just a moment. Ryder stood up and walked back into the bedroom. I heard him moving things around, but I didn't look.

"Xena? Ryder said softly.

I walked into the inner room, my eyes landing on the massage table Ryder was putting sheets on. My heart beat a little faster.