Don’t Poke the Luna Chapter 76

Xena’s POV

Sitting in Ryder's car, I could feel myself leaving that world behind with each mile marker we passed. A new chapter was beginning, and the first order of business was getting out of this damn dress and into something that actually felt like me. The second I stepped through his front door, I made a beeline for his bedroom to change. I could sense him following me, his footsteps quiet but purposeful behind mine, but I was too focused on my mission to care. Though I did leave the door open for him. That was intentional.

As I rummaged through my bag for the clothes I wanted, he brushed past me and started unbuttoning his shirt, his fingers working methodically down the row of buttons. Then came his pants. I tried not to look — I really did — but my traitorous eyes couldn't help stealing glances at the sculpted muscles of his back, the way they flexed and shifted beneath his skin as he moved.

Shit. I need to get out of here before I do something stupid.

I ducked into the bathroom, locking the door behind me with trembling fingers. When I caught my reflection in the mirror, I hardly recognized the woman staring back at me. Her lips were cracked, with healing cuts at the corners. Dark shadows hung beneath her eyes, and her skin looked dull, lifeless. I took a deep breath, steadying myself against the sink.

Get it together, Xena. This isn't you. You're stronger than this.

I stripped off the dress, relieved to be free of the fabric that felt like it belonged to someone else's life, and pulled on a pair of shorts and a sports bra top. My muscles protested with every movement, still sore and healing, but I ignored the pain. Today was a working day, and I wasn't about to let a few bruises stop me. And I sure as hell wasn't going to let Ryder tell me I couldn't.

Time to face him.

When I emerged from the bathroom, he was sitting on the edge of the bed, already changed into basketball shorts and a tank top that did nothing to hide the definition in his arms and chest.

"What's your plan for today?" I asked, setting my bag down beside the door.

Ryder leaned forward, elbows resting on his knees, green eyes locked on mine. "Cleared my schedule. I'm all yours. Whatever you want to do."

"I want to go clean up my shop," I stated, waiting for the argument I was sure would follow.

"Alright, let's go."

I blinked, caught off guard by his easy agreement. "Really?"

"Really." He nodded once, decisive.

"Just like that?" My inner alarm bells were ringing. This felt like a trap.

"What were you expecting? That I'd lock you in here?" He stood up and walked toward me, each step deliberate, predatory.

"Well, I thought you'd at least try," I admitted, suddenly very aware of how little space separated us.

This isn't like him. The Ryder I know would have a hundred reasons why I should stay put, or he'd simply command it. This new version is... unpredictable.

He leaned down until his lips brushed against my ear, his warm breath sending shivers racing down my spine. "When I do lock you in here, you won't be complaining." His voice dropped an octave lower. "You'll be moaning my name until sunrise."

Just like that, my body betrayed me. Heat pooled between my thighs, my underwear suddenly damp. I watched him straighten up with that satisfied smirk on his face as he strode toward the door.

Damn him. How does he do that? How can he make me want him with just a few words? It's infuriating. And incredibly hot.

"Coming?" he asked, one hand on the doorknob.

"Not yet, but in more ways than one," I muttered as I brushed past him.

His chest rumbled with laughter, and he landed a playful smack on my ass that made me jump. I tried to glare at him, but that only seemed to amuse him more.

We walked to his car in silence, and as we settled into our seats, curiosity got the better of me.

"Why are you so chill about going to clean that place up? I was preparing for a full-blown fight."

Ryder started the engine before answering. "Because I know how much it means to you." He glanced at me, then back at the road. "And I've already arranged for a dumpster to be delivered and a crew to help us clear things out. Plus, there are quite a few volunteers ready to help dismantle your big toys."

"You arranged all that?" My jaw literally dropped.

Ryder reached over, one finger gently pushing my chin up to close my mouth. "I'll have those lips parted again later. But I can only take partial credit. Logan had to handle the rest."

"What do you mean by 'dismantle'?" A knot of anxiety tightened in my stomach.

"I'm sorry, but there's not much left to salvage. You're going to need a complete overhaul. Look at it as an opportunity to change the layout or anything else you've been wanting to modify."

"Ryder, I don't have that kind of money. My father won't pay for it, and you can't just—"

"Wait until we get there. See how you feel."

His tone was gentle, indulgent even, like he was enjoying keeping me in suspense. It was infuriating and endearing all at once.

If it really needs a complete rebuild, that's going to cost a fortune. I don't want to owe anyone, especially not Ryder. If he pays to rebuild my shop, I'll give him my travel savings. Travel isn't that important anyway... shit.

When we pulled up to the shop, the yellow caution tape had already been removed. People were streaming in and out, carrying debris to a large dumpster parked outside.

"What the hell is happening?" I murmured, more to myself than to Ryder.

So many people... what are they doing here? Why would all these people come to help?

"Xena! Hey!" Penelope came running toward me, a light sheen of sweat on her upper lip. Her curls bounced with each step. "I'm so glad you're here. We have a surprise for you!"

"We?" I looked back at Ryder, who was leaning against his car, watching as Penelope tugged me along.

My heart was racing, a mix of anxiety and anticipation flooding my system. What were they up to?

There were so many people inside, clearing glass, vacuuming, tearing out damaged drywall, and dismantling what was left of the bathroom.

"These are..."

"That's right. Every single person here is someone you've hired before, or helped in some way. Here, take this." Penelope handed me a folded piece of paper.

I opened it to find a bank account statement. The balance read $7,156.

"What is this?" My fingers trembled slightly as I stared at the numbers. It was a substantial amount to me.

"It's your money. All those times you helped at the club and wouldn't take tips, all the work you did for the school and never got paid for. They've been giving it to me to hold. We all knew about your situation, knew how much you wanted to travel. I thought this would be better used here."

I looked at the money, then at all the people who had come to help, and found myself speechless. Each person who came over to greet me, to ask how I was doing, warmed something inside me that I hadn't realized had grown cold.

All these people remember me. Every person I helped, they remembered. I always thought I was alone, unappreciated, but now... they're all here for me. The feeling of being loved, of being cared for, was almost suffocating.

I nearly jumped out of my skin when Ryder placed his hand on the small of my back.

"Go inside and look," he said softly, giving me a gentle push forward.

Dust hung in the air, mixed with the sharp scent of sweat and determination. The damaged walls had been stripped down to the studs, the bathroom was completely gutted, and the floor was being prepared for replacement.

"It should all be done in a few hours," Penelope beamed. "What do you think?"

"...I don't know what to say..."

It all felt so surreal, like a dream. Yesterday I was worried my shop was destroyed forever, and now, all these people were helping rebuild it.

"Say thank you," Ryder whispered close to my ear.

My vision blurred for a moment, tears threatening to spill before I blinked them away. This was my new beginning, one I never dared to imagine.

"Thank you all! Penelope! Noelle! Dorian! Jovie! Kade! Thank you, everyone!" I bowed deeply to each of them, my heart overflowing.

"Where do you want me to help?" I turned to Penelope eagerly.

"This way." Penelope led me back outside toward her car. "Take these home with you. These are samples for flooring, wall colors, cabinets, everything. I need you to decide what you want so I can place the orders. Do you want to change the layout at all?"