Chapter 80
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.
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Chapter 80
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.
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Chapter 80
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.”
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