Chapter 35
Xena’s POV
“Go ahead,” Ryder said as he walked past Martha to stand in front of me. I didn’t like this, so I shifted slightly to the side, choosing to face Martha directly.
Martha glared at me, then shot Ryder a withering look. We’d reached an impasse. She glanced toward my father’s office, considering her options before quickly walking away, leaving Ryder and me standing there. Not wanting to see the pity in his eyes, I turned to leave.
“Thank you,” I said, despite the cliché hero–saves–damsel moment. He had helped me escape Martha, so I owed him that much.
“Spend the day with me,” Ryder suddenly said.
I stopped walking but immediately regretted it. He was still wearing only the shorts from last night, his bare chest seeming to call out for my touch. I felt heat rush through my body and quickly resumed walking. If I stood there too long, he might catch my scent and realize my desire. Werewolf senses were too damn sharp, and that was the last thing I
wanted.
“Spend the day with me,” he repeated, his voice carrying a hint of something I couldn’t
refuse.
Ten minutes later, I pushed open the door to the gym, relieved to find it empty. I headed straight for the treadmill to warm up, hoping the exercise would distract me and calm the
restlessness inside me.
“What did you have in mind? Why do you want to spend the day with me?” I asked, trying to keep my voice cold and disinterested.
Ryder sat on a nearby bench, and I could feel his eyes roaming over me. “Just regular stuff. I want some company, and a female perspective wouldn’t hurt.”
“Why not ask a girl from your pack? Take Ama with you. Isn’t she going to be your female Beta?” I countered.
“Are you really going to pass up an opportunity to get away from the pack and breathe
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Chapter 35
some fresh air? Plus, we could take the motorcycles. It’s a bit of a ride,” he said, raising an eyebrow.
That caught my interest. I glanced at him, and he knew he’d hit the mark.
“I’ll finish this first,” I said, trying to steady my breathing as I increased the speed on the treadmill.
He nodded slightly. Fifteen minutes later, I stepped off the treadmill and put on boxing gloves, gesturing for him to hold the punching bag.
“Some might think you’re interested in me,” I said, delivering several punches hard enough to make Ryder step back. He’d underestimated me. I felt a small surge of satisfaction, I wasn’t far behind other warriors.
“I’m not in the habit of caring what others think,” he replied, his voice slightly breathless as I continued my assault on the bag. I couldn’t help but smile.
“So you’re inviting me purely as a good deed? Getting me away from here?”
“Of course,” Ryder leaned forward slightly. “Want a little adventure?”
I didn’t answer, just kept punching until I was exhausted. If I was going to ride, leg workouts were out of the question.
“Well?” Ryder stepped back as I began removing my gloves. My breathing was heavy, my chest rising and falling. Ryder struggled to keep his eyes on mine. More than once, I caught his gaze dropping lower.
“I need to balance my books first,” I said.
Ryder gave me a half–smile. Damn, I needed a cold shower. I could feel the heat in my body, and it wasn’t just from the workout.
“And a shower. You stink!” he joked… at least I think he was joking.
“Looks like you need more than just a shower…” My eyes glanced down to make my point
known.
“I’ll shower and come back for you. We can have lunch first, then head out,” Ryder said
before leaving, seeming caught off guard by my comeback.
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Chapter 35
“Bring William too. The last thing I need is him claiming my room because he’s had Ama move all her stuff out!” I called after him.
Ryder left the room laughing. I could finish my workout now. I needed to shower and get ready before he returned. Not sure how long he needed to prepare, but his pack was about 30 minutes away. That gave me roughly an hour and a half to shower and at least balance my books.
The world must have been on my side today, because I didn’t encounter anyone who
might give me trouble as I headed upstairs. The only nerve–wracking thing was asking my father.
“Dad?” I called out.
“Hmm?” he responded.
“Ryder asked…”
“He already asked my permission to invite you. If you want to go, I have no objections,” he said.
I was stunned. “He asked you for permission?”
“Yes. He knows protocol. Have fun, ride safe.” My father waved me away, and I hesitantly turned to leave.
What was happening? Walking to my room, I was glad to find it empty. I headed straight for the shower and quickly rinsed off. After washing my hair and body, I felt a strange sensation as I turned off the water. I was excited, even looking forward to the day. So much so that I stood in front of my closet wondering what to wear.
It would be hot today, but riding meant I needed some protection. I had a pair of lightweight black pants designed for riding that allowed the wind to pass through. They were tight, so my chunky–heeled shoes paired perfectly with them. They weren’t riding boots, but they looked sexy. Finally, grabbing a white fitted tank top, I was satisfied. I tucked the tank into my pants.
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