Xena''s POV


    "Are you angry?" he asked.


    "No, I just hope she forgives me," I replied, my mind still reying the events of the


    night.


    "Maybe she''ll feel better after she showers and rests," Ryder said, his hand resting on my


    hip.


    I must have fallen asleep because the next thing I knew, I heard the car door opening.


    "We''re home," Ryder said softly. He got out and helped me down from the car.


    "Howe you don''t seem to be in pain?" I asked, feeling the ache throughout my entire


    body.


    "I cked out, so my muscles didn''t get strained like yours did when you were thrown


    from the car," he exined.


    I frowned, considering his exnation. It made sense, but I was still surprised at how quickly he''d recovered. Every muscle in my body was screaming in protest, yet he seemedpletely fine.


    "How''s your arm feeling?" I asked. The sun was rising, but thankfully we hadn''t encountered anyone. Ryder led me straight to his room.


    "Stay here," he muttered, walking to his closet. He pulled out one of his T-shirts. "Do you


    want to take a shower?"


    "Yes, thank you," I answered, hoping the hot water would ease my pain.


    Ryder walked into the bathroom and turned on the shower. I followed him and


    saw that he had set out female soap and various bath products, everything I could need.


    "Whose are these?" I asked, feeling slightly irritated. Does he bring girls back here regrly?


    Ryder grinned smugly. "I had them bought for you. I didn''t know what you liked,


    So..."


    My chest instantly lightened, the jealousy vanishing as quickly as it had appeared. "You didn''t just ask Ama?" I questioned.


    "Didn''t think of it."


    "Thank you," I said, grabbing some shampoo, conditioner, and body wash and cing


    them in the shower.


    "Do you need help?" he asked.


    "No, I''m fine, thanks." Ryder looked conflicted. I could see he wanted to stay but


    was


    respecting my space. "Ryder, get out."


    He smiled and then leaned down to give me a gentle kiss before leaving.


    Stripping off my clothes, I stepped into the shower. The hot water stung at first, but after a minute, it felt amazing. I washed my hair and body, then just stood there, letting the water massage my muscles. They should be better by tomorrow. After getting out, I applied lotion and put on Ryder''s T-shirt. He hadn''t given me any underwear, so I guessed I''d be sleeping without them.


    After brushing my hair and teeth, I walked out.


    "Still alive?" Ryder asked.


    "Barely. That felt really good." He was lying on the bed, reading a book.


    "Take those," he said, pointing to two white pills on the nightstand.


    "What are they?" I asked. Though I trusted he wouldn''t harm me, caution was always best.


    "Tylenol."


    "What are you reading?" I asked as I took the pills and climbed into bed next to him.


    "The Tempest."


    "Ah, William Shakespeare," I said.


    "You know it?" He seemed surprised by my literary knowledge.


    "Read it a few years ago. Not my favorite of his works, but it''s good."


    Ryder put the book down and turned off the light. The blinds were drawn, making the roompletely dark. I fell asleep almost instantly.


    When I woke up, I was alone. Looking around, I saw the bathroom light was on with steaming out. Testing my muscles, I was still sore, but feeling much better. My stomach growled. The clock showed 2:31 PM. Damn, I''d slept a long time.


    Standing up, I was about to head out when I noticed my suitcase by the closet. I pulled out a pair of underwear, loose shorts, a sports bra, and a tank top, and changed into them. I had just tied my hair into a messy bun when Ryder emerged from the bathroom with only a towel wrapped around his waist.


    My breath caught, my heart racing. His hair was damp, falling casually across his forehead,plemented by a light beard that gave him a mature sexiness. The towel covered only the essentials, revealing his perfect chest and muscr arms. His body was wless-well-defined muscles, broad shoulders, and his back bore several new cuts and


    scrapes.


    I hesitated, then spoke. "Do you want me to put some medicine on that?"


    "I''d be honored," he said, giving me his signature smile.


    "Where''s the first aid kit?"


    Ryder pointed toward the closet, and I went over to grab a tube of Neosporin. "Your walking is much better," hemented.


    "Yeah, the shower, meds, and sleep all helped. Now I need food," I said as I applied the medicine to his back. My fingers traced over his muscles, feeling the warmth and smoothness of his skin, my heart once again beating wildly against my will.


    "On the plus side, you''re my Wednesday appointment, so I don''t have to cancel anyone," I said, making small talk to distract myself.


    "True enough."


    "All done,” I said, patting his shoulder.


    Ryder nodded and went to the closet to grab a pair of shorts and a T-shirt.


    "Ready?" Ryder asked.


    "As ready as I''ll be today," I replied, following him out the door.


    "It''s Wednesday, and you haven''t trained yet."


    "I''ve been busy." As we descended the stairs, I held onto the railing, moving slowly. Ryder walked ahead of me, his arm not in a sling but wrapped with bandages.


    "Oh, Alpha! I was so worried about you!" Several affected voices suddenly appeared.


    I looked up to see a group of girls rushing toward him.


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