Xena''s POV


    "What are we doing out here?" I asked, following Ryder as we wove rough the dense forest.


    "I have a surprise for you," Ryder said with a casual shrug, but I caught the glimmer of anticipation in his eyes. We continued along the same path we''d takenst time, moving deeper into the woods. The familiar scent of pine and earth filled my lungs with each


    breath.


    We reached a clearing between the trees and paused. I took in the breathtaking view that spread out before us, the city sprawling


    below like a miniature model.


    "I''ll never get tired of this view," I said softly, my eyes scanning across the horizon where the city lights were just beginning to twinkle as dusk approached.


    "You don''t have to," Ryder replied, already a few steps ahead, waiting for me to catch up.


    "What do you mean?" I quickened my pace to reach him, curiosity dancing in my chest like a restless fawn.


    "Come see for yourself." Ryder walked another hundred feet or so before turning off the main path. And there it was a massive treehouse vi standing proudly in the middle of the forest. The framework wasplete, waiting only for electricity and plumbing to be installed, built right next to the meeting center.


    "What is this?" I could barely speak, my breath caught in my throat. Inplete shock, I ran my fingers lightly over the wooden railing that would soon be the walkway to the front door. A whirlwind of emotions swept through me as I tried to process what


    I was seeing.


    "You said you loved this ce. I know it''s not a beach, but it''ll be our private getaway. Just for us. Our second home, if you want it to be," Ryder said, standing perfectly still, watching my reaction with those intense green eyes of his.


    "You did this? For me?" I was still trying toprehend it all, my gaze shifting to meet his.


    "For us. Come look." Ryder led the way along the pathway into the treehouse. Most of the flooring had beenid down, making our ascent stable even as we climbed higher. "This is the living room. The master bedroom is over there. Two more bedrooms on that side, plus two bathrooms. Kitchen''s right here." He walked through the open living area to the opposite side, arms outstretched. The entireyout was open concept, spacious yet intimate.


    "Two bedrooms?" I asked, though I already had a suspicion what his answer would be.


    "For our kids. Or if you want to invite Ama and William up here." Ryder picked up a nket I hadn''t even noticed was there. He walked to what would eventually be the front porch and spread it out. I followed his lead and sat beside him, my mind whirling with the implication of his words. Kids. He was already thinking about our future, aplete family.


    "The view..." It was perfect. Clear visibility of the sky and the city below. The treetops cascaded with the slope of the hill, appearing like waves. Sitting here, it felt like we were the only two people in the world.


    Agreed. Beautiful. When Ryder spoke, he was looking directly at me. When my eyes met his, I choked up. Tears of happiness threatened to spill over. I don''t think Ryder was prepared for my reaction, but when Iunched myself at him, he fell backward with me on top.


    "I can''t even express how thankful I am," I whispered against his neck. The tears fell despite my embarrassment, but I didn''t try to hide them.


    Ryder''s chest vibrated with hisughter as he flipped us over so I was on my back. One arm cradled my head while his other hand cupped my face, his thumb wiping away my tears. "I love you."


    I leaned forward and kissed him hard. Only after several minutes did pull back. cing my hand on his cheek, my thumb traced his lips, "I love you too," I whispered.


    Ryder didn''t respond with words, but lowered himself to kiss me again. His hand moved to my waist, pulling my tank top free from my pants. Then it snaked upward, finding my breast. "I''ll never get tired of you," Ryder murmured between kisses as his lips moved to my neck. I grabbed my tank top and pulled it off.


    “Your hands.....” I said, feeling him climb over me. His touch set my body on fire, every inch of my skin craving more.


    "See, I know all your sensitive spots. Like here..." Ryder moved to my left chest and sucked hard just below my breast. My back instantly arched, a wave of pleasure shooting through my entire body


    1


    "Oh!" I moaned, my eyes rolling back. In that moment, I could only feel pure bliss, my thoughtspletely overtaken by sensation.


    "And here..." Ryder moved lower on my abdomen. Closer to my back, he sucked again.


    My body shuddered. I tried to sit up, but he pushed me back down while fumbling with my pants.


    "But-" I tried to protest.


    "No, this is my pleasure," Ryder didn''t even look at me as he pulled off my boots and dragged my pants down, leaving my underwear in ce.


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