Xena''s POV


    What kind of movie do you want to watch? Ryder asked, his green eyes capturing the dim light from the hallway.


    "Something funny," I replied, leaning against the doorframe. After everything that had happened, I needed tough, to forget about funeral speeches and shop destructions and Martha''s ps, just for night.


    "Let me see what I have. Ryder unlocked the bedroom door, pushing it open with his shoulder. Why don''t you go make some popcorn?


    "Yes, sir,” I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm.


    He turned, a smirk ying on his lips. "What happened to ''Yes, Alpha 7


    "That''s reserved for bedroom activities," I shot back without thinking


    "Technically, we are in the bedroom," he pointed out, his voice dropping to that dangerous octave that made my stomach flip.


    "That could be arranged." I licked my lips slowly, holding his gaze. His eyes darkened immediately, pupils dting. The power I held over him was intoxicating.


    Ryder cleared his throat and turned to his phone, connecting it to the television. The screen lit up as he dimmed the lights. I could hear the popcorn starting to pop in the microwave.


    "Water or Dr. Pepper?" I called from the kitchen area.


    "Dr. Pepper, thanks."


    I drummed my fingers against the counter while waiting. "What movie did you pick?"


    "Tropic Thunder."


    "Seriously?" I looked at him with a genuine smile, the first one that hade easily all day.


    "What? William rmended it. Said it''s hrious." The microwave dinged, and Ryder made his way to the couch while I emptied the steaming popcorn into a bowl. Just the smell made my stomach growl - I''d barely touched my food at dinner.


    I stuffed a handful of popcorn into my mouth and settled next to Ryder on the couch. We sat together, sharing popcorn andughing at the ridiculous scenes,menting on the absurdity and judging the plot twists. This quiet contentment was healing something inside me that I hadn''t realized was broken. For the first time in days, I wasn''t thinking about Samuel, or Martha, or my destroyed shop. I was just here, with Ryder,ughing.


    The next morning, I was woken by the persistent buzzing of my phone. An email notification that refused to be ignored. I cracked one eye open, trying to read the screen.


    "What is it?" Ryder rolled over, his arm snaking around my waist and pulling me flush against him. His warmth enveloped me, and I found myself melting into his embrace.


    "Got an email," I mumbled.


    "About what?" His voice was still rough with sleep.


    "Shipment for my shop is arriving around noon. They need someone to sign for it."


    I groaned, tossing my phone down and curling into Ryder''s side. Highest was firm against my back, his arm aforting weight around my waist.


    Rabe, we need to get up and neving. I''m sure you have things to do at the shop before then. Despite his words, he made no move to release me, his fingers tracingzy patterns on my hip.


    "But I''mfortable right now." I wiggled closer, pressing myself against him as much as possible,


    "Who knew you were the clingy type." Ryder chuckled, the vibration fumbling through his chest and into mine.


    "What the hell!" I shoved away from him immediately, leaping out of bed before he could even register what had happened. "I am not clingy.


    Hands on my hips, I tried to re at him, but he was fighting backughter, his lips twitching with the effort.


    "What''s so funny?" I demanded.


    "You are clingy. Now that you''re fully opening up to me, you''ve gone all soft and clingy." His eyes danced with amusement.


    "I am not!" insisted, feeling my cheeks flush with indignation.


    "You love me." Ryder gave me that knowing look that simultaneously infuriated and excited me.


    "Not right now!" I stomped my foot childishly and stormed toward the bathroom to shower. Hisughter followed me, only fueling my irritation.


    I refused to shower with him though, making sure mine was quick. When I emerged, wrapped in a towel, he was just walking in.


    "That was a fast shower," Ryder raised an eyebrow, his eyes traveling slowly down my body.


    "Things to do today." I shrugged as I passed him, pretending his gaze wasn''t affecting me.


    "Really? nning to keep up this petty sarcasm all day?" Ryder was still fightingughter, his emotions radiating nothing but


    amusement.


    "I have no idea what you''re talking about." I kept my voice deliberately light.


    I glowered as I selected a pair of stretchy pants and a lightweight athletic top. I was determined to tease him all day, make him be the clingy one tonight.


    I pulled my hair into the side braid he loved, skipping makeup. I did, however, fasten the ne he''d given me around my throat.


    By the time I wascing up my shoes, he''d finished his shower. The towel hung dangerously low on his hips, forcing me to avert my eyes. I couldn''t cave this quickly.


    Chapter Comments