Xena''s POV


    "She hasn''t given me any reason to be jealous, Ryder said thoughtfully after a moment of consideration.


    I shifted ufortably in my seat, wondering if he was questioning by desirability. The way he so casually dismissed the possibility of jealousy made something twist inside me.


    "So, if some random guy came up and hugged her, you''d bepletely fine with it? Ama pressed, leaning forward with that mischievous glint in her eye I knew all too well.


    "If a stranger tried to touch her, she''d probably punch him in the throat, Ryder replied without hesitation.


    I nced at him, noting how his expression had transformed from casual to deadly serious in an instant. So possessive. The thought crossed my mind before I could stop it.


    Ama reluctantly conceded the point. "Whatever. One day, one of yous going to get jealous, and I''ll be right thereughing and saying I told you so." She stood up, pointing her finger at us usingly. "That day wille, and you two... you''ll deserve it." With that dramatic deration, she stormed out, William trying and failing to hide his amused smile as he followed after her.


    "When was thest time she gotid?" Ryder asked bluntly.


    Clearly William isn''t fulfilling his duties," I replied with augh, watching as Ryder finished thest bite of his food.


    "Would you get jealous?" I asked suddenly, my heart racing a little faster as I waited for his answer.


    "Only before weplete the mate bond. You don''t open up to me easily, and I find it hard to read you," Ryder shrugged, his casual


    tone belying the intensity in his eyes.


    I could feel the weight of what he wasn''t saying. I was almost certain he''d never admit it outright. "Hmm..." It almost sounded like a challenge, but my respect for him wouldn''t allow me to deliberately try to make him jealous.


    "Don''t even think about trying," he warned, seeing right through me.


    "Me? Do something like that to you?" I feigned innocence, cing a hand over my heart.


    For a split second, I genuinely wondered what he''d look like jealous. Not because I wanted to hurt him, but because seeing him lose control over me would give me a strange sense of satisfaction. The thought was selfish, and I pushed it away immediately.


    Ryder rolled his eyes at me, standing up to throw our trash away. I noticed a group of girls at the next table giggling, and realized


    we''d had an audience.


    "Ready Ryder asked when he returned, pulling out my chair.


    "Yeah, I''m ready," I replied, deliberately walking ahead of him the entire way. A part of me wanted to ride my motorcycle, but that wouldn''t be practical if we needed to bring things back. Besides, this way I could tease him a little.


    When he started the car, he revved the engine hard, causing it to lurch forward. I dramatized dropping my phone in the back seat from the sudden movement.


    "Seriously?" Ryder asked, his eyes widening as he looked at me.


    "That was a bit excessive," I said as I turned around to retrieve my phone. "Oops, sorry." I deliberately pointed my ass toward him as I pretended to struggle reaching the phone.


    "Need help?'' Ryder eventually asked, his voice noticeably deeper than usual.


    "No, I got it," I said, settling back in my seatfortably.


    "Good." Ryder ced his hand on my thigh, the heat of his palm searing through the fabric of my jeans.


    "Have you seen my dress for prom yet?" I asked, changing the subject


    "No, why?"


    "Just curious," I replied with a shrug.


    "You''re talking a lot today," Rydermented quietly.


    "Sorry?" I felt a pang of hurt at his words and turned toward the window.


    "I didn''t mean that as a bad thing, but you''re acting strange," he rified, his eyes


    briefly meeting mine.


    "Stranger than Ama?" I challenged.


    "Nobody''s stranger than Ama," Ryder concluded with a slight smile.


    “True.” Feeling somewhat defeated, I stared out the window, trying to appear


    sullen and brooding, the way he seemed to think I should be.


    We drove the rest of the way in silence. I was surprised by hisck ofmentary


    on my behavior. Instead of feeling relieved, I felt hurt and irritated. When we


    reached my shop, I didn''t wait for him before going inside.


    I knew I was overreacting, but sometimes pride makes me do irrational things. I should''ve just told him how I felt, but instead, I chose silence - which did nothing to solve the problem.


    All the equipment was in ce, though most of it was still wrapped in stic sheeting. The workbenches needed assembly, and theputer in the office remained boxed up. A fineyer of construction dust coated everything. I took my time exploring the renovated space, starting from the front of the shop.


    The reception desk was taller than before - Penelope had understood my needs perfectly. Now I could oversee the entire workshop while maintaining a private customer area. Behind the reception area was my new office. Although small, it offered both privacy and functionality. A desk stood against one wall. To my surprise, there was arge object covered with a dust sheet in the corner, marked with a "Xena – Keep out?bel.


    Moving further in, I noticed safety mirrors had been installed beside the repair area. They''d expanded the repair space while maintaining the original functionalyout. The sage green walls I''d chosen looked professional yet weing. The tool cabs were securely mounted, and the customization area, though narrow, had well-designed shelving. A separate workbench at waist height would be perfect forying out motorcycle parts and customization tools.


    It was perfect exactly what I wanted and needed..


    I looked around and found Ryder standing there, watching me intently.