Xena''s POV


    I couldn''t help but tease Ama as we stepped out of the car, the evening air cool against my skin. "That''s how you''re supposed to drive, by the way,"


    Ama stuck her tongue out at me, which made meugh as 1 dropped my towed carelessly on the ground. I kicked off my flip-flops and peeled off my cover-up before diving straight into the pond. The water enveloped me in its cool embrace, washing away the day''s tension. I heard a ssh beside me, and then two more followed in quick session.


    When I surfaced, droplets cascading down my face, I pushed my wet hair back and swam toward Ryder. "This feels amazing,” I said, the water''s coolness clearing my mind temporarily.


    Ryder reached for my hand, pulling me close against his body. The warmth of his skin contrasted with the cool water, sending shivers down my spine.


    "It really does," Ama agreed, I nced over to see her clinging to William, her blonde curls darkened by the water.


    "X, I''ve been meaning to ask," Ama''s voice cut through the peaceful moment, "how are Logan and Penelope doingtely?"


    My body tensed instantly. I turned to face her, choosing my words carefully, I noticed William narrow his eyes, but he remained silent.


    "They''re doing great, actually. She''s struggling a bit with adjusting to her new role-1 know you understand that-but she''s handling it well." The lie slid from my lips with practiced ease.


    "Yeah, it''s definitely challenging," Ama replied,pletely oblivious to my deception. William, however, wasn''t fooled. Thankfully, he didn''t call me out. Either Ryder hadmunicated with him through their mind link, or he recognized this wasn''t the time. Either way, I was grateful.


    "I''m so excited for the dance," Ama continued, effectively changing the subject. "My dress is absolutely gorgeous."


    Ryder kissed my cheek as I rxed against him, his lips a silent show of support. He cradled me in his arms like I was something precious.


    William did the same with Ama, holding her protectively. "Me too. I want to dance with you. It''s been too long since we''ve had the chance."


    "I hope things can finally settle-" Ryder''s phone interrupted my thought, its


    ringtone shattering our peaceful moment. He released me and swam to the edge


    to answer it.


    "Hello?" His voice was tense as he answered. After a pause, he simply responded,


    "Understood."


    "What''s happening?" I asked as he slipped back into the water. My heart raced- phone calls rarely brought good news these days. He swam to me, cupping my face in his hands.


    "You were right. They found about a dozen Rogues. Two are still alive and being brought to our cells. You saved a lot of people today, including us." He kissed me hard, and I melted into him. Relief washed over me as I lost myself in the softness of his lips.


    "That''s insane," Ama said, shock evident in her voice. "Just think what could have


    happened."


    “Don''t,” William said firmly, pulling her closer. “You can''t think that way." They drifted to the other side of the pond, giving us privacy while remaining in sight.


    "Oh, Ryder," I whispered, gazing into his eyes. The water reflected in them, and I could see myself mirrored in their depths. "I can''t believe that happened."


    "I''m proud of you for trusting your instincts," he said, his eyes never leaving mine.


    "Thank you. I just... I can''t wait for this week to be over. But I feel like things are only just beginning." I rested my head against his chest, listening to his steady heartbeat.


    "Just know I''ll always keep you safe." Ryder held me tight for a moment before tilting my chin up to kiss me. The kiss started gentle but deepened quickly. Soft moans drifted from the other side of the pond.


    I reached down and took hold of his dick, finding him already hard under the water. As I stroked him, Ryder slid two fingers inside me, our lips never breaking apart. I had to concentrate hard not to make a sound as waves of pleasure radiated through me from his


    touch.


    I pushed his shorts down, freeing his dick. Ryder pulled me closer, guiding his dick into me as Ama''s moans grew louder across the pond.


    What happened between Ryder and me wasn''t just sex-it was necessity. We needed each


    other in this moment, having once again narrowly escaped death. He moved slowly, taking his time. As he thrust in and out, our eyes remained locked. Waves of pleasure washed


    over me, making me forget everything except him and me, connected as one.


    Soon, our bodies trembled with release as he filled me again.


    "At this rate, if you don''t start pulling out, birth control is going to be pointless," I whispered in his ear.


    "I''m sorry," he murmured back. "I can''t help it. You feel too good." Chapter Comments


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