A Night at the Estate

Anna blinked against the breeze, pointing toward her black Ducati Panigale V4 R parked near the valet curb.

"Sir... my bike is right there. I can ride back."

Jude looked at her, noticing her balance was off even on flat ground.

"Your reaction time is cut in half," Jude said. "You aren't riding a 200-horsepower bike tonight. Leave the keys with Raymond's staff. You're coming with me."

Anna usually avoided being in enclosed spaces alone with Jude to maintain professional distance, but her head was pounding. Without the energy to argue, she let him open the door of the Koenigsegg and helped her down into the passenger seat.

The moment her head hit the headrest, her eyes closed.

Jude leaned across the console to pull the harness over her shoulder.

Before he could latch the buckle, Anna's arms came up, locking around his shoulders and pulling him down against her chest.

"Don't go..." she murmured, her face pressed against his lapel.