By the time they reached the villa, night had swallowed the grounds. The headlights swept across the gravel, illuminating a lone figure standing on the porch.
Max was there, ignoring the doctor's orders, his silhouette tall and imposing against the glow of the house.
The car hadn't even fully stopped before Ruby was out the door. She practically threw herself into his arms, the adrenaline of the chase finally crashing into relief. Max caught her with a low groan, his strength belying his injuries.
"You are okay, darling," he whispered into her ear, his breath warm against her skin. He didn't let her feet touch the ground, carrying her over the threshold and into the safety of their home as if she were the most precious cargo in the world.
An hour later, the house was quiet, save for the low murmur of Max's voice coming from the study. He was locked in an emergency online meeting, his face illuminated by the cold blue light of the monitor as he coordinated with Samuel.
