My arms stayed wrapped around Jude, my cheek pressed lightly against his back, like if I held on just a second longer, I could stay right there in that moment.
Safe.
Warm.
Exactly where I wanted to be.
The engine cut, the quiet settling around us, but I didn’t let go.
“You okay?”Jude asked, glancing back at me over his shoulder.
“There are people in there, Jude,” I said, lowering my voice like it was some big secret.
He blinked at me for half a second, and then he laughed.“Yeah, beautiful.”
I tightened my hold on him for a second before finally pulling back.“They’re going to see us.”
He turned more fully now, one boot hitting the pavement as he looked at me like I’d just said something confusing.“You don’t want to be seen with me?”
I slapped his shoulder.“Of course I want to be seen with you,” I said quickly.“I just wanted to make sure thatyouwere okay with being seen withme.”
That seemed to hit him differently.
His expression shifted, something softer flashing through his eyes before he shook his head.“I’d much rather be naked in bed with you,” he said, voice low, “but I’m liking the idea of everyone seeing you with me.”
My breath caught.“Seriously?”
He leaned in, brushing his lips against mine.Soft and slow, but enough to make my stomach flip.“Dead serious.”
I smiled before I could stop myself.
I liked that.
A lot.
I swung my leg over and climbed off the bike, smoothing my hands down my jeans as I tried to act like my entire world hadn’t tilted in the past twenty-four hours.
I was wearing fitted dark jeans and a soft off-the-shoulder top that showed just a hint of skin, enough to feel pretty without feeling like I was trying too hard.My hair fell loose around my shoulders, and for once, I hadn’t overthought it.
Jude, on the other hand—God.
Dark jeans, worn boots, his cut over a fitted black T-shirt that stretched just right across his chest and arms.
Like always, he looked like trouble.The good kind.
The kind I didn’t want to avoid anymore.
He slid off the bike and reached for my hand without hesitation, threading his fingers through mine like it was the most natural thing in the world.
And just like that, we walked inside together.
The Social Club was busy.Louder than usual for a Tuesday.Music played from the speakers, the clink of glasses and bursts of laughter filling the space.The place felt alive.
Normal.
We headed straight for the bar.where Adley leaned against it with one hand resting on her growing belly and a relaxed smile on her face.Thorn stood behind the bar, already juggling three different drink orders at once like it was nothing.
Penny was across the room, weaving between tables with a tray balanced on one hand.
