Crash into love

Romantic moments

Ryder's doctor, Dr. Lee, arrived swiftly. Examined Anya. Ryder paced anxiously. "What's wrong with her?"
Dr. Lee's expression grave. "She's been drugged." Ryder's eyes narrowed. "Who?" Dr. Lee hesitated. "Can't say yet."
"But she'll be okay?" Dr. Lee nodded. "She'll wake up by tomorrow morning."

Ryder's relief mixed with anger. "Ensure she's safe." Dr. Lee nodded. "I'll monitor her." Ryder watched as Dr. Lee worked.

Flashes of the night replayed. Victoria's smug grin. Nicolas's concerned face. Ryder's jaw clenched. Victoria would pay for this. He called his head of security. "Investigate tonight's event." "Find out who drugged Anya." "Report back to me." Ryder's eyes never left Anya, unconscious, vulnerable. He vowed no one would harm her again. Not on his watch.

As the night wore on Ryder sat beside Anya watching over her. His heart unexpectedly ached for this woman he barely knew yet he couldn't bear the thought of losing her.

It was early in the morning Anya's eyes fluttered open. Ryder's concerned face filled her vision. She lay in an unfamiliar room. Her dress was changed. Ryder sat beside her. Sleeping. Anya's tears flowed. Ryder stirred. "Wake up, sleepyhead," he whispered. Anya's sobs intensified. Ryder's expression turned worried. "What's wrong?"

"Who... changed my clothes?" Anya slammered.

A sly grin spread across Ryder's face. "I did." Anya's tears turned into hysterical sobs. Ryder burst into laughter. "No, no! Not me!" He chuckled. "I asked Emma, my housekeeper, to help."

Anya's cries subsided. Embarrassment replaced fear. Ryder's expression softened. "How are you feeling now?" Anya rubbed her temples. "Headache." Confusion etched her face. "How elid I ended up here?"

Ryder's eyes locked onto hers. "You were drugged." Victoria's malicious plans unfolded. Ryder's voice turned serious. " Why did you drink so much?" Anya's gaze dropped. "I didn't know it was spiked." Ryder's jaw clenched. "I'll handle Victoria."

Anya's eyes widened. "Victoria?" Ryder's expression darkened. "She's behind this." Anya's memories returned. The party, Nicolas, and Victoria's sly smile. Anya's thoughts swirled. "Why would Victoria do this?" She barely knew Victoria. Ryder's voice interrupted her thoughts. " I have the CCTV footage." His eyes narrowed. " Proof of Victoria's sabotage." He stood up. " I'll handle this." Anya nodded.

Ryder's determination reassured her. " I'll talk to Robert." He dialed a number. "Old business partner." Anya rose from the bed. " I need to freshen up." But her legs betrayed her. Dizziness struck. Ryder's reflexes kicked in. He wrapped his arms around her protectively pulling her close. Anya's breathing hitched. Ryder's chest pressed against hers. His warmth enveloped her.

For a moment, they forgot everything. Victoria, the sabotage, the business. Ryder's eyes locked onto Anya's. His gaze dropped to her lips. Anya's heart skipped a beat. Their faces inches apart. Tension crackled. Ryder's voice whispered. "Steady?" Anya nodded. Her  voice barely audible. "Yes" Ryder's arms lingered reluctant to let go. As they stood there entwined, the air thickened with unspoken emotions.

"Robert can wait," Ryder said. " I need to take care of you first." Anya's surprise turned to gratitude. Ryder's gentle side stunned her. Before she could react he scooped her up. Carried her to her room. "Gently pick a dress, " he instructed. Anya's cheeks flushed. Ryder deposited her onto the bed. "Bathroom's through there," he pointed. "I'll wait outside."
" If you need anything, call." His thoughtfulness touched Anya. She nodded. Ryder's eyes crinkled. " Take your time." He closed the door leaving Anya to freshen up.

As she showered. Anya pondered Ryder's actions from anger to tenderness. His contradictions fascinated her. She selected a simple dress and opened the door. Ryder leaned against the wall arms crossed watching her with warmth. "All set?" He asked. Anya nodded. Ryder offered his arm. "Let's get some breakfast."