The Payout

The storm had finally broken, leaving the Neo-Verona skyline sparkling clean beneath the early morning sun.

Jax sat on the edge of the landing pad, a medical patch cooling his bruised ribs. Vesper stood next to him, her posture relaxed for the first time since he had met her.

Between them, sitting obediently on the concrete, was the glowing pink cyber-poodle.

"The brute is offline," Vesper said, checking her wrist monitor. "Apex Solutions is sending a secure transport for the asset. They've confirmed the payout."

Jax looked at the dog, then up at Vesper. "Fifty-fifty?"

"Fifty-fifty," Vesper agreed. She looked down at him, her expression softening. "You're still a chaotic nuisance, Vance."

"And you're still a stuck-up corporate snob, Locke." Jax smirked, slowly pushing himself to his feet. He stepped closer to her, invading her personal space. She didn't step back. "So, since we're both about to be obscenely rich... do you want to get a strictly professional drink to celebrate?"

Vesper rolled her eyes, but a genuine smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. She reached out, adjusting the crooked collar of his jacket.

"I hate you so much," she muttered.

"Right back at you, princess," Jax whispered.

Vesper pulled him in for another kiss, much softer this time, as the neon lights of the city slowly faded into the dawn.