The Chase is Over (Nashville Assassins Next Generation 5)

“Aw, baby doll, don’t say that,” he says, gripping my waist in his hands and pulling me flush with him. “We both know the heat between us is undeniable.”

I look up at him as he towers over me, and he’s right; it is undeniable. I’d love to get lost in his kisses and his body like no other, but my heart is already wanting to play the game. I refuse to have it shattered by Wesley McMillan. He is one damaged dude, and he doesn’t have any plans on giving his heart away. My brother may not think I listen, but I do, and if I’ve learned anything from him and my parents, it’s that I have to protect my heart. I pat Wes’s chest before I kiss him hard on the lips. I almost allow myself to fall into the kiss, especially when he cups my ass in his hands, but I pull away, moving out of his arms.

“It is undeniable, the heat, but it isn’t enough for me.”

“Come on, Stella. We could have fun.”

I nod. “We could, but do you plan on telling my brother about our fun?” His eyes widen, and I can see the apprehension on his face. “Exactly. When you’re ready to tell him that you enjoy feeling up his sister and want to see where it goes, come find me. Until then, though, stay away and have a nice life.”

And with all the confidence and self-worth that have been passed down to me from my incredible mother and every woman in my life, I walk away from someone I know could break me in two.

I walk into the barn that has held the most gorgeous wedding I’ve ever been to in my entire life, and I’ve been to a lot. It seems I’ve gone to every wedding for the Assassins’ players and seen some incredible couples who are so in love. But none of them have been what Aiden and Shelli’s wedding has. From the start, I’ve watched two people fall in love all over again, I swear it. I thought that the example of love my dad and mom have given me was one to set my standards to, but nothing can or will ever compare to Shelli and Aiden.

I watch as my brother holds his bride in his arms, so close, so intimately, like no one else is in the room. It’s so hard to be a careless teenager when you see things like that. I could have had sex with Wes and been happy as a pig in mud, but I would never have with Wes what they have with each other. His soul is made of ice, and his dick has no loyalties.

I want more than that.

I deserve more than that.

Epilogue

Shelli

As the spotlight centers on me, chills run through my body like they always do.

I sigh, telling the story in the way I was born to do.

I feel the audience’s tears, their love for this show, for my character, for everything that I’ve worked so hard to provide them with. It’s my last number, the ending of the show. I always get emotional when I know it’s my last time onstage for a production. As I move along the stage, singing, tears roll down my face, but tears not of sadness, of happiness instead.

Not because it’s over, but because my husband is in the front row.

Even with the spotlight, I can see Aiden leaning on his legs, in awe of me. He was there opening night and any other night he could be. I almost didn’t think he’d make it for tonight, my last show, but after winning against Tampa last night, he flew straight here. This morning before I left, he whispered in my ear that he “wouldn’t miss this for the world.” And he showed up, even with how tired he is, but that’s Aiden. He’s always there for me when I want or need him.

These last six months haven’t been easy, but they haven’t been hard. If that makes sense. We kept the promise to each other to have a meal together daily. We always said good night to the other, and we didn’t go long throughout the day without an I love you text. We also never went more than a week without seeing each other in person. I’ve paid so much money in gas for my mom’s plane, and I don’t care one bit. I’ll pay for it over and over again if I’m on the receiving end of Aiden’s kisses. It could be for only a couple hours, but we’d see each other. We’d kiss, and we’d most certainly make love. One of my favorite things about Aiden Brooks is his passion, and his passion for me is without compare. We made it work, and I’m so thankful we did. For this was an opportunity I would have regretted not taking.