Power Play (Nashville Assassins Next Generation 2)

“That’s what I heard, but he doesn’t like the guy.” I run my hands down her arms before cupping her breasts. “Aiden tried to get me to kick Nico’s ass.”

She cocks her head. “How?”

“Said that you two almost hooked up.”

She turns fully in the bath. “Aiden is such a jackass. It wasn’t like that at all.”

“It wasn’t?” I ask, and she tips her head.

“Okay, so I tried to fuck him.”

My eyes widen. “Oh, wow. Crazy turn of events here.”

She holds up her palms to me. “I was super drunk and devastated that my dad sent Maxim away. I felt like a loser and thought that maybe he didn’t want me because I was a virgin. So I thought, throw the card away, and boom, he’ll want me. It didn’t work out. I almost drowned instead.”

“Almost drowned?”

“I fell in the ocean, and Shelli left me there.”

I sputter with laughter. “She didn’t.”

“She did. I question why I’m her maid of honor.”

I laugh, but then I furrow my brow. “Maxim knew you were a virgin?”

Gone is her laughter, replaced by a really shy demeanor. “Yeah, I told him one night in the hope he would take the damn thing. But he just said, ‘Oh, someone special will take it.’” She then looks up, pointing at me. “Hey, he was right.”

I scoff. “Don’t kiss my ass.”

“What? It was way before you.”

“I know, but that doesn’t mean I’m not jealous of both of them.”

I don’t even know why I am jealous. Those dudes mean nothing; she was put on this earth for me. But I don’t like the thought of both those losers having the opportunity to be her first time. I know good and well they wouldn’t have taken care of her. No, that was my job. I was put on this earth to show her what it is like to be thoroughly loved by a real man. I want to teach her everything. I want to be all her firsts and all her lasts. No one will take that joy, that gift from me.

It’s mine.

She’s mine.

She gives me a deadpan look. “Please. I could see either of them tomorrow and be completely unfazed. Remember just a few seconds ago when you said I was your person?” She points to herself. “Same thing here. I couldn’t have asked for a better guy to skate into my life and throw me offside.”

I’m impressed. “Good hockey reference.”

“Right? I was proud of that.” She beams at me, and my heart soars.

“I love how you smile.”

Her grin grows. “You’re my dude. My only dude.” She cups my face, squishing my lips so they pucker. “I love only you, Boon Zachariah Hoenes.”

As I gaze into her eyes, I know her words are true, and I feel as if nothing can touch me. I’m loved by the most incredibly gorgeous woman on this earth, and she’s all mine. Yeah, we sound like an old married couple because that’s where we’re heading. I don’t know when, but it’s going to happen. I can feel it. She presses her lips to mine, and I wrap my arms around her, lifting her so we’re out of the water. She screeches but laughs at the same time. That is, until I bend her over the side of the tub.

Once I’m done with her, there’s one hell of a mess, but it is totally worth it.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Posey

Boon: I love you.

My heart soars as I lean on the counter, gazing at my screen.

Me: I love you.

Boon: I miss you.

I beam.

Me: I miss you.

Boon: How’s the penthouse?

I look around the penthouse my mom booked us for the first stop of our five-day road trip. I took Boon’s advice and told her I wasn’t sleeping well. My mom, being the amazing mom she is, wanted me to feel better, so she suggested reserving the penthouse since she knew it would be top-of-the-line clean. Boon was right, and I do feel a little better about sleeping here. But I can’t shake his mom’s words. I can’t obsess over them, though, not with how run-down I’m still feeling. I’m unsure why. I got my meds fixed and I’ve started them, but I still don’t feel right.

Me: It’s nice.

Boon: That’s cool. Did my mom text you?

I roll my eyes. I’m not trying to be an asshole, but his mom’s apology didn’t seem genuine to me. Maybe I was raised differently, but I feel you should call to apologize, not text. Also, I don’t know if I want to forgive her. Her accusations were hurtful, and while, yes, they pushed me to profess my love for Boon, her behavior was uncalled-for.

Me: She did.

Boon: I don’t know. I’m really upset by it all. But would you be willing to give her another chance?

I don’t want to.

Me: I will, for you.

Boon: You’re the best, Posey.