Blades of Glory (Nashville Assassins Next Generation 4)

“It was,” I agree, cuddling into him. “I love you more, Aiden.”

He grins, his gray eyes full of such love and appreciation. “I was going to sing for you, but my balls hurt.”

I hold back my grin. “Well, after this, I can take you home and nurse them.”

His eyes dance with mischief. “I love the sound of that. And to think, in a month, I’ll have you locked in forever.”

My heart soars. “Aiden James Brooks, you’ve had me locked in since I was eleven.”

Gorgeous devotion fills his features. “Sorry I was late to the game.”

I shrug. “It doesn’t matter when you show up—it matters how you play it.”

He nods. “Well, I play to win, Shelli Adler.”

“Good, because I’m in it for the W.”

He kisses me then, a deep kiss that I feel all over. When we part, I look out into the crowd, all the couples of my childhood, hugged up and gazing at us with so much love. My heart about blows up in my chest. How I was lucky enough to grow up watching these amazing people love each other, fight for each other, and work together as a unit to give not only me a good life, but all of us Assassins’ kids, is awe-inspiring. I want to be just like them. I want to make a difference in my community. I want to love my friends and take care of them. I want to love my husband more than he can handle, and when it’s time for kids, I want to make those children proud of who their mother is.

And if there is one thing to know about me, it’s that I always work for what I want.

And I get it. Just ask Aiden.