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Kingston released Reagan and started toward Aiden.
“Kingston,” Reagan begged.
Kingston’s hand darted out and Chalisa was certain he was going to knock Aiden down. Yet Aiden had proven he could more than hold his own. She should be more worried about her brother-in-law going another round.
Kingston’s hand stopped and was splayed to shake. “That was incredible,” he said gruffly. “You have to teach me.”
Chalisa blinked at her brother-in-law, shocked once again.
Aiden, of course, only grinned and shook Kingston’s hand as if he’d just beat him in a civilized game of golf or cricket. “I don’t believe I’ve ever met your equal, General.” There was respect in Aiden’s voice. That wasn’t something she’d heard before.
“Ditto,” Kingston grunted.
“You haven’t fought me yet,” Stuart said, jutting out his chest.
Aiden released Kingston’s hand. “Let’s do it.”
“Oh, my!” Chalisa finally burst out. “Are you just going to fight all night?”
The men all looked around to her.
“Can we?” Stuart asked, an eager light in his dark-brown eyes.
“No.” Reagan put her hand on her husband’s arm. “But you can let Aiden teach you his ninja moves until five-thirty, then hurry back and get ready for dinner.”
“I love you,” Kingston said in a husky voice, then bent and gave her a lingering kiss.
Aiden glanced at Chalisa. The stark longing in his gaze made her want to show him what he’d been missing by not kissing her the past three months. She wanted to assess and treat any wound he might have and then kiss any spots that didn’t hurt.
Kingston gave Reagan one more kiss, released her, and rubbed his hands together. “Let’s do this.”
Nothing riled Kingston. Chalisa had rarely seen him this excited.
Reagan walked to her and said, “Let’s go. We have time to chat before we get ready for dinner.”
Chalisa let her sister lead her away as the men all converged on Aiden. She glanced back. He was watching her go. He put his fist to his heart and gave her a smoldering look before focusing back on Kingston.
“What in the world?” Reagan said.
“What?” Chalisa couldn’t catch her breath. She’d felt that look clear down to her toes.
“I thought I’d seen Aiden do that earlier but wasn’t certain. Kingston always focuses on me and puts his gloved hand to his heart before he jousts and after he wins.”
“Oh, yeah.” Chalisa had seen her brother-in-law do that.
Sadly, this was very different. When Kingston brought his hand to his heart, it meant he was wholly devoted to Reagan. It meant nothing like that for her and Aiden. She meant nothing to him, just another woman to flirt and tease with.
Pain lanced through her, more intense than she’d felt the last three miserable months.
Aiden was right here—smiling, teasing, touching her. And he’d never be hers.
Chapter
Six
Aiden spent an enjoyable hour and a half with Kingston, Stuart, Wes, and Kingston’s cousin Commander Alaric, with several dozen royal guards watching on. Thankfully, Garrett either lost interest or was ready for a break as he left not long after Chalisa and Reagan.
He had a great time working with and teasing with all of them. He even found himself liking Kingston. The man was gruff and rarely smiled, but he was a good guy. If only Ike could be here; they could teach even more men with Ike’s help.
