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He cradled her close and tantalizingly continued to inspire and lift her through his luscious kisses. Chalisa was lost and found in his arms. How could they ever be ripped apart?
They kissed until a loud rap came on their door.
Aiden released her but took her hand. “Duty calls, eh?”
“Duty stinks.”
He laughed, but there was too much truth to her statement. His duty would keep them apart. It stunk horribly.
They walked to the door and Aiden swung it wide.
Kingston was hulking and looking irritated. “You two ready?”
“To destroy some SEALs? Always.” Aiden winked at her.
“Good. I heard one of them was hitting on Chalisa.”
“I’ll demolish him for it. Don’t worry,” Aiden said.
“Oh my.” Chalisa laughed and shook her head. His jealousy and overprotectiveness of her was endearing.
Kingston gave her a side hug. “I’ve already warned those two what will happen if they injure my sister-in-law.”
Aiden’s hand tightened around hers. “Good. I’ll add a second warning.”
“Perfect.” Kingston smiled at Aiden.
Chalisa’s heart missed a beat. Kingston approved of Aiden now. These two tough men both wanted to protect her. But it wouldn’t matter come Monday. She’d be back in California working at the hospital and her centers, her family would be here on Magna, and Aiden would be gone forever.
They walked together down to breakfast. Luckily, the SEALs, Mercedes, and Shawn were not there.
Everybody was in high spirits, teasing and laughing. Except for her mom and Reagan. She understood their worries. She didn’t think either of the men would try to hurt her, but they had to beat her at the joust, sword-fighting, and hand-to-hand combat somehow.
Aiden never left her side and often reassured her with a touch or a look. Even still, she could hardly eat a few bites and her nerves reached a frenzied pitch when they all proceeded to the stadium. The Magnum family surrounded her and Aiden. The princes and princesses all cheered as if they’d already won.
The royals peeled off to go to their seats, calling encouragement and well-wishes. Her mom and Reagan hugged her, and she got a squeeze from Hope. People from Magna were pouring into the arena. She would fail before a huge crowd.
“Please be careful,” her mom begged.
“Of course.” But it wasn’t really her being careful that was the issue.
Chalisa’s stomach churned, and she wished she hadn’t eaten anything. Aiden and Kingston escorted her to the building attached to the stadium that had a weight room, the stables, some military offices and meeting rooms, and the equipment rooms.
Jagger and Hays were walking out of the equipment room with Mercedes and Shawn. Jagger was already outfitted in armor and a helmet, the visor open. Hays carried his own armor.
“There they are.” Mercedes grinned and waved both hands. She looked very pale and thin this morning. Maybe she had nerves like Chalisa.
“Good morning,” Aiden said.
“Morning,” Hays said, tilting his chin as his arms were full.
“Chalisa.” Mercedes rushed to her and took her hands. “I’m nervous about you doing these events, but Prince Alaric assured me they can protect you with extra padding in your armor.”
“It’ll be all right,” Shawn assured her. “Julie and I have planned this all out and the prince and the general know what they’re doing.”
“Hays and I will make certain we don’t hurt you,” Jagger said, giving Chalisa an encouraging smile and nod.
“That’s wise of you, Lemuel.” Aiden put a protective arm around her and pulled her close. “If you so much as scratch Chalisa, I will thrash you worse than I’m already planning to.”
