I opened my mouth, but nothing came out.
So I only held on.
My fingers curled tighter around his like maybe—if I gripped hard enough—he’d never slip away. Like maybe this was finally something I wouldn’t lose.
Aiden let out a slow breath, flipping my hand in his, his calloused fingers dragging rough, lazy patterns across my palm.
“Aiden?” I asked, barely above a whisper.
His fingers stilled, his eyes flicking up to meet mine. For the first time in my life, Aiden looked nervous.
He lifted my hand to his lips, pressing one slow, careful kiss against my bare ring finger.
My heart stopped.
My breath caught.
“All mine,” he said with a smile, his voice rough, teasing, but laced with something deeper. “Forever.”
A deep wave of peace rolled through me at the words.
For a second, I could picture it—flashes of something I hadn’t dared to dream.
Aiden at the end of an aisle.
His leather jacket traded for something sharp, black, and just as lethal.
The look in his eyes as he watched me walk toward him.
A vow whispered against my lips.
I let out a shaky breath, shaking my head. “You are the absolute worst.”
His grin widened. “And yet, you’re still here.”
I rolled my eyes, unbuckling my seatbelt. “Don’t think this means I’m saying yes yet.”
He laughed. “Thatyetis the best word I’ve ever heard.”
This was all mine, forever.
I leaned over, my lips meeting his as he tried to pull me in. He hissed in pain, but kissed me harder.
“Good luck knowing how long you will have to wait.”
“I’ve learned I have plenty of ways that will make you give in. I might even try my hand at blackmail. I don’t think I need luck now.”
And for the first time, I knew I wasn’t in control. I had a strong feeling Aiden had already decided how the rest of our story would go.
And I knew I was going to love every second of it.
Chapter 47
Evie
Irolled my bike up to the open bay door of Maverick Moto, the engine still humming beneath me. An hour on the road hadn’t cleared my head as much as I’d hoped.
But I was really trying to get myself on better terms with Ice Weasel.
