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Chalisa watched Aiden ride toward Gerald, the stable manager, his back straight and his head tilted up proudly. He dismounted, handed over the still-intact lance and the reins, and nodded his thanks to Gerald. She wondered if he’d go get a drink or something to have a little break, but he tugged his helmet off, turned, saw her, and strode right to her.
Her heartbeat picked up. She and Kingston started toward him. Wes and Stuart came behind them. They met in the middle and it felt like every eye on the stadium was on them, but she didn’t care. She only cared that Aiden knew how incredible he was.
His blue eyes weren’t twinkling, but he definitely wasn’t pouting.
“You did amazing,” she said as they reached him, throwing her arms around his neck and kissing him hard on the mouth.
The Magnites cheered for the kiss as if he had won.
Aiden pulled back and smiled at her. “I guess sometimes I need a little humbling.”
“I love your over confidence.”
He chuckled and held her close. The armor prevented her from feeling him, but at least they were together and he was being great about not winning an event.
“It is the first event you haven’t been top in.”
“First thing I’ve lost since I was sixteen.” He winked at her, and she remembered him saying he hadn’t lost to his brother since he was sixteen.
“You did well,” Kingston said. “The man was raised on a horse.” He glanced over to where Jagger had dismounted and was talking with Mercedes, Shawn, and Hays. “I think I’ll challenge him to a private joust before he flies home.”
“You and me both,” Stuart chimed in. He slapped Aiden on the shoulder. “You seriously did great. Thanks to my training. Don’t repeat this, but I used to lose to everybody before I became an expert on a horse. You hung with an experienced steeplechaser. That’s impressive.”
“Thank you. I appreciate all of your help.” Aiden nodded to each man and then focused on her. “You ready for your last event?”
“Ready to be done for the day,” she admitted. Initially Mercedes had said there was another event on Saturday, but she hadn’t looked much past these events.
“And be all alone with me in our suite?” He pumped his eyebrows.
“Knock it off,” Kingston growled. “Or I’ll have her mother come stay the night.”
They all laughed at that.
Aiden directed her over to the sparring ring where she slipped into the pads and head gear they had ready for her. He gave her a soft kiss and then she had to walk out and face Hays. She wasn’t afraid. Hays was a nice guy. He wasn’t going to start hitting her or anything.
As soon as Kingston whistled, Hays moved toward her. “I forfeit,” she said loudly. She knew Hays would’ve gently pinned her like Jagger did, but she didn’t want to go through that again.
Kingston called the match and Hays nodded to her then turned and strode off. Aiden was right there. He pulled her in. She cuddled against him, wishing he was out of the armor. Kissing her forehead, he said, “You did it. You’re all done.”
“Yeah.” She glanced up at him. “Sadly, I think I got a total of,” she calculated in her mind, “nine points.”
“You did fabulous. These guys are exceptional. Not as exceptional as me, but …”
She laughed.
Prince Bodi announced that Lieutenant West won ten points in hand to hand combat. There was a smattering of applause. Chalisa thought he might announce their points totals, but he didn’t. She knew they were behind. Even if Aiden got all the points for the sword, they might still be lacking. Maybe tomorrow they could catch up. She wanted to win the money but was starting to despair if they could.
Prince Bodi announced, “And our final event of the day. The sword fight between Captain Jagger Lemuel and your favorite retired Captain Aiden Porter!”
The fans hooted and cheered for Aiden. He released one arm from Chalisa’s back and waved and grinned for all of them.
Then he bent and kissed Chalisa, and they cheered louder. Chalisa wondered if she’d ever get used to the thrill of kissing him. She wouldn’t really have a chance to, so she relished every second.
He released her. “All right, love. Let me win this sword fight and shower so I can kiss you for a very long time.”
“Lovely plan.” She backed up.
He put his fist to his heart, and she grinned and returned the gesture. He winked and gave her the most appealing smolder she’d ever seen.
