1 Last Shot (The Fight Game, #4)

by Nikki Castle

If Kane's seen any happiness in his life, there isn't a hint of it on his face.

I can't help

but wonder if that's a good descriptor of Kane as a person: shrouded by darkness at first glance, but with so much fiery light hidden beneath the surface.

“You have no idea how annoying it is to know that you can do that without even trying.” I let out a bark of startled laughter. Fuck, when was the last time someone made me laugh?

"Are you okay?" he demands in a voice that is somehow equal parts urgent and comforting. "Did he hurt you?"

"I got tired of always having to fight,” I add. “I needed to get away from it all."

"Or maybe you were tired of surviving," she says absentmindedly, her gaze on where she's twirling

her empty mug. "Maybe you wanted to learn how to...

“Good girl,” Kane praises, those two words doing more to me than my first boyfriend managed to do in an entire year. I think Kane knows it, too, because his lip twitches when I feel my cheeks flame.

"You play the part, but it's just an act, isn't it? Underneath all that lace and sweetness, you're actually a tigress.

You're strong, and passionate, and you’re so fucking sexy."

"People always just see the ballet dancer."

"A travesty," I murmur. "They're missing the best parts of you."

You could be the greatest dancer that ever lived, and I'd still think the rest of you was more valuable."

And it hits me that this didn’t feel the way that sex usually feels. Not even close. We were too good, too in sync, too… perfect for each other.

"What on earth does unhappy Kane look like?" I wonder sarcastically as I lean down to pull the pan out and set it on the stovetop.

I'm so mesmerized by the sight of our cheesy, perfect meal, I don't realize Kane has stepped up behind me until his arms go around my waist. He tightens his grip and nuzzles into my neck, and his voice is quiet when he says, "It's getting harder and harder to remember."

I can barely get the words out myself. But after blinking away tears, I tell him in an overwhelmed whisper, “I love you, too. So much.”

And if I thought Kane’s first smile was one I’d never forget, it’s nothing compared to the one I get right now.