Page 13 of The Alien's Runaway Bride

“Raelee,” he murmured, and the way he said her name undid her.

She stepped closer, diminishing the gap between them. Vex’s free hand traced a path up her arm, igniting a trail of fire on her skin. Her breath hitched, all thoughts of princes and promises dissolving in the heat of his touch.

“Vex,” she breathed, surrendering to the moment. With a boldness she hadn’t known she possessed, Raelee leaned in and pressed her lips to his.

The kiss was soft at first, tentative, as if they were both questioning the desire between them. But doubt quickly gave way to urgency, and their lips moved against each other with a growing hunger. Vex wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer.

Raelee threaded her fingers into Vex’s hair, tangling them in the dark locks as she deepened the kiss. He responded with alow growl of approval, pulling her closer until there was no space between them.

His mouth left hers, trailing kisses along her jawline and down her neck, finding that sensitive spot that made her gasp. Vex seemed to know exactly where to touch and how to move to send waves of pleasure coursing through her. She clung to him, her senses overwhelmed by the intensity of his attention, her body awakening to pleasures she’d never imagined.

And in that moment under the vast expanse of the night sky, Raelee gave herself over to the experience, to the man who had, against all reason, captured her heart.

Vex led her into the cabin and to the sofa, their lips never parting. He sat, tugging her to straddle him. Their kisses grew hotter, more insistent, as they explored each other’s bodies, losing themselves in the heated dance.

Raelee’s shorts and panties were the first to go, discarded in a tangled heap on the floor. Vex’s shirt followed, and then her T-shirt, until they were both naked, skin against skin in the cool night air.

Vex moaned, his eyes half-lidded with desire as he guided her hand to him, teaching her how to touch, how to please him.

She was entranced by the look on his face, by the power she wielded over him, as he writhed beneath her touch.

He moved her onto the sofa, his body between her legs, and Raelee gasped as he kissed his way down her stomach, leaving a trail of hot kisses in his wake. She arched her back, her fingers tangled in his hair, as he cover her pussy with his mouth.

Vex’s tongue danced over her, teasing her, pleasing her in ways she had only ever dreamed of. Raelee had never felt so wanted, so desired, as she did in that moment under Vex’s expert ministrations. As she neared the edge of ecstasy, her toes curled, she knew, this man had ruined her for all others.

“Vex,” she gasped, grabbing his shoulders, begging for more, pleading for release.

Vex didn’t disappoint. Moments later, an orgasm tore through her. She thrust her hips and gripped the edge of the cushion, riding the wave of bliss.

He stood, lifted her into his arms, and carried her to the bedroom. He pressed a kiss to her lips. “I need a condom.”

Thanks to Maya’sthoroughpreparations, Raelee pointed to the nightstand and rolled her eyes, but still grinned. “There’s a whole box in the top drawer.”

He pulled out a condom from the drawer and ripped it open then rolled it on his thick shaft. Lowering himself between her legs, he entered her in one swift motion. Raelee cried out, her back arching, her nails digging into the sheets.

He was everywhere, filling her, completing her, and she knew she had found her missing puzzle piece.

As they made love, their bodies intertwined, Raelee’s eyes locked with Vex’s and knew this was it. This was what she had been waiting for her entire life. The connection, the passion, the love.

And as they both reached their releases, their bodies shuddering and shaking together, she knew deep in her heart that she was home.

But she could never keep him because she was to marry someone else.

SIX

The first rays of dawn crept through the cabin’s weathered windows, painting golden stripes across Vexor’s face. His eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the unfamiliar softness of the bed and the even more unfamiliar warmth of the woman beside him. Raelee slept peacefully, her dark hair splayed across the pillow like a halo, her features relaxed in a way he’d never seen.

Vexor allowed himself a moment to drink in the sight of her. In sleep, she looked younger, more vulnerable. The sharp wit and fierce determination that had drawn him to her were momentarily softened, replaced by an innocence that tugged at something deep within his chest. A lock of hair had fallen across her face, and Vexor’s hand twitched with the urge to brush it away. He resisted, knowing that even that small touch might wake her.

Instead, he carefully extricated himself from the tangle of sheets, his movements slow and deliberate. As he stood, stretching his tall frame, the reality of their situation came crashing back. The peace of the moment shattered like fine crystal leaving behind a mess of jagged edges and uncomfortable truths.

Vexor ran a hand through his hair, mussing the usually impeccable style. He was a crown prince, for stars’ sake. He had responsibilities, duties that stretched across the vastness of space. And yet here he was, playing at being a regular guy all because he couldn’t bear to see the disappointment in Raelee’s eyes when she learned the truth.

He padded barefoot to the cabin’s small kitchen, his mind racing. The longer Raelee ran from her responsibilities, the greater the risk to both their planets. He needed to convince her to return, to face the reality of their situation. But the memory of her laughter and the way her eyes lit up with mischief and adventure made his chest ache. How could he take that newfound freedom from her?

The coffeemaker gurgled to life under his hands, filling the air with the rich aroma of freshly brewed java. It was a scent he’d grown to appreciate during his time on Earth, so different from the sharp, herbal teas of Tharvis. As he worked, he let his mind wander to the night before. The way Raelee had looked at him, her blue eyes dark with desire. The softness of her skin under his fingers. The taste of her lips, sweet and intoxicating.

Vexor shook his head, trying to clear the images from his mind. He was here to protect her, to guide her back to her obligations. Not to fall in... No. He wouldn’t even think the word.

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