Page 18 of The Alien's Runaway Bride

As if reading her mind, Vex leaned in. Their lips met in a kiss that started soft and tentative but quickly deepened, fueled by the pent-up attraction that had been simmering between them. Raelee’s hands slid up to tangle in Vex’s hair, pulling him closer as his arms tightened around her waist.

When they finally broke apart, both were breathing heavily. Raelee looked up at Vex, her heart pounding. “Wow,” she breathed.

Vex’s lips curved into a rare, genuine smile. “Wow, indeed.”

The moment was broken by a car horn honking. An elderly couple drove by, the old woman giving them a thumbs up as they passed. Raelee burst into laughter, burying her face in Vex’s chest.

“Come on,” she said, taking his hand. “I’m starving, and I know just the place.”

They gathered the shopping bags then drove to a nearby beach where a ramshackle food truck was serving burgers and fries. Still damp from the rain, they sat on the sand, devouring their greasy feast.

“You know,” Raelee said around a mouthful of fries, “I don’t think I’ve ever had a burger that tasted this good.”

Vex nodded, licking ketchup off his thumb in a way that shouldn’t have been as attractive as it was. “It’s certainly... unique.”

Raelee snorted. “That’s diplomatic speak for ‘It’s terrible but I’m too polite to say so,’ isn’t it? I bet you’re used to much fancier meals, Mr. Important.”

Vex’s eyes crinkled with amusement. “I wouldn’t dream of insulting your culinary choices. And please, I’m just Vex here. No titles, no responsibilities, remember?”

“Right,” Raelee laughed, tossing a fry at him. To her surprise, he caught it in his mouth, looking inordinately pleased with himself. “Just two normal people on a road trip.”

As the sun began to set, they lay back on the sand, watching the stars appear one by one. The comfortable silence between them felt charged with unspoken words and growing feelings.

“I’ve always felt like I was meant for something more,” she said softly, her eyes fixed on the darkening sky. “Not just being who my family wants me to be or some political pawn. I want to make a real difference in the world.”

Vex turned to look at her, his expression serious yet tender. “I believe you will,” he said, his voice low and earnest. “You have a strength in you, Raelee. A fire. It’s... remarkable.”

The sincerity in his voice made Raelee’s heart flutter. She propped herself up on one elbow, looking down at him. In thefading light, his features seemed softer, more open. “You really think so?”

Vex reached up, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. The gentle touch sent shivers down her spine. “I do,” he said. “I’ve never met anyone like you, Raelee. You’re passionate, driven, and unafraid to chase what you want. It’s truly inspiring.”

Warmth spread through her chest from his words. It wasn’t just flattery; she could see the genuine admiration in his eyes. “You’re pretty remarkable yourself,” she said softly. “I bet whatever it is you do, you’re amazing at it. But more than that... you see me. The real me, not just the persona I put on for the world.”

Their eyes met, and the air between them crackled. Slowly, giving him every chance to pull away, Raelee leaned down and kissed him.

This kiss was different from their first - slower, deeper, filled with tenderness that took Raelee’s breath away. Vex’s hand came up to tangle in her hair, pulling her closer as he deepened the kiss. It wasn’t just passion; there was a connection, an understanding that passed between them.

When she pulled back, Raelee trembled slightly. She looked at Vex, seeing her own mix of desire and newfound emotional depth reflected in his eyes.

“Vex,” she whispered, her voice wavering, “what are we doing?”

He reached up, cupping her cheek in his hand. His thumb traced her cheekbone, a gentle caress that spoke volumes. “I don’t know,” he admitted, his voice husky. “But I know I don’t want to stop. Not just... this,” he gestured between them, “but getting to know you. All of you.”

Raelee’s heart raced. She wanted this - wanted him - more than she’d ever wanted anything. But it wasn’t just physicalattraction anymore. She found herself craving his company, his insights, the way he made her feel seen and understood.

“I’m scared,” she confessed, dropping her forehead to rest against his. “I’ve never felt like this. It’s like... like you’re becoming a part of me, and we’ve only known each other a few days.”

Vex’s arms tightened around her, pulling her close. “I know,” he murmured. “I’m scared too. But, Raelee... I think this could be something special. If we let it.”

They spent the rest of the evening talking, laughing, and stealing kisses under the starry sky. As the night grew cooler, Vex pulled Raelee close, wrapping his arm around her. The physical closeness was comforting, but it was their conversation that truly brought them closer.

“Tell me something,” Raelee said, her head resting on his chest. She could hear the steady beat of his heart, a soothing rhythm. “Something you’ve never told anyone else.”

Vex was quiet for a long moment, his fingers tracing patterns on her arm. When he spoke, his voice was barely above a whisper, laden with vulnerability. “I’m terrified of failing,” he admitted. “Of not living up to expectations. Of... losing myself in the process of trying to be who everyone else wants me to be.”

Raelee lifted her head to look at him, surprised by his openness. In that moment, she saw beyond his strong, composed exterior to the man underneath – a man with fears and doubts just like her own.

“I understand that feeling,” she said softly, reaching up to trace the line of his jaw. “More than you know. It’s like... like you’re trapped in a role you never asked for. Always performing, never quite sure if the real you is good enough.”

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