Page 19 of The Alien's Runaway Bride

Vex caught her hand, pressing a kiss to her palm. The tender gesture made Raelee’s breath catch. “The real you is morethan good enough, Raelee,” he said, his eyes intense. “You’re extraordinary.”

She leaned in, kissing him gently. It was a kiss of comfort, of understanding, of a connection that went far beyond physical attraction. When they parted, Raelee felt as if something fundamental had shifted between them.

“You know,” she said, settling back against his chest, “I’ve always kept people at arm’s length. It felt safer that way. But with you... I want to let you in. And that’s terrifying and exhilarating all at once.”

Vex’s arms tightened around her. “I know exactly what you mean,” he murmured into her hair. “I’ve spent so long being what others expect me to be. But with you, I feel like I can just... be. It’s liberating.”

As they lay there, sharing their hopes, fears, and dreams, Raelee felt the last of her walls crumbling. She found herself opening up about things she’d never shared with anyone – her insecurities about living up to her family’s legacy.

And Vex listened. Really listened. He offered insights, shared his own experiences, and made her laugh with dry observations about the absurdities of life in the public eye. With each word exchanged, each shared laugh, each moment of vulnerable honesty, Raelee felt herself falling deeper.

It wasn’t just attraction anymore. It wasn’t even just liking who he was. She was beginning to need him – his strength, his understanding, the way he challenged her to be her best self while accepting her flaws.

As the night wore on and the stars wheeled overhead, Raelee found herself imagining a future with Vex by her side. It was a dangerous thought, given the realities waiting for them at the end of this road trip. But in that moment, wrapped in his arms with the sound of the waves in the background, it felt possible.

When they finally decided to find a hotel, Raelee felt as if she was floating. The drive was quiet, but comfortable, filled with stolen glances and soft smiles. Her burner cell phone buzzed with a text.

Maya:Are you okay?

Rae:Yes. Sorry I haven’t checked in. Just enjoying my time with the hunk sharing this road trip with me.

Maya:Name?

Rae:Vex. He’s out of my wildest dreams.

Maya:Then make those dreams xxx-rated and have fun. Stay safe. Text or call if you need me.

As they neared a hotel, reality began to creep back in. Raelee’s heart felt heavy as she remembered the arranged marriage waiting for her and the responsibilities she’d run from. But for the first time, those burdens felt a little lighter. Because now she had Vex – someone who understood and saw her for who she really was.

Vex seemed to sense her mood shift. He reached over, taking her hand and bringing it to his lips. “Hey,” he said softly, his eyes never leaving the road, “whatever you’re worrying about? We’ll figure it out. Together.”

Raelee’s heart swelled at his words. It wasn’t just empty reassurance; she could hear the determination in his voice, see it in the set of his jaw. He meant it.

“Together,” she echoed, squeezing his hand. “I like the sound of that.”

As they walked into the hotel, hand in hand, Raelee felt a mix of emotions. There was still uncertainty about the future, still fear about what would happen when their road trip ended. But overshadowing all of that was a new feeling – hope.

Because somehow, in the span of a few days, this mysterious man had become more than just an attractive stranger or a fundistraction. He’d become a confidante, a partner, someone she could imagine building a life with.

As she fell asleep that night, Vex’s arm around her waist and his steady breathing in her ear, Raelee allowed herself to dream of a future where she could make a difference in the world with Vex by her side. Of a love that was strong enough to overcome whatever obstacles lay ahead.

EIGHT

The forest breathed around them, alive with the soft rustling of leaves and distant bird calls.

On the spur of the moment, they decided to rent a cabin at one of the state parks and bond with nature. Though Raelee wasn’t used to such rugged terrain, she wasn’t about to back down.

“You sure come prepared for a hike,” she joked.

“Why do you say that?”

“The bag filled with snacks, water, and even a first aid kit?” She laughed.

“You never know what you might need. I have to be prepared.”

“I like a man who takes precaution,” she grinned. “Especially with snacks.”

Raelee’s boots crunched over a carpet of pine needles as she matched Vex’s long strides. The morning had started peacefully enough, but an undercurrent of tension thrummed beneath the surface. They were fugitives, after all, even if this felt more like a romantic getaway than a desperate escape.

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