Page 42 of The Alien's Runaway Bride

Vex’s eyebrows shot up, a mix of surprise and desire flashing across his face. For a moment, he was speechless, caught off guard by Raelee’s boldness. Then, a slow, almost predatory grin spread across his features.

“Why, Lady Arison,” he drawled, his deep voice dropping to a husky whisper, “are you proposing we engage in some... interplanetary relations?”

Raelee’s laugh was rich and warm, sending a shiver down Vex’s spine. “I’m merely suggesting that as Earth’s ambassador, it’s my duty to... thoroughly explore all aspects of Tharvisian culture.”

Vex stepped closer, his body heat mingling with hers in the narrow space between them. “Well, far be it from me to impede diplomatic efforts,” he murmured, his breath hot against her ear. “I believe I know just the place for such... delicate negotiations.”

He took her hand, leading her away from the main palace and to a secluded wing. As they walked, Vex couldn’t help but marvel at the turn of events. Hours ago, he’d been worried Raelee would never forgive him. Now, the tension between them was electric, charged with possibilities.

They reached an ornate door, inlaid with swirling patterns that seemed to move in the dim light. Vex placed his palm against it, and the door silently swung open, revealing a luxurious suite.

“My private chambers,” he explained, suddenly feeling a touch nervous. “I thought we might appreciate some privacy.”

Raelee stepped inside, her eyes widening as she took in the opulent surroundings. The room was a perfect blend of alien aesthetics and familiar comforts. A massive bed dominated one wall, its sheets shimmering with an otherworldly iridescence. Living plants curled around floating orbs of light, casting a soft, intimate glow.

“Wow,” Raelee breathed, turning in a slow circle. “This is... not what I expected.”

Vex chuckled, closing the door behind them. “What did you expect? A spartan military barracks?”

“Maybe,” she admitted with a grin. “Or some kind of high-tech pod. Definitely not... this.” She gestured to the room, her gaze lingering on the inviting bed.

The air between them thickened, charged with unspoken desire. Vex took a step toward her, his heart pounding. “Raelee,” he began, his voice rough with emotion, “I want you to know that we don’t have to?—“

His words were cut off as Raelee closed the distance between them, pulling him down into a searing kiss. All thoughts of restraint evaporated as Vex wrapped his arms around her, pulling her flush against him.

The kiss deepened. Vex’s hands roamed over Raelee’s back, tracing the curve of her spine while her fingers tangled in his hair. When they finally broke apart, both were breathing heavily.

“I’ve missed you,” Raelee whispered, her blue eyes dark with desire. “Even when I was angry, even when I thought I hated you... I missed you.”

Vex’s heart swelled at her words. He cupped her face in his hands, his thumbs gently stroking her cheeks. “I missed you too,” he confessed. “More than I thought possible.”

Their lips met again, softer this time but no less passionate. Slowly, they made their way to the bed, shedding clothes as they went. Each newly revealed expanse of skin was explored with reverent touches and heated kisses.

As they fell onto the bed together, Vex paused, hovering over Raelee. He drank in the sight of her, light hair splayed out on the iridescent sheets, cheeks flushed, eyes bright with desire.

“You’re beautiful,” he murmured, trailing a finger along the curve of her jaw. “So incredibly beautiful.”

Raelee’s smile was radiant. “You’re not so bad yourself, Your Highness,” she teased, her hands tracing the glowing patterns on his chest.

What followed was a passionate exploration of each other’s bodies, a reaffirmation of the connection they’d forged on Earth and the new bond forming here on Tharvis. They moved together in perfect synchrony as if their bodies remembered each other despite the time apart.

Afterward, they lay tangled together, Raelee’s head resting on Vex’s chest, his arms wrapped securely around her. The room was quiet save for the soft sound of their breathing and the gentle hum of the bioluminescent plants.

“So,” Raelee said after a while, her voice tinged with amusement, “is this a typical Tharvisian courtship ritual, or am I getting the VIP treatment?”

Vex’s chuckle rumbled through his chest. “Oh, this is definitely the VIP package. Usually, there’s a lot more formal dinners and political negotiations involved.”

“Hmm,” Raelee hummed, propping herself up on an elbow to look at him. “I think I prefer this method of diplomacy.”

Vex grinned, reaching up to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. “As do I. Though I fear if word gets out, we’ll have a line of diplomats at our door, eager to improve interplanetary relations.”

Raelee laughed, the sound filling the room and Vex’s heart. “Well, we can’t have that. I’m not great at sharing.”

“Neither am I,” Vex admitted, his tone turning serious. He sat up, keeping Raelee close. “Raelee, I know we still have a lot to work through. The alliance, my deception... but you’re not just a political arrangement. You’re...” he paused, searching for the right words. “You’re everything I never knew I needed.”

Raelee’s eyes softened, a mix of emotions playing across her face. “Vex,” she began, then stopped, biting her lip. “I can’t pretend the hurt isn’t still there. You lied to me, and that’s not easy to get over.”

Vex nodded, his heart sinking. But Raelee wasn’t finished. “I won’t reject the idea of being your bride or our negotiations. I just need a little more time to come to terms with all this.”

---