Page 36 of The Alien's Captive Bride

Venus grinned, bouncing on her toes. “Like I could take on another set of assassins. You know, if you’re up for round two.”

Azlun groaned, but pulled her close, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “Let’s not tempt fate, shall we? I think you’ve had enough excitement for one day.”

Before Venus could protest, Azlun swept her into his arms. “Now, my love, I believe it’s time for you to rest. Doctor’s orders.”

“I’m perfectly capable of walking, you know,” Venus said, even as she nestled closer to his chest.

“Humor me,” Azlun murmured, carrying her out of the medical bay and toward their private quarters.

In their room, a candlelit dinner awaited them, the table set with an array of Tharvisian delicacies and Earth favorites. Venus’s stomach growled appreciatively at the sight.

“Trying to butter me up, Your Highness?” she teased as Azlun set her gently in a chair.

“Is it working?” he asked, his eyes twinkling as he took the seat opposite her.

As they ate, the tension of the day slowly melted away. They talked and laughed, rehashing the events of the attack with a lightness that belied its seriousness. Venus regaled Azlun with a blow-by-blow account of her fight, complete with dramatic reenactments that had him alternating between laughter and concerned frowns.

As the meal wound down, a comfortable silence fell between them. Venus found herself studying Azlun’s face in the soft candlelight, tracing the strong line of his jaw and the curve of his lips. When their eyes met, the air seemed to crackle with unspoken energy.

Azlun reached across the table, taking her hand in his. “I almost lost you today,” he said softly, his thumb tracing circles on her palm.

Venus squeezed his hand. “But you didn’t. I’m right here, Azlun. I’m not going anywhere.”

In one fluid motion, Azlun stood and pulled Venus to her feet, drawing her into his arms. His kiss was fierce and tender all at once, filled with all the emotions words couldn’t express. Venus responded in kind, her hands sliding up to tangle in his hair.

When they finally parted, Venus grinned up at him. “You know, for an alien prince, you’re not half bad at this kissing thing.”

Azlun chuckled, the sound rumbling through his chest. “High praise, indeed. Perhaps I should practice more, just to be sure.”

The soft brushof his lips against hers sent waves of pleasure coursing through her body, making her knees weak and her stomach flutter. His arms were like steel bands around her waist, holding her close, while one hand gently ran through her hair.

As their kiss deepened, Venus let out a contented sigh that sounded like “mmm”, feeling him press their bodies tightly against each other. She could smell the spicy scent of his cologne and taste the lingering flavor of dessert on his tongue as it danced with hers.

With every kiss, she felt herself falling more and more under his spell - this handsome alien prince who had saved her life. His passion was infectious, igniting something inside of her that she never knew existed until now.

When they came up for air, Venus’s eyes fluttered open to find him gazing down at her with an intense look in those oceanic orbs of his.

He grinned as he spoke lowly, “You are absolutely right.”

He brought her hand up to his mouth again and placed a gentle kiss on its back then led her toward the bedroom.

The air seemed to thicken, charged with an electricity that sparked between them with every step they took closer to their destination. Venus could feel her heart pounding and the blood rushing through her veins like a raging river. She wanted this – wanted him – more than anything else in the world.

Once inside the bedroom, Azlun kicked the door shut behind them. As they reached the edge of the bed, Azlun slowly undressed her before peeling off his own clothes.

Then he lowered himself onto the bed, taking her with him.

She lay back with a sultry look that made him growl out a moan. He leaned in and captured a nipple in his mouth. His tongue teased at the sensitive nub. “You are exquisite,” he murmured, his voice rough with need.

Venus ran her fingers through his hair, savoring the feeling of silky strands between her fingertips. She leaned in closer, their breaths mingling in the air as their lips met again in a slow, passionate dance that left them both breathless.

His hand slid down her side. Goose bumps rose on her flesh at his touch, and she arched into him needing more contact. His erection pressed against her thigh, and it fueled the fire inside her even more.

With one swift motion, Azlun flipped them over so she was on top of him, straddling his hips.

Venus leaned down and pressed her lips against his neck, nipping softly as she moaned into his skin. Azlun growled low in his throat. He reached up to caress her cheek, trailing his fingers down to her jawline.

She captured his bottom lip between her teeth gently. He groaned and pulled her closer, deepening the kiss. His hands gripped her hips as he rocked upward, entering her with a quick thrust.

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