Page 15 of The Alien's Unwilling Bride

Finally, after what felt like hours, they found a small alcove formed by the massive roots of a tree-like organism. Roq did a quick sweep before nodding to Mila. Safe—for now.

Mila slumped against a root, chest heaving as she tried to slow her racing heart. The wild lands seemed unnaturally quiet as if holding its breath. She closed her eyes for a moment, trying to process everything.

When she opened them, she found Roq watching her, his expression a mix of concern and relief. “Are you all right?” he asked softly.

Mila nodded, managing a weak smile. “Yeah, I’m okay. Thanks to you.” She paused, then added quietly, “You saved my life out there.”

Roq moved closer, his eyes never leaving hers. “We saved each other,” he corrected gently. “I couldn’t have done it without you.”

The intensity of his gaze made Mila’s breath catch. Suddenly overwhelmed by the night’s events and the realization of howclose they’d come to disaster, Mila did something that surprised them both. She stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Roq in a tight hug.

“I’m just glad we’re both okay,” she murmured into his chest, her voice muffled.

For a moment, Roq stood frozen, clearly caught off guard by the sudden display of affection. Then, slowly, his arms came around her, holding her close. What had started as a gesture of relief and gratitude transformed into something more intimate. Mila felt the steady beat of Roq’s heart against her cheek, the warmth of his body seeping into hers.

“So am I,” Roq whispered, his breath warm against her hair.

Mila lifted her head, intending to step back, to lighten the moment with a quip. But as her eyes met Roq’s, the words died on her lips. There was an intensity in his gaze that made her heart race for reasons that had nothing to do with their recent escape.

Time seemed to slow. Roq’s hand came up to cup her cheek, his touch gentle. She leaned into it, her eyes fluttering closed as Roq lowered his head.

Their lips met in a soft, sweet kiss. It was brief, a mere brush of lips, but it sent a jolt of electricity through Mila’s entire body. When they parted, both of them were slightly breathless.

For a moment, they simply stared at each other, the realization of what had just happened hanging between them. Then, almost simultaneously, they both broke into nervous smiles.

“Well,” Mila said, her voice a little shaky, “I guess that’s one way to seal our alliance.”

Roq chuckled, the sound low and warm. “Indeed. Though I must say, it’s far more pleasant than signing treaties.”

Their laughter, quiet but genuine, filled the small alcove. As it faded, Mila found herself still in the circle of Roq’s arms,surprisingly reluctant to step away. This wasn’t at all how she’d expected this expedition to go, but she couldn’t bring herself to regret it.

ELEVEN

Mila couldn’t help but feel that everything had changed. The danger was still very real, the conspiracy they faced just as daunting. But now, there was something else too—a connection, a partnership that went beyond their arranged marriage or their shared mission.

The intensity of his gaze made Mila’s breath catch. She’d come to Tharvis viewing their arranged marriage as a political necessity, nothing more. But now, after facing danger together, after seeing this different side of Roq... she wasn’t sure what to think anymore.

“So,” she said, trying to lighten the mood, “I’m guessing that wasn’t standard Tharvisian hospitality?”

Roq chuckled, the sound sending a pleasant shiver through her. “Not typically, no. I definitely wasn’t expecting them. Though I must say, it’s certainly made things more... interesting.”

Mila couldn’t help but laugh, the tension of the past few hours finally breaking. “Oh yeah, nothing says ‘welcome to the family’ quite like a midnight ambush.”

Their laughter filled the small alcove, a moment of lightness amidst the danger. But as it faded, reality settled back in. Theywere still being hunted, still in hostile territory with unknown enemies plotting against them.

Roq’s expression grew serious. “Mila,” he said, his use of her name sending a thrill through her, “those Drakanor... they knew where we were. This wasn’t random.”

Mila nodded, her own expression grim. “Someone knew we’d be out here. Someone wants us dead.” The weight of the words hung between them.

“But why?” Mila asked, frustration creeping into her voice. “We’re just studying the ecosystem, trying to solve the environmental crisis. Who would want to stop that?”

Roq’s brow furrowed in thought. “There are those on Tharvis who resist change, who see our efforts as a threat. The Drakanor clan has been fighting the royal family ever since the treaty with Earth was announced. There are also others who might benefit from the crisis continuing.”

Disgust flashed across Mila’s face. “Willing to let a planet die for their own gain. I guess some things are universal.”

“Indeed,” Roq agreed, his voice heavy. “But the Drakanor don’t act without high-level orders. Whoever is behind this has significant influence.”

“Didn’t the two people in charge already die when they targeted Raelee and Venus?”

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