Page 6 of The Alien's Unwilling Bride

The way he said her name gave her goose bumps. She tried to ignore the crazy growing attraction between them and focused on the research.

A comfortable silence fell between them, broken only by the soft hum of the holographic displays. Mila discreetly eyed Roqron, seeing him in a new light. There was depth in him she hadn’t expected, a genuine passion for science and innovation that mirrored her own.

And, if she was being honest with herself (which she really, really didn’t want to be), he was unfairly attractive. The way his brow furrowed slightly when he was concentrating and the elegant lines of his hands as he manipulated the holographic data... Mila forced her gaze back to the screen, silently cursing her traitorous imagination.

“So,” Mila said, breaking the silence and desperately trying to steer her thoughts back to safer territory, “I’ve met your brothers, but I’m curious – what’s it like growing up with them? Any embarrassing stories you’d care to share? I promise I won’t tell... much.”

Roqron’s expression softened slightly, a hint of warmth creeping into his eyes. “Growing up with my brothers was... interesting, to say the least. We’re all quite different, as I’m sureyou’ve noticed. Azlun, the diplomat, Vexor with his intense focus on duty, and Dravek... well, let’s just say he keeps us on our toes.”

Mila leaned in, intrigued by this glimpse into Roqron’s personal life. “Oh? Do tell. I need some good material for the next awkward family dinner.”

Roqron hesitated for a moment, then his lips quirked into a small smile. “Well, there was this one time when we were younger... Dravek decided it would be a brilliant idea to reprogram the palace’s cleaning droids to follow Vexor around, constantly polishing his shoes. It took us days to figure out why Vexor’s boots were suddenly shinier than the ceremonial armor.”

Mila burst out laughing, the sound echoing through the quiet library. “Oh, that’s priceless. I can just imagine Vexor’s face. Remind me to thank Dravek for that mental image.”

As they continued to pour over the data, Mila inched closer to Roqron, their shoulders nearly touching as they shared the holographic display. The proximity sent an unexpected jolt through her, a spark of awareness she hadn’t anticipated. Their hands brushed as they both reached to adjust the display, and Mila pulled back quickly, her heart racing.

Her breath caught in her throat as she looked up, finding Roqron’s intense gaze fixed on her. The air between them crackled with tension, heavy with unspoken desires.

“Roqron,” Mila whispered, her voice barely audible. She watched as his eyes darkened, flicking briefly to her lips before meeting her gaze again.

SIX

Slowly, as if drawn by an invisible force, they leaned toward each other. Mila could feel the warmth of Roqron’s breath on her skin, his scent enveloping her. Her heart pounded, a mix of anticipation and nervousness coursing through her veins.

Their lips were mere inches apart when a shrill beeping suddenly erupted from the terminal, shattering the moment. Mila jumped back, her face flushing crimson as reality came crashing back.

“I, uh... I think the analysis is complete,” she stammered, trying to regain her composure. She turned quickly to the screen, grateful for the distraction even as her body hummed with unfulfilled desire.

Roqron cleared his throat, his usual stoic demeanor noticeably ruffled. “Yes, of course,” he said, his voice husky. “We should... examine the results.”

As they both focused on the data, Mila couldn’t help but steal glances at Roqron. The way his strong hands moved over the controls, the sharp line of his jaw as he focused... it was maddening. She caught him looking at her, too, his gaze heated when their eyes met.

“So,” Mila said, desperately trying to break the tension, “these fungi... they’re pretty interesting, huh?” She winced internally at the lameness of her comment.

Roqron’s lips quirked into a small smile. “Indeed,” he replied, a hint of amusement in his tone. “Though I find myself... distracted by other fascinating subjects in this room.”

Mila’s breath hitched at the barely veiled compliment. “Oh? And what might those be, Your Highness?” she challenged, surprising herself with her boldness.

Roqron stepped closer, his tall frame looming over her. “I think you know, Mila,” he murmured, her name on his lips sending a shiver down her spine.

For a moment, they stood there, the air thick with tension and possibility. Mila was torn between the urge to close the distance between them and the nagging voice in her head reminding her of all the reasons this was a bad idea.

Finally, with a herculean effort, Mila took a step back. “How about we take a break,” she said, hating how breathless she sounded.

Roqron nodded, regaining some of his princely composure. “Of course.” He gestured toward a casual sitting area. “No need to work so late into the night. I’m sure your sisters are relaxing wherever they are.”

She felt a pang of... something. Not quite jealousy, but a mix of uncertainty and longing.

“It’s strange,” she said softly, strolling to the plush sitting area. “Seeing Raelee and Venus so happy with their new husbands. I never thought I’d see the day when Venus willingly embraced anything resembling settled life. And now here I am, next in line for the marriage merry-go-round.”

Roqron’s expression softened, genuine concern replacing his usual stoic mask. “Change can be... challenging,” he said, taking a seat in a leather-like recliner. “But it can also bring unexpectedjoys. Your sisters have found happiness in their new roles. Perhaps... perhaps we can find our own path as well.”

Mila stumbled and fell into a chair. The use ofwe, so casual yet loaded with meaning, caught Mila off guard. It stirred something within her she wasn’t quite ready to examine. The sincerity in his voice and warmth in his eyes... Mila felt her carefully constructed walls begin to crumble.

“Maybe,” she said quietly, repositioning to get comfortable. For a moment, they sat there, an unspoken understanding passing between them. Mila found herself noticing the flecks of silver in Roqron’s dark eyes, the way his presence seemed to fill the space around them. He was still stiff and serious, yes, but there was a kindness to him she hadn’t expected. A genuineness that made her heart do funny little flips in her chest.

“I’m pleasantly surprised tonight,” Mila said, forcing lightness into her tone, “Who knew you had actual thoughts in that perfectly coiffed head of yours? I might have to revise my ‘stuffy prince’ theories.”

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