Page 7 of The Alien's Unwilling Bride

Roqron’s lips quirked in what was almost a smile. “I’m full of surprises, Mila. Perhaps you’ll stick around long enough to discover a few more.”

Was he... flirting back? Mila’s pulse quickened at the thought. “Is that a challenge, Your Highness? Because I’ll have you know, I’m exceptionally good at solving mysteries. Especially tall, dark, and handsome ones.”

The words were out before she could stop them, and Mila felt her face flush. Roqron’s eyes widened slightly, a faint color rising to his own cheeks. For a moment, the air between them crackled with unspoken tension.

“I... look forward to it,” Roqron said softly, his gaze holding hers for a beat longer than necessary.

“Well,” Mila said, forcing lightness into her tone, “this has been... enlightening. Who knew research could be so... stimulating?”

Roqron’s lips curved into a genuine smile, transforming his usually serious face. “Indeed. Perhaps we should make these late-night research sessions a regular occurrence.”

Mila’s pulse quickened at the thought. “Careful, Your Highness. A girl might think you’re actually enjoying her company.”

“And if I am?” Roqron challenged, his gaze intense.

Mila swallowed hard, her mind racing. “Then... I guess we’ll just have to see where this research leads us, won’t we?”

Her eyes flittered toward the control panels where they stood moments ago, a wistful sigh escaped her lips. “You know, as fascinating as all this holographic data is, I can’t help but wish I could see it all firsthand. There’s just something about being out there, in nature, collecting samples, observing the ecosystem in action...”

She imagined the alien landscapes beyond the palace wall before meeting his gaze. Roqron watched her, a thoughtful expression on his face.

“What if you could?” he said suddenly.

Mila blinked. “What do you mean?”

Roqron’s eyes lit up. “A visit to the wild lands. You could conduct in-person research on our planet’s biodiversity, maybe even investigate those environmental anomalies you’ve noticed in the data.”

Mila’s eyes widened, a spark of excitement igniting within her. “Are you serious? That would be... incredible! But wait,” her enthusiasm dimmed slightly, “is that even allowed? I mean, with all the security protocols and everything...”

Roqron’s lips curved into a smile. “I am the prince, after all. I think I can arrange a little field trip.”

The words had barely left his mouth before Mila let out a squeal of delight. Without thinking, she jumped up from her chair, Roqron doing the same, and threw her arms around Roqron in an impulsive hug. “Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

For a moment, they both froze, the sudden closeness catching them off guard. Mila became acutely aware of Roqron’s solid warmth against her, the way his arms had instinctively wrapped around her waist. She could feel his heartbeat, quick and strong, matching the rapid pace of her own.

Slowly, Mila pulled back, her face flushed. Her eyes met Roqron’s, and she saw the same heat from earlier rekindling in his gaze. They were still so close, his hands resting lightly on her hips, her own on his chest. The air between them seemed to crackle with electricity.

For a breathless moment, Mila thought Roqron might kiss her. Part of her—a larger part than she cared to admit—hoped he would. But then, with visible effort, Roqron took a step back, his princely composure sliding back into place.

“We’ll leave tomorrow,” he said, his voice slightly husky. “I’ll make all the necessary arrangements.”

Mila nodded, not trusting herself to speak. As Roqron turned to leave, she called out, “Roqron?”

He paused at the library door, looking back at her.

“Thank you,” she said softly. “Really. This means a lot to me.”

Roqron’s expression softened, a genuine smile breaking through his usual reserve. “It’s my pleasure, Mila. Goodnight.”

As the library door closed behind him, Mila let out a long breath, sinking back into the chair. Her mind whirled with thoughts of the upcoming expedition, but her body was still tingling from the lingering warmth where Roqron had held her.

“Oh, I am in so much trouble,” she muttered to herself, burying her face in her hands. But despite her conflicted emotions, she couldn’t quite suppress the excited grin thatspread across her face. What had just happened? And more importantly, what was she going to do about these unexpected and overwhelming feelings for a man she was supposed to marry out of duty, not desire?

With a groan, Mila headed back to her quarters, knowing sleep would be elusive tonight. Her body still thrummed with unfulfilled desire, and her mind was a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts and emotions. One thing was certain – her stay on Tharvis had just gotten a lot more complicated.

The Roqron she’d spent the evening with was far from the stiff, formal prince she’d expected. He was intelligent, passionate about his work, and capable of surprising depth. And, if she was being completely honest with herself, he was devastatingly attractive in a way that made her want to simultaneously run away and move closer.

Mila shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts. This was ridiculous. She had more important things to focus on – her research, unraveling the mysteries of Tharvis’s ecosystem, and maintaining her independence in the face of this arranged marriage. She couldn’t afford to be distracted by unexpected feelings for a man she was supposed to marry.

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