Page 42 of Grumpy Alien Boss

The sprinklers kick in with a vengeance, drenching everything in sight. Water pours down in icy sheets, soaking my suit, flattening Olivia’s hair, and turning the balloon-strewn floor into a slippery, soggy mess. The lobby erupts into chaos as employees scatter, papers and decorations ruined.

Olivia’s laugh is infectious, her shoulders shaking as she hugs herself against the cold. Her blouse clings to her skin, her mascara running down her cheeks in streaks. She looks like a drowned kitten, and I can’t help but laugh with her.

“I’m so sorry,” I say, trying to wring water out of my tie. “This is not how I imagined this going.”

She grins, her teeth chattering but her eyes shining. “You? The great Darwin Rook, master planner, king of efficiency—this was your big romantic moment?”

“I’m better at defeating grolgath than planning proposals, apparently,” I admit, shaking water from my hair.

She steps closer, slipping a little on the wet floor. I catch her by the waist, steadying her. “You know what?” she says, her voice teasing but warm. “This is perfect. It’s us. It’s messy, it’s chaotic, and it’s absolutely unforgettable.”

“You’re not mad?” I ask, brushing a wet strand of hair from her face.

“Mad?” She laughs, her arms sliding around my neck. “Dar, this is the most memorable marriage proposal I could’ve ever dreamed of. And trust me, I’ve dreamed of a lot of proposals.”

Her lips find mine again, and I don’t care about the water, the soggy decorations, or the ruined suit. All I care about is her, and the fact that she’s mine.

"I've planned everything." My fingers trace over the travel itinerary on my tablet. "First class to Dubai. The Burj Khalifa's presidential suite is already?—"

Olivia's finger presses against my lips, silencing me. The touch sends electricity through my scales, even in human form.

"I just want us to spend time together," she says. "Preferably naked time. Why would I want to go on a trip when I've got a sexy scaled alien Dom who I just love to fuck with?"

The tablet slips from my fingers onto my desk. Heat floods my body at her words, at the way she bites her lower lip. My carefully laid plans scatter like leaves in a storm.

"You don't want to see the world?"

"I want to see you." She slides onto my lap, her skirt riding up her thighs. "All of you. Every. Single. Scale."

My hands find her hips, steadying her. The scent of her arousal fills my nostrils, making my head swim.

"The tickets are non-refundable."

"So?" Her fingers trail down my chest. "You're a billionaire. Besides, I'd rather explore your body than explore Paris."

"Bratty little human." I grip her harder, making her gasp. "Always challenging my decisions."

"Mmm." She grinds against me. "That's why you love me."

She's right. That's exactly why I love her. My warrior queen doesn't need fancy hotels or exotic locales. She just needs me.

And I need her.

CHAPTER 17

OLIVIA

"That's for after the wedding, not for getting engaged," I say as Dar reaches for me at our front door.

"Too bad." His red eyes flash with mischief. "I make the rules now."

Before I can protest, he hoists me over his shoulder like I weigh nothing. The world spins upside down, my hair dangling as he carries me across the threshold.

Smack!His palm connects with my bottom.

"Hey!"

"Been wanting to do that all day." Another playful spank makes me yelp.

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