Page 23 of Tricked By the Alien Prince

Disappointment tinges the mood, but more than that, a pain assaults my chest at the realization that she does not trust me. Despite the battle with the scampers, I have not earned her loyalty.

And honestly, would I even deserve it? I may be leading her exactly where she wants to go, but it’s clear she doesn’t know what to expect. She doesn’t know the danger she walks to.

As I gaze at the female before me, I realize something. I want her more than anything I’ve ever wanted in my life. It’s not just some sexual thing either. I want all of her; her body and her soul. I want to hear her speak each of her thoughts, radical and strange. I want to see her pout when she fails, her smile when she overcomes a problem, and I definitely want to see the sparkle in her eye when she is challenged.

I want everything she’ll give me, and then some.

Too long have I been complacent in life, not fighting for what I really want. My little halvi is in trouble now.

I’m a prince, and I will take what I want.

She is mine.

ChapterFourteen

MAYA

Why am I kissing Volan? What has possibly overcome me? I don’t have time to get involved with this guy, do I? I have a quest to complete and…

Volan smirks at me, his full lips twisting in a grin that takes my breath away. A mischievous glint—no, a glow—ignites within his eyes.

This guy is up to something. It doesn’t take a genius to figure that out.

He stands up, water pooling from his body. I am entirely captivated by the way droplets curve across his muscular form, tracing each dip of his pecs and abs.

He’s revealing himself to me in his full glory. His hands go to his hips, and if I am not mistaken, he actually puffs out his chest. He’s practically posing for me, showing off his muscles right now like some teenager trying to impress a prospective girlfriend. All that’s left is the bicep curl and… there he goes.

I press my hand over my lips as I watch him flex his arms in front of me. It’s all I can do to not giggle. He’s acting like a teenager. To be honest, I feel like one. I don’t think a guy has ever actually acted like this in front of me, purposely trying to tease a grin to my face or impress me this way.

It makes me feel like I am the center of his world. It makes me feel…wanted.

“Impressive,” I tell him. “You are very… big.”

I slap my hand over my face. “I did not just say that! Not like that. I mean… I bet your muscles come in handy out here. Yes, that’s what I mean.”

Volan’s laughter drifts over me, sending a delicious shiver down my spine.

“No reason to be embarrassed,” he says with a smile. “I am very big.”

His fingers wrap around my wrists, tugging me toward him through the water. We’re both still fully dressed, the sodden fabric of my outfit feeling heavy and clinging. The weight of my slingshot and my thankfully waterproofed tablet weigh me down.

With infinitely gentle but persistent tugs, he pulls me close, until our bodies are practically grazing. One deep breath and my chest will touch his.

I should move away from him, put distance between us, yet a part of me wants to stay close to him. When was the last time I truly got held by someone who cared for me?

Does he actually care for me?

What is it about this guy that has me so on edge, so needy? The scientific part of my brain is already searching for answers. Perhaps his skin is putting out some sort of electrical response? A bit like how some animals can create bioluminescence through chemical reactions, or how some turtles can glow because of fluorescent proteins. Whatever it is, it’s affecting me whenever I am close by.

He turns abruptly and leaves me standing there, gaping at him.

Oh, dear. This guy is dancing around me, leaving me tied up and unable to focus. Of course, that thought just brings about visuals of Volan with some rope, and me at his mercy…

“I have a job to do. I have a job to do,” I repeat quietly to myself, trying to restart my brain. It’s overloaded with hormones right now and clearly not performing its job. That’s all it is - hormones.

With distance between us, my mind is a bit clearer. Not looking at Volan’s naked form certainly helps, even if he’s splashing about in a way that attracts my eye. As much as I try, I can’t help glancing in his direction, at the play of muscles over smooth skin…

“You were hurt,” I remark. I push through the water to his side, snatching up his arm. I remember the scamper latching onto him, blood dripping. My fingers rub over unblemished skin. Volan shivers at my touch, the only sign that I’m affecting him.

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