Page 65 of Secretly Abducted
"Definitely worth it." He kisses me softly. "Though we should actually work now. We've accomplished barely anything productive all morning."
"I'd say we were very productive."
"That's not what I meant and you know it."
We do eventually work, though we keep catching each other's eyes and grinning like idiots. Through the bond, I feel his contentment mixing with mine, creating a loop of satisfaction that makes even zhik'ra farming feel like foreplay.
Best breakfast ever, slime pods and all.
Chapter Fifteen
Vel'aan
The realization hits me while we're cleaning up after dinner.
"You don't have anywhere to go," I say suddenly, watching Alex dry dishes.
He pauses, looking at me with confusion. "What?"
"Tonight. You don't... you've been staying here, but you don't live here. You're supposed to return to Tev'ra's dwelling."
"I mean, technically." He sets down the plate he was drying. "But I haven't actually slept there in days. Pretty sure Finn's claimed my bed as extra storage space."
"But your belongings—"
"What belongings?" Alex laughs, but there's something hollow in it. "I came here with literally nothing but the clothes I was wearing."
I pause, frowning at him.
"Vel'aan?" He steps closer, concern flowing through our bond. "What's wrong?"
"You have nothing," I say quietly. "No home, no possessions, nothing that's yours."
"I have you." He cups my face, thumb brushing my cheekbone. "That's all I need."
"No." I pull back, needing him to understand. "That's not... you should have things. A home. A place that's yours."
"I'm fine at Tev'ra's—"
"Stay here."
The words come out rushed, desperate. Alex goes still.
"I already stay here most nights—"
"No, I mean... stay. Move in. Live here. With me." I take a breath, trying to organize thoughts that feel too large for words. "Make this your home. Our home."
Alex stares at me, and through the bond I feel his surprise, his hope, his uncertainty.
"Vel'aan, are you sure? I don't want to rush you—"
"I've been alone in this dwelling for a decade," I interrupt. "It's been mine, only mine, my sanctuary from the world. And now when you're not here, it feels empty. Wrong. Like you took half the light with you."
I move closer, taking his hands. "I want you here. Want to wake up knowing you're not leaving. Want to come home from the fields and know you'll be here. Want..." I struggle for words. "Want to stop feeling like you're visiting my life and start feeling like you're living it with me."
Through the bond, his emotions are a storm; joy and uncertainty and deep, overwhelming love.
"Just like that?" he asks softly. "No discussion? No trial period?"
