Page 14 of Her Alien Owner

She turns and nearly loses her balance but steadies herself just in time. "I've got it under control."

I raise an eyebrow. "Really? Because it looks like you're about to topple over any second now."

She grins despite herself. "Maybe just a little help then?"

I stride over and hold out my hands to steady the ladder as she climbs down. Once she's safely on solid ground, our eyes lock and for a moment neither of us moves.

"Thank you," she murmurs.

"My pleasure." The words hang between us, charged with an unspoken tension that neither of us is ready to acknowledge outright but can't quite ignore either.

Ariana is arranging a stack of freshly laundered linens when I approach her. Her back is to me, but she must sense my presence because she tenses slightly.

"Care for a tour of the more private sections of the estate?" I ask, voice casual.

She turns, surprise lighting up her eyes. "I have more work to do."

I wave off her concern with a flick of my wrist. "I'll have it taken care of. Come on, indulge me."

She hesitates, glancing at the linens, then back at me. "If you're sure..."

"Absolutely," I say, offering a reassuring smile. "Follow me."

We start in the east wing, where fewer staff roam. The hallways here are quieter, the air filled with the faint scent of polished wood and old books. I lead her through my small, private library first, where floor-to-ceiling shelves are packed with volumes from countless worlds.

"Do you read much?" I ask.

"I used to," she replies, running her fingers along the spines of the books. "Not so much lately."

"You're welcome to borrow any of these," I say. "Consider it one of the perks."

She smiles, clearly pleased. "Thank you."

I step closer, our proximity narrowing. She doesn't shy away but stands her ground, her gaze meeting mine with a mix of curiosity and something else—something deeper.

Next, we move to my private study. The room is darker here, more intimate. Rich mahogany furniture and intricate tapestries add to the ambiance.

"This is where I conduct most of my business," I explain.

"It’s impressive," she murmurs.

"You should see it at night," I say, lowering my voice slightly. "The view from that window—" I put my hands on her shoulders and turn her towards a large window overlooking the estate gardens— "is breathtaking under the stars."

She's relaxed in my grip, not moving to detach herself from me. "Maybe I'll take you up on that sometime."

Our tour continues through corridors and rooms seldom seen by others. In each space, I find ways to brush against her—an accidental touch on her arm here, a guiding hand at her back there. Each contact sends a thrill through me and judging by her reactions, she's not unaffected either.

We pause outside a room adorned with delicate carvings and intricate designs.

"This is one of my favorite places," I say softly. "Would you like to see inside?"

She nods eagerly.

As we step inside, the room envelops us in warmth and soft light. It’s cozy and inviting—a stark contrast to the grandiosity outside.

"It's beautiful," she whispers.

"It is," I agree, but my eyes are on her rather than the room.