Page 50 of Her Alien Owner
I raise an eyebrow. "And if he doesn't show?"
A small, fierce smile plays on her lips. "Then you can handle things your way."
I can't help but smirk at that. "Careful, sweetheart. You might like my way too much."
She rolls her eyes, but I catch the hint of a blush on her cheeks. "I want to do this alone, Valen. Unless it gets violent."
I lean in, my voice low and intense. "And how am I supposed to just stand by while you're in danger?"
"You're not," she says, her hand coming to rest on my cheek. "You'll be nearby. But I need to face him myself."
"Alright," I concede, opening my eyes to meet her gaze.
She pulls back, studying my face. Whatever she sees there must satisfy her, because she nods. "Okay."
As we hammer out the details, I can't shake the anxiety gnawing at my gut. But I push it down, focusing on keeping Ariana safe. No matter what happens, I'll be ready.
CHAPTER 21
ARIANA
The ruins of the old grocery store loom ahead, their skeletal remains casting long shadows in the fading light. I glance around, ensuring Valen is hidden nearby. My heart races, each beat a reminder of the gravity of this meeting.
“Are you sure you want to do this alone?” Valen’s voice echoes in my mind, his concern evident even through our brief parting words.
“Yes,” I’d replied, forcing confidence into my tone. “I need to handle this myself.”
Now, standing here, I clutch the letter tighter, its threatening words burned into my memory. I see him approach, his stride surprisingly steady, his appearance cleaner than usual. For a moment, hope flickers that he might have changed. But then I remember why we’re here.
“Ariana,” he calls out as he gets closer, a feigned warmth in his voice. “You look good.”
“Cut the crap,” I snap back, keeping my voice steady. “What do you want?”
He stops a few feet away, his eyes narrowing slightly. “I just want to talk. We had something good once.”
“That’s over,” I say firmly. “I’ve moved on.”
He takes a step closer, and my body tenses. “Have you? With that alien freak? You think he can protect you from everything?”
I force myself to stand tall. “This isn’t about him. This is about me not needing you to hold me back anymore.”
He sneers, the mask of sobriety slipping for a moment. “You always were too proud for your own good.”
“Pride has nothing to do with it.” My voice gains strength with each word. “I deserve better than your threats and your violence.”
His eyes darken, and he takes another step forward. “You think you’re so much better now? Living in that fancy estate?”
“I’m working hard for what I have,” I retort. “Something you wouldn’t understand.”
His hand twitches at his side, but he stops himself. “Ariana, we can fix this. You and me?—”
“No,” I cut him off sharply. “We can’t fix anything because there’s nothing left to fix.”
For a moment, there’s silence between us. The air feels thick with tension.
“You really think you’re safe with him?” His voice is low and menacing now.
“I know I am.” My gaze doesn’t waver.