Page 51 of Her Alien Owner
He scoffs but doesn’t move closer. The look in his eyes tells me he knows this is the end of whatever hold he thought he had on me.
Kevin’s desperation is almost palpable as he steps closer. I can see the uncertainty flicker in his eyes. “Remember when we used to go down to the river? Those picnics, just the two of us?”
I cross my arms, keeping my voice steady. “I remember you ruining those moments with your temper.”
His face tightens, but he tries again. “I’ve changed, Ariana. I’ve got a new job now. It’s a good one, stable. I've gotten my life together, and I want you to be a part of it again.”
“That’s great for you,” I reply, my tone flat. “I hope you can treat the next woman with more respect.”
He looks taken aback, as if he didn’t expect me to dismiss him so easily. “You don’t understand?—”
“No, Kevin,” I cut him off sharply. “I do understand. I understand that I deserve better.”
His jaw clenches, and for a moment, I think he might lash out. But then his shoulders slump slightly, a reluctant acceptance settling over him. “You really think he’s better for you?”
“Yes,” I say without hesitation.
He takes a step back, his gaze still hard on me but no longer challenging. “Fine. I’ll leave.” The words come out grudgingly.
Relief washes over me as he turns and walks away, though I don’t fully believe this is the end of it. Still, the fact that I stood up to him fills me with a newfound sense of strength and courage.
As Kevin disappears into the shadows, I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. The ruins around me seem less oppressive now, their crumbling walls a testament to my own resilience.
Valen steps out from his hidden vantage point, his eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that makes my heart skip a beat. “You handled that well.”
“Thanks,” I say softly, feeling the weight of what just happened settle over me.
He steps closer, his presence comforting and commanding at once. “He won’t bother you again.”
I nod, believing him despite the lingering doubts in my mind. For now, it’s enough to know that I’m not alone in this fight.
“Let’s get back,” Valen says gently, his hand reaching out to touch my arm.
As we walk back together through the deserted streets, side by side but each lost in our own thoughts, I can’t help but feel a strange sense of peace amidst the chaos of our world.
Maybe this isn’t over yet. But for now, it’s enough to know that I have someone who truly cares about my safety and wellbeing—someone who respects my strength and stands by my side without overshadowing it.
And as we step into the estate's gates, leaving behind the ruins of both the city and my past relationship with Kevin, I feel a flicker of hope for what lies ahead with Valen.
Valen leads me to a private dining room, far removed from the opulence of his usual gatherings. The setting is intimate, the low light casting a warm glow over the table set for two. As we sit, I can’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment mingled with the persistent worry gnawing at the edges of my thoughts.
“You did well today,” Valen says, his voice steady and reassuring.
“Thanks,” I reply, though my mind is still on Kevin. “I just hope he doesn’t try anything else.”
Valen’s eyes meet mine, intense and unwavering. “If he does, he’ll regret it. You don’t have to face him alone.”
“I know,” I say softly, looking down at my hands. “But it’s hard not to worry.”
He reaches across the table, his hand covering mine. “Your courage today was incredible. You stood up for yourself in a way that most people never could.”
I feel a blush creeping up my cheeks. “It didn’t feel that way. It felt like I was going to fall apart any second.”
“But you didn’t,” he insists, his grip firm but gentle. “You stood your ground.”
I take a moment, letting his words sink in. “It’s just... I know Kevin. He’s not going to let this go easily.”
“Then we’ll be ready,” Valen says with an air of finality. “Whatever he tries to bring, we’ll face it together.”