Page 70 of Her Alien Owner
“He’s really something, isn’t he?” Kaitlyn sidles up to me, her eyes twinkling.
“Yeah,” I reply softly. “He really is.”
My cousin Mark joins us, holding two glasses of champagne. “Who knew the brooding billionaire had such a knack for small talk?”
I chuckle, accepting one of the glasses. “He’s full of surprises.”
Mark takes a sip of his drink and nods toward Valen. “He was just telling your dad about some new irrigation system. Seems like he’s genuinely interested in helping.”
“Of course he is,” Kaitlyn chimes in. “He’s got a good heart, despite that grumpy exterior.”
As if sensing our conversation, Valen glances over and catches my eye. He excuses himself from my father and starts making his way towards us.
“Heads up,” Mark murmurs with a grin.
Valen reaches us, his presence commanding yet somehow softer tonight. “Enjoying yourselves?” he asks, his gaze lingering on me.
“We are,” I reply, feeling warmth spread through me at his attention.
“Good,” he says, then turns to Mark and Kaitlyn. “Mind if I steal her for a dance?”
Kaitlyn winks at me. “Go right ahead.”
Valen takes my hand and leads me to the dance floor. The music shifts to a slower tune as we find our rhythm together.
“You’re quite the charmer tonight,” I tease him gently.
He raises an eyebrow, a smirk playing at his lips. “Trying something new.”
“Well, it suits you.” I rest my head against his chest as we sway to the music.
“I wanted this night to be special for you,” he says quietly, his voice rumbling through me.
“It already is,” I reply honestly. “More than I ever imagined.”
We continue to dance in comfortable silence for a few moments before he speaks again. “Your family... they’re good people.”
“They think the same about you,” I say with a smile.
His grip tightens slightly around my waist. “I’m glad to hear that.”
As we move together under the soft lights, surrounded by friends and family all enjoying themselves, it hits me just how far we’ve come—from wary strangers to partners bound by fate and choice.
Valen leans down, his breath warm against my ear. “Thank you for trusting me.”
I look up at him, feeling an overwhelming surge of love and gratitude. “Thank you for giving me every reason to.”
And with that simple exchange, we continue to dance—lost in each other and the promise of everything that lies ahead.
The music and laughter of the reception fade into the background as Valen leads me to a secluded garden corner, the scent of blooming nightflowers enveloping us. We settle on a bench beneath a canopy of twinkling lights.
He wraps an arm around my shoulders, pulling me close. “You holding up okay?”
I nod, leaning into his warmth. “Better than okay. This night... it’s more than I ever dreamed.”
He tilts his head to look at me, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. “I’m glad. You deserve nothing less.”
I chuckle softly. “You’re getting good at this romantic stuff.”