Page 24 of Aliens Love Curves

But I can't help but wonder: how long can we maintain this delicate balance before something breaks?

How am I supposed to sit across from Harlan tomorrow, playing my part, when all I can think about is Stryker's hands on my skin? How can I focus on investigating criminal activities when my body still hums with unfulfilled desire?

One thing's becoming devastatingly clear – this mission isn't just about uncovering Harlan's secrets anymore. It's about navigating the dangerous waters between duty and desire, between what we want and what we must do. It's about hearts and loyalties, truth and deception, duty and desire.

And I'm no longer sure which is more dangerous – Harlan's criminal enterprise, or the way Stryker makes me forget everything except the feel of his lips on mine.

Chapter 12 - Stryker

The scent of Casey's perfume hits me before I see her – something exotic and floral that makes my tail twitch. When she emerges from the bathroom, the sight steals my breath and makes my blood simmer. The deep purple fabric hugs her curves before flowing to the floor, the colour making her skin glow. She's beautiful – and she's about to have dinner with another man.

"You're staring." A small smile plays at her lips as she fastens an earring.

"Can you blame me?" The words slip out before I can catch them.

Adjusting an earring in the mirror. She meets my eyes, her expression softening. "Stryker... we need to talk about tonight."

Something in her tone sets my nerves on edge. "What about it?"

"I've been thinking," she turns to face me, worrying her lower lip. "We need to give Harlan an opening. A way in."

"I'm going to tell him we had a falling out. That whatever's between us is over." She steps closer, her eyes pleading for understanding. "If he thinks he has a chance with me..."

My tail goes rigid. "What? Absolutely not." The words come out as a growl that makes her jump slightly.

"Think about it logically—"

"Logical?" I close the distance between us, unable to help myself. "There's nothing logical about putting yourself at risk. About letting that man think he has any right to—" I cut myself off, my tail lashing with agitation.

"To what, Stryker?" Her voice is soft, dangerous. "To touch me? To want me? Isn't that exactly what we need?"

"No." I reach for her before I can stop myself, my hand cupping her face. "What we need is to find evidence without compromising your safety. Without letting him get his claws into you."

She leans into my touch for just a moment before pulling away. "This isn't about safety and you know it. This is about jealousy."

The accusation stings because it's partly true. "This is about protecting my partner."

"Your partner?" Her laugh holds no humour. "Is that what I am? Because lately it feels like I'm something you think you own. Don’t forget like you, I got here of my own volition—I earned the right to be here working this undercover role."

"Casey—"

"No, listen to me." She steps close again, close enough that I can see the flecks of gold in her eyes. "That kiss in the simulator...it complicated things. But we can't let it compromise our job—this mission. People's lives could be at stake."

The mention of the kiss makes my blood heat. "So your solution is to throw yourself at Harlan?"

"My solution is to use every advantage we have." Her hand rests on my chest, just over my thundering heart. "Trust me, Stryker. Please."

I cover her hand with mine, holding it there for a moment. "Then I'm coming with you. As your manager."

"Stryker—"

"Non-negotiable." I lift her hand to my lips, pressing a kiss to her palm. "If you're going to play with fire, at least let me watch your back."

She sighs, but I catch the slight relief in her expression. "Fine. But follow my lead."

THE RESTAURANT HARLANhas chosen sits atop a floating spire, its crystal walls, all shimmer and starlight, offering panoramic views of Ova's sunset. He's waiting at a private table, rising smoothly as we approach, his cerise skin almost luminescent in the soft lighting. His eyes darken visibly when he sees me.

"Casey," he purrs, taking her hand and pressing his lips to it. "You're absolutely exquisite." His eyes flick to me, hardening. "I wasn't expecting... company."