Page 34 of Aliens Love Curves

"We can't." I run a hand through my hair in frustration. "There are lives at stake. The victims in those pods... and Casey won't leave them."

A ghost of a smile crosses Zara's face. "No, she wouldn't." She studies something off-screen. "The annual race is in three days. Very public event."

"Perfect cover for an operation," I agree. "But we'll need backup. If something goes wrong..."

"I'll have teams in position." Zara's image flickers. "Keep her safe until then, Stryker. And..." She hesitates. "Be careful. Your last report suggested some... emotional compromise."

My tail curls defensively. "I'm handling it."

"See that you do. Zara out."

The hologram fades, leaving me alone with my thoughts. And my fears.

Movement from the bedroom draws my attention. Casey emerges, sleep-tousled and wearing one of my shirts. The sight makes my heart clench.

"Couldn't sleep?" she asks, padding over to where I sit.

"Checking in with Zara." I pull her into my lap, my tail wrapping around her waist automatically. "Backup's confirmed for race day."

She settles against my chest, warm and soft and terrifyingly precious. "Good. We'll need it when we expose everything."

"Casey..." I press my face into her hair, breathing in her scent. "Maybe we should consider—"

"Don't." She turns in my arms, framing my face with her hands. "We're not leaving those pilots."

"Even if it means risking you?"

Her eyes soften. "Even then."

I study her face in the dim light – the determination in her eyes, the stubborn set of her jaw, the gentle curve of her lips. When did she become so essential to my existence?

"I can't lose you," I admit, the words rough with emotion.

"You won't." She leans in, pressing her forehead to mine. "I have too much to live for."

"Oh?" My tail tightens around her. "Like what?"

Instead of answering, she kisses me. It's soft at first, a gentle press of lips, but quickly deepens into something more desperate. My hands slide under her shirt – my shirt – finding bare skin.

"Like this," she breathes against my mouth. "Like us."

Something breaks loose in my chest. I stand, lifting her with me, and carry her to the bedroom. She wraps her legs around my waist, kissing me like she's drowning and I'm air.

We fall onto the bed together, a tangle of limbs and desire. I trail kisses down her neck, remembering the first time I saw her, how she took my breath away even then.

"I love you," I murmur against her skin. "Stars help me, I love you."

She pulls back, eyes shining. "Say it again."

"I love you." I kiss her between words. "I love your strength, your courage, your impossible stubbornness."

She laughs, the sound turning to a gasp as my tail slides along her thigh. "I love you too. Even when you're being overprotective and—"

A chime at the door cuts her off. We freeze, staring at each other in the darkness.

"Casey?" Harlan's voice carries through the door. "Are you awake?"

My grip on her tightens instinctively. She presses a finger to my lips, then calls out, "Just a moment!"