Page 57 of The Bully Alien

I take her hands in both of mine, and I grip them tightly, never wanting to let go.

"I truly am sorry for everything. For being a coward and leaving you here alone with your fears, for not caring about your feelings, for ignoring my own... for not trusting that we can make this work."

She kneels down too, and I press my forehead against hers.

"Please forgive me," I say softly. "I love you and only you with all of my heart. I don't want anyone else but you by my side. I don't want any other family but one with us together."

"What if you can't get me pregnant?" she asks.

"It certainly won't be from lack of trying." My smile is small and tight. "Will you forgive me?"

She tilts her head to the side, staring at me. "I know you're scared," she says gently, "but you don't have to be. I'm here for you, and I love you, no matter what."

Tears prick at the corners of my eyes, but they aren't tears of sadness. They are tears of joy.

"I love you so damn much," I say, my voice thick with emotion.

We embrace each other, and I lift her up into my arms, cradling her close to me. She smiles against my neck as I carry her to my bed on the ship, laying her down gently before joining her.

I move my hands to her face, cupping it gently in my palms as I bring my lips to hers and kiss her tenderly. She deepens the kiss, and it feels like we are melting into one another.

I can feel her love, her passion, and the intensity of our connection. I want this moment to last forever because it is magical and perfect.

Her skin is so soft and inviting against mine as we join together in a passionate dance that transcends all time and space.

Our movements are slow but full of promise and desire, each touch deepening the connection between us until it feels like there is no longer a separation between two individuals, only one single being who knows no bounds or limits.

We kiss and touch each other like we never have before, exploring every inch of the others body with a worshipful reverence.

We explore each other's bodies with tenderness and longing, our movements becoming increasingly passionate as our hearts beat together in perfect unison.

The kisses we share become more urgent and frantic as the intensity of our lovemaking builds until it feels like we are about to be engulfed in an all-consuming fire.

Our movements become faster, more frantic until at last we both reach our climax at the same time, an intense, dynamite finish that leaves us both panting and clinging to each other still. The explosion of pleasure that overtakes us both leaves no doubt that we will never be the same again.

As I pull Delana close to me, I smile against her lips and whisper once again, "I love you."

"I love you more," she whispers back.

We lie entwined in each other's arms, basking in the glow of our love.

"No matter what life throws at us, I will always be there for you," she murmurs.

"And you will never be alone," I tell her.

Her eyes fill with tears, and she kisses me deeply before lying her head on my shoulder again.

"I know what true love is about now," she murmurs.

"What's that?" I ask.

"Unconditional commitment."

"You have that with me, yes.

"Empathy for one another."

"Definitely another checkmark there," I say, and she laughs. "Anything else?"