Page 30 of Billionaire Alien Boss Daddy

“Shh,” he murmurs, one hand cupping the back of my head, his fingers tangled in my hair. “It’s alright, Clarice. I’ve got you.”

His voice is low, steady, and it makes the knot in my chest loosen just a little. I cry harder, my fists clutching the fabric of his jacket. He doesn’t rush me, doesn’t try to make me stop. He just holds me, his other hand rubbing slow circles on my back.

When the tears finally slow, I pull back slightly, my face still wet. Simon brushes a strand of hair from my cheek, his thumb lingering for a moment. “Tell me,” he says, his voice firm but gentle.

I take a shaky breath. “Silas,” I start, my voice hoarse. “He… he hired me. To spy on you. That’s why I took the job. I didn’t?—”

“I know,” he interrupts, his tone calm.

I blink up at him. “You knew?”

His lips curve into a small, knowing smile. “Clarice, I’ve been doing this a long time. I knew from the start. But I also knew you weren’t malicious. You were just… caught.”

The weight of his words hits me, and I feel a fresh wave of tears welling up. “And my mom—she showed up today. She’s in rehab. She wants to reconnect. I just… I don’t know what to do.”

Simon tilts my chin up, his gaze steady. “She’s your mother. That’s complicated, but it doesn’t have to be bad. Maybe this time, she’s serious.”

I nod, swallowing hard. Then, before I can stop myself, the words spill out. “I love you, Simon. I … I think I’ve been in love with you for a while now.”

His expression softens, and for the first time, I see something vulnerable in his eyes. “Clarice,” he says, his voice rough. “I love you too. I have for a long time.”

The words hit me like a fist, and I can’t stop the smile that spreads across my face. Simon leans in, his lips brushing mine in a kiss so tender it makes my heart ache. I kiss him back, my fingers curling into the lapels of his jacket.

When we break apart, I rest my forehead against his. “What happens now?” I whisper.

“Now,” he says, his voice steady, “we keep living our lives. Together. Your mother is a complication, but not necessarily a bad one. We’ll figure it out.”

I smile, my heart swelling. “You’re the perfect man, you know that?”

He laughs, a deep, rumbling sound. “I’m not even a man.”

“Close enough,” I tease, and he grins before capturing my mouth in another kiss. This time, it’s not tender—it’s hungry, possessive, and it sets my whole body on fire. His hands tighten on my waist, and I slide closer, my fingers tangling in his hair.

The world outside the car fades away, and for the first time in what feels like forever, I feel like everything’s going to be okay.

Shomun’s compad buzzes, the sound sharp and urgent. He pulls it from his pocket, his jaw tightening as he reads the message. His eyes flick to me, then back to the screen.

“Pyke needs me at Alpha Base. Now.” His voice is clipped, but I can hear the edge of worry beneath it.

“Why? What’s going on?” I ask, stepping closer.

“The attempt on my life. They want a full report in person.” He pockets the compad and grips my shoulders, his gaze locking onto mine. “You stay here. Do not leave this office. Do you understand?”

I nod, but my stomach churns. “How long will you be gone?”

“Not long. I’ll be back as soon as I can.” He leans in, his lips brushing my forehead. “Mira will keep you safe.”

As if on cue, Mira appears in the doorway. Her usual calm demeanor is replaced with something harder, fiercer. “On my honor,” she says, her voice low and steady, “no harm will come to her.”

Shomun gives her a curt nod, then strides out the door. I watch him go, my heart pounding.

The moment the elevator doors close, Mira turns to me. “Hungry? I was thinking takeout.”

I blink. “Uh, sure. What do you—wait, Mira, are you… like him?”

Her lips curve into a smile. “Not exactly. He’s indigo. I’m red.”

“Red?”

---