Page 36 of Billionaire Alien Boss Daddy

“Whoa,” she whispers, her voice tinged with awe. “It’s beautiful. And… terrifying.”

“That’s the idea,” I say, my tone light but proud. I toggle the thrusters to life, and the shuttle hums, the sound low and resonant. “Hold on.”

The shuttle shoots forward, slicing through the night air like a blade. Claire lets out a yelp, her nails digging into my scales as the city lights blur beneath us. I glance at her, my grin widening. “Scared?”

“A little!” She clings tighter, her eyes wide but sparkling with adrenaline. “How fast are we going?”

“Fast enough to outrun anything Earth has to offer,” I say, my voice steady. “But don’t worry. The inertial dampeners and artificial gravity will keep you safe. You’re strapped in tighter than a Pi’Rell’s belt.”

She laughs, the sound a little shaky but genuine. “Good to know. But can wenottest the limits of your fancy tech?”

“Where’s the fun in that?” I say, my claws hovering over the controls. My red eyes gleam with mischief as I glance at her. “Trust me.”

“Simon—” she starts, but I’ve already pulled the stick back. The shuttle’s nose tips upward, and we’re soaring straight toward the stars before I roll us into a loop. Claire’s scream pierces the night, high and panicked, and I laugh.

“We’re not falling!” I shout over the rush of wind. “Look!”

The shuttle completes the loop, and we’re right side up again, the city lights sprawling beneath us in a glittering tapestry. Claire’s chest heaves, her face pale but her eyes blazing.

“You’re just the worst,” she says, punching me in the shoulder. Her fist bounces off my scales, and she winces. “Ow. You act like you don’t want to get any tonight or something.”

I gasp, clutching my chest in mock horror. “Claire, that’s cruel. You wouldn’t deprive your poor, loving fiancé, would you?”

She bursts out laughing, the sound rich and unrestrained, and I feel a warmth spread through me that has nothing to do with the shuttle’s engines. Her laughter fades into a soft smile, and she leans her head against my shoulder.

“You’re impossible,” she murmurs. “But I love you anyway.”

“Good,” I say, teasing. “Because you’re stuck with me.”

I keep the shuttle steady as we glide back toward the city, Claire’s warmth pressed against my side as the wind whips through her hair. I glance at her again, feeling something. Pride, maybe. Gratitude. Love. She’s fearless in ways I never expected, and I realize, not for the first time, that she’s more than a match for a Vakutan warrior.

And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

CHAPTER19

CLARICE

The wineglass trembles in my hand as I set it down, the vibrations still echoing through my body. Across the table, Shomun’s lips twitch in that infuriating way they do when he’s trying not to smirk. I glare at him, my face burning, and shift again in my seat. The chastity belt digs into my hips, and the plugs—the damn plugs—hum faintly, a constant reminder of his control.

“You’re impossible,” I hiss, my voice low enough that the other diners won’t hear. The candlelight flickers between us, casting shadows on his face, but I don’t need the light to see him. I’ve memorized every detail, every shift of his expression, the way his eyes soften when he’s amused and sharpen when he’s focused. Right now, they’re somewhere in between.

“Impossible?” He leans forward, his tailored suit stretching over his broad shoulders. The fabric clings to him like a second skin, and I hate how much I want to rip it off him. “You’re the one who agreed to this.”

“Agreed?Agreed?” My voice rises slightly, and I clamp my mouth shut, glancing around the restaurant. No one’s paying attention, but I still feel exposed, like the entire world can see what’s happening under my dress. “You didn’t exactly give me a choice.”

“I never force you, Claire.” His tone shifts, growing serious, and I freeze. Beneath the teasing, there’s a thread of steel, a reminder that no matter how much he pushes me, he’d stop if I ever truly asked. It’s that thought that makes my stomach tighten, my breath catch.

“I know,” I mutter, picking up my fork and poking at the remains of my coq au vin. The food is delicious, but I can barely taste it now, my focus entirely on him. “But you’re still a monster.”

“Flattery will get you nowhere.” He reaches across the table, his fingers brushing against mine. Even through the gloves he wears to hide his scales, the touch sends a shiver up my spine. “Finish your meal. We’re not done yet.”

“Not done?” I arch a brow, mimicking his earlier expression. “What more could you possibly have planned?”

He doesn’t answer, but the look in his eyes is enough to make my cheeks flush. I glance down at my plate, willing myself to finish eating, but every bite feels like it’s coated with anticipation. The plugs shift inside me, and I bite my lip, forcing myself to stay quiet.

Across the table, Shomun watches me, his gaze heavy, and I know he’s cataloging every reaction, every twitch, every breath. He always does. It’s maddening. It’s intoxicating.

“You’re staring,” I say, my voice a little too high.

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