Page 14 of Wrecked By My Alien Mentor

The wooden planks of the dock creak beneath our feet as we walk, the soft lapping of the river water mingling with the distant hum of the city. Orion’s hand rests on my back, his touch steady and warm even through the fabric of my dress. He’s in his human disguise tonight, but I can’t help stealing glances at him, imagining the red scales and sharp ridges hidden beneath the hologram. The tuxedo fits him perfectly, though. Tailored, crisp, and just the right amount of intimidating.

“When you said you lived on a houseboat, I was expecting something more…rustic,” I admit, glancing toward the massive vessel moored ahead.

Orion’s chuckle rumbles deep in his chest. “Rustic? Ms. Daniels, I’m wounded. Do you think so little of me?”

“I think you’re full of surprises,” I shoot back, tilting my head to meet his gaze. His purple eyes—human for now—narrow with amusement.

“You haven’t even seen the inside yet.”

We step onto the gangplank, and he offers me a hand. I take it, my fingers dwarfed by his as we ascend. The riverboat looms above us, its polished wood gleaming under the soft glowof string lights. It’s massive, more mansion than boat, with a grandeur that feels straight out of a bygone era.

“This is incredible,” I murmur, stepping onto the deck. The air smells faintly of polished wood and the river, but there’s an undercurrent of something else—something clean and metallic, like the scent of a high-tech lab.

“Wait until you see the inside.” He leads me through a set of double doors, and I’m met with a sight that makes me stop in my tracks. The interior is a masterclass in luxury: plush carpets, gleaming chandeliers, and rich mahogany paneling. It’s Gatsby-esque, but with a subtle futuristic edge. The furniture is sleek and modern, and there’s a faint hum of energy in the air that makes me think this place is more than it seems.

“Orion, this is…wow.”

“Impressed?”

“More like speechless.”

He steps closer, his hand sliding from my back to my waist. “Good.” His voice is low, the kind of tone that makes my stomach flip.

I glance up at him, feeling the weight of his gaze. “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”

“Enjoying what?”

“Showing off.”

“Maybe.” His lips quirk into a grin. “Or maybe I just like watching your reactions.”

“Well, keep talking like that, and I might start blushing.”

“I’m counting on it.”

He leans in, and my breath catches. His hand cups my cheek, his thumb brushing my lower lip. I tilt my face up, my heart pounding, but before our lips can meet, a sharp, insistent tone cuts through the air.

Orion freezes, his brow furrowing as he pulls out his phone. The screen flashes with the Veritas emblem, and he sighs.

“You have to take it,” I say, placing my fingers on his lips before he can argue.

“You dare?” His mock incredulity makes me smile.

“So discipline me for insubordination later,” I tease. “Take the call from Pyke now, it could be important.”

He catches my wrist, pressing a kiss to my fingertips before releasing me. “I’ll hold you to that.”

As he steps away to answer the call, I take the opportunity to explore. The riverboat is a maze of luxury, each room more opulent than the last. I trail my fingers along the polished banister as I ascend a spiral staircase, the carpet soft beneath my heels.

The upper deck opens into a lounge area with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer a stunning view of the city skyline. The Arch glimmers in the distance, its silhouette sharp against the night sky. I step closer to the glass, marveling at the view.

Orion’s voice drifts up from below, his tone sharp and businesslike. I can’t make out the words, but I know that tone—something’s happened. My stomach twists, but I push the unease aside, focusing instead on the room around me.

A sleek, modern bar sits in one corner, its shelves stocked with bottles that look expensive but lack labels. I run my hand along the smooth surface of the counter, my mind wandering back to Orion and the way he looked at me moments ago.

The bedroom is as opulent as the rest of the riverboat, but there’s a certain intensity to it that feels uniquely Orion. The massive bed dominates the space, its dark mahogany frame carved with intricate patterns. The satin sheets are a deep crimson, and I can’t resist running my hand over them. They’re cool and smooth, and I feel a flash of heat at the thought of what they might feel like against my skin later.

My eyes land on the sleek black remote on the nightstand. I pick it up, pressing the power button to turn on the large screenTV mounted on the wall. Instead, there’s a soft whirring sound as a panel in the wall slides open, revealing a hidden door. My heart skips a beat.

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