Page 48 of Claimed By the Alien Prince
Zevran stands beneath the cascade, already naked. My breath hitches as I take in his strong back, muscles glistening under the falling water. “Warmer than it looks,” he says over his shoulder, and I can’t help letting out a small laugh.
“Yeah? You’d better not be lying.” I bite my lip, torn between hesitation and an overwhelming desire to join him. The tension between us hangs heavy, thick with unspoken words and electric anticipation.
With a deep breath that fills my lungs with warmth and courage, I step out of my clothes and slip into the water. It envelops me like a comforting embrace—soothing and invigorating all at once. The steam wraps around my body as I approach him cautiously.
Zevran turns to face me fully, his eyes darkening with something primal as he takes in my form—my wet skin glistening under the stream. He steps closer until our bodies are just inches apart. The warmth radiates between us like an invisible current.
“Come here,” he murmurs softly. His hands move with purpose as he reaches for me.
The water rushes around us, drowning out any lingering doubt as he begins to wash every inch of my body with careful precision. His fingers glide over my shoulders and down my arms; each stroke sends ripples of sensation coursing through me. He traces along my collarbone and lingers on my stomach before working his way down to my thighs.
“Zevran…” My voice trembles slightly as he kisses the soft skin of my shoulder—gentle and reverent.
He lifts his gaze to meet mine, intensity swirling within those jade depths. “Trust me,” he whispers before pressing soft kisses along my neck.
I lean into him instinctively; it feels right somehow—this connection we share in this hidden alcove away from prying eyes and judgmental stares. The tension uncoils within me like a tightly wound spring slowly releasing its hold.
He cups my face in his hands then leans down so our foreheads touch—his breath warm against my skin. “I won’t leave you alone again,” he promises fiercely, eyes locked onto mine. “Not in this court.”
The sincerity in his voice washes over me like the water cascading down our bodies—a soothing balm against all fears that had taken root within me since arriving on Verus. I search his gaze for any hint of deception but find only resolve mixed with something deeper.
“I don’t know what’s happening,” I confess softly, feeling vulnerable yet strangely safe beneath his touch.
“Neither do I,” he admits quietly but doesn’t waver from our connection—his hands still cradling my face like something precious.
Before I can respond or question further, he kisses me again—a soft exploration that ignites something fierce inside of me; it swells until it nearly consumes every rational thought left in my mind.
Time stretches in this intimate cocoon of warmth where nothing else matters beyond us—the rush of water mingling with hushed breaths fills every moment we share together under this hidden cascade of magic found only here among these ancient trees and shimmering vines.
And just for now… perhaps this is enough.
CHAPTER 38
ZEVRAN
Istand in the hallway, armor weighing heavily on my shoulders, both a shield and a burden. The cold metal bites into my skin as I shift from one foot to the other, agitation thrumming beneath my surface. Every second feels like an eternity.
Finally, the door creaks open, and Carys steps out. My lungs stop working.
She wears flowing Kiphian formalwear that clings to her curves in all the right places—draped fabric that dances around her ankles with each movement. The deep emerald hue accentuates her skin, making her brown complexion glow with warmth. A delicate vine pattern embroidered along the hem and sleeves adds an ethereal touch, hinting at her connection to this world while making it clear she belongs here just as much as I do.
Her hair cascades in wild curls down her shoulders, framing her face like a halo of dark silk. Those amber eyes gleam with mischief and wonder; they seem to hold secrets of distant worlds and dreams yet to be realized. My pulse quickens as I take in every detail—the way her lips curve into a playful smile, thegentle arch of her brows, and the soft slope of her neck that begs for a kiss.
“You gonna spin me around like a princess or what?” she teases, laughter bubbling in her voice.
I’m momentarily frozen by the sight of her—how can someone appear so breathtakingly beautiful yet utterly unpretentious?
“Of course,” I reply, recovering from my daze.
I step forward and grasp her waist gently, lifting her slightly off the ground before twirling her around. She giggles as she spins gracefully, fabric billowing around us like leaves caught in an autumn breeze.
As she settles back against me, laughter still dancing in her eyes, I can’t help but lean closer, taking in the scent of sweet earth mixed with something distinctly hers—an intoxicating blend that fills my senses.
“How is it possible for you to get more beautiful each time I see you?” I ask, genuinely curious.
Her brow arches playfully. “You’re delusional.”
“Maybe sanity is overrated then.” My voice drops to a whisper as I pull her closer until there’s barely any space left between us. The sounds around us fades into nothingness as my lips brush against the warm skin of her neck.
