Page 55 of Badass Alien Boss

“You heard me.”

“I know. I just like hearing it. For as many times as I am right, I don’t get to hear it often enough,” she said. “Not since I retired as defense minister, anyway.”

“Father and I tell you you’re right all the time.” Chaumi set drinks on the table and rolled her eyes. “It’s easier that way.”

“You see what I mean?” Mama smiled affectionately at her daughter.

Mama and Chaumi continued with their respective duties.

“No false modesty there,” Michaela said when they were alone.

“None,” he agreed with a chuckle then reached across the table to take her hand. “I can’t imagine my life without you. I do feel like a new man. I hope I make you as happy as you make me.”

“I feel now like I loved you before I ever met you. Like I was waiting for you to find me.”

His chest swelled with happiness. He felt like he was on top of the world.

“We had a connection right from the start,” she said.

“Why do you think I let you stay?” he joked and then realized there might be truth in it. Opposed to a bodyguard, he’d made only token protests. He could have gotten rid of her if he tried. But some inner voice whispered,Give her a chance.

“Like we were meant to be,” she said.

“Don’t say that too loud.” He shifted his gaze to the kitchen.

She laughed.

“I love your laugh.” He loved everything about her. He marveled that out of all the females in the universe, the woman he’d connected with was a human from another planet hired against his wishes. If he hadn’t been attacked, he wouldn’t have met her. The worst thing to ever happen to him had turned into the best. He did not believe in fate or mysticism, but like Mama said, it felt like he and Michaela were meant to be.

They had to get her allergy under control. Nothing bad could ever be allowed to happen to her. It would destroy him. He halted the direction his mind headed before pessimism ruined this perfect moment and raised his glass instead. “We should toast. To our future and many, many happy years together,” he said.

“To our happy future. I love you,” she said.

“I love you, too.”

They clinked glasses and sipped the fruity, bubbly beverage.

“Not quite what I expected,” Michaela said.

“No.” He’d been expecting something alcoholic. “Chaumi’s choice rather than Mama’s.” The server hadn’t been told what kind of drinks to bring them.

“It’s good, though.” She took another sip.

Just then, Chaumi delivered two plates loaded with steaming, aromatic food. “It’s on the house. A celebration.”

“No…that’s not necessary—”

“She won’t take no for an answer. She says it’s free food or no food.” Chaumi held the plates.

Michaela laughed. “She drives a hard bargain.”

Relentless. A benevolent dictator. “We’ll take it, then,” he conceded. “Relay our thanks.”

Chaumi set the plates on the table. She winked. “Enjoy!”

* * * *

“It’s just as well we didn’t drink alcohol because, after that heavy meal, you might fall asleep before you exhaust me,” he said as they entered the apartment. He’d gotten hard in anticipation. Knowing she returned his feelings made him desire her all the more. He pulled her close for a deep kiss.