13. Ariana

CHAPTER 13

ARIANA

I find myself outside Valen's study, a quiet hum of energy behind the heavy door. He seems to genuinely care about my safety, and that thought brings a lightness I haven't felt in a long time. I take a moment to breathe and knock.

"Come in," his deep voice calls out.

Pushing the door open, I step into the room. It’s warm and inviting, with shelves lined with books and artifacts from worlds I can only imagine.

He looks up from his desk, eyes locking onto mine. "Ariana. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"I just... wanted to talk," I say, feeling suddenly shy.

He stands, motioning to a chair near the fireplace. "Sit. Can I get you something to drink? Wine? Water?"

"Wine sounds nice," I reply, settling into the plush chair.

He pours two glasses and hands me one before taking the seat opposite me. The fire crackles between us, casting a soft glow over his features.

"So," he starts, leaning back slightly, "what's on your mind?"

I take a sip of wine, feeling its warmth spread through me. "I wanted to thank you for everything you've done. For... protecting me."

His eyes soften. "It was necessary."

"Still," I continue, "I’ve never had anyone look out for me like that."

He leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "You deserve to feel safe, Ariana."

The sincerity in his voice makes my chest tighten with an unfamiliar emotion. "It's just... it’s been hard since the war. Finding work, making ends meet..."

"Tell me about it," he says quietly.

I hesitate but then start talking about my struggles—the tiny apartment, the endless bills, the feeling of barely keeping my head above water. His expression remains attentive, absorbing every word.

"And then there was my ex," I say, my voice dropping. "He made things even worse."

Valen's jaw tightens slightly. "You don’t have to worry about him anymore."

"I know," I reply softly. "Because of you."

A silence stretches between us, comfortable and loaded with unspoken words.

"What about you?" I ask finally. "Why Armstrong? Why all this secrecy?"

His gaze turns distant for a moment before he looks back at me. "Armstrong offered opportunities post-war. As for secrecy... let’s just say it comes with the territory."

I nod slowly. "It's strange, but despite everything, I feel... light around you."

His lips curve into a small smile. "Is that so?"

"Yeah," I admit, feeling bold under his gaze. "Like I can be myself."

"You should always be yourself," he says softly but firmly.

I smile back at him, feeling a connection deepen between us—a bond forged not just by circumstance but by something more profound.

"So," he says after a moment, raising his glass slightly towards mine in a toast-like gesture, "to being ourselves?"

I clink my glass against his gently. "To being ourselves."

I finish my drink, savoring the warmth of the wine and the comfort it brings. My eyes wander over to Valen, who sits quietly across from me, his green eyes fixed on mine. Despite everything I've heard about him—the rumors, the whispered stories—there's a kindness in his gaze that contradicts it all. Deep down, I believe he has a good soul.

"You're staring," he says, a hint of amusement in his voice.

I blink, caught off guard. "Sorry, I was just... thinking."

"About what?"

"About you," I admit. "About how kind you've been."

His expression softens slightly. "Kindness isn't always easy to find on Armstrong."

"No," I agree. "But you've shown it to me."

He leans back in his chair, still holding my gaze. "You deserve it."

There's an intensity in his eyes, like he's looking straight into my soul. The room feels smaller, the air thicker. My heart pounds as I feel an almost magnetic pull towards him. It’s like every fiber of my being is drawn to him, and before I realize it, I’m leaning in.

Valen doesn't move, but his eyes darken with something I can't quite name—desire? Possession? Both? His gaze flickers to my lips and back to my eyes, silently asking a question that needs no words.

I close the distance between us, our breaths mingling for a heartbeat before our lips meet. The kiss is long and passionate, a slow burn that ignites something deep within me. His lips are warm and firm against mine, and he tastes faintly of the wine we shared.

His hand cups the back of my head, fingers tangling in my hair as he deepens the kiss. A soft sigh escapes me as our connection intensifies, each moment feeling more right than the last.

I pull back slightly to catch my breath, our foreheads resting together. "Wow," I whisper.

He smiles softly against my lips. "Wow indeed."

We stay like that for a moment longer before he gently pulls away, his eyes still locked onto mine. "You have no idea how long I've wanted to do that."

I chuckle softly, feeling lighter than I have in years. "Maybe I did too."

Valen’s thumb brushes over my cheek tenderly. "Ariana," he murmurs, his voice filled with unspoken promises.

"Yes?" I reply, feeling a mix of anticipation and warmth spread through me.

"I want you to know," he begins slowly, "that no matter what happens or what you hear about me... you are safe with me."

I nod, feeling a strange sense of peace wash over me. "I believe you."

He pulls me into another kiss, this one softer but no less intense. And in that moment, surrounded by the quiet hum of energy in Valen's study and the crackling fire beside us, I realize just how deeply I'm falling for this enigmatic man who hides so much yet shows me everything with just a look.

The kiss deepens, and I find myself fumbling with the buttons on my dress, eager to feel his skin against mine. Valen's hands join mine, deftly undoing the remaining buttons and sliding the fabric off my shoulders. He leaves a trail of kisses along my collarbone, sending shivers down my spine.

I reach up to remove his shirt, my fingers brushing against the hard planes of his chest. He obliges, pulling the shirt over his head and revealing the intricate tattoos that cover his torso. I trace the patterns with my fingertips, marveling at the beauty of them.

Valen smiles, a rare sight that makes my heart flutter. He leans in to kiss me again, his lips warm and insistent. I wrap my arms around his neck, pulling him closer.

He gently lays me down on the sofa, his body hovering over mine. I can feel the heat radiating off him, and it makes me feel alive in a way I haven't in a long time. He removes the rest of my clothes, his eyes never leaving mine.

I watch as he undresses, my breath catching in my throat at the sight of him. He's even more handsome than I imagined, with broad shoulders and muscular thighs. His horns curve gracefully from his head, adding to his otherworldly allure. His member is long and erect, and all I can think of is how good it's going to feel to have it stretch me open.

Valen kneels on the floor beside the sofa, his hands running up my legs. He kisses my inner thigh, making me gasp. I can feel the tension building inside me, and I know I won't be able to hold out much longer.

He slides his hand between my legs, his fingers finding the spot that makes me moan. I arch my back, my hands gripping the cushions beneath me. He continues to kiss and touch my slit, his movements slow and deliberate.

When I can't take it anymore, I pull him up to me for another long kiss. I pull at him, urging him to get on top and fuck me.

"Please," I beg him, "Please, now." He chuckles in response, delighting in my frustration.

Finally he obliges, settling between my legs and slowly pushing inside. He fills me completely, and I cry out in pleasure. He moves slowly at first, his eyes locked onto mine. I can see the desire in them, and it only makes me want him more.

"You like that?" he asks. I nod, unable to form coherent words anymore. It's never felt like this before. Never been this good.

We find our rhythm, our bodies moving together in perfect harmony. I can feel the tension building inside me, and I know I'm close. Valen's hands grip my hips, pulling me closer.

His speed picks up, sweet friction pushing me harder and harder towards climax. I'm torn between wanting to let go, and wishing this could last forever. My nails dig into his back, aching for more of him. All of him.

"Valen," I sob between haggard breaths. "Valen, please, I want… I want…!"

With one final thrust, I fall over the edge, my body shaking with pleasure. Valen follows shortly after, his own release shuddering through him.

We lay there for a moment, our breathing heavy. Valen brushes a strand of hair out of my face, his eyes soft.

"I've wanted to do that since the moment I saw you," he says, his voice low.

I smile, feeling a warmth spread through me. "I'm glad you did."

Valen chuckles, pulling me closer. We lay there for a while longer, our bodies entwined. I know that this is just the beginning, but for now, I'm content to bask in the afterglow of our lovemaking.