“What do you think?” she asked, gesturing to her outfit.
Xizi’s eyes roamed over her form, taking in the tight-fitting leggings and form-fitting top. “You look incredible,” he said, his voice low and husky.
Ashley felt a shiver run down her spine at the sound of his voice.
Blushing at the compliment, Ashley felt her heart race as she looked at Xizi.
She couldn’t deny the attraction she felt towards him, even if their situation was completely insane. But for now, she was content to revel in the moment, feeling like a goddess in her own right.
Ashley took her glass with the remaining creamy beverage and walked over to the bed to peer out the window; now that she was dressed and her hunger was satisfied, she was able to take in everything about their cabin.
They were going to be stuck in their cabin for a long time, so they might as well explore their room... and each other.
As Ashley sipped her creamy drink, she gazed out the large window beside the bed. The view of space was mesmerizing, the vast expanse of stars and planets stretching out before her. She felt a sense of wonder and awe, imagining all the secrets and mysteries hidden in the depths of the universe.
The vast expanse of space stretched out before her, stars twinkling in the distance like a million diamonds scattered across the black canvas of the universe.
Turning back to the bed, she saw Xizi lying there, his muscular form stretched out in relaxation. She smiled to herself, admiring his rugged beauty and the way his otherworldly features blended so perfectly with his human form.
“You look so peaceful,” she said softly, setting down her glass and crawling onto the bed beside him. “What are you thinking about?”
His gaze snapped to hers, intense and focused. “I was thinking about how grateful I am to have you here with me and how I’m able to ssshare this journey with you. The Fates and the Stars have really smiled upon us.”
She climbed into bed with him, leaving the now-empty glass on the side table and gazing out the window.
“What are you thinking about?” he asked softly, his eyes reflecting the starlight.
“Just... everything,” Ashley said, gesturing out the window. “It’s incredible. The whole universe is out there, and we’re just a tiny little speck in it all. I’d always believed that humans couldn’t be the only intellectual species in the vastness of the universe, but it’s different having the truth thrust into my face.”
Xizi nodded, his hand reaching out to touch her arm. “But to me, you are the most important thing in the universe,” he said, his voice low and intense. “It doesn’t matter who or what else is out there, you areitfor me.”
Ashley leaned in to kiss him as she felt a warmth spread through her chest. “I’m grateful to have met you as well,” she said quietly, snuggling into his side. “I never imagined a real alien would walk into my house, but I’m glad you did and not the cosplayer.”
Ashley listened to Xizi’s story with interest, amused by the thought of someone breaking into her house thinking he was an alien. She bubbled up with laughter, imagining the look on the guy’s face when the police showed up.
“You must have been so disappointed to find out he wasn’t a real alien,” she said, giggling. “He wasn’t able to help you escape.”
Xizi smiled at her, but his expression was tinged with sadness. “It was actually quite dangerousss for him to break into your home like that,” he said. “Humans can be unpredictable, and they don’t always react well to things that are different from them. I was prepared to do anything to protect you, even from your own ssspecies.”
Ashley’s smile faded as she realized the seriousness of the situation. She didn’t want anything bad to happen to the cosplayer, Xizi, or to anyone else who might be like him.
“I’m sorry,” she apologized. “I didn’t mean to make light of it, but in my defense, I hired him to come to my house, and you got to me first. That’s how I ended up in this situation, basically married to you and swept away to some faraway secret base.”
Xizi reached out and took her hand, his touch warm and reassuring. “It’s okay,” he said. “I just want you to understand that our kind are not always safe around humans. That’s why we have to be careful, and why we have to stick together.”
They lay there in silence for a moment, the hum of the ship’s engines lulling them into a state of relaxation. As the ship continued its journey through the stars, Ashley tried to envision what other wonders lay in store for them on their journey to the sanctuary.
Ashley closed her eyes, savoring the feel of Xizi’s strong arms around her, and the comfort of their shared warmth.
Eighteen
Xizi
Xizi’s body trembled as the memories of the cruel experiments he was subjected to flooded back. Ashley wrapped her arms around him, trying to comfort him.
“It’s okay, Xizi. You’re safe now. We’re on a spaceship, remember?” she whispered.
He nodded, but the fear remained in his eyes. The pinging continued, causing Xizi to flinch each time.
