Page 31 of Alien’s Love Child

CHAPTER 31

DAVIN

T he door to Leo's room slides shut with a soft hiss. I lean against the wall, watching Jesse tuck our son into his small bed. The events of the day have left their mark, and exhaustion weighs heavy on her shoulders.

"Another story, Mama?" Leo's voice is small, but determined.

"One more, little star." Jesse perches on the edge of his bed. "Which one?"

"The space pirate one."

I cross my arms, hiding my smile. "You've heard that one three times today."

"Four," Jesse corrects, running her fingers through Leo's silver hair - so much like mine. "But who's counting?"

Paraxan's heavy footsteps echo down the hall, followed by Rena's lighter ones. Through the open door, I catch snippets of their conversation about security protocols and sensor arrays.

"All sealed up for the night," Rena calls out. "We'll take shifts."

"Copy that," I respond, then turn back to find Leo's eyes growing heavy despite his protests.

"But I'm not tired," he mumbles, clutching his stuffed velocitorck closer.

Jesse starts the familiar tale anyway, her voice soft and soothing. "Once upon a time, there was a very clever space pirate..."

I slide down to sit beside her, my hand finding the small of her back. Leo's breathing evens out before she even reaches the part about the treasure map. She lets the story trail off, and we sit in comfortable silence, watching our son sleep.

"He's out cold," I whisper.

"Thank the stars." Jesse leans into me. "Though I can't blame him for being anxious. It's been quite a day."

"We should get some rest too. Rena and Paraxan have first watch."

Jesse nods, but neither of us moves just yet. The soft blue nightlight casts gentle shadows across Leo's peaceful face. After everything that's happened, these quiet moments feel like stolen treasures.

"I need a shower." Jesse walks into our room, her fingers already working the buttons of her shirt. She glances back at me, a smirk playing on her lips. "You coming?"

I raise an eyebrow, leaning against the doorframe. "Do I need an invitation?"

She laughs, a sound that never fails to send a jolt through me. "Not at all. Just didn't want you to miss the hint."

I push off the frame, following her into the room and shutting the door behind me. Her shirt hits the floor, quickly joined by her pants. "Subtlety was never your strong suit."

"And thank the stars for that." She turns to face me, her green eyes sparkling with mischief. "Are you joining me or not, Davin?"

I reach for the hem of my shirt, pulling it over my head. "You don't have to ask me twice."

She grins, turning towards the bathroom. The soft glow of the overhead lights illuminates her freckled skin, casting long shadows that dance with each step. I follow her, my eyes tracing the curve of her hips, the line of her spine.

The shower stall is already filled with steam, the glass fogged up. Jesse steps inside, the water cascading over her, turning her red hair a shade darker. I step in after her, the hot water a stark contrast to the cool air of our room.

"You know," she says, turning to face me, "we've been through hell and back, but I don't think we've ever showered together."

I chuckle, reaching for the soap. "I guess we were always too busy running for our lives."

She takes the soap from me, her fingers brushing against mine. "No running tonight."

I watch as she lathers up, her hands moving over her body in a way that makes my mouth go dry. "No," I agree, my voice hoarse. "No running tonight."

The steam swirls around us, the hot water a stark contrast to the cool tiles under our feet. Jesse's hands are braced against the wall, her back arched just enough to drive me wild. I run my hands over her hips, feeling the curve of her, the softness of her skin under the slick soap.

"You're teasing," she murmurs, looking back at me over her shoulder. Her green eyes are dark, pupils blown wide with desire.

"Am I?" I ask, leaning in to press a kiss to her shoulder. The water cascades over us, washing away the suds as I move my hands up to cup her breasts. She lets out a soft moan, pushing back against me.

"Davin," she whispers, her voice barely audible over the sound of the water. It's a plea, a demand, a promise all rolled into one.

I smile against her skin, letting my teeth graze her neck. "Patience, Jesse."

She huffs out a laugh, the sound echoing off the tiles. "Since when have I ever been patient?"

"True," I concede, sliding one hand down her stomach, feeling the muscles quiver under my touch. "But good things come to those who wait."

She shivers as my fingers dip lower, brushing against her heat. "And what if I don't want to wait?"

I chuckle, the sound low and rough. "Then I guess I'll have to give you what you want."

I grip her hips, positioning myself at her entrance. She pushes back against me, eager, impatient. I slide into her slowly, inch by inch, feeling her stretch around me. She lets out a soft gasp, her fingers curling against the tiles.

"Davin," she breathes, her voice shaking.

I lean over her, pressing my chest against her back. "Right here, Jesse," I murmur, my lips brushing her ear. "Right here with you."

I start to move, slow and steady, feeling her body respond to mine. She meets each thrust, pushing back against me, her breath coming in quick gasps. The steam rises around us, the heat building, the water cascading over us like a waterfall.

Her hand reaches back, her fingers tangling in my hair. She pulls me closer, her mouth finding mine in a desperate, hungry kiss. I can taste the desire on her lips, the need, the love. It's intoxicating, addictive. I can't get enough.

I break away from the kiss, my breath ragged. "Jesse," I whisper, my voice hoarse. "You feel so good."

She smiles, her eyes meeting mine in the mirror. "So do you," she says, her voice soft. "So do you, Davin."

I pick up the pace, my body moving against hers, the sound of our skin slapping together echoing off the tiles. Her breath hitches, her body tensing as she gets closer to the edge. I can feel it too, the pressure building, the need to let go.

"Davin," she gasps, her voice shaking. "I'm close. I'm so close."

I lean over her, my hand finding hers on the tiles. Our fingers intertwine, holding on tight as we chase our release. The water pours over us, the steam swirling around us, the heat building between us.

"Jesse," I whisper, my voice rough. "Let go, Jesse. Let go with me."

She does, her body convulsing around me, her cry of pleasure echoing off the tiles. I follow her over the edge, my body shaking with the force of my release. We cling to each other, our breaths coming in ragged gasps, our hearts pounding in our chests.

The water cascades over us, washing away the sweat and the soap, leaving us clean, leaving us sated, leaving us whole. I press a kiss to her shoulder, her neck, her cheek, feeling her smile against my lips.

"I love you, Jesse," I murmur, my voice soft.

She turns in my arms, her eyes meeting mine. "I love you too, Davin," she says, her voice steady, her gaze sure. "I love you too."

I wrap Jesse in a towel, rubbing her shoulders to chase away the chill. She leans into me, a soft smile playing on her lips. I scoop her up, cradling her against my chest as I carry her to our bed. She nuzzles into my neck, her breath warm on my skin.

"You know, for a tough guy, you're pretty gentle," she murmurs, her fingers tracing patterns on my chest.

I chuckle, laying her down on the bed before sliding in beside her. "Only with you, Jesse."

She rolls onto her side, facing me, her green eyes sparkling in the starlight. "Only with me, huh? Lucky me."

I brush a damp strand of hair away from her face, tucking it behind her ear. "Lucky us."

She hums softly, her hand coming to rest on my cheek. "You're right. Lucky us."

I take a deep breath, my heart pounding in my chest. "Jesse, I want you to be mine. Officially."

Her eyebrows shoot up, a laugh bubbling from her lips. "Officially? You mean like a piece of paper and a fancy ceremony?"

I shrug, a smile tugging at my lips. "If that's what you want. I don't have that ring you asked for, but?—"

She presses a finger to my lips, silencing me. "Davin, we've done everything backwards. Why stop now?"

I kiss her finger, then gently move her hand away. "Is that a yes?"

She grins, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Yes, Davin. Yes, after already having your baby and moving in with you, yes. I'll be your mate."

I pull her close, my lips finding hers in a soft, slow kiss. She melts into me, her body fitting perfectly against mine. When we pull away, her eyes are shining with unshed tears.

"Hey, what's wrong?" I ask, cupping her cheek.

She shakes her head, a small smile playing on her lips. "Nothing's wrong. It's just... I never thought I'd be this happy. After everything we've been through, I didn't think we'd get here."

I wipe away a tear that spills over, my thumb gently brushing her skin. "We're here, Jesse. And I promise, I'm not going anywhere."

She sniffs, her smile widening. "Good. Because I don't think I could handle losing you again."

I press a kiss to her forehead, my arms tightening around her. "You won't. You're stuck with me, remember?"

She laughs, the sound soft and warm. "I remember. And I wouldn't have it any other way."

We gently fall asleep, Jesse's breaths coming soft against my skin. If Rena and Paraxan ever intended for us to take a watch shift, they never came by to wake us for it.

The night stayed peaceful, and everyone was safe.