Page 88 of I Fell for an Alien Popstar

Minia slid past the windows in ribbons of violet and blue. The city seemed softer at night, less like a machine and more like something alive.

Zhari’s thumb moved slowly across my knuckles.

“I’m still hurt,” she said quietly.

“I know and I am so sorry. Hurting you was the last thing I have ever wanted to do.”

“And I still need you to understand that I cannot be the only one making room for this.”

“I know,” I said again. “I’ll make room. I’m going to try.”

She looked at me.

“Trying is not the same as promising.”

“I know that too.”

Her expression softened.

“Good.”

The rest of the ride passed in silence. Not a sad or mad silence, but the kind where we were both still there, even if neither of us knew exactly what would happen next.

The hotel rose above the city in a tower of pale crystal, its upper levels disappearing into the pearlescent haze. After the car docked at a private entrance, Sira’s security team moved ahead to clear the way.

Zhari squeezed my hand as we stepped out. We crossed the lobby and entered the elevator, where our reflections drifted across the glass walls.

Zhari’s security escorts stopped at the elevator as we walked in.

“Are they not coming?”

“Who the security? No. They will stay downstairs for now and then go back to their rooms for the night. We’re fine.” She leaned over and kissed my cheek. “You know,” she whispered. “I missed you.”

“And I missed you.”

When we reached the suite, Zhari pressed her palm against the door panel. The lock flashed green, and the door slid open with a soft hiss.

She stepped inside first, then turned and held out her hand to me.

I took it, and she gave me a playful tug, pulling me through the doorway with a grin.

Inside the suite, the door slid shut behind us, muting the hotel corridor. For a moment, neither of us moved. The room was softly lit, the city glowing beyond the glass, but all I could focus on was Zhari’s hand still wrapped around mine.

She led me toward the seating area and sat on the edge of the couch. I sat beside her, kicking off my shoes.

“You know, I was very hurt,” she mumbled.

“I know,” I whispered, cradling her hand tighter.

“I know this is a big thing,” she continued. “We have only known each other for a short time. I understand why you were afraid. I understand that humans do not experience this the way Velans do.” Her thumb moved slowly over my knuckles. “But the universe knows, Vada. My body knows. My aura knows. We are meant to be together.”

She looked down at our joined hands.

“When you kept hesitating, it stung. Not because you owed me an immediate bond, but because it felt like you did not take what was happening seriously. Like I was the only one standing in front of something enormous while you kept looking for an exit.”

My chest tightened.

“And then Tev offered you a job,” she said. “You accepted it without even batting an eye.”