James's POV
The moment I stepped out from the shadows and saw Emily smirking at Aimee, a surge of anger shot through me like a fire I couldn't contain. The darkness, the curse that had been simmering within me, stirred, threatening to take control. I took a deep breath, forcing it down, reminding myself that I wasn't going to let it consume me again. Not in front of Aimee. Not ever again.
Emily's smug expression didn't help. She enjoyed pushing people's buttons, especially Aimee's. And here I was, right on cue, ready to stop her.
"Emily," I growled, my voice low and threatening. "That's enough."
Her eyes flickered toward me, and she took a step back, the corners of her lips still curved in that infuriating smirk. I could feel Aimee's eyes on me, questioning, doubtful. I hated that look. The weight of everything I hadn't told her hung between us like a storm cloud, waiting to burst.