The Art of War

Emma had never been one to play mind games.

She wasn't manipulative.

She didn't know how to flirt strategically or use jealousy as a weapon.

But Alexander Westwood?

He was a master at it.

And if she wanted to survive this twisted push-and-pull between them—

She had to learn fast.

—

The First Move

The next morning, Emma did something reckless.

She put on a dress that was way too tight, a shade of red that screamed danger, and heels that made her legs look longer than ever.

Then, she walked into the office with a plan.

She didn't look at Alexander.

Didn't even acknowledge his presence.

Instead, she walked straight past him—

And went right up to Ethan Carter.

Ethan was one of Alexander's business partners.

Tall. Handsome. Charming in a way that made women swoon.

And most importantly?

He was a direct threat to Alexander's pride.

Emma smiled at him.

"Good morning, Ethan."

Ethan blinked in surprise, then grinned. "Morning, beautiful."

Emma let out a soft laugh.

She could practically feel Alexander's gaze burning into her.

Good.

Let's see how he likes it.

—

Checkmate?

It didn't take long for the tension to hit its breaking point.

Because as soon as Emma walked into the lounge for coffee—

Alexander was there.

Waiting.

Leaning against the counter, his arms crossed, his expression dark.

Emma's heart skipped.

She knew that look.

It was the look of a man who had lost patience.

"You're playing a dangerous game, sweetheart," he murmured.

Emma took a slow sip of her coffee. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Alexander's eyes flicked down—to her dress.

A muscle in his jaw ticked.

"That dress," he said, voice low, "is indecent."

Emma smirked.

"Funny. Ethan seemed to like it just fine."

Silence.

Then—

Alexander moved.

Before Emma could react, he had backed her against the counter, his arms caging her in.

Her breath hitched.

Alexander leaned in.

"So that's what this is?" he murmured. "You want to make me jealous?"

Emma tilted her chin up. "Why? Did it work?"

Alexander exhaled sharply.

Then—he smiled.

Not his usual arrogant smirk.

But something darker.

More dangerous.

"Sweetheart," he murmured, brushing his fingers down her arm. "You have no idea what you've just started."

—

An Unspoken Challenge

For the rest of the day, Alexander was unbearable.

Not because he ignored her.

No—he did the opposite.

He stayed close.

Too close.

Brushing past her in the hallway.

Leaning over her desk under the excuse of "checking a document."

Letting his fingers linger on her lower back just long enough to make her shiver.

Emma hated how easily he got under her skin.

And the worst part?

He knew it.

By the time the day was over, Emma was exhausted.

But she wasn't going to let him win.

So she did something bold.

That night, at a high-profile charity gala—

She showed up on Ethan's arm.

—

Disaster Strikes

The moment they stepped into the grand ballroom, Emma could feel it.

The tension.

The weight of Alexander's gaze across the room.

She didn't look at him.

Didn't give him the satisfaction.

Instead, she laughed at something Ethan said.

Rested her hand lightly on his chest.

And smiled.

But before she could take another breath—

A hand wrapped around her wrist.

Emma barely had time to react before she was pulled away.

Right into Alexander's arms.

—

The Breaking Point

The music was loud.

The room was crowded.

But in that moment, it was just them.

Alexander's grip on her waist was firm.

Possessive.

"You're really pushing it, sweetheart," he murmured.

Emma's pulse spiked.

She lifted her chin. "Let go of me."

Alexander didn't move.

Instead, his fingers tightened.

"You think I'll just stand here and watch you flirt with him?"

Emma swallowed.

"You have no right to be jealous."

Alexander laughed softly.

But there was no humor in it.

"You don't get it, do you?" he murmured.

Emma frowned. "Get what?"

Alexander's eyes darkened.

"That I don't share."

Before she could react—

He pulled her closer.

And then—

He kissed her.

Right there.

In front of everyone.

—

A Public Scandal

Gasps rippled through the room.

Emma's mind spun.

But her body?

Her traitorous body melted into him.

The kiss was hard.

Demanding.

Like he was staking his claim.

Like he was done playing games.

When he finally pulled away, his breathing was uneven.

Emma's heart hammered against her ribs.

Around them, whispers exploded.

But Alexander didn't seem to care.

He leaned in, his lips brushing her ear.

"Now everyone knows," he murmured.

Emma's fingers curled into his jacket.

Her world was spinning out of control.

But there was one thing she was sure of—

Alexander Westwood had just changed the rules of the game.

And she wasn't sure if she was ready for what came next.