The Price of Protection

A Storm Within

Emma felt like she couldn't breathe.

Even though her mother was gone, the weight of her presence still lingered in the air.

Like a ghost haunting her.

Like a chain she still couldn't break.

She turned to Alexander.

"You didn't have to do that," she whispered.

Alexander raised an eyebrow.

"Didn't I?"

Emma swallowed.

"You don't understand. She—"

"I understand perfectly," Alexander cut her off.

His voice was calm.

Dangerous.

Emma shivered.

Because he wasn't just saying it.

He meant it.

And that terrified her.

—

The Aftermath

Alexander moved past her, heading to the kitchen.

"Sit," he ordered.

Emma frowned.

"Why?"

He opened a cabinet, pulled down a glass, and filled it with water.

Then he placed it in front of her.

"Drink."

Emma's fingers tightened around the hem of her shirt.

She hated how easily he took control.

Hated how much she wanted to listen.

But she was exhausted.

So she sighed, took the glass, and drank.

Alexander watched her the entire time.

His gaze never wavered.

Never softened.

"You're still shaking," he observed.

Emma set the glass down.

"I'm fine."

Alexander tilted his head.

"Lie to someone else, sweetheart."

Emma's stomach clenched.

She hated how he saw right through her.

—

A Call That Changes Everything

Before Emma could argue, Alexander's phone rang.

He pulled it out, glanced at the screen, and answered.

"Talk."

Emma's eyebrows shot up.

He didn't even say hello?

A deep voice rumbled through the speaker.

Emma couldn't make out the words, but whatever was being said—

It made Alexander's expression darken.

Colder.

More dangerous.

Then—

"Handle it," Alexander said.

He hung up without another word.

Emma stared.

"Do you always talk to people like that?"

Alexander smirked.

"Only the ones who work for me."

Emma swallowed.

"What was that about?"

Alexander sat on the edge of the couch.

His eyes locked onto hers.

"Your mother."

Emma's heart stopped.

—

A Dangerous Game

"What about her?" Emma whispered.

Alexander leaned forward.

"She's making moves."

Emma's hands clenched.

"What kind of moves?"

Alexander's jaw tightened.

"She's looking into my business. My name. My assets."

Emma's blood ran cold.

That wasn't normal.

That wasn't something a mother should do.

"Why?"

Alexander exhaled.

"Because she knows she can't touch you anymore."

Emma's chest tightened.

"And now she wants to go after you instead."

Alexander smiled.

But it wasn't warm.

It was lethal.

"Let her try."

—

A Battle Begins

Emma stood.

"You don't understand," she said, voice shaking.

Alexander's gaze followed her.

"Then explain it to me."

Emma shook her head.

"You think you can just make her disappear?"

"Yes."

Emma froze.

Because he meant it.

Every word.

"Alexander—"

"Emma."

His voice was low.

Firm.

Final.

"I told you. She won't touch you again."

Emma's pulse pounded.

"But at what cost?"

Alexander smirked.

"Whatever it takes."

Emma shivered.

Because something told her—

That was a promise he intended to keep.

—

An Unwanted Guest

Later that evening, Emma tried to relax.

Tried to pretend that her world wasn't crashing down around her.

But then—

There was another knock at the door.

Emma's heart jumped.

Alexander was up in an instant.

He moved smoothly, silently, reaching the door in seconds.

Then he opened it.

Emma held her breath.

But it wasn't her mother.

It was someone else.

A woman.

Tall. Elegant.

Dressed in designer clothes and red lipstick.

She smiled at Alexander.

"Well, well," she purred. "Miss me?"

Emma's stomach dropped.

—

The Other Woman

Alexander's entire body tensed.

His face hardened.

"What are you doing here, Victoria?"

The woman's smile widened.

Emma felt sick.

Victoria.

She knew that name.

She had heard it before.

The woman who was rumored to be Alexander's ex-fiancée.

And right now—

She was looking at Emma.

Like she was a problem to be removed.

—

A New Threat

Emma swallowed.

Victoria took a step inside.

Alexander didn't stop her.

Emma hated that he didn't stop her.

"Who's this?" Victoria asked, eyes sharp.

Alexander exhaled.

"Leave, Victoria."

Victoria laughed.

"Now, now, Alexander. That's no way to treat an old friend."

Her gaze flickered back to Emma.

"Especially in front of your little... project."

Emma's fingers clenched.

"Excuse me?"

Victoria smirked.

"You're cute, sweetheart. But let's not pretend this is something real."

Emma's breath caught.

Alexander moved.

Fast.

His hand wrapped around Victoria's wrist.

Tight.

Dangerous.

"Watch your mouth," he murmured.

Victoria's smile didn't fade.

But Emma saw it—

The flicker of fear in her eyes.

And then—

Alexander let go.

—

The Devil's Choice

Victoria straightened.

She turned to Emma one last time.

Then she smiled.

But it wasn't friendly.

It was a warning.

"Be careful, sweetheart," she said softly.

Emma's jaw tightened.

Victoria smirked.

Then she turned and left.

The door clicked shut.

And Emma exhaled.

"What was that?" she demanded.

Alexander ran a hand through his hair.

"Nothing."

Emma glared.

"That didn't look like nothing."

Alexander's gaze met hers.

Dark.

Unyielding.

"She doesn't matter," he said.

Emma's heart pounded.

"Then why did she look at me like I was a problem?"

Alexander smirked.

"Because you are."

Emma froze.

His eyes burned into hers.

"You're the first thing in my life I've ever refused to let go of, Emma."

Her breath hitched.

And for the first time—

She realized how dangerous that truly was.