Chapter 19: A Game of Control

Emma prided herself on discipline.

On control.

She had built her life on structure—clear goals, sharp focus, and absolutely no distractions.

But Alex Kingston?

He was a walking distraction.

And worse?

She was starting to let it happen.

—

The next morning, Emma arrived at her office early.

She had a full day of meetings lined up, deadlines to meet, and an entire empire to manage.

She had no time to think about last night.

No time to think about him.

She was going to move on like none of it had happened.

That plan lasted exactly two hours.

Because at 10:17 AM, Lily walked in with a hesitant look.

"Mr. Kingston is here."

Emma froze.

She should have expected this.

Alex didn't give up easily.

Still, she sighed. "Tell him I'm busy."

Lily hesitated. "He said you'd say that."

Emma arched a brow. "And?"

"And he told me to tell you that avoiding him isn't going to work."

Emma exhaled sharply, pinching the bridge of her nose.

Of course he did.

—

A few minutes later, Alex strolled into her office like he owned the place.

Emma didn't bother looking up from her laptop. "I don't remember inviting you in."

Alex smirked, taking a seat across from her. "You didn't. But I figured you'd appreciate the persistence."

Emma didn't.

She glanced up, giving him a flat look. "What do you want, Kingston?"

His expression was unreadable. "Lunch."

She stared at him. "Lunch?"

He leaned back, his smirk never fading. "You have to eat, Carter."

She narrowed her eyes. "You do realize this is a professional setting?"

Alex rested his elbows on the chair's armrests. "So?"

"So, I don't mix business with personal."

Alex chuckled. "Who said anything about personal?"

Emma clenched her jaw.

Because they both knew this wasn't just about business anymore.

—

She could have refused.

Should have refused.

Instead, she found herself in the back of a sleek black car, sitting beside Alex as they drove to a restaurant she hadn't agreed to.

Emma shot him a glare. "I don't recall saying yes to this."

Alex glanced at her, amused. "And yet, here you are."

She crossed her arms, annoyed. "I have other things to do, Kingston."

"Then I'll make it quick."

Emma sighed. "Why are you so damn persistent?"

Alex smirked. "Because you haven't told me to stop."

She didn't respond.

Because the truth was—

She didn't know if she wanted him to.

—

The restaurant was quiet, upscale but not flashy.

They were seated in a private booth near the window, the soft murmur of conversation filling the space around them.

Emma forced herself to stay composed, to act like this was just another business lunch.

Alex, on the other hand, looked entirely too relaxed.

"You're tense," he observed, picking up the menu.

Emma shot him a look. "I'm fine."

Alex hummed, unconvinced.

They ordered, and for a brief moment, there was silence.

Then, Alex set his menu down.

"Tell me something, Carter."

Emma took a sip of water, not looking at him. "I don't like small talk."

"Good," Alex said smoothly. "Because I wasn't planning on making it."

Emma sighed. "What do you want, Kingston?"

His gaze was steady. "Why do you keep fighting this?"

Emma's pulse jumped.

She kept her expression neutral. "Fighting what?"

Alex tilted his head slightly, studying her. "This. Us."

Emma let out a humorless laugh. "There is no us."

"Not yet," Alex agreed. "But you know as well as I do—this thing between us? It's not going away."

Emma hated how easily he said it.

Hated that a part of her believed him.

But she wasn't going to let him win.

She leaned forward, her voice low and sharp. "I don't get involved with men like you, Kingston."

Alex smirked. "You keep saying that."

"Because it's true."

His gaze darkened slightly. "Then prove it."

Emma clenched her jaw.

She hated this game.

Hated that he kept making her question herself.

But more than anything…

She hated that she wasn't sure if she wanted to win.

—

Lunch ended, but the tension between them didn't.

As they stepped outside, Alex turned to her. "So?"

Emma frowned. "So, what?"

He smirked. "Did you enjoy it?"

She rolled her eyes. "It was lunch, Kingston. Don't get ahead of yourself."

Alex chuckled. "Too late."

Before she could respond, he leaned in slightly, his voice dropping.

"I'll see you soon, Carter."

Then, he walked away.

Emma stood there for a moment, watching him disappear into the crowd.

Her fingers curled into fists.

Because deep down, she knew—

This wasn't over.

Not even close.