Chapter 21: The Bet

Emma had always been careful.

Every move calculated, every risk weighed, every emotion locked away where it couldn't be used against her.

But Alex Kingston?

He had a way of tilting the balance.

And now, staring at him in her office, she realized she was walking straight into his trap.

—

She crossed her arms, keeping her expression unreadable. "What's the bet, Kingston?"

Alex smirked. "A simple one."

Emma didn't trust him.

She never trusted men like him—charming, arrogant, too damn confident for their own good.

And yet, curiosity flickered in her chest.

She hated that.

—

Alex leaned against the desk, far too comfortable in her space. "We spend the weekend together."

Emma's stomach clenched. "Excuse me?"

"No work. No excuses. Just you and me."

She let out a sharp laugh. "And how exactly does that prove anything?"

Alex tilted his head. "Because if you're really as unaffected as you claim, it won't matter, will it?"

Emma inhaled slowly.

He was testing her.

Pushing her.

Daring her.

And the worst part?

She wanted to take the challenge.

—

Emma's fingers tapped against her arm, her mind racing.

She should say no.

She needed to say no.

But the thought of proving Alex wrong—of showing him that she wasn't some weak, lovestruck woman falling into his hands—was too tempting.

So she forced a smirk, tilting her chin up. "Fine."

Alex's gaze flickered with something dangerous. "Fine?"

She nodded. "But when I win, you leave me alone. No more chasing. No more this."

Alex studied her for a moment, then extended a hand. "Deal."

Emma hesitated.

Because the moment she shook his hand, everything would change.

She could feel it.

The shift in the air. The unspoken tension.

And yet, despite every warning screaming in her head—

She reached out and took his hand.

—

Saturday Morning

Emma regretted everything.

The second she stepped out of her car and spotted Alex waiting for her outside his penthouse, she knew she had made a mistake.

Dressed in a fitted black sweater and dark jeans, arms crossed casually, Alex looked every bit like the problem she knew he was.

He grinned as she approached. "Morning, Carter."

Emma didn't return the smile. "Let's get this over with."

Alex chuckled. "You're really not going to make this easy, are you?"

She arched a brow. "Would you expect anything less?"

His smirk deepened. "Not at all."

—

The penthouse was sleek, modern—exactly what she expected from someone like Alex.

Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city, expensive furniture, shelves lined with books and rare collectibles.

It was annoyingly impressive.

Emma refused to be impressed.

Alex shut the door behind her. "Make yourself comfortable."

Emma shot him a look. "Not happening."

Alex chuckled, shaking his head. "Alright, Carter. What do you want to do first?"

She folded her arms. "Let's set some rules."

Alex smirked. "Rules? I'm listening."

Emma ignored the way his voice sent a shiver down her spine. "No unnecessary touching. No flirting. No—"

"No fun?" Alex interrupted, grinning.

Emma exhaled sharply. "I'm serious, Kingston."

Alex held up his hands in surrender. "Fine. No unnecessary touching. No flirting. No fun." He paused. "This is going to be the most boring weekend of my life."

Emma rolled her eyes. "You'll live."

Alex hummed. "We'll see."

—

Two Hours Later

Emma had underestimated Alex.

She had expected him to be annoying. Had prepared for his smug remarks and teasing smirks.

What she hadn't expected?

That he could actually be… easy to be around.

Somehow, they had ended up on his couch, arguing over a movie.

"There is no way that's a good ending," Emma said, exasperated.

Alex smirked. "You just don't appreciate the genius of an open-ended story."

Emma scoffed. "It's lazy writing."

Alex chuckled. "So what? You like your endings wrapped up in a neat little bow?"

Emma shrugged. "At least give me some closure."

Alex leaned back, studying her. "You like control."

Emma stiffened. "So?"

Alex's gaze darkened. "So, I wonder how you'll handle it when you finally lose it."

Her breath hitched.

And in that moment, she realized—

She was in trouble.