Chapter 26: The Breaking Point

Emma had always been good at keeping people at a distance.

It was a skill she had perfected over the years.

But with Alex?

That distance was crumbling.

And she didn't know how to stop it.

—

She stood up, straightening her posture, trying to regain control. "This isn't happening."

Alex didn't move. "It already did."

Emma exhaled sharply. "That kiss was a mistake."

Alex tilted his head. "Then why are you still thinking about it?"

She hated him.

She hated that he saw right through her.

And most of all—

She hated that he was right.

—

The Risk

Alex took a slow step forward. "You're scared."

Emma's jaw tightened. "I'm not scared of you."

Alex smirked. "No, you're scared of what this means."

Emma swallowed hard.

Because yes.

She was scared.

Not of him.

Not of attraction.

But of losing control.

—

She took a step back, needing space.

Alex let her, but his eyes never left hers.

"We keep crossing lines, Carter."

Emma clenched her fists. "Then maybe we should stop."

Alex held her gaze. "Do you really want to?"

Emma opened her mouth.

Closed it.

Because the truth?

No.

She didn't.

—

A Moment of Honesty

Alex sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Look, I'm not asking for a damn love story."

Emma arched a brow. "Good. Because that's not what this is."

Alex chuckled. "Not yet."

Emma shot him a glare. "Don't push me, Kingston."

Alex smirked. "What if I like pushing you?"

Emma exhaled sharply, turning away. "This is reckless."

Alex's voice softened. "Maybe reckless isn't always bad."

—

She hated that he made her want this.

That he made her consider things she had sworn off.

But maybe…

Maybe for once, reckless was exactly what she needed.