Nova_Everly

Emma Carter has spent years building her consulting empire, proving she doesn’t need anyone—especially arrogant, entitled men like Alex Kingston. Smart, ruthless, and fiercely independent, she’s always played to win.

Alex Kingston is a business shark—rich, charming, and impossible to outmaneuver. He thrives on competition and never backs down from a challenge. So when a billion-dollar deal forces them to work together, their rivalry ignites into an all-out war.

But as the battle intensifies, so does the undeniable attraction simmering beneath their fights. Enemies turn to reluctant allies, then something more dangerous—something neither of them is ready to face.

In a city where power is everything, will they fight for dominance… or surrender to a love that could ruin them both?

Against the Odds: A Love Rewritten

Emma stood outside the restaurant, her heels clicking against the pavement as she debated walking in.

She had every reason to turn around.

This wasn't just dinner. It was a power play.

Alex Kingston wanted to rattle her, to pull her into whatever game he was playing.

Taking a deep breath, she pushed open the door.

The dimly lit restaurant was one of the most exclusive in Philadelphia, with private booths and soft jazz playing in the background. A place meant for whispered secrets and undeniable tension.

A waiter led her to the back, where Alex was already waiting. He was dressed in a crisp black suit, sleeves rolled up just enough to show the edge of his watch.

Emma forced herself to stay composed as she slid into the seat across from him. "Bold move, Kingston."

Alex smirked, pouring her a glass of red wine. "I like bold things, Carter."

She took the glass but didn't drink. "Let's skip the small talk. Why am I here?"

Alex leaned in, his voice low. "Because you wanted to be."

The confidence in his tone sent a slow shiver down her spine.

She tilted her head. "You think you have me all figured out, don't you?"

His eyes darkened slightly. "No. That's what makes this fun."

Emma exhaled slowly. This was dangerous.

But because the heat between them was real.

And it was getting harder to ignore.

The conversation between them was sharp, filled with challenges and veiled threats, but beneath it, there was something else.

Emma sipped her wine, watching him. "You think you can manipulate me over dinner?"

Alex smirked. "I think you're already enjoying this more than you want to admit."

His confidence should have irritated her. Instead, it made her pulse race.

She leaned forward, closing the space between them. "Careful, Kingston. You might just find out what happens when you play with fire."

Alex's gaze dropped briefly to her lips before locking onto her eyes. "I never back down from a challenge, Carter."

For a moment, neither of them spoke.

A slow, dangerous pull neither of them could stop.

Then, as if snapping out of a trance, Emma sat back.

"This was fun," she said, standing up. "But next time, try harder."

Alex watched her with something unreadable in his expression. "Next time?"

She smirked. "You'll make sure there is one."

And with that, she walked away, leaving him to chase her.

Chapter 33 – The Fine Line Between War and Desire