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 knew she was walking into trouble the moment she stepped into the dimly lit bar.

She had been perfectly fine ignoring Alex Kingston for the last few days, convincing herself that their conversation at the courthouse had been nothing more than an anomaly.

Alex Kingston: Drinks. One hour. No excuses.

And against her better judgment, she had shown up.

Now, as she spotted him leaning against the bar, his sleeves rolled up, his dark gaze locking onto her like she was the only person in the room, she knew she should have turned around and left.

"Didn't think you'd actually come, Carter," Alex murmured as she reached him, his voice dripping with amusement.

Emma tilted her head. "And miss out on whatever ridiculous scheme you've got planned? Never."

Alex chuckled, motioning for the bartender. "Whiskey?"

She raised a brow. "You know my drink order now?"

Emma took the glass he handed her, her fingers brushing against his for a brief second. A harmless touch, but one that sent a spark of something dangerous down her spine.

She ignored it, taking a slow sip. "So? What's the occasion?"

Alex leaned in slightly, his breath warm against her ear. "Do I need an excuse to see you?"

Emma rolled her eyes, refusing to let him get the upper hand. "You need an excuse for everything you do, Kingston."

His smirk deepened. "Maybe I just wanted to test something."

She sighed. "And what exactly are you testing?"

Without answering, Alex reached out and tucked a loose strand of her hair behind her ear, his fingers grazing the side of her neck deliberately.

Emma's breath hitched, but she refused to react.

Instead, she met his gaze head-on. "That's not going to work on me."

"This whole… act," she said, narrowing her eyes. "The teasing. The charm. The whole 'I'm too dangerous to resist' routine."

Alex chuckled, tilting his head. "And yet," he mused, eyes darkening, "you still showed up."

And worst of all—he wasn't wrong.

Emma set her glass down, stepping forward until there was barely any space between them. If Alex wanted to play games, she could play too.

"Careful, Kingston," she murmured, letting her fingers trail over the collar of his shirt. "You might start believing your own hype."

Alex's smirk faltered for just a fraction of a second—so quick that most people wouldn't have noticed. But Emma did.

She stepped back, picking up her drink again like nothing had happened. "Enjoy your night, Kingston."

And with that, she turned and walked away, leaving him standing there—watching her like she was the most dangerous thing in the room.

Chapter 48 – Dangerous Games