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 told herself it was just one drink.

But then one drink turned into two.

And before she knew it, she and Alex were sitting in the corner of the bar, lost in conversation, their usual sharp remarks softening into something else.

Emma had always been good at maintaining control, but with Alex, control felt like an illusion. Because somehow, between the teasing and the sharp-edged tension, she had started letting her guard down.

It was subtle—so subtle that she didn't realize it was happening until she caught herself leaning closer. Until she noticed the way his gaze flicked to her lips when she spoke. Until she felt the warmth of his fingers brush against hers on the bar top.

Should have reminded herself that this was a game, and Alex Kingston never played fair.

But for the first time, she wasn't sure she wanted to play fair either.

Alex swirled the last of his drink in his glass, watching her carefully. "You know," he mused, "for someone who insists she wants nothing to do with me, you're spending a lot of time with me tonight."

Emma tilted her head, a slow smirk playing on her lips. "And for someone who claims to be completely irresistible, you're trying awfully hard to keep my attention."

Alex let out a low chuckle, leaning in slightly. "Oh, Carter, if I was really trying, you'd know it."

"Mm." Alex's gaze dropped briefly to her lips before meeting her eyes again. "Want me to prove it?"

Something in his voice—something low and dangerously smooth—sent a shiver down her spine.

This was the game they were playing.

A constant push and pull. A battle neither of them wanted to lose.

And yet, in that moment, Emma wasn't entirely sure she wanted to win.

But before she could say anything, a voice interrupted them.

Both of them turned toward the source of the voice, and Emma immediately felt the change in Alex's posture.

His expression hardened, that usual amusement flickering away as he straightened in his seat.

The man standing there was tall, broad-shouldered, and carried himself with an air of familiarity that made Emma's instincts hum with curiosity.

Alex's jaw tightened. "What are you doing here, Gabriel?"

Emma's eyes flicked between them, taking in the sudden tension that had settled in the air.

Whoever this man was, he wasn't just some random acquaintance.

And judging by the way Alex was looking at him, she had a feeling this was not a coincidence.

Gabriel's gaze slid to Emma briefly before returning to Alex. "We need to talk."

Alex exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair before shooting Emma an apologetic look. "Rain check?"

Emma crossed her arms, watching him closely. "That depends. Are you actually going to tell me what this is about, or are you going to pretend it's nothing?"

Alex hesitated for half a second too long.

And that was all the answer she needed.

"Figures," she muttered, pushing back her chair. "Enjoy your talk, Kingston."

And before Alex could stop her, she was already walking out the door.

Chapter 53 – The Game They Were Playing