Chapter 62 – The Past Comes Knocking

Emma's stomach twisted into a knot.

James Calloway.

Of all people, of all moments—why now?

His smug smile hadn't changed. The same arrogant tilt of his head, the way he looked at her like she was something he could win back.

She gripped the door handle tighter. "What are you doing here?"

James leaned against the doorframe, casually dressed in a tailored suit, his expensive cologne filling the space between them. "Nice to see you too, Emma."

Behind her, she could feel Alex's presence like a storm brewing.

She didn't have to look to know his entire demeanor had shifted—the teasing, the heat, all of it replaced with something dangerous.

James's gaze flicked over her shoulder, finally noticing the tension in the air. His smile widened. "Ah. And this must be Alex."

Alex stepped beside her, his hand ghosting over the small of her back. A silent claim. A warning.

Emma saw the flicker of irritation in James's eyes.

Good.

Alex crossed his arms, the smirk on his face lazy but deadly. "Calloway, huh? I've heard a lot about you."

James raised a brow. "Funny. I don't recall hearing much about you."

The room was suffocating.

Emma forced herself to breathe. "Why are you here, James?"

James sighed dramatically. "Straight to business, huh? No 'how have you been'?"

Emma clenched her jaw. "James."

He chuckled. "Fine, fine. I'm here because I'm in town for a few weeks, and I thought we could catch up."

Catch up?

After everything?

Emma felt Alex shift beside her, his amusement dark. "Catch up? That's what you're going with?"

James didn't acknowledge him. His eyes were on Emma, calculating. "Let's be honest, Em. We have unfinished business."

Emma wanted to laugh.

Unfinished business? That's what he was calling years of manipulation? His betrayal?

"I don't think so," she said coldly.

James exhaled, shaking his head with fake disappointment. "Come on. One drink. For old times' sake."

Alex let out a sharp laugh, his hand finally settling on her waist. "She's not interested."

Emma tensed at the possessiveness in his touch.

James's gaze dropped to where Alex was touching her, and for the first time, his smile slipped.

His jaw ticked. "That's not your call, is it?"

Alex's grip tightened, just slightly. "It is when she's mine."

Emma's breath caught.

James's eyes snapped to hers. "That true, sweetheart?"

Emma's heart pounded.

Alex had just claimed her. Right in front of her ex.

And the worst part?

She liked it.

Liked the way Alex stood beside her like he'd fight the whole damn world for her.

Liked the way James looked pissed about it.

But she wasn't about to let either of them decide anything for her.

She lifted her chin. "I don't owe you an explanation, James."

His jaw clenched, but he forced a smirk. "Fine. But don't pretend you don't remember what we had."

Alex let out a low chuckle. "She remembers. That's why she's not interested."

James's eyes darkened. "Watch yourself, Kingston."

Alex grinned. "Or what?"

The tension snapped so tight it could break.

Emma took a deep breath. She wasn't doing this. Not now. Not ever.

She took a step back, meeting James's eyes. "We're done here."

James held her gaze a moment longer, something unreadable in his expression. Then he smirked, stepping back. "For now."

And then he was gone.

The moment the door closed, Emma exhaled, her whole body tensed.

Alex watched her closely. "You okay?"

She nodded, but her heart was still racing.

He tilted his head. "Tell me the truth."

She swallowed. "I just... I wasn't expecting him."

Alex's jaw tightened. "I don't like him."

Emma let out a humorless laugh. "Join the club."

Alex was still watching her, too closely. "If he comes near you again—"

Emma placed a hand on his chest. "I can handle him."

Alex's lips twitched. "I know you can."

His fingers brushed along her jaw, his touch gentle in contrast to the storm in his eyes.

"I don't share, Carter," he murmured.

Emma's breath hitched.

Neither did she.

She met his gaze, something shifting between them.

"I don't either."

Alex grinned. "Good."

Then he kissed her.

Hard.

Possessive.

Like he was making damn sure she knew exactly who she belonged to.

And for once, Emma wasn't fighting it.

She was kissing him right back.

—

To be continued…