Alex's POV
The music pulsed through the air, a rhythmic beat that seemed to vibrate through the entire venue. I stood near the entrance, watching the scene unfold. The rooftop was packed, filled with people dressed to impress, glasses clinking, and conversations flowing like the champagne that never seemed to stop. It was the kind of event my parents thrived at—socialites and business elites, mingling over loud music and expensive drinks. But for me, this felt like a necessary appearance more than a place I wanted to be.
My parents were already deep in conversation with some old business associates. They were in their element, charming everyone around them, slipping seamlessly between personal anecdotes and business talk. I'd seen them work the room a thousand times before, turning every casual interaction into a potential deal. It was part of the reason I admired them, but also part of the reason I sometimes felt like I was following in footsteps too large to fill.
Tonight, I wasn't here for deals, though. This was just an appearance—a nod to the family reputation. But as I sipped my drink, I found my mind wandering, drifting to thoughts of Emma. Ever since our dinner the other night, she'd been on my mind more than I cared to admit. There was something about her—her fire, her determination—that had gotten under my skin in a way I hadn't anticipated. She was different from anyone else I'd met in this world of polished masks and calculated conversations. Real, unfiltered, driven.
I could still see the way her eyes had lit up when she talked about her company, the way her passion radiated from her in waves. She didn't just want to succeed; she *needed* to. It was woven into her very being, and I found myself wanting to be part of that energy, to support her in a way that went beyond business.
"Alex," my father's voice snapped me out of my thoughts. He clapped me on the shoulder, his voice loud enough to be heard over the music. "You've been quiet tonight. Everything okay?"
I nodded, forcing a smile. "Yeah, just taking it all in."
My father eyed me for a moment, the way he always did when he sensed there was more on my mind than I let on. But then his attention shifted back to his conversation, leaving me with a moment of reprieve.
I scanned the room again, absently twirling the glass in my hand. And then, almost as if my thoughts had conjured her, I saw her. Emma.
She was standing across the room, surrounded by a small group, and for a second, everything else faded. The lights above cast a soft glow over her, catching the subtle shimmer of her dress as she laughed at something someone said. She looked radiant, alive in a way that made the whole party seem to revolve around her. My breath caught in my chest, the sight of her hitting me harder than I expected.
She hadn't seen me yet, and part of me was glad for the moment to just take her in. She looked confident, as if she owned the night. But beneath that exterior, I knew there was more—a vulnerability she hid well, but one that made me want to protect her, even though I knew she didn't need it.
"Emma's here?" I muttered under my breath, surprised but not entirely shocked. Of course, she'd be at a place like this. She belonged in these circles just as much as anyone else—if not more.
But then I noticed something else. A guy. He was standing close to her, too close for my liking, his hand resting lightly on her back as they talked. I felt a flicker of irritation rise in my chest, unexpected and unwelcome. There was no reason for me to feel possessive, not when Emma and I were just starting to build… whatever it was between us. But seeing her with him, laughing so freely, stirred something deep within me.
The guy leaned in, saying something in her ear, and I clenched my jaw, my grip tightening around the glass in my hand. What was he playing at? I couldn't tear my eyes away as I watched them, my pulse quickening as the conversation between them grew more animated. She was smiling, but something about the way he was standing, about the way his body language shifted, rubbed me the wrong way.
Before I knew it, I was already walking across the room, weaving through the crowd with a purpose I hadn't fully realized until that moment. The party blurred around me, my focus zeroing in on Emma and the guy standing far too close for my comfort.
By the time I reached them, the guy had turned slightly, his hand still resting on her back. Emma noticed me first, her eyes widening just a fraction in surprise before a soft smile curved her lips.
"Alex," she greeted, her voice warm and inviting, as if she was genuinely happy to see me.
I nodded at her, but my eyes flicked to the guy next to her, who had straightened up, sensing the tension. "Everything alright here?" I asked, my tone casual but laced with an undertone of warning that even I couldn't hide.
Emma's smile faltered slightly, as if she could feel the shift in the air. The guy glanced between us, clearly picking up on the vibe, but before he could say anything, I stepped closer, positioning myself just enough to block him from her view.
"Just catching up with a friend," I said, looking him dead in the eye.
He shrugged, raising his hands in mock surrender. "No problem, man. I'll catch you later, Emma." He shot her one last glance before turning and melting back into the crowd.
I turned to face Emma fully, feeling the tension ease as he disappeared from sight. She raised an eyebrow at me, amusement dancing in her eyes. "What was that about?"
I shook my head, trying to play it off. "Just looking out for you."
She laughed softly, shaking her head. "I can handle myself, you know."
"I know," I replied, the possessiveness still thrumming beneath the surface, "but that doesn't mean I won't."