Emma's pov
**Emma's POV**
Standing in Alex's office, I felt the tension from the moment Katerina walked in, and I couldn't help but feel a mix of confusion and frustration swirling inside me. I had expected to spend my day focusing on work, not navigating the complicated emotions that came with seeing Alex's past so vividly before me.
As I watched him defend our connection, I wanted to believe him. The way he spoke, the sincerity in his eyes—it tugged at something deep within me. But even as I nodded and tried to appear unaffected, I felt the truth of my feelings slip through my fingers.
"Emma, it's not fine," he had said, stepping closer to me, and I could feel my heart race as he invaded my personal space. "I don't want you to think that she means anything to me. She's a chapter I've already closed."
Part of me wanted to scoff at the notion. How could I be sure? He was charming, successful, and undeniably attractive—of course, Katerina would want to worm her way back into his life. But then I caught his gaze, and for a fleeting moment, I was lost in it. I felt the warmth radiating off him, and my resolve started to falter.
"Emma," he said softly, leaning in to whisper against my ear, "you need to know that no matter what happens, I'm here for you. Only you."
His words wrapped around me like a warm blanket, igniting a spark of hope. I wanted to believe that he meant it. I wanted to forget about Katerina, forget the tight knot of jealousy and insecurity in my stomach. But the reality was difficult to shake.
"Alex…" I began, but before I could finish, he pulled back slightly, our faces inches apart. I could see the intensity in his eyes, the determination that I had seen before. I had to remind myself that he was also a man with a complicated past.
"Let me show you how much I want you," he whispered, his voice low and enticing. I felt my heart leap, caught off guard by the heat in his words. "Let me prove to you that you're my priority."
I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks. Part of me wanted to push him away, to keep my guard up and remind myself that I had my own battles to fight. But the other part of me, the part that had been drawn to him since the moment we met, yearned to give in.
I crossed my arms defensively, trying to maintain some semblance of control. "Alex, it's not that simple…" But even I could hear the uncertainty in my own voice, the way my defenses were slipping.
"It can be," he countered, stepping even closer. I could smell his cologne, a heady mix of cedarwood and something uniquely him, and it sent my heart racing. I was acutely aware of the way his fingers brushed against my hair, the softness of his touch that sent shivers down my spine.
"Just one night," he said, his voice dropping to a husky whisper. "Let's forget everything else and just be us. I promise you'll see what I mean."
My heart was pounding in my chest as I looked into his eyes, searching for any sign of deception. But all I saw was sincerity—an intensity that made me want to lean into him, to give in to this connection that felt so right, even amidst the chaos of Katerina's presence.
"Okay," I found myself whispering, the word escaping before I could think it through. "But you have to promise me that Katerina is out of the picture for good."
A grin spread across his face, and I felt a flutter of excitement. "I promise. It's only you, Emma. Always."
When he leaned in and pressed a soft kiss against my lips, I felt a rush of warmth, of desire that I had tried to suppress. In that moment, the world around us faded away, leaving only the two of us—our connection, our chemistry, and the possibilities that lay ahead.
I wanted to believe that Alex meant every word. That we could navigate this messy situation together. As I kissed him back, I realized that despite the uncertainty, I was ready to embrace this adventure with him. Together, we would figure out how to balance our pasts with the future we both desired.
And for the first time in a long while, I felt a sense of hope blooming within me, pushing aside the lingering shadows of doubt.