Chapter 12 Surrounded
Emma's POV:
The bedroom was dark and quiet as I slipped inside, my feet barely making a sound on the plush carpet. Alexander was asleep, his broad shoulders rising and falling with each breath. I could make out the outline of his muscular frame under the sheet, and a mischievous smile tugged at my lips.
Perfect. Time for a little surprise.
I crept closer, carefully setting my bag down before climbing onto the king-sized bed. I crawled across the mattress like a cat stalking prey, positioning myself right next to his ear.
"BOO!" I shouted at the top of my lungs.
In a flash, Alexander's body moved with lightning speed. Before I could register what was happening, he flipped me onto my back, pinning me beneath him. His eyes, dark and intense, stared down at me while his breathing came in heavy bursts.
"Still know how to come back, huh? Do you know how many days you've been gone?" His voice was husky with sleep and something else—frustration, maybe anger, definitely relief.
I squirmed under his grip, not really trying to escape. "I just had something to take care of. I solved it as quickly as possible and rushed back." I flashed him an innocent smile.
Alexander's gaze softened slightly as he released my wrists, his hand moving to trace a gentle path down my back. His eyes never left mine, intense and questioning.
I peeled his hand away, bringing it to my lips for a quick kiss. "I'm exhausted from a full day of flights. Not tonight, okay?"
He sighed, the tension visibly draining from his shoulders. Wordlessly, he pulled me into his arms, holding me against his chest.
"I had to fix a security system for an Italian club," I explained, breaking the silence. "It was under attack, and I couldn't ignore it. I have clients there, and I can't lose credibility."
"It took that long? Longer than we've been married," Alexander muttered into my hair.
"Well, since I was already there, I figured I might as well stay a bit longer," I shrugged.
"Didn't you just say you solved it as quickly as possible and rushed back?" His voice held a hint of amusement now.
"Don't get caught up in minor details," I replied, snuggling closer.
As his arms tightened around me, I felt the tension of the past half month melting away.
"Oh my God! You're finally back!" Megan's excited voice rang through the living room the next morning as she launched herself at me, wrapping me in a tight hug that nearly knocked me off my feet.
"Easy there, girl," I laughed, returning her embrace. "Miss me that much?"
"Are you kidding? You disappeared without a word! Uncle Alex has been impossible to be around, all brooding and snapping at everyone."
I glanced over at Alexander, who was calmly sipping his coffee, pretending not to hear. The slight twitch of his lip betrayed him.
"I brought you something," I said, pulling out a small blue box from my bag. "This season's latest Tiffany brooch. Saw it and thought of you."
Megan's eyes widened as she opened the box. "Emma! It's gorgeous!" She immediately pinned it to her blouse, admiring the sparkle. "We should celebrate your return. How about drinks at Starlight tonight?"
I caught Alexander's eye over my coffee mug. The intensity of his gaze made my answer automatic. "I'm a bit tired, to be honest. Don't think I'm up for it tonight."
"Just let me know when you're rested, then." Megan sat down beside me, suddenly looking mischievous. "Oh, by the way, Emma... Jackson asked me out. Like, officially."
The water I'd just sipped went down the wrong way, and I choked. Alexander was by my side in an instant, handing me a napkin.
"You okay?" he asked, his hand warm on my back.
I nodded, still coughing. "You said yes?" I managed to ask Megan once I could breathe again.
"Not exactly. I said we could try," Megan replied, looking both nervous and excited. "See where it goes."
Alexander settled back in his chair. "Jackson's a good guy," he said simply, his eyes on Megan. "I've watched how he treats you."
"Great, so now Jackson has to call you 'uncle' and me 'aunt'?" I teased. "That's going to be weird."
Megan and I laughed, the sound filling the bright morning kitchen.
Alexander had been checking his watch all day. At exactly 5 PM, he burst into my section of his office, grabbing his coat with one hand and my arm with the other.
"Time to go," he announced, already pulling me toward the door. "You can finish your show on your phone in the car."
"What's the rush?" I asked, barely managing to grab my phone before being whisked away. "Is the building on fire?"
Alexander didn't answer, just guided me swiftly through the office and into the elevator. Once inside, he hit the parking level button with more force than necessary.
"Seriously, what's going on?" I asked as he ushered me into his Bentley.
Alexander slid into the driver's seat, starting the engine with a satisfying purr. "It's quitting time," he said simply, pulling out of the parking garage with enough speed to push me back against my seat.
"Since when does workaholic Mr. Sterling leave exactly at five?" I teased, watching his profile as he navigated through traffic with single-minded determination. "Are you that hungry?"
Alexander glanced at me, his eyes darkening with an intensity that had nothing to do with food. "Starving," he replied, his voice dropping an octave. "For a whole day."
My cheeks heated at his implication, and I suddenly found the passing scenery extremely interesting.
We'd barely reached the front door when my phone rang. I fished it out of my pocket, surprised to see my brother's name on the screen.
"Michael?" I answered, confused by the unexpected call.
"Emma, is it true? Did you actually marry Sterling?" Michael's voice was loud enough that Alexander could hear it too, his eyebrows rising in surprise.
"What's going on?" I asked, feeling a sudden knot of anxiety.
"You need to come home. Now. Bring Alexander with you." Michael's voice dropped to an urgent whisper. "The house is in chaos."
Alexander was already reaching for his car keys, his expression shifting to one of concern. "We'll be right there," he said, taking my hand and leading me back to the car.
The scene that greeted us at my family's mansion was surreal. The entire legal department of North Enterprises was gathered in our living room, all wearing somber expressions. My father stood by the fireplace, my mother beside him looking pale. My grandparents sat on the main sofa, their postures rigid with formality.
"Mom, Dad," I nodded, then turned to my grandparents. "Grandma, Grandpa."
Alexander stepped forward, his hand firmly holding mine. "Mom, Dad," he greeted my parents, then turned to my grandparents with a respectful nod.
An awkward silence followed his use of the familiar terms. My brother Michael broke it by slapping Alexander on the shoulder. "Good to see you, brother-in-law."
Before anyone could respond, my grandfather, Richard North, rose from his seat. "Close the doors," he commanded.
Security personnel moved to seal all exits. Several of them appeared with tactical shields, surrounding Alexander and me in a tight circle.
I exchanged a quick glance with Alexander, both of us finding the situation somewhat ridiculous.
"Grandpa, what the hell?" I demanded.
