Dumped My Cheating Ex. Now I'm Sleeping Next to a Billionaire CEO novel Chapter 183

Cold sweat trickled down Emmy’s back.

What is this guy even thinking?

It was just a couple of unlucky coincidences—how did he twist that into fate?

She took an instinctive step back, wanting to put as much space as possible between herself and this dangerously unpredictable man.

But she moved too fast. Her legs, already unsteady, suddenly gave out. She lost her balance and started to fall.

Before she could hit the ground, a strong arm wrapped around her waist, steadying her and pulling her upright.

Heat radiated from him, burning through the thin fabric of her blouse. It was familiar and unsettling all at once.

Emmy jerked away like she’d been shocked, stumbling back several big steps.

“James!” she blurted, her voice shaky. “All those things that happened—they really were just coincidences! If I made you misunderstand, I’m really sorry.”

James watched her, seeing how she looked ready to bolt, desperate to keep her distance. The teasing look in his eyes faded a bit.

He didn’t come any closer. He just turned, dropped onto the sofa, and lounged there with a lazy, almost aristocratic air.

“No need to be so nervous. I’m not going to eat you.”

Emmy let out a shaky breath and quickly grabbed a tissue, dabbing away the sweat on her neck. She forced a nervous little smile.

“Maybe it’s… just the AC. It’s too hot in here.”

But as she wiped her neck, the makeup she’d used to cover up faded, and the mark on her skin was suddenly out in the open.

James’s gaze darkened.

He swallowed, his Adam’s apple bobbing. His long legs, once stretched out, now crossed, and he leaned forward, propping his elbows on his knees—a move that somehow made him look both guarded and dangerous.

“So,” his voice was rougher, edged with something she couldn’t name, “why are you here?”

Emmy made herself ignore his burning stare. She took a steadying breath, her words coming out earnest and raw.

“James, I get it. Nelson Corporation is huge. Buying Starlight Corp probably doesn’t mean anything to you—just another deal.”

James looked at her—she was stunned and couldn’t hide her happiness—and the heat in his gaze only got stronger.

“Anything else?” He sounded almost bored.

“No, nothing! That’s it!”

“Then what are you waiting for? Want me to walk you out?”

Relief crashed over her. Emmy bowed deeply, almost bending in half. “Thank you, James! Thank you so much! I’ll never forget this—Starlight Corp won’t either!”

She stumbled over her words, then turned and practically ran out of the room.

The door clicked shut behind her.

James sat there for a long moment before finally standing up. He yanked at his tie, frustration written all over his face, and let out a harsh breath.

He pressed a hand to his burning throat and muttered under his breath.

“That woman really is like a drug.”