My Great Escape Led Me to You (Emily Blair) novel Chapter 210

Emily Blair regarded him coolly. “I never would’ve guessed you had such interests, Mr. White. I’ll pass—don’t want to risk catching something in a place like this.”

Her words were blunt, voice sharp as a knife.

Alex White’s expression darkened at her retort, but he managed to keep his usual gentlemanly composure.

Emily turned to push open the door to the pool area.

Behind her, Alex’s lazy drawl floated over. “Don’t bother. This door won’t open unless I say so. So, Emily, I suggest you settle in for the night.”

Emily clenched her jaw.

She spun back around, only to see Alex, without the slightest hint of embarrassment, shrug off his suit jacket right in front of her, then begin unbuttoning his crisp white shirt, revealing his bare, athletic torso.

Emily frowned and quickly looked away.

Alex chuckled. “What’s wrong? Don’t think I look good? Why won’t you look at me?”

“If you didn’t strut around like a peacock in heat, maybe I’d bother,” Emily shot back coldly.

Alex’s laughter was low and careless; he didn’t reply.

Out of the corner of her eye, Emily saw him stroll, shirtless, toward the crowd at the far end of the pool. “If you want to have some fun, Emily, come join us. I’ll be waiting.”

Clearly, he was right at home with this crowd. Before long, he was laughing, trading drinks, and moving through the party with easy confidence.

Several women in skimpy, provocative swimsuits sidled up to him, their laughter light and flirtatious, fingers tracing teasing patterns across his chest and back.

Alex didn’t even glance at them. Instead, he caught one woman’s wandering hand in his own, his voice playful yet gentle. “Alright, beautiful, had enough fun?”

She pouted, giving him a mock glare. “Not nearly enough.”

He laughed, firmly but politely removing her hand.

She huffed in frustration, biting her lip as she stomped off.

Immediately, the women around Alex started mock-scolding him for not being more appreciative. Alex just smiled, saying nothing.

Emily watched for a few seconds, then turned away.

She had to admit: Alex had a body worth a second glance. If only he weren’t Alex White, she might have looked longer.

But unfortunately, he was.

Emily faced the locked door again, focusing intently.

So intent, in fact, she didn’t notice the cold, serpent-like stare Alex shot her way from across the pool.

She gripped the handle and twisted hard.

Just as Alex claimed, it didn’t budge.

She tried again—several times—but the door remained firmly shut.

Annoyed and bored, Emily glanced back at the crowd by the pool, her irritation mounting.

Meanwhile, Alex was in his element, laughing and mingling as if he’d forgotten all about dragging her here.

Emily’s voice was glacial. “Alex White. Open the door.”

Before Alex could answer, the door suddenly swung open from the outside.

Everyone turned at the sound.

Andrew Lane and Isabella Austin had arrived.

Emily frowned slightly.

The guests flocked to greet them.

“Mr. Lane, Ms. Austin, what brings you here tonight?”

“My apologies for not welcoming you sooner—please, let us get you a drink!”

Andrew raised a hand, gently declining the offered glass. His voice was deep and smooth. “No need. Isabella doesn’t drink.”

Everyone chuckled. “Mr. Lane, always the gentleman. Alright then, let’s get Ms. Austin some warm milk instead.”

Andrew didn’t comment, and Isabella’s smile was the perfect blend of grace and modesty.

Emily watched for a moment, then quietly turned away.

With the door now open, she didn’t hesitate. She started for the exit.

“Hey, wait—at least have a drink before you go!” someone called after her.