Alison's lips curled into a satisfied smile as she watched James and Emmie from across the room. The way Emmie looked up at him, eyes shimmering with naive hope, made Alison want to laugh. Poor thing. She really thought she had him, didn't she? But Alison knew the truth. James was only playing her.
He had told her so himself, in that low, hushed voice that made Alison's skin tingle. It's nothing serious, Ali. Just a little fun. Those words had fueled her for days. Weeks. And now, she could finally breathe easy. Emmie was nothing more than a temporary amusement, and soon, James would be all hers.
Still, she had agreed to give him a little more time—to let him get whatever he needed out of his system. A few weeks, maybe a month, James had said. Then, we'll be free of all this.
The thought made her giddy. Our time is coming.
She was so wrapped up in her thoughts, so lost in the fantasy of what was to come, that she didn't notice the eyes burning into her back.
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Micha stood in the shadows, fists clenched, her expression dark with something raw and dangerous. Alison was oblivious, too absorbed in watching James to realize she was being watched herself.
Micha had seen the way Alison looked at James—like he was her world. It made her blood boil.
He doesn't even notice me anymore. It didn't matter that they have an open relationship with James. He was having way too much fun with other women even though they were just friends with benefits.
Her fingers twitched at her sides. She had been patient, waiting for James to notice her annoyance, to really see her. But Alison was ruining everything. James had blinded her to everything else.
Her jaw tightened as she followed her gaze to James and Emmie. Alison was happy—so happy—because she thought she was winning.
But she had no idea what was coming.
Micha's lips curled into a slow, knowing smirk.
She thinks she has James all to herself?
Not if she had anything to do with it.
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Micha draped herself across James's lap, fingers trailing lazily up his chest, watching the way the dim light cast sharp shadows over his face. James was always so careful, so calculated, but here—when it was just the two of them—his guard would slip, just a little.
Micha lived for those moments.
She tilted her head, studying James's expression. "When are you going to tell them?" she murmured, voice smooth as silk.
James exhaled, his hand resting loosely on Micha's hip. "Tell who what?" he asked, playing coy, but Micha knew better.
"Alison. Emmie," Micha pressed, her tone teasing but her eyes sharp. "When are you going to tell them about us? It's ridiculous watching them fight over you."
James let out a soft chuckle, leaning his head back against the couch. "Why would I?"
Micha narrowed his eyes. "Because I'm getting tired of being a secret."
James's fingers traced slow circles against Micha's side. "No one needs to know," he said simply. "It's easier this way. We're just friends with benefits, know your place."
Micha scoffed, shifting against him. "Easier for who?"
James caught her chin between his fingers, forcing Micha to meet his gaze. "For everyone."
Micha's stomach twisted at the words, but she refused to let it show. She wouldn't beg. Not for this. Not for James. Instead, she let a slow smirk curl her lips, masking the irritation clawing at her chest.
"You're enjoying this too much," she murmured.
James's eyes darkened. "And you aren't?"
Micha huffed a laugh, but it lacked her usual amusement. Of course she was. She had always enjoyed the game—always loved the way James could set her on edge with nothing more than a look. But lately, it wasn't enough.
Not when Alison still walked around like she owned him. Not when Emmie still clung to the idea that she had even the slightest claim.
Micha wanted more.
She leaned in, pressing her lips against James's ear. "You're going to have to choose eventually."
James's fingers tightened slightly on her waist. It was subtle, barely noticeable—but Micha felt it.
And it made her smile.
Because James hated being told what to do.
And Micha loved reminding him that he wasn't the only one playing games.
Micha cast a burning gaze to James, which slowly led to a passionate make out session.
They were both mad at each other, but the desire they had for each other was painfully overwhelming.