Dumped My Cheating Ex. Now I'm Sleeping Next to a Billionaire CEO novel Chapter 1286

James stood by the gangway on deck, water streaming down the sharp line of his jaw. His wetsuit clung tightly to his strong build, every muscle defined, giving off an unmistakable, powerful presence. There was something cold and dangerous about him right then, something that made Emmy’s heart beat a little faster. For a second, she almost forgot herself—she nearly jumped right into his arms.

But she stopped short, just a step away. Emmy looked up at him, meeting those deep, watchful eyes. Her voice was rough when she spoke. “Is everything taken care of?”

James looked down at her, dark eyes steady. He gave a short nod. “We can get moving,” he said, his voice deep and steady.

Relief swept through her. It was like a huge weight dropped away, all at once. Emmy didn’t even pause—she turned quickly and spoke into the earpiece. “Security, open the way! Engines on, set sail now!” Her voice carried easily, her orders sharp and clear.

Instantly, the security team moved, clearing the gangway while the navigation officer and crew rushed to their stations. The deck turned busy in seconds.

Emmy turned back to James. “Styling team’s in the lounge,” she told him.

James just nodded, grabbing his flippers and heading for the lounge with long, purposeful strides. Emmy followed right behind.

Everyone was on the move, except one person—they’d all completely forgotten the girl left behind on the deck.

Mercedes was sitting on the ground, her cheeks red and swollen, makeup a smeared mess. She looked after the two of them, not even bothering to hide her shock. Nico just… left? He didn’t even give her a glance? Emmy had slapped her, twice, right in front of everyone, and Nico acted like he hadn’t seen a thing? That couldn’t be right.

Nico was loyal to a fault. If he’d seen her getting bullied like this, he never would’ve ignored it. He must’ve missed it in all the chaos. That had to be it.

Biting her lip, fighting back tears, Mercedes got up and straightened, clutching at her skirt. She wasn’t about to let this go. She rushed after them, determined to show Nico the truth about Emmy.

“Nico!” She burst into the lounge just as security was about to shut the door. Forcing her way inside, she cried out, her voice shaking. “Nico! Emmy hit me while you were gone! If Jamie was still alive, he’d stand up for me. He never would’ve let this happen!”

She always knew mentioning Jamie would get Nico on her side. It worked every time.

Mercedes jumped at the chance. “Her right hand. She smacked me with her right hand, twice, and hard!” She stepped closer, putting her bruised cheek on display. “Nico, look at me. Just look what she did…”

James didn’t even glance her way. He only walked over and took Emmy’s right hand in his, lifting it tenderly. Her palm was bright red, the skin hot.

James bent his head a little, gently brushing his thumb over the angry mark, his brow tightening with worry. “It’s really red,” he said softly, his concern sincere.

Before anyone could react, James brought her hand up to his lips and blew on it, so careful, so gentle. Mercedes just stared, speechless.

“My heart does ache,” James said, looking at Emmy with real tenderness. His gaze was filled with so much warmth it almost hurt to see.

“Next time, let Penny handle stuff like this,” he told her quietly. “There’s always a price for hitting someone. Why do it yourself? Doesn’t it hurt your own hand, too?”