Dumped My Cheating Ex. Now I'm Sleeping Next to a Billionaire CEO novel Chapter 1292

James came back just as the sky was starting to lighten. Only one dim bedside lamp lit the room. He moved quietly, careful not to wake the woman sleeping in his bed. She was out cold, breathing soft and steady, her guard completely down.

He sat on the edge of the mattress and reached over, brushing his fingers over her cheek. He traced the shape of her brows, slid down the bridge of her nose, lingered at her lips. There was something dark in his eyes, something tender too. Maybe a hint of sadness that just wouldn’t fade.

Emmy…

He said her name in his mind. How many secrets are you keeping from me? After all we’ve been through, why won’t you let me in all the way? Is there something I’m still not getting right? Is that why you can’t give me your full trust?

He leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. Then he let out a deep sigh, like he was trying to ease all the tension that filled his chest. After a moment, he stood up and headed for the bathroom. When he was done, he pulled back the covers and slid in next to her, wrapping his arm around her waist and tugging her into his embrace.

Emmy slept deeply, not even stirring. When she finally woke up, the sunlight leaking through the curtains was already bright. She squirmed a little, coming back to herself, and realized she was being hugged tight, practically cocooned. Behind her, James’s chest was solid and scorching against her back, his arm holding her securely.

She tried to shift his arm away, but he only tightened his hold, pulling her closer.

“You’re awake?” His voice was rough from sleep, right in her ear. His warm breath tickled the side of her neck.

“Babe, I’m sorry I put you through all that.”

The way he suddenly apologized caught Emmy off guard. She blinked, confused. “When did you get home?”

James buried his face deeper in her neck, mumbling, “Early this morning.”

He paused before saying, “I’ll figure out how to replace the resort’s spokesperson.”

Emmy immediately knew what he meant. Mercedes. She pressed her lips together, her head clearing.

“No, don’t. The resort just launched and everyone’s paying attention. If we change the spokesperson now, people will start talking. Plus, Mercedes is really good at what she does. Her vibe and her look are exactly what the resort was going for. She fits perfectly.”

James frowned, stubborn as ever. “I don’t care. I won’t let you feel wronged. I should never have agreed to let her take the job.”

“You’re the only one I care about. Always have been. Always will be.”

Emmy’s heart kicked up at the look on his face. She looped her arms around his neck, putting on her most charming smile. “Okay, okay, I was just joking. Are you seriously mad?”

But James wasn’t letting it go that easily. He stared at her lips, his throat moving as he swallowed.

“Not even as a joke.”

Joking about him and anybody else didn’t sit right with him at all. There was nothing funny about it.

His eyes darkened and his voice got even softer, almost a growl. “Don’t move. Just lie back and wait for me.”

Emmy looked at him, a little thrown. “Wait for you to do what?”