Chapter 166 Army at the Door

Chapter 166 Army at the Door
I stretched lazily as sunlight streamed through the window, feeling the pleasant soreness in my muscles from the training session four days ago. The sheets felt cool against my skin as I rolled over, reaching for my phone to check the time.

"Isabella, have James and the others returned yet?" I called out, swinging my legs over the side of the bed.

Isabella appeared at the doorway, tablet in hand. "They're coming down the mountain now. Making their way back."

"So pressuring them did work after all," I said, walking over to the screen that displayed their location markers moving steadily across the terrain.

"Though James and the others haven't returned yet..." Isabella hesitated, her eyes flickering toward the window. "Alexander is here."

"Alexander's here?!" I spun around, nearly dropping my phone. "What the hell is he doing here?"

Isabella gave me a long, meaningful look but said nothing.

Before I could react further, the bedroom door swung open. Alexander strode in with purposeful steps, his eyes dark and focused entirely on me.

"Mr. Sterling," Isabella nodded respectfully before turning to leave.

"Alex, what are you—"

I didn't get to finish my question. In one fluid motion, he crossed the room, swept me into his arms, and carried me toward the bathroom.

"Put me down!" I struggled against his chest, though not with my full strength. "What are you doing?"

"Hmm." That was his only response as he kicked the bathroom door open.

"For fuck's sake—I don't need a shower!" I protested as he set me on my feet only to start removing my clothes.

"I..." My words died in my throat as his lips claimed mine, urgent and demanding.

"Mmm..." I couldn't help responding, my body instantly recognizing his touch, craving it despite my initial resistance.

Four months of separation dissolved in seconds as we moved together, his hands seemingly everywhere at once. I lost track of time, surrendering to the intensity between us that had only grown stronger during our time apart.

Later—much later—I collapsed against him, completely spent.

"Alexander, have mercy," I murmured into his chest. "I'm exhausted."

He brushed damp hair from my forehead, his voice low and husky. "Had enough?"

"Hmm?" I blinked up at him, my brain still foggy from pleasure.

"Done watching me suffer?" His fingers traced lazy patterns on my bare shoulder.

I let out a weak laugh. "Definitely done. The cost is too high."

I shook my head, nestling deeper into his embrace. I never won these intimate battles with him. It always ended the same way—with me completely drained while he seemed capable of continuing indefinitely. Strange how in combat I had endless stamina, but here, with him, I was always the first to surrender.

---

Three Days Later

"Emma, when are you planning to return to the States?" Alexander asked as I finally managed to drag myself out of bed.

I stretched, wincing at the pleasant soreness throughout my body. "After I handle one last thing here. Then I'll go back."

Absolutely no way I could stay in Italy any longer. The man had months of pent-up desire, and I was paying the price.

We had barely finished getting dressed when Isabella called. As I listened to what she had to say, I felt my expression tighten with concern before I quickly smoothed it away.

"Let's go to Phoenix headquarters," I told Alexander after hanging up. "Time to finish this last piece of business."

"What's happening?" he asked, his demeanor immediately shifting to alert.

"The final task. We'll complete it today."

When we arrived at Phoenix headquarters, I was surprised to see the villa surrounded by black SUVs. Each vehicle had five or six men standing beside it, creating a tense atmosphere.

Inside the compound, Phoenix members formed a protective barrier, blocking any attempt to enter the building. James sat by the entrance, one leg crossed over the other, smoking a cigarette while casually twirling a handgun. His posture made it clear—anyone taking one step forward would get shot.

As I stepped out of our car, all eyes turned to me. Alexander took my hand, and together we walked toward the entrance as if we couldn't see the small army around us.

When we reached the door, James stood up, nodding respectfully before stepping aside.

"Donna, Seth Frost is inside," he murmured quietly.

"Good," I replied with a nod.

---

Inside, Seth sat on the sofa with two armed guards standing beside him, submachine guns held at the ready. Isabella sat opposite him, calmly brewing tea without a single guard nearby.

"Donna, Mr. Sterling," Isabella acknowledged us, setting down her teacup and rising to her feet.

"Seth, what brings you to my doorstep?" I asked, settling onto the sofa and crossing one leg over the other.

"Emma, if I didn't come now, you'd probably be taking down SF Family next," Seth replied with a resigned expression.

"You make it sound like I've been on a rampage," I said innocently. "I haven't touched any of the top five families."

My eyes drifted to the two armed men flanking him. Seth caught my look and turned slightly toward his men.

"You can wait outside," he told them.

"Don," one of them protested quietly, clearly reluctant to leave his boss unprotected.

Without a word from me, Isabella smoothly drew her gun and aimed it at the man who had spoken.

"Think carefully," she said coolly. "If we wanted to make a move, would you still be standing here? This is Phoenix territory."

To emphasize her point, she fired a shot that struck the floor inches from the man's foot. He immediately raised his weapon toward Isabella.

"Get out!" Seth barked, genuine anger flashing across his face. The man hesitated, then backed away, his companion following suit.

After they left, Isabella holstered her weapon and exited as well, leaving only Seth, Alexander, and me in the room. Alexander sat silently drinking tea, seemingly unconcerned by the drama unfolding around him.

Seth's eyes followed Isabella out before turning back to me. I could see he knew all about my activities over the past month and had likely guessed my next move.

"Emma, are you really planning to go this big?" he asked, his tone serious.

I shrugged, maintaining a casual demeanor. "I like playing games, Seth. Especially in our world—you have to play hard and be ready to go all-in." I gave him a pointed look. "Don't you agree?"

"There's never been bad blood between us—between SF Family and Phoenix," Seth said with resignation as he lit a cigarette.

"I know. That's why I'm calmly sitting here after you showed up with an entire army at my door."

Seth looked genuinely confused. "I only brought two men, and they're outside now."

"Why don't you step outside and see for yourself?" I suggested, taking a sip of my tea.

Seth rose from the sofa and walked out of the living room.