Wishing everyone a happy new month and a joyous birthday to all celebrating this month. :)
Swallowing hard, Emmeline carefully slid her feet to the cold marble floor, staring up at his striking face and waiting for his next instructions with breathless trepidation.Zavian’s eyes were dark like unfathomable pools that seemed to gaze straight through to her very soul."Strip!” he said bluntly, making no move to give her privacy.Emmeline eyes widened in shock at his brazen command. "What?" she gasped, hardly able to believe her ears.Zavian folded his arms across his chest, the fabric of his jacket pulling taut across his broad shoulders and powerful biceps. "Are you going to bathe in your clothes?" he asked, one brow arching upwards.Emmeline's mouth abruptly went bone dry, and she couldn't find any saliva to swallow past the lump that had formed in her throat. "I...I have to take off my clothes, of course," she stammered, her cheeks flushing hotly, "But why do I feel like you have no intention of leaving the bathroom anytime soon?"Zavian leaned his upper body down towards h
Emmeline let him slowly peel away her last stitch of clothing, stepping out of the scrap of lace when it pooled at her feet, leaving her completely and utterly bare before him.She stared at the wall with burning cheeks, keenly aware of her bare ass in his direct line of sight, of the most intimate parts of her body on full display."As exquisite as a Greek statue of the goddess of beauty herself," Zavian murmured in hushed appreciation. "Carved of creamy marble, begging to be worshipped and adored as the perfection you are."When he knelt down behind her, the fabric of his pants brushing against her calves, Emmeline couldn't stop the tremor of trepidation and excitement that coursed through her body."I feel so ashamed, being naked in front of you like this," she whispered, unable to meet his eyes for fear of what she might find burning in their depths. "Your staring at me, drinking in every inch of my body, only makes me more flustered and confused. Please, Zavian, stop it before I c
Zavian’s eyelids lowered slowly.“With pleasure!” he groaned.With that, his lips met hers hungrily.Their lips moved together in a dance of passion and desire, while allowing their eyes to flutter closed, surrendering to the sinful feeling that coursed through them.His hands found their way to the curve of her waist and pressed her against his painfully hard erection.The tender kiss morphed into something more heated, more passionate.The silence of the room was broken by their ragged breaths and muffled sounds of pleasure.Emmeline's hands traced patterns on his chest and Zavian pressed against her waist with equal fervor.His left hand squeezed her backside and she let out a soft groan, opening up for him further.Their lips remained locked until breathing became too difficult for Emmeline.Zavian finally broke away from the kiss and looked at her with predatory eyes that made her heart race even faster than before."Would you like me to join you in the tub?" he asked.Emmeline br
Emmeline complied eagerly, her heart pounding in her chest at the reality of their situation."What about your wife?" she asked suddenly. "What if she comes looking for you?""You just remembered I have a wife? Where was that concern a few moments ago?” Zavian’s response was laced with a hint of sarcasm.“I… I don’t know. But she could…”“She won’t,” he assured her, his fingers tracing small circles along her waist. “And if she did, I wouldn’t care.”Emmeline separated his arm from her waist, lifting his wrist to her mouth. “Do you want your precious wife to become our unwanted audience?” she whispered with a grin, lightly kissing his wrist.Zavian let out a low groan at the sensation her lips invoked. “You’re trouble, Emmeline,” he said with humor, but there was something deeper, a glint of melancholy lacing his words.“What you see isn’t always the truth. Some people… well, things behind closed doors are different.” His cryptic words hung in the air.Emmeline searched his face, tryin
Zavian strode out of the bathroom, leaving Emmeline behind as he made his way to his rarely used room next door.His strides were heavy and purposeful like a man on a mission, heading straight for his main bedroom on the top floor.The warmth that had been in his eyes mere moments ago while with Emmeline had vanished, replaced by a frosty, dangerous glint. The aura radiating from him now was the complete opposite of the harmonious energy that had dominated their intimate bathroom encounter.The heavy mahogany door to his bedroom burst open without him even needing to touch it.The person inside immediately dropped to their knees, head bowed in submission.Luca was visibly trembling, his hands clenched into tight fists at his sides. He knew this moment was coming - the time to receive his punishment for the mistake he had made the previous night."Master," Luca began hesitantly. "I'm here to receive punishment for my mistake." His voice was laced with trepidation.Zavian's expression wa
The morning sun streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow over the villa.The warmth of the room and the comfort of the bed had wrapped around her, soothing her into a deep, restful sleep last night. For the first time in a long while, the weight of her worries felt just a little bit lighter.Everyone had left for work, except for Emmeline. She tossed and turned in bed until noon, boredom gnawing at her restless mind. Suddenly, an idea struck her – a way to alleviate the monotony of her day.Cursing herself inwardly, yet unable to resist the temptation, Emmeline found herself drawn to Zavian’s room. It was the same room where Zavian had given her her first taste of ecstasy. Its walls were a light gray hue, save for the one that hugged his bed – that one was as dark as the man himself.Emmeline lay on Zavian's bed, staring up at the ceiling. Moments later, she rolled over onto her stomach and reached for the bedside table, curiosity getting the better of her."Let's see what's o
Emmeline took a step closer, reducing the distance between them and burying her index in his chest, hissing. "I raise my voice as I like and in the face of whoever I want. How did you manage to mess with my feelings, Mr. Blackthorn?"Zavian grabbed her wrist and pulled her hand off his chest in annoyance. "You're being dramatic."He squeezed her wrist with his fist until her face shrank in pain. "I didn’t expect you to misinterpret my treatment of you as stemming from feelings, especially since I told you clearly and more than once that love isn’t my specialty."Emmeline lowered her head, unwilling to let him see the tears that had gathered in her eyes. "How can I not misunderstand you when you give me everything I need, and even take me into your house to protect me from my violent husband?"Zavian released her wrist with a tight sigh. "I thought you needed a distraction."Emmeline’s thoughts centered around her own brokenness. When she checked her actions, she realized she was wrong
Emmeline hated the disappointed, almost wistful tone her voice had taken right at the end - like she'd somehow built up all these unrealistic expectations around Zavian.What had she been thinking? This was just a messy situation she'd allowed herself to get tangled up in, nothing more.Flopping facedown on the bed, she grabbed her phone off the nightstand and was surprised to see three missed calls from Richard.She must have left it on silent earlier, because it hadn't made a sound. Figures that controlling prick would already be blowing up her phone, trying to reassert his dominance.Emmeline swallowed hard, steeling herself when his name flashed across the screen again before answering in a cold tone. "What do you want?""What nonsense is Mr. Blackthorn spouting? What's this about you not leaving his house until I apologize in front of everyone? Has that guy lost his damn mind or what?" Richard's shouts exploded so loudly from the speaker that she instinctively pulled the phone awa
Emmeline's appetite vanished instantly, replaced by a knot of anxiety that settled in the pit of her stomach.She carefully set down her utensils, the soft clink against porcelain sounding unnaturally loud in the sudden tension."Bad news?" Emmeline asked hesitantly. She searched his face for clues, finding his expression uncharacteristically difficult to read.Zavian's gaze dropped to their joined hands and his fingers tightened slightly around hers.The gentle pressure felt both reassuring and concerning, like a doctor holding a patient's hand before delivering difficult news."I won't be presiding over your assault hearing," Zavian stated quietly, brushing over her knuckles in small, soothing circles.The words hit Emmeline, knocking the air from her lungs. Her heart seemed to stutter in her chest before resuming at double speed.The kitchen suddenly felt colder despite the heating."What?" She whispered, trembling with disbelief and the first stirrings of panic. "But you promised..
Emmeline's brows furrowed slightly in confusion, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her features.Zavian's expression softened immediately, and he offered her a gentle smile that eased her momentary worry."Not the kind of promise you're thinking, little one," he murmured, reaching up to brush a wayward strand of hair from her face with unexpected tenderness.The casual intimacy of the gesture contrasted with the intensity of moments before."I meant what I said," Zavian stated. "I'll stay out of your way until you get your damned divorce. No surprises, no complications."Emmeline exhaled. The tension that had been building in her shoulders eased slightly. However, her brows quickly drew together as she fixed him with a pointed look."You scared me," her voice carried a hint of reproach despite the lingering breathlessness.Zavian's lips twitched into a mischievous smirk. Without warning, he reached out and lightly pinched the tip of her nose between his thumb and index finger."Are you
Sunlight filtered through the gauzy curtains, painting golden patterns across the empty space beside Emmeline the next morning.She blinked awake slowly and her hand reached out to touch the cool sheets where Zavian had been.The bed felt strangely empty without his presence.Emmeline stretched languidly. Her arms extended above her head as she arched her back like a contented cat. The silky fabric of her oversized shirt slid against her skin—a pleasant sensation that made her smile despite the momentary disappointment of waking alone.A tantalizing aroma drifted through the partially open door—something buttery and savory that made her stomach rumble in anticipation.Emmeline slipped from beneath the warm cocoon of blankets and her bare feet met the cool floor with a slight shiver.She padded toward the door, pausing only to run her fingers through her sleep-tousled hair.The staircase whispered softly beneath her feet as she descended, following the increasingly enticing scent. Morni
Zavian's fingers combed through his dark hair, tension evident in every movement. The weight of his thoughts pressed heavily on him as he considered the complicated situation they faced.Zereth, his darker half, harbored hatred for humans that had resulted in bloodshed centuries ago.During that dark period, Zereth had slaughtered without discrimination, sparing neither adult nor child from his wrath. He didn't care if his victims were eighty or eight—all he needed was a glimpse in their future and they were dead meat.In his twisted perspective, humans represented everything despicable: creatures of deceit and greed that deserved extinction.And now, in some twisted joke, fate had picked a human as their mate. Not just any human either, but Emmeline. Sweet, sensitive Emmeline who jumped at her own shadow sometimes.What made Emmeline different, though, was her heart. The girl wore it on her sleeve, honest to a fault and without a greedy bone in her body.Zavian had spent countless nig
Emmeline’s heartbeat accelerated. “What?” She playfully smacked his chest with their joined hands. “Just tell me!”Zavian chuckled, pulling his hand free to wrap his arm around her. He shifted to his side, holding her close. His face was so near hers that their breaths mingled.“I filed for divorce two weeks ago,” he said finally. “But it’s going to take a while. The court’s trying to reconcile us first.”Emmeline’s eyes widened in shock and her body instinctively jerked upright, however Zavian’s arms tightened around her, keeping her close.“Did you really file for divorce?” Her voice trembled with disbelief.Zavian nodded. “We’ve been talking about divorce for a long time,” he sighed. “Do you remember the day we reconciled on the yacht? After the cruel things I said to you at home?”Emmeline gave a nod. “I remember it well.”Zavian’s arms relaxed slightly. “I told you then I wanted you in my life. And I meant every word.”Disbelief mingled with a strange sense of joy in Emmeline. “Bu
Zavian spread the mattress out, smoothing it with his hands before arranging the pillows at one end. “You know,” he said, glancing at her with a small smile, “I’ve never done anything like this. Not even as a teenager.”Emmeline lay down first, stretching out with her feet near the fireplace’s warmth. She looked up at him, her expression incredulous. “You’ve never been camping?”Zavian settled beside her before pulling the blanket over them both. “I went once in high school,” he admitted. “But we slept in tents, not out in the open like this.”Emmeline rested her head on his shoulder. “Let’s go on a camping trip next,” she said eagerly.Zavian turned his head to look at her. “Let’s do it,” he agreed without hesitation.She traced her fingers over the tattoos on his arm, her gaze lingering on his face. “We look like an old married couple,” she teased.He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer. “You’re the one with the old-fashioned ideas,” he mused. “The irony is, I’m the only
Emmeline’s cheeks flushed and quickly looked away. “You’re a dirty man,” she shook her head. “I don’t even know how I got involved with you.”Zavian cupped her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. “I’ll let you keep my underwear too,” he said with a smirk. “That way, we’ll be even.”Emmeline was in disbeleif. “You’re insane!” She muttered, pulling away.The sound of Zavian’s phone buzzing broke the moment.He grabbed it from the bed, glancing at the screen.“The delivery guy’s here,” he announced.Emmeline clapped her hands together excitedly. “Finally!”Zavian tossed the phone back on the bed. He quickly pulled on a pair of gray pants and a loose black shirt. Then he left to grab the food while Emmeline lingered in front of the mirror, adjusting the oversized shirt and boxers.“Baby, come to the kitchen,” Zavian called out.“Coming, Papi!” Emmeline teased while hurrying over to him.Zavian’s gaze darkened. He turned sharply toward her from where he stood by the refrigerator with two ca
Emmeline’s face turned an even deeper shade of red, and she looked away. “That’s enough, Mr. Blackthorn!”Zavian chuckled, turning her around to help her slip into her bathrobe. “I can’t believe you’re still shy around me after everything we’ve done. I’ve seen every inch of you, Emmeline. At first, I thought it was a confidence thing, but now I’m not so sure.”Emmeline slid her arms into the sleeves. “It’s not about confidence. You’ve already convinced me that you’d still like me even if I were… imperfect. But I’ll never get used to standing naked in front of you.”She turned to face him. “It’s just… nudity isn’t comfortable for me.”Zavian frowned slightly but didn’t press the issue. Instead, he tied the belt of her robe and wrapped a towel around her hair. “I hope you change your mind before we take things to the next level. I don’t want you to suffer because of me.”A playful smile tugged at her lips. “Looks like I’ll be suffering a lot in the future.”He narrowed his eyes in mock d
Emmeline’s eyes widened. “It’s embarrassing to admit I like adult stories. People will think I’m repressed, and they’ll judge me. I didn’t want you to see me differently.”A sly smile crept on Zavian’s lips.Emmeline’s cheeks burned with embarrassment.“This is the enthusiasm I want from you. Now I know how much you want me and what you’re willing to give up for moments of pleasure.” He pulled his hand away, placing it on one of her breasts.Their eyes locked, the air between them thick with desire.“Hearing the desperation in your voice makes me think about changing my mind,” he teased, brushing his thumb over her nipple.Emmeline leaned her head against his chest, her strength fading as she surrendered to the sensation.“How can I deprive you of your ecstasy when you’re so desperate?” Zavian whispered.With that, the bum gun dipped between her legs and the stream of water hit her in just the right spot.Emmeline’s toes curled. Her lips parted as a low, shuddering sigh escaped her.“Z