Mr. Blackthorn’s observations made me tense up.Panic coursed through me as I scrambled for a plausible explanation.He hummed questioningly at my delayed response.I knew I had to lie to cover the truth. The real reasons behind my injuries were too dark and too painful to share, especially with someone I barely knew."I sprained my foot when I slipped while cleaning the house yesterday," I began, the lie tasting bitter on my tongue. "The wound you're treating now is from me clumsily falling and landing on the sharp edge of a chair. I may have rubbed it too hard while showering, so it started bleeding again."I tried to inject a self-deprecating note into my words to make the fabrication more believable, forcing a small, embarrassed laugh.His hand, resting high on my thigh, began making slow, soothing circles with his thumb, lightly caressing the soft skin there.The gentle motion was at odds with the intensity of his gaze.I found myself caught between wanting to lean into his touch
"The schedule is pretty packed already," the receptionist said apologetically.My heart sank. Just then, her expression brightened. "Since you're one of Dr. Ross's patients here, we won't let you leave without getting seen."She smiled, typing away at her keyboard."I'm going to put your name down to see the doctor after the last woman here at the moment. It might be a bit of a wait, but we'll make sure you're taken care of today."I exhaled in relief, and my shoulders relaxed slightly. "Thank you so much. I really appreciate it," I said earnestly. "You have no idea how much this means to me.""No problem at all, Miss Lawson. We're here to help," Jenna replied cheerfully, gesturing to the waiting area. "Just have a seat and make yourself comfortable. Dr. Ross will call you back as soon as she can."I nodded gratefully and chose an empty chair in the corner, trying to make myself as small and unnoticeable as possible.My leg bounced with nervous energy as I waited, feeling terribly sel
[THIS STORY WILL BE IN THIRD POV GOING FORWARD]*****"You are still a virgin, Miss Emmeline. I'm very sorry."The doctor's words hit Emmeline like a physical blow, and she felt tears welling up in her eyes.Even though she had suspected as much, having it confirmed made it all too real.She covered her face with her hands, her shoulders shaking with silent sobs."Oh, my dear," Dr. Ross said softly.Emmeline felt her pat her knee gently. "I know this must be very difficult for you. Would you like to talk about it? Sometimes it helps to share our burdens with someone."Emmeline took a shuddering breath, trying to compose herself. The doctor offered her a box of tissues when she eventually lowered her hands.She took one gratefully and dabbed at her eyes."I just... I don't understand. We've been married for six months, but he's never... we've never..." She trailed off, unable to finish the sentence. "He always has some excuse. I thought maybe there was something wrong with me, that I w
"Zavian! That's enough of your childish foolishness! This instant!" Grandma Eva roared.Zavian ignored her outburst.A tall blonde girl whose uniform strained to contain her ample curves, scurried over with her eyes downcast and hands trembling slightly. She hurried to pick up the broken porcelain before hurrying away to get Zavian a new one and have someone clean up the mess.Zavian moved away from Valerie's cloying perfume and settled into a plush armchair strategically placed away from the others.He crossed his legs, his posture relaxed yet alert like a hunter biding his time.Only one woman's fragrance didn't repulse him, didn't set his teeth on edge. The memory of Emmeline's light, delicate floral aroma, as natural and intoxicating as a summer breeze, flitted through his mind once more.Zavian shifted uncomfortably in his seat, trying in vain to will away the insistent throbbing in his groin.He couldn't afford to think about Emmeline now, not with his grandmother's calculating
Valerie, who had scrambled back on her feet after being shoved aside by Zavian to run after him, froze in her tracks.Her heart skyrocketed instantaneously, pounding wildly in her chest at the surreal scene unfolding before her eyes.Zavian had one of the burly security guards lifted clean off the ground by his thick neck.The guard's face was turning an alarming shade of purple. His legs kicked uselessly in the air as he struggled for breath.But as terrifying as that display of raw, inhuman strength was, it wasn't what made Valerie's blood turn to ice in her veins. No, it was Zavian's eyes that truly chilled her to her core.The mesmerizing blue orbs that had captivated her from the moment she first saw him were gone, replaced by something... other.They glowed with an otherworldly, supernatural light. His iris burned like twin embers in the gathering twilight.This was the same man she'd been scheming to seduce for months.A violent shudder wracked Valerie's body. Fear washed over
Zavian suddenly felt disgusted at his wife’s taste and pulled back from their heated liplock.Then he gripped her shoulders and flipped her over on her hands and knees in one rough motion.Yuna let out a startled yelp. “Zavian!” She called, trying to get him back to his senses. But the man was too far gone to care.He bunched the silk of her dress up around her waist, hooked his fingers into the waistband of her lacy panties and simply ripped them away.The delicate fabric parted like tissue paper under his brutal strength.Yuna gasped at the sudden, rough treatment with fear and arousal coursing through her veins.It had been so long since Zavian had touched her like this. With such raw hunger.Part of her wanted to protest, to demand an explanation for his bizarre behavior. But a deeper part of her responded to his dominance.Her body was already preparing itself for what was to come.Zavian shoved his own slacks and boxer briefs down with an impatient grunt, freeing his achingly ri
"You really came!" Emmeline exclaimed in a cheerful tone, genuinely surprised her friend had followed through on her word despite her doubts.A small part of her had hoped Minnie might cancel and spare her the need to pretend everything was fine.Minnie gave her an amused look. "Of course I came, you goof.” sarcasm dripping from her voice. “I may be a total motormouth who never stops yakking, but unlike some people, I actually keep my promises."She let out a spontaneous peal of laughter at her own teasing jab.Emmeline gave her a playful nudge with her elbow, careful to maintain her balance on her good foot."Hey, that's not fair! You know how it is...life just always seems to get in the way. Things keep happening, one thing after another." She tried to keep her tone light but couldn't help wondering if Minnie could sense the weight behind her words.The adorable twins instantly captivated her attention, which provided a welcome distraction.She leaned down, ignoring the twinge in he
Emmeline made her way towards the kitchen, still marveling over the twins' insightful comments.She heard Minnie gently scolding her son. "Ruhn, we don't say things like that, sweetie. It's not a nice word, even if it's true sometimes. We talk about being kind to everyone, remember?"Emmeline hadn't expected such a heavy conversation from what was supposed to be a light-hearted visit with a friend.She took a deep, steadying breath and quickly got to work pouring four glasses of cold lemonade, the tart aroma refreshing her senses and helping to clear her head.She carefully arranged the freshly baked lemon cupcakes on four plates, taking care not to smudge the pale-yellow frosting that she'd painstakingly piped earlier.The familiar motions of playing hostess helped push away the lingering discomfort from their earlier exchange.When everything was set on a large tray, Emmeline took another deep breath and returned to the living room, plastering on her best hostess smile as she rejoin