After a leisurely breakfast of fluffy Belgian waffles and crisp bacon with Zavian, followed by a long, steamy shower where they'd indulged in one last lingering tryst, Emmeline finally returned home.Her mind was utterly consumed with the memories of their intimate Christmas Eve together - every scorching caress, every sinful whisper, every moment seared into her memory with perfect clarity.Luckily, Richard didn't seem to suspect a thing when she arrived. Minnie had covered for her brilliantly.Emmeline had barely managed to exchange some words with Richard before practically sprinting up the stairs, murmuring some excuse about needing to freshen up after her night out.She locked herself in the bathroom and braced her trembling hands on the vanity, staring at her flushed, desire-glazed reflection for a long moment as the memories washed over her again in dizzying waves.The way Zavian had pinned her against the wall, one hand fisted in her hair as the other roamed hungrily over her b
The winding mountain road was blanketed in snow, forcing them to take it slowly. It took another full hour before they finally arrived at the luxurious ski resort.As soon as the vehicle rolled to a stop, everyone eagerly piled out into the picturesque winter wonderland surrounding them.Taehyung went to the trunk first, unloading the luggage - he and Minnie shared one large suitcase, just like Emmeline and Richard did.Zavian strode over next, dragging his sleek silver suitcase behind him while Yuna trailed after, clutching her own bag.The group naturally arranged themselves with Taehyung and Minnie at Zavian's right, Yuna and Richard to his left, and Emmeline lingering slightly behind.Zavian's domineering presence and deep, velvety voice immediately commanded her full attention. "Let's plan to regroup in the main hall in fifteen minutes," he stated, sweeping his gaze over the ladies. "I trust that will give everyone ample time to get settled into their suites?" His deep eyes sparkl
The group gathered at the cable car station.Minnie turned to face everyone with a mischievous grin. "Alright, here's the deal - the cable cars only hold four people max. I think it would be fun to split up by gender for the ride up. Ladies in one car, fellas in another!"Yuna's brows knit together in a frown of annoyance. "Why on earth would we do that?" she scoffed, waving a dismissive hand. "Wouldn't it make much more sense for each couple to share a car, just the two of us?"Feeling uncharacteristically defiant, Emmeline jumped in to argue against Yuna's prim suggestion. "What's the point of taking a group trip if we're just going to stick with our own partners the whole time?" She shot Yuna a pointed look. "Minnie's idea is way better - it'll give us all a chance to mingle and get to know each other better!"The words were barely out of her mouth before Emmeline felt the weight of Zavian's penetrating stare.A flush of embarrassment crept up her neck as their eyes met, her cheeks
The snowball caught its target square in the shoulder with a muffled thump, exploding in a puff of powdery white.Zavian didn't even flinch, though his eyes did narrow infinitesimally at her bold move.Yuna, on the other hand, let out a scandalized gasp. "Emmeline! How could you do such a thing?" she cried, hands flying to cover her mouth as if to physically hold back her shock. "You've assaulted my husband!""Oh god, what have I done?" Emmeline's own fake dismay quickly replaced her earlier bravado. "I...I didn't mean to hurt Mr. Blackthorn, I swear!""Have you lost your damn mind, woman?" Richard growled, rounding on her with ill-concealed anger simmering in his eyes.They hurried over to the two men. Emmeline's steps faltered, shame and lingering defiance swirled within her.Yuna rushed to her husband's side, fretting over him with an exaggerated concern. "She didn't mean any harm, darling," she soothed, shooting Emmeline a reproachful look over her shoulder. "She was just trying to
Richard tensed in surprise at her sudden, uncharacteristic display of wifely affection, shooting her a bemused look over the top of her head. "Well now, what's gotten into you?" he asked with an indulgent chuckle, looping his arms loosely around her in return. "Not that I'm complaining about this unusually obedient behavior, mind you..."Emmeline felt her earlier bravado already faltering beneath the weight of Zavian's dark, knowing stare. "I...I just thought we should present a united front," she mumbled, ducking her head against Richard's chest in a futile attempt to escape that burning gaze. "For the sake of appearances, you know? We are on vacation with the neighbors, after all.""Ah, I see." Richard's tone was one of easy acceptance, seemingly oblivious to the heated undercurrents still going on behind his back. "Well, you've certainly made your point then. No need to keep up the charade any longer on my account."But Emmeline couldn't bring herself to release her grip, not yet. N
Emmeline very nearly swayed on her feet from the force of it, her thighs clenching instinctively against a sudden, searing rush of arousal.She had to dig her nails into her palms to keep from visibly reacting, from reaching out and grabbing Zavian and hauling his body flush against hers in a shameless public display.Yuna raised her eyebrows. "You're volunteering to teach Emmeline yourself?" Her tone was laced with reproach, glancing between her husband and Emmeline. "But shouldn't Minnie know her better? As her friend, it would make more sense for Minnie to show her the ropes."Minnie didn't even blink at Yuna's thinly veiled objection. "Don't worry about it. I'll help my husband teach Richard instead. If Mr. Blackthorn can actually skate, he'd better be the one to teach Emmeline."Minnie gave Zavian a pointed look, clearly missing the undercurrent between him and Emmeline. "Thank you for offering to take that on," she said.The subtle curve of Minnie's painted lips suggested she sus
A wave of intense rage crashed over Zavian at that brazen display.He could feel the entities within him straining against his mental restraints - roaring to be unleashed and rip Richard apart for daring to kiss their mate so boldly.A deep, guttural growl bubbled up from Zavian's throat as his fists clenched, every fiber of his being urging him to strike Richard down right then and there.He could feel the snarling and snapping at the mental chains holding his predators back from bursting forth.Zavian's breaths came in harsh pants through flared nostrils as he struggled to maintain control, to not expose the dangerous truth that Emmeline was his mate.His entire world had narrowed down to that revolting sight of another male claiming his mate, of her being violated right before his eyes. The bestial side of him raged and roared for blood, for vengeance against this usurper who thought he could stake ownership over what belonged to him alone.Emmeline raised her hand and lightly but f
"What's going on there?" Emmeline asked, furrowing her brows."Your husband seems to have fallen. Why don't you go check on him?" Zavian answered sarcastically.Emmeline shot him an annoyed look. "You of all people know how much I despise Richard. Don't speak to me with such dismissive sarcasm."Zavian’s expression darkened. "Maybe because I’ve never met a woman who kissed the man she hated."Emmeline exhaled shakily, indicating the extent of her excitement and frustration. "Mr. Blackthorn, please...""Emmeline, come here! Richard fell and he's not looking good." Minnie's voice echoed in the distance, forcing them to postpone their argument.Emmeline slowly skated toward the couple with Zavian following closely behind.They gathered around Richard, who was still on the floor with Taehyung beside him."What happened?" Emmeline asked with feigned concern.Minnie crossed her arms and tilted her head, a small, mocking sneer tugging at her lips. "Oh, nothing much. He managed to skate on fla
The folder trembled in Emmeline’s unsteady hands. "You want me to meet Richard and threaten to expose him?" Her voice quivered. "On my own?"Zavian’s fingers pressed into her shoulders. "My knowledge of your ex-husband tells me he won't stand against this card we're about to play. He'll give up the lawsuit without hesitation, despite his lawyer's advice to the contrary."Emmeline shook her head, fear evident in every movement. "I can't sit before him alone and blackmail him with a secret he's kept from everyone. He won't take this lying down." Panic crept into her voice, making it shake. "He'll kill me."Zavian bent closer until his warm breath caressed her face. "You have me, little girl. He wouldn't dare hurt you knowing that." His voice dropped to a hoarse whisper. "We have to exploit his weakness to our advantage."Emmeline searched for moisture in her bone-dry throat. "Do you think we can't win against him in court without forcing him to concede?""Of course we can defeat Richard
Emmeline rolled her eyes and dropped her hands from his face. "You don't need to remind me every time as if I'm always trying to seduce you. I understand my virginity is necessary to win the court case, and after my meeting with Yuna today, I couldn't possibly do anything to ruin myself."Zavian’s hand settled on her head and ruffled her hair with patronizing affection. "Good girl.""Don't treat me like I'm a little girl," Emmeline protested, knitting her brows together in frustration.The age gap between them had always been a sensitive topic, one that Yuna never failed to bring up during their confrontations.Zavian's warmth disappeared as he stepped away, moving toward the yacht's door with grace.His expensive shoes clicked against the deck. "You are my little girl.” He smirked. "Let's go for a ride. The scenery might lift your mood."Emmeline’s earlier irritation melted away, replaced by genuine excitement. The prospect of spending time with him on the water always had this effec
Emmeline drew in a sharp, shuddering breath."Neither Yuna nor anyone else can destroy me!" The words erupted from Zavian's throat, each syllable carved with steel-edged conviction. His jaw clenched and his muscles there ticked with barely anger. "If you believe her words, then you don't know me at all, little one."Warmth bloomed across Emmeline's tear-stained cheeks.Zavian palms cupped her face. His thumbs traced gentle paths across her skin, catching the tears that continued to fall despite his tender ministrations. The contrast between his fierce words and gentle touch made her heart flutter."She targets you because you're the easiest mark in her eyes," his eyes darkened with protective fury. "I won't let her harm you. Do you understand what I'm saying, Emmeline?"Their gazes locked, and Emmeline felt herself drowning in the depths of his eyes. Even through the tempest of her emotions, she found an anchor in his unwavering stare.The intensity radiating from him was quintessenti
The journey to the port stretched endlessly, yet Emmeline barely registered the passing scenery. Thoughts of Zavian consumed her. He was the only one who could steady her, the only one who could make her feel safe.The soft hum of the yacht’s engine greeted her when Emmeline arrived.She stepped aboard without hesitation, moving with urgency, as if time itself threatened to slip away from her grasp.Zavian’s tall and commanding figure was standing with his back to the door when Emmeline reached the deck.His hands were tucked into the pockets of his slacks and his posture deceptively relaxed. However, Emmeline knew him well enough to see the tension in his shoulders that betrayed his thoughts.“Mr. Blackthorn.” Her voice cracked with emotions.Zavian turned sharply at the sound. His striking features tightened with concern once he saw the state she was in."Little—" His words died in his throat as Emmeline launched herself at him. The impact nearly threw him off balance.Her arms wrap
Emmeline's gaze drifted away from Yuna to a random corner of the coffee shop, where a young couple sat sharing a dessert. Their happiness contrasted with the scene unfolding at her table."I pitied you at first because no one deserves betrayal," she confessed softly, watching the condensation trail down the window. "But my desires were stronger. I used to curse myself after every sin... until I committed one far worse."A sigh escaped Emmeline's lips as she returned her gaze to Yuna's eyes."I’m not a thief," Emmeline’s self-confidence grew stronger with each word. "I did not steal your husband from you because his heart no longer belongs to you. I didn't snatch him from your bosom - he deserted it long ago. I merely crept into the fractures that you created." The words tasted bitter on her tongue, but they carried the weight of truth she could no longer deny.Yuna’s grip tightened around her coffee cup. “Even if you rehearsed your stories together, they wouldn’t match this perfectly.
Emmeline’s thoughts drifted to Zavian, who had left with Yuna earlier. The image of them walking away together haunted her mind. Her fingers moved across the screen almost unconsciously."Where are you now?"The minutes ticked by without response, each passing moment heightening her anxiety. The silence felt deafening in her room as she watched the unchanging screen. Her desperation seeped through after what felt like an eternity."It's been half an hour since we parted, is it possible that you two are still together?" Emmeline sent another message.Her forehead creased as she stared at the unchanging screen. A bitter realization struck her, prompting another message:"What are you two talking about?"The absurdity of her own actions hit her suddenly. She tossed the phone aside and rolled on her back with fresh tears spilling down her temples."Of course, they're talking about her finding out about us. What else could it be?" Her voice was a fragile whisper, barely breaking the silenc
Emmeline caught a glimpse of Richard’s face through the tinted glass of his BMW as he also peeled away from the courthouse. His smug and self-satisfied smile made her stomach turn."Despicable!" she cursed under her breath. The word seemed inadequate to describe the magnitude of her contempt, but it was all she could manage without breaking down completely.Silence descended on the remaining trio, heavy and oppressive."Are you going to tell me why Mrs. Blackthorn seems to hate you so much?" Emile's question broke the quiet. "Why would she defend Richard after everything she knows about him?" His eyes darted between Emmeline and Brody, searching for answers in their expressions.Emmeline drew a shaky breath. "There's no enmity between us," she murmured. "At least, not that I know of."A bitter laugh escaped her lips. "Maybe she's hated me all along, and I've been too blind to see it."Brody's gaze bore into her, sharp and calculating. "I think there's more to this than you're letting
"Yuna is indeed Richard's lawyer!" Emmeline’s voice cracked, denial weighing down every syllable.She tightened her grip on the strap of her bag so tightly her trembling fingers dug into the leather. It was the only thing keeping her grounded in this moment that felt more like a nightmare than reality.Zavian’s head snapped toward her in disbelief. "What the fuck?" The curse came low and rough, like a growl from deep in his chest.His jaw clenched so tightly that the muscles in his neck stood out.Brody tilted his head slightly as his sharp gaze flicked between them. "Didn’t she tell you she’s defending Richard?" His tone was calm, but there was an edge to it.Zavian let out a bitter laugh—one short and humorless. "Looks like I’m the last one to know." He spoke in a chilly tone.His hands curled into fists at his sides, the veins in his forearms standing out as he fought to keep his anger in check.Emmeline opened her mouth to respond, but Zavian’s attention suddenly shifted.His enti
Yuna’s face darkened and her teeth ground audibly.“Let’s move on to the best part of the recording.” Brody tapped the screen once more before she could protest."The pain I've put you through is nothing compared to the consequences you'll face once I'm free from this place," Richard's voice slithered through the room, venomous and chilling.All eyes turned to Richard, whose face had gone pale. His lips parted, but no words came out.Brody’s expression was sharp with mockery. “Care to explain to us exactly what kind of torment you put her through?”Richard’s hands trembled. “I meant… well, actually…” His words stumbled over each other, collapsing into an awkward silence.Richard looked at Yuna in desperation when his tongue failed him, silently begging for assistance. Despite the damning evidence Brody had just presented, Yuna’s expression remained composed and as solid as stone.“Torture,” Yuna began smoothly, “can mean many things. My client’s words in the recording are vague at bes