Heading to bed now. Good night from my corner of the world, everyone! :)
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 quintessentia
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 effect
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 felt the truth of his words settle deep in her bones, making even the impossible seem within reach.However, a storm was brewing inside Zavian’s mind.'I despise this hold her destiny has over us!’ Aetherion's voice thundered through Zavian's consciousness, breaking his usual stoic demeanor.The ancient being's fury pulsed like molten gold through their shared mindscape, triggered by the seers' latest vision. 'We possess enough power to end this farce with a mere thought, yet we're shackled by the knowledge that she'll bear the consequences.'The mental landscape darkened as Kael's presence surged forward. Among the entities that dwelled within Zavian, Kael had always been the silent observer, rivaling even Zereth in his quietude. Yet beneath that stillness lurked a predator whose patience, when tested, could shatter mountains.However, recent events had stripped away his customary restraint and his essence now crackled through their mental bond like arctic lightning.'We won'
Zavian released the collar of her shirt, his hands finding purchase on either side of her waist. A knowing smirk played across his features as he observed her dazed expression."A few kisses have made you numb," he taunted. "I doubt you'll be able to stop me."Emmeline's right hand drifted from his hair to trace the sharp line of his jaw. "You'll have to keep some of your awareness, then."The moment stretched between them, taut with anticipation, before he grasped the hem of her shirt.Their eye contact broke as he pulled the garment over her head, carelessly tossing it on the nearby sofa.Zavian’s gaze darkened at the sight of her black bra. "Why aren't you wearing anything under your shirt?"Emmeline rested her hands on his broad shoulders, meeting his concerned gaze with calm assurance."How confident are you in your immunity to brave this cold weather with just a woolen shirt?" The genuine worry in his eyes warmed her heart, prompting her to press a gentle kiss on his lips."The w
Emmeline’s breath hitched. She pulled back slightly to look at him, her eyes wide with surprise. “You want us to take a bath together?”The idea sent a jolt of excitement through her, and she felt her body respond immediately. Her cheeks burned, but she didn’t look away.“I’d like that,” she admitted. “Let’s take a bath together.”Zavian didn’t hesitate. He stood up effortlessly, lifting her in his arms as if she weighed nothing.Emmeline instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist. Her heart raced as he carried her toward the stairs behind the bar.“You’re a very patient man,” she commented, tracing the line of his jaw.Zavian glanced down at her with one eyebrow arching. “What made you come to that conclusion?”“Most men wouldn’t be able to resist their desires. They’d let their bodies take control, but you… you always put me first. That means more to me than you’ll ever know.”Zavian’s expression softened. His gaze lingered on her face as he descende
Zavian’s hand slid away from her, leaving a trail of warmth that lingered on Emmeline’s skin. His darkened eyes roamed boldly over her naked body, unhurried and unapologetic as though he were memorizing every curve, every inch of her.His gaze wasn’t just hungry—it was reverent like she was something sacred. “I long to sanctify every part of you. And I know your body craves my touch just as much as I crave yours.”A teasing smile tugged at the corners of Emmeline’s lips.Her eyes flicked downward, deliberately lingering on the prominent evidence of his desire.“I see your body misses me too.” Her fingers danced lightly over his chest, tracing the ridges of his muscles. She let her nails graze his skin while savoring the way his stomach tightened instinctively in response.“Maybe it’s fair to be discreet,” she continued with amusement. “Your body always betrays you, Zavian. I suppose I’ll just have to learn to read you this way.”Before she could go further, his hand shot out, gripping
Emmeline’s heart clenched and fear flickered in her eyes.She turned to look at him. “Do you think Yuna will expose us in court?”Zavian slowed his movements. His gaze met hers, and there was a glint of reassurance in his eyes that made her heart skip. “Enough worrying about a court date that hasn’t even been set yet,” he said gently. “You’ll have plenty of time to stress about it later.”His breath cooled across her skin as he leaned in and lightly brushed her neck with his lips. “Right now, you’re on my lap.”His warmth enveloped her like a protective cocoon. The heat of his breath teased her skin before he began to trail soft, deliberate kisses along the curve of her throat.“Focus on me,” he whispered.Emmeline’s eyelids fluttered shut as her body surrendered to his touch. She felt a chill when his lips touched her neck lightly. She automatically cocked her head to the side, granting him more access.Her pulse quickened, each beat echoing the growing desire within her.“Let me have
Valentine's Day arrived four days later.Emmeline anticipated this date with growing excitement. Each hour crawled by, testing her patience while she counted down to their meeting.Though she knew wearing red might seem cliché, she chose a crimson dress anyway. Her dark hair fell in loose waves down her back. The color made her feel bold and confident.Emmeline applied her makeup with care, taking more time than usual to ensure everything looked perfect.The woman staring back from the mirror looked different somehow. Her eyes appeared brighter, her posture straighter with confidence in her expression that hadn't existed before.This was Zavian's effect on her. He made her want to be more, to embrace all the parts of herself hidden away for too long.She slipped on her black coat and left her house at ten, grateful her parents believed she was visiting a friend.There were less inquiries concerning her whereabouts now that her brother was away. The freedom felt exhilarating after havi
Emmeline's eyes widened in surprise before closing when she tasted the champagne still in his mouth."We didn't mean that kind of love potion, Zavian," Taehyung chided. "We're respectable people here."Zavian tilted Emmeline's head back gently, allowing the champagne to flow from his mouth to hers.She swallowed the effervescent liquid, feeling it slide down her throat."If I'd known you were going to contaminate my innocent eyes, I would have declined the invitation," Brody grumbled.Zavian delicately broke the kiss then slowly and deliberately traced the shape of Emmeline's lower lip with his thumb.The tender gesture held more intimacy than the kiss itself."This is our love potion," he murmured.They gazed at each other with undisguised longing. The connection between them was almost tangible like a current of electricity that neither could deny.Zavian’s touch left a trail of warmth that spread through her entire body, making her forget they weren't alone."We're the original. Not
Minnie leaned toward her husband and wrapped her arm through his. "You know I prefer joking around and flirting with my psychiatrist rather than judges," she teased.Taehyung regarded her with mock anger. " You talk as if I don't flirt with you enough. We'll settle this at home!" His tone suggested the "punishment" might be mutually enjoyable.Emmeline distributed cake into individual plates with a sly smile playing across her lips. "Someone's getting punished tonight,” she giggled.The couple exchanged sardonic glances before Minnie responded. "I have my own methods for turning punishment into reward," she offered. "I could teach you my techniques."Zavian accepted his plate from Emmeline with a knowing look. "Don't let Emmeline's innocent appearance fool you," he cautioned. "You're addressing the Lady of Seduction herself. This woman could teach you and generations to come."Emmeline was stunned. "Are you calling me perverted?" she demanded, color rising to her cheeks.Zavian capture
Emmeline's eyes widened in shock and her cheeks instantly flamed with embarrassment.She looked desperately at Zavian for help only to be further mortified by his response. Instead of the reassurance she sought, or the quick thinking that had saved them both in difficult situations before, she met something entirely unexpected."I have certain skills," Zavian replied smoothly. "Skills I doubt you possess.""Mr. Blackthorn!" Emmeline protested weakly, unable to believe he had actually said such a thing in company.Minnie giggled with undisguised delight. "Mr. Blackthorn? What happened to 'Zavian'? You're sleeping with the man but still using his last name?"Emmeline met her friend's teasing eyes and her face burning with mortification. "He's many years older than me," she explained defensively. "What else would I call him?"Before she could continue, Zavian placed his fork in front of her mouth, offering her a bite of fish. "They're trying to get a reaction out of you," he explained cal
Minnie's jaw dropped. Her wide eyes darted between Zavian and Emmeline, disbelief etched across her delicate features."Did you hear what your lover just said?" she exclaimed, turning to Emmeline. "Inevitable collateral damage? What kind of dinner conversation is this?"Emmeline squeezed Minnie's arm gently with a reassuring smile softening her features."Don't mind him," she explained. "He sometimes forgets he's not in a boardroom."Taehyung took advantage of the momentary silence to tease Emmeline.His lips curved into a mischievous grin. "Look at you defending him so naturally now. That's serious progress!""I think Emmeline is very comfortable with us," Minnie observed, satisfaction filling her voice. "Our ice queen has finally thawed."Emmeline gestured toward the elegant table setting, her confidence momentarily faltering under the weight of hosting such an intimate gathering."Please, sit down," she invited.Taehyung handed her the bottle of expensive wine he had been carrying.
True to his word, Zavian let her finish decorating in peace, though his eyes never left her as she completed the message on the cake.When Emmeline was done, she carefully covered the masterpiece to protect it until dessert.Together they loaded the prepared dishes on serving trays: stuffed mushrooms, bruschetta with fresh tomatoes and basil, elegant canapés topped with smoked salmon and carried them out to the dining area.They arranged everything on the table with efficiency, working from opposite sides of the elaborate spread as if they'd been hosting dinner parties together for years.Crystal glasses caught the light, sending prisms dancing across the pristine tablecloth. Silver cutlery gleamed beside fine china plates… everything was positioned with meticulous attention to detail."So, are we still on for Valentine's Day?" Emmeline asked, excitement bubbling in her voice as she placed the final dish which was a platter of colorful roasted vegetables arranged in a spiral pattern.T
The crude imagery made Emmeline’s cheeks flush. She took a deep breath and then gave him a pointed look. "Zavian," she admonished, trying to calm her racing heart.She'd spent the last hour perfecting the dessert for their dinner party, and now only the decorating remained. It would have been a peaceful task if not for the man beside her."I need to finish this cake before everyone arrives." Her fingers tightened around the piping bag as she tried to focus on creating the delicate rosettes along the edge, but his intense gaze made concentration nearly impossible.Zavian untied his apron with intent slowness, the simple action somehow becoming sensual under his touch.The fabric slid from his broad shoulders, revealing the crisp white shirt beneath that hugged his athletic frame in all the right places. "I've done my part. The appetizers are prepared, the wine is chilled, and now I think I'll watch you work. It's quite... entertaining."Emmeline searched desperately for a distraction be
Emmeline found herself out of breath so quickly. His proximity was overwhelming her senses.The solid wall of his chest against hers, his scent, the heat radiating from his body… it was all too much and not enough simultaneously. "Stop what you're doing," she pleaded weakly. "You're turning me on."A dangerous gleam transformed Zavian’s face into something almost predatory.She should have been alarmed by the sight, yet it made her more aroused. There was something primal about the way he looked at her, something that spoke to the most basic part of her."I deserve to see you aroused after my absence," he murmured. "To hear you beg for the ecstasy only I can give. Every word you speak while under my spell is drenched in love and laced with desire… mine and yours, tangled together."The poetry of his voice clashed deliciously with the vulgarity of his touch and his hand unapologetically exploring the most sacred parts of her.He tasted her cream with unashamed delight before letting go
Zavian brought his finger to his mouth and sucked it clean all the while his eyes never left hers.The gesture was possessive and sent a fresh wave of heat through Emmeline’s body."Your taste is just for me. No one else gets even an accidental sample."Laughter bubbled from Emmeline's throat.She turned back toward the table, attempting to regain some semblance of normalcy. "If anyone knew what we were doing while making their cake, they'd be horrified.”Zavian moved to the sink embedded in the kitchen island and turned on the tap. "That's why I prefer home cooking," he said, the corner of his mouth lifting in a half-smile. "You never know what happens in restaurant kitchens."He shut off the water, drying his hands on a nearby towel with methodical care. "Professional chefs can't be trusted," he added dryly. "They're a passionate bunch, prone to impulse.""Hey, I'm a chef too," Emmeline protested with mock indignation, placing her hands on her hips.The stance emphasized her curves,