Zavian didn't seem inclined to fill the quiet. He simply sipped at his tea while eyes remained locked on her face in a way that made Emmeline feel utterly pinned in place."You don't talk much," she finally ventured in a feeble attempt to dispel some of the heaviness that had settled over them.One of Zavian’s dark brows inched upward in a silent prompt for her to continue, though he didn't offer any verbal response."You don't speak unless it's necessary or useful to speak."Zavian’s head tilted ever so slightly to the side in a subtle gesture of arrogance that somehow suited him perfectly. "Good brevity makes sense," he stated at last.Emmeline couldn't resist letting out a bright peal of laughter at that. "I didn't realize I was sitting with Socrates!" she teased, grinning at him from across the table.Rather than taking offense at her gentle ribbing, a look of wicked amusement seemed to glint in the depths of Zavian's eyes. "I don't like using my mouth to talk. There are more exci
Emmeline couldn't get Zavian's words out of her head since the previous day.His words that his thoughts about her were starting to go in the wrong direction - it was inconceivable that he felt tempted because of her.He didn't seem the type to betray his wife, even with wandering eyes!She was lounging lazily on the living room sofa with a book in her hands. Its nondescript cover appeared to be some philosophical treatise, but the pages contained decidedly more salacious content.She had been swapping out risqué novel covers for more academic-looking ones to fool her parents since high school. While she agreed that frivolous novels were largely a waste of time, she felt sexual education through the medium of erotic literature was important too!"Don't go to work today. My mother is coming to visit. She'll be staying for lunch," Richard's voice rang out.Emmeline looked up from her book and slid it on his back in displeasure. "Why do I have to miss work just to receive your mother? Ha
Emmeline returned the erotic novel to its place on the shelf in the private library upstairs and carefully slid it into the space between the other books.Just then, the folded jacket she had hidden among the other dust jackets to disguise its real nature caught her eye. It was Zavian’s jacket that he had lent her at the gym a few days ago.She took the jacket out, holding it close to her face and inhaling the lingering masculine scent.The rich, spicy aroma had a powerful effect on her, causing her heart and thoughts to spin out of control as her body went numb with a peculiar tingling sensation.She quickly shoved the jacket back into its hiding spot and hurried to prepare to welcome her mother-in-law, who could be considered even worse than her dead-beat son.The doorbell rang before lunchtime.Emmeline hurried to answer it while clad in a casual floral dress. "Hello, Mom, how are you?" she greeted with a forced smile on her face.The imposing older woman was dressed in an elegant
Emmeline sauntered up to the bar, shrugging off her autumn coat before she addressed the bartender with a bold confidence. "Your strongest drink, please."The handsome young bartender gave her an appraising look before mixing up a vibrant blue cocktail and setting it down in front of her.She took an experimental sip, the flavor stinging her tongue and indicating just how potent the drink was."Exactly what I wanted," she said with a satisfied smirk.The bartender's gaze lingered on her as he wiped down the polished wooden bar top. "You're new here, aren't you?"Emmeline met his eyes with surprise then her brow furrowed quizzically. "What makes you say that?"She looked around at the packed bar, filled with people laughing and conversing over the low thrum of jazz music that seemed to vibrate through the very walls. "This place doesn't really seem like the kind of exclusive bar with a limited clientele. It's absolutely packed tonight. How did you know I was a newcomer? Can you and tha
Emmeline swallowed hard. "My life is so empty..." She took a deep, steadying breath.Lifting her cocktail glass to her lips, she took a fortifying sip before continuing in a carefully measured tone. "I was a happy teenager, but the reasons for my happiness just...decreased little by little over the years until it became completely non-existent. Some things that used to bring me joy are no longer fulfilling. Is it just because I'm getting older?"All the while, Zavian didn't stop the torturously slow caress of his fingers along her inner thigh.Had it not been for the low thrum of jazz music filling the smoky bar, she was certain he would have heard the desperate, ragged pants of her quickening breaths, silently begging him to touch her aching core."There must be something blocking the flow of happiness in your life," he murmured.Emmeline felt her face flush hotly at his words and the utterly incongruous combination of his philosophical tone plus the molten path his fingers were trai
Zavian's large hand clamped down on her hip with branding intensity then pulled it snugly against his as their dance turned into a sinful roll and grind of their lower bodies.Emmeline dropped her head to avoid his blazing stare but he simply dipped his own to recapture her gaze, refusing to let her retreat."A great many things happened," he mumbled in a voice gone rough with restrained desire. "Your petite stature, those pretty little sundresses you wear, your sweet, innocent way of speaking - those were all reasons I viewed you as a child at first."Emmeline felt her flush deepening at his frank assessment, the heated glide of their bodies making her achingly aware of every inch of him pressed against her.She struggled to keep her breathing measured and even as his hand continued its torturous path along her lower back and over the swell of her backside."But then we met at the gym," Zavian continued in a low tone. "And my opinion changed rather dramatically..."Emmeline couldn't
"I want you, Emmeline! In the dirtiest, most carnal sense of the word. I want to take you, claim you, make you mine in every way a man can possess a woman!!"A desperate, needy sound escaped Emmeline's throat at his wicked confession.She dropped her hand to press against the solid plane of his chest as if to put some distance between their heated bodies. But instead of pushing him away, her fingers simply clung to the soft material of his shirt and pulled him impossibly closer.Then she arched shamelessly against the rigid length trapped behind the fly of his slacks."M-Mr. Blackthorn...we can't cross that line," she protested weakly, even while her hips undulated in a sensual rhythm against his."Oh lord…! This is wrong, so wrong—"Her words were swallowed by a desperate moan torn from her very soul when Zavian finally sealed his lips over the thundering pulse in her neck.He parted them to suck heated, open-mouthed kisses along the sensitive column, his tongue lashing out to taste
"I plan to make you see entire galaxies behind your eyes, little girl. The kind of stars that only come from soaring to the pinnacle of pure ecstasy..."A shudder of blatant feminine need rippled through Emmeline at his sinful promise.She bit down on her plump lower lip, her thighs clenching with a fresh gush of arousal."Is that so?" she breathed, tilting her head back to meet his intense stare through her lashes. "And just how do you plan to make that happen, Mr. Blackthorn?"Zavian's lips curved ever so slightly and his gaze was dangerous.He pulled her body flush against his once more, allowing her to feel every rigid inch of his arousal grinding against her aching core."The sky outside is perfectly clear tonight," he rasped against the heated skin just below her ear. "We'll be able to see the stars shining down on us..."Emmeline shook her head slowly, forcing herself to think rationally despite the relentless throbbing between her thighs."But the marina is at least two hours
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