"Looks like you need some help there."
The painting obscured my view, so I didn't realize it was a man until his rich, husky voice flowed into my ears from behind me.
I tilted my head to the right and my gaze landed on the sculpted, exquisite features of a very handsome stranger.
He was easily over 6 feet tall, with sharp, masculine features - eyes that crinkled becomingly at the corners and a head of perfectly tousled black hair.
An air of quiet confidence and self-assuredness radiated from him in waves that were utterly breathtaking.
For a moment, I forgot how to breathe.
"Leave it, I'll carry it for you," he stated firmly in a way that was authoritative and wouldn't take no for an answer.
There was something about his demeanor that both irritated and intrigued me.
And because I've always detested being ordered around or having my capabilities underestimated, I immediately objected with a shake of my head.
The sweaty strands of hair that had escaped my bun tickled my cheek. "It's okay, I can carry it alone, thanks. It's not that far between the sidewalk and the house."
Even as I said it, I knew I was being stubborn and foolish.
He didn't remove his hands from the frame, making it clear he was ignoring my refusal.
"It wasn't a request, little one," he said with a hint of danger that made my heart skip a beat despite my annoyance.
His sharp gaze roamed over me in an admittedly flattering way that made the back of my neck grow warm.
I huffed out an annoyed breath and dropped my end of the portrait, allowing him to take the full brunt of its weight.
"I'm not little, thanks. I'm a grown woman, not a child!" My voice came out more grumpy than I intended, making me wince internally.
He allowed his dark eyes to slowly scan over my petite yet womanly figure from head to toe with an unmistakably appraising look.
I saw the corner of his mouth quirk upwards in a way that was both infuriating and oddly charming when his stare finally met mine again.
"Where are your parents to let you carry a large painting this size all on your own? That's a job for the hired help, not a tiny thing like you."
Did this arrogant prick just call me ‘a child’?
For the first time in what felt like ages, I raised my chin proudly, refusing to be cowed or shamed by his condescending remarks.
A fire I thought had been extinguished long ago flickered to life inside me. "I am the lady of this house, not some helpless child who needs supervision!" The words came out with more force and conviction than I'd managed to muster in months.
He turned to face me fully then. His sapphire eyes locked with mine as he peered down at me deeply, seeming to see straight into my soul.
His gaze was as piercing and fathomless as the night sky, making me feel exposed and vulnerable under its intensity.
I found myself holding my breath… feeling caught in the magnetic pull of his presence.
"I really did think you were just some adolescent kid at first glance," his deep voice rumbled through the spacious foyer. "Your petite stature and youthful features are quite... deceiving."
He set the large portrait down next to the beige sofa, and the elaborate gold frame stood out sharply against the living room's subdued hues.
I watched him with annoyance and reluctant admiration, still unable to decide if I was more irritated or intrigued by his candid, unfiltered manner of speaking.
There was something refreshing about his bluntness, even if it did seem rude at times.
"I'm not the type who enjoys superficial compliments," I muttered, mostly to myself but loud enough for him to hear.
My fingers toyed nervously with the hem of my blouse as I added, "I don't like people thinking I have the body of a pre-pubescent child."
His eyebrows rose slightly at my words and a flicker of something – amusement? interest? – passed through his eyes.
"Is that so?" he mused, his gaze sweeping over me in a way that made my skin tingle. "Well, I can assure you that on closer inspection, you most certainly do not have the body of a child."
I felt my cheeks flush hot at his bold statement, unsure how to respond.
To cover my embarrassment, I grabbed the edge of the heavy frame to steady it, worried it might topple over now that he had let go.
My hand brushed against his larger one in the process, and I felt a jolt of electricity zinging through my body at the contact.
But I didn't pull away, finding myself oddly reluctant to break the connection.
"Well, thank you for helping me with this," I said sincerely, meeting his intense gaze once more. "I would've had a hell of a time moving it all by myself. Richard – my husband – he's always too busy at the hospital to help with things like this."
We stared at each other for what felt like an eternity. The air became thick with some indescribable tension.
His expression remained unreadable. It gave no hint as to what he was thinking or feeling in that moment.
I wondered what it would be like to see genuine emotion cross those sculpted features – to see him smile or laugh without restraint.
His fingers lightly grazed the back of my hand as he pulled away from the frame. "No need to thank me," he said finally.
I wasn't sure if the lingering touch was intentional or not, but it sent another delightful tremor racing down my spine. "It's what neighbors do, isn't it? Help each other out?"
"Is that what we are? Neighbors?" I was surprised by my own boldness.
The stranger’s lips quirked up in a small yet breathtaking smile. "For now," he replied cryptically. "Who knows what the future holds?"
With that, he turned to leave.
His long strides carried him swiftly towards the door. "Have a good day then," he called over his shoulder, not bothering to look back.
We didn't exchange any further pleasantries as he headed out, and the heavy front door closed behind him with a soft thud.
However, I got the distinct sense that our interaction, albeit brief, had been refreshingly genuine – devoid of the usual social niceties and falsehoods that often colored first meetings between strangers.
I approached the large bay window overlooking the circular driveway, unable to resist watching as he made his way to his car.
His sleek black Lamborghini sat gleaming in the late morning sun.
I observed as he slid gracefully into the driver's seat and the powerful engine roared to life moments later.
My mind kept replaying our encounter as the expensive vehicle pulled away and disappeared down the winding road out of our exclusive neighborhood.
My first impression was that he seemed like a cool, calm, and collected yet extremely dangerous man. But in an intriguing, positive way, not an off-putting one.
There was a depth to him, a complexity that hinted at hidden layers beneath that polished exterior.
Shaking my head to clear my thoughts, I turned away from the window and surveyed the chaos of half-unpacked boxes and misplaced furniture surrounding me.
“There is still so much to do to make this house feel like a home!”
For the next few hours, I threw myself into the task of cleaning and organizing.I carefully hung up my and Richard's clothes in the spacious walk-in closet, trying not to dwell on how my modest wardrobe barely filled a quarter of the available space.My husband's designer suits and expensive shoes, on the other hand, seemed right at home in such luxurious surroundings.Evening approached.I decided to take a break from unpacking and do some baking instead.Cooking had always been a source of comfort for me, a way to center myself when life felt chaotic or overwhelming.I spent the next hour or so in the gleaming gourmet kitchen, losing myself in the familiar rhythms of measuring, mixing, and folding.The result of my efforts was two batches of my signature cakes – one a rich chocolate fudge, the other a delicate lemon poppyseed.As they cooled on the marble countertop, filling the air with their tempting aromas, I carefully packed them into decorative boxes I had bought specifically
Minnie returned rather quickly. She set a plate of cookies on the coffee table between us, smothered her short white sundress, and plopped down next to me in a casual, friendly manner."I was planning to visit your house a little later after the twins came back from daycare to officially welcome you to the neighborhood," she said with a friendly laugh. "But you beat me to it! I'm so glad you did, though."My eyes widened in astonishment at her words. "Twins? You're...you're a mother?" I sputtered out, feeling a bit foolish for my surprise.I tried to reconcile the image of this youthful, vibrant woman before me with that of a mother of two.Minnie giggled audibly. "Why do you look so shocked? Do you think motherhood isn't suitable for a woman like me?" She arched one finely sculpted eyebrow teasingly, but there was no malice in her tone.I waved my hand in denial, flustered and trying to backpedal. "No, no, that's not what I meant at all! I just... you look so young and..." I trailed
I could sense a hint of... envy or resentment in Minnie's tone.She hugged her arms dramatically, unable to contain a slightly exaggerated shiver. "Even their way of dealing with people and socializing is completely different from normal folks. The Blackthorn couple were called the Ice Duo by society's elite circles. Can you believe that? Who would want such a chilly nickname?"She looked at the small cake she had placed on the table earlier with clear pity in her gaze as if even the dessert might wilt under the Blackthorns' frosty demeanor."You'll have to go over there and officially greet them after leaving my house," Minnie said with a warning edge that made me sit up straighter. "It's expected in our little community. But don't feel too afraid of my words about them. It's not like they'll actually devour you or anything!"She attempted a small laugh that sounded forced and did little to ease the sudden knot of anxiety in my stomach.I swallowed nervously, and my mouth suddenly dr
The imposing manor's exterior lights flickered on, illuminating the well-kept grounds with a welcoming, cozy glow.I squared my shoulders, determined to make a good first impression. After all, first impressions could be everything, and who knew what intriguing secrets lay behind those doors?I politely introduced myself to the woman who spoke through the smart doorbell's intercom system and then passed through the gates with measured, unhurried steps.The distance between the entrance and the manor itself was vast, but the immaculately landscaped grounds and winding pathways made for a pleasant, almost zen-like stroll.As I approached the impressive main entrance, I was greeted by a striking woman clad in a knee-length black tuxedo dress that hugged her curvy frame to perfection.Her dark hair was styled in elegant curls that brushed just past her shoulders, and I instantly deduced that this poised beauty could only be the elusive Mrs. Blackthorn herself."Mrs. Blackthorn?" I venture
The sun was starting to set, illuminating our peaceful neighborhood street with long, golden shadows when I arrived home.I fumbled with my keys while juggling the grocery bags I'd picked up after my visit to the Blackthorns before finally managing to unlock the front door.I headed straight inside, kicking off my flats by the front door and heading to the kitchen.The house still smelled faintly of fresh paint and new furniture, a reminder that we'd only moved in only a few hours ago.I entered the kitchen and immediately set about preparing dinner. My movements were automatic like I had been programmed to perform this ritual without fail.Our kitchen had a charming balcony overlooking the backyard and the neighborhood behind our new house.The fading sunlight filtered through the half-open blinds, throwing long shadows across the tiled floor.Whenever I turned to look out the window to my right, I couldn't stop myself from staring at the Blackthorn manor towering majestically in the
Richard’s eyelids twitched in annoyance at my thinly veiled jab, and I knew from months of experience that he didn't like it when I subtly called out his shortcomings or mistakes.His face flushed an ugly shade of red, and a vein pulsed at his temple."You're only good at complaining and nagging, my God," he spat, slamming his briefcase down on the kitchen table. "Your shrill, whiny voice alone gives me a pounding headache. I don't know how I've put up with you and your mindless griping all these months. Sometimes, I think I should have listened to my mother and never married you in the first place."He pulled a chair from the kitchen table roughly and sat down heavily. The wood groaned in protest under his weight.He sat there expectantly, like a scolded child waiting to be served, not even offering to help set the table or get his own drink.I angrily punched the air behind him, imagining my fist connecting with his thick skull.The fantasy was so vivid I could almost feel the satis
I could visibly see the intense anger rising in his body from his tightly clenched fists, the protruding veins in his thick neck, and his rapidly reddening face.His whole muscular body seemed to tremble and vibrate with unbridled rage at my defiance."You've really done it now. You got yourself into this mess with your smart mouth," he growled out in a low, menacing tone full of quiet threats that sent chills through me..I barely had time to make out his muffled words when he suddenly shot up from his chair with such force it toppled over backward.In an instant, he was on me, grabbing a painfully tight fistful of my long hair and giving a vicious yank that made me cry out.My hands flew up to try on reflexes and pry his painfully clenched fingers off of the handful of my hair he had wrapped around his meaty fist."If you've forgotten who's the goddamn master of this house, I'll have to violently remind you of your proper place beneath me," he snarled in my face, his foul breath hot
Every single time in the past when he had raped me while I was out cold and defenseless, I'd wake up naked, my clothes stripped off, and sprawled across our bed in a tangle of sheets.My whole body was utterly shattered, every muscle aching and bruises already forming.But worst of all was the hollow, empty feeling in my heart - like a piece of my soul had been violently ripped away.Despite the trauma, I just went about my daily routine as if nothing had happened, as if it was just another normal day in my personal hell.I dragged myself to the bathroom and stepped into the shower, scrubbing away at my skin with scorching hot water and a loofah until it was raw and pink.I was trying to wash away the lingering traces of last night from my body, the ghostly sensations of his rough hands groping me and his sweat and bodily fluids.But no amount of scrubbing could erase the memories seared into my mind.Once I was finally clean, I threw on a simple casual outfit, a short brown cotton dr
Emmeline finally reached Zavian’s door and knocked softly, her heart pounding in her chest.The path here had seemed longer than usual in the eerie quiet.She had glanced behind her more than once, anxiety prickling at her spine as she worried about being spotted.Zavian opened the door almost immediately, his expression shifting from impatience to something softer when his eyes swept over her.“I thought I’d have to wait all night,” he said with a hint of admonishment.Then his gaze dipped, taking in her figure with open admiration.Emmeline also took in his appearance.He was dressed casually in dark blue silk pajamas, the first two buttons of his shirt undone, revealing a hint of his chest.The sight of him made moist pull between her legs. “Stealing glances across the room isn’t enough. I’ve been waiting all evening for this moment—just the two of us.”“Are you going to keep me standing out here in my nightgown?” Emmeline whispered urgently, glancing over her shoulder. “Don’t for
Emmeline leaned against the wall, her chest heaving with relief.“Oh my God, I almost got caught.”Her head fell back against the elevator wall and her thoughts spun as Zavian’s words replayed in her mind.“What did he mean by that?” she whispered with frustration, lifting her gaze to the ceiling. “I can’t even ask him about it.” She groaned.The elevator dinged softly when it reached the lobby, but Emmeline remained frozen in place. Her mind was caught in the tangled web of everything she had just overheard.Finally, she forced herself to push the thoughts aside. She couldn’t afford to dwell on it now. Others were waiting for her outside, and she needed to focus on what she would say to them.Emmeline groaned, hitting her forehead with the palm of her hand. “Fool,” she muttered under her breath. “I had one task. One simple task, and I couldn’t even do it properly.”She straightened her posture, took a steadying breath, and stepped out.The cool night air greeted her as she joined the
Zavian walked Emmeline to the changing room, his hand brushing lightly against the small of her back. The gesture was subtle, almost imperceptible, but it left her hyperaware of his presence.Emmeline quickly got dressed and slipped out of the center on her own. Her heart was pounding with every step until she finally made it to her suite where she found Richard already asleep.She tiptoed inside, careful not to wake the useless excuse of a man.The following day passed in a calm haze.Emmeline spent the morning with Minnie and Yuna at the massage parlor while the men stayed behind at the hotel.The women indulged in face and foot massages, their laughter and chatter filling the serene space.By evening, they all gathered at the pool, where Emmeline made sure to dress modestly. She didn’t want to give Zavian any reason to feel jealous. She donned a fitted bronze dress, complemented by a shorter, lighter jacket. The fabric hugged her curves, yet the night’s chill penetrated, causing h
Emmeline’s laughter turned into a squeal. She swam faster, her arms cutting through the water. “I didn’t mean you!” she called out breathless from both exertion and laughter. “It’s just a famous phrase—I wasn’t talking about you!”Her words only seemed to spur him on. His strokes grew stronger and faster as he closed the distance between them.“Don’t you know the difference between a joke and seriousness, old Blackthorn?” she teased, glancing back at him with a mischievous grin.Zavian’s lips curved into a faint smile, the expression both amused and predatory. “You’re asking for trouble, little girl,” he replied. “Maybe I should arrest you and let justice take its course.”Emmeline stuck out her tongue at Zavian, her playful defiance lighting up her expression. Her arms cut through the cool pool with all the strength she could muster, her legs kicking furiously behind her.She pushed harder against the water's resistance, breathing in quick, focused gasps.Emmeline expected him to cat
“Tell me, why did you send me to Yuna?” Emmeline’s voice was quieter now.Zavian’s gaze flickered briefly, something unreadable passing through his eyes then nodded toward the far end of the pool. “Let’s swim to the other side.”Emmeline scowled as her frustration boiled up in the surface. With her arms dangling at her sides, she stayed put. “Zavian!” His name escaped her lips with a hint of annoyance and resolve.The sound of his name seemed to catch Zavian off guard. His movements stilled for a fraction of a second, and something shifted in his expression.She noticed with a start that he enjoyed the way she spoke his name when a slight, nearly undetectable gleam appeared in his eyes.“I’ll tell you while we swim.” Zavian’s voice softened slightly.With that, he turned and began making his way across the pool.Emmeline hesitated for a moment, watching him before finally following. Her strokes were slower than his but she stayed close to his right with her gaze flickering between his
Emmeline pressed her lips together. She knew he was right. She had gotten carried away again.The silence between them stretched, heavy and charged.Frustration bubbled up inside Emmeline, and she couldn’t hold it back any longer.“Why do you refuse to listen to me whenever I talk about anything related to my husband?”Zavian’s eyes darkened. “Because you’re mine!” His voice was raw, filled with something she couldn’t quite name.Before she could respond, he grabbed her wrist and pulled her closer.“I’m jealous of you, even of the water that touches your body.”His words sent a thrill through her, though she tried to keep her tone light. “You’re supposed to listen to my complaints without getting upset.”She paused. “You’re the closest person to me, and I want to tell you everything that’s on my mind. If I can’t complain about my husband to you, who else can I complain to?”Zavian leaned closer until their lips brushed ever so slightly. “Is Minnie a vase?”“You two are not the same.”
Emmeline decided to steer the conversation away from herself. “Why didn’t you accompany your husband to the center?” she asked, feigning curiosity. “If you’d come with him, you wouldn’t have had to search for him in random places. I’m sure he’d have been happy to have you with him.”Yuna glanced at her, her expression briefly flickering with something Emmeline couldn’t quite place. “I came here this morning,” she said after a moment in a tight voice. “It wouldn’t be good for me to spend extra time in the sauna. Two sessions in one day would be too much, and he didn’t want me to overdo it.”Emmeline nodded. “Mr. Blackthorn is very considerate,” she murmured. “Of course, he wouldn’t want you to hurt yourself.”Yuna met her gaze with a shaky smile.Emmeline returned it with one of her own—though hers felt forced and brittle. “You’re lucky to have him, Mrs. Blackthorn,” she added softly.They continued walking in silence, the changing room drawing closer with each step.When they finally
Emmeline's heart nearly stopped when she heard Yuna's voice echoing through the empty spa center.Her body froze against Zavian’s chest, where she had been comfortably resting just moments ago and the peaceful midnight atmosphere they'd been enjoying shattered instantly."It's Yuna," she whispered, trembling. The fear in her eyes was unmistakable as she pulled away from his embrace.The sound of heels clicking against floors grew closer, each step making Emmeline more anxious. She began nibbling on her fingernail – a nervous habit she'd never managed to break."Why would she be here at this hour?" Emmeline's thoughts raced wildly.‘Have you noticed how our senses are becoming almost nonexistent around our mate?’ Aetherion’s voice echoed with concern in Zavian’s mind, each word laced with urgency. ‘It’s as if her presence alone is unraveling the control we’ve always prided ourselves on. The effect of not completing the mate bond isn’t just an inconvenience anymore—it’s a growing danger
Emmeline traced the lines of his muscles before meeting his gaze. "Good thing I've been there before or else this could have been quite awkward." She teased, moving to get off the table but Zavian tightened his grip around her waist."You can just turn around right here," he suggested smoothly. "I want to feel every inch of you against me."The narrowness of the table made maneuvering tricky but after some careful shifting around, Emmeline found herself positioned perfectly over him.Zavian admired the view appreciatively. “Your backside is even more appealing without any clothing." He stated candidly.Emmeline jolted when a smack landed on her rear. "I still feel shy when you talk about my body like that," she blushed furiously.Zavian's response was a harsher slap on her backside, causing her to whip her head around in surprise.“What did you do that—”Emmeline trailed off when an even sharper slap landed on the curve of her buttocks. The sound echoed through the room, sending shock