Zavian's pace didn't falter, even as a low growl of pure possession vibrated against her parted lips."Don't worry, little girl. By the time this night is over, you'll have seen entire galaxies you didn't know existed." He drawled.A tremor of anticipation shuddered through Emmeline's body at the wicked promise in Zavian's gravelly words.She clung more tightly to him as he carried her out of the bar with her legs still fastly secured around his lean hips.She could feel the rigid length of his arousal grinding against her aching core with every step he took, the delicious friction making her breath emerge in desperate little pants against his heated skin.The sultry night air caressed her flushed cheeks in a warm embrace when they finally emerged from the crowded interior of the bar.Emmeline blinked rapidly, her eyes adjusting to the darkness cloaking the deserted street.The only illumination came from the soft glow of the crescent moon reflecting off the gently rippling waters of
Emmeline had an incredibly vivid and salacious dream last night that left her feeling flushed and flustered.The star of her X-rated reverie was none other than the devilishly handsome Mr. Blackthorn himself.His skilled tongue was buried deep between her thighs, doing such sinful, delicious wonders to her body that had her writhing and whimpering in ecstasy.She wished she could somehow strangle that annoyingly chipper little bird that loved to perch on the bedroom balcony and chirp incessantly, rudely interrupting her steamy fantasy.She could still feel the ghost of his touch on her skin, the way he had made her body sing with pleasure. It was as if he had known exactly what she needed, pushing her to the edge of ecstasy and beyond.Emmeline let out a frustrated sigh, wishing she could have lingered in that fantasy just a little longer.It had been days since that night on the yacht with Zavian Blackthorn.The memory was hazy, clouded by the migraine she had woken up with the next
Emmeline studied Minnie's delicately beautiful features apprehensively, but the other woman seemed to have said it spontaneously with no hidden meaning or implication."A relationship between spouses is supposed to be a partnership of equals," Minnie continued firmly, turning businesslike once more. "No one gets to arbitrarily dictate roles or try to divide things up by antiquated, repressive gender norms. That's not how modern marriage works, at least not in any healthy, successful one."Emmeline stubbornly planted her hands on her cocked hips, pushing out her chest ever so slightly in a subconscious gesture of defiance. "Okay, but what if he's the one who ends up getting bored with her body after years of being together? Why does the onus always have to be on the woman to try and seduce him and win back his interest, huh? Seems pretty misogynistic and one-sided to me."Minnie snatched up a frilly white negligee from a nearby display and held it up against Emmeline's torso, squinting
~MEANWHILE~The air was thick with tension and the metallic scent of freshly spilled blood in the Blackthorn ancestral manor.Grandma Eva sat rigid in her high-backed chair, her hands trembling with a fury that threatened to consume her.Her sharp and piercing eyes were fixed unwaveringly on the figure of her grandson, Zavian who stood before her with an imposing presence radiating cold indifference.His features betrayed no emotion as he casually stepped over the lifeless body of a stunningly beautiful chestnut-haired woman sprawled on the intricately patterned marble floor.The woman's hair fanned out around her head like a halo, contrasting to the growing pool of blood beneath her.Her once vibrant hazel eyes stared vacantly at the vaulted ceiling, all life extinguished from them.The sight was one of brutality and a reminder of the cold, heartless nature that ran deep in the Blackthorn bloodline.Grandma Eva had always known her grandson was a monster, a creature devoid of empathy
~FLASHBACK CONTINUES~Grandma Eva turned to her spy with a new resolve. "We make our move. Zavian will be at his most vulnerable now."The spy nodded, understanding the gravity of her words."I want every detail of his interactions with this woman. Leave nothing out.""Yes, my lady," the spy replied. "We've already gathered significant intelligence. Master Zavian was seen with her at the Bar. They appeared... intimate."Eva's lip curled in disgust. "And?""He took her aboard his yacht, the 'Night's Whisper'. They were alone for some time."Eva closed her eyes, fighting back a wave of nausea. When she opened them again, her gaze was steel. "And what of Yuna's people? I know that witch wouldn't miss an opportunity like this."That conniving snake Yuna was undoubtedly hatching some nefarious scheme, and she would be damned if she let that upstart witch get the upper hand.Her grandson might not care if Yuna found out about his new obsession but she wouldn’t let the damn woman have her wa
The air around Zavian was frosty as he strode toward the awaiting black Maybach whose rear door was held open by his right-hand man, Luca.The big guy had his head down in a deferential bow, not daring to make eye contact while his volatile boss got into the luxurious vehicle.Luca closed the door behind Zavian before hurrying around to get behind the wheel of the luxury sedan.An uneasy, suffocating silence descended on the car as Luca navigated it through the winding city streets and toward their destination.The bodyguard could feel all the hair on his body standing on end the entire time. The aura of menace radiating from Zavian in the back was like waves of Arctic cold.Luca didn't dare even breathe too loudly, let alone speak. His nerves were frayed to the breaking point.Zavian was truly in a murderous, psychopathic rage right now after the events at the manor, and one wrong move could potentially prove fatal.Luca regretted listening to Zavian that night when he dismissed all
Emmeline froze in the middle of the hallway.Her heart stuttered in shock when she lifted her head and saw none other than the devil who had been tormenting her sleep since their last encounter standing there in an impeccably tailored suit. What’s more, his expression was dark. Very dark and unsettling.Emmeline stared at him, momentarily unable to move or speak as she struggled to comprehend the situation."M-Mr. Blackthorn? What are you doing here?" she finally managed to stammer out.Zavian’s hungry gaze raked over every inch of her, lingering lecherously on the deep vee between her breasts and the teasing glimpses of thigh and leg exposed by the daring dress slit.He seemed to be devouring her with his eyes alone, no doubt able to make out every curve and swell through the sheer fabric."I'm the one who should be asking you that question!" his voice sounded low and extremely dangerous. Like he was barely holding himself back from descending on her like a ravage beast.It was only
One of Zavian’s hands slid up to splay possessively over Emmeline’s abdomen, holding her firmly in place as the other landed on the wall beside her head. "Let's just pretend we never had this...encounter on the corridor," he purred silkily against the feverish skin of her neck. "That you didn't get in my way and tempt me so deliciously with your sinful beauty. That I didn't see you at all."Emmeline flinched instinctively when his free hand moved, stiffening against the wall in fear even though all he did was brace it there beside her head, caging her in.Zavian’s jaw ticked. The reaction clearly angered him."Did you buy this little get-up specifically to seduce your husband?" he demanded in a low, dangerous tone.Before she could respond, he gripped her chin firmly, forcing her to meet his piercing stare. "Trying to please a good-for-nothing man who abuses you, Emmeline?" he bit out, his furious breaths fanning hotly over her lips.Shock and confusion flooded Emmeline’s features at
Emmeline recognized the dismissal in Zavian’s voice and chose not to push further.She rose from the chair with her lips curving into a small, mischievous smile. Stretching her arms out toward him, she tilted her head playfully.“Daddy, carry me,” her voice was sweet and teasing.The muscles in Zavian’s face tightened as he stared at her. Without warning, he grabbed her by the waist and pulled her roughly against him.“Don’t you see I’m holding on by a thread? A very thin thread so I don’t do something you’ll regret later? Especially when you’re standing in front of me like this,” he growled, dipping his face closer to hers, letting his warm breath brush against her skin.Emmeline’s heart stuttered as she met his fiery gaze.“That dress,” he continued in a voice dropping into husky murmur, “Barely covers your thighs. And the cleavage…”His eyes flicked downward before locking back on hers. “It tempts me to look, but I know if I do, I won’t be able to stop. You’re a one-way street, Emm
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