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 instinctively tried to pull away, but Zavian tightened his grip on the nape of her neck and drew her closer still.She attempted to push him away by placing both hands against his broad chest but found herself weakening under his relentless assault.His grip around her waist was ironclad; she couldn't break free even if she wanted to."Stop fighting it and give me a damn kiss!" he commanded through clenched teeth when they finally broke apart for air.Emmeline looked up at him through half-lidded eyes, mirroring his own lust-filled gaze.The heat between them was palpable…it threatened to consume them both."You need to get your act together, Mr. Blackthorn," she admonished weakly, struggling against the magnetic pull that threatened to sweep away all reason and logic. "Your wife is under this very roof."Zavian responded by brushing his nose against her cheek. "Don't overthink this, babe. Just let yourself melt into my arms and savor the forbidden pleasure of my touch."Desp
"I don't have the right to think about you," Emmeline’s voice trembled as she spoke. "But I can't get you out of my mind. The corner you occupy is getting wider little by little, and I'm afraid you'll monopolize my thinking." She admitted.Zavian’s lips curled into a sly smile and a wicked glint danced in his eyes. "I will live in your memory forever," he promised drily, leaning in closer to leave a trail of kisses down her neck.Each touch sent a shiver through Emmeline’s body, and she felt herself melting under his attention, her resolve weakening with every passing second."I want you to think of me even when you're in his arms," he murmured. "I know I beat him the moment we met but remembering me when you're with him will make me feel better.”His fingers moved with practiced skill, exploring her with a touch that was both gentle and demanding.Emmeline's lean frame trembled and a soft, barely audible whimper slipped past her parted lips.Zavian silenced her with a fervent kiss th
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 ni
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. “B
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 c
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
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
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
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 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