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
Tears of frustration stung at the corners of Emmeline's eyes as she hurried away.She couldn't fathom how Zavian could so brazenly make licentious advances and suggestive remarks one moment, only to shut her out entirely the next with cold indifference. His mercurial shifts in behavior left her reeling, unmoored.Had she read the situation completely wrong? Misinterpreted the heated looks and the undeniable chemistry that seemed to crackle between them with every weighted glance? Or was there something deeper, darker at play - secrets he was harboring that prevented him from acting on his apparent desires?The sound of shattering glass from the direction of the bedroom made Emmeline jump.She couldn't discern if it was the product of Zavian's rage, or simply an accident. Part of her was tempted to turn back if only to ensure he hadn't hurt himself. But the larger part knew that retracing her steps could prove dangerous, like willingly stepping into the eye of the storm.So she pressed
~Meanwhile~The sun was setting over the sprawling Blackthorn Villa estate, casting long shadows across the manicured lawns and elegant gardens.Zavian’s imposing figure stood with his back to the room, staring broodingly out the massive floor-to-ceiling windows.His broad shoulders and powerful frame seemed to almost fill the entire luxurious master bedroom suite, dwarfing the king-sized bed and furnishings.Handsome was an insultingly inadequate word to describe the man's striking looks - he was flat-out gorgeous, sculpted to utter perfection with a body that belonged on the cover of a fitness magazine.Powerful muscles rippled beneath his black suit with every subtle movement, hinting at the immense strength contained within his towering 195" form.His strong jawline was set in a hard line, and his piercing blue eyes reflected a tumultuous storm of emotions as he gazed unseeing at the picturesque grounds below.The heavy oak door creaked open to admit Yuna.She slunk inside wearing
"A Seer!" someone gasped in shock. "By the ancient ones, I haven't witnessed such a manifestation in over three centuries!"A hush descended over the assembled crowd. Shock was registered on all their faces.Seers had been thought extinct for centuries. They were said to possess the ability to perceive events across the veil of space and time, glimpsing fragments of possible futures and long-forgotten pasts.It was clear this girl was the real deal. Her gift manifested in a violent vision that held everyone transfixed."The great king, the ruler of all the supernatural realm has found his mate," the girl chanted in a raspy voice that seemed to emanate from everywhere and nowhere at once, though her lips didn't move."Glory, glory, glory!"The words seemed to reverberate from every surface, yet Zavian could hear them as clearly as if she'd shouted them directly into his ear.Messages from true Seers were only perceived by their intended recipient, a safeguard against those who might se
Yesterday, Emmeline had firmly decided not to go on a date with that devil of seduction. However, she found herself changing her mind this morning.The reason was painfully clear—she couldn't bear the thought of him being with Yuna. The idea rose a persistent ache that refused to be ignored, like a splinter lodged deep beneath her skin.‘Damn it, Emmeline! Stop lusting after a married man!!’ She berated herself, feeling frustrated as she stood before her wardrobe. Yet she couldn’t stop herself from falling into temptation.Emmeline selected her golf clothes with her lips pressed into a flat line, angry at herself for being too weak.She got ready in a crisp white skirt that fell just above her knees and a tight black jacket that hugged her figure just right.Then she tied her long, silky hair into a high ponytail, trying to push aside the emotions swirling inside her.Her reflection in the mirror showed a woman torn between desire and guilt, yet there was an unmistakable spark of reso