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
It took them a few minutes to get to the golf course.Emmeline got into a white electric golf cart without doors.Zavian took the wheel, steering them through his vast green estate, having chosen to forgo a driver to preserve their privacy.The gentle hum of the cart was the only sound as they moved in the quiet of the late morning.Emmeline sat beside him, silently soaking in the scenery.The sky was a canvas of gray, the clouds heavy with the promise of rain.The autumn breeze caressed her bare legs and sent a pleasant shiver up her spine.She closed her eyes for a moment, savoring the tranquility that enveloped her, acting as a distraction to the whirlwind of emotions she had been wrestling with.Emmeline found herself stealing glances at the devil of seduction’s side profile.His strong jawline, the way his hands gripped the steering wheel - all of it painted a picture of a man who was both intimidating and irresistibly attractive.She quickly averted her gaze when he turned to ca
Emmeline gasped. However, the sound merely disappeared into his mouth.The club slipped from her grasp.She froze, overwhelmed by the intensity of the moment, as he devoured her lips with fervor.Her eyes closed involuntarily and her palms rested submissively on his chest.She felt his hands move roughly over her back as if trying to feel her through her clothes.His tongue flicked against her lips, and she opened her mouth willingly.The kiss turned into a fervent, breathless exchange.When their lips finally parted, they were both panting heavily, their breaths mingling in the cool air."Your red lips were beckoning me to take a bite, and I couldn't resist. They’re like forbidden fruit," Zavian murmured while brushing his thumb over her lips, leaving them tingling and swollen.The poeticism of his statement felt at odds with the raw desire in his eyes.Emmeline covered her lower lip with the upper one, savoring the remnants of his taste.He lifted his hand from her waist, and she qu