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
"You'll wish you had held your tongue," Zavian warned ominously.With that, he raised his club high above his head and gently hurled the ball directly at Emmeline.It hit her square in the stomach before rolling off, leaving behind a wave of surprise that left Emmeline gasping for breath and grimacing slightly."Oh my God!" she cried out.Zavian’s gaze shifted from under her skirt back to meet hers. There was something mischievous about his look now."It sadly didn't go where I wanted," he admitted dryly. "Guess I'll have to try again."Before she could respond, he swung his club once more, sending the ball directly at her.This time, it hit a little harder and directly on her sacred space, sending shivers of pleasure coursing through her body.Emmeline's hands splayed out on the grass as she threw her head back and let out a soft moan."Stop trying to ignite me, Mr. Blackthorn," she managed to gasp out between breaths. "How do you manage to do that so effortlessly?"Zavian’s response
"For making me chase after you? Yes! My breath can only be spent on your lips or between your legs." His words were like fire against her skin, igniting a heat that spread through her body despite the cool rain.Emmeline's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, making her gaze drop to the ground.The intimacy of his words, the raw honesty in his voice, left her feeling exposed and vulnerable.Raindrops clung to her eyelashes, blurring her vision slightly."Don't talk to me in that tone. Your obscene words make me feel ashamed." She protested softly. But even as she spoke, she felt a thrill of excitement course through her.Zavian gently turned her face towards him, his chest pressed against hers.With his left hand, he tucked a stray lock of her hair behind her ear, his touch lingering in a way that made her insides tremble.Raindrops trickled down his face, following the contours of his strong jawline.Emmeline felt a blush creeping up her cheeks at his words but held his gaze.She didn'