I could sense a hint of... envy or resentment in Minnie's tone.She hugged her arms dramatically, unable to contain a slightly exaggerated shiver. "Even their way of dealing with people and socializing is completely different from normal folks. The Blackthorn couple were called the Ice Duo by society's elite circles. Can you believe that? Who would want such a chilly nickname?"She looked at the small cake she had placed on the table earlier with clear pity in her gaze as if even the dessert might wilt under the Blackthorns' frosty demeanor."You'll have to go over there and officially greet them after leaving my house," Minnie said with a warning edge that made me sit up straighter. "It's expected in our little community. But don't feel too afraid of my words about them. It's not like they'll actually devour you or anything!"She attempted a small laugh that sounded forced and did little to ease the sudden knot of anxiety in my stomach.I swallowed nervously, and my mouth suddenly dr
The imposing manor's exterior lights flickered on, illuminating the well-kept grounds with a welcoming, cozy glow.I squared my shoulders, determined to make a good first impression. After all, first impressions could be everything, and who knew what intriguing secrets lay behind those doors?I politely introduced myself to the woman who spoke through the smart doorbell's intercom system and then passed through the gates with measured, unhurried steps.The distance between the entrance and the manor itself was vast, but the immaculately landscaped grounds and winding pathways made for a pleasant, almost zen-like stroll.As I approached the impressive main entrance, I was greeted by a striking woman clad in a knee-length black tuxedo dress that hugged her curvy frame to perfection.Her dark hair was styled in elegant curls that brushed just past her shoulders, and I instantly deduced that this poised beauty could only be the elusive Mrs. Blackthorn herself."Mrs. Blackthorn?" I venture
The sun was starting to set, illuminating our peaceful neighborhood street with long, golden shadows when I arrived home.I fumbled with my keys while juggling the grocery bags I'd picked up after my visit to the Blackthorns before finally managing to unlock the front door.I headed straight inside, kicking off my flats by the front door and heading to the kitchen.The house still smelled faintly of fresh paint and new furniture, a reminder that we'd only moved in only a few hours ago.I entered the kitchen and immediately set about preparing dinner. My movements were automatic like I had been programmed to perform this ritual without fail.Our kitchen had a charming balcony overlooking the backyard and the neighborhood behind our new house.The fading sunlight filtered through the half-open blinds, throwing long shadows across the tiled floor.Whenever I turned to look out the window to my right, I couldn't stop myself from staring at the Blackthorn manor towering majestically in the
Richard’s eyelids twitched in annoyance at my thinly veiled jab, and I knew from months of experience that he didn't like it when I subtly called out his shortcomings or mistakes.His face flushed an ugly shade of red, and a vein pulsed at his temple."You're only good at complaining and nagging, my God," he spat, slamming his briefcase down on the kitchen table. "Your shrill, whiny voice alone gives me a pounding headache. I don't know how I've put up with you and your mindless griping all these months. Sometimes, I think I should have listened to my mother and never married you in the first place."He pulled a chair from the kitchen table roughly and sat down heavily. The wood groaned in protest under his weight.He sat there expectantly, like a scolded child waiting to be served, not even offering to help set the table or get his own drink.I angrily punched the air behind him, imagining my fist connecting with his thick skull.The fantasy was so vivid I could almost feel the satis
I could visibly see the intense anger rising in his body from his tightly clenched fists, the protruding veins in his thick neck, and his rapidly reddening face.His whole muscular body seemed to tremble and vibrate with unbridled rage at my defiance."You've really done it now. You got yourself into this mess with your smart mouth," he growled out in a low, menacing tone full of quiet threats that sent chills through me..I barely had time to make out his muffled words when he suddenly shot up from his chair with such force it toppled over backward.In an instant, he was on me, grabbing a painfully tight fistful of my long hair and giving a vicious yank that made me cry out.My hands flew up to try on reflexes and pry his painfully clenched fingers off of the handful of my hair he had wrapped around his meaty fist."If you've forgotten who's the goddamn master of this house, I'll have to violently remind you of your proper place beneath me," he snarled in my face, his foul breath hot
Every single time in the past when he had raped me while I was out cold and defenseless, I'd wake up naked, my clothes stripped off, and sprawled across our bed in a tangle of sheets.My whole body was utterly shattered, every muscle aching and bruises already forming.But worst of all was the hollow, empty feeling in my heart - like a piece of my soul had been violently ripped away.Despite the trauma, I just went about my daily routine as if nothing had happened, as if it was just another normal day in my personal hell.I dragged myself to the bathroom and stepped into the shower, scrubbing away at my skin with scorching hot water and a loofah until it was raw and pink.I was trying to wash away the lingering traces of last night from my body, the ghostly sensations of his rough hands groping me and his sweat and bodily fluids.But no amount of scrubbing could erase the memories seared into my mind.Once I was finally clean, I threw on a simple casual outfit, a short brown cotton dr
"Where are you going with that injured foot, lady?" Mr. Blackthorn's gruff tone jolted me back to reality.I swallowed. Hard. Beating myself for harboring such thoughts toward a married man.What if he noticed I was staring at his…Oh lord! My thighs involuntarily robbed together to ease the ache I was feeling at the space between them and then winced slightly due to my injured foot.His eyes scanned over me intently, not missing my pained movements."You're limping badly. You can barely even walk," he observed bluntly, cutting right to the point as usual.I didn't bother with polite pleasantries since the gruff man hadn't offered any himself."I have no serious injuries, just some bruises. I can walk to the main road okay. There, I'll take a taxi to my destination," I replied, unable to wipe the vaguely psychotic-looking smile that had now returned off my face.The thought of Richard's impotence was simply too comical not to grin about."Have a good day, Mr. Blackthorn," I added poli
Mr. Blackthorn remained silent throughout the time I spent pouring out my heart, taking care not to go into too many details.His eyes briefly flicked away from the road to glance at the screen again, taking in the destination.His brow furrowed slightly as he processed the information. "The address is for a women's clinic," he observed.His tone was carefully neutral, but I could sense the curiosity and concern underlying his words.He thought I was going to the hospital to get my foot treated.I expected him to ask directly about the reason for the discrepancy and pry further into my personal affairs. However, his next words exceeded my expectations and showed a level of thoughtfulness I didn't anticipate."You look too young to be left at home alone and take care of your health on your own.”The statement was simple, but it carried a weight of implied meaning that made my throat tighten with unexpected emotion.When he turned to make eye contact with me at the next red light, his e
After a leisurely breakfast of fluffy Belgian waffles and crisp bacon with Zavian, followed by a long, steamy shower where they'd indulged in one last lingering tryst, Emmeline finally returned home.Her mind was utterly consumed with the memories of their intimate Christmas Eve together - every scorching caress, every sinful whisper, every moment seared into her memory with perfect clarity.Luckily, Richard didn't seem to suspect a thing when she arrived. Minnie had covered for her brilliantly.Emmeline had barely managed to exchange some words with Richard before practically sprinting up the stairs, murmuring some excuse about needing to freshen up after her night out.She locked herself in the bathroom and braced her trembling hands on the vanity, staring at her flushed, desire-glazed reflection for a long moment as the memories washed over her again in dizzying waves.The way Zavian had pinned her against the wall, one hand fisted in her hair as the other roamed hungrily over her
Emmeline woke up to something wet and warm trailing across her cheek.Blinking her eyes open slowly, she found Zavian peppering her face with soft kisses, his hard morning wood pressing insistently against her stomach.Memories from their passionate lovemaking the night before came flooding back. How he had absolutely ravaged her until she felt the air knocked out of her lungs and stars danced behind her tightly squeezed eyelids. How she had almost passed out from the mind-blowing pleasure, leaving her aching core throbbing with need, wishing it was there he was pounding his thick, monstrous cock into instead. How she had silently begged him to finally pop her cherry and open her up completely.But then the bizarre, inexplicable incident replaced those yearning thoughts, making her breath hitch in her throat.Emmeline’s mind was at war with itself. She truly didn't know how much longer she could pretend she hadn't made such a mind-blowing discovery about Zavian last night.As much as
The sinful duo were both wiped after their intense lovemaking session.Emmeline was still snuggled up against Zavian's broad, muscular chest, but no matter how utterly drained she felt, she just couldn't drift off to sleep. Her mind kept replaying the intense scene from earlier on an endless loop.She could have sworn she heard deep, animalistic growls and roars rumbling from Zavian's throat as he ravaged her body like a ravenous beast. Emmeline had also seen strange, shimmering lights seeming to emanate from him in waves. As bizarre as it sounded, she knew she hadn't just been hallucinating from the mind-blowing pleasure and pain. No amount of ecstasy could conjure up such vivid visions.Her thoughts then turned to when Zavian had asked if she would be okay dating a supernatural being, and the hurt look on his face when she hadn't given him a definite answer. Could he truly be...not human? Some kind of monster? She had always heard the saying that the devil has the most angelic featur
Zavian was locked in an agonizing internal war, his primal instincts raging to claim his mate while his disciplined mind fought viciously to maintain control over his baser urges.The mate pull was a scorching, relentless force, clawing at his insides and inflaming every fiber of his being with an overwhelming, feral need to take Emmeline and complete their bond.'Mate wants us. Needs us to fill her, breed her,' Aetherion growled hungrily in Zavian's mind, dripping with lust. 'She can take our size, our strength. She's our mate for a reason - built to handle and crave our brutal claiming.'A guttural groan rumbled from Zavian's chest as lurid images of pinning Emmeline down and driving into her ruthlessly, claiming her in the most primitive way flashed rapidly through his mind.Her sweet cries of ecstasy and pleas for more echoed in his ears as if she were right there, writhing wantonly beneath him.'Yeah, it's the perfect time - the ideal day to finally make her ours,' Draeven snarled
"Z-Zavian..." Emmeline whimpered his name breathlessly, writhing beneath him… pleasure driving all coherent thoughts away.Zavian’s tongue skillfully navigated her body, driving her to the brink of insanity until she shattered under his wicked mouth with a loud cry of his name."You... you were incredible," she managed to gasp out moments later.Zavian pulled away abruptly and discarded his remaining clothes to reveal his erect shaft with veins pulsating around it in anticipation."I know you enjoy my tongue, but tonight I'm going to pleasure you in a different way that doesn’t necessarily need me to open you up," he said with a smirk before crawling back up her body.His erection brushed against her, causing her center to clench in response.Zavian’s eyes held hers captive as he whispered, "You won't be able to think straight when I'm done!"Emmeline stared at him, anticipation making her pulse race.As he hovered above her, hands resting on either side of her head, she reached up and
Emmeline found herself lost in Zavian's burning gaze. "Make me forget who I am and remember only you." She whispered.His strong hands met the small of her back, guiding her towards the bed.She fell back on the plush pillows. She watched him straddle her legs through half-lidded eyes before claiming her mouth in a fierce and all tongue exploring kiss.A shiver ran through Emmeline when she felt his hand creep under her back to unclasp her bra.Zavian slid the straps off her shoulders while never breaking the passionate kiss.He finally pulled away for a moment to admire her bare form except for the necklace he'd gifted her that nestled between her breasts. "You are exquisite," he murmured huskily, "I can't wait to taste your forbidden fruit again."That said, his gaze flicked over to a string of Christmas lights on a nearby table. Picking them up, he looked at Emmeline with an excited gleam. "Let me adorn you with these," he suggested softly."Your hands," he commanded.Obediently, Em
Zavian traced a gentle path along her lips, sending a wave of numbness radiating through her body as heat pooled low in her belly.The hardness of him pressed against her softness stirred a whirlwind of anticipation within."You've dressed yourself up for me tonight and it's been pure torture since the moment I laid eyes on you." He paused, drawing in a breath as if he were fighting off an insatiable hunger. "It's like seeing a feast laid out before you when you're starving."Zavian leaned closer until their faces were mere inches apart. His lips brushed against her cheek, planting moist kisses that tasted of sin and decadence. "I can't let your efforts go to waste," he said with a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "That wouldn't be very gentlemanly of me now, would it?"Emmeline traced her hand over the hard planes of his chest, causing him to pause mid-kiss and look into her eyes with an intensity that made her heart flutter wildly in her chest."Who told you I'm still waitin
"Divorce that scumbag!" Zavian stated without preamble.His words sent shock waves ricocheting through Emmeline’s body.Her eyes widened until she felt they would surely pull out of their sockets with her mouth falling open in a soundless gasp of disbelief as she struggled to process what he'd just said."What?" she finally managed to choke out, shaking her head in stunned denial as if to clear her ears.Emmeline opened her mouth again, fully intending to unleash a torrent of questions, of demands for clarification and explanation. But Zavian silenced her by pressing his index finger to her lips in a commanding gesture, his expression one of deadly seriousness that brooked no argument or interruption."If you can provide the court with documentation proving the marriage was never consummated despite all this time, the ruling will undoubtedly be in your favor,” he explained in a low, intense tone that seemed to reverberate through her very bones with the weight of his conviction. “You w
Zavian's hands found their way to Emmeline's waist, his touch as soft as a lover's caress. His breath, however, was anything but tender. It hit her face like a gust of wind on a stormy night.He moved closer, brushing his nose against hers in an intimate gesture that make her body tingle."Do you have any idea how many sleepless nights I've spent?" he murmured. "How I couldn’t ignore what could be happening between you and your worthless excuse for a husband?"His arm tightened around her waist, pulling her body flush against his with his lips hovering dangerously close to her skin but refrained from making contact."I've told you time and again about the rage your situation stirs within me," Zavian whispered into the shell of her ear - words that set her heart pounding. "You should have done something to ease my mind."Emmeline’s hands instinctively fell on his chest, surrendering completely to him… under his breath playing havoc with her senses, causing her heart to falter erraticall