Cold sweat broke out across Emmeline’s skin.Her mind raced with dreadful scenarios of what her deadbeat husband might do if he had witnessed such an incriminating scene. Or Yuna.She quickly forced back her shock and faced Noel with an air of indifference. "You should have entered instead of wasting time eavesdropping. If the conversation was important, we wouldn't have exchanged it in the kitchen where anyone could overhear."Noel didn't ask her directly about the nature of her relationship with that man.He was not the type to pry or meddle unnecessarily in other people's private affairs. "I brought the onions. Chopping them will ruin your makeup so leave it to me," he said briskly, deftly changing the subject.Emmeline looked at the bowl of onions in his hand apprehensively. "My eyes are sensitive to onions. I will shed tears even if I am in the farthest corner of the hall from you while you're cutting them."True to her words, some traitorous tears fell from Emmeline's eyes and s
Minnie had also picked up on Yuna's unusual demeanor. "Why are you so quiet today, Yuna? Is there something wrong?" she asked bluntly, never one to mince words.Yuna snapped out of her stupor and sighed heavily in frustration. "Yesterday was a miserable day for me at work, I guess I won't get over the disappointment anytime soon."Everyone's attention turned to Yuna, who placed her spoon on the table and let out a weighted breath."I lost an important divorce case that occupied part of my thoughts and emotions recently. My client's husband physically and emotionally abused her constantly, so she finally resorted to filing for divorce to escape him. You all know divorce proceedings for the wealthy upper class are essentially just a vicious property war!"Her words about spousal abuse immediately caught Emmeline's attention. She stopped eating to listen intently."The law states spouses to divide all their combined assets and property equally in a divorce. But I pleaded with the judge t
"That's a damn monopoly!" Emmeline blurted out loudly, unable to contain her outrage. However, she instantly regained her senses when she found everyone at the table staring at her.She smiled nervously. "I mean, it's not fair or just for the abusive husband to be able to take half the wife's property, assets and wealth if her life with him was utter misery filled with torment and suffering." She tried to explain herself.Richard knocked on the table with his fist several times, his jaw clenched tightly as he tried to control his temper. "She will also get half of his property and wealth in return. If the husband is richer than the wife, he will be the one who ends up losing more in the end regardless."Emmeline didn’t respond. She decided to avoid provoking his legendary anger further."It sounds like you're not just sad for your poor client, but because you lost the trial and case itself after working so hard." Minnie addressed Yuna with her mouth full of food, redirecting the conve
One of Zavian's thick eyebrows raised confidently as if she wasn't affecting him at all. "Have you forgotten I am a judge? I'm quite accustomed to dealing with unruly people and outbursts."Emmeline deliberately put her finger in her mouth. Then she seductively bit down on the nail while gently stroking his inner thigh. "It's true the courtroom does sometimes turn into a battlefield between the opposing parties."He seemed to deliberately distract himself from her wanton display by cutting into the crepes on his plate.Emmeline tilted her head to look at Minnie, who was still yelling furiously at her husband."Admit that you no longer love me, since I see talking about your past flings is so normal for you!"Taehyung furrowed his brow in confusion. "Where on earth do you get these ridiculous ideas from?"Emmeline looked away from the bickering couple to watch the lethargy slowly cover Zavian's features, his eyelids twitching more with every stroke of her foot against his leg."Mr. Bla
Taehyung gestured to the billiards table, hoping to distract and defuse the tension. "Why don't we change things up and have a game of pool instead? Every couple can be on a team."Zavian shot Emmeline a heated look filled with wicked promises, clearly relieved to have an excuse to shift locations and put some space between them before he lost control completely. "You can all start playing the game, I'll catch up shortly.”Emmeline slowly pulled her legs away and slipped her shoes back on with clear reluctance.Her body was practically vibrating with pent-up need, an intense longing for Zavian's touch that was almost palpable. Yet, amid this yearning, a mischievous satisfaction bubbled within her when she recalled the predicament she had caused for him.A wicked smile spread across her lips as she savored the thought. She knew all too well the reason Zavian had requested to join them a little later was because he couldn’t stand up right now without revealing his... situation.There wa
"I can see you won't be an easy opponent to defeat on this playing field," Zavian said silkily, holding her gaze captive with a look that promised so much more than their innocent game.Emmeline quickly pulled her tingling hand away, as if she'd been burned by the incendiary contact."Do you really expect to win easily against me, Mr. Blackthorn?" She tried to deflect with a teasing quip, though her voice emerged husky and strained.Zavian moved to take her previous stance, expertly chalking the tip of the cue before tying it between his middle and index finger in an elegant, practiced position befitting his imposing stature and raw masculinity.The black fabric of his shirt stretched taut across his broad shoulders and chest, the top few buttons opened to reveal a teasing glimpse of his toned skin."You seem to have forgotten your terrible, humiliating defeat on the golf course last week, Mrs. Maine," he said, looking every inch the smug, entitled aristocrat used to getting his way.
Richard managed to sink his ball with a deft stroke, as did Yuna after him when it was her turn again. But once again, Minnie failed to pocket hers despite her best, inelegant efforts, letting out a loud groan of frustration.When it was Emmeline's turn once more, she bent over the table provocatively, very aware of Zavian's heated gaze lingering on the curves of her backside framed by the tight fabric of her dress.She caught a glimpse of him out of the corner of her eye, his deep eyes devouring her boldly displayed assets with hunger."You're staring at the wrong target there, Mr. Blackthorn," she couldn't resist teasing in a low, sultry tone no one else could hear, fully aware of the effect she was having on him.She had her eye on the cue ball, so she didn't catch the full expression on his face.Zavian couldn't resist letting Emmeline know that he had heard her scolding words loud and clear.He strengthened the mental shield he'd been using since the start of their secret, illici
Every single cell in Emmeline's body tingled with renewed arousal and anticipation.Her mouth went dry as he approached with his hands shoved into the pockets of his impeccably tailored trousers in a casually arrogant manner."M-Mr. Blackthorn!" she stammered, her cheeks flushing. "Why did you come back here? Does Yuna know you're at the restaurant? What excuse did you give her?"Zavian stopped mere inches away from her. The heady scent of his cologne and the sheer masculine presence of him made her head spin dizzily.Staring up into those fathomless deep blues, Emmeline was struck by just how vast the difference in their heights was. She had never felt smaller or more delicate than in this moment."I took Yuna home first and told her I was coming back to get you," Zavian said in his deep, sinfully delicious baritone. "The roads can be dangerous at night for a woman driving alone, especially if she's been drinking and might still be intoxicated."Before Emmeline could respond, he reac
Emmeline very nearly swayed on her feet from the force of it, her thighs clenching instinctively against a sudden, searing rush of arousal.She had to dig her nails into her palms to keep from visibly reacting, from reaching out and grabbing Zavian and hauling his body flush against hers in a shameless public display.Yuna raised her eyebrows. "You're volunteering to teach Emmeline yourself?" Her tone was laced with reproach, glancing between her husband and Emmeline. "But shouldn't Minnie know her better? As her friend, it would make more sense for Minnie to show her the ropes."Minnie didn't even blink at Yuna's thinly veiled objection. "Don't worry about it. I'll help my husband teach Richard instead. If Mr. Blackthorn can actually skate, he'd better be the one to teach Emmeline."Minnie gave Zavian a pointed look, clearly missing the undercurrent between him and Emmeline. "Thank you for offering to take that on," she said.The subtle curve of Minnie's painted lips suggested she sus
Richard tensed in surprise at her sudden, uncharacteristic display of wifely affection, shooting her a bemused look over the top of her head. "Well now, what's gotten into you?" he asked with an indulgent chuckle, looping his arms loosely around her in return. "Not that I'm complaining about this unusually obedient behavior, mind you..."Emmeline felt her earlier bravado already faltering beneath the weight of Zavian's dark, knowing stare. "I...I just thought we should present a united front," she mumbled, ducking her head against Richard's chest in a futile attempt to escape that burning gaze. "For the sake of appearances, you know? We are on vacation with the neighbors, after all.""Ah, I see." Richard's tone was one of easy acceptance, seemingly oblivious to the heated undercurrents still going on behind his back. "Well, you've certainly made your point then. No need to keep up the charade any longer on my account."But Emmeline couldn't bring herself to release her grip, not yet. N
The snowball caught its target square in the shoulder with a muffled thump, exploding in a puff of powdery white.Zavian didn't even flinch, though his eyes did narrow infinitesimally at her bold move.Yuna, on the other hand, let out a scandalized gasp. "Emmeline! How could you do such a thing?" she cried, hands flying to cover her mouth as if to physically hold back her shock. "You've assaulted my husband!""Oh god, what have I done?" Emmeline's own fake dismay quickly replaced her earlier bravado. "I...I didn't mean to hurt Mr. Blackthorn, I swear!""Have you lost your damn mind, woman?" Richard growled, rounding on her with ill-concealed anger simmering in his eyes.They hurried over to the two men. Emmeline's steps faltered, shame and lingering defiance swirled within her.Yuna rushed to her husband's side, fretting over him with an exaggerated concern. "She didn't mean any harm, darling," she soothed, shooting Emmeline a reproachful look over her shoulder. "She was just trying to
The group gathered at the cable car station.Minnie turned to face everyone with a mischievous grin. "Alright, here's the deal - the cable cars only hold four people max. I think it would be fun to split up by gender for the ride up. Ladies in one car, fellas in another!"Yuna's brows knit together in a frown of annoyance. "Why on earth would we do that?" she scoffed, waving a dismissive hand. "Wouldn't it make much more sense for each couple to share a car, just the two of us?"Feeling uncharacteristically defiant, Emmeline jumped in to argue against Yuna's prim suggestion. "What's the point of taking a group trip if we're just going to stick with our own partners the whole time?" She shot Yuna a pointed look. "Minnie's idea is way better - it'll give us all a chance to mingle and get to know each other better!"The words were barely out of her mouth before Emmeline felt the weight of Zavian's penetrating stare.A flush of embarrassment crept up her neck as their eyes met, her cheeks
The winding mountain road was blanketed in snow, forcing them to take it slowly. It took another full hour before they finally arrived at the luxurious ski resort.As soon as the vehicle rolled to a stop, everyone eagerly piled out into the picturesque winter wonderland surrounding them.Taehyung went to the trunk first, unloading the luggage - he and Minnie shared one large suitcase, just like Emmeline and Richard did.Zavian strode over next, dragging his sleek silver suitcase behind him while Yuna trailed after, clutching her own bag.The group naturally arranged themselves with Taehyung and Minnie at Zavian's right, Yuna and Richard to his left, and Emmeline lingering slightly behind.Zavian's domineering presence and deep, velvety voice immediately commanded her full attention. "Let's plan to regroup in the main hall in fifteen minutes," he stated, sweeping his gaze over the ladies. "I trust that will give everyone ample time to get settled into their suites?" His deep eyes sparkl
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 b
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