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
The sound of their mingled breath, moans, and low grunts filled the quiet space.Their lips remained locked for what felt like an eternity of heated, frantic kisses and wandering hands groping at every available inch of heated flesh before Zavian finally tore his mouth away.He pressed his forehead against Emmeline's, their ragged breaths intermingling hotly as they both struggled to catch their breath in the aftermath of their passionate embrace."Looking at you makes me want to cross every boundary, to throw all caution and propriety to the wind," he confessed in a low, gravelly murmur. "Being around you in the same place without being able to touch you, to taste you, to take you as I so desperately desire...it's utterly exhausting, Emmeline. I can barely keep my hands off you much less my d!ck."In response, Emmeline arched her body against his. She pressed her aching br3asts against the solid wall of his chest and captured his full lower lip between her teeth in a teasing nip.The
Emmeline let out a breathless laugh, spreading her arms out in a shameless invitation as she met his burning gaze boldly. "Well then, it looks like you've won our game fair and square," she husked, her voice trembling. "So come over here and collect your well-earned reward from me, Mr. Blackthorn."Zavian straightened up from his stance, his eyes devouring every inch of her wantonly displayed body with naked hunger. "I don't much like taking orders, my naughty girl," he rumbled in a tone that bordered on a growl.Emmeline laughed again, the sound slightly hysterical now.She arched her back in a deliberate temptation. "Well, you'll certainly be missing out on all the fun you claim to want so badly if you're too stubborn and proud to come over here," she taunted breathlessly. "I'm a little drunk, you see. I might not have the energy or patience for your ego much longer."She pouted her lips in an exaggerated moue, watching as Zavian's eyes darkened further at the sight.He let out a ha
Zavian’s free hand quickly unfastened the front of his trousers, pushing them down just far enough for his thick, heavy member to spring free.Emmeline heard the unmistakable sound and whimpered softly, glancing over her shoulder at him with eyes gone wide in fear."M-Mr. Blackthorn..." she stammered shakily, her voice trailing off as she took in the sight of his impressive c0ck, flushed and jutting proudly.Emmeline lost all ability to speak.Zavian felt her fear wash over him like waves crashing against a rocky shore. It wasn't an unexpected reaction given how intimidating he knew himself to be.Even among his kind, he was considered extremely large - monstrously so.He knew how daunting it must seem to others - especially frail human females like Emmeline… well aware of how that thing was moments away from invading their inner walls, stretching them beyond what they thought possible.Zavian stroked her with his finger in a slow, torturous circular motion.A shudder ran through Emme
Emmeline’s upper body was suddenly pushed down with bruising force, bending her over fully as though his last restraint finally snapped.Her cheek pressed against the cool wood of the table and his thick, pulsating c0ck, slick with her essence, nestled between the cheeks of her ass in a deliciously obscene way."The very first thing I thought when I saw you swaying those wicked hips to provoke me was to bend your luscious body over this billiard table and plunder every inch of you until you were a mindless, whimpering mess," Zavian murmured darkly.Fear shot through Emmeline at the thought of being impaled on his monstrous member. His tone and stance right now spelled danger.She wanted him to take her just as much as she knew he desired her. But he was just too huge. The sight of him terrified her the first time she saw it, and it still does. Even more so when he was only an inch from breaching her opening."M-Mr. Blackthorn. It's so huge...please, I don't think I can take it. Don't
The day of the hearing arrived with alarming speed as though time had compressed itself, rushing Emmeline toward the confrontation she both dreaded and needed.She stood in front of her bedroom mirror, adjusting the beige suit she had chosen carefully for the occasion. The jacket fit perfectly across her shoulders, the short skirt looked professional without being severe and the crisp white shirt underneath added a touch of simplicity.Emmeline tied her hair back into a neat ponytail. Though her reflection looked composed, her heart raced beneath like a frightened bird seeking escape.She applied a light touch of makeup, not to enhance her features but to mask the evidence of sleepless nights and worried days."You can do this," she whispered to her reflection, drawing strength from the woman staring back at her. "You've survived worse."Emile waited in the living room when Emmeline emerged from her room. Eleanor and her father were conspicuously absent, having made their disapproval
Brody accompanied Emmeline to her previous residence the following day. This was the apartment she had lived in before moving to the house where Richard's abuse had escalated to its breaking point—a stepping stone in their married life that now felt like it belonged to another lifetime entirely.The familiar streets brought back earlier memories, some pleasant but many tinged with the growing shadows of what her marriage would become. The mid-rise apartment building stood before them, unremarkable and ordinary, belying the pain that had begun within its walls."Are you ready for this?" Brody asked quietly as they approached the entrance.Emmeline drew in a deep breath, squaring her shoulders. "As ready as I'll ever be."The lobby smelled exactly as she remembered—a curious blend of cleaning products and the faint mustiness that seemed inherent to older buildings. The elevator ride to the third floor passed in silence, each floor chime marking their ascent like a countdown.When they r
Emmeline sank on her bed, The mattress dipped beneath her weight as tears finally escaped, streaming down her face in silent rivers.She made no attempt to wipe them away, allowing them to fall unchecked on the bedspread."You have to go back to your husband and apologize!" Eleanor's insistent voice was growing hoarse from the extended tirade. "The two families need each other. Think about it for the sake of your family!"Emmeline shuddered at the thought. Her arms wrapped around herself as if seeking protection from an invisible threat."I can't imagine what he'd do to me if I went back," Emmeline murmured, genuine fear threading through the quiet words.Eleanor paced the corridor like a caged animal. Each step seemed to punctuate her growing frustration."This isn't just about you," she hissed, stopping abruptly to glare at her daughter’s door. "Your father's business partnership with Richard's family has been in place for decades. Do you have any idea what your little... overreactio
The drive home was uneventful, giving Emmeline time to prepare herself for what awaited.The peace she had felt in Zavian's presence began to unravel with each mile she drove, like a sweater coming undone one stitch at a time. By the time she pulled into her family's driveway, her shoulders had tensed and her jaw had tightened in anticipation.Emmeline's apprehension proved justified the moment she stepped through the front door.Eleanor sat waiting in the living room, her posture rigid like a statue and her expression as stormy as a thundercloud about to burst.The morning light filtering through the curtains did nothing to soften her mother's harsh features or the disapproval radiating from her in palpable waves."Good morning, Mom," Emmeline greeted, forcing a polite tone despite the knot forming in her stomach. She closed the door behind her with a soft click, the sound unnaturally loud in the tension-filled room.Eleanor shot up from the couch like a spring released. Her movement
Emmeline's appetite vanished instantly, replaced by a knot of anxiety that settled in the pit of her stomach.She carefully set down her utensils, the soft clink against porcelain sounding unnaturally loud in the sudden tension."Bad news?" Emmeline asked hesitantly. She searched his face for clues, finding his expression uncharacteristically difficult to read.Zavian's gaze dropped to their joined hands and his fingers tightened slightly around hers.The gentle pressure felt both reassuring and concerning, like a doctor holding a patient's hand before delivering difficult news."I won't be presiding over your assault hearing," Zavian stated quietly, brushing over her knuckles in small, soothing circles.The words hit Emmeline, knocking the air from her lungs. Her heart seemed to stutter in her chest before resuming at double speed.The kitchen suddenly felt colder despite the heating."What?" She whispered, trembling with disbelief and the first stirrings of panic. "But you promised..
Emmeline's brows furrowed slightly in confusion, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her features.Zavian's expression softened immediately, and he offered her a gentle smile that eased her momentary worry."Not the kind of promise you're thinking, little one," he murmured, reaching up to brush a wayward strand of hair from her face with unexpected tenderness.The casual intimacy of the gesture contrasted with the intensity of moments before."I meant what I said," Zavian stated. "I'll stay out of your way until you get your damned divorce. No surprises, no complications."Emmeline exhaled. The tension that had been building in her shoulders eased slightly. However, her brows quickly drew together as she fixed him with a pointed look."You scared me," her voice carried a hint of reproach despite the lingering breathlessness.Zavian's lips twitched into a mischievous smirk. Without warning, he reached out and lightly pinched the tip of her nose between his thumb and index finger."Are you
Sunlight filtered through the gauzy curtains, painting golden patterns across the empty space beside Emmeline the next morning.She blinked awake slowly and her hand reached out to touch the cool sheets where Zavian had been.The bed felt strangely empty without his presence.Emmeline stretched languidly. Her arms extended above her head as she arched her back like a contented cat. The silky fabric of her oversized shirt slid against her skin—a pleasant sensation that made her smile despite the momentary disappointment of waking alone.A tantalizing aroma drifted through the partially open door—something buttery and savory that made her stomach rumble in anticipation.Emmeline slipped from beneath the warm cocoon of blankets and her bare feet met the cool floor with a slight shiver.She padded toward the door, pausing only to run her fingers through her sleep-tousled hair.The staircase whispered softly beneath her feet as she descended, following the increasingly enticing scent. Morni
Zavian's fingers combed through his dark hair, tension evident in every movement. The weight of his thoughts pressed heavily on him as he considered the complicated situation they faced.Zereth, his darker half, harbored hatred for humans that had resulted in bloodshed centuries ago.During that dark period, Zereth had slaughtered without discrimination, sparing neither adult nor child from his wrath. He didn't care if his victims were eighty or eight—all he needed was a glimpse in their future and they were dead meat.In his twisted perspective, humans represented everything despicable: creatures of deceit and greed that deserved extinction.And now, in some twisted joke, fate had picked a human as their mate. Not just any human either, but Emmeline. Sweet, sensitive Emmeline who jumped at her own shadow sometimes.What made Emmeline different, though, was her heart. The girl wore it on her sleeve, honest to a fault and without a greedy bone in her body.Zavian had spent countless nig
Emmeline’s heartbeat accelerated. “What?” She playfully smacked his chest with their joined hands. “Just tell me!”Zavian chuckled, pulling his hand free to wrap his arm around her. He shifted to his side, holding her close. His face was so near hers that their breaths mingled.“I filed for divorce two weeks ago,” he said finally. “But it’s going to take a while. The court’s trying to reconcile us first.”Emmeline’s eyes widened in shock and her body instinctively jerked upright, however Zavian’s arms tightened around her, keeping her close.“Did you really file for divorce?” Her voice trembled with disbelief.Zavian nodded. “We’ve been talking about divorce for a long time,” he sighed. “Do you remember the day we reconciled on the yacht? After the cruel things I said to you at home?”Emmeline gave a nod. “I remember it well.”Zavian’s arms relaxed slightly. “I told you then I wanted you in my life. And I meant every word.”Disbelief mingled with a strange sense of joy in Emmeline. “Bu