LOGINDesire burned within Emmeline, consuming her from the inside out.She looked at his lips and caressed the bottom one with her thumb, feeling how soft yet firm they were."But I want your lips on my body right now. I need to feel them everywhere." Emmeline looked at him with bated breath and growing desperation. "What about that private show you mentioned? The one where we're the stars?"Zavian would have moved his lips closer if she hadn't pressed her index finger against them to stop him, feeling the warmth of his breath on her skin."Don't you see the atmosphere is perfect for sin? We're alone, hidden away from the world."Zavian squeezed her waist, his grip firm and possessive."You're using my own words against me now. Turning my seduction techniques back on me." The flames of lust danced between his eyelids, making them appear almost black.Emmeline’s eyelids fluttered with the temptation of his intense gaze, which only ignited her desire further."You're driving me absolutely in
The fitting area sat tucked in a quiet alcove behind velvet drapes, shielded from the brighter lights of the showroom.Emmeline unfastened the blush dress, hanging it carefully beside her coat.The first three dresses had been simple slip-ons, but the red gown was another story entirely.The moment she lifted it from the hanger, the cool, liquid silk spilled through her hands, revealing a long, delicate zipper running straight down the spine.She stepped into the pooled fabric, pulling the thin straps over her shoulders.The silk caught on her hips and bust, hugging every curve like a second skin while dipping low across her chest.Reaching behind her back, she tried to catch the tiny pull tab with her fingertips, struggling with the awkward angle.Emmeline parted her lips, ready to call for help when the brass door latch clicked."This room is occupied!" She spun around in a panic, crossing both arms over her unzipped bodice. A breath of relief escaped her lips when she realized who
The air cooled instantly, and Emmeline immediately touched his forearm with a contrite wince."I didn't mean anything bad by it."Zavian stayed quiet, studying the fabric between his fingers before she hurried to fill the silence."I'm just really picky when it comes to clothes. I never know what I'm looking for until it's right in front of me.I want something formal, but not stiff. Elegant for the dining room, but clean enough for the back of house. Not too flashy, but definitely not plain." She peeked at him sheepishly. "I'm impossible, aren't I?"The tension around his eyes loosened.Zavian let out a quiet breath, running a hand over the nearby hangers."Tonight is important for your brand. You deserve to look incredible. I'll just have to keep my temper in check." He reached into a rack of dark neutrals and pulled out a sleek black sheath dress with subtle ivory piping along the edges and a cropped matching jacket.The fabric had a slight stretch, featuring a mock neck with a sma
Emmeline popped another bit of cotton candy into her mouth, thoroughly entertained by the spectacle.Zavian caught her chewing and glared at her in disbelief. "How can you eat so casually right now? Are you trying to put on a show for him?"Instead of swallowing, Emmeline brought her clean hand to his jaw, tilting his face down and pressing her lips firmly to his.She parted his mouth, letting the sweet, melting sugar flow between their tongues.Before he could take control, she pulled back just enough to brush her lips over his. "Let's give him something real to look at."Zavian's hand gripped her nape, his chest rising rapidly as his hot breath grazed her mouth. "You know exactly how to play me, don't you?"Emmeline bumped the tip of her nose to his, and Zavian gave in, crushing his mouth over hers in a deep, consuming kiss.She melted into him, letting the world fade away as the cool winter breeze swept around them, contrasting with the searing heat of his mouth.When they finally
Emmeline pinched off a piece of the delicate sugar cloud and slipped it on her tongue.It dissolved instantly, coating her mouth with pure, warm sweetness that made her hum in delight. "It's so good."She looked up at Zavian, her hazel eyes dancing with contentment. "It's been years since I had cotton candy. I almost forgot what a real date feels like."She tore off another piece, a slight tinge of sadness touching her tone as her past resurfaced for a fleeting second. "Actually, I never really had a proper dating experience in the first place."Zavian looked down at her with steady, unyielding focus, the intensity of his stare laying claim to every piece of her. "It's better this way. I'm your first real man, and I fully intend to be your first and last in everything that matters."Emmeline smiled softly at the possessive edge in his words.She pinched off another fluffy bite and held it up to his mouth. "Try some."Zavian parted his lips slightly, letting her place the sweet treat o
The three of them shared a laugh, the lingering awkwardness between strangers melting away completely.Marianne scrolled back through the album, her gaze lingering on the candid shot of them staring into each other's eyes. "I've photographed couples for years, and I can usually tell which relationships are built to last. You two really have something special."A blush crept up Emmeline's cheeks, while Zavian kept his features carefully composed, though his grip on her hand tightened just enough to show he was listening."What makes you say that?" Emmeline asked, genuinely curious."The way you look at each other," Marianne explained softly. "Most people pose for a camera, but you two completely forget anyone else is around when you're together. That kind of focus is rare."Daniel chimed in with an approving nod. "Plus, the way he looks out for you without being overbearing, and the way you tease him without crossing the line. It's a healthy balance."Emmeline had to bite her tongue to
Emmeline's name had never sounded like that before. On the lips of parishioners or the convent superiors, it was always formal and entirely professional. But on his lips, it sounded like a dark, desperate prayer.She shivered as her treacherous body betrayed her once again.His voice carried the eas
The world came back to Emmeline in fragments.First, there was warmth seeping into her bones, melting into places inside her that'd always felt faintly numb. It felt like coming home after wandering alone for a lifetime. Then came the scent. It was dark, masculine, and wholly unfamiliar. It was the
Zavian was beyond livid. A nun. His Emmeline, the woman who'd burned in his arms with a passion that set his very soul on fire, had become a nun. The woman who'd once surrendered everything for love had instead surrendered everything to God.He could barely contain the manic laughter bubbling up fr
The temperature in the cathedral plummeted further as the dark stranger advanced down the center aisle.Several congregation members succumbed to their terror and fainted outright, while others began to pray frantically."Hail Mary, full of grace." Whispered words tumbled over each other in despera







