Chapter 203

Zavian’s eyes remained resolutely blank and unreadable as they met hers, revealing nothing of the heated undercurrent simmering between them. At least, not to anyone watching on from the outside. But Emmeline could see it, could all but taste the blatant challenge in the set of his jaw, the subtle arch of one brow when he pointedly shifted his stare elsewhere.

He was daring her again, stoking the reckless flames of defiance that had momentarily led her so far astray. Tempting her to throw propriety to the wind and fully unleash the wanton, desire-crazed creature she knew lurked just beneath her carefully cultivated exterior. To give in to the hunger, the bone-deep craving for his touch, his exquisite brand of carnal punishment that only he could provide.

The thought made Emmeline shiver. She found herself leaning fractionally closer despite herself, helpless to resist the gravitational pull of his dark charisma.

“Zavian is right,” Richard’s voice cut through the he