Chapter 224

Zavian’s head snapped up at the sound of her voice, his expression shifting from one of bored indifference to blazing intensity in the span of a heartbeat.

His gaze seemed to burn her from the inside out as he straightened up to his full, commanding height. “You’re too late.”

Emmeline’s steps slowed as she approached him and her tongue darted out to moisten her suddenly dry lips. “I had to go through the motions congratulating everyone,” she explained, unable to tear her gaze away from the heat of his. “So I didn’t raise suspicions about slipping away. The void left by your absence was obvious enough.”

Zavian’s bold gaze raked over her figure from head to toe. When she settled in front of him, he snaked an arm around her waist, pulling her flush against his body.

“Mr. Blackthorn, what are you doing?” Emmeline glanced around nervously.

She tried prying his arm from her waist, but he insisted on keeping his grip, unconcerned by the people passing behind t