Chapter 281

Emmeline’s breath hitched. The way he said it, the way his eyes held hers—it was as if he was waiting. Urging her. Daring her to say it out loud.

And for the first time, she realized she wanted to.

“It’s just a sentence! Not a confession!” Her voice wavered, twisting her body in an attempt to escape.

Of course, Zavian didn’t allow it.

He wrapped his arms around her shoulders, pulling her tightly against him until their faces were mere inches apart.

“Truly?” His voice was low, teasing, yet laced with something far more dangerous.

Emmeline squirmed, trying to free her hand but it was useless. He was an unmovable force... unyielding in his hold. Frustration flared, so did something else. A thrilling, helpless awareness of just how easily he could overpower her.

With no other option, she wedged her hand between them, pressing it against his chest as she buried her face behind her fingers. “Don’t embarrass me, please,” she mumbled barely audible