Chapter 401

“Good night, little girl,” Zavian murmured.

“Good night, Mr. Blackthorn,” Emmeline replied softly. “I love you.”

She closed her eyes longingly, savoring the warmth of Zavian’s voice through the phone. “You know, celebrating Valentine’s Day won’t diminish your prestige, sir,” she teased, a smile playing on her lips.

Zavian sighed, his exasperation evident even through the connection. “Enough games, little girl. Go to sleep.”

Though exhaustion tugged at Emmeline’s eyelids, she couldn’t resist continuing their playful exchange. “What will you do after you hang up?” she asked, curiosity and mischief coloring her voice.

“I won’t fuck myself, if that’s what you’re asking.”

A laugh bubbled out of Emmeline before she could stop it.

“I’m going to have some whiskey,” he added quietly, “To erase the image of you naked under me from my mind.”

“I hope the whiskey will tame your brain,” Emmeline replied sarcastically, “Because the alternatives aren’