Chapter 412

The restaurant was quiet around Emmeline. The knife moved in smooth strokes as she spread whipped cream around the edges of the cake, her mind wandering to France, to the life waiting for her there with Zavian.

Freedom.

A chance to start over without the weight of family expectations.

Lost in thought, Emmeline didn’t hear the front door open or the footsteps approaching the kitchen.

The sudden sensation of strong arms wrapping around her waist startled her completely.

The knife clattered against the counter as her body tensed before recognizing the familiar scent... something uniquely him.

Zavian.

“Oh my God!” Emmeline gasped.

“Mr. Blackthorn?”

“Who else would it be, little girl?” Zavian pressed his face into the curve of her neck, his stubble rough against her skin. “Someone told me to show up early. Couldn’t pass that up.”

Emmeline relaxed and tilted her head to try to see his face. “You scared the crap out of me! Didn’t