Chapter 420

The crude imagery made Emmeline’s cheeks flush. She took a deep breath and then gave him a pointed look. “Zavian,” she admonished, trying to calm her racing heart.

She’d spent the last hour perfecting the dessert for their dinner party, and now only the decorating remained. It would have been a peaceful task if not for the man beside her.

“I need to finish this cake before everyone arrives.” Her fingers tightened around the piping bag as she tried to focus on creating the delicate rosettes along the edge, but his intense gaze made concentration nearly impossible.

Zavian untied his apron with intent slowness, the simple action somehow becoming sensual under his touch.

The fabric slid from his broad shoulders, revealing the crisp white shirt beneath that hugged his athletic frame in all the right places. “I’ve done my part. The appetizers are prepared, the wine is chilled, and now I think I’ll watch you work. It’s quite... entertaining.”

Emmeline searched