Chapter 96

Zavian turned back to face her, his gaze burning with intensity that spelled... Danger.

“What’s going on in your head, Mr. Blackthorn?” Emmeline exclaimed in a harsh whisper, anxious not to let her voice seep through the walls and alert anyone else to his presence here. “It’s highly indecent to lock the door in someone else’s house!”

A look of annoyance etched across his chiseled features. “Isn’t it my house?” he countered smoothly.

Emmeline sighed resignedly. He truly was a master at verbal fencing, always able to turn her arguments against her with just a few precisely wielded words.

Zavian approached the bed and sat down next to her, looking deep into her eyes with a penetrating gaze.

Emmeline felt flustered by his overwhelming proximity.

“How do you feel?” he asked.

“My body is utterly shattered. Fortunately, my face is still visible and recognizable. It won’t scare me whenever I catch a glimpse of it in the mirror.” Emmeline answered wi