Then, Marcusâ lips met hers, as chilly as his gaze.
âCould you deny your feelings for Ryan during our time together?â he accused.
Melissaâs anger surged, and she moved to slap him.
Marcus caught her wrist, pulling her closer despite their proximity, and enveloped her in his embrace.
The rainâs chill was no match for the warmth radiating from him.
Marcusâ ki*s overwhelmed Melissa, rendering her powerless.
His assertiveness was more pronounced than before, drawing her tightly against him with a firm grip on her waist.
Such interactions, complex and intense, were not uncommon among adults.
Suddenly, Melissa sensed a change in Marcus.
âStop, Marcus!â
Struggling, she pushed against him.
Her protest was drowned out by the rain, which embarrassed and pained her.
Yet, this discomfort was minor compared to past hurts.
âWe ended things long ago, Marcus!â
âIâm aware,â Marcus replied, stepping back.
âGet in the car! I donât want you falling ill because of this.
Iâd only feel worse.
â
Without waiting for her consent, he guided her into the car.
Inside, Marcus removed his jacket, increased the ACâs temperature, and handed Melissa a towel.
âYou should change out of your dress to avoid catching a cold.
â
Melissa, however, dismissed his concern.
âIf I get sick, itâs your fault.
Youâve got everything, even a new girlfriend.
Why keep bothering me, Marcus?
Marcus was now gripping the steering wheel tightly.
That was when Melissa noticed the watch on his wrist â the one she had taken.
He caught her looking.
After a pause, Marcusâ voice softened.
âBelieve it or not, there was a time I truly despised you.
â
âReally? And you feel you have the right to?â Melissa retorted with a sneer.
Marcus responded with a weary smile, lighting a cigarette.
âIt started the first year after you left.
â