Instead, he simply watched her, noting how vulnerable yet pretty she looked wrapped in his coat.
After a moment, he moved closer, his hands finding their way inside the coat as he leaned in, their foreheads touching.
His voice, soft and slightly rough, broke the silence.
âIs the coat keeping you warm?
You seem quite fond of it.
â
His hands gently circled her waist, the touch light through the fabric of her shirt.
When Melissa instinctively leaned back, he drew her closer again.
In that moment, Melissa acknowledged the turmoil within her.
Maybe it was her clouded mood or the lingering effects of the alcohol, but she found herself willing to surrender to the moment.
Their ki*s was fervent, a dance of lips and breath.
Marcusâ voice was low as he looked into her eyes.
âWhatâs next for us?â
Their understanding of one anotherâs intentions, shaped by their shared history, needed no words.
Melissa, without hesitation, embraced him, her voice a whisper, âLetâs find somewhere private.
â
âAre you certain?â
Marcus sealed their intentions with another prolonged ki*s, offering Melissa a moment to reconsider.
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But tonight, Melissa sought solace in indulgence, never once asking him to halt their advance.
Together, they made their way to a nearby luxury hotel, Melissaâs form nestled against Marcus, concealed by the swath of his coat.
The receptionist, curious, tried to glimpse the woman by Marcusâ side.
Yet, Marcus shielded her from view.
With the room key in hand, they entered the elevator, the tension palpable despite their mutual consent.
Melissa rested her head on his shoulder, her breaths shallow.
Marcus, displaying a gentleness that was rare for him, inquired softly, âShould we head to my apartment or return to the villa?â
Melissa, her resolve clear, brushed a lock of hair from her face and murmured, âLetâs stay here.
â
No further words were exchanged as Marcus tenderly ki*sed her cheek.
The elevator reached their floor.
Marcus, supporting Melissa, navigated to their room.
Upon unlocking the door, his earlier fervor gave way to caution.
âDo you need to check in with Julie? Iâm going to shower first.
â
Melissa agreed, watching him retreat to the bathroom.
Once alone, she reached for her phone to call Julie, crafting a tale of unexpected work demands instead of revealing her true whereabouts.
Julieâs voice was laden with worry, advising Melissa to prioritize her well-being.
A flush crept over Melissaâs cheeks at her friendâs concern.
Marcus reappeared at the moment, noting the absence of a bathrobe.
âIt looks like weâre short on bathrobes.
Iâll contact the front desk.
â