Ignoring his question, she continued eating her steak in small bites.

She had to be quite hungry, finishing a whole serving of steak and even a bowl of soup.

Pointing to the last carrot on her plate, Marcus remarked, “You shouldn't leave that behind."

Tears welled up in her eyes as she looked up.

He had teased her again.

He had promised not to.

His expression softened slightly, and he spoke in a more gentle tone, almost coaxing, "If you give me a kiss, you can skip the carrots.

And if you kiss me every day, I'll make sure you get to eat something else.”

Melissa felt overwhelmed.

He... Was he serious about that?

Marcus, in Melissa's view, was the epitome of nobility and grace. She couldn't imagine him ever uttering such shameless words, yet he did so with ease. Was he experienced in matters like these?

Like someone who could read thoughts, Marcus responded with a laugh.

"I've never been in a relationship before. This is all new to me."

Melissa, feeling a bit shy, didn't press further, but Marcus wasn't ready to let the moment pass. He gently pulled her onto his lap...

Moments later, a subtle spark ignited between them.

Resting against his shoulder, she reminded him, “You haven't finished your meal."

He replied playfully, “I'm craving something different now."

With those words, he tenderly held her face and kissed her softly, whispering huskily, "Close your eyes and embrace me."

A shiver ran through Melissa.

Though they had been intimate before, it was a whirlwind of passion, not exactly a typical relationship. They had merely shared a fleeting romance. This was the first time they were this close, physically.