Concerned about causing discomfort, he refrained from more intimate activities, opting instead to share comforting kisses.

Resting against the pillow, Melissa gazed at him with affection. It seemed that Marcus’ heightened arousal had caused a subtle distortion in his typically composed visage, yet this distortion added a touch of rugged masculinity to his appearance.

Her heart raced.

She wriggled beneath him, cupping his face, and initiated a passionate kiss.

Marcus remained still, his intense eyes fixed on hers.

Blushing, Melissa confessed, "I want to bring you pleasure."

He smiled tenderly, considering her youth and usual timidity. Did she possess the knowledge to please a man?

Abruptly, his laughter ceased.

Compelled by an irresistible urge, he gently tugged at her soft locks, his voice tinged with tremors. "Melissa?"

Her face flushed with redness, as she had never engaged in such audacious behavior before.

Ultimately, Marcus yielded to the impulse and shared an intimate moment with her.

After the intimate encounter, he showed no haste in rising or taking a shower.

Cradling her with one hand, he retrieved a small velvet box from his trousers on the floor. Upon opening it, a dazzling diamond necklace, seemingly of substantial value, was revealed.

"Is this for me?"

Melissa exclaimed joyfully, reaching for the necklace. “When did you acquire it?"

Yet Marcus nonchalantly remarked, "It's intended for Sylvia."

Melissa's countenance fell.

Not due to the jewelry itself, but because her hopeful anticipation was doused by Marcus, and she suspected it was deliberate.

With a pout, she turned away, declaring, “If it's not meant for me, why flaunt it in front of me?"

Amusement flickered in Marcus' eyes.