Marcus' gaze flicked to Matthew briefly.

Then, shifting his focus back to Melissa, he replied, "If they don't call you that, what should they call you? ‘Miss Brown'? Do you want everyone knowing we're living in sin?"

Suddenly, he pulled Melissa close, whispering, “Miss Brown, you surprise me with your candor. I never saw it coming."

Today, Marcus had been needling Melissa non-stop. She had a temper too. She clenched her jaw and retorted, "You're no saint either. You acted like it's been ages since you last touched a woman."

Marcus released her grip.