His Unveiled Passion

Stephen wrapped his arms around Tessa, his magnetic voice sounding above her head as he said, "I've missed you."

A smile appeared on Tessa's lips. "I missed you, too."

"If you missed me, then why didn't you call? Why didn't you seek me out?" Stephen bombarded her with question after question.

"I was busy today," Tessa replied.

"With?" he asked.

"I was out shopping with Sienna," she promptly answered.

He sounded jealous as he muttered, "I see how it is. Your best friend is more important than I am."

"Are you seriously going to be jealous of Sienna?" she huffed in amusement.

His lips moved lower, brushing against Tessa's ear. His voice was low and seductive as he murmured, "I can go shopping with you, too."

"No, you can't," she said with a weary sigh.

That would be too obvious. Now wasn't a good time for them to flaunt their relationship.

They were quite literally in her father's territory at the moment. If someone saw them together and told him about it, Samuel was definitely going to throw a mother of all fusses over it.

She was also quite certain that he might force them to end their relationship.

Stephen's breath tickled Tessa's nape, making her squirm.

His voice was husky as he breathed, "Am I really that awful of a partner to be with out in the open?"

His voice was far too enthralling for her. Tessa couldn't help but feel as though she was in contact with a live wire.

It felt numb and too addictive for her own good.

Tessa changed the subject, saying, "Come with me. Let's not do this right here."

She wanted to get up and leave.

Alas, Stephen tugged her back into his embrace.

"When will we go public?" Stephen inquired, his voice raspy as he hugged her from behind, his lips leaving a warm streak against her neck.

Tessa's voice turned gentle, coaxing, "Be good. Let's discuss this back home."

Stephen loved that she'd used the word "home".

"Alright, we'll talk this out at home," he said, releasing her from his arms.noveldrama

Tessa brought Stephen back to her place.

She had gotten her hands on this villa a few months ago, so this was Stephen's first time here.

Tessa opened the door and welcomed him in.

Stephen strode in, exploring every nook and cranny of the place. He had even used Tessa's cup to pour himself some water. He was so relaxed that it seemed as if this was his home, not Tessa's.

Samuel had bought this place for her after she and Stephen had broken up.

Thus, the furnishings and the interior were all done to her tastes.

After Stephen was done giving himself a tour, he held her cup in his hands and looked at her with anticipation in his eyes. "We're home now. So? When are we going to go public?"

"Why are you in such a rush?" Tessa smiled fondly.

"Of course, I'm in a rush." He had a stern look on his face as he added, "The better question is, why wouldn't I be? Zachary's still nipping at your heels and Lester's been eyeing you since forever. Now, I've got another competition in the running Torin. I'm only human."

"Oh, you found out, then?" she asked in surprise. Then, she blinked in confusion. "Actually, how did you find out about Torin?"

If she recalled correctly, he hadn't gone to the banquet that day.

"The Covingtons and your father are eager to see you and Torin tie the knot. A few

of my acquaintances were there that day," he grumbled.

That made sense.

Tessa explained, "My father wants me to give Torin a go, but Torin and I aren't interested in that. He's aware that I'm your girlfriend. He's also informed me that he likes Sienna."

The dissatisfaction on Stephen's face abated somewhat upon hearing her explanation. "He likes Sienna?"

Tessa nodded before continuing, "You didn't see that coming either, did you? Because I surely didn't. I was surprised when I found out."

Stephen nodded slightly. "Fine, I'll kick him off the list, but the fact remains. You have two men eyeing you like prey, and I don't like it."

Tessa shot him a look, amused by his reaction. "They aren't a threat to you. You should be more confident in yourself."

Stephen's expression was solemn

as a flicker of pain appeared in his eyes. "This has nothing to do with confidence. I'm just terrified of.

Pet

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losing you. I've lost you once before. I do not want a repeat of that nightmare."

Tessa felt her heart clench.

She approached him, stood on her tiptoes, and cupped his face. "Stephen, you're

the only one for me. You shouldn't—"

He lowered his head so suddenly and pressed his lips against hers, silencing her before she could finish her sentence.