His Unveiled Passion

Tessa and Stephen kissed each other silly out in the prairie.

It had been a long time since they'd been able to indulge in their love for each

other. The fact of the matter was that they had been suppressing their feelings for

each other during their day-to-day interactions.

Their restraint had only allowed their desire and longing to grow. Now that the

dam was broken, they couldn't find it in themselves to stop.

When they finally pulled themselves apart, Tessa's lips were slightly swollen.

Still, they were both panting heavily after the kiss.

Tessa remained in a dazed state throughout the rest of the day, feeling as if she

were in a dream.

Frankly, she still felt out of sorts even after she returned to the hotel that night.

They didn't return to their rooms immediately. Instead, they had chosen to spend

their time at the hotel's garden, sitting side by side on a wooden bench.

Stephen gently wrapped his arms around Tessa and murmured, "Tess, let's get

back together, okay?"

The lingering summer's breath teased their hair, and the streetlights glowed dimly

in the night.

Stephen's dark eyes were deep and searching. His tone was careful, tinged with a

hint of nervousness and anticipation. He was even holding his breath, waiting.

Tessa leaned into his embrace, her reply as soft as a wind's caress. "Okay."

The guillotine blade hanging above his heart turned to dust right that instant.

Stephen's pounding heart finally began to slow, thumping at a steady beat.

A faint smile appeared on his lips as he opened his palm to reveal a piece of

wrapped candy.

her head on Stephen's shoulder and lowered her gaze to the

"Since when have you

there was an undeniable lilt of joy in

explained, "The hotel owner's daughter

saved it just

picked the candy up and inspected it. "Peach-flavored? It's my

the candy and popped it

coated her tongue.

enjoying the

to settle in their bones as they felt

seemed to slow that very

it sweet?" Stephen asked out of the

yet to fully melt. In fact, she was still sucking on

replied around it, "Yes, it's

low and magnetic voice seemed to

the night. "Is that so? Is it as sweet

that she could only hear the

past

herself, "Perhaps it's the summer

so hot

about to change the subject when Stephen spoke

you say to

bringing this up now?" Tessa

drawled languidly, "Well, I'm curious as to how sweet

too good

help but feel

temperature had risen

few degrees. She responded

we do just

was a long

replied earnestly. Then, he turned his head

meet his

herself reflected in his dark eyes and hear him say,

of agreement. It was

sigh.

it loud and

lips as he

face suddenly drew close. He tilted his

before pressing his lips against