His Unveiled Passion

Tessa and Marissa leaned against the railing near the side of the boat, enjoying the ocean breeze.

Marissa raised her wine glass and clinked it lightly against Tessa's, the sound reverberating clear and bright around them.

The salty breeze had messed up their hair by now.

Marissa swallowed another gulp of her red wine. She had drunk quite a bit tonight and was already slightly tipsy. Her face was flushed as she tapped Tessa's shoulder.

"Tessa, I'm really sorry about what happened during the day. Summer intentionally left a mark on the card before she dealt it to me. I truly had no idea what she was planning."

Tessa took a sip of her wine and smiled at her. "To be honest with you, I did suspect you for a brief moment. However, you've dispelled all my suspicions with your declaration earlier. I trust you."

"I knew it," Marissa said with a grin.

The birthday party had reached its end. Most of the guests had returned to their quarters for the night. Only the sounds of the crashing waves and howling winds remained.

"I wish for you and Stephen to stay together for a long, long time." Marissa tried to tame her hair that had been mussed up by the wind. "I really mean it," she added with a smile.

Tessa looked into Marissa's eyes. "I'm curious-you gave us separate rooms in the beginning because you didn't want us to

bitter smile tugged at Marissa's lips. Her tone sounded a little self-deprecating when she explained, "I finally allowed myself to face reality, so I gave

in the air behind her. Her voice melded with the sounds of the waves and the winds, echoing

I didn't want

after what happened with Bruno, I realized how much he cares for you. You might not be aware, but Stephen didn't let Bruno off the hook even after he scooped him from the ocean. He had his men lock Bruno in a

know that," Tessa said,

what he deserved.

a moment before she continued, "The other thing that convinced me to let go of my feelings was

light tone. "There are plenty of women who are interested in him. He played a similar game during another friend's birthday party. They were playing 'Truth or Dare when

did he respond?"

Marissa started laughing uncontrollably. "He just

woman for

him," Tessa said with

liked Stephen, so she plucked up her courage and asked him for a kiss. But his murderous glare

"Was he that scary?"

never looked at you that way." Marissa's expression fell. "Do you know how I felt watching him