Stephen gulped, his voice hoarse as he gave in to Tessa’s request. “Alright, you can have a kiss. Just one kiss.”

Almost immediately, a pair of warm and soft lips landed gently on Stephen’s face, and a red lipstick mark was imprinted on his fair, handsome face, making him look much more alluring.

Stephen’s steps immediately came to an abrupt halt. His eyes widened, and his heart was pounding rapidly, making him feel as if his heart was about to burst out from his chest.

The spot where Tessa had kissed him tingled, sending an electrifying sensation across his body.

Because he was so close to her, the scent of alcohol and her sweet fragrance invaded his senses, making him feel like he couldn’t breathe.

His breaths became heavier, emotions swirled within his eyes, and his voice became hoarse. “Tess…”

Tessa was completely drunk and unaware of how tantalizing she was being. Stephen was a young, healthy, and vigorous man, so how could he possibly endure such teasing from her?

Taking advantage of her drunk state, Tessa continued to torment him. One kiss wasn’t enough for her, so she tugged at Stephen’s collar and kissed his jaw.

“Stephen…” Tessa whispered flirtatiously.

Her kisses felt like gentle raindrops pouring down on him. Holding his breath, he felt as though someone was tickling his heart with a feather.

Quentin let out an exaggerated gasp and covered his eyes with his hand, only to spread his fingers apart and peek through the gap of his fingers.

Beside him, Henry glanced at him and smirked. “Just watch them openly if you want to. I’ve never seen Steve act like this before either. It’s definitely a rare occurrence.”

Quentin’s voice was incredulous as he asked, “Is this really the Stephen we know? Be honest with me. Over the past few years, we’ve seen so many women throw themselves at him, and he’s never even batted an eye.

“I was seriously starting to think he just wasn’t interested in women. But I’ve finally seen him in such a state. Tessa had just teased him a little, yet he’s feeling completely lost now.”

Stephen was already feeling disoriented from all the kisses Tessa was giving him.

His voice was rough as he coaxed her gently, “Tess, be a good girl for me, and stop messing around now.”

As he spoke, he quickly left the bar in big strides.

He had to get Tessa home before he lost control of himself.

The Cullinan sped down the road, and Tessa would whimper and murmur words throughout the entire car ride, sometimes calling

Stephen’s name, other times

whining for hugs and Kiss vel.ne

Stephen’s heart was in chaos.

sw novel.n

His deep and hoarse voice sounded as he advised, “Darling, stop calling me. I’m seriously going to lose it if you keep this up.”

The dim glow of streetlights flickered through the windows, flashing across the interior of the car, casting all kinds of shadows inside.

Stephen was focused on driving while Tessa curled up in the passenger seat.

Her head was tilted slightly to the side, a few strands of her tousled hair falling over her face, partially covering the dazed look in her intoxicated eyes.

When they arrived at her apartment, Stephen parked the car, stepped out, and opened the passenger-side

door. He unbuckled her seatbelt and scooped her up into his arms.

།

Perhaps she had worn herself out from all the fussing as she was now resting quietly against his chest. Her breathing was slow and steady as if she had fallen asleep.

Stephen was almost six feet two as he stood straight with Tessa’s slender body in

his arms. She felt small and delicate in his arms.

Seeing that she had fallen asleep, he slowed down, walking carefully. He was

afraid that he’d accidentally jostle her awake.

Once he arrived at his apartment door, Stephen used Tessa’s fingerprint to unlock

the door. Then, he turned on the lights in the living room.

The bright lights immediately shone upon the clean and tidy living room.

Stephen proceeded to carry her into her bedroom and gently placed her on her bed.