Tessa flushed in an instant. She quickly averted her gaze, stammering, “W-What are you even talking about? I would never say that…”

Stephen’s lips curled into an amused smirk. “Oh? Is that so?”

“Of course! H-How could I possibly say something like that in front of so many people…” Her voice grew weaker with every word.

Damn it.

A hazy memory flickered to life in her mind. It seemed that she… probably… had said those things last night.

“I was just talking nonsense!”

The morning light filtered through the glass window, enveloping her flushed cheeks in a soft, golden glow.

Tessa bit her lip, clearly flustered. “You know I was drunk and rambling. You wouldn’t seriously hold a drunk person’s words against them, would you?”

Even as she said it, her voice wavered with doubt. She mumbled under her breath, “Legally speaking, intoxicated individuals have diminished capacity for judgment and control… That’s called limited capacity for action…”

Stephen let out a low chuckle, his shoulders shaking slightly.

“Are you seriously giving me a lecture on law right now?”

Tessa huffed, realizing she had no real way out of this. She wriggled in an attempt to break free.

However, Stephen’s arms stayed securely around her waist. “Trying to slip away, huh? Did you forget how boldly you flirted with me last night? How can you think about running now?”

The faint scent of his body wash lingered between them, one she instantly recognized it was the same one she always used.

His warm breath ghosted over her skin, sending her heart into a frantic rhythm.

The tension between them thickened.

Just then, Stephen leaned in, capturing her lips in a deep, scorching kiss. His long, slender fingers wove into Tessa’s hair, pulling her closer.

Pinned beneath him on the couch, Tessa responded with just as much urgency.

Their kiss was like a summer storm-sudden, wild, and unrelenting-or the sharp bite of a winter wind, impossible to resist.

When Stephen’s lips found her delicate earlobe, the last thread of Tessa’s reason snapped.

“Tess… may I?”

His breath was hot against her skin, his voice husky and low, every syllable dripping with desire.

Meanwhile, Tessa’s gaze was misty

with longing. She didn’t answer with words. Instead, she leaned in,

pressing a kiss against his Adan

apple.

That single action spoke louder than anything she could say.

They were both inexperienced, stumbling through this unfamiliar territory.

As the morning sunlight slowly filtered into the room, the air between them grew thick with heat.

Tessa knew what was about to happen.

A tremor ran through her—not just from nerves but from excitement and a longing she could no longer contain.

She loved Stephen. She wanted this-wanted him.

Outside, birds sang softly.

Everything felt perfect—a breathtaking, unforgettable morning.

When it was over, Stephen gently lifted Tessa into his arms and carried her to the bathroom, drawing a warm bath for her.

Completely exhausted, she slumped against the edge of the tub, barely mustering the strength to speak. “I’m done… I’m too tired.”

A hint of amusement flickered in Stephen’s eyes as he lathered her skin with body wash. “Tess, do you still think I can’t get it up?”

Tessa shook her head, terrified he

might try to prove himself once more. She quickly gave in. “I was

wrong I was really, really wrong! S-Stephen, you’re… you’re really…” en

Stephen scooped up some water, letting it cascade slowly down her smooth, bare back. His voice was husky, laced with temptation “Really what?”

Tessa let out a soft whimper. “I just… I just know I was wrong, okay…” Stephen chuckled.

She was far too shy to say anything too bold-unless, of course, she was drunk.

Satisfied, he didn’t insist any longer. Instead, he finished bathing her and carried her back to the bedroom to help her change.

When Samson arrived for work, he couldn’t help but notice that Stephen seemed different than usual.