His Unveiled Passion

Marissa and Lester were sitting nearby. So, they could see the blush spreading across Tessa's face from their angle.

Naturally, that also meant they could see the look in Stephen's eyes when he looked at her.

They were filled with hope and love.

Marissa felt her heart clench at the sight. She had never seen that look in Stephen's eyes before. It seemed as if there was an unending well of tenderness

in his eyes.

"Tessa, just look at him! Are you seriously not going to kiss him?" Quentin teased. Then, he added with a cackle, "I've never seen Stephen behaving like this before."

Naomi swiftly followed suit with a giggle of her own, chanting, "Kiss him! Kiss him! Kiss him!"

Sienna also started nudging Tessa playfully. "Come on, Tessa. Stephen's waiting for you. Why aren't you kissing him?"

Everyone, except for Lester and Marissa, was cheering them on.

Stephen was seated right next to Tessa.

Tessa looked at her friends' teasing smiles before returning their good-natured ribbing with a bashful smile on her own. She felt her cheeks heat further as she wrapped her arms around Stephen's neck. Then, she closed her eyes, threw caution to the wind, and kissed him.

At the same time, Marissa lowered her gaze to the ground, feeling as though she'd been stabbed. It hurt so bad that she could hardly breathe.

She had never once imagined that she would witness someone as aloof as Stephen kiss another woman before so many people.

To make matters worse, he had asked for the kiss himself.

Marissa continued to stare at the ground blankly, her vision spinning slightly as time passed. She felt as though the ship was rocking because of the waves.

In reality, the cruise ship was cutting through the waves steadily. Plus, the sea was calm today. Therefore, she shouldn't be feeling dizzy.

Lester had also looked away from the kissing couple.

Although he looked indifferent, his eyes were dim as he quietly sipped his drink. Tessa had initially planned to give Stephen a peck on the lips and be done with it.

So, she pressed her lips against Stephen's lightly before beginning to retreat. Before she could, Stephen suddenly cupped the back of her head with both hands and took the initiative, kissing her back.

Their friends whooped even louder because of his actions.noveldrama

Tessa could tell that she was flushing scarlet like a tomato right about now.

Stephen was kissing her deeply. Soon, their tongues were entangled in a passionate dance.

She found herself struggling to breathe as the kiss continued.

In the beginning, she was still a little awkward and embarrassed. After all, they

had never kissed in front of so many people until today.

However, Stephen was completely immersed in the kiss. Coupled with his fantastic kissing skills, Tessa found herself swept up by a wave of desire. It didn't take long for her to lose herself in the moment,

Eventually she stopped hearing the cheers around her and forgot that they were playing a game. She gave herself, body and soul, to the kiss. Their lips locked, and it didn'@seem like she was leaving

Stephen's embrace anytime soon.

No one interrupted their moment.

When the kiss finally ended, both of them were breathing unevenly.

Tessa's lips were red, looking soft and inviting.

Naomi winked at her and remarked, "This party was totally worth coming to. I did

not expect to witness such a steamy moment."

Tessa shot her a playful glare and huffed, "Stop teasing me, you."

Lester interjected coldly, "Let's start the next round."

Just then, Marissa's friend, Summer Heatherson, pushed the lounge door open. "Marissa, there you are! I've been looking for you for ages."

Marissa forced a smile and said, "I've been playing a game with them. Do you want to join us?"

Summer glanced around the room. When her eyes landed on Stephen, she hummed meaningfully before saying, "I see why you were nowhere to be found. You're busy with Mr. Jacobson."

Marissa looked embarrassed as she shot Summer a look. "Oh, stop it."

"What are you guys playing? I'll join," Summer said as she sat down next to Marissa.

Marissa replied, "We're playing King's Game. It's basically spin the bottle, but with cards."

Summer held out her hand. "Well? Deal me a hand. I want to play too."

"Alright." Marissa turned to the

others and introduced Summer, saying Let me introduce you to everyone. This is my friend Summer Heatherson. We met while I was studying abroad."

Everyone drew fresh cards now that another person was joining in the fray.

Shortly after, a new round began.