My First Kiss

Melissa closed her eyes in exasperation at the sight of the carriage. It's not that she hated Duke Kensington, in fact they had gotten along well these past few weeks. But, she's really looking forward to travel alone, having a peaceful moment to herself. In the past, one of her enjoyment in life was to go for a long drive, all on her own. After a week-long spent on painting, she would take a scenic drive along the mountains and spent the whole day up the mountains relaxing, before driving back to the city. She missed those moments.

However, she couldn't do that anymore. The only thing closest to it would be taking the carriage alone, enjoying the bumpy ride while looking out of the windows. She knew the drive to the palace was a scenic one where they would need to go through a peaceful looking forest and she had thoroughly enjoyed those rides in the past. She planned to do the same today. But now, she didn't think that would happen anymore.

Duke Kensington spotted Lady Melissa the moment his carriage entered the courtyard. He subconsciously smiled at her appearance. As expected, she had once again adorned a simple gown but this time, although the design was simple, the materials were not. The light golden brocade gown was of the highest standard and it looked exquisite on Lady Melissa. The gown was low-neck and it showed her snowy white skin and a hint of her cleavage. Duke Kensington quickly averted his gaze before his mind began to think of 'dangerous' thoughts. 

When he stepped out of the carriage, Lady Melissa curtsied and greeted him politely. He immediately went forward to help her up and said softly, "Please don't do that anymore. You don't need to lower yourself with me." 

Melissa's mouth went dry and she didn't know what to response. Eh? What's going on? He's so gentle today, it's weird.

She did what she knew best, smile and nodded her head like a chicken in a coop. Satisfied with her response, Duke Kensington led her to his carriage and helped her up the carriage. Once seated, she couldn't help but asked, "Zachary, you don't need to pick me up. I can go myself."

"Don't you like to go with me?" Duke Kensington asked her instead.

"No, it's not that. I meant, you don't have to trouble yourself. I'm sure coming here has already taken much of your precious time." Melissa explained.

"Nothing is more important than you." Duke Kensington said seriously.

'Huh? Is he flirting with me? If I'm in my own world right now, I'd definitely buy the lottery. I might really win.'

Melissa stared at Duke Kensington's serious face and found it really funny. Who else flirts with a serious face if not this guy? Something inside her threatened to explode anytime now. Unable to contain herself any longer, Melissa's laughter erupted in the confined space, startling Duke Kensington. He stared at her, this wasn't the first time he had seen her laughed, but it still amuses him.

"Really? I'm the most important thing to you?" Melissa decided to tease him when her laughter subsided.

Duke Kensington flinched at her question and suddenly his face felt so hot. He turned his head to look out of the window but didn't answer her. Suddenly, he felt a movement and when he turned, he saw Melissa had moved so close to him and now she was staring intently at him. 

"What's wrong?" He managed to blurt out a question.

"You haven't answered my question. Am I the most important thing in your life?" Melissa stubbornly teased him.

Being so close to her was quite a torture. Duke Kensington could feel her warm breath, he could smell a wonderful flowery fragrance coming from her body which was just inches away, and he could see the depths of her beautiful violet eyes. His eyes wondered to her lips, who was now smiling seductively at him. Reason left him, and he immediately held her waist and drew her nearer to him, his lips closed the distance and they met hers.

Melissa was taken by surprise at the sudden move and couldn't react in time. Duke Kensington kissed her with passion and sensing her non-rejection, he became bolder and sucked on her lower lip, causing her to instantly part her lips. He immediately released her lower lip and pushed his tongue deep inside her mouth, all the while kissing her fervently. Melissa was overcome with an indescribable feeling and she savoured the kiss. She liked the feeling of his tongue inside her mouth and she instinctively sucked on it, causing him to groan and released her lips. 

Realizing what she had done, and judging from his reaction, it might not be a good thing. Her hand immediately covered her mouth and Melissa moved further away before muttering softly, "I'm sorry."

Duke Kensington was startled by her apology and quickly held her hands before turning her face gently to face him. "Melissa, you did nothing wrong. I'm the one who should apologize. I should've asked for your permission. I'm really sorry. Will you forgive me?"

Melissa looked into his eyes and could sense his sincerity. She nodded her head and avoided his intense gaze. 'What the hell did I do? Oh my God! Curiosity does kill a cat. My first time kissing a guy. Aaargh!'

"And yes, besides William, you're the most important thing in my life." He whispered in her ears, causing her to blush. 

The whole ride to the palace ended in dead silence, each to their own thoughts.

Melissa was slightly embarrassed at her brazen act. She should've slapped him or something to show her reluctance, like how the good girls always did in movies. But she didn't dislike it at all, in fact she might actually love kissing if it gave her such a good feeling. She must always be honest to herself, right? And plus, like the original host, she's not a pretentious girl so it's not wrong to show what she really feel, right? 

Duke Kensington was trying to keep calm. The kiss had left him wanting more of her, and when she sucked his tongue just now, he nearly went crazy with desire for her. It took him all his willpower to end the kiss, he could already felt his hands started to move upwards towards her bosom. If they continue, he might take her right here, right now in this moving carriage! 

When they reached the palace, Duke Kensington helped her down the carriage. Melissa tried to act normal but she really needed time to recover from her own embarrassment. 'Dammit! Maybe I should get away from this guy for a while.'

Luckily, Prince Xavier was there waiting for them when they arrived. He immediately came over and kissed Melissa's hand before greeting his cousin. Melissa was being abnormally silent and this caused Prince Xavier to cast an enquiring look at Duke Kensington. Duke Kensington too, was looking awkward and behaving strangely.

Sensing something had happened between them, the Prince's gaze darkened and he immediately said, "Melissa, come with me, I want to show you something. Zachary, Mother is waiting for you in the garden."

For once, Zachary didn't show any reluctance but merely nodded and walked towards the garden without saying a word.

Prince Xavier took Melissa's hands in his arms and led her to the west wing, where his chambers was.