Another Stolen Kiss

On the way back, Duke Kensington stole glances at Melissa, hesitating about what he wanted to ask her.

Melissa, who had caught his abnormality from the corner of her eyes, couldn't take it anymore.

"Zachary, is there something you want to ask me?" Melissa turned her head abruptly, catching him in the act.

"What?" Duke Kensington blurted out.

"You've been staring at me every now and then. Surely you must have something to ask me?" Melissa asked.

Duke Kensington searched her eyes and relaxed when he saw a teasing glint in them.

"Do you know about Lord Benjamin?" Duke Kensington tactfully asked.

"About what specifically? That he sent those gifts to me?" Melissa asked him back. So he did know about it after all.

Duke Kensington couldn't help but asked, "How did you know?"

"I found it out myself. And he admitted it when I asked him." Melissa said. Duke Kensington merely nodded his head and didn't say anything else.

"I guess you knew it all along? Why didn't you tell me?" Melissa asked curiously.

Duke Kensington was silent and it took him awhile before he opened his mouth to reply. However, Melissa cut him off.

"Forget it. You need not explain. Did Melvin find it out too? Was that why he behaved strangely that day?"

"Yes, we both knew." This time the Duke replied instantly.

"But how?" Melissa wondered aloud.

"The red rose was the Blackwell's family insignia. You told us that you received a red rose the first time, and the second time was the embroidered handkerchief, also with a red rose design. First time it wasn't obvious, but the second time made it clearer. Furthermore, it was a known fact that one of Lord Benjamin's interests is poetry." Duke Kensington patiently explained.

"Oh. So about the building, you knew who it belonged to?" Melissa had a guess in her heart.

Duke Kensington nodded his head, confirming Melissa's guess.

"Seems like I need to study about all the noble families in the society, so I will not be blindsided the next time." Melissa sighed while pinching her forehead.

"Didn't you learn it growing up?" Surprised, Duke Kensington stared at her.

Melissa paused, searching for an answer. "I did. But I've forgotten most of it."

"I see." She's been missing for two years, it's understandable if she didn't know anything about others or their identities, but the noble families' insignia and their house emblem...it's truly strange. 

Duke Kensington suddenly thought of something. "Do you remember your own house emblem?"

Melissa was taken off guard by this question and she seriously thought about it. Damn it! What is it again? She knew Lily had told her something about silver and dark green, but she couldn't remember the emblem. Has she seen it anywhere around the house? The more she thought about it, the more embarrassed she became. She has no idea!

Duke Kensington laughed heartily at her embarrassed face. She truly didn't know! Looking at her, he couldn't help but pinched her nose lightly. She glared at him angrily and quickly touched her nose. Her abrupt action made him laughed louder.

Melissa couldn't take his mocking anymore and instinctively leaned forward and covered his mouth with her hand.

Duke Kensington was startled. The eyes that were staring at him had traces of anger and annoyance in them. He smiled and decided to stop teasing her. However he had another thought in mind. Duke Kensington kissed the palm that was covering his mouth lightly, causing the owner of the hand to retract immediately. He caught her wrist and pulled her closer to him, this time covering his mouth with hers. His other hand snake around her waist and pressed her closer to him.

Melissa eyes were wide with surprise. She didn't expect another kissing scene to happen so soon between them. What's happening? He's definitely taking advantage of her! With this realization, she tried to push him away but she's no match for his strength and determination. Duke Kensington stroked her back gently while kissing her, as if he's trying to soothe her and she found herself eventually relax into his embrace.

When they broke away from the long and sweet kiss, she found herself panting for air. Her whole body felt so hot, as if a volcano was about to erupt from her very core.

"This carriage is a dangerous thing." She suddenly mumbled, but loud enough for the other man to hear. Another laughter erupted and before Melissa could react, they had reached the Knights' Manor.

"Lord Benjamin might have hidden intentions towards you. Be careful when you interact with him." Duke Kensington advised her before Melissa got down.

She merely nodded her head and got down from the carriage. However, before she could walk in, the Duke asked, "Do you want me to pick you up for the gallery opening?"

Melissa quickly shook her head. "It's alright, I can manage."

The Duke smiled mockingly at her answer. "I see. I can change the carriage if you want."

She understood sarcasm when she heard one. "Hmmpph!" She snorted loudly, didn't care that it wasn't lady-like to do it, and walked in with her head high, leaving the Duke amused with her response.

When Melissa walked into the house, she saw Lord Melvin pacing anxiously in the guest room. 

"Hello Brother." She greeted him. 

When Melvin saw his sister, he immediately came forward and held her hands while looking at her up and down, as if inspecting her. 

"What are you doing?" Melissa asked. 

"You met Lord Benjamin today?" Lord Melvin asked anxiously.

"Yes, he came to the art gallery." Melissa replied. 

"Mel! Stay away from him. Lord Benjamin is not a good person to hang around with." Lord Melvin told his sister, while guiding her to sit on the sofa nearby.

"Why? He's my friend." Melissa answered, surprised.

"Mel, trust me. It's best to stay away from him. He has a reputation." Lord Melvin said cautiously.

Melissa looked at her brother and asked, "What reputation?" 

"Well...I can't tell you, it's not appropriate. Just listen to your brother, please?" Lord Melvin implored.

"What is it? Just tell me. If you don't, you will only make me more curious. Maybe I should ask him myself?" Melissa teased her brother.

"No! Alright, alright, I'll tell you. Lord Benjamin has errr...a reputation with women." Lord Melvin said, his ears getting redder as he spoke.

"That's probably because he's good looking so he's famous amongst the ladies." Melissa answered.

"I meant, the kind of reputation which involves more than just admiration. He's...famous in another aspect." At this point, Lord Melvin looked away. 

"Oh...you mean, he has had many lovers?" Melissa queried. 

Lord Melvin snapped his attention towards Melissa and stared at his sister.

"Is it? So another Casanova I presume?" Melissa asked her silent brother.

Lord Melvin just nodded his head. Yes, that's right, that damn man is indeed a Casanova! 

Melissa smiled and patted her brother's shoulder, comforting him. 

"Don't worry, Brother. I know what I'm doing. Lord Benjamin is just a friend. He's actually a nice person once you get to know him." Melissa said.

"But Mel..." Lord Melvin wanted to protest.

"I have you, Father and Zachary to look out for me. You'll protect me, right?" Melissa asked her brother. 

"Of course!" Lord Melvin declared.

"That's settled then. I won't have to worry about anything." Melissa said and hugged her brother. 

"Wait, what?" This wasn't the outcome he had hoped for. 

Melissa laughed and asked, "Do you want to eat cheese cake today?"

With that, Lord Melvin's attention was diverted to his sister's delicious cheese cake and he quickly grinned and nodded his head continuously.