"Don't take to heart what he said, Benjamin. Thank you for leasing this space to Melissa." Duke Malcom, the more experienced gentlemen, knew that this was someone they shouldn't offend, given his massive networking and business dealings everywhere. One day, they might need his help.
In any way, what Lord Benjamin does in private is of no concern to others and Melvin shouldn't embarrass him like that especially not in front of Melissa. 'This Melvin is getting more out of hand lately. I need to speak with him!'
"It's alright, Your Grace. I meant everything I said though. I'm seriously thinking of settling down." He replied with a smile.
"Good, good! Do what's best for you. Zachary and you are about the same age, and he already has a son! I need to get Melvin to think like you too."
Duke Kensington, who had been silent since he sat down, was in a deep thought. He wasn't aware of what had transpired earlier as his mind was preoccupied with memories of his kisses with Melissa. He stared at her, to be exact, at her rosy lips the whole time. Only when he heard his name that he reacted, and realized Duke Malcom's presence, and strangely, Lord Melvin's absence.
He masked his thoughts and merely nodded to Duke Malcom.
"Of course, I can never compare with Duke Kensington. He's not picky at all, he has the Queen to arrange everything for him. I wish my mom is still alive, maybe I would've been married and having a few children of my own by now. But, unfortunately, I'm not as lucky as him. I need to find the right person on my own, and the process is quite tricky. Now that I've found the right one, I'll try my best." Lord Benjamin's lengthy statements caused the other two men to flinch.
Firstly, Lord Benjamin rarely exposed his thoughts casually to others, especially not about himself. Secondly, his statements carried two-fold meanings and one who knew what he's thinking could easily decipher it, in this case both Melissa and Duke Kensington exchanged brief glances.
Lord Benjamin was clearly mocking Duke Kensington. He indicated that Duke Kensington wasn't picky, which meant Duke Kensington doesn't care who he marries, the woman is just a bed warmer and a breeder. The Queen arranged everything for him, which means Duke Kensington had no opinion at all about marriage, relying everything on his aunt to decide for him, aka he's a mommy's boy.
Lord Benjamin had also explained his own stance. He wanted to garner sympathy when he mentioned he's an orphan with no mother to rely on, unlike Duke Kensington. He has also tried to justify his scandalous actions by explaining that it's part of his effort to locate the right person. Last and most importantly, he implied that he had found the right person aka Melissa and he would fight for her.
Regardless, Melissa was really impressed by how eloquent Lord Benjamin was. No wonder he's a formidable opponent. She actually had an urge to laugh but suppressed it when she saw Duke Kensington's ugly expression. This man had been quiet since the moment he sat down. She wondered what he's been thinking.
"Well, I wish you all the best. I hope you'll succeed in your pursuit, Benjamin." Duke Malcom patted the other man's shoulder. At this moment, Melissa really couldn't hold it in anymore. This whole situation was hilarious to her. She covered her mouth and chuckled.
Duke Kensington turned his head to look at her and asked quietly, "Is this funny to you?"
"Isn't it?" Melissa asked innocently.
"What is it, Melissa?" Duke Malcom turned to his daughter and asked.
"Nothing, I also wanted to wish Lord Benjamin all the best, but you beat me to it, Father." Melissa said and turned her head to look at Lord Benjamin.
"Your best wishes is all I need, Melissa." Lord Benjamin said, his eyes brimmed with expectation.
Meanwhile, Duke Kensington's face becoming uglier and uglier until he couldn't take it anymore. This woman!
He immediately stood up and said curtly, "I have something to do. Please excuse me."
Melissa looked at his retreating back and sighed. For someone cold and supposedly uncaring, he sure was petty.
On the other hand, Lord Benjamin grinned triumphantly, while Duke Malcom wondered what's wrong with the young man.
At 6 in the evening, the remaining guests left satisfied. Almost half of the paintings had been sold and the gallery looked somehow desolate. Melissa sighed, she really needed to paint more. But most importantly, she needed to make connections with the other known artists. She had no idea who these people were, and the best person to ask would be Duke Kensington.
Thinking about the Duke instantly gave her a mild headache. Do I need to coax him? Or has he forgotten about what happened just now?
Duke Malcom left after instructing Sir Andrew to wait for Melissa.
"Lord Benjamin, thank you very much for coming. I had a nice chat with you today." Melissa said while sending Lord Benjamin off.
"It's my pleasure. Melissa, I am hosting a dinner and dance next month. I hope you will be able to attend." Lord Benjamin extended the invitation.
"Oh? Is it your birthday?" Melissa guessed.
"Yes..I usually celebrate it on a small scale but this time I've decided to invite more friends over. There're also some friends that will come from overseas. I would like you to meet them." Lord Benjamin implored.
"I'll be there." Melissa assured him with a smile. Lord Benjamin left happily upon receiving her confirmation.
"Sir Andrew, you can bring the carriage and wait for me. I'll come shortly." Melissa walked back in to check everything before she leaves.
When she reached the backyard, she noticed a figure standing with his back facing her. Upon reaching the man, she realized it was Duke Kensington. He's still here?
"Zachary? You haven't left?" Melissa went nearer and touched the man's arm.
Zachary turned when he heard her voice. His dark eyes startled Melissa and she instinctively stepped backward. He slowly walked towards her, while she continue backing away from him. She had never seen him like this. What's wrong with him??
"Zachary? Are you alright?" Her gentle voice tickled the man's heart. She's obviously afraid of him, but she refused to show it.
Suddenly, Melissa couldn't retreat anymore when she felt her back rested against the wall. Zachary put both hands on the wall, enveloping her in. He looked deep into her violet eyes, which had now become slightly darker against the moonlight.
"What's wrong?" Melissa asked again.
"Do you know what you did wrong today?" Duke Kensington suddenly asked her.
She shook her head, refused to admit any wrongdoing.
"You encouraged another man to pursue you, in front of me." Duke Kensington's voice was dangerously low.
"What? He didn't say it was me. It could be another woman!" Melissa exclaimed, feeling wronged.
"So you do know what you did. You knew he meant you, Melissa." The Duke stared at her beautiful face.
"I'm not a narcissist! Anyway, if I made you upset, I'm sorry." Melissa pouted at him.
"You still need to be punished." Suddenly, she heard him said those ridiculous words.
Before Melissa could protest, Duke Kensington leaned closer and kissed her fiercely and without restraint. His hands held her slender waist and he crashed his body against hers, and she could feel every bit of his toned body under the suit jacket. As if her body had its own mind, her hands went up to touch his firm chest before they went further down to his stomach and finally encircling his waist, pulling him closer to her.