Loraine unconsciously swallowed.


    Being cornered, like a prey, triggered a warning bell in Loraine’s mind.


    The man before her was the predator, his warm breath tantalizingly near, almost as if he was ready to


    consume her.


    Her heart pounded as she feigned serenity. “Discuss about what? What’s there for us to discuss


    anyway?”


    Letting out a sigh, Marco said in a subdued tone, “Loraine, I promised to sever ties with Keely. My


    agreeing to her return was only to conclusively put an end to her meddling. I assure you, Keely will not


    be an impediment between us in the future.”


    ninjanovel


    The moment he uttered “Keely,” Loraine was filled with an absurd amusement.


    A sense of familiarity engulfed her. It was as if they were reliving the same tragic events that urred


    during their three-year marriage.


    It seemed that Marco, once again, inflicted pain upon her repeatedly for the sake of Keely.


    Loraine’s hands balled into fists, the knuckles turning bone white. She outstretched her arms,


    endeavoring to shove Marco aside.


    However, the man remained an unmovable force, her own strength paling inparison to his.


    A feeling of despair began to well up within Loraine’s heart. She bit down on her lower lip hard, eyes


    welling up with tears. She held


    Marco’s gaze and asserted, “Why should I care if you invite her back into your life? I couldn’t care less!”


    “But I do care!”


    Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    Marco’s voice was filled with urgency. He gripped her hand with a desperate intensity, his whisper


    almost a plea. “I care. I care so deeply about how you feel. I don’t give a damn when Keely is set free


    or if she decides toe back. I’ve barred her from my life. She switched her phone number just to get


    through to me. We’vee so far,


    Loraine, and I won’t let misconceptions hinder us any further.”


    “Are you serious about this?” His words sent shockwaves through


    Loraine’s heart. She looked at him, teary-eyed, feeling a loss for words.


    In Marco’s eyes, Loraine was a blend of innocence, purity, and allure.


    Drawing his lips together, Marco leaned in and pressed his lips to hers.


    This was no tentative exploration but an assertive, overwhelming assault, iming even the air she


    breathed.


    The overwhelming intensity quickened Loraine’s heartbeat. Surprisingly, she found herself not loathing


    this kiss. Instead, it seemed to provide an outlet for the sadness within her.


    And so, she gripped Marco’s shoulder and bit back.


    This was more a fierce bite than a tender kiss, leading both of them to the sharp taste of blood.