Being caught kissing by an outsider was a whole new level of mortification for Yvonne.
She immediately pressed her hands against Marico’s chest, trying to break free.
But the man didn’t budge. Worse, in that instant they were caught, the playful glint in his eyes darkened into something far more intense. He kept kissing her, but his gaze slid coldly toward Jessica, a look so possessive and commanding that Jessica nearly jumped.
Flustered, Jessica spun around. “Sorry, sorry! Didn’t mean to interrupt your moment,” she said, her voice light, as if teasing.
But inside, only she knew the shock—and the sting of jealousy—churning in her chest.
She didn’t linger. Without another word, she strode into the patient room, pretending to fuss over Mrs. Hamilton. But the image of those two tangled in a heated kiss burned behind her eyelids, refusing to fade.
Yvonne, still trapped in Marico’s arms, tried to push him away again. When he wouldn’t let go, she pinched his side hard.
He finally released her, though not before giving her a lingering, teasing lick on her lips. His eyes—usually so clear—were now playful and a little wicked.
This shameless man! In broad daylight, he was even bolder than at home.
Fuming, Yvonne balled her fist and gave him a swift punch. Humiliated and frustrated, she grabbed the fruit basket and marched off to the sink.
Marico watched her leave, lips curved into a knowing, wicked grin. He looked more dangerous than ever, satisfaction written all over his face.
At the sink, Yvonne scrubbed the apples with such vigor she looked ready to peel the skin right off. Stupid man, stupid man!
Marico folded his arms and leaned against the counter, head cocked, grinning at her. “What’s wrong? Didn’t get enough kisses, so now you’re taking it out on the apples?”
Yvonne whipped her head around, her face and even the tips of her ears bright red. Her eyes—large, shiny, and furious—glared at him. She bit her lower lip, the one he’d just kissed, trying to smother her anger.
She looked like a grumpy little rabbit in his eyes, soft and easy to tease. It made something that had been simmering in Marico for days threaten to boil over.
“Go check on your grandmother. You don’t need to hover over me,” she muttered, desperate for him to leave.
“She’s got plenty of company,” Marico replied easily, making it clear he wasn’t going anywhere.
Fine. Yvonne sped up her work, hoping he’d get bored and leave.
But Marico, seeing her so focused on her task, reached over and pinched her flushed earlobe.
The roughness of his fingers sent a jolt through her, leaving her trembling, as if a current had run through her whole body.
“You—!” Yvonne shot him a glare, twisting away from his touch. She frowned, her eyes fierce.
“What did I do? Hm?” Marico’s voice dropped, dark with amusement as he met her gaze, thoroughly enjoying the game.

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