Legacy of Hatred-Chapter 190: Step

Melissa truly believed her words. To make things easier for Liam, she was willing to cover her face forever, only showing it when they were in private.

Besides, Melissa had done her math. Between her cursed beauty and Liam’s comfort, she would choose the latter in no time without feeling any regret at all.

Actually, Melissa was ready to think one step further. She belonged to Liam. Her beauty was for him to enjoy, so she wouldn’t mind him being the only one who could see it.

Instead, Liam blamed himself, even hearing the hiss that marked his self-inflicted hatred. Something about his behavior had made Melissa consider resorting to such extreme measures, and he couldn’t forgive himself.

"You haven’t done anything wrong," Liam exclaimed, taking Melissa’s hands. "It’s not fair for you to pay for something that isn’t your fault."

Melissa finally lifted her head, looking deep into Liam’s black eyes, a quiver running through the hands he held.

"I didn’t like seeing you treated like that," Liam admitted. "I wanted to do something for you, but I didn’t know how to help."

Clearly, Liam had gone through the same thought process as Melissa. He had wanted to do something for her, while she had wished for the same. In a way, it was sweet how they had both placed their partner’s needs above their own.

"You don’t need to do anything," Melissa reassured, managing not to stammer. "Having you as mine is all I could ever want."

"But I want to give you more," Liam said, diverting his gaze to find the right words. "I want to make you happy."

Melissa’s heart melted. There was not a single trace of falsehood in Liam’s face or voice. He truly was the only exception in the world, making her feel unworthy due to the anxiety she had experienced earlier.

There had never been any reason to be anxious. Liam would always have Melissa’s interests in mind. She belonged to him anyway, so she could give herself to him fully, knowing that those hands would never treat her poorly.

Strangely enough, now that Melissa’s manipulative sides had paid off, they didn’t return in that private situation. She could jump on Liam herself, but that was their first night together, making her feel a bit shy, limiting her response to squeezing his hands.

Liam glanced at his hands before looking back at Melissa. Her green eyes fell on his lips before returning to him, almost sounding like an invitation.

’Right,’ Liam realized. ’We aren’t in public now.’

The two didn’t have other priorities. They just had to wait for the night to pass, so Liam focused on his undeniable desire, which ended up taking over him.

Liam leaned forward and kissed Melissa, slow at first, only for passion to flare and accelerate things. She let go of his hands to cling to his neck, and he pushed her down without realizing what he was doing.

That was the couple’s second proper kissing session, and the night was still long, and no one could interrupt them. They had both time and a suitable place, so they tested more, chasing something until what they had been doing wasn’t enough anymore.

Liam pulled himself up without straightening himself, the scene under him taking over whatever function he was capable of.

Melissa was on the mat, her disheveled hair lying all over the floor, her arms open, exposed, vulnerable, but wearing a reassuring smile among her captivated expression.

Liam didn’t really know what to do from there, so he used his memories. He caressed Melissa’s cheek before tracing her neck with his fingers, his hand continuing to slide down.

Liam stopped when his hand reached Melissa’s chest. He lightly pressed his palm there, experiencing the crazy beating of her heart, while also feeling much, much more.

There was something soft under Melissa’s robe, something Liam sought, that desire growing more desperate with each passing second. He had already imagined her naked many times, but he felt the undeniable urge to see the real deal now.

And Melissa didn’t run or fall prey to the previous anxiety. She knew that it was time to give herself to Liam as a woman. Actually, she would become one that night, but she needed to reassure him in case his unique traits misunderstood something.

"Liam," Melissa called, pressing on the hand on her chest, squeezing it lightly, "It might hurt at first, but don’t worry. I can endure it."

Melissa’s expectations were building. She felt some timid eagerness to take that meaningful step with Liam, to become one with him, but she had miscalculated what her words would cause.

"Are you hurt somewhere?" Liam gasped, straightening himself up, standing on his knees. "Senior Sister, you should rest!"

"N-no, Liam-," Melissa began to say, but there was no stopping what she had caused.

"I don’t have healing pills," Liam declared, turning to browse through his pouch, retrieving a flask instead. "I have rank 1 elixirs. Please, take them."

Melissa saw Liam offering him that azure flask, his face showing genuine concern, and a sigh resounded through her brain. Clearly, the mood was gone now.

"The mission might be dangerous," Liam continued, "And I also have to tell you my plan. I don’t really want to just stick to killing magical beasts."

Melissa sat up and looked at the elixir still hanging in front of her. That concern almost made her jump back on Liam, but some embarrassment took over her. They were indeed on the eve of a potentially dangerous mission, so they shouldn’t do that stuff.

It wasn’t just risky since it was Melissa’s first time. She wasn’t sure she would ever let go of Liam once her fantasies began to turn into reality.

"I don’t n-need the e-elixir," Melissa reassured. "What a-are you planning?"

"Oh," Liam muttered, stashing the elixir back in his pouch. "Well, Master told me to get spirit stones, so I was thinking I could steal them directly from the spring."

Melissa allowed herself to show some surprise, only for everything to make sense. Liam wasn’t stupid at all. She had long since learned as much, so his ability to think beyond established rules wasn’t a new finding.

"But," Liam said. "I don’t know if it’s really allowed or what might happen. I don’t want you to be punished because of me."

Truth be told, that was Liam’s main concern. He didn’t care what happened to him, and his status would probably spare him from harsh punishment, but Melissa had to remain safe.

Yet, Melissa scooted close, seizing Liam’s arm before laying her head on his shoulder. Her question might have ruined the mood, but she had been ready to take that meaningful step, eliminating any barrier her inexperience and embarrassment could still create.

"Where you go," Melissa declared, "I follow. If you wish to steal, we will steal."

Affectionate gesture aside, it felt good to have an accomplice, a partner in crime and life. So, Liam didn’t argue anymore, instead savoring that intimate moment, learning more about that feeling in his chest, certain it was only for Melissa.