Marcus was stubborn, stubborn as Hell, and he wasn't going to stop thinking he would end up like his father. But maybe today, for whatever time he'd be with Lavender, he could have some hope and believe he would be a different man, a better man, than his father. She seemed very convinced about it, and he didn't think she would like to him about something like that. So for a moment, Marcus let her in and allowed himself to be happy.
His hands, which had been on his lap this whole time, framed her face gently. He looked at her, studied her face for a second or two as he brushed his thumb against her soft skin. He didn't speak just yet. Instead, he leaned in and very gently pressed his lips against hers in a kiss.