Page 49 of Morally Corrupt

"The pigeon poop." She laughs as if it's the most ridiculous thing, and in a way it is.

"I don't remember exactly, but I was wearing that Chanel dress that you love. A little got on my shoulder too. I think I ruined it when I tried to wash the spot by hand," she complains with a pout.

"Oh no, the blue one?" I ask, trying to confirm what is slowly becoming a vastly different narrative than I would have expected.

"Yeah, that one. The spot I cleaned is a little discolored. I might just take it to a dry cleaner and see if there's anything to be done."

"I can do it for you in the morning when I go to work. There's one next to us."

"Really? Why didn't I ask you before? Must have slipped my mind. Thank you!" She goes on her tiptoes and gives me a sweet kiss.

"Come eat, I made some pasta!"

I follow her into the kitchen, and we proceed to eat in amiable silence, now and then adding some insights from our work.

I can't believe it. My wife just explained to me the truth about the video. She wasn't meeting any man. She wasn't cheating. The only question is… do I trust her? I have no reason not to. She couldn't have known I suspected anything, and she simply couldn't have known I'd seen the footage from the hotel. Suddenly, I feel ashamed that I'd even contemplated such a thing. The apartment in Midtown must have a clear explanation too, and I'm sure she will tell me.

All in due time.

I can be patient.

* * *

Later in the night, we're both in bed, flushed and sated, when nagging doubts keep creeping in my brain, so I just blurt out.

"Do you ever regret not experimenting with other men before me?" Now, out of my mouth, the question doesn't sound like it did in my head. It sounds as if I'm criticizing her for being inexperienced when I mean the opposite.

"Theo, what brought this on?" She's half-sitting on my chest, and as she asks, she lifts her head and looks at me with those innocent eyes of hers.

"Never mind," I mumble, trying to get out of this. Her hand comes to my face, and she caresses my jaw.

"I don't, and I never will."

"But haven't you ever thought what it would be like with someone else…?" I don't know why I'm digging my own grave, but I need to know.

"Honestly? No. I didn't even notice other men before I saw you, Theo. I couldn't bear anyone else touching me but you. But why would you ask me this?" Her words, coupled with the sincerity I see reflected in her eyes, mollify my fears.

"Sometimes I'm afraid. I'm scared I might not be enough for you. You're young, vibrant, and beautiful, and I'm…" I don't get to finish as she grabs my face with both hands and stares me in the eyes.

"Don't you dare say anything else. You are the most attractive man in my eyes. Do you really think you're the only man I've ever seen in my life? I've been to so many functions and parties. I've met people. What I haven't met is another man to awaken such a visceral feeling in me. I don't just love you, Theo. You are everything to me. Everything."

I look at her, getting worked up over that declaration, and I feel my chest bursting with love. And just like that, I believe her.

"I love you too, B." I kiss her forehead.

"Good. You better." She giggles. "Although now, it's my turn to ask. Would you have preferred I had more experience? Is that it?"

"Hell, no!" My reply is instantaneous. "I wouldn't change a thing about you, B. I have to admit that knowing I'm the only man you've ever been with does warm my heart, but only because you've chosen me to share yourself with. Not anyone else. It makes me feel… special."

"Aww, you say the sweetest things."

"That isn't to say that if you'd been more experienced, I would have loved you any less. I don't want you to even contemplate that."

"Oh." She waves her hand, dismissing the notion. "It would have never happened. I wasn't kidding when I told you that I don't feel even remotely attracted to other men."

"Then, I'm a lucky bastard," I say, wrapping my arms around her and turning so that she's on her back, and I'm settled between her legs.

"I'm the lucky one," she whispers before taking my lips for a kiss while accepting me into her body.

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