Page 22 of Morally Corrupt

"Do I have something on my face?" I ask, afraid I'd smeared some lipstick.

"No." He shakes his head, half-amused, but he doesn't continue.

The server comes around to bring us water and hand us the menu. Theo's eyes narrow as he follows the server's movements. It's only when the server leaves that Theo returns to normal. Odd.

He turns his attention back to me and smiles.

"What are your plans after graduation?" he asks, and I internally smirk. This is what I was waiting for. I'd prepared for this, and I have the perfect answer for anything he might ask.

On the outside, I school my features to convey uncertainty as I start my rehearsed speech.

"I've been thinking about a project . . ." I trail off, "but I don't know if I can do it."

"Of course, you can. What is it?" He reaches across the table to put his hand on top of mine and I soak in the contact, almost moaning at the feel of his skin on mine.

"I want to start a foundation for the less fortunate. I've put together a business plan, but I don't think my father is going to allow me." I lower my gaze as I whisper. "He doesn't like women working." I watch from the corner of my eye as Theo grits his teeth, that statement having the desired effect on him.

"I can talk to him. If you want to do it, you will." He squeezes my hand and I purr in satisfaction.

"Thank you . . . thank you." I return the touch, trying to convey my gratitude.

"None of that. I want you to know I don't hold the same views as your father. While we may know each other in a professional capacity, I don't subscribe to his way of thinking."

"I know. You're a good man," I say and blush. His eyes crinkle at the corners, and he continues.

"What about family? Do you see marriage in your future? Children?" He goes straight to the point, doesn't he? I'd already accounted for that, seeing that Theo is quite traditional in that respect.

"I'd like that. As an only child, I've always wanted a big family. Children . . ." I smile, "I'd like children." The corners of his mouth pull up and I can see he's satisfied with my answer.

The server comes again and places the dishes in front of us. He lingers a little more than necessary in front of me, and I frown. Following the server's line of sight, I see he's a little too entranced by my cleavage. Damn! I wanted to go for classy, not trampy. I'm unsure how to react, since my usual go-to would be to beat the shit out of him, but I can't do that with Theo in front of me.

"Eyes on me, kiddo." Theo suddenly interjects and the waiter flinches. Theo narrows his eyes at his name tag, "Owen," he starts, "I'm not a very forgiving man, especially when it comes to this lady." The threat in his tone was clear and Owen starts shaking his head while mumbling an apology. Theo only raises an eyebrow at him, and Owen immediately scurries back to the staff room.

"You didn't need to be so harsh," I say softly, trying to ease the tension I sense in him.

"You're too naïve, little one. If you knew what he was thinking . . ." He shakes his head. "He needed to know you're off limits."

"I am?" My mouth opens just a fraction, looking at him in wonder.

"You are." He smiles confidently. "When you agreed to date me, you agreed to be mine. And I don't share."

Good. Neither do I.

But I don't voice that. No, I just look away, releasing a soft giggle and pretending to be embarrassed by his words.

We spend the rest of the date discussing various topics, and while I'd prepared an entire list of answers to give him, I find that we do have a lot of things in common, like our stances on politics, religion and social reform.

As the end of the night nears, I instantly get giddy about the thought of him kissing me. The cab drops us at my home and I turn to him, looking expectantly.

"I had a great time," I say, the intensity of his eyes sending a shiver down my back. Yes, this is the moment.

He comes closer, his hand reaching out and caressing my cheek.

"Me too, little one. I'll see you next week." He leans in for the kiss and I close my eyes, my lips ready to meet his.

But they don't.

Because he doesn't kiss my lips.

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