Page 25 of Morally Corrupt

Tugging her chin up, I lower my head and brush my lips across hers in the softest caress. She seems surprised, and a sigh escapes her. I part my lips slightly, and she follows my lead, her mouth opening under mine, her tongue probing hesitantly. The first contact sends shivers down my spine, the connection instantaneous.

I growl low in my throat as I deepen the kiss, holding her closer. Her hands brush over my arms, before settling on my face, trailing soft touches all over.

Suddenly, I take a step back, breaking the kiss. I need to put a stop to this before it goes too far — before I scare her with my passion.

Her eyes are glazed with desire, her hair mussed, her mouth oh-so-very well-kissed.

My thumb grazes her swollen lips, and satisfaction fills me to the brim.

She's mine!

"Good night, B," I tell her, turning around and leaving.

God, I really need to learn some self-restraint.

***

After the hostage incident, things change, and not for the better. I can barely stand being apart from her, and I'm afraid my overprotectiveness may stifle her. Wherever she goes, I go. It's as simple as that. I might have even gone a little overboard, as I'd taken advantage of my vacation days to shadow her.

I must have it bad if even work doesn't matter anymore.

Her classes? I'm in the back.

Her internship? I'm waiting around.

Her home? I'm a constant visitor.

Luckily, Martin isn't around all that much or that would have been awkward. But Bianca hasn't said anything. She seems to enjoy my presence as much as I do hers.

It's only after one month that she pulls me aside and tells me she's worried for me.

"Don't get me wrong," she starts, her eyes darting around, "I love having you with me everywhere I go, but I don't think your boss is going to be impressed with your absences."

I purse my lips, realizing where this is going. I'd been entirely too wrapped up in her that my job has come second.

"I know . . ." She puts a hand up to stop me.

"Please don't jeopardize your career because of me. I'm fine, I'm safe, I'm not in danger."

I nod reluctantly.

"I'm sorry I've been crowding you this past month," I apologize, hoping she isn't thinking of breaking up because of my overbearing ways. Because that is simply something that I will not allow.

"You don't have to apologize, Theo. I was just as scared as you, but the danger's already gone." She takes a deep breath, and I brace myself, mentally preparing all the arguments for why she should continue to date me. "I'm just worried they will fire you if you keep this up."

"Don't worry about that. I've never used my vacation days before, so I had plenty." I assure her. "But I hear you. I'll try to be more moderate. But for my peace of mind," I pause, thinking how to say this so she won't think I'm too controlling, "I'd like you to update me often throughout the day." I refrain from saying what I'd actually like — hourly updates. God, what am I turning into?

She gives me a smile. "Deal." On her tiptoes, she jumps up to kiss my cheek.

Damn! And that's exactly what I live for.

8

BIANCA

"You got what you asked for, didn't you? Hastings sure is devoted to you now. A bit too much for my taste, I might add." Vlad lounges in his chair across from me, an amused expression on his face.

After the attack, Theo hadn't left my side — not even for one moment. Not that I'm complaining, if I'm being honest, since it's all I've ever wanted, but it's made doing my job a little hard. I've had to refuse two assignments in that time, and I'd had to limit my coke intake to once a week — if I was lucky. I'd noticed the signs of withdrawal immediately. I'd find myself restless and increasingly irascible.

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