<b>42 </b>
I could feel the weight of his hand near my shoulder, sensed the deliberate statement he was making. Embarrassment and irritation red in equal measure.
“I enrolledte in the course,” I exined, trying to keep my voice steady. “Professor Lane was kind enough to help me catch up on the material I missed.”
Adrian nced between us, finally seeming to register the tension. “Reba shows remarkable talent,” he said diplomatically. “I’d hate to see her fall behind due to circumstances beyond her control.”
“How considerate,” Dominic replied, the words coated in frost.
Elizabeth watched this exchange with undisguised delight, like a spectator at a particrly entertaining show. “I should be going,” she said, making no move to leave. “I’ve certainly seen enough.”
Dominic’s gaze flicked to her briefly. “Yes, you should.” The dismissal was unmistakable.
Her smile faltered, but she recovered quickly. “Don’t forget the charity g tomorrow, Dominic. Your father expects both of us to attend.” With that parting shot, she finally departed, satisfaction evident in her graceful stride.
Adrian cleared his throat. “I should probably get going as well. I have a ss at two.” He began gathering his papers, movements careful and deliberate. “Reba, think about what I said regarding the showcase. Your perspective would
be valuable.”
I nodded, acutely aware of Dominic’s increasing tension beside me. “Thank you for the materials. I’ll review them
tonight.”
As Adrian made his exit, he paused, meeting my eyes with unexpected directness. “Remember what I said about not letting others define you.”
I felt Dominic stiffen beside me.
“We need to leave. Now.” His voice left no room for argument.
The walk to his car was silent and tense. Raymond opened the door as we approached, his expression carefully neutral despite what must have been obvious tension. Once inside, the privacy partition closed automatically, sealing us in an ufortable bubble.
“What were you thinking?” Dominic finally asked, his voice controlled but vibrating with restrained emotion.
“I was thinking I was having a professional lunch with my professor,” I replied, forcing myself to meet his gaze
despite the intensity I found there. “Which is exactly what was happening.”
“You should have told me.”
<b>42 </b>
“I didn’t realize I needed your permission for a work lunch,” I said, feeling defensive. “It was ast–minute invitation
to discuss academic matters.”
His jaw tightened. “That’s not what it looked like.”
“Then what did it look like, Dominic?” I challenged, my own frustration building. “Two people having lunch and discussing design? Because that’s all it was.”
He turned away, looking out the window as the car pulled into traffic. “He’s interested in you.”
“He’s interested in my academic progress,” I corrected. “Not everything is about… whatever this is between us.”
His eyes snapped back to mine. “I could smell his interest, Reba. He finds you attractive.”
<b>“</b>And that’s my fault how?” I crossed my arms. “I can’t control what other people think or feel.”
Dominic ran a hand through his hair, a rare gesture of agitation. “You don’t understand. In my world—”
“That’s right,” I interrupted. “Your world. Where apparently I can’t have a professional rtionship with a male colleague without it being suspicious.”
He fell silent for a long moment. The tension between us stretched tight enough to snap. Then, unexpectedly, his expression softened. He moved closer on the leather seat, his hand reaching for mine.
“I left without saying goodbye this morning,” he said, his voice lower now, the anger draining away. “And I didn’t say good morning either.”
The sudden change in topic caught me off guard. “What?”
His fingers intertwined with mine, warm and strong. “I’ve been distracted with pack business, Neglectful. His thumb traced small circles on my wrist, sending shivers up my arm. “That doesn’t excuse my behavior just now.”
“Dominic-
Before I could finish, he leaned forward and captured my lips with his. The kiss was gentle at first, then deepened with an intensity that made my breath catch. His hand moved to cup my face, his touch tender despite the possessiveness in his eyes when he finally pulled back.
“Good afternoon, little doe,” he murmured against my lips. “Consider that the good morning I should have given you.”
My heart hammered in my chest, caught between lingering irritation and the melting sensation his kiss always
triggered. “You can’t just kiss me and expect everything to be fine,” I managed, though without much conviction.
A small smile yed at the corner of his mouth. “I know. But it seemed like a good ce to start.”
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