Dark Touch

To Corrupt or Preserve

I was thoroughly surprised at Henry's demeanor at work today. I thought he would be hiding in his office, regretful for what happened. Instead, he pretended as if nothing happened at all. He discussed my next research study and even had a great conversation on historical data charts. Everything seemed so casual, and I had no idea if he remembered asking me not to wear panties today.

I decided to put them on, too nervous to go without them in case he said it in a moment of lust. I was kind of hoping Henry would bring it up, but he seemed to be preoccupied with new shipments coming in today. As I was setting up one of the displays, I heard a cough from behind me. I turned hoping to see Henry, and instead was faced with Frank Brooks.

"Frank! Hi! What are you doing here?" I asked, confused and knowing Henry wouldn't be happy.

"Well, considering I invested a good amount of money at the Gala and my plane doesn't leave town until tomorrow, I thought I'd stop by and see if you were worth it," he remarked as I raised my eyebrow.

"Me? You mean the Museum..." I corrected as he shook his head and stepped forward, making me step back.

"If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have been so generous," He said, as I huffed, brushing my hair behind my ear.

"I should go get Henry," I said, seeing him shake his head.

"If you haven't noticed, I'm not really his biggest fan," He smirked as I stood, waiting to hear the reason why. "I guess he doesn't want to lose two beautiful employees to myself," he said, my eyes widening.

"Two?" I questioned, wondering what exactly he meant by that.

"A year ago, his research partner decided she wanted more than he could offer. Which was me," he stated as I shook my head, understanding why Henry didn't like this guy. He took one more step closer, leaving me trapped between him and the display. "I'm hoping I can show you the same thing," he added.

"I.. I'm just fine here," I stuttered.

"I'm sorry, what was that?" he asked, reaching out, making me feel small underneath him.

"She said she was fine," Henry's voice popped in, showing up at the worst moment.

"Ahh, Henry. Creeping around the corner as always," Frank stated as I used the opportunity to move behind Henry.

"What can I help you with?" Henry asked, calmly, yet I could tell he was anything but calm.

"I just thought I'd check out your work here. And your employee," he said, smirking at me once more. It's not that I didn't find him attractive. And the whole famous author thing really made him even more appealing, but he was sure giving off an odd competitive vibe that I wasn't sure I liked.

"Well, if you'd like a tour, I can set you up at the front desk. If you'd like to talk about research, I'd be glad to show you myself," I stated firmly as Frank rolled his eyes chuckling.

"You're always such a stickler, Henry. But I did come for the research as well, so lead the way," he said as Henry nodded his head, turning to me.

"Go to my office and wait there," he spoke sternly, making my heart drop to my stomach. He was so intense and serious that it now made me nervous that the good day we were having was about to be ruined.

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I wandered around Henry's office, looking at the many different objects and books he had sprawled around. It was exactly what I pictured my own office looking like in a few years. Although an office was never the first dream. Maybe Spain, or Indonesia, or Israel....