Page 62 of The Donor’s Dilemma

She sent again, not asking this time.

Dots appeared and Verity knew he’d say no so she changed tack.

I need to eat first though, I'm hungry

You haven't eaten?

The reply was quick and Verity knew she’d won.

Text me when you're outside

I'm not getting dressed

What?

I'm waiting

She threw a coat over her pyjamas and headed for the door. Her parents were both at work, so she didn’t need to worry about explaining herself to them.

Fifteen minutes later, the car pulled up and Verity rushed out before he had a chance to text. Slipping into the car, Theo looked annoyed.

“Why haven’t you eaten?” he greeted her.

“I felt sick.”

Shaking his head, he waited for her to clip in her seatbelt before pulling off. The steering wheel squeaked under the pressure of his grip and Verity noticed his knuckles looked red, one scabbing.

“What did you do?” she asked with a pointed look.

“I… had a word with Harris.”

“What? With your fists?” she exclaimed. “Theo! You can’t do that!”

“I think I can,” he replied with deadly calm.

She stared at him, but he seemed unbothered, like punching another person was perfectly acceptable.

“He did it then?” she asked. “He…”

“Didn’t admit to it, but who else could it have been? He’s got a screw loose, Verity. I don’t want you talking to that donor of his either.”

“I just don’t understand why. What were they trying to get out of me?”

“I don’t know.”

“What was that stuff about donor numbers?”

“It’s fine.”

“Is it, though?” she asked. “Why would they…”

“Angel,” Theo said, reaching for her hand then grimacing, as if he hadn’t meant to say it. Again. “I’m looking into it, okay?”

“Looking into what? What’s wrong with…”

“Please,” he interrupted, giving her hand another squeeze. “Please, just trust me. I’ll get to the bottom of it. I promise.”

The car pulled into the underground car park and Verity nodded. What choice did she have? She already trusted Theo to protect her, she’d have to trust him in this too.