’ Alex marveled at his forthright manner. She would never say that to someone, but couldn’t help but feel pleasure that his feelings seemed to mat...h hers. ‘No, it was not.’ Alex replied, her voice husky for a moment. She cleared her throat. ‘But The Masquerade is over, Mr. Underwood. Would you like to have lunch with me?’ ‘Absolutely.’ Mark replied firmly. ‘Is there something you are in the mood for?’ ~You~ Alex thought with a smile, before replying with, ‘There is a good Thai place near the. I understand that you have an Oxford degree, as does he?”“Yes.”“A first in both cases I understand?”“Yes.”“That speaks well of the academic bent of the boy, and a home environment conducive to study. You must have misunderstood the bursar.” He waved and that unfortunate man went out of the room, obviously discomfited by the Headmaster’s comment.“Now, your Highness, it is a little unusual for a boy to start here at the old Common Entrance age, but a move of house does occasionally mean someone. .. I mean, dating, he doesn't show up anymore now that you're injured, does he?"That brought a surge of anger to Brenda's voice. "So maybeWilliam is a jerk. But he was just a distraction for me,not a potential husband. Not every man..." No, Mom, the Institute has shown me all the statistics.Men are stupid, low creatures that always use women.They've been holding back the human race for all ofhistory. Their only purpose is a bit of momentary pleasure- thank you for showing me that, by the way -. . and that you’re something of a friend of his.”I sighed loudly and then gave Connor a glare that nearly caused the already nervous man to spill his drink.“For starters,” I calmly explained to Westside Jonny, “Drake is not now and never was, and likely never will be my friend or even a drinking pal. He was my neighborhood ward boss. Period. Sometimes he had shit work for me to do and I obeyed orders and did what I was told ... and then tipped my hat to him and said ‘Thank you, Sir’ afterwards..