Page 20 of The Fighter
“He was shocked, and he just stood there looking down at his bleeding penis with disbelief. I think she would’ve attacked him again if I hadn’t intervened.”
“How did you intervene?”
“I threw things at her and shouted at her to get out. I think she was in shock too from the sight of all the blood on her husband because she threw the knife down.”
“Did she leave then?”
“No. She was crying and yelling about trust and loyalty. Calling her a psycho probably wasn’t a good idea, because she came for me and we ended up fighting on the bed.” Gennie touched her head. “She tore out my hair.”
“Did you fight back?”
“Of course I did. I was scared. That’s why I asked my home-bot to call the police.”
“I understand that you got divorced from your husband last year. Who is your protector now?”
There was a shift in energy from Gennie, who let the blanket fall a little further down her arm and leaned forward. “Whomever I choose for the day of the week.”
I pulled back, narrowing my eyes. “And they let you?”
“It’s not like I give them a choice. I’m an adult woman, and I don’t need anyone’s permission to live my life the way I choose to.”
My eyes found Raven’s and I could see the eagerness radiating from her. With a small nod I signaled that she was allowed to ask questions too.
“How do you afford to live in a house like this?”
“I have an entrepreneurial mind. Why would I settle for one man when I can have many who want to impress me and buy me things?” While she spoke, Gennie’s fingers toyed with a gold necklace.
Raven stood with her feet spread. “But if you’re not going to marry any of them, then you’re just using them.”
“Nonsense, I’m being very generous with myself. As I see it, I have lots of love to give, and I’m spreading it out. Because of me, more than twenty Nmen can say they’ve been with a real woman. I look at it as a modern form of philanthropy.” Gennie gave us an overbearing smile. “I’m simply feeding the hungry.”
Raven lowered herself to the edge of a small dining table, still facing Gennie. “Interesting, and what are you getting in return?”
Gennie rose up in her seat and pushed her jaw out, making her look defensive. “I’m getting variety and fun. I’ve been married, and I’m not interested in living with one of them.” As she said the last word, she made a nod with her head to me.
“I know your husband. Storm and I went to school together and he’s a good man.”
“He’s a pig who couldn’t clean up after himself and who would fart and burp with me in the room.”
Raven didn’t look disgusted. Instead she answered in a dry tone. “Sounds human to me.”
“Yeah, maybe, but he was over-possessive and we fought a lot.”
“From what I heard, you two fought because you kept flirting with other men.”
“Why wouldn’t I? Storm annoyed me while all these other men loved me. I’m telling you, woman to woman, don’t ever marry one of them. You’re much better off letting them love you with no strings attached.”
“Really?”
Gennie gave Raven a sly smile. “You wouldn’t want to eat in the same restaurant for the rest of your life, would you?”
I didn’t like where this conversation was going and moved in my seat.
“Men aren’t restaurants.” Raven’s tone was defensive.
“To me they are. Each one tastes different and I sate my hunger when I’m with them.”
I almost jerked a little when Gennie returned her attention to me. It was like a transformation happening right in front of my eyes when her eyes became hooded, her face tilted to one side, and her smile became soft.
