Page 134 of The Genius
Party Games
Shelly
I was dying to have a real conversation with Marco, but we were being pulled in different directions all afternoon. Five of the Nmen had gone hunting for old time’s sake and carried back a deer with pride.
Paysey, Nicki, and Rochelle broke into something close to hysteria, accusing the men of murder.
“You want to help us skin it?” Oscar asked with a grin.
“Oscar,” Archer called out as if he was still his teacher. “What did I always tell you about teasing the girls?”
Oscar gave a crooked grin. “They’re not girls anymore.”
“I know, but that doesn’t change anything. If you're going to be a smartass, be sure you’re smart because otherwise you're just an ass.”
“You got to admit it’s a fucking good catch. The steaks are going to be juicy and…”
Kya, who came to stand next to Archer, stopped Oscar. “You’ve had your fun upsetting the women, now take that deer away from here.”
“We were going to eat it for dinner.”
“Fine, but the rules haven’t changed. Take it to the butcher’s house and fill up the fridge with what you don’t need for tonight.”
My sister shot the men a disgusted look. “I don’t understand how you can live with yourself. You just killed an innocent being that had feelings and you’re laughing about it.”
“Rochelle, that’s not necessary.” Kya faced her. “The cultural differences between our countries won’t magically disappear in only ten years. You don’t need to understand or condone their customs, but you do need to tolerate them and not judge.”
“But did you see the poor deer?”
“Yes, and like you I’m a vegan. I understand your opinion, but I’m asking you to remember that respect goes both ways.”
As if Rochelle was back to being a student, she bowed her head. “Yes, Kya.”
Kya pointed to Marco. “Would you mind keeping an eye on the men? Make sure they know what they’re doing.”
“Sure.” Marco gave me a quick smile before he jogged after them.
It ruined my plan of getting him to myself. I wanted to tell him that my mother had agreed to release me from my promise not to marry him. After the episode with Boulder yesterday, I’d come to the conclusion that keeping Marco safe trumped my resistance to marriage.
Willow was teaching a group of women dance moves. “No, you have to turn left, sway your hips, and then let your hand fall down.”
“Looking good, ladies,” Tristan called out from his seat on a picnic table where he, Nero, Storm, and Nathan were playing a card game.
I sat down with them. “Who’s winning?”
“We all are.” Storm grinned. “We aren’t really playing. We’re enjoying the show.”
“You like dancing?”
He smirked. “Sure. As long as it involves women moving their bodies in a sexy way.” Leaning in a bit, he lowered his voice. “Personally, I prefer voluptuous women with big tits and a generous ass.”
“Like my sister?” I asked since Rochelle was on the heavier side.
He looked over to Rochelle, who had joined the dance lesson. “I wouldn’t mind if she packed on a bit more, but yes, she’s got a significant effect on my midsection.”
The other men laughed.
“Are you laughing at our dancing?” Rochelle called out to them with a pout.
