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CHAPTER 5
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2024-10-29 19:42:56The old lady was brokenhearted. Genie was standing on the bed trying to comfort Miss Rowland. That weekend has been the absolute worst for Genie, for so many reasons. It all started with her quitting her waitressing job after her boss put his sleazy hand on her ass one time too many. Then, on that same Saturday night, some thug broke into Miss Rowland's room. The poor old lady was so distressed that Genie spent the whole Sunday trying to comfort her.
“It's going to be alright, Miss Rowland,” Genie said while holding her hand after the police had finally left the house.
They were sitting in Miss Rowland's room, which was the biggest and best in the ancient old boarding house, its large window overlooking the small flower garden. Unfortunately, it had been this same window that had given the thief easy entry into the downstairs room.
&nb
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The week, which usually dragged when she spent it searching unsuccessfully for a full-time job, had simply flown. Any spare minute had been taken up with alterations to her clothes. Hems had been taken up or down, and seams let out where possible.“Tell me again the name of the place you're off to, child?” Miss Rowland asked as she watched Genie packing the freshly washed and pressed outfits.“Ritz-Carlton Hotel, in Los Angeles,” she replied, smiling as the old lady maneuvered the chair closer just by pressing a button. In just two short days she'd become a real expert, whizzing up and down the hallway and rarely bumping into anyone anymore. Seeing Miss Rowland so happy made the sacrifice of the coming weekend worthwhile.'It's one of the most expensive hotels in the city.”“And what exactly is it you have to do there?”&
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The taxi driver let Genie in front of the clinic after taking almost all the money she had in her purse. She sighed, then glanced at her watch. She arrived there too early. Taking a deep, steadying breath, Genie picked up her suitcase and entered the clinic. Her stomach began to flutter as she made her way across the coolly tiled floor towards Phoenix’s office. When she found herself in the waiting room, Genie heard a little voice in her head. ‘Don't go,’ it said. ‘Run! Run now!’ Run? But how could she? She'd been paid, Phoenix knew her address, and she was almost broke. There was nowhere to run to… She took a deep breath to calm down. Genie couldn't help being a bit nervous about the weekend
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Genie grabbed Phoenix's sleeve before he could get down from the car.“Wait! Who's Henry?”“An esteemed colleague, so be nice to him… But not too nice,” Phoenix added drily. “My lady friends not only don’t gush over me, but they also don’t gush over other men.” ‘I bet they don't,’ Genie thought ruefully as she let Phoenix go and waited for him to open her door. ‘They wouldn't dare.’ Not that they'd be inclined to gush over another man when with Dr. Beaumont. No other man would measure up. Physically, at least. Genie wondered what exactly had happened between Phoenix and Whitney which had embittered the doctor so. She couldn't imagine any woman passing him over for the chubby man she'd just seen. Even ten years ago,
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Phoenix was in the shower when the telephone rang. Genie turned from where she was putting the finishing touches to her hair, securing the sash of the complimentary cream bathrobe as she walked over to pick up. Without thinking, she said the words she always said when answering Phoenix's telephone. “Dr. Beaumont's room.” Dead silence down the line. “Dr. Beaumont's room,” she repeated. “Hello, is anyone there?” “Genie?” a voice she knew well said after a few seconds. “That’s you, isn't it?” Genie's hand flew to her mouth. Dear God… it was Nicole. What to do? Hang up, or change her voice suddenly and pretend to be the housemaid? “Genie, say something,” Nicole demanded sharply. “I know it's you, so there's no use hanging up or pretending it isn't.” &n
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“Forgive you? I'm the one who should beg for your forgiveness. I should never have let the bitch into this room, or given her the slightest opportunity to hurt you like that. I knew what she was like. What a selfish bitch she could be. But I wanted the chance to tell her what I really thought of her.”“What happened, Nix?” Genie asked. His shudder showed true revulsion.“I still can't believe what she did. She’s just sick…” He shook his head in disbelief.“How did she get into the room with you? How did she know I wouldn't be here?”“She must’ve overheard you and Ann at breakfast this morning, discussing and planned to go out. When we came out for a break from the conference, I got a message from her. It said she needed to see me urgently and that she was waitin
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She rolled over, an exasperated glare in place, only to find him grinning down at her, dancing teasing lights in his beautiful emerald eyes.“Why, you wicked, wicked man!' she squealed and began pummeling him in the chest and stomach. He laughed and grasped her wrists, whipping her over onto her back and holding her arms up on the pillows above her head. When he secured both in one iron hold and began touching her again, she groaned her total exasperation.“No, don't. I couldn't bear it again. I simply couldn't…” Genie twisted beneath him, trying to get away from that merciless grip, that harassing hand, and that prowling mouth. But his hold on her remained invincible, his ruthless attentions gradually achieving their aim.“Nix, you must stop now,” she cried in fury and frustration when
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Fifteen minutes after the first round with lady Vamp, Genie was standing in the bathroom, biting her bottom lip as she grimaced at her reflection in the mirror. She had been staring at herself in horror for some time. The black bikini was more outrageous than ever. She seemed to be spilling out everywhere. Everything was so out of place! Sighing, Genie opened the bathroom door and backed up a bit, standing on tiptoe to get a longer view of her hips and legs in the mirror. Gritting her teeth, she half turned and glanced over her shoulders at her behind. It was appalling.“I could never wear this in public,” she muttered dispiritedly. For a second, she thought she could beat Whitney by prancing around the pool in front of Phoenix in this.“I agree.”
