"Deirdre gave Garret a narrow eyed look then quietly asked, "Is thereanyone in this kingdom you aren't related to?" * * ... * *"You are something of a surprise, m'lady," Mina told Deirdre as theyshared enjoyment of the sunshine and breeze at the starboard mid-shipsrail of the Christina."I'm a surprise?" Deirdre snorted. "How do you think I felt when Idiscovered I had both a one-time assassin, and evidently a very goodone, along with one of Lord Vertigan's better. 'Keep your fucking eyes tightly shut bitch', and again I obeyed, feeling my clothes being undone, my skirt unbuttoned and the zipper torn asunder, opening the area and exposing my buttocks and stocking tops, the thin line of my thong exciting him more as he tore it from my crotch, now I was completely exposed, and his cold hands parted my cheeks as he examined me like a farmer examining an a****l for slaughter.'Put your fucking knees on the edge', I assumed he meant the seat edge, so I tried. Maybe you can't. I refuse to be bound by your petty grammar."Vivian's antics kept reminding her of Cory. She decided to change thesubject to see if she could both do her friend a solid and make Vivianuncomfortable at the same time. "Okay, Vivian, let me ask you this then:why are you avoiding Cory?"Vivian's grin faded and Robin could almost see her shrink back. "I...what?" Ever since the night at the Circle, you've been avoiding him. All yourlittle jokes and jests you make tell me you two are. Lord knows she doesn't listen to me."The idea of giving advice to another woman surprised Denise. She said, "I'm sure she listens to you." I like you," the woman said. She looked at Larry and asked, "Since this is a celebration do you mind if I select the food for you?" That would be great," Larry said.The woman frowned as a thought crossed her mind and asked, "Do you have any preferences?" No preferences. I'm sure that I'll love anything you bring us," Denise answered with a smile."I'll serve.