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.”      

          Even so, Genie's natural curiosity still had her glancing around the ballroom. She didn't have to look around for long. Mrs. Webster had just made an entrance, dressed in the most outrageous red satin gown Genie had ever seen.          Halter-necked, it had a V-neckline in front plunging to her waist, which was cinched with a wide jeweled belt. There was no back to speak of, and the skirt was extremely tight. Once again, Dr. Simon Webster was nowhere in sight, and his cheating wife was immediately claimed for a dance by a male admirer. She went into his arms as if she belonged there, a seductive smile on her full red lips.“At least she's wearing the right color for a cheater,” Genie said tartly.“True.”          Phoenix's agreement sparked some hope in Genie that his ex-flame had shown

“Thank you… It’s very important for me that you just listen for now, without interrupting me… One sound from you and my courage would be all gone.”          Phoenix nodded again and Genie continued her story about a very naïve version of herself in love with the most handsome and dangerous man.  “When Jared first asked me for small loans, I simply gave him the money, telling him not to worry about repaying it. Just to save face, Jared always said he would but he never did, and soon he was spending more of my allowance, not to mention driving my car… Stupid little girl…”          Genie shook her head and felt the rage, the embarrassment, the frustration coming back again, tormenting her like it happened all those endless days and nights in prison.“Every time he was using my car, he would say stuff like ‘babe, I have to go to Las Vegas for a business oppor

          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

“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