“What about him?” She nodded over her shoulder to Sherman. “What’s his IQ?”
“I’ve never read any data on him, but I would estimate he has the intelligence of a ten-year-old psychopathic killer … and that may be generous.”
She repressed a shiver. “Is that all he’s good for? Killing?”
“I’m afraid so. His model is very basic … although he’s actually one of the later, more advanced prototypes. The early models were horribly primitive.”
“God, I couldn’t imagine that.” Cherry was astounded that a company would create something so deadly and yet so simple.
Grant drew himself up, his chest expanding slightly. “Me, on the other hand … I’m proficient in every phase of physical and mental capacities.”
“And not modest about it in the least.”
“Modesty is a human trait that doesn’t impress me. Most of the time, it’s nothing more than what you refer to as “bullshit,” as I have found most of you have an overinflated opinion of yourselves.”
She chuckled in amusement. “And you don’t?”
“I know my strengths, and I’m confident in my abilities. Why would I waste time trying to …” His index finger made small circles in the air. “How do you Southerners say it … ‘poor mouth’ myself?”
“Because, while people appreciate confidence, they’re turned off by arrogance,” she explained. “There’s a fine line. You might be Wonder Dog … faster than a speeding bullet or stronger than a locomotive, but people don’t wanna hear you say it. Heroes are supposed to be modest.”
He cut a sly smile, “I never claimed to be a hero.”
“Well,” Cherry shook her head, “I’m guessing your mistress didn’t take you out much.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” His eyes narrowed.
“It’s obvious she didn’t teach you any social skills.”
“I’d be happy to demonstrate what she did teach me …” One corner of his mouth turned up in a crooked leer as he looked her up and down, taking his time doing it. The blatant signal it sent caught the socialite off guard. She wasn’t used to being the one on the defensive, especially from such a crass creature as this.
She found herself somewhat off-balance. When she spoke again, there was an unsteadiness in her voice. “Did I just get ogled by a dog?”
He shrugged, “I’m just stating a fact, madam.”
Cherry Denton made it to the top by having balls as big as any man. She grew up on a mountain where people handled snakes in church. She wasn’t easily intimidated … not for long anyway. If she ever lost ground, she regrouped, figured out a new plan of attack, and came back even harder than before.
“I dunno how your lady let you talk to her.” Her jaw rose defiantly into the air. “But, I am a senator’s wife and a well-respected lady of this community. This isn’t the moon or some Martian peepshow. People down here don’t fornicate with just anything and everything!”
His face turned cold, stone cold, and the look in his eyes chilled her blood. “My mistress was as well-bred and refined a lady as you’ll find anywhere in this system.” His eyes narrowed as he added, with emphasis, “Present company included.” He stepped into her personal space, crowding her just enough. “And I’m not a dog … nor am I void of feelings. It might behoove you to remember that in the future … Mrs. Denton.”
For the first time, she realized what an intimidating form he was. Dressed in his black uniform, he cut an imposing figure, wide shoulders, broad chest, narrow waist, well-toned biceps. Forearm muscles bulged under all that fur as he leaned in. It was the body of an athlete, toned and hard, melded together with the sleek and dangerous cunning of one of nature’s deadliest predators. It was intimidating, but she had to admit, she found it exciti—
She felt her teeth grit in instant rage, the realization dawning on her like a cold shower on a hot August afternoon. Bastard! He’d just doused her with a full dose of pheromones. He’d played her!He’d played her, and she’d been stupid enough to stand there and let him! She felt her face flush red with anger and … arousal! She felt instant heat between her legs and squeezed her thighs instinctively together.
The splice was grinning now, smug and mocking. “Is everything ok, Mrs. Denton? You don’t look like you’re feeling too well all of a sudden.”
“You flea-bitten piece of shit!” she hissed back at him through gritted teeth, furious, humiliated and growing increasingly horny. God! How could she have been so stupid?
“Why, what do you mean?” he whispered slyly, yellow eyes wide, feigning angelic innocence.
“Is something wrong?” Frost glanced back over his shoulder, obviously irritated by their whisperings. He looked from woman to splice and back to Cherry. Grant simply thrust his hands into his trouser pockets and looked around as if he hadn’t a clue. This only served to enrage Denton even more.
A particularly vivid memory of Jocko’s was being dredged up now, the hologram making it almost three-dimensional. Cherry couldn’t take her eyes off of it. Damn, he looked at a lot of porn! Butshe had to admit … it was good porn! She felt the tingle between her legs intensify.
She shook her head. “No, I-I’m fine! Don’t mind me!” She was glad her arms were folded across her chest. Her nipples were so hard they could’ve cut glass. “If you’ll excuse me. I need to check on some things.”
“Suit yourself,” Frost shrugged and turned away. She wasn’t needed here anyway. She was just being nosey, and he despised nosey people.
She turned and beat a hasty retreat from the room, desperate now for relief from the fire smoldering in her lower belly. Behind her, she left Grant standing there, smiling ear-to-ear, trying to contain his laughter.
Sherman turned and looked down at him. “Bad Grant. Make lady wiggle.”
“Yes!” he agreed, “I’m a naughty boy.” He glanced over his shoulder to the door
