Chapter 24: Her Lovers' Touch, Part 6, Demonstration

MICHAEL

Charlotte's wearing loose joggers and a vest and moves like a cat. Normally I admire her movement. While Beth sashays, Charlotte strides, moving with a fluid grace that says 'Damn the world. This is what I am'. Her pony-tail swings behind with her movement, emphasising her long lovely neck.

But right now, it occurs to me that her expression is predatory.

"I'll put some mats down," I say, "then no-one gets hurt."

"Fine." There's a glint at her mouth, her teeth showing.

I gesture the audience to back off while I lay out a good large area of mats. Charlotte watches me, almost imperceptibly stretching muscles; arms, legs, spine; and winding her head in a circle.

She knows I'm going to have to pull my punches....

Does she think that rule applies to her too?

?

?

Why should she have all the fun?

"Perhaps," I suggest, "we should start with a demonstration of what can happen when a woman is assaulted. Who's going to volunteer?"

Not a man moves, but abruptly, two