Bruno held Mandy tight in his arms. “That afraid of getting pregnant?”
Mandy: “Terrified.”
Bruno: “Why?”
Mandy looked directly into his eyes. “I don't like children, and I can't shoulder the responsibility.”
Bruno chuckled. “I thought you just didn’t want to have them with *me*.”
Mandy: “You have excellent genes. From a eugenics perspective, you'd be a great choice.”
Her answer was skillfully crafted. It complimented him, saving him face, while deftly avoiding the core issue.
After hearing her response, Bruno released her. “My phone’s downstairs. I’ll go get it.”
Mandy waited for the delivery driver to bring her birth control, took it, and then went to bed.
*****
The housekeepers at Creek Villa arrived early the next morning, freeing Mandy. After breakfast, she hurried to Hori
