King of Her Desire

8

There were these two white guys on ATVs sort of blocking Sochi, front and behind. That's what got me up so fast.

I stood on the deck for a bit to see what was really up. But then I went on down the steps because she looked so scared sandwiched between them.

College boys, they looked like. One was this good-looking blond guy that probably got mad play on campus. The other one was just your average guy, but kinda buff so I knew he was the one I'd have to box.

And sure enough, the minute I came down toward them, Average raised his chin and said, "Whoa! What?!" Trying to look all gangsta.

So I said, "C'mon up," to her, and nodded toward the house.

And Big Man On Campus goes, "What are you, her pimp or something?"

And when they both started laughing she got really nervous and confused in the face.

And BMOC snickered and said, "I mean, I'm down with local culture and all, but..."

"I could be down on some local culture," Average said, staring at me. "If the price was right."

To mess with me, of course. And I would've just walked off with her if he hadn't reached out and run a finger down her cheek.

"Don't put your hands on her," I said.

And he got all red and did the blowfish thing until we all noticed her brothers bringing the boat closer. I thought they were about to beach that sucker and come running.

So did BMOC. Cause he went, "Cavalry's comin', dude. Back off."

And Average snorted and went, "What the fuck? She got diamonds in her cooch or somethin'?"

"More like drugs," BMOC said. "Let's get outta here, man."

And when they went buzzing off, her brothers did this smooth turn back toward the deep water. In case they were being watched. It's not good to make any sudden, unusual moves.

Sochi was looking up toward the house. I knew why immediately.

So I said, "Somebody you might want to know. Gives these big parties."

She turned and waved to her brothers, though. Said "I'm sorry," under her breath, ducked that head and made a beeline when they circled back.

So I waited 'til she was in the boat before going over to Elliott.

Who asked me, "What happened?"

"Her and her family bring us food every day. I don't know where those white guys came from, though. Or, actually, I do. But they don't usually come all the way over here."

"What a sweet face," she said, shading her eyes to watch the boat cruise away.

"She's a sweet kid. Real shy."

"I worry about them. The Native people. There aren't as many as there used to be but the ones who still live here...I mean, how do they still live here?"

"Just barely, my guys say. They get messed with so bad it's sort of dangerous. That's why I try to look out for her."

"The hair, my God. It's past her waist."

"You should see it when it's down. It's crazy thick, too."

"I wonder what she thinks of you."

"She won't even hardly talk to me. I'm just this...stupid white kid."