Крестный отец

           AhundredmillionmenallovertheworldwereinlovewiththefaceofMargotAshton.Andpaidtoseeitonthescreen.

           "Wherethehellwereyou?"JohnnyFontaneasked.

           "Outfucking,"shesaid.

           Shehadmisjudgedhisdrunkenness.Hesprangoverthecocktailtableandgrabbedherbythethroat.Butcloseuptothatmagicalface,thelovelyvioleteyes,helosthisangerandbecamehelplessagain.Shemadethemistakeofsmilingmockingly,sawhisfistdrawback.Shescreamed,"Johnny,notintheface,I’mmakingapicture."

           Shewaslaughing.Hepunchedherinthestomachandshefelltothefloor.Hefellontopofher.Hecouldsmellherfragrantbreathasshegaspedforair.Hepunchedheronthearmsandonthethighmusclesofhersilkytannedlegs.HebeatherashehadbeatensnottysmallerkidslongagowhenhehadbeenatoughteenagerinNewYork’sHell’sKitchen.Apainfulpunishmentthatwouldleavenolastingdisfigurementofloosenedteethorbrokennose.

           Buthewasnothittingherhardenough.Hecouldn’t.Andshewasgigglingathim.Spread-eagledonthefloor,herbrocadedgownhitchedupaboveherthighs,shetauntedhimbetweengiggles."Comeon,stickitin.Stickitin,Johnny,that’swhatyoureallywant."

           JohnnyFontanegotup.Hehatedthewomanonthefloorbutherbeautywasamagicshield.Margotrolledaway,andinadancer’sspringwasonherfeetfacinghim.Shewentintoachildishmockingdanceandchanted,"Johnnyneverhurtme,Johnnyneverhurtme."