"Why not?" he responded, smugly. "Do you have a boyfriend?"

I'd been reared by a tough, feminist mother, and being caged had triggered the part of me that was all fangs and claws. "Is there any difference?" I exploded.

My inquiry took him off surprise, but he quickly recovered and stared at me as if I were crazy. His tone was tinged with arrogance. "Of sure," you say.

“Why?” I raised my chin and narrowed my eyes, allowing him time to respond, but he faltered. "Is it because it implies I belong to someone else?" I asked.

Confusion drew his brows together. “Uh . . .”

"I told you I...