Caught in the Net Page 10

  “One hundred, with my hand. You will remember that I mean business,” he said, using the same words she had heard time and time again from their uncle. The slaps fell rapidly, peppering her already scorched bottom. Sam’s only recourse was to cry loudly and try to catch her breath. Finally, after what seemed to be a lifetime, he was done.

  “Go stand in the corner until I tell you to come out,” Michael commanded, standing her up and fixing her shorts. Without a word, Sam obeyed, sobbing into her arms as she leaned into the wall. Michael handed her a tissue and quietly left the room.

  “That girl is getting a leather butt,” he grumbled, rubbing his sore hand. He picked up the phone and called Rich. “It’s me. We shouldn’t have any major problems for a week or so. I think she got the message.”

  “Is she okay?”

  “She’s fine.” Michael told him about their conversation and his instructions regarding her research. He also requested Rich’s assistance in the project if he was comfortable.

  “I don’t know how relaxed I would be with knowing my kissing technique was being critiqued,” came the doubtful response.

  Michael laughed. “If I’m not mistaken, and I rarely am, by the way, once the endorphins are activated, you won’t care who was watching. I’ll give you two some privacy, though. I could even set you up in the boat as long as you promise not to go anywhere past the kissing.”

  “Mike, you do know that you are tempting fate here. I was barely able to maintain the other night. I don’t think this is a good idea.”

  “We don’t have to do it right now. It can wait a few months,” Michael teased.

  “Very funny. I will remind you that you are discussing your kid sister’s virginity here.”

  “Did I just detect some grumping from you? Wow, it is there!”

  “You are as bad as she is. Can I talk to her?”

  “She’s got her nose in the corner right now.”

  “You’re shitting me!” Rich laughed. “Okay, tell her to call me when she feels up to it.”

  After Michael hung up the phone, he ventured back up to his sister’s room and sat on the window seat overlooking the ocean. He was quiet for a while, watching her sniffling. “Sam? Come here, please.” She immediately obeyed, standing before him. He took her hands in his and looked up into her red face. “Don’t make me keep doing that. I love you.”

  “I’m really sorry.”

  “I know you are. Come hug,” he ordered softly, pulling her onto his lap and holding her protectively. He rocked her gently, enjoying her closeness. “That’s my girl. Rich wants you to call him if you feel like it.”

  “After you hold me for a while. Did you ever talk to Jen?”

  “Yes. We’re talking about meeting for coffee on Friday afternoon when she’s done with her classes. She sounds a bit nervous, but seems sweet. Do you want to come? She asked about you.”

  “Really? You wouldn’t mind? It might make it more comfortable for you two. I’ll call her and see what she wants. Can Rich come?” She brightened a little.

  “Sure. We good now?”

  “Always. I’ll try harder.”

  “That’s all I’m asking for,” he said, squeezing her lovingly. “I’m going to make some popcorn if you want to come down and watch TV with me.”

  “In a little while, okay?” she sniffed. After hugging her again, Michael left the room, closing the door behind him. Sam went into her bathroom to wash her face and inspect the damage. Ow. She was going to have a few nasty bruises come morning. Well, it could have been a lot worse and she knew she deserved it. Besides the switch, he could have told Daddy. She carefully climbed onto her bed and picked up the phone. “Hey Rich, it’s me.”

  “Hi kiddo. How are you doing?” He sounded concerned.

  She sniffed. “Not great, but I’ll live. Thanks for standing up for me. I owe you.”

  “I did what I thought was right, that’s all. I’m bored. Can I come over?”

  “Sure. We’re just watching TV. The folks left to the party up north and won’t be back until 2ish. Bring your suit in case you want to hot tub or something.”

  “I might like to ‘or something’ with you,” he commented.

  Sam smiled, touching her hot backside. “I don’t know if I’ll be up to doing much, but we’ll see. Hurry. Just come in, don’t bother knocking.”

  Rich arrived in about 40 minutes, carting an armful of groceries. “Honey, I’m home,” he called, walking in.

  Michael looked up from the couch. “What’s up? What do you have there?”

  “I’m having major munchies right now. I remember something about Sam liking ice cream. I thought it might make her feel better.”

  “She’s still in her room pouting. Ooo, Rocky Road and Mocha Oreo. Our favorites. By the way, this is one of my bribes for her. Shopping is the best one, though.”

  “Good to know. Should I go up there?”

  “Go on. It’s time she came down anyway. I’ll get this put away.”

  “Don’t eat all of it. I brought fixin’s too,” Rich grinned, turning to go upstairs. He tapped on Sam’s door and walked in, not waiting for an answer. She was on her bed, chin in her hands, staring out the window.

  “Hey, pretty girl. How are you doing?” Rich asked quietly, lying down next to her.

  She shook her head. “Just thinking. I wish I knew why I keep getting myself into trouble, I hate making Michael so upset.”

  “I don’t like seeing you upset either. How’s this feeling?” he asked, placing his hand gently on her backside.

  “Very sore. But the guilties hurt worse.”

  “I’m sure you know that he forgives you, right?”

  “Yes, but I’m going to have to tell Daddy.”

  “Why? Did Mike tell you to?”

  “No, I just can’t keep secrets from him. I tell him everything eventually. It’s how we are. He’s going to be really mad at me,” she sighed, placing her hand over his hand as it rested on her face.

  He leaned over to kiss her temple. “If you want, I’ll come with you.”

  “Thanks, but I’ve been handling Daddy all my life. You don’t need to get yourself on the receiving end of his ire so soon in your relationship.”

  “Will he ground you?”

  “He might. I don’t know. I’m glad I don’t have to hide anything from you. It makes it easier.”

  “Just let me know if I can do anything. I brought you a surprise. It’s downstairs.”

  “What is it?”

  Rich smiled, standing up and reaching for her hand to help her up. “Ice cream.”

  “I love ice cream! I can’t believe you left Michael alone with it, though. There won’t be anything left,” Sam said, wrapping her arms around his strong waist. His lips found hers and he felt a shiver travel down his spine. He pulled away suddenly.

  “What’s wrong?” she asked, her eyes smoldering.

  “Nothing. It’s just, well, you turn me on way too much. I’ve never had this reaction before to anyone. I’m afraid of not keeping my promise to be a gentleman.”

  “Then don’t,” she said simply.

  Rich shook his head. “No can do. Not yet. Let’s go downstairs. I need something cold.”

  Sam laughed, following him down. Sure enough, Michael was happily indulging.

  “Did you leave any for us?” Rich asked humorously.

  Michael nodded, pointing to the kitchen with his spoon. “In the freezer. How are you doing, sweetheart?”

  “I’m okay. I make Rich horny.”

  “Yes, I know. How about you?”

  “Hell, yeah. But I can hide my horniness, he can’t.”

  “You’re bad. You might want to talk to Dad about this. He won’t like it, but I know he’d want to know how you’re feeling.”

  “Wouldn’t it be better if I talk to Scott?”

  “Hell, no. He’d blow a gasket. He’s a little two-faced when it comes to his little girl. My only word of advice is don’t do anything you migh
t regret later.”

  “So it wouldn’t bother you if we had sex?”

  “It’s too early in your relationship, Sammi. Try to wait at least six months, okay? This is new to you.”

  “I’ll try, but no promises. I want him.”

  Rich brought her a bowl and sat next to them with his own. “Whatcha talking about?” he asked, taking a mouthful of ice cream.

  “Us having sex,” the girl answered simply, pleased to see him react by choking. “Water?”

  “Don’t you two have any secrets?” he asked, swallowing half the bottle.

  She shook her head. “Not from each other. Why should we? I told you about how we are. I promised Michael I would try to wait for at least six months.” She grinned evilly. “Can you?”

  “Mike, how do you manage her? She’s a tease. Sam, if your folks even suspected that you were thinking about this, they would kill me!”

  “Scott would, for sure,” Michael laughed. He started stealing his sister’s ice cream. “I’m not sure how Dad would take it.”

  “Okay, enough you two. Mike, please, it’s hard enough… stop it!” he ordered as the two started laughing hysterically at his choice of words. “I meant to say, it is difficult enough controlling myself when I just kiss her. I don’t need you harassing me about doing more. I’ve only known you for a couple of weeks!”

  “And don’t you feel we are perfect together?” she asked, slowly gliding onto his lap and nipping gently on his neck and earlobe.

  Rich broke out in a sweat, looking helplessly at her laughing brother. “Please… Stop. I’ll leave if you don’t.” He gulped, her lips grazing his. His head started spinning, lost in her seduction. He felt his defenses weakening.

  Michael smacked her thigh. “Lay off. Can’t you see you are making him uncomfortable?”

  “It was more than that. I can swirl him!”

  “No, you can’t!”

  “Can so. Kiss me, Rich,” she ordered, her lips resting on his.

  He obliged, melting in her arms. She felt so good! No, gotta stop. “I can’t,” he whispered, pulling away. Michael peered into his eyes. Pupils dilated, breathing slowed…

  “I’ll be damned,” he whispered.

  Sam gently removed herself from Rich’s lap, stroking his arm. “I’m sorry, Rich. I won’t do it again.”

  “But… I want you to,” he admitted.

  “See? This is what I was telling you. It’s addictive. How did you do it?” Michael asked.

  “I just let myself go. Were you able to sense anything?”

  “Just peacefulness. I’ll say this much, if you guys do get involved, you are going to have one hell of a fun time. Rich? Come out of it. Come on, buddy.”

  “I’m okay. Just feel a little stoned. And from a kiss. Wow.”

  “This might explain the mythology of the sirens. You know, how they seduced sailors to their deaths?” Sam suggested, grabbing a notepad and jotting down some ideas.

  Michael shook his head. “Only you would take a kiss and turn it into a science experiment. I want to do some testing tomorrow with this. Rich?”

  “I need to jump into a cold shower.”

  Michael patted his arm. “Better idea. Let’s go for a night dive. I brought the equipment home with me.”

  “I don’t have a wetsuit.”

  “You can wear one of mine; we’re the same size. Sam, suit up.”

  * * * * *

  The three ventured down to the secluded inlet where Michael taught Rich the fundamentals of the free dive equipment. Rich lowered himself into the water and slowly exhaled as he submerged. He took a deep breath, shocked to find the mask’s air was cool and clean.

  “Can you hear me okay?” Michael asked, his light shining on his friend. “Just talk normally.”

  “This is freaky,” Rich admitted, resisting the urge to surface as he took in another breath.

  “You’ll get used to it. Where’s the peanut?”

  “I’m right here, boys. How’s the temperature for you, Rich?”

  “Surprisingly, very comfortable. Even a little warm. It feels like it’s radiating.”

  “It is,” Michael said. “It’s a chemically treated fiber that we developed. The boots take a little getting used to. They have switches on the inside heel that work like gearshifts on a motorcycle. Unfortunately, they only go up to 25. If we need to go faster than that, we grab a ride. Let’s just swim for a while tonight so you get used to the breathing apparatus and headgear. Samantha, you are to stay close to us.”

  “Yes, Michael.”

  “And no sharks,” he added.

  She sighed, seeing Rich’s eyes widen. “No sharks. I promise.”

  They swam out into deep water and down the steep canyon shelf with the help of Michael’s light. Rich was quiet, taking in the freedom and the peace the nighttime undersea world afforded. Sam swam next to him, without gear.

  “How deep are we? I can hardly see anything,” Rich said quietly, afraid of breaking the mood. Sam was little more than a shadow as she scooted around them without concern. Michael checked his wrist transmitter.

  “210. Are you doing l all right?”

  “I feel great. How can we do this without compression issues? And how deep does she go?”

  “It’s the equipment. She’s gone down to 500, although we don’t dare tell anyone. I can hit 300 max. This canyon goes down to 600, but she hasn’t touched bottom yet.”

  “I’m guessing that is her goal.” Rich’s tone sounded disapproving.

  “You’re catching on. Where are you, little sister? I can’t see you.”

  “I’m over here listening to you guys talking about me. I know I can touch bottom, I don’t feel any effects of the pressure, but I promised Michael I wouldn’t.”

  “And since when do you keep your promises?” Michael asked.

  “I do important ones. Besides, Daddy thinks that I won’t be completely healed internally for a year, so I’m not pushing it just yet.”

  “Let’s get home, it’s getting late. Rich, do you want to crash here for the night? We have a guest room.”

  “I’ll take you up on that. I’m beat.”

  “That’s what happens when you’re old. Hah! Can’t catch me!” Sam teased, zooming away.

  The boys pulled themselves on the dock and waited patiently for Sam to join them. She rode up on Ton’s back, grinning. “Look who I found! Wanna laugh? He told me to not swirl you. He said it wasn’t proper for a calf to swirl a bull.”

  “Ton isn’t the only one who thinks you are too young for that. Up you go.” Michael said, as she stood on the whale’s back and accepted his hand to help get on the dock.

  Rich shook his head. “This is going to take me a while to get used to. Mike, quick question? How sensitive are these suits to sensation?”

  “Pretty sensitive. You can feel kelp brushing you.”

  “Good. Excuse me. Sam?”

  “OW!” she yelped as his hand impacted sharply against her shapely posterior.

  He shook his finger at her. “For the old comment. That was rude. You know my feelings about rudeness.”

  “I was just kidding. Ow… that hurt. I was already sore,” she grumbled, rubbing the spot.

  “There are more where that came from. Be nice.”

  “Yes, Rich. Sorry.”

  “Wow, she can submit. That’s good to know,” Rich commented, hands on his hips.

  Michael smiled. “Yeah, but for how long?”

  Chapter 8

  The next afternoon, Sam excused herself from the lab to go speak with her father. She knocked at his office door and waited for the invite.

  “Well, hello, darling. How’s it going?”

  “Daddy, I need to talk to you about some things. It’s important.”

  “Certainly. What’s going on?” Dr. Quimby asked, telling his secretary he was not to be disturbed and closing the door behind him.

  She sat in the chair across from his desk and swung her legs. “Lots of thi
ngs. First, I need to tell you that Michael punished me last night for disobeying him in the lab.”

  “What did you do?”

  “Promise you won’t yell?”

  “I promise. Talk to me.”

  “I’ve been studying the swirl effect.”

  “Alone?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Her father was silent. She glanced up at him, seeing the vein pulsing slightly on his neck. “He was pretty hard on me for it and I promised that I won’t do it again. It’s too dangerous, even for me.”

  “And what led you to that conclusion, daughter?”

  “The second thing I need to talk to you about. Sex.” She told him in detail what had occurred with Rich, including her ability to ‘swirl’ him. He was quiet, eyes closed, listening carefully. “He’s being the perfect gentleman, refusing my advances even. I was a bit slutty; I’m sorry.”

  “You’re discovering your power as a woman. I hoped this day would never come.”

  “What should I do? I’m so confused. I don’t want to disappoint you, but…”

  “Come here, honey. Sit on your old man’s lap and give me a moment to just hold you.” Dr. Quimby held his arms out for her. She promptly obeyed, feeling secure and protected. He kissed her hair. “I’m going to tell you a secret. No one knows, not even Scott. You have to promise me that you won’t even tell your brother, okay?”

  “I promise.”

  “I knew I would fall in love with your mom the day my mother passed away. She was only 11, but the sweetest thing on the planet. I’d known her all her life and she was like a bratty kid sister. That day, she put her little arms around my neck and told me it was okay if I wanted to cry because she would cry with me. She also told me that she wouldn’t let anyone else hurt me. She was tiny, like you, but I believed her,” the man said, holding his daughter tightly.

  “I ignored my feelings for a long time and avoided being around her if I could. I didn’t dare risk my friendship with Scott or the little family I loved because of stupid teenage hormones. I came home from school one day and saw her on the couch crying her heart out. She was 16 at the time. She failed her midterm and was terrified of what Scott was going to do. She admitted she had lied to him about studying and that she’d been skipping the class to party with friends.”