Caught in the Net Page 9

  “So? Nothing would happen to me. I can’t drown, remember? And our buddies may not have approved of someone else the way they did you. But I get your point. Did I ruin your night?” she asked, worried.

  He smiled, pulling her lips to his. “It is the most memorable first date I will ever have. And you are delicious,” he murmured. Even without the pulsating pheromones, he felt his body stirring. She was right; they were naturally compatible. All the more reason to control himself.

  * * * * *

  After a brief kiss to Sam’s cheek, and saying good night to the family, Rich left for the BOQs. Sam plopped dreamily on the couch, snuggling lovingly against her father’s arm.

  “I take it you had a good time?” Dr. Quimby asked, pulling her closer to him.

  “He took me on the dinner cruise and we danced on deck under the stars. He’s so wonderful. And so much like you guys, without the mean.”

  “Give him some time to know you better and that will change,” Scott commented dryly.

  Michael eyed her carefully. “Did anything else happen?” he asked suspiciously.

  She forced a laugh. “Actually, yes! I met a girl for you.” She quickly changed the subject, filling him in on Jen.

  “Okay, I’ll meet her. Hey Dad? Is it okay if we go for a night dive? Sam looks a little dried out.”

  “She does? I don’t see it, but yes. Please be back before high tide.”

  “Yes, sir. Get suited up, sis. We’re going swimming.”

  His expression demanded immediate obedience, indicating that he knew something was up. Damn ‘twin powers’! Once they were out of surf range, Michael hooked himself on a kelp stalk to talk with his sister.

  “What happened tonight? I sensed something weird. Were you in danger?”

  “No, I was being kissed. A lot.”

  Michael shook his head. “No, it wasn’t that. It felt like… Like when you got integrated. What do you call it? Swirling?”

  “I never touched the water, Mike.”

  “Okay, out with it. You are being evasive and you can’t lie to me.”

  “All right! Some of the dolphins, including yours, swirled me when I was kissing Rich. It increased the pheromones and made it very involved. If he hadn’t caught himself, I would have jumped his bones. Happy?” she snipped.

  “How did it get to be so strong that they can get you out of the water? I don’t understand.” He remained calm.

  “It’s no big deal, Michael. Let it go.”

  “Samantha, I always know when you are lying to me. Don’t push it.”

  “Fine! I disobeyed you, okay? I’ve been studying the effects on and off on my own.”

  Sam heard nothing but the sound of the water around her. The silence lasted ten minutes.

  “I don’t need to tell you that I’m madder than hell, do I? Or that you will be paying a serious price for this.” His voice held that deadly calm tone that reminded Sam of their father before he blew his top. “I will ask you this one time, and one time only. Why did you disobey me and was it worth the cost of losing my trust?”

  “Michael, please!” the girl cried out. “I needed to know what it was about and you wouldn’t let me. You were right! It’s too dangerous and I never want to do it again. It could have ruined everything with Rich. Not just with me, but with the family. I’m sorry! It was stupid.”

  “When were you planning on telling me?”

  “After what happened tonight, I was going to talk to you tomorrow. At work.”

  “Where you know I would control my temper? Do the men know about this?”

  “Not at all. I swear. I’ve kept it completely under wraps. All my data is in the system under the word ‘swirl’. Michael, please hear me out. If you would only let me do what I need to do, then I wouldn’t have to hide things from you. You know I hate keeping secrets from you.”

  “Don’t blame me. I told you we would work on this in a controlled setting. We had the plans all figured out and were going to execute it once we got Rich in the lab. That was our agreement.”

  “I know. I guess I’m fired from the study,” she said quietly.

  “No, you are an integral part of this research. I just need to decide if I should inform our commanders.”

  “You won’t do that. It would scare them too much,” she said softly.

  Michael sighed. “Yes, I know. They are going to the club Tuesday night for a retirement party. You and I will have some time together then. It will give me time to cool off a bit so I don’t really hurt you.”

  “Do you still love me?”

  “Of course I still love you. That won’t ever change. I’m disappointed in you, and furious, but that doesn’t change how I care about you. You, however, may not love me as much when we are done. I will be using a switch again.”

  She was silent. What could be said?

  * * * * *

  “Mike, we need to talk.” Rich called his friend the next morning. “Can we meet for chow?”

  “I’ll be coming over to engineering in an hour. You okay?”

  “I’m fine. Just some things we need to discuss,” Rich said, fiddling with his pen. He hated to bring up the problem, but this was a matter of safety and in keeping the family’s trust. He hoped he could communicate it effectively to lessen the trouble it was going to cause his new girlfriend.

  Mike arrived an hour later, greeting his crew and reviewing some information with them before approaching Rich. “We’re going to chow. Please don’t blow up the place while we’re gone. And DO NOT, under any circumstance, allow my sister access into Rich’s office. That’s an order.” He turned to his friend. “Come on. Chow hall or civilian?”

  “Civilian. How about Greek?”

  “Sounds good. You drive, I don’t have my car today.”

  After ordering, Rich took a deep breath. “Mike, I need to tell you something and I’m not sure how to break the news. It’s about Sam.”

  “Let me guess... the incident last night?”

  “Why, yes. How did you know?”

  “I always know. It’s our ‘twin powers’. Plus, she made a full confession when she got home.”

  “Oh boy. What’s gonna happen now?”

  “Well, she and I are going to have a little tête-à-tête tomorrow night after our folks leave. She won’t be happy. As for the research, as much as I hate to admit it, it’s excellent and something we should continue. I just wish she hadn’t done it without supervision. It’s too dangerous.”

  “I saw that and I completely agree with you. Mike, let’s talk about this. Would you have really let her explore to the extent she needed to, in order to understand this? You told me to be straight with you. You’re a little biased.”

  “I know I am. But, even if it were another scientist under my command, I would expect obedience to my orders. She blatantly disregarded them. Believe me, this is an ongoing issue with her. That was the primary reason my family started dealing with her the way we do. I was hoping she would calm down a bit now that you’re in her life.”

  “It sounds like she started this before we got together. Doesn’t she get a little reprieve for telling the truth?”

  “Rich, do you think she would have said anything had you not witnessed the event last night? I can tell you, she would have kept the secret until busted. Her research technique and findings are the only things that keep me from throwing her off the team. I don’t know what to do with her sometimes. She’s too smart and too reckless.”

  “Come on, Mike. Give the kid a break. No one was hurt and we learned some interesting things. Try to see this from a scientist’s point of view instead of a big brother’s.”

  “I will quote that back to you one day, my friend,” Michael smiled. “All right, I’ll think about it. She’s still going to get blistered. I just won’t use a switch, okay?”

  “I have no problem with using a switch, to be honest. However, I would probably use a nice, heavy paddle on that bottom for this. I was talking about your trust i
n her. She is so afraid of losing that.”

  “I trust her with my life. I just don’t trust her with her own,” Michael said quietly. “Scientist to scientist, tell me what happened last night?”

  Rich laughed, launching into detail about his experience with the swirls and the pheromones emitted. He shook his head. “I know she’s your sister, but I have never experienced anything like that. Like I told her, she was intoxicating.”

  “I got a taste of that when she pulled the dolphin sex prank on me. It was definitely amazing. I’m warning you, though, whatever you do, do not tell my parents!”

  “Do you think I’m crazy? They scare me.”

  “And you haven’t even been on the receiving end of their frowns yet. I still feel like I’m five when they holler at me,” Michael laughed. “I’m wondering, would you like to come out with us on a swim? I’d like you to try the facial unit I use. You might have some suggestions to improve it. It’s a little freaky, but the freedom is incredible. I’m finishing up a second one.”

  “That would be awesome. Would Sam come along?”

  “She has to; she’s our protection out there. Oh yes, she is not allowed to play with the sharks. Don’t let her tell you otherwise.”

  “Sharks?”

  Chapter 7

  Sam bit her lower lip as she watched her parents leave for their party at the O’ club up at Camp Pendleton. She felt her heart pounding as she silently obeyed Michael’s command to go to her room once they left. He hadn’t spoken to her very much since Sunday and she found herself terrified of their meeting. It bothered her, she had never really been afraid of him before.

  The phone rang. It was Rich. “Hey, Sammi. How’s it going?”

  “Hey. I’m kind of waiting for Michael to come talk with me about the swirl study,” she admitted, leaning back on the bed. “Rich? I’m scared. This isn’t like me.”

  “Well, doll face, you should be scared. I wouldn’t worry too much, though. I talked with him. Don’t expect me to bail you out every time you get into trouble.”

  “Thanks. I’m glad we all met. You really fit in with us. And you kiss really well,” she whispered softly.

  He chuckled. “I feel the same, on all accounts. I’ve never felt the way I did, kissing anyone else.”

  “Do you have a lot of experience?”

  “Why? Jealous?”

  “Not at all. I don’t get jealous,” she snickered. “Now, answer me.”

  “Yes, I have a lot of experience. It was the only activity I allowed myself to do for fun, besides martial arts and football. And I know your next question. No, I’m not.”

  “Not what?” Sam asked innocently.

  “A virgin. I’m getting to know you and how your mind functions. It’s refreshing. It’s nice to meet a girl who doesn’t play head games.”

  “I keep telling you that I was raised by men and don’t know how to do that female crap. So when… Damn, Michael’s coming. I’ll talk to you later, okay?”

  “Good luck. Call me.”

  “Who was that?” Michael asked, walking into her room and sitting on the edge of her bed.

  “Rich. He told me he spoke with you,” she said quietly.

  Michael nodded. “He had some valid points that we are going to discuss. First, I’m not telling Dad or Scott. We don’t need to worry them needlessly, okay?”

  “Absolutely okay. Thanks.” She looked relieved.

  “Second, your research file. As much as I hate to admit, it’s perfect. Your data, hypothesis, theory, variable factors… All of it is impeccable.”

  “Gee, thank you.” The girl blushed. This kind of praise was something she was not expecting and meant the world to her.

  “I’m serious. I want to continue the path you started. However, I insist that it must be supervised. That loss of control is not something you should ever experience alone.”

  “I agree. Michael? Can I confide in you? If it weren’t for fear of disappointing you, Daddy and Scott, I would have caved if he pursued it. I’ve never experienced that before. I wanted to feel every part of him everywhere.”

  Michael patted her knee. “You’ve never had the opportunity to be aroused before. It’s normal and nothing to be ashamed of. I wish I could tell you that I’ve avoided temptation, but I won’t lie to you. Sex is a wonderful thing, but you need to be emotionally prepared for it.”

  “How old were you?”

  “16. Remember that Russian language tutor you had? The one who got married and moved away?”

  “Miss Stibbons? She was OLD!”

  “She was not. She was only 30 and very experienced. She taught me a lot of stuff and helped me out of my awkwardness with girls. Dad would have killed her if he ever found out.”

  “So Scott knew?” The girl’s mouth hung open.

  “He thought it was funny. You know, he’s a playboy, and that gal was hot. She didn’t move because she was getting married, she moved because she was afraid of getting busted. Scott came up with that story to protect me from Dad. He’s a little old-fashioned, you know.”

  “I know how Daddy is, all too well. How come you never told me this? I thought we don’t have secrets from each other.”

  “It wasn’t really appropriate to discuss with you at the time, baby. You were only 12. So, can we agree to continue with your research, but under supervision?”

  “Yes! Thank you.”

  “Sis, you’re an excellent scientist. You just forget to think of consequences when you get involved. I told Rich something that I need to tell you. I trust you with my life. I just don’t trust you with yours. If you hurt yourself because of something I could have prevented, it would crush me.”

  “I don’t mean to make you worry, big brother. Not on purpose.” She looked at him with big, sad eyes.

  He touched her cheek. “I know, but this is where we have problems. You don’t think beyond what you want. It’s selfish and inconsiderate. You were raised better than that.”

  She looked at the floor. “I’m sorry.”

  “I know you are. I know your heart, and being selfish and inconsiderate is not part of who you are inside. It’s exciting to discover new things and when others don’t appreciate it, it’s frustrating. But it’s also part of life. You need to learn to adjust to it instead of telling the world to fuck off and doing what you want. You’re not alone, Sammi. I’ve been there. I do understand.”

  “But you’re never told ‘no’. Everyone indulges your ideas.”

  “Is that what you think? Oh my… Some of the worse fights I’ve gotten into with Scott have been over my ideas and how I wanted to carry them out. I will also say that my worse mistakes have happened when I failed to listen to his wisdom and experience. He understands my need as a physicist, just like Dad understands yours as a biologist. We just need to present your ideas so that they make sense and that the benefit outweighs the risk. I need to teach you how to do that in lieu of just telling you ‘no’. That’s my responsibility as the unit commander and I haven’t been very supportive of you. For that, I’m sorry.”

  “I do make things hard for you at times. I’m sorry too.”

  “Okay, so this is how things are going to go for now on. You will present a formal proposal to me with completed methodology. I want implications, pros and cons, known variables… The whole set up. Give me two days to review and plot a course of action, including possible funding if needed. We’ll conference and then decide how to proceed. Sound okay?”

  “Are you telling me that you won’t say ‘no’ to anything I want to do?” She looked shocked.

  “That’s what I’m telling you. There might be conditions that I feel are important to incorporate that I expect you to respect. And we might have some conflict with two certain people at times, but I will support your work. It’s wrong for me to limit you because of our relationship and my personal agenda.”

  “I’m really surprised. Thank you.”

  “Rich pointed out to me that I am biased and as stubbo
rn as you are. I would rather you take a risk under my supervision then to do it behind my back. Either way, you will do it, so I need to make it safe for you. However, little sister, if I do have to tell you ‘no’, do not ever sneak. You need to swear you won’t.”

  “I swear on my honor, Michael, I won’t.”

  “If you do, you lose my trust. That will mean you also lose our partnership. Don’t risk that. I don’t want that to happen.”

  “I understand.”

  “Good. Rich also convinced me to show you some leniency regarding your disobedience in this recent matter. You can thank him that I’m not having you cut me a switch tonight.”

  “Honest?” A look of pure relief sped across her face.

  “Yes. But, I will be using the paddle. Go bring it to me.”

  Legs shaking, the girl went to her closet to retrieve the paddle from the top shelf where Scott left it. She handed it to her brother and faced the floor shamefully.

  “Remember that we agreed I would handle discipline as it applied to the labs, right? This is borderline because of your disobedience, but I’m opting to keep the folks out of it. I hope you appreciate that.”

  “I do, Mike. I really do.”

  “Over my knee. I’ll have you know,” he said, pulling her shorts down to her knees, followed by her panties, “that I really was angry with you. Good thing Rich intervened. He did suggest I use the paddle though. You scared him.”

  “I’m sorry. I won’t do it again, I promise,” the girl whimpered, clutching his leg as he positioned his small, rounded target. She hissed as the first stroke of the paddle landed squarely across her bottom. Another heavy stroke fell, a little lower, making her yelp in pain. Michael said nothing, quickly delivering another three sharp, loud smacks. She started kicking to escape, causing Michael to place his right leg over hers to pin her down. Tears flowed as he firmly applied five more swats, concentrating on her sit spots. She was wailing, begging forgiveness, promising good behavior as he administered ten more solid smacks. Her bottom was deep red with white blotches, promising several hours of tenderness by the time he put the paddle down.