The Siren, the General's Daughter Book One (12 page)

“It’s fun. I’m just so tired. It’s been a tough tour. We’ve been through a lot.”

“I didn’t make it any easier for you, either. Listen, Mike, we need to talk. I’m really so sorry about how I acted with you, especially in front of the guys. I know they thought it was funny, but you didn’t and I should have respected you and your wishes. I’m not healed yet, but when I am, you really owe me a serious spanking.”

There. She had said it.

He nodded in agreement, his intense blue eyes making contact with her smoldering blue-grey ones. “Yes I do. And you will get one. But right now, you need to recover and I need some down time without extra responsibility. Do you think you can keep out of trouble for another week?”

“That’s my plan,” she quietly responded.

Michael closed his eyes and drew in a deep breath of fresh coastal air. “Then let’s make a tentative date to discuss this next Friday. Dad and Scott will probably go to the O- Club and we will be home alone.”

“Yes, Michael.”

Chapter Seven

Sure enough, as he predicted, the two older men announced their plans to meet with friends at the O-club up at Camp Pendleton. They would be back late and left with instructions to stay out of trouble. Michael caught Scott’s eye.

“Be careful, son. She’s paid the price.”

“This is strictly to relieve her of guilt. Don’t worry.” Michael assured him. After walking their parents to the car, the two younger Quimby’s went onto the back deck. “It feels like we’ve been gone forever. Would you believe my legs are still wobbling like I was still on ship?” Michael said, leaning over the rail.

“Mine too. What do you want for dinner tonight? Daddy left us money.”

“What I want is to take care of this uncomfortable situation between us. Sis, I know you feel guilty, but you’ve paid your dues. You owe me nothing, so stop being so damn cooperative.”

“What do you mean? I’ve been good, haven’t I?”

“Yes, too good. You even cleaned your room without being told. That is
not
like you.”

“I’m just trying to behave the way I’m expected to, that’s all.”

“Samantha, of all people in this world, I know you best. Look at me,” he said sternly, raising her chin to meet his eyes. He sat down, keeping her standing in front of him.  It was easier to have eye contact that way. “I can sense it in you… the turmoil, and the conflict. It’s weird, but somehow it’s like I’ve neuronetted you. Haven’t you ever wondered how I always knew you were lying? Or hiding something? Or tuning me out?”

“I never really thought about it.”

“It’s because of you that I designed the band. I know you sense similar things with me. I can see it. So just be truthful, ok? Stop trying to hide your thoughts from me. Out with it.”

“You won’t understand Mike. I feel like I need to earn your respect and make you proud of me. You’re so perfect and I’m just a brat with a bad attitude. Daddy and Scott think you do no wrong and I do everything wrong.” She tried not to let her eyes tear as she confessed her insecurities.

Michael listened thoughtfully and reached for her hands. “Let me be clear on one thing. I
do
understand. You are the best sister I could ever hope for and I wouldn’t change one thing about you. I am very proud of you and respect you as my sister, a person and a partner. I love your stubbornness, your flair for life, your reckless abandon and your mind. I also love your heart. You don’t need to change. You just need to find some balance. For the most part, the things we get on you for are not because they are bad, but because of how you apply or approach them. Our goal is not to break your spirit, but to polish you.” He kissed the back of her hands. “I’m not much different, baby. I’ve just learned how to exercise self-control and choose my words and actions more appropriately. Don’t think for a minute that I’m not mentally cussing up a storm or imagining every means of defiance at times. I just choose to approach the issue properly. Its choices, that’s all.”

“I still need you to ... punish me, Michael,” she whispered. “It’s the only way I truly know you have forgiven me.”

“I will oblige your request, my sweet angel, but not until after dinner. Let’s go somewhere nice.”

It had been months since she donned in a dress with makeup and heels. The whole ensemble felt strange to her. Michael whistled in admiration, twirling her before him. “Wow, you have legs!” he complimented, eyeing the short skirt and her long, tanned legs.

“You clean up nicely yourself, brother. I swear, I’ll bitch slap any girl who tries to pick you up tonight. I want time alone with you as a human being, not a lab rat.”

He held the car door for her, a brand new beautiful silver Jaguar with gray leather interior that had been given to him as a gift for finishing his Ph.D. She entered gracefully, buckling up as he joined her.

“Hey! The twins are back from their cruise!” A waiter announced as they entered their favorite restaurant in downtown La Jolla.

Michael shook his head with a chuckle. The term of endearment had been assigned to them years ago. Not just because there was no mistaking them to be siblings, but because they were always together. The servers gathered around them, asking about the trip and trying to update information, including attempts to retrieve his little sister’s phone number. She had truly blossomed over the last year.

“Gentlemen,” Michael said warmly, “I don’t mean to be rude, but we just got back and we really are dying for some real food. The ship’s cook could barely make toast.”

Laughing, and with light hearted apologies, their orders were taken, leaving the two to talk privately.

“You better not let Cook ever hear you say that,” his sister giggled.

“Have you ever tried his toast? Here,” he said, pouring her some tea.

“Did you hear that Daddy put us on extended leave for a month? I’m gonna go stir crazy without anything to do.”

“I’m sure he has plans for the family. It will be good for you to relax. You work too hard.”

“Except when I’m playing,” she said.  “I’d love to take a coastal swim. Do you think he’d let me?”

“I doubt it, even if I offered to go along. Why would you want to do that?”

“Because I’ve never done it. It would also give me a chance to chart.”

“Work.”

“Not really, I mean,” she caught his expression and made a face, “Yeah, work.”

“How about we go up to Pendleton and do a few days on the range and course? You always like doing that.”

“Just to play? Okay. Mike?”

“What, kiddo?” he smiled as the waiter brought their food.

Sam blushed. “I missed you.”

“What do you mean? We’ve been together 24/7 for the last 9 months, give or take.”

“I missed you just being my brother and my friend. Ship duty was hard on you with me around.”

“I’ll always be your brother, best friend and protector. We might not always have the freedom to be just us, but let’s grab it when we can.”

“I think we can forget our little get together tonight. I’m okay now.”

“Hmmm, I see. No, I don’t think so. Hey, cheer up, it won’t be so bad.”

“For you, I’m starting to think you are beginning to like doing this. I know Scott does.”

“Not to you he doesn’t. But yeah, I suspect he has a kinky side,” Michael chuckled. He raised his glass of water, “To us, little sister.”

“To us, big brother.”

After dinner and a nice walk around the cove, the two returned home. Sam kicked off her heels, rubbing her feet painfully. “Remind me to work up to these, please. I’m so used to sneakers and combat boots.”

“No problem. Okay, into the living room with you.”

“But, can’t I get changed first?” She hesitated, chewing in her lower lip.

“No, what you have on is fine. It won’t get in my way,” he said, taking her elbow and leading her to the wide couch.

She paused mid step. “I told you, this isn’t necessary anymore.”

“Come now, over my lap. I think it is,” he said, peeling her skirt up and panties down. “I need to remind you that I love you, care about you, and expect you to behave in a manner befitting a beautiful and intelligent young lady.”

“But Michael—”

“Butt? Yours still has a little bruising left. Nothing major. Ok, now why are we here?”

“Because I stupidly asked you to be,” she said.

He patted her bottom affectionately. It really was perfect, especially to spank. Maybe he really was starting to like it! “I don’t think it was stupid to ask. You needed your big brother’s forgiveness, didn’t you?”

“Yes.”

“Hmmm, and how do you feel that is expressed in this family?”

“By spanking then holding me,” she gritted her teeth. She was trying not to get angry, but she could tell he was amused and enjoying himself at her expense.

“Yes. By spanking you. How?”

“Oh God, Mike, please stop this!” She groaned, hearing his chuckle. She was so embarrassed!

“Go on, little one. Answer me.”

“With your hand. On the bare bottom,” she snarled.

“Only with my hand?”

“I hope so!” she growled, trying to twist to look at him.

“No, I don’t think so. Last time I used just my hand, I didn’t get a reaction. No, I think my belt will help here tonight.”

“No! Michael, please don’t! I’m begging you,” his sister pleaded, feeling him unbuckle and pull his dress belt from his slacks as he held her in place with his left arm.

He placed it on the couch next to him. “I must remind you, you requested this. Now, let’s just recall the events of that day, shall we?” He began to spank her, not hard at first, as she reluctantly verbalized the happenings of that day. The smacks grew faster and harder as she got to the situation of the boom and mouthing off at him in front of the crew. By then, she was kicking and trying to avoid the blows. Tears had started to flow. Michael paused to gather his belt. He had to admit, he was rather enjoying himself, especially since he wasn’t angry or upset. He rested the leather on her warmed bottom.

“Then what happened, after you came off the boom?”

“You s-spanked me in front of the crew.”

“I certainly did. And how did you respond?”

“I refused to cry. But Mike, it hurt badly, even over those shorts! I swear.” She kicked trying to break his hold.

“So your pride prevented you from submitting to your punishment?”

Dead silence. He was right. That was the key to most of her problems, her pride—combined with her red-headed temper. “I’m so sorry, Michael,” she whispered, unmoving on his lap.

Michael was satisfied. “Ready to submit then?”

“Yes, Sir.”

Sir? Where did that come from? Instinctively, she knew. His dominance, like that of her father and uncle, was natural and his quiet strength had long ago earned her respect and submission. She just could not understand why she always fought it.

The leather strap found its target five times before the crying began. He knew he wasn’t striking her particularly hard, but he was definitely getting through the pride. He stopped after 10, keeping her across his knee. “From now on I want to see some emotion from you. No more robot, okay? You are too young to be afraid of feeling,” he said, holding her close, her hot rear end resting gently on his thigh. “You don’t have to grow up too quickly, just enjoy being a kid for as long as you can. I love you so much.”

“How do you know these things?” she sniffed, allowing him to pull her panties back over her tender bottom and adjust her skirt.

He smiled, cupping her chin. “We’re twins, remember? It’s how I feel too.”

“So having to look after me is forcing you to grow up too fast?”

“Nah, I’ve looked after you since the day you became a bump. Having to discipline you is a natural progression for me. I’ve wanted to do it for years. You seem to hear me better than you do Dad or Scott.”

“It’s only because you always seem to know when I’m not listening. I hate that. I never ever get away with ignoring you,” she sighed. “Mike? Do you think they would mind if we take a night dive?”

“How about just jumping into the pool? Maybe some Jacuzzi time?”

“Do you mind if…” she didn’t finish.

“Go ahead, I don’t care. I’m putting on a suit.”

He smiled as she quickly stripped out of her clothes and watched as her bright red bottom made its way to the deck. He heard a splash as she dove into the pool. He envied her freedom. She was right. He had grown up too fast. But it was by his choice, not necessity.

Dr. Quimby and Scott returned by one o’clock that morning with Scott a little tipsy from too much celebrating. His friend pushed him towards his rooms and ventured upstairs to check on his children. Both were asleep on his large bed. Michael’s arm was draped securely over his sister, holding her tightly against his stomach. Smiling, Dr. Quimby glanced to his dresser. Several pictures showed the two in the exact same position, from the time Sam was an infant to when Michael was about 15. He quickly got his camera to add another picture to the collection. He gently roused his son as he gathered his daughter in his arms.

“Come on, kids, let’s get you to bed. Don’t make noise in the morning and wake your uncle, either. He had a bit too much tonight,” Dr. Quimby whispered. He tucked his youngest into bed with a kiss then went into his son’s room. “You are such a good boy,” he said, stroking the young man’s cheek. “I’m sorry.”

“About what, Dad, her? She’s the best thing that you and mom could have given me. I just wish Mom was around to see the headaches her kid gives Scott,” Michael grinned. “I think you two would have really been overloaded with both of them.”

“I suspect Scott would have given anything to have that burden. I know I would,” the man sounded sad.

Michael hugged him. “You’ve done a good job with us. I hope one day I could be as good of a father as you are. Of course, I also want to give my sister tons of nieces and nephews to terrorize her.”

“I hate to say this, son, but I don’t think she would be the best influence.”

“Well, then, I’ll have you two to help knock her down a peg or two, right? Get some sleep, you look tired.”

“I am. See you in the morning and remember not to bother Scott. He’s a bear with a hangover.”