He paused as he looked at himself in the mirror. Was he really going to do this? It was unethical, illegal, even immoral. He was risking everything; his career, his reputation. His chance at a Nobel would be destroyed. His mind brought up the memory of Penny dancing under the moonlight three days ago. This was for Penny. If he succeeded, it would all be worth it. He nodded to his reflection. Yes, he was going to do this. Consequences be dammed.


She had been dancing for over an hour when she began to feel very tired. Penny moved to an empty table and sat down. She gave her head a shake, but it just felt fuzzier. She felt someone sit beside her, and she looked over. Relief coursed through her.

"Sheldon," she said slowly. She leaned closer, vaguely wondering what he was doing in a dance club. She knew there was something wrong with him being here, but she couldn't remember what it was. Had he always worn jeans? He looked at her with those killer blue eyes. "I think something is wrong," she slurred. "I feel funny."

She leaned against his arm and he dipped his head to hers. "Don't worry, Penny." He smiled and put her arm around his shoulders. "I'll take care of everything."

She tried to nod, but couldn't quite manage it. Her eyes drifted closed as she felt Sheldon push her into a taxi. She would have to remember to thank him later. They may not be always get along, but he wouldn't abandoned her.


Penny's head was pounding and her stomach was churning. With a groan she sat up. And banged into something hard. She clutched at her head and opened her eyes. Penny blinked several times, but the image stayed the same. She was laying on a small bed, but it wasn't her bed. Her eyes widened as she took in the small porthole and the view through it. Fear rushed through her. She gingerly swung her feet off the bed and sat up again, avoiding the wooden cabinet over the bed, this time. She was wearing her own pajamas at least. She frowned as she tried to remember the night before. The last clear memory she had was of Sheldon saying he would take care of her.

She looked around for a weapon, but all she could find were a couple of empty suitcases. She opened the closet door and gasped. Half of the space was filled with her clothes. The other half was filled with jeans, chinos, and t-shirts. Flash, Batman, Rubik's Cube, etc.

Penny shook her head. What the hell was going on here? She could hear music drifting down the stairs, so she turned that way. She had a suspicion, but surely she was wrong.


He heard her moving around, and breathed in and out steadily to calm his racing pulse. The next few hours were going to be hell. He had prepared for this, though. He lashed the wheel and reached for the first aid kit. He was going to need it when she hit him.

"Sheldon?"

He turned to face her. She looked shocked, scared and yes, pissed. "Good afternoon, Penny. I was going to wake you soon."

Her eyes narrowed. "Where the hell are we? Why are we on a boat?!"

"We are currently on course for Knife Cay, a small island in the Bahamas. We are on a boat because that is the only way to reach the island." he said calmly.

Penny took a step closer. Her eyes narrowed dangerously. Through clenched teeth she asked him the question he expected most. "Why am I here?"

"Because I want you here." Sheldon placed his hands behind his back to keep from reaching for her. "I drugged your drink at the club. I stole your car, which still has the check engine light on by the way, and drove us to the airport. A colleague flew us to Galveston in his private plane, and there we boarded this boat that I chartered for the next 3 months. You and I are on vacation. I have left word with Leonard, and with your family that you are fine and will return in November. I informed your boss at the Cheesecake Factory that you have ended your employment with that establishment. When we return, I will help you secure a new job somewhere else. There is a small beach house on Knife Cay that I have been granted the use of, but if you wish we may stay on the boat. It is comfortably furnished."

Penny's jaw hung down as she listened to him. "You…drugged me?" she asked timidly. Her eyes started to blaze. "YOU KIDNAPPED ME?! ARE YOU INSANE?!"

Sheldon shook his head. "No. My mother had me tested. I am determined."

Penny paused, confused. "Determined?"

He nodded. "There is nowhere to run here. No doors to lock. No place to hide. Here, there is only you and I. It would take a full week to swim to civilization. The open waters are full of sharks, sting rays, and jellyfish. You cannot escape from me, nor I from you. We have only each other here." He walked closer until they were only inches apart. His eyes were so intense, it she could almost feel them touching her skin as they roam over her.

She was so shocked, it took a moment for her temper to flare up. "What the hell is wrong with you! You turn this goddamn tub around and take me back, or so help me I'll skin you alive! Do it now, Sheldon!"

He stared down at her. "No."

Penny felt tears prickling in the corners of her eyes. "Dammit, what the hell were you thinking?! I want to go home, Sheldon!"

He shook his head. "No."

Penny trembled, whether from fear or anger she wasn't sure. "Please, Sheldon," she begged. "You're scaring me. Take me home. I won't say anything to anyone. You know I won't. Please?"

Sheldon reached out and brushed away a tear that started down her cheek. "No."

Her fist connected with his jaw like a battering ram.