Title: Enthrallment
Chapter 7
Author's Notes: Libidos speak when rational minds fall silent.
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"Sir," I say, "Exactly what did we straighten out?"
Lt. Reed stares at me blankly. "Well, I would have thought that obvious," he stammers awkwardly.
I've been dreading this conversation between Lt. Reed and me. And it was uncomfortable, most definitely. But it taught me two important things. First of all, I'm not the only one with feelings. Second, Lt. Reed is as ill at ease with his feelings as I am with mine. Perhaps more so.
The pragmatic officer in me wants to end this conversation while we both still have a scrap of dignity. But the mischievous part of me wants to have a little fun.
I may get court-martialed yet.
"Sir," I say, "I'm sorry. It's not obvious to me."
Lt. Reed squirms in place, folds his arms crossly, and then unfolds them. "We're talking about personal attraction."
"Personal attraction, sir?" I ask in my most innocent voice.
"Yes, Major," Lt. Reed says in a tone that I'm sure is supposed to be gentle and compassionate, "Sometimes officers are attracted to each other."
I take a step toward Lt. Reed, fighting the urge to smile when he tenses up, "Sir, I don't think personal attraction has any place on such a small ship."
Lt. Reed smiles, obviously relieved. "Neither do I, Major."
I plunge on speaking almost simultaneously with Lt. Reed, "And while I'm flattered, I feel uncomfortable with this conversation."
Lt. Reed looks startled. "Pardon me?"
"To be honest, sir, this is making me a little uncomfortable, all this talk about personal attraction."
"My point is, Major, there's no room for it on Enterprise." His voice has risen almost an octave. "I don't want to hear another word about it."
"Sir," I say, "You brought it up."
"As a preventative measure!"
"What were you trying to prevent?"
I wonder if Commander Tucker will speak at me court-martial.
"Are you trying to be flippant?" Lt. Reed asks.
"No, sir," I say hurriedly, "Listen, sir. Maybe we need to take a minute. Would you like a piece of candy?"
Lt. Reed nods. "Yes." He seems more than a little grateful for a lull in the conversation.
Biting my bottom lip hard, I reach into my stash and grab two pieces of chocolate candy. After this stunt, I'll either wind up having sex or spending the night in the brig. I think it might be worth it, either way. Releasing a breath, I shake my head ruefully. I was such a squared-away soldier when I boarded Enterprise.
As I place the candy into Lt. Reed's hand, he says, "Thank you. Is this homemade, too?"
"Yes, sir," I say with pride. Smiling, I wait until Lt. Reed has the chocolate firmly in his mouth. Then I ask, "Did you know that chocolate is an aphrodisiac, sir?"
Lt. Reed gurgles slightly, "That's very interesting, Major."
"What's wrong, sir?" I ask with mock innocence.
"Nothing, Major." Lt. Reed's face is flushed, but he seems determined not to back down.
"Would you like another piece, sir?" I ask.
He regards me for a moment, and then, as if accepting a challenge of honor, "Of course."
Taking in a deep breath, I sit down on the side of my bunk and press onward. "Yes, sir. I dated this artist named Ronan before I shipped out for MACO training." My libido has obviously assumed complete control of my entire brain.
"Is that right?" Lt Reed sits delicately on the side of my bed. It's as though he thinks the bed will eat him if he sits down too firmly.
"Yes, sir," I say, "He liked to pour chocolate on me and—"
Lt. Reed springs up. "I think it's time I leave."
"Why, sir?" I ask sweetly. "Aren't we supposed to find common ground?"
Lt. Reed looks at me, fire in his eyes. He takes a step forward. "You're very cute," he scowls.
Unable to resist the opening, I say, "Thank you, sir."
Almost without warning, Lt. Reed releases a small growl and takes another step toward me, grabbing my shoulders hard enough that I'm sure I'll bruise. I feel my breath begin to hitch and my blood begin to rush to all sorts of places. It's a good thing Lt. Reed has hold of me. I'd collapse otherwise.
Gaining a small seed of control, I'm about to say something snarky when the Lieutenant tightens his grip on my shoulders and pulls me closer.
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ACK! What? I'm ending this chapter here?
