Teach a Teacher a Lesson

The new moon was like a child's wide smile in the night sky. Rita stood by the railing and watched the stars; countless little sparkling diamonds shone brightly above her, so close she thought she could grab one and let it rest on her lap. The cool breeze blowing across her face was invigorating after spending a day confined inside the ship. Not that she wasn't allowed to venture the deck, but she needed time to familiarize herself with her surroundings and all the amenities offered aboard.

She drew a deep breath, savoring the taste the fresh salty sea air left in her mouth and closed her eyes for a moment. She relished this moment of utter silence. She could hear nothing more than the splashing of the waves on the starboard as the ship glided its way through the warm waters, and the rustling of the wind through her long white linen dress.

She opened her eyes, startled, when she felt a presence beside her. She turned her head and saw an officer standing a little further down from her, his elbows propped up on the railing. He was gazing out to the horizon, seemingly unaware of her nearness.

It surprised her that she was so lost in thought that she hadn't noticed him coming. Looking at him, she wondered if he had approached her as stealthily as a predator sneaking up on its prey. For a moment, a surge of panic gripped her as they were all alone there.

The more she stared at him though, the clearer it became that he was simply relaxing and not presenting any danger to her. He shifted his gaze her way at that moment, and the deck light behind him revealed a familiar face. Sam cast a most dashing smile upon her. A smile that she suspected had brought hundreds of women to his feet. Perhaps she was in danger, she realized. The risk of infatuation was great, seeing how strikingly handsome he was. Sam moved closer to her. "Hello," he said, "It's a beautiful night, isn't it?"

"Yes," she replied, "beautiful." Standing so close to him now, she wasn't sure if she was talking about the weather or his smile.

"Are you enjoying your voyage so far?"

"Yes, yes," she said quickly, averting her gaze out to sea again, as staring at him made her uneasy. "My room is very comfortable, and I've already met a lot of people while checking out the facilities offered on the ship. I especially like the spa center. It seems such a well-organized and relaxing space. I think I'll spend more time there tomorrow."

"You should definitely get a massage," he suggested. "It will make you feel even more relaxed while on holiday."

Rita turned to look at him again. The glint in his eyes made her wonder if he was thinking about her naked body being massaged. Her cheeks flushed when she imagined his strong hands massaging her instead of the lady she had seen at the spa.

"The wind will get stronger as the night goes by. You shouldn't stay out here long. You might catch a cold."

"I guess I should have brought a jacket or worn a headscarf, but I like my hair loose," Rita replied.

"You have beautiful hair. I've always liked it." Sam reached out to touch her hair but stopped himself mid-air. "Eh, may I?"

Rita was staring at him, confused. "What do you mean?"

"Eh, may I touch your hair, please?"

"No, no... I mean... when you said 'always'... what do you mean by that? You've only just met me."

"Oh, that... well, I meant I've always liked red hair like yours," Sam replied quickly.

"Oh, thank you... I guess."

"So will you let me touch it? It feels kinda silly still holding my hand up here." He cast her a wicked grin.

Rita nodded in agreement. When he smiled at her, she lost all sensible thoughts.

Sam slowly ran his hand through her hair, relishing its soft feel. "Like silk... Exactly like I had always imagined it to be."

Rita had her eyes closed, enjoying his tender touch. She didn't seem to realize what Sam had said.

He removed his hand so abruptly that he accidentally tugged a strand causing Rita to wince and open her eyes. "Ow."

The intensity of his gaze startled her. There was something potent lurking in his eyes. A moment ago, she was sure he was trying to flirt with her, but now...she couldn't tell if it was rage or passion she was seeing written on his face. Whatever it was, it disturbed her. Apprehensive, she took a small step away from him. As if on cue, his gaze softened and he changed his stance at once.

"I have to go. Good night, Miss Evans," Sam said and walked away quickly.

Rita stood there watching his back, trying to figure this man out. She had always had trouble understanding men's behavior-at least, that was the case with Chris-but Sam confused her even more. There was something about him that scared her and at the same time excited her. She didn't know if she should try to avoid him from now on or not. She looked at the moon thoughtfully. In a way, it reminded her of how she had felt for Chris at first. He had that ability too. Chris fascinated her and yet at times he scared her. Of course, in the end she understood why this was happening. Chris was manipulative and abusive. He never physically hurt her, but he always managed to make her feel inferior. He was always the brilliant mind, and she was just a stupid young woman who still had a lot to learn about life. He had said something similar to her once, and then he tried to make amends as though he never meant what he had said and kept apologizing to her until she foolishly fell for his lies.

She exhaled noisily. She had promised herself she would never surrender to a man like that again. She couldn't exactly figure him out yet, but a gut instinct told her that Sam was not like Chris. Something else was going on with him, but she couldn't tell what. She was determined to find out, however. She was sure Sam was exactly the man she needed as her birthday present, as she had promised herself when she bought her ticket for this cruise. She smiled at herself. It's not like I can actually hide from him while on board. I am bound to see him every day. She turned and walked to the companionway door.

***

Sam slammed his fist on the bedside table causing his drink to spill. It was fortunate that his shift had ended. He wasn't supposed to be drinking, even when he was off duty. He had lost count of his drinks now, but he couldn't stop himself. She was driving him crazy, turning his life upside down again, simply by being present.

He hit his forehead with his palm. "Stupid, stupid Sam. What the hell are you doing?"

He gulped what was left in the glass. "You shouldn't let her affect you like that. This is pure revenge, not romance."

He got off his bed and paced the room. "I don't get it. I hate her. I HATE HER."

He stopped in front of the mirror and looked at himself. Her hair was so soft and the way she had her eyes closed and enjoyed my touch... that was what I have always wanted from her.

He punched the wall. "Dammit! Shut up!" he scolded himself out loud. "You hate her! There is no always. There is no want. You hated her back then and you hate her now. Stick to the plan. Seduce and discard!"

He wiped the memory of her soft hair from his mind and retrieved another one that was bound to fuel his rage for her. He recalled a day back in the army when his drill sergeant had found him looking at a newspaper extract. It was about a contest his old school had won a year after he left and Rita was in the main picture. He was ogling at her when the drill sergeant snuck up behind him and grabbed it from his hands.

"What do we have here?" he had said.

"Give it back," Sam had replied, forgetting who he was talking to again. Even after several months, there were times he rebelled against authority.

"What did you say, boy?" the man had asked angrily.

Sam had cowered for a moment but determined to get what was his back, he had insisted. "I said give it back to me, sir," he had replied in a mocking tone.

"You want it back, boy?" the older man repeated. "You shall have it." The drill sergeant tore the picture in tiny pieces. Sam didn't have time to react. His superior grabbed him by the throat and pushed him back to a wall. He pressed his body against Sam's so that the young man could not make a move to escape his grip and forced Sam to eat every single piece of paper.

When the drill sergeant removed his hand, Sam dropped to his knees spitting what was left in his mouth and tried to catch his breath.

"That would teach you to address your superiors as you should," the man had told him before walking away.

Sam had steered clear of him ever since, but the incident was engraved in his memory forever and was another reason why he should hate Rita. She had only managed to cause pain in his life.

"Seduce and discard." He repeated his mantra numerous times and returned to his bed to sleep. He was again in control of his emotions when it came to his old history teacher.

In vain, though. Sleep escaped him. He got up and washed his face to make himself presentable and headed to the ship's disco to find company for a chat and a few more drinks. He didn't want to be left alone with his thoughts.

***

Sam spotted Rita talking to the bartender the minute he entered the disco. He could see her laughing and wondered what the young man was telling her.

The bartender leaned on the counter and got dangerously close to Rita. Sam couldn't tell whether it was due to the alcohol he had consumed or something else, but the sight before him infuriated him. She's mine. His temples beat in a throbbing rhythm and his nostrils flared. She's mine, he repeated in his head before striding across the dance floor in seconds.

"Don't you have work to do?" he questioned the young man. His rage must have been evident because the bartender cowered and stepped back at once.

"Yes, sir," he said and went to the other end of the counter, though no one needed his services there.

When Sam faced Rita again, she was staring at him, bewildered.

"Why did you scare him away?" she enquired.

If she was standing up, Sam was sure she would have stomped her foot on the ground. He didn't reply. He was breathing deeply to control himself. He didn't want to shout at her, as well. That would mess up his plan again. He had to be extra sweet with her, and he was already failing.

"He was keeping me company. He didn't do anything wrong," Rita continued.

"His job is not to keep the ladies on board company, but to serve drinks," Sam said in a serious tone.

"Well, he did that too," Rita said, annoyed, showing him the glass in front of her.

"I can see that. How many have you had?" He was getting irritated with her. He didn't like the scorn he saw in her face. She should have been happy he was here and not bothered because her suitor ran away.

"As many as you have had, apparently," she replied, "judging by the glaze in your eyes and the smell on your breath."

"You don't get to tell me how much I can drink," Sam yelled. "You can't tell me what to do anymore. I am an adult, not your student now."

Rita stared at him. "My student? How do you know I am a teacher?"

"You... you told me so," Sam stammered.

"No, I didn't. I would have remembered that," she replied. She stared at him waiting for an explanation.

"Look," Sam began. He ran his hand through his hair, deciding on his next words. "What I meant to say was that I am not as young as a student anymore. I didn't mean your student exactly, and if you haven't told me, then I must have heard it from someone else."

"Someone else? Who?" When she got no reply, Rita continued, annoyed, "You're not making any sense, Sam. I think I'll go to bed. My night is ruined now." She climbed down from the stool and reached for her bag.

Sam took hold of her arm gently. "I'm sorry. Please don't go."

Rita looked at him. His gaze was mellow and pleading her.

"Please stay with me," Sam said.

"I really don't get you. What kind of behavior is that?"

"I'm sorry. I think I had one drink too many. Please stay," he said, beckoning to the stool she had been occupying. "I can explain."

Rita sat down again. "I'm listening."

"Let me get us a couple of drinks first, and I'll tell you." Sam was about to signal the bartender when Rita stopped him.

"I think we both have had enough for a night, but I'll stay and keep you company if you want to talk." She patted his hand, and he winced.

"I hurt you?" she wondered. "But I didn't hit you that hard."

"No, it's not your fault," Sam replied. "Well, not entirely, to be honest."

"What do you mean?"

"I punched the wall," Sam explained.

Rita was confused. "And that has something to do with me? I don't understand."

If you're loving the book, nel5s.com is where the adventure continues. Join us for the complete experience-all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you! "Yeah, as I said I have a lot to explain about my behavior around you."

"You'd better begin then because this is getting more and more weird, not to mention that you have tweaked my curiosity now."

"Look, Rita... You don't mind me calling you Rita, right?"

"No, that's fine. Go on then," she prompted.

"The reason I left so abruptly when we were on the desk is that you remind me of someone I knew when I was younger. Someone that I have tried very hard to forget ever since." "Oh, I see. She hurt you, right?"

"Yes! And then you showed up and you look so much like her that..." He paused and averted his eyes.

Rita touched his wounded hand tenderly. "That it all came back and you had to hurt yourself to forget."

Sam looked at her again. "Exactly."

"Though it's not my fault, should I say, 'I'm sorry,' now?" she asked.

"No. I should be asking you to forgive me. You must have thought I was crazy with the way I've been acting all night."

"I must admit it has crossed my mind."

"If you let me, I want to make it up to you. Let me buy you a drink," he offered.

"Sam, I really think you've had enough. I know I have. But if you want to make it up to me, you can take a stroll up on deck with me again. I think the fresh night air will be good for us both." "Okay. Let's go!"

***

Sam held the door for her, and they walked out to the second deck. Rita looked around her. It was empty.

"It's very quiet up here," she said.

"I know. It always is at this time of night. I hope you don't mind. I come here whenever I want to clear my head."

"No, it's okay. Perhaps we could sit somewhere," she suggested.

"There are some benches this way, or we can go by the pool at the other end of the deck."

"The benches are fine. I can see there's more light that way too," Rita replied.

"Are you scared to be alone with me?" Sam asked.

"Can you blame me?"

"No, not really!" he said, and laughed.

"Should I worry then?" she asked.

"I dare say no," he replied and led her to the nearest bench.

"Have a seat, my fair lady!"

"Oh, you will court me now like in romances, won't you?"

"I sure will," he replied. "Or, at least, I can try."

"Will you tell me a poem or sing a song?" she said with mirth in her eyes.

"A poem it is then, my lady."

Sam turned his back to her and looked out to the sea as if trying to remember some verses. He knew exactly which poem he would recite to her, however. He cleared his throat, returned to the bench, and stared deep into her eyes. "I like the way

my hand glides down your hair.

I like the way

you rain kisses over my neck.

I like the way

you hold me in your arms.

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I like the way

I feel inside you.

I like the way

you make me melt.

I like the way

your name sounds

in the throes of passion."

Sam finished his poem and waited for her reaction. She was silent for a moment, and he became worried that she didn't like it. That was the last poem he had written for her. He had planned to recite it to her the night of the prom. If things

had gone the way he was dreaming, he would have had her in his bed, holding her tight while reading the poem. She would have kissed him and said his name again and again as he would be making love to her all night. Sam sighed. The memories were still so vivid even though he thought everything had gone long ago.

Rita was so lost in the moment that she hadn't realized she was squeezing Sam's hands. "Did I hurt you?" she asked when she heard him sigh and removed her hands from his.

"Yes," Sam replied, though his hand wasn't what he was referring to.

"I am so sorry," Rita said. "I have a cream in my bag. Give me a sec. It will make it better."

"I am not sure anything could make it better anymore," he replied, still buried in his memories.

"Oh, come on. It can't be that bad. You'll see, my cream works miracles." She took his hand and gently applied some to the wound.

"That feels nice," Sam said, enjoying both the coolness of the product and her tender touch.

"See? I told you so." Rita smiled, satisfied. "Tomorrow you won't feel a thing."

"I am afraid I will feel a ton of things and I am not sure it will be what I want to feel." The way she was touching him and smiling at him made his resolve for vengeance waver. He had to go. He couldn't let her change his mind. He would do this his way. He would make her his for a night, just to teach her a lesson. He wouldn't let her make him feel things for her again. And that's what she was doing now. He had to go before it was too late.

"Thank you," he said, and got up quickly. "I should get some sleep. We will be reaching the first port in a few hours. You should sleep too. I am sure you will want to go sightseeing when we dock."

Rita seemed disappointed. "Oh, okay," she said and got up too. "Eh, it was an interesting night." She cast him a timid smile. "Thank you for the poem. It was beautiful."

"I am glad you liked it," Sam said.

"Maybe you will tell me who you wrote it for tomorrow?" she asked him with expectation in her eyes. "Maybe you can show me around the town too? If you are off duty, that is. I am sure you know the place well after all the times you've been here."

"Tomorrow, I... I don't know," Sam managed to say. She was standing so close and the gentle breeze wafted her sweet perfume to him. He wanted to kiss her so badly, but he knew he wouldn't be able to control himself the way he was feeling right now. And he would ruin everything...

She was expecting a more definite answer. He could see that. And if he wasn't mistaken, she was expecting a kiss, as well. Or at least, he thought she was...

He was getting his emotions all mixed up again. He had to go now.

"I will try," he said and walked away.

***

Rita stared at his back. She was confused again. She was sure he wanted to kiss her. Why didn't he? He surely had odd ways of showing his interest in her, but she could feel it, and she didn't want to miss the chance. After all, that's why she came on this trip... to free herself of all the inhibitions she had abided by all her life and forget the pain Chris caused her, by having fun with handsome men like Sam.

"Sam, wait!" she called out to him. He paused and turned to look at her. She ran to him quickly, and before he could stop her, she wrapped her arms around his neck. "Kiss me!"

Sam stared at her. Rita pressed her breasts against his chest to demonstrate her urgency. He didn't need any more persuasion. He snaked his arms low in her back and pushed her even closer to him, leaving no space between them. He kissed her long and hard.

When their lips parted, Rita had a satisfied look in her face. "I knew you would be a great kisser," she said, once her breath was normal again.

"I never had any complaints," Sam said smugly and repeated the kiss. They were enjoying the sensation so much that renewed their kiss until they were both breathless. "Wow," Rita exclaimed and took a step back, feeling weak at the knees. "Let me catch my breath, Sam, and you can continue that wonderful thing you do with my mouth."

Sam laughed. "I would love to, my fair lady, but as I said before we started this, I really need to get to bed..."

"Well..." Rita said with a glint in her eyes.

"Alone," Sam added.

"Oh no, I didn't mean..." Rita blushed and averted her eyes. Maybe she did mean that. She wasn't sure what she was feeling right now or what she really wanted to do with Sam. Kissing him felt great but going any further... right away... It wasn't like her... was it?

Sam reached out and gently turned her head his way again. "I'll do my best to take you for a walk around the town tomorrow, Rita." He leaned in and gave her a quick peck on the lips. "Good night, my fair lady!"

This time she didn't call out to him as he was walking away.