Consequences

floated on her back, watching the sky and thinking about constellations. Suddenly, Claire froze.
    Deep in thought and enjoying the stars, she realized Tony stood at the edge of the pool. He’d been speaking, but her ears were submerged and she couldn’t hear him. Seeing his silhouette from the lights of the fountain startled her. She lifted her head out of the water to clear her ears and began to tread water.
    “Tony, you startled me. Catherine said you wouldn’t be home until late.” She couldn’t see his eyes. She waited for him to respond. He stood in silence for a moment, she thought about talking. While she debated, he walked to a chair hidden in darkness. When he returned she could only see his silhouette but knew he was now nude.
    Still not speaking, Tony dove into the pool. He swam up to Claire and wrapped his arms around her. Within seconds, Claire’s bathing suit disappeared. His actions were fast and rough. Their mouths united as their tongues wildly searched for one another. He moved from her lips to the nape of her neck and all places in between.
    The pool depth allowed Tony to touch but not Claire. She wrapped her legs around his torso, allowing him to support her. He continued to nuzzle her neck, lifting her body so that her round supple breasts found his lips. His kisses became nips and he gently bit the tips of her hard nipples. Claire groaned with pleasure.
    His hurried movements caused his bristled face to scratch her soft skin. However, the pain of his beard was quickly forgotten as the pleasure from his touch filled her consciousness. His mouth tantalized and his hands explored. Claire’s back arched as she pressed her breasts toward his mouth and wrapped her fingers in his wet hair. In the silence of the country night her moans echoed as her body convulsed. Though the night was hot, Claire’s arms and legs were cloaked in goose bumps.
    Tony eventually led Claire out of the pool, onto a chaise lounge. He resumed his exploration, but not with his hands. They still hadn’t spoken. Claire’s mind teetered between the cognizant he doesn’t seem upset and the unconscious ecstasy . His actions slowed, becoming more deliberate and sensual, causing sensations deep inside of her. She held on to his massive shoulders and accepted everything he offered.
    The carnal heat was intensified by the night’s humidity which instigated perspiration. Claire could taste it as her lips and tongue seduced his neck. The salty sweat mixed with chlorine creating an amazing potion. When he finished they were both moist, more from one another than the pool.
    Panting, they lay still, listening to the cicadas and crickets. Finally, with a grin, Tony spoke, “Good evening, Claire.” His eyes were soft as milk chocolate. “I wasn’t happy when you weren’t in your suite.” Claire started to speak but Tony put his finger lightly on her lips. “But your idea of a swim on this hot evening was much better than what I had planned.”
    Claire smiled. They moved back into the water to cool off but found that even in the water they had problems staying cool.
    Later that night in Claire’s suite, Tony brought up the situation at the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital Event. He told her that it hadn’t been a planned test. However, had it been she would have passed. He believed that she could be trusted with more responsibilities and independence. Therefore, on her table was a wallet that contained her ID—a driver’s license and a new credit card. The card was on his account and was for her use when he wasn’t around.
    “What do you mean when you are not around?” her voice didn’t hide her fear. Tony smiled at her trepidation.
    “You will only leave the grounds without me with Eric and my permission. But I will need to travel to Europe for at least a week next month. You have behaved well,” he smiled and ran his hand over her bare thigh and buttocks, “very well. And you have followed instructions much better than I would have given you credit for a few months ago.” His hands now roamed and Claire’s eyes closed as her body responded. Tony’s voice was both masterful and playful, “As a matter of fact, I believe that right now you would do as I say.”
    Opening her eyes, she gazed into his and answered, “I would.” Her voice yearned as her body mindlessly obeyed, responding to his touch.
    “I think we should continue to test that theory.” He said with a devilish grin. “But first I