Releasing Kate (3 page)

She felt as if she were back in school with an unreasonable, irrational teacher.
A teacher who would never give a good grade, no matter how hard she worked.
Kate laid her head on the desk. She took a moment to debate whether to hand in the twenty-page report early. Would she get brownie points for being early or deductions for not taking all the time available? She sighed and shrugged. She wanted to go home. The report would be early.

Kate walked up to the executive suite and wondered if she should time-stamp the report to prove it had been done on time. She hated it when that type of thought wandered through her head. Major problems everywhere and she was worried about a time-stamp. Was that a form of denial? Or just a symptom of her personality that she sought to control all the small things she could? She chuckled. More likely, she was just exhausted.

As Kate entered the executive suite, she heard a low murmur of voices. She knocked on the door to Michael’s office.

“Come in.”

Kate opened the door and entered the office. The night supervisor sat in the hot seat, looking uncomfortable. Michael, of course, looked as fresh as ever, and unflappable.

“Your report,” Kate said as she waved it in the air.

He held out his hand, imperviously.

Kate walked across the office and placed it in his hand. She turned and was at the door when he spoke again. “Kathleen,” he said. He paused until Kate turned back to him. “Wait outside for me. I’ll be with you in a moment.”

Kate wanted to groan but she nodded as she met his impassive eyes. She closed the door and heard the soft murmur of voices begin again. Kate stood at the door and took a deep, calming breath. She seemed to be doing a lot of that around him. What was it with this guy? How could he shake her so easily?

Kate longed to sit but she knew she was too tired. If she sat in one of the comfortable chairs scattered around Eileen’s office she’d fall asleep. Her day had been grueling and the cold of exhaustion chilled her. She wanted to close her eyes and dream but instead she meandered around the office. She looked at the silly plaques meant to proclaim the importance of whoever might occupy the executive position.

Ah, that’s new though
, she thought as she spied a glass display case tucked into a far corner. Hidden lights illuminated the contents. The display looked so tasteful but she stopped dead when her mind finally caught up to the shape of the objects.

Phallic statuary, none smaller than the largest man she’d ever seen. At least twenty of
them,
made of many different types of materials. They looked old, like a museum collection. A few had partners, in case the observer was unsure as to how to use the objects. Some stood in glorious isolation, as if ready for a helpful hand. Why would a man collect them? Kate was certain they belonged to Michael. But didn’t they make him feel inadequate? Could he be gay? At that possibility, Kate felt a little surge of disappointment.

Kate shook her head. Eileen must love this display. Why was it out here? Why wasn’t it in his office? The collection fascinated and repulsed at the same time. The cocks mesmerized Kate. It had been way too long since she’d last had sex. Her insides were liquid as she imagined trying to insert the biggest piece.

Engrossed in the collection, Kate hadn’t heard the office door open. She did hear the night supervisor scurry away and Michael tell her good night. Kate turned.

Michael stood, arms crossed and shoulders back, against the doorjamb. His eyes locked on Kate. Her face flamed as she realized he’d watched her examine his collection.

“Family heirlooms.
Do you like them? Would you like to feel one deep inside your body? Filling you?”

Kate swallowed hard. She hadn’t expected his bluntness.

She was struggling with an answer when he laughed. “Sorry. It’s been a long day, hasn’t it?” he said, running his hand through his hair. “Come and sit down.” He nodded his head to indicate Kate should enter his office.

Her equilibrium disrupted, she stumbled as she walked by him. When his hand reached out to steady her he grazed her breasts and created a firestorm of desire. Eyes dancing with amusement, he smiled down at Kate as if he knew the effect of his touch. Then he moved his hand to her elbow and escorted Kate to the hot seat so recently vacated by the supervisor. After seating Kate, Michael didn’t go directly to his chair behind the desk. Instead, he walked over to an armoire. Opening the doors, he flicked a switch. Diffused lighting revealed a bar and more statues. The cocks in the cabinet were even larger than those in the outer office. Kate realized he had said something and was waiting for her reply.

“I’m sorry,” Kate said, “what did you say?”

“Would you like something to drink?”

“No thank you.” Kate was too tired for alcohol and she had the feeling that drinking with this man would not be a good idea. Kate squirmed a little. The chair wasn’t comfortable. Combined with the atmosphere in the office she felt trapped. Just the lighted display and one small desk lamp illuminated the room. Kate relived her earlier feelings of lust and fear. Why were her emotions about this man so erratic? One minute she longed to throw herself into his arms and the next he terrified her. He’d really done nothing to warrant such extreme emotions. She dismissed her feelings as the result of lack of sleep while the lust she wished she could act on and the thought of his hard body nearly made her miss his next statement.

“Give me a summary of your report,” he said. Leaving the cabinet doors open, he walked back toward his desk.

“Same as I gave you earlier, with just a few added details.” Kate was just too tired to go through the entire thing again.

“Nothing has changed?”

“I’ve spent the last month thinking about problems in the department. Nothing changed in one evening.” Her voice was tight, angry that he questioned her judgment. Weak from exhaustion, she just wanted to go home and sleep. She’d have more control after she rested.

Michael stared at Kate. She couldn’t see his face clearly. Most of his face was in shadow. By some strange trick of lighting though, she could see his eyes. They were cold and flat again as they’d been in emergency so many hours ago. He perched on the corner of his desk and looked down at the report. He seemed to be skimming through it but she had a feeling he was taking in every fact and detail.

The soft office lighting and the silence conspired to lull Kate into a meditative state despite the uncomfortable chair. She needed to get up and walk around. She wanted to look at his collection. Why did he collect these? Kate could usually tell if a man was gay and while a group of penises pointed that way, she discarded the idea. Somehow, she knew he wasn’t homosexual though she couldn’t figure out why he’d have such a collection.

Kate wondered if he had more statues at home. Her eyes strayed over the objects as Michael continued reading. Wouldn’t it hurt to have something so large inserted? It was one thing for her to use a dildo on herself but the idea of a man using such a large dildo on her seemed a little scary. He’d be in control. If he used it, Kate wouldn’t have any say. Kate liked control. She never let her partners dictate the pace or timing of sex.

Kate looked up at Michael to find his eyes on her again. His position on the desk, combined with his energy, made her feel like a mouse trying to hide from an eagle. A golden glow emanated from his eyes, warming her. He obviously knew she’d been viewing his collection. A flush crept up her face. His gaze was more intense than any lover’s had ever been. Kate found it a little disconcerting to be the sole object of his attention.

Chapter Three

Michael tore his eyes away from Kate and looked down at the paper he held. He skimmed Kate’s report while he worked to calm his libido. He wanted Kate. He wanted her flare of anger. He wanted her writhing body tied to his bed. He wanted her generous breasts in his hands. He wanted her luscious mouth wrapped around his cock. He wanted her to plead with him. He wanted to introduce her to his favorite type of sex. He wanted to hurt her just enough to break through her barriers.
Just enough to trigger her genetics.
Why didn’t she recognize their link? Who was she? Where was her family? Why hadn’t they trained her? She seemed to have no idea they were joined in a very old game.

He had to handle this situation carefully. Only his rigid self-control prevented him from forcing her to the carpet and beginning her training. She wasn’t ready. Not yet. He smiled. He felt her interest though and knew he could push her a little more.

Michael tossed her report on his desk and looked at her.
“Excellent report.”

Kate stood. “Are we through here?”

Michael smiled.
“Almost.
What do you think of my collection?”

Kate froze.

“Tell me what you think when you look at it.”

“It’s unusual.” She strove for a neutral voice.

“That’s a cautious answer.” He smiled as his eyes drilled into her. “But what was your first emotional reaction?”

Obviously, he wasn’t going to let her get away with a safe answer. “Surprise,” she replied. “It’s not a typical corporate collection.”

“No, it’s my family’s personal collection.
After surprise, then what?”

Kate squirmed. “I’m not certain I know what you mean,” she temporized, extremely uncomfortable with the idea of discussing his collection.

“Be blunt,” he persisted.

“Do penises really get that large?” Kate finally blurted. So much for the cool, contained persona she wanted to project. She met his eyes and ignored the flush in her cheeks and warmth in her abdomen.

“Does size really matter?” he asked quietly.

Oh shit, now what?
That’s one of those trick questions, like when a woman asks if she looks fat. Kate was quiet for a moment, getting more uncomfortable by the minute. “Depends upon the man,” she prevaricated.

“Explain,” he commanded as he walked back to his desk.

She’d heard that command too many times today. She fought off the urge to give him an answer. Instead, she said, “My personal sex life is not at issue here. Are we done?”

“Just a few more questions.
What clan are you? What family?”

“Pardon?
What are you talking about?”

“You’re clan or we wouldn’t be sharing visions. You must know that.”

“Sharing visions? You’re responsible for those horrifying things I’ve been seeing? How could you do that?”

“Our genetics are tied. Are you telling me you seriously don’t know that?”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Tell me about your family.”

“My family is none of your business. I’m tired. Are we done here?” Michael stared at Kate and she felt herself start to slip into another vision. “Stop it!” Kate stood. “That’s enough! I don’t know what you’re doing or what you’re talking about but I’ve had enough for today.”

A stray ray of light reflected from his eyes and Kate had the impression that he was laughing at her discomfort. Kate wanted to cringe but she held still.

He moved toward the armoire. “This collection reflects my family’s interest in exploring all aspects of sexuality. We like pleasuring women,” he calmly stated. “I’ve found that some women do care about size and while I’m not small, neither am I quite as large as this one.” He pointed to a penis that was three inches across and over a foot long. “Some women like wide penises. Other women like length. Some like both. And of course, I’m only one man, but some women like all their holes filled at the same time.” He paused. “Even the really large ones have their uses. Some women like their pleasure with a little pain. They seem to find the pleasure/pain contrast an incredible turn-on.”

Michael took out a huge crystal penis. “You would think this would hurt, wouldn’t you?” he asked conversationally. “Yet, with a couple of hours of stimulation, this will fit into a vagina…of course, I have to be careful, otherwise the vagina rips…not a good thing, thus the length of time.” He turned and put the statue back into the case before he moved to stand facing Kate.

Kate flinched when he made a fist in front of her face.

“Some women prefer to be fisted. Have you ever heard of fisting?”

She shook her head, feeling like the proverbial deer pinned in the headlights of his eyes. How should she respond?

He smiled, as if Kate’s confusion pleased him. “Fisting is the practice of putting an entire fist into the vagina or the anus, if that’s your preference.” He stared intensely into her eyes. “It takes hours of vaginal stimulation. My fist is so large that less time simply will not allow the vagina to stretch enough to accommodate me.”

His words painted erotic images in Kate’s head. This couldn’t be happening. Michael’s blunt approach left her head swimming and her body hot. She felt his gaze as his eyes moved down her body. Did he know what his words were doing to her equilibrium? Anger, lust, fear and interest warred in her mind, while her body had no such dilemma. Her body wanted this man to take her in every primitive way he could. He was mesmerizing. Fighting off his spell, Kate gathered her strength. She moved her eyes from his fist to his face.

“This is sexual harassment,” she stated, trying to cool the heat he had generated.

He smiled and shook his head. His voice calm and soft, he said, “I just wanted to tell you what a good job you are doing and to keep up the good work. Your job is not in jeopardy. Don’t assume that I’m trying to seduce you. I was merely discussing my art collection. I haven’t propositioned you.”

Kate’s face flamed as she realized he was right. She also realized she wanted him to pursue her. He’d neatly trapped her. Her desire and frustration made her angry.

“I’m tired. I’m leaving.”

At the door, he moved in front of Kate and stopped her. “Have you been here since last night? Do you plan on driving?”

Kate could literally feel his concern winding through her torso, warming her. When was the last time any man had shown her any concern? Unexpectedly touched and ready to melt, she fought off the feeling. She shook her head and pulled herself together. “Yes I’ve been here since last night and yes I’m driving,” she said. “I’ve gotten home in worse shape. I’ll be fine.”

“No. I’ll drive you home.”

“Thanks, but I’ll be fine.” Kate just wanted to get away from the confusion he caused.

“You don’t understand. I’m not offering. I’m telling.”

Kate looked into his eyes and saw implacable determination. The same take-no-prisoners attitude he’d used earlier.

She shrugged and said, “Fine.”

He opened the doors as they descended to the parking garage entrance. Kate wanted to protest but knew it would be futile so she politely said, “Thank you,” after every door.

The parking garage was a dim, cavernous space. Footsteps echoed and wind whistled between the pillars. Kate had to admit to a certain level of comfort in knowing she wasn’t alone. Then she stiffened as she realized Michael’s company might not be safer than an empty garage. What was she doing? Was she seriously considering letting him drive her home? All her instincts for self-preservation kicked in and as much as she might want Michael, she wasn’t quite ready to take that step. She hadn’t even known him for twenty-four hours but she knew he was too domineering and controlling for her tastes. She ignored the fact that her body screamed otherwise. Besides, the conversation in his office had left her shaken.

Kate spotted her car and pulled away from him. She got her keys ready.

He put a hand on Kate’s arm. “What are you doing?”

Kate turned toward him and met his eyes. “I’m going home.
In my car.
Alone.”

He started to protest. Kate interrupted.

“George,” she nodded her head toward the lit booth at the entrance, “is a notorious gossip. He doesn’t care about accuracy either. It’s bad enough he saw you walk me to my car. If you give me a ride, by tomorrow everyone in the hospital will assume that we are having a torrid affair.”

“That could be arranged.”

Kate stiffened even as her heart raced. “You said you weren’t propositioning me.”

“I wasn’t propositioning you in the office. I’m not propositioning you now. I am merely responding to your need and offering my services.”

Anger washed through Kate. He had trapped her again. She wanted to jump him right here on the concrete floor. She couldn’t deny his attraction. But she’d spent her life being cautious and logical. She wasn’t going to abandon her beliefs now. “I didn’t get my current position by sleeping with the boss. I won’t keep it that way either. Even the appearance of being with you could wreck my career. I’m not prepared to do that for any man. Good night.” Kate pulled away and climbed into her car.

Michael stepped forward before Kate could close the door.

“Run if it makes you feel better. I love a good chase.” Then he backed off and closed the door for Kate. She started her car and backed out. She waved to George as she left the garage. In her rearview mirror, she saw Michael walking toward the security booth.

The next morning, Steve the daytime security guard told Kate that George had been fired. Kate struggled with mixed feelings—guilt because she knew he’d been fired because of her comments and relief because he really was malicious. She was certain that whoever replaced George would be friendly but silent. Kate shook off her discomfort and continued to her department.

She entered it and found Michael there. She walked up to him and said, “May I help you?”

He smiled. “I’ve already seen everything I needed and heard all I wanted to.” He turned and left the department.

Kate looked at Pete.

Pete shrugged. “He was here when I got in at seven. He didn’t interfere, just watched while I organized the morning work. Then he wandered around for a while.”

“What did he hear and see?” The work was never routine, there were always problems.

Pete shrugged again. “Not much. Luckily it was quiet. He just asked a few questions.”

She’d hired Pete as her assistant two months ago and he was still testing her. What was the something else that had just moved through his eyes? Triumph, she decided. Kate almost hadn’t hired Pete. He seemed to have a problem with the concept of working for a female.

Kate understood his attitude. Many men felt the same. She still didn’t have a handle on him though. His work was good. He cared about the patients. At one level that’s all that concerned her. At other levels, she knew he was dangerous.

He was after her job. Pete had asked for her help the other night but then he’d put her in the weaker position by sending her to work the emergency cases. He didn’t realize she loved trauma work. She loved the challenge of taking films on uncooperative patients. Sighing, she realized Pete read her love of a challenge as a weakness he could exploit. Kate wasn’t sure how to handle his mistaken reading of the situation. At some point, she and Pete would have a confrontation. Kate really wasn’t looking forward to it.

“And you told him what?” Kate prompted Pete. She had a feeling he was hiding something.

“The questions were mostly about you.”

“Keep going.”

“He asked how I felt about working for a woman.” Pete stood with his feet apart and arms crossed.

That must have been an interesting conversation
, Kate thought. She wondered if Pete knew about Michael’s collection. In Pete’s world, penises ruled so he’d probably get off on the male domination depicted by the statues. Kate debated whether to pursue her questioning but decided Pete would probably lie to her anyway. This conversation was going nowhere so she shrugged and went to her office.

Two hours later Kate got a call from Eileen. Voice trembling, she asked, “Do you want to have lunch?”

“Sure. I’ll meet you in the cafeteria in half an hour.”

“No! No, let’s go somewhere outside the building.”

“Okay,” said Kate. Obviously, Kate’s world wasn’t the only one being rocked by the new boss. At least Kate would get a chance to ask about the statuary.

Eileen started lunch with a bang. “You’ve seen his artwork, haven’t you?”

“Kind of hard to miss.
How do you like it?”

“Well it has certainly stimulated some very interesting…conversations…with my husband.” Eileen waved a hand. “But that’s not why I asked you to lunch…or it is…but not the way you think.” Her cheeks turned rosy and she started playing with her napkin.

“Eileen, we’ve been friends for years, just spit it out. What’s going on?” Kate asked, knowing Eileen wanted to tell her something.

Tears filled Eileen’s eyes. Her distress frightened Kate. She’d never seen her friend so upset. “Eileen…”

“I’m sorry,” she said, “I’m just so worried about you.”

“What do you mean?” Kate had thought her tears were for herself.
Eileen crying for Kate?
What was going on?

Eileen took a deep breath, struggling to regain her calm before continuing, “Remember that I used to work for Charity Hospitals?”

“Yes.”

“Well, I still have friends there. Michael Kyle worked there before he came here. I’m embarrassed to admit I contacted my friends and asked about him. I was curious,” she defended herself.
“Especially after he brought in that collection.”
She squirmed in her chair as Kate waited. “Well,” she continued, “I found out more than I wanted to know.” Sighing, she looked Kate in the eyes and stated, “He’s a predator…a sexual predator.”

“What do you mean? He’s been arrested?” Kate felt a little stunned. The fact she was attracted to a predator was disturbing.

“No he’s never been arrested or sued…but I was told that at every place he’s ever worked he targets one female employee. He’s into bondage and domination. He likes to control women and it is not just simple control…he likes isolating a woman and keeping her in sexual submission for weeks at a time.” She spewed the words out in a rush.