“It’s never been like that.”“You were good,” he said again.Her eyes cleared and she looked at his. He was looking at her chest. It was only ...he second time he’d ever done that, at least that she’d noticed. She looked down to see her nipples spiked under the tank top. On impulse she reached for the hem of the shirt and pulled it up and off her body.“What are you doing?” His voice was husky.“Getting ready for bed,” she said, not moving. She watched his eyes devour her breasts and felt the. “We are members of clans whose name is the same as our given name. In a few moments the rest of our spouses will join us.“Seven of the clans represented here fill the role of Command Staff for our Dóchas class ships. We began this role as each ship became operational. Shortly after arriving here the eight clans we represent were elected to be the first Councilors for our Family on Ananu. The details of the governing structure, or constitution, chosen by our Family can be found on our network,. Trying to cover myself I explained, "You just look happier than I've seen you until now."One corner of her mouth turned up. "I guess for once you're seeing me when I'm not completely pissed-off at you."We finished with the gifts and I carefully stood up and gingerly stepped around the pretty wrapped up presents. I turned and held my hand out to Sandy while she did her best to maneuver around them without stepping on any. She almost made it before stumbling at the last minute, kicking a pile. ?I lost my temper onthe field and swore at the umpire, then I swore at you. Twice.? ?Was that wrong?? ?Yes, sir.? ?So what does that mean?? ?That means I deserve to be punished. Sir.? Something clenched in my stomach. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Big,bad Ryan Avery was about to be punished by his father? What kind of punishment?I'd already seen George slap him across the face. ?Assume the position, Ryan.? To my disbelief, Ryan unclasped his hands and bent over the mahogany.