Page 49 of The Captain's Little Girl

CHAPTER17

As his teammates moved to deal with the reminder of the unpleasant encounter, Mark returned to Cricket. He was proud of her for waiting inside as he’d directed. She’d trusted him to take care of everything. That faith meant everything to him. Of course, the minute he stepped onto the sidewalk leading to the door, she flew outside.

“What happened? They took him away. What does that mean? Who did you call?”

“His commander had him taken to a quiet place to think for a while as transfer papers are being completed. Zimmerman shouldn’t bother you again and he’ll now be under strict supervision. This is his last chance. I hope he makes the best of it.” Reaching inside the screen door, Mark locked the front door and wrapped an arm around Cricket’s waist to guide her to his car in the garage.

“We should reschedule. I bet you have paperwork to deal with or his car…” Cricket’s voice trailed off as she watched Tex drive away in the apprehended man’s sedan.

“No rescheduling. I’ll call to explain to Doniphan why we’re late. He’ll take advantage of more free time with River.”

“But…”

“No buts, baby girl. You’re going to see the medic.” Mark helped her into the passenger seat and closed the door.

Within a brief time, he’d navigated around her car in the driveway and was on the way. All the men lived in military housing within a short distance from each other. Mark covered her twisting hands and squeezed lightly.

“I know you’re scared. I’ll be right there with you. If you’d like, I’ll ask Doniphan to give you a little medicine to help you relax,” he suggested.

Immediately, Cricket nodded. One hand twisted under his to link their fingers together. Her grip let him know just how upset she was.

In a brief time, they parked in the driveway of Doniphan and River’s house. Mark helped Cricket out of the car and wrapped an arm around her to guide her up to the door. River answered the door with a cheerful smile to greet her friend. Her expression sobered upon seeing Cricket’s face.

“Oh, no! What happened?” she asked.

“River, let them come in and we’ll find out,” Doniphan suggested, steering his little girl out of the way.

“We had a visitor cruising through the neighborhood this morning. Sam and Tex intercepted him, and the MPs escorted him away. Cricket is pretty shaken up,” Mark explained as they stepped inside.

River wrapped her arms around Cricket to hug her. “That asshole from the bar?” she demanded.

“Language, River,” Doniphan warned.

“What? He is an asshole,” River retorted, not backing down.

“He is,” Cricket agreed, hugging her friend with one arm while holding her daddy’s hand as well.

Mark met Doniphan’s gaze over the women’s heads and asked, “Can you give Cricket a bit of calming medicine?”

“Of course I can.” Doniphan met River’s eyes. “Give Cricket one more hug and then you go work on your puzzle. I think you almost have the kitten’s face finished,” he reminded her.

With a last squeeze, River whispered, “You’ll be fine. My daddy is the best.”

Cricket nodded but stayed quiet.

As River disappeared down the hallway to her nursery, Doniphan motioned for Mark to bring Cricket to his office. He opened a door and revealed his home office. It looked like any medical exam room filled with professional equipment and furniture all the way down to the typical blood pressure device on the wall.

“Mark, sit down and help Cricket over your lap. I’ll give her something to help her worry less,” Doniphan directed.

Understanding what he planned, Mark sat in a chair and coaxed Cricket to lie over his thighs. He held her in place before tugging her shorts and panties down to her knees as Doniphan drew up a syringe of clear liquid.

“What? No!” Cricket struggled as her bottom was exposed to the cool air of the room.

“You’re okay, baby girl. Hold still,” Mark instructed as Doniphan approached. Not counting on his Little’s willingness to stay still, Mark pinned her legs against his thigh.

“A small pinch,” Doniphan warned and administered the injection into her buttock.

“Ouch!” Cricket howled dramatically.

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