by Radclyffe
“ I know, Blair breathed, arching her back and exposing herself to Cams mouth, offering the vulnerable vessels in her neck to the glide of teeth and tongue. She covered Cams hand where it held her breast and pressed down, moaning at the ache of pleasure that shimmered through her. “Do what you have to do.
Cam splayed her hand over Blairs back and pulled Blairs shirt from her jeans. She kissed down Blairs throat to the hollow between her collarbones. “What are you saying?
Blair leaned away and pulled off her top, then swiftly released her bra and dropped it to the floor. She arched her back, breasts lifting in invitation while she fumbled at her jeans. “Hurry. We dont have much time.
Swiftly, Cam pushed Blair down onto the wide leather sofa and knelt to pull off her boots. Grabbing the top of her jeans, she stripped the denim and silk away in one long wrenching pull until Blair was nude.
“ Lie down, Cam ordered. Easing between Blairs legs, she braced an arm by Blairs shoulders and kissed her. While she stroked inside Blairs mouth, she cupped her sex. Blair was wet, swollen, already opening for her. Blairs hands came into her hair and Cam slid into her. Blair jolted and cried out.
“ I never want to hurt you, Cam said desperately, her breath tearing from her chest as she pushed deeper.
“ You arent. You cant. Not when you looh, god. Blair gripped Cams forearm as Cam thrust between her legs. She drove her pelvis up to meet Cam plunging down, the pressure building, burning, blinding. “Cam, I
“ Blair, Blair, Cam groaned against Blairs mouth. “Come, baby. Oh Jesus, please let me feel you come.
“ Oh now, Blair cried, her nails digging into Cams arm. Her abdomen tightened and she jerked upright, clutching Cam as her orgasm spilled from her. “Hold me. Hold me. God, please hold me.
Cam gripped Blair tightly and as Blairs body sagged, she eased her back onto the sofa, shifting until she could lie beside Blair and hold her in her arms. “Okay? Baby, you okay?
Blair pressed her face to Cams chest, listening to her heart thunder. “God. You make me come like nobodys business.
Laughing, Cam stroked her hair. “Is that right.
“ Mmm. Blair stretched and eased her thigh between Cams legs. “You sound hoarse again. Is your throat okay?
“ Everything feels fabulous.
Blair nudged Cams crotch. “How bout this?
“ Fabulously horny.
“ Thought so. Blair gripped the button on Cams fly.
Cam stopped her. “Uh-uh. Not now. Ill last.
“ Since when?
“ Since Dianes going to be here any minute.
“ Darling, Blair said in a reasonable voice. “I can make you come in under thirty seconds.
Cam kissed Blair lightly. “Thats true. But I want you to take a lot longer.
Blair sighed. “If thats what you want, I suppose I can be patient.
“ So, Cam shifted onto her back so that Blair lay partially upon her, “you want to explain what you said back then just as my mind was melting?
Blair skimmed her hand back and forth over Cams chest. “I told you the truth. I dont want you to be in danger. I want you to be safe. She met Cams questioning gaze. “But I dont want my love to keep you from being who you are. Or doing what you have to do. So you have to promise me, on your word of honor, that you wont let anything happen to you. Swear it.
“ I swear, Cam whispered, stroking Blairs cheek. “I swear I will love you with my whole heart every day for the rest of my life.
Blair blinked back tears. “Thats not what I asked.
“ I know. Ill be careful.
Blair settled down again and pressed her face to Cams neck. “So noted, Commander.
Chapter Five
T here! Diane Bleeker leaned forward over the front seat of the cab and pointed to a building on the right side of the street. “Thats it1202.
When the cabbie swerved toward the curb, a horn blared behind them, making Diane jump. She peered out the street-side window in time to see a black sedan rocket by. The cabdriver muttered an expletive as he parked and climbed out to retrieve Dianes luggage from the trunk.
Diane handed him a ten after hed set her suitcases on the sidewalk outside Cams building. The door opened as she hauled her luggage toward it, and she smiled in recognition at the burly blond who stood just inside. Agent Wozinski made some linebackers look small.
“ Hi, Greg.
“ Ms. Bleeker.
Diane shook her head. Shed given up trying to get him to call her Diane even though shed once spent a week with Blair and had seen him every day during that time. In the fi fteen years that shed been friends with Blair, shed grown used to the presence of security agents. But it had never been like this. So many, keeping such a close watch. She was surprised that Blair didnt break out more often. She would have.
“ Okay to go up? she asked.
“ Yes, maam. Ill call up and announce you.
“ Its 501, isnt it?
“ Thats right.
The elevator was effi cient, and Diane suspected that she arrived outside Cams door seconds after Wozinski called. When she rang the bell, Blair immediately answered.
“ Hi. Blair pulled her into a hug. “Im so glad you came.
Diane hugged her back, surprised at the intensity of Blairs embrace. She leaned back, her arms clasped loosely around Blairs waist, and studied her. Blair looked more rested than when shed seen her ten days ago, but she could hardly look worse than she had the day after both Cam and Renée had been injured. Still, there was something in Blairs eyes that telegraphed worry. Worry and...regret?
“ Are you okay? Diane looked past Blair into the expansive living room beyond. Cam, who stood behind a small bar tucked into the far corner of the room, nodded in greeting. As usual, Diane could tell nothing from her expression. She waved and returned her attention to Blair. “Did Lucinda give you a terrible task?
“ The usual, Blair said, trying to inject lightness into her tone. “I dont have all the details yet. She grasped the larger of Dianes suitcases. “Come on, let me show you where the guest room is.
Diane hesitated. “Are you sure? I can stay at a hotel and give you two some privacy. I dont need to stay here.
Blair shook her head. “No, I want you to stay here. She followed the direction of Dianes gaze. “Cam is fi ne with it. Really. She laughed without much humor. “And God knows, were used to having people around all the time. At least with you, its by choice.
“ Youre sure? Diane realized that she really wanted to stay with Blair. Shed been lonely almost beyond bearing in a city still in the throes of grief.
“ Positive. Blair took Dianes free hand and tugged her into the apartment. “So this is the living room, bathrooms over there, and the guest room is down this hallway. She nodded to the opposite side of the living room. “Our bedroom is over there.
Diane glanced back over her shoulder as she followed Blair. “Well, hell, I wont even be able to listen.
Blair laughed. “Like you havent heard it all before. Well, at least me.
“ Thats true, Diane said as they both set her luggage down in the guest room. “But we were sixteen.
“ Cam is opening some wine. Blair took in Dianes dark brown Tahari pantsuit and ivory silk shell. “Why dont you change into something sloppy and comfortable and join us in the living room. We ordered pizza.
“ God, that sounds fabulous. Diane removed her raincoat and draped it over the chair that sat in front of a narrow writing desk, kicked off her Jimmy Choos, and fl opped backwards onto the bed. She patted the space beside her as she curled on her side. “Stay for a minute fi rst.
Blair climbed onto the bed and propped her head in the palm of her hand, facing Diane. As usual, Diane looked beautiful. Her shoulder length hair was more gold than Blairs honeyed tones, and nearly straight, framing a dramatic oval face with ice blue eyes. Katherine Hepburn in blond. “I feel like were back in prep school.
“ Sometimes I wish we were. Diane smiled wanly. She loo
ked tired. Who didnt? Her eyes grew distant. “No, on second thought, maybe not. Because if we went back, Id still be trying to seduce you, and youd still be breaking my heart.
“ As I recall, Blair said fondly, “you did seduce me.
“ I dragged you into bed when you were stoned. Plus, youd been coming on to me all night, so that doesnt count. Diane laughed at the memory. “It was good sex though, wasnt it?
“ We were fi fteen. Of course it was. Blair sighed. “I do love you, you know.
“ I know. Diane stroked Blairs arm. “So whats wrong?
Blair shook her head. She couldnt tell Diane about the situation with Valerie, not until shed had time to talk to Cam some more. Not until shed had a chance to decide what shed do if Cam sided with Lucinda and her father. Her mind rebelled at the possibility, because she wasnt sure what she would do if she had to fi ght everyone she cared about. She wasnt sure she could stand being at odds with Cam over something like this.
“ God, you look sad, honey. Diane slid her hand to the back of Blairs neck and massaged her gently. “Is something wrong with Cam? Is she in trouble over what happened at the compound?
“ No, Blair said quickly. “Im just tired. And the last thing I wanted was to be dragged back here.
“ Are you going to tell me whats going on? Because Im probably the only person in the world besides Cam who can tell when youre upset and trying not to show it.
“ I will, Blair said, realizing there was no point in denying what Diane already knew. “As soon as I can.
Diane sat up and slipped off her jacket, then laid it on the bed beside her. “Do you think Cam can fi nd out where Valerie is?
Blair caught her breath, glad that Diane wasnt looking at her. She took an extra second to be sure her voice was steady. “I dont know. Why?
Diane stood, unbuttoned her slacks, and slipped them off. Wearing just her blouse and panties, she opened her suitcase and lifted out a pair of soft, faded jeans. She pulled them on and zipped them, then lifted off the shell and placed it with her suit. “Because I thought Id hear from her by now, and I havent. And I dont know how to go about fi nding her.
“ Maybe it would be better if you didnt fi nd her, Blair said carefully.
“ You mean you think her disappearing act was just her way of dumping me? Diane donned a pale blue cotton shirt and buttoned it, turning partially away from the bed so that Blair wouldnt see her hands shaking. She knew what Blair was trying to say, and she had considered that obvious explanation every day since Valerie had vanished one morning before dawn. Theyd had an affair and now it was over and she was a fool not to simply accept it. “You think I should just let her go?
“ I dont know, Diane, Blair said gently. “But its complicated with Valerie. Theres no way of knowing if she left because she wanted to or because she had to. But either way, she left without explaining, so I cant imagine she wants you to go looking for her.
“ She did call me. Diane referred to the brief call the morning that Valerie had disappeared. The morning of the raid on the mountain stronghold of a group of paramilitary fanatics. “That must mean something. If she was...moving on, why call?
Blair agreed, but was afraid to say so. She wasnt sure it was safe for Diane to have anything to do with Valerie now. Not when it seemed like half the country was looking for her. “You know shes an agent, and the whole national security system is in an uproar now. Its going to take time for everything to settle down. Weeks. Months maybe.
“ I dont want to wait months to talk to her. To see her again. Diane turned her back and walked to the window. She wrapped her arms around herself. “I miss her. God, I miss her.
“ Oh, hey, Blair said, hating the pain in Dianes voice. She scrambled off the bed and crossed to Diane, hugging her from behind.
“Maybe Cam could just get a message to her from me. Just so she knows Diane struggled with tears. “Just so she knows I havent given up.
“Ill do what I can, Blair whispered.
Diane leaned back in Blairs arms and rested her cheek against Blairs. “Thanks.
Blair held her tightly, wondering what shed just promised. And how she could keep her word to one woman she loved without betraying another.
* * * * *
The elevator jerked to a stop and Paula opened her eyes. For a few dizzying seconds, she wasnt sure where she was. Two women and a man, all in business suits, stood talking to her left, ignoring her as she leaned against the wall in the corner. She blinked at the number panel. 10 th fl oor. A glossy picture of a restaurant on the far wall advertised the Veranda at the Wyndham Washington, DC. She was at the hotel where the team stayed when on temporary assignment in the Capitol. She remembered Hara dropping her off out front before he took the Suburban around to a special reserved parking slot. Then what?
Jesus, was it possible shed fallen asleep standing up?
“Excuse me. Flushing with embarrassment, she pushed away from the wall and jumped between the elevator doors as they started to close. Some Secret Service agent. Shed completely lost track of her surroundings. It didnt matter that she wasnt on duty. It was her job to be observant.
She slid the plastic card key from her pocket as she strode quickly down the hallway, hoping to leave her discomfi ture behind. She let herself into room 1020. It was dark and still inside, and for an instant, she thought she was in the wrong place.
“Renée? Unconsciously, she swept her blazer back and rested her hand on the grip of the Sig Sauer holstered on her right hip. “Babe?
“Im here, Renée Savard replied.
Paula felt on the wall for the switch, then hesitated. “Can I turn on the light?
“Just a second.
Paula heard the squeak of springs, then the bedside lamp came on. Renée, still in the clothes she had traveled in, lay on top of the covers on the queen sized bed. Renées holstered service weapon rested on the bedside table next to a prescription medicine bottle. Paulas stomach tightened, but she forced a smile as she crossed the room and leaned down to kiss her lover. She brushed her hand over Renées cheek.
“Taking a nap?
“Trying to.
Paula settled gingerly on the side of the bed and tapped the immobilizer encircling Renées leg. “Is your knee bothering you?
“Its fi ne, Renée said sharply, then just as quickly caught Paulas hand as Paula started to get up. “Im sorry. Yeah, its a little bit sore. She gestured toward the medicine bottle on the table. “Im trying not to take those things, but my whole body aches from not being able to move around much. This fucking immobilizer She trailed off, looking disgusted. “Christ, youve been on your feet working since dawn, and Im complaining.
Renée closed her eyes and turned her head away.
“ Since Im here now and can wait on you, Paula said lightly as she released the Velcro straps on the stiff wraparound brace, “why dont we take this off. The doctor didnt say you couldnt bend your knee, just that you couldnt weight-bear. No wonder it hurts, being squeezed in this thing for hours. You want me to lock up your weapon, too?
“ You should. I was going to wait until you got here to set the combination on the safe.
“ Ill take care of it in a minute, Paula said, enormously relieved. She should know better than to think Renée would even considershe couldnt even complete the thought. Unexpectedly, she felt tears prick at her eyes and she blinked hard, her jaws clamped tight.
“ What? Renée studied her through narrowed eyes.
“ Nothing, Paula said hoarsely. “Just tired.
Renée glanced from Paula to the bedside table, and she breathed in sharply. “You didnt think? Oh, sweetie, never.
“ I know, Paula said, cradling Renées hand in both of hers. “I know. Just for a minute there, when I walked in, it all felt so strange. Then I saw she shook her head. “Everything is changing so fast, sometimes I just feel confused.
“ Wheres Blair?
“ At the commanders, Paula said, unconcerned by the apparent switch in topic. Nothi
ng happened in her life, or for the last few months, in Renées, until what really mattered was squared away. And that was Blair Powells security. “She should be in for the night. Greg is there now, and Hara will take the overnight watch. Ill pick her up in the morning, unless she calls to tell me shes going out.
“ Good. Secure our weapons and change into something comfortable. Then, come lie down with me.
“ Should I order us something to eat?
Renée carefully drew her legs up and pulled the covers aside. She opened her jeans and started to push them down over her hips. “In a little while.
“ Okay. Paula picked up Renées weapon and unholstered her own. She crossed to the closet and, after setting the combination on the in-room safe, stored them away. Then she closed the drapes, stripped down, and folded her clothes over the arm of the reading chair in front of the windows. “I could probably use a shower.
“ Lets talk for a second. Then we can order dinner and shower while we wait for it to get here.
Paula lifted the covers and slid into bed. She turned on her side and kissed Renée softly. “I missed you today. Carefully, she slid her arm around Renées shoulders and eased onto her back with Renée in her arms.
“ Whats going on with Blair needing to come back here, do you know? Renée rested her cheek against Paulas breasts with a sigh.
Paula hesitated. It was an innocent enough question, but she felt protective of Blair in a way she hadnt before, even though she had been prepared to protect her at the cost of her own life for more than a year.
“ Never mind, Renée said fl atly into the silence. “That was out of line.
“ No, Paula said. “It wasnt. Youve been part of the team in one way or another for months.
“ But?
Paula sighed. “Im not sure.
Renée kissed the soft, smooth skin of Paulas breast. “Its different, being her security chief, isnt it?
“ You know, I owe you an apology, Paula whispered.
“ What? Renée raised her head, her expression concerned. “What are you talking about?