Radclyffe - Honor Under Siege

of confi dence and strength Cam projected was more than just

appearance, and it surprised Blair how right it felt to see her

lover preparing to do what she did so wel . “We cant stop living,

can we?

“No, Diane said with a shadow of a smile. “We

cant.

* * * * *

Blair stepped from the shower, wrapped a towel around her

chest, and used another to dry her hair. She fi nger-combed

the thick waves and fi nished drying her body. She paused at a

knock on the bathroom door.

“Yes?

“Want a fresh cup of coffee?

Smiling, Blair pulled open the door that connected to

their bedroom. “Special delivery?

“At your service. Cam slipped inside and set the cup down on

the vanity. “Starks here.

Blair frowned. “What time is

it? “0700.

“God, shes eager.

“Shes just doing her job, Cam said,

smiling.

“Yeah, yeah. Blair tossed the towel aside and wrapped her

arms around Cams neck. “So what are you going to do while

Im with Lucinda?

Cam brushed both hands down Blairs back and cupped

her buttocks. “Probably be thinking about this.

Blair grinned and nipped at Cams lower lip.

“Smooth.

“Youre getting my shirt wet, Cam murmured, nuzzling

Blairs throat.

“Just your shirt? Blair whispered in Cams ear and bumped her pelvis into

Cams crotch.

Cam groaned. “Cut it

out.

Blair laughed, kissed her hard, and then let her go. Cams shirtfront

showed the wet impressions of Blairs breasts. “Uh-oh. You need a new

shirt.

“At

the

least.

“So what are you doing this morning, Commander? Blair fol owed Cam

into the bedroom and sorted through the clothing she kept at Cams for

occasions when she stayed over..

“Im hoping to meet with your fathers security adviser about this new Of

i ce of

Homeland Security, Cam said as she changed her

shirt.

“And your new job, Blair said casual y. Even though shed known

from the second her father of ered the position that Cam would take it,

the reality made her stomach tighten. She paused in the middle of

but oning her blouse. “I understand now why you wanted to be in

charge of my security detail, even when I didnt want you to be.

“What do you mean? Cam tucked in her shirt, but her eyes never left

Blairs face.

Blair slipped into her slacks and regarded her shoe choices. “I like

having you where I can see you. Even though it doesnt mean youl be

safe, it feels less scary.

“Hey, Cam said, gently resting her hands on Blairs shoulders. “Its not

that kind of job, okay?

“Yeah, yeah. Blair sighed. “I hate being this shaky about

things.

“Were al of balance. Cam kissed her forehead. “Give yourself a

break.

“Il try. Blair smiled. “Id bet er go take care of

Stark. Cam rol ed her eyes. “Be gentle.

Laughing, Blair skimmed her fi ngertips up the inside of Cams thigh.

“Always. With a mut ered curse, Cam fol owed Blair down the hal

way.

In the living room, Paula pivoted away from the window

where shed been waiting. “Good morning. She nodded to

Cam before getting down to business. “I wanted to review your

plans for the day, Ms. Powell.

“After breakfast, Im going to call Lucinda and see when she can

fi t me in, Blair said. “This afternoon, Diane and I are

going shopping.

Blair was aware of both Cam and Paula stiffening. She

wasnt surprised. Neither of them would want her out and about.

“Im not staying locked up inside.

“You didnt mention a shopping trip. Cam fol owed Blair into

the kitchen.

“I just did, Blair said, peering into the refrigerator. “Theres

nothing in here to eat.

“You know what I mean.

Blair closed the door. “I fi gured there was no point in dealing

with your objections and then Starks. This way, I get it all taken

care of at once.

Cam grinned but her eyes were serious. “The things I love

about you make me crazy.

“Funny how that works. Blair kissed her. “Lets gather the

troops and go out to breakfast. Then lets go to the White House.

* * * * *

“Thanks for seeing me, Luce, Blair said. While shed been

waiting, shed counted two senators, three deputy directors,

the White House press secretary, and a handful of lobbyists

pass in and out of Lucindas offi ce. “Things look hectic.

“Its never a problem to meet with you. Lucinda relaxed into

a chair in the seating area as if she had all the time in the world.

Blair was instantly on guard. “I wanted to clear up a few

things about yesterday and inform you of some new plans.

“All right. Would you like something to drink? Pastry?

“No, Blair said careful y, trying to read what was behind

Lucindas

calm façade. Shed never been able to, and she still couldnt.

“We just had breakfast. Thanks.

“Oh, thats right. Cams here too, isnt she. Meeting with Averill.

Blair didnt see that the statement required an answer.

Lucinda

knew everything that was happening in the White House. In

the country for that matter. Hell, most likely in the entire

world. So she obviously knew that Cam was meeting with the

presidential security adviser. “I suppose you know all the details

there.

Lucinda nodded, without actual y acknowledging

anything.

“Im not going to help you with

Diane.

“Youve forgot en that I know Diane, Lucinda said evenly. “Ive

known her almost as long as Ive known you. She held Blairs eyes. “She

could be in trouble.

“Dont use my friends to blackmail me into doing something I know is

wrong, Blair said sharply.

“But I expect that Cam wil explain al that to

you.

“ Or

my

lover.

Lucinda sighed. “Blair, next to your father, youre my favorite

person in the world. But you real y can be a right pain in the ass

sometimes.

Blair smiled. “Im not going to suggest how I come by that trait

considering my role models.

“Im not exaggerating when I say that Diane may be in danger. If I know

that she was involved with Valerie Lawrence, other people do too.

Other people may think she can help them fi nd Valerie.

“Shes with me, and for the time being, I intend to keep her

with me.

“That might be a good idea, Lucinda mused. “If shes with you, shel be

under surveil ance by our people.

“Shel be safe , Blair snapped. She jumped up, too agitated to continue

to sit and pretend they were having an ordinary conversation. “God,

Lucinda! Is this what it costs to keep my father in of i ce? People you

know, people you love, become pawns?

A hint of color fl ared on Lucindas cheeks. “Sometimes it costs a great

deal more than that, Blair. It goes without saying that being under surveil

ance by the best security team in the world wil keep her safe. It also

might help us, and Id be a fool, or worse, to suggest otherwise.

Blair closed her eyes for an instant, and when she opened them again,

she gave Lucinda an apologetic look. “Im sorry. I couldnt do what you

do, and I know how necessary it is. She sat down again. “As soon as

Cam set les whatever she needs to do in this new position, Im taking

the whole team and Diane back to where weve been staying for the last

month.

Lucinda raised an eyebrow. “Cameron intends to go back with you?

She held up a hand. “Never mind. Im sure Averil wil discuss that with