Radclyffe - Honor Under Siege

to be wrong when your safety is at stake. Cam took one step closer and

rested her fingertips lightly on the outside of Blairs thighs. “No one

knows what real y happened in September. We dont know how

much of the attack was orchestrated outside the country and what

part insurgents inside the country might have played. But we know

someone got very very close to you. She hesitated.

“Say it, Cameron. Al of it. Blair pressed Cams hands to her legs,

covering them with her own. Shed been wrong about not being able

to think when Cam touched her. As the distance dissipated she could

hear her far more clearly.

“Theres no reason to think they wont try again, Cam said. “Until

we have

Matheson, until we have Valerie, the risk is greater than Im

comfortable with.

“Im not the only one at risk, Blair said softly. “Have you forgot en

someone tried to run you down?

“That might not even be

related.

Blair gave her a look. “What does Stark say about

Saturday? Irritation flared in Cams dark eyes. “I havent

discussed it with her. “Because

Cam grimaced. “Because I havent managed the transition to her as your

security

chief

very

wel .

“You take a lot on yourself,

Commander.

“I love you, Cam

whispered.

“Oh I know. Blair said. “What if you dont find either Matheson or

Valerie?

“We wil

.

“Al right, until you find them, what do you suggest I do? It could be

months. Years.

“Are you trying to make me say things that wil piss

you of ?

“Wel , I do enjoy makeup sex. Blair lifted Cams hand and kissed the top

of it. “But Im trying something new. Im working on being reasonable

and rational.

“I think maybe youre more dangerous this way than when youre flat-out

furious, Cam grumbled. She eased forward until she was completely

between Blairs legs, then wrapped her arms around Blairs waist and

pul ed her forward until Blairs crotch rested against her middle.

“Im not ready for the makeup sex yet, Blair whispered, wrapping

her arms around Cams neck. “So dont get any closer.

Cam rested her forehead against Blairs. “Youre cal ing the

shots.

“Hardly, Blair murmured, running her fingers through Cams hair. “I

understand why youre not happy about the fundraiser, but it was

scheduled months ago and if I cancel now, it wil seem as if were

afraid. Add to that the newspaper headlines this morning, and it wil

also look like Im ashamed of us. Neither of those things is true. Its not

going to get any bet er, darling, because if its not Matheson, there wil

be someone or something else that poses a threat.

“Unfortunately, youre right. Cam sighed. “Assuming we do this, there are

going to be a lot more press than usual.

Blair grimaced. “I

know.

“Have you given any thought to what youre going to say about the

wedding?

“Wel , if its al right with you, I was thinking that Id say that Im deeply

in love with you and plan to spend the rest of my life with you,

and since thats traditional y the situation when people get married,

thats my plan, too. Blair nuzzled Cams neck. “What are you going to

say?

Cam grinned and kissed Blair. “If its al right with you, I just thought Id

say that Ive never met anyone who was bet er in bed, so it seemed like

marrying you was the smart thing to do.

“Real y? Blair skimmed her lips along the edge of

Cams jaw.

“Real y. Cam dragged Blair another inch forward, her hands cupping

Blairs butt.

“I think I like your reasoning, Blair

whispered.

“And I think we need to finish this conversation in

private.

Blair nibbled on Cams neck, then bit her. “See, its not so dif icult for us

to come to an agreement.

Chapter Sixteen

Saturda

y

Y oure not ready for field duty, Paula said. Renée clipped her Sig Sauer

to the waistband of her flaring black silk pants, set ling the pistol at the

middle of her back. Then she pul ed a dark green, notched col ared

jacket on over her black

shel and closed it loosely with a wide belt. She checked first that the lie

of the jacket was smooth, concealing her holstered weapon, and then

that she could draw unencumbered by any snag in her clothing. Satisfied

that the short jacket covered her weapon but wasnt going to interfere

with it, she checked her makeup in the mirror over the dresser.

After slipping into black heels, high enough for a formal event but low

enough to run in, she walked over to sit next to Paula on the sofa in their

hotel room.

“Im Dianes escort. Its not exactly field

duty.

“Youre split ing hairs. Just because youre wearing a fancy outfit, Paula

said, smoothing her hand up and down Renées thigh, “doesnt

mean youre not providing protection.

“I know, sweetie. Renée caught Paulas hand and held it. “And I

promise if al the standing around starts to get to me, Il signal for help.

But I can handle this. Real y.

Paula sighed. “Im not doubting you. Im just a lit le

worried.

“Of

what?

“Has it occurred to you that were al operating of the radar ever since

we left

Washington

?

“You mean because were not reporting to some desk jockey who doesnt

know what it is that we do half the time anyway?

Paula laughed. “Yeah, I think thats what I

mean.

“Sweetie, were on Cameron Robertss radar. Il take her being in charge

over some SAC or deputy director Ive never seen and whos never had

my back in a firefight. What about you?

“Yeah,

me

too.

Renée slipped her arm around Paulas waist and turned her lovers face

toward hers with one finger on her chin. “Im real y okay. You know

that, right?

“You stil looked tired, Paula said, adding quickly, “ but , I can tel youre

feeling better.

“Oh yeah? Renée kissed her lightly on the lips.

“How? Paula grinned. “Youre sleeping better.

Renée kissed her again, a lit le more firmly. “Is

that al ?

“Youre walking bet er. No

cane.

“Mmm-hmm, Renée said, trailing a line of kisses along the edge of

Paulas jaw.

“Honey, Paula said just a lit le breathlessly. “Wel mess your

makeup.

“Oh, like I care, Renée

whispered.

“You know I cant have sex before a big game. Paula eased away. “It

saps my strength and makes my brain sluggish.

Laughing, Savard skimmed her hand inside Paulas jacket and over her

breasts. “Are you afraid youl forget al the big plays and run toward

the wrong end zone?

Paula jumped up and backed away. “No fair touching when youre just

teasing. You know I get excited.

Renées eyes glit ered. “Do you

now?

“Renée, Paula said, hearing her own voice rise with a combination of

excitement and nerves. “Im leaving now. Im going to Wozinskis room

for the briefing. She held out her arm, palm facing forward. “ Dont get

up.

“I know the schedule. Youre not briefing for an hour,

Chief.

“I want to review everything by myself,

first.

Renée smiled. “Okay sweetie. I know youve got a lot on your mind. She

rose and kissed Paula on the cheek. “But when were back here tonight,

Im going to show you just how much Ive recovered.

“Il look forward to a demonstration. Be careful

tonight.

“You