by Radclyffe
“ No, its about the first daughter.
“ Yes. And I imagine that makes it all the harder.
“ Theres a reason youre my best friend, you know, Blair said softly.
“ Besides the fact that Im smart, beautiful, and well-connected in the art world?
“ Those are definite pluses, but you might be the only person other than Tanner whos ever understood that having a famous father mostly just sucks.
“ Yes, I never did think living in a mansion was all that cool when it came with a bunch of state troopers hanging out on the front porch. Diane tried not to shiver from the cold. She sensed Blairs mood beginning to lighten and wanted to keep her talking. “Tanner could relate, because she had to put up with a lot of the same thing. Not the bodyguards and everything, but having a lot expected of her because of who her father was.
“ Mmm, Blair said, patting the sand shed squeezed into a hard ball back into the ground. “Tanner understands. But shes not a girl, like you are. Its not the same.
“ You mean you wouldnt snuggle with Tanner in the dark? Diane teased.
“ Snuggling is not what I had in mind with Tanner. Definitely not when we were teenagers. Blair thought back to how wild and drop-dead sexy Tanner had been then. “And I dont think I would, even now. After all, Ive had a lot more practice resisting you.
“ Thanks, I think. Diane kissed Blairs cheek. “We have to go inside, sweetie. Ive officially frozen my ass off.
Blair reached for Dianes hand as they rose. “Thanks for coming out to get me and just forgetting it.
“ Cams going to be okay, Diane said gently. “Shes amazingly good at what she does, and besides, Felicia and Renée are with her.
“ I know. As they started back toward the house, Blair added, “Cams going to figure out a way to help Valerie, too.
“ Thats what I keep telling myself. I have to believe it, because I cant stand to think of anything else.
“ Sometimes its better not to think. Blair stiffened. “Did you hear a car door slam just then? She hurried up the stairs, tugging Diane behind her, and rushed past Hara into the kitchen. The room was empty. She raced toward the front of the house, Diane right behind her. “Paula, is someone here? Is Camoh my God!
Blair skidded to a halt, barely stopping herself from throwing her arms around a beaming Mac Phillips. He was unnaturally pale, and whereas hed always been slim and muscular, now he was simply thin. But his gaunt face was still handsome and his blue eyes bright and mercifully pain-free. She hadnt seen him for several weeks, and he had still been in the rehab center then, recovering from the gunshot wound that he had sustained while protecting her during the attack on the Aerie. “Oh my God. What are you doing here?
Mac clasped Blairs hand, half shaking it, half holding it. “I got a call late this morning from the commander to pack my bags, and Id barely finished when a Humvee with two of Tanners people showed up, andhere I am.
“ Did you know about this? Blair asked Paula.
“ No. Paula tried to look serious and in-charge, but she couldnt help grinning at their old team member. “Apparently it was arranged after we left DC. She carefully clasped Macs shoulder. “How are you doing?
“ A hell of a lot better than I was yesterday. Im officially cleared for light duty starting next week, but Ive been sitting around all this week doing nothing but going crazy. He reached down for his suitcase but Wozinski grabbed it first.
“ I have that, sir.
Mac raised an eyebrow. “Jesus, Greg. Im not your boss.
Gregs face was totally serious. “No sir. Anything you need, just let me know, sir.
Mac looked perplexed, but Blair understood. Mac had almost died trying to save her, and when an agent was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice, other agents considered them heroes. The same thing had happened to Cam when Cam had been shot in the line of duty, and Cam was just as uncomfortable with the adulation as Mac seemed to be. Blair hooked her arm through Macs and gave him a little hug. “Does Felicia know youre coming?
“ Im not sure, Mac said, blushing and looking even more handsome. “She told me about her new posting with the commander. He met Paulas gaze. “And Renées.
Paula nodded, realizing that they had more in common than ever. She and Mac were all that remained of the original team. Theyd been together before the commander took over, and now they were the veterans. And they shared something else, something almost more criticalthe women they loved were both part of the commanders OHS team. Renée and Felicia were involved in something potentially more dangerous than any of them had ever experienced. She squared her shoulders. “Shes really happy about it, and I think its exactly where she belongs.
“ Yeah. Mac nodded. “Felicia too.
“ Come on back to the kitchen, Blair said. “Are you hungry?
“ I could Mac broke off at the sound of footsteps on the front porch, and both he and Paula automatically stepped between Blair and the door, their shoulders touching, shielding her.
“ Its Tanner, a voice called as a knock sounded.
Paula opened the door just enough to check outside, blocking the view into the room. After a second, she swung the door open and Tanner Whitley strode in with her characteristic saunter, a strikingly beautiful blonde in a naval uniform by her side.
“ Mac, Tanner said. “I trust the trip went all right? Without waiting for an answer, she kissed Blair soundly on the mouth. “You look terrific.
“ You dont look too shabby either, Blair said, thinking that with her windblown dark hair, piercing dark eyes, and muscular build Tanner looked every inch the playgirl she had once been, rather than the head of a huge corporate conglomerate and the owner of Whitley Island. As usual, she was dressed in casual pants, an open collar shirt, and well-worn black boots. Blair smiled at the blonde who held Tanners hand. Adrienne was more than a decade older than Tanner, and Blair had only to see Tanner with Adrienne to know that the new peace in Tanners eyes was entirely due to Adriennes presence in her life. The gold wedding bands they wore only affirmed what was obvious from seeing them together.
“ Hello, Adrienne. How are you? The last time Blair had seen Adrienne had been immediately after 9/11. Adrienne had been spending almost all of her time at the nearby naval base where she was stationed.
“Slightly less crazy than last time we met.
“I wish we werent always dropping in on you quite so unexpectedly.
Adriennes calm blue eyes held Blairs. “Were happy to have you, anytime, under any circumstances.
Blair was certain that Cam would not have confided any of the details surrounding their precipitous return to Whitley Point to Tanner, and she knew that Tanner would not have asked, but she understood Adriennes message. Without even knowing the circumstances, Adrienne and Tanner would be there for them, whenever they were needed. To her horror, Blair felt her eyes sting with tears. “Thank you.
“Tanner, darling, Diane said, kissing Tanners cheek. “Thank you for the wine and other essentials in the guest house. She extended her hand to Adrienne. “Thanks for taking such good care of us.
“If you need anything else that our security people cant get for you, just let us know. Well see to it.
“How are you at pinochle? Blair asked.
Stark groaned. Adrienne smiled.
* * * * *
Just after midnight, the door to Blairs bedroom opened slowly and a thin shaft of pale yellow light slashed across the room.
“Cam?
“Hi baby, Cam said. “Did I wake you?
Blair rolled onto her side and turned on the bedside lamp. She canted the shade so that most of the light angled away from the bed and then sat up. “No. I wasnt sleeping. Are you all right?
“Beat, but okay. Cam sighed as she crossed to the bed. “Im going to take a shower and talk to Stark for a while, then Ill
“You dont have to shower and you can wait until tomorrow to talk to Stark. I want you to just come to bed.
Cam hesitated. “Okay. Ill
wait until the morning briefing to check in with Stark. But the shower isnt optional.
“I like the way you smell, Blair said, folding back the covers and patting the bed beside her. “If you dont get in here soon, Im going to think youre avoiding me.
“The only thing Ive been thinking about for the last twelve hours is you. Cam kissed Blair, put her weapon in the top drawer of the bedside table, and undressed rapidly. “But Im still going to shower. Ill be back in a few minutes.
Blair waited until she heard the shower running and then followed Cam into the bathroom. When Cam stepped out of the enclosure and reached for the towel that Blair held, Blair shook her head. “You just stand still. Ill do this.
“ You know what Id really like? Cam said as Blair toweled her hair and then wiped her face and neck.
“ No, darling, what? Blair bit back a murmur of concern when she saw that the bruises on Cams shoulder and hip had spread, darkening in the centers to almost black.
“ Id like that massage. Im too damn tall to sleep in the back of an SUV.
Blair knew that if Cam was asking, she was more than stiff from sleeping in the car. She was hurting. “I think that can be arranged. She dried Cams chest and stomach, then her back. Kneeling, she gently smoothed the towel over Cams buttocks, down the outside of her legs, over her calves, and up her inner thighs. “Turn around, darling.
Slowly, Cam turned. She skimmed her fingers through Blairs hair and then over her cheek. “Feels good.
Tenderly, Blair dried Cams thighs and hips, taking care with the bruise on the right side. “Youre so beautiful.
“ Lets go to bed, Cam said thickly.
Blair rose, her nipples tight beneath the T-shirt she had worn to bed. “Come on, Im not done yet. She took Cams hand and led her into the bedroom. “Lie on your stomach and get comfortable.
Cam complied, pillowing her head on her folded arms. When Blair knelt next to her, she said, “Arent you getting undressed?
“ Not just yet. Blair decided it was safer if she kept her T-shirt and panties on. Although her only intention was to help Cam relax, she became aroused any time she touched her, for any reason. Starting at the back of Cams neck, she worked her way down, pausing when she found the clusters of knotted muscles along the way and gently massaging them until they softened.
“ Jesus, Cam muttered at one point, “that feels great.
Blair smiled. “Good. Now turn over.
Cam carefully flipped over. Her limbs felt loose, her mind more than a little hazy. She was also wet. Blair knelt beside her in a short T-shirt and skimpy panties, her hair down, her face void of any makeup. Her full breasts pressed against the thin cotton as she leaned forward, her hard nipples clearly visible. Cam swept her hand up Blairs side and cupped her breast.
“ Stop that, Blair protested with more determination than she felt.
“ I want to touch you, Cam murmured.
“ Tonight is for you. Just relax.
Cam sighed but she felt so good she couldnt argue. She moved her hand to Blairs side and left it there as Blair worked.
Staying away from the bruise on Cams right shoulder, Blair circled her thumbs along the muscles under her collarbone. Cam had a warriors bodyher sleek muscles long and tight, her breasts small and round. Her nipples were neat pink circles, as compact and hard as the rest of her body. Scars marked her chest and thighthe gunshot wounds she had earned in battle. “I love you very much.
“ Makes all the difference, Cam whispered.
Blair smiled. “I know. She stroked Cams stomach, then worked her way down the front of Cams legs. As she slowly skimmed her fingers along the insides of Cams thighs, she felt a different kind of tension infuse her lovers body. She leaned down and kissed Cams stomach, then rubbed her mouth over Cams navel. “Feel good?
Cam twisted her fingers in Blairs hair. She was so relaxed she could barely move, but every nerve was singing with arousal. “Not even close.
“ That bad, huh? Blair stretched out along Cams uninjured side, resting her cheek in the center of Cams stomach. She drew one leg up over Cams and nestled her sex against Cams calf. “If you promise to lie still, Ill see if I can make you feel better.
“ Youre hot, Cam whispered, drawing strands of Blairs hair through her fingers. “I can feel how hot you are against my leg.
“ I am, Blair said, smoothing a fingertip up and down the cleft between Cams thighs. “Im very hot. And wet. Thats what happens when I touch you.
Cam groaned softly. “Seems the same thing happens to me.
“ Oh yeah?
“ See for yourself, Cam whispered, her fingers trembling as she caressed Blairs face.
“ I love this, Blair said. “I love you. Now dont move.
Cam closed her eyes as Blair softly, ever so softly, massaged her clitoris until she climaxed. Blair moaned quietly, her mouth against Cams stomach, her legs shaking as she rubbed against Cams leg until she came.
“ I didnt know it was possible to come without moving a muscle, Cam murmured, the last tendrils of tension bleeding away. “Jesus, I couldnt get up now if I had to.
“ Good, Blair said lazily, turning on her back so she could reach the lamp to turn it off. She found the sheet and pulled it over them. “Because Im not letting you get up. Maybe not for a couple of days. She turned on her side again and wrapped an arm around Cams middle. “Im so glad youre here.
Cam stroked Blairs hair and held her tightly. “I need to be here. I need you.
“ Im here. Go to sleep now, darling.
Morning would come soon enough, and when it did, the hunt would begin again. But for now, Cam accepted the peace that only Blair could bring her, and slept.
Chapter Fourteen
Thursday
M atheson smiled at the man who joined him on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. He was much younger, a stocky redhead in neatly pressed work pants and a brown leather bomber jacket with an American flag patch stitched onto the sleeve. They shook hands and moved off to one side of the rotunda as a maintenance worker began polishing the stone floor with an electric buffer. The noise made conversation difficult, but it also provided excellent cover.
“ How are things at the new compound, Colonel? Matheson asked his freshly-promoted second-in-command.
“ The men have nearly finished the barracks, sir.
“ How is morale? Matheson had lost some of his best officers during the Special Ops raid on his compound in Tennessee. Unfortunately, many of his ground troops were unseasoned volunteers who had never faced combat or even given any thought to what a real battle might be like. Now he needed to rebuild his paramilitary force and relocate his base, and some of the menmostly truck drivers and other blue-collar workerswere beginning to realize that they werent just playing at being weekend soldiers. There was a war on. And war meant casualties.
“ We lost about twenty percent of our original force to desertion, in addition to those who were captured, the redhead reported. “But were adding new men at twice the normal rate since 9/11. The patriots are rising across the nation in response to the attack.
As we predicted , Matheson thought. The only reason that he and his patriot brothers had been willing to aid the foreign insurgents was to further their own agenda. An attack on American soil was guaranteed to rally the loyal. Now, with more men joining them every day, he and his compatriots could consolidate their power base and expand their sphere of influence.
“ The FBI will undoubtedly accelerate their attempts to infiltrate our ranks now, so be vigilant, Matheson said.
“ Yes sir. Were screening carefully. The redhead hesitated. “Have we resolved the problem with the security breakdown here, sir?
Matheson shook his head. “Not yet. Take this lesson to heart, my friend. Never rely too strongly on anyone but your most trusted brothers-in-arms. He clamped a hand on the younger mans shoulder. “But, despite the unreliability of dealing with bureaucrats and low-level informants, its also useful to have sources inside the system.
We may be able to deal with all our problems another way.
“ Sir?
“ I was advised that the White House press secretary released an interesting tidbit last night, Matheson said. “Blair Powell and her deviant secret service guard intend to hold a so-called wedding ceremony. I imagine the papers will have that this morning.
The redhead grunted. “Shes an embarrassment to the entire country.
“ But the timing is good for us. If a morally outraged manor womanwere to put a stop to them, wed fulfill our mission to destabilize President Powells administration, and wed cut off a possible return route for our missing CIA agent.
“ And we could disavow any involvement.
“ Exactly. Lets call on our friends to activate someone, preferably a member of one of the splinter groupssomeone expendable who wont be traceable to us or our Conservative Coalition allies.
“ What should I tell them about the target, sir?
“ That we want both neutralized, but Roberts should be the priority.
“ Do we have their location, sir?
Matheson grimaced. “No, weve lost them temporarily, but Powells official schedule of appearances is updated daily.
“ A public assault is a suicide mission, the redhead said mildly.
“All the better, as long as heor shetakes the targets out first.
“Yes sir.
The men shook hands. “Godspeed, Colonel. “God bless America, General.
* * * * *
When Blair awoke, she was surprised to discover that Cam had gotten out of bed without waking her. Ordinarily she was a light sleeper, but she had lain awake for a long time the night before, after Cam had fallen asleep in her arms. Partly, shed still been wound up from worrying about Cam all day, but it was more than that. Felicia and Renée were staying in the guesthouse, which had been transformed into an ad hoc office for the OHS. Her security team had relocated to the main house, and Mac was probably already setting up a command center in the dining room downstairs. Diane remained in the main house at Paulas suggestion, which made it easier to protect her as well. The new arrangements made it impossible to deny that she was living in a high security complex. And now her lover was a deputy director in a national security organization that had not existed two months before. Blair was faced with the cold hard realization that, even when her father was no longer president, her life was not suddenly going to be normal. This was normal, and it was what shed been fighting to avoid all her life.
