Reese stiffened in shock, then she was lost. She yielded to the pressure against her mouth, closing her eyes, surrendering to the waves of heat that coursed through her. She felt no pain, except an ache that tore at her more than any bullet ever could. She tried to pull Tory closer, knowing that only her touch could satisfy the longing.
"Ah, Jesus -" she gasped as Tory wrenched away. "Tory, please dont stop. I need you to- "
Tory pressed trembling fingers to Reeses lips, drawing a tremulous breath. "This is insane! God, I want you so much!" She took a step back, groping for Reeses shirt. "Put this on before I totally lose my mind!"
Reese groaned in frustration. "This is killing me! Id rather be shot!"
Tory laughed grimly. "Dont tempt me, Conlon! I swear to God Im not responsible for my actions! Now get dressed. Were going to my place. You need to rest."
Reese slowly rose to a sitting position, fixing Tory with an icy glare. "What I need, Doctor King, is for you not to run from me every time we kiss!"
Tory slumped against the wall, struggling for words as she watched Reese fumble into her bloody shirt. "I dont want to. Its just - Ive never felt quite like this! And now is certainly not the time for sex! You may not think anything of it, but youve just been shot!"
Reese grinned despite herself. "Actually I think quite a lot about it. It hurts like hell. But just now, when you kissed me, all I felt was you." She tried standing, then crossed the distance between them, resting her hands lightly on Torys waist. "Ive missed you. You havent been to the dojo all week. I wanted to call, but I didnt know if you wanted me to. When you touch me - I- it rips holes in my soul."
Tory couldnt look at her any longer. There was too much wanting in Reese's face. She sidestepped out of her grasp, catching her hand as she did. "Come on. Let me get you out of here. Youre going to crash any minute."
Reese relented, allowing Tory to lead her to the Jeep. As they drove through the night exhaustion finally claimed her. She was asleep by the time Tory pulled into her drive.
**********
"Is she asleep?"
"Closer to unconscious," Tory sighed as she leaned against the deck rail. "Let me have one of your cigarettes."
Catherine raised an eyebrow but handed the pack to her sister while they both waited for another imminent sunrise.
"Is she going to be alright?"
"Yes," Tory murmured as she blew out a soft stream of smoke.
"Are you?"
Tory laughed shakily. "I dont think so."
She took another deep drag on her cigarette, enjoying the acrid bite of the harsh fumes. It suited her disquieting unrest. "I dont know what Im going to do about her."
"You know, Tor, theres something really spooky about her."
Tory looked at her sister in surprise. "What do you mean?"
Catherine stared out over the harbor, her voice pensive. "I had the strangest experience just now - when I was helping you put her to bed. I have never seen anyone quite so beautiful. I mean, it was like looking at a painting of some ancient goddess-warrior queen or something. I was standing there, staring at this naked woman like an idiot, when she opens her eyes and looks right at me. Thank you" was all she said, and I thought my heart would break. She seemed so innocent. She reminded me of my children. Not their helplessness, but their untarnished goodness. But that cant be, can it? There arent any adults like that! Tell me, Tor, what do you see?"
Tory smiled softly as she reflected on the woman asleep upstairs in her bed. "She is the most infuriatingly noble person I have ever met. She believes in doing the right thing," her voice caught and she brushed impatiently at the tears clinging to her lashes, "even if it kills her."
She stubbed the cigarette out carefully, continuing in a quiet tone, "And that is as near to innocence as you can get."
"It would be hell to be in love with her," Catherine ventured.
"Yes."
"Its hard not to fall in love with her," Catherine laughed.
"Impossible."
"This place cant always be so dangerous, can it? I mean, whats the chance shell ever get shot again?"
Tory shuddered at the thought. "Cath, she is going to ride out on her white charger every day of her life, and if it isnt her body in danger, it will be her heart. She has layers of armor, but one kid in trouble tears her apart."
"Anybody with half a brain would stay away from her," Catherine concluded.
"Yes."
"You know what the real problem is with people like her? The heroes - well, heroines, I guess."
"What?" Tory asked.
"Theyre so single-minded. Everything is either black or white. Like with love - it has to be this grand passion, you know? Nothing halfway. Mate for life, die in the name of it..."
"Dont, Cath," Tory warned.
"Why not, big sister? Are you scared that you might love her?"
"Yes," Tory shouted, the terror and strain of the last six hours finally erupting. "Yes Im scared! Because Ive known her three months, and Ive kissed her exactly twice, and shes claimed some essential place in me. I cannot imagine what life would be like without her. The last four years - even the time with K.T.- seem like pale imitations compared to what she stirs in me! Now tell me I havent lost my mind!!"
Catherine slipped an arm around Torys shoulders, hugging her in the chill morning air. "You have lost your mind. Thats what happens when you fall in love."
"Ive been in love - I loved K.T. with all my heart. But this! This is too much. She is too goddamned much! This isnt my heart were talking about, this is my soul! I could lose myself here, Cath. When I saw her go down tonight, I thought she was dead. I felt something inside of me begin to die, too. That terrifies me, Cath. I cant let this happen."
"Yes, I know," Catherine rejoined softly. "But whats your alternative?"
"I dont know."
As a brilliant sun broke through the cloud cover, the two sisters stood in silence, wearily awaiting the new day.
Chapter Seventeen
Reese lay with her eyes closed, listening to Tory breathe. She took cautious stock of her body. Her side throbbed, but when she carefully stretched, it didnt feel any worse. She continued to ease her long limbs out until she turned onto her side. She opened her eyes, and studied the woman beside her. Tory was wearing a light tee shirt and loose green scrub pants. The tanned flesh of her smooth abdomen was exposed where the shirt had rolled up. One hand rested on her thigh, the other on the bed between them. Her breasts stretched the front of the thin cotton, rising gently with each breath. Her wavy hair was spread out over the pillow, a few wisps clinging to her cheek. Reese caught the loose strands with one finger, lightly brushing Torys cheek as she did. Tory smiled slightly in her sleep. Reese couldnt remember ever being this close to another human being. She laid her hand against the bare skin of Torys abdomen, rewarded by a flicker of muscle and a soft sigh from the sleeping woman. Warmth spread up her arm, and she tightened deep within. Leaning on her uninjured side, she watched Torys face in wonder as she gently stroked the curve of her rib. Torys lips parted as Reese reached the swell of her breast, and when Reeses hand closed around the sensitive mound, Tory gasped. Her delicate lids fluttered, then opened as insistent fingers caught her nipple in a teasing caress.
"Oh!" Tory moaned, searching the face so near hers. Hazy blue eyes swallowed her whole. "Reese," she murmured brokenly as the hand slid to her other breast. Her back arched in response to this new sensation. "Oh god, wait -"
"No," Reese stated, her breath quickening with Torys, "I wont." She lowered her lips to the taut nipple her exploring hand exposed, catching it lightly in her teeth. Torys hands came into Reese's hair, holding her there, as the breath fled from Torys chest.
Reeses fingers stroked the quivering flesh of Torys abdomen as her mouth moved from one breast to the other. Blood rushed in her head, and the inner tension coiled tighter with each groan from Torys throat.
"Oh please, Reese - stop," Tory moaned, knowing she could no more pus
h her away than she could stop breathing. Her control was shattered, and her need so powerful! Her legs twisted against the sheets, wetness soaking through the light cotton of her scrub pants.
"Never," Reese rasped, raising her head, capturing Torys emerald gaze with her own. "Not this time. Not ever."
Tory stared back into eyes full of fire and promise, unable to look away as her body became not hers, but something Reese commanded with the slightest of caresses. Her vision grew cloudy as a long-fingered hand stole beneath the ties of her pants. She whimpered, aching, when fingers brushed over the fine hair at the base of her belly. For a second she couldnt breathe at all. She clenched her jaws to keep from crying out. Her hips rose of their own accord, seeking that elusive stroke.
Gasping, she turned her face away. "Reese, if you touch me Ill explode-" oh god, you're going to make me come
"Look at me, Tory," Reese demanded softly, her fingers caressing the velvet inner thighs, allowing her fingertips to stray into the heat. She parted the soft folds, teasing the delicate moist lips surrounding the distended clit.
"Oh, god," Tory sobbed, surrendering to those eyes. Her pelvis lifted, the muscles in her thighs tightening. When finally Reese stroked the length of her clitoris, pressing the stiff shaft, she came instantly. She could no more stop the scream than she could halt the eruption that rocketed through her. Her last conscious sensation was of Reeses mouth claiming hers as her body convulsed.
**********
An insistent tapping at the door roused her. Tory reached for a sheet to cover Reeses nakedness. She was still in her clothes, although the scrub pants pushed down on her hips reminded her guiltily of her earlier abandon. Reese slept soundly beside her, one arm encircling her waist possessively. Tory quickly scanned the gauze taped to Reeses side, noting with relief that there was no sign of fresh bleeding
"Tory?" Catherine called softly.
"Come in, Cath," Tory answered, straightening her clothes hastily.
If Catherine was surprised by the sight of her sister holding the woman she had only hours before claimed was "too much" for her, she didnt show it. She simply crossed the room to stand by the bed, whispering urgently, "Theres a horde of people downstairs threatening to come up here if they dont get a progress report on your, uh, patient'." She couldnt hide her grin. "This might strike them as unorthodox treatment."
"It strikes me that way, too," Tory said with real concern.
"Well, ease your conscience, Doctor," Reese said, opening her eyes. "It wasnt your idea." She flashed Catherine a smile, who grinned back. "Who are they?"
"Your boss, two kids who look like punk rockers, and your family."
"My family?" Reese repeated uncertainly.
"Your mother and her lover."
Reese started to rise. "I better get down there."
"Not so fast," Tory ordered, swinging out from under the sheets. "I need to check you over first." She tossed her sister a stern look. "Tell them Ill be with them in a minute."
Reese started to protest, then thought better of it when she saw the look on Torys face. She lay back quietly with a sigh. Catherine decided her sister was not in the mood for levity and made a hasty retreat.
"This looks fine," Tory said as she inspected the wound. "How do you feel?"
"Like a million bucks," Reese responded, unable to contain a grin. Tory glared at her. "Okay, it stings like hell, but I dont feel too bad." She grasped Torys hand, suddenly serious, "Tory-"
Tory extracted her hand to reach for new bandages, determinedly avoiding eye contact. "You ambushed me this morning, Conlon." She bent her head to work on the dressings.
Reese slipped a hand into Torys hair, stroking it back from her face, running her palm along the edge of her jaw. "I didnt mean to," Reese whispered, tracing one finger down the side of Torys neck. "You are so beautiful. I had to touch you, and then nothing could have stopped me."
"Youre doing it again," Tory choked, finally looking at Reese. Her eyes were hazy, almost wounded with desire.
"Cant help myself," Reese murmured, her hand behind Torys neck, pulling her near for a kiss.
Tory placed both arms straight against the bed on either side of Reese, stopping her forward descent. "Neither can I, it seems," she groaned, "but one of us has to. Please stop."
"I cant look at you without wanting you," Reese confessed, not loosening her hold. Every fiber of her body was taut with nearly unbearable tension.
Tory laughed shakily, "God, Im glad. But if you dont take your hands off me this minute I will not be responsible for my actions, and youre in no condition for what I want to do to you. Besides that, were likely to have an audience if were not downstairs soon."
"Tory," Reese implored, her breath constricting in her chest, "just kiss meplease."
Tory couldnt have resisted the plea in her eyes if twenty men trooped into the room. She took Reese's mouth with bruising authority, shocked by her own possessiveness. Reese opened to her, her whole body pressing urgently upward. When Torys hand claimed her breast, fingers squeezing hard on the erect nipple, Reese groaned, shuddering convulsively. Unbelievingly, Tory felt a rolling tide of tremors rage through the woman in her arms. She raised her head, stunned, as Reese clung to her, shaking.
"Ah, god-" Reese gasped, collapsing against the pillows. "One kiss and Im wasted."
"Did what I think just happened really happen?" Tory asked in wonder.
Reese smiled shyly. "It seems to be happening every time we touch."
Torys mouth was dry, her head pounding. "Every time?"
"This morning, with you- "
"Oh my god," Tory said, shocked. "Youre incredible - in fact, youre dangerous. You are definitely not safe on the streets of Provincetown." She brushed her fingertips over Reeses face in awe, amazed by the feelings just looking at her inspired. "Im getting up, because if I dont Im going to make love to you for the rest of the day."
"Dont think Im going to let you forget that!" Reese warned.
**********
Conversation stopped, every eye in the room on Reese when she walked out onto the deck. She was wearing a pair of Torys jeans and a frayed cotton shirt, both of which were a little snug. Tory hoped no one was looking her way, because she was afraid what she was feeling might show on her face. Reese had to be the most captivating woman she had ever seen, and the most desirable. The urge to touch her was physically painful. To her great consternation, when Reese smiled at her, she blushed.
"Are you all right, darling?" Kate asked anxiously.
"I am, Mother. Just fine."
Kate looked to Tory, uncertain whether to believe her daughter. She was in time to catch the look that passed between the two of them. She was first surprised, then immensely pleased. She relaxed perceptibly, as she added, "Jean and I just had to be sure."
"Doctor King is taking very good care of me."
Tory blushed a deeper crimson as Reese grinned rakishly at her. Im going to kill her for this! Tory thought.
Mercifully, Nelson spoke, dispelling the silence and drawing Reeses eyes from her. "The doctors say Smith is going to be okay, too. Thanks to the both of you. You sure youre okay?"
"Yes, sir. Im fine."
"Theres been a lot of calls from reporters. This is big news. Theyre camping out over at your place. Id stay clear of there for a few days."
"She can stay here," Tory responded.
"Good," Nelson rejoined. "So Ill see you in five or six days."
"Excuse me?" Reese asked in confusion.
"The Doc said youd be okay for desk duty next week."
"Desk duty?" She turned to Tory in astonishment. "Desk duty!!"
"What I actually said was that you might be ready for desk duty next week," Tory replied stonily. Her expression suggested any further discussion from either of them would be extremely unwise.
"Right," Reese conceded, deciding to fight this particular battle another day. Nelson seemed satisfied that his irreplaceable second in command was in good hands. "Y
ou coming, Bri?" he asked as he turned to leave.
"I want to talk to Reese. Ive got my motorbike."
"Well, be careful with that damn thing if youre carrying a passenger," he admonished with a nod toward Caroline.
Bri gave her father a look which suggested he had just insulted her. The stiffening of her shoulders and the tilt of her chin reminded Tory of Reese. Oh Lord, not another bull-headed baby butch!
"Im always careful, especially when Im carrying Caroline," Bri replied as if her father should know better than to suggest otherwise.
It was his turn to look confused. He was rescued by Torys suggestion that they all go inside and have some lunch. Nelson declined, but Reeses mother and Jean offered to lend a hand. They followed Tory inside.
"Ill be right there," Reese said. Turning to the two young women she asked, "Whats up?"
The instant her father started down the path to his car, Bri clasped Carolines hand. Her eyes were smoldering with anger. "Someones been bothering Caroline," she seethed.
Reese nodded seriously. "Sit down. Start at the beginning."
"At first I didnt pay much attention," Caroline informed her. "There were some notes pushed into my locker - the usual stupid stuff."
"What did they say?" Reese asked.
Caroline glanced at Bri, uncomfortable. Reese waited. With a sigh, Caroline recounted, "They just called me names. You know, like dyke and queer. Then last week" She hesitated again, and Bri stared at her suspiciously.
"What? Is there something you didnt tell me?" Bri asked.
Caroline nodded, looking miserable. "Someone wrote if I knew what was good for me Id get rid of Brianna and find a man. Otherwise theyd show me what I was missing. And now I think someone is following me."
"Motherfuckers," Bri swore, dropping Carolines hand as she stormed across the deck. She grasped the railing with all her strength to hide the trembling. Caroline started to follow, close to tears. Reese motioned for her to wait.
"Your anger is just," Reese said when she joined Bri at the rail. "But if you let it, it will make you weak. If you don't control it, it will strike anyone in its path. You will hurt those who love you."
Radclyffe - Safe Harbor 01 - Safe Harbor Page 15
