by Radclyffe
“ God, Dana, I cant do this here.
“ Im sorry, Dana groaned, forcing her hand away from Emorys breast. “Im so sorry.
Emory pressed trembling fingers to Danas mouth. “Dont say that. I think Im the one who told you to kiss me.
“ You didnt tell me to start pawing at you, Dana said, disgusted with herself for not treating Emory more carefully. “I just couldnt stop.
“ I love knowing you want me. Emory rested her forehead against Danas. She took a slow breath and let it out. “Would you come to my cabin tonight?
Dana kissed her very carefully. “Are you sure?
Emory withdrew a key from her pocket and pressed it into Danas hand. “Im very sure.
“ When? Dana said urgently.
Emory laughed, loving the sound of desire in her voice. “I promised Blair Id partner with her at cards for a while. After that, Im all yours.
* * * * *
“ Blair seems relaxed, Marcea said.
“ Thats because shes winning. Cam leaned back on the sofa next to her mother, crossing her legs at the ankle. She sipped her wine and enjoyed the sight of Blair laughing, her hair loose, dressed in faded jeans and a navy V-neck sweater that made her eyes seem impossibly blue. At moments like this, Cam was both saddened and joyful. Blairs rare exuberance reminded her of just how much the burden of being a public figure, and lately, a secret target, weighed on her. If Cam could give her anything, it would be peace of mind. But as that was beyond her ability, she would give her as much freedom to be herself, safe and unafraid, as she could. “She loves competition.
Marcea softly tapped Cams knee. “It seems youre well matched in that regard.
Cam chuckled. “True.
“ Are you looking forward to Saturday?
“ I am. Cam shifted her gaze from her lover to her mother. “It means something, to say out loud in front of friends and family what you know to be true in your heart.
“ It does. Im so happy for you, Cameron. She touched Cams hand. “So if youre not nervous, what is it thats bothering you?
“ Nothing, Cam said quickly.
“ I imagine that doesnt work with Blair, Marcea observed easily, “any more than it does with me. Ive been hearing the things you dont say for a good many years.
Cam studied her wine. “Nothing specific, but ever since September She shrugged. “I cant help feeling something else is coming, and not knowing when or how or from where makes me uneasy.
“ This seems like an ideal location, Marcea observed. “Only one main access road, the individual cabins are not too isolated despite being private, and were halfway up a mountain. I would imagine securing your perimeter is easier here than it would be in the city.
“ You learned a lot as an ambassadors wife. Cam smiled, but they both knew caution wasnt enough. It hadnt saved her father from being killed by a car bomb.
“ Yes. Marcea took Cams hand. “You will take care of yourself while youre taking care of her, wont you?
“ I will.
“ Good. Marcea released Cams hand and scanned the people gathered in the common room. “Having a reporter this close must be a challenge.
Cam regarded Dana, who leaned against the fireplace, a beer in her hand, her moody gaze riveted to Emory. “Its working out better than I expected. Barnetts a straight shooter, and she seems to have found a way to get Blair to trust her.
“ Blair would value honesty, Marcea said. “And of course, Dana falling for a good friend probably wins points with Blair too.
“ Is that whats happening, do you think?
Marcea laughed. “I dont claim to be an expert, but even I can read whats in Danas mind right now.
Cam grunted. “Even with Dana on board we still have to allow the media some access. I held them off when we arrived today, but we have a short press conference scheduled tomorrow.
“ You dont like it.
“ No.
“ Blair must find it difficult, Marcea said.
“ Having her friends here helps.
“ Im looking forward to meeting the infamous Tanner and her captain.
“ Youll like them, Cam said. “When is Giancarlo arriving?
“ Wednesday. He had business he couldnt wrap up until then.
“ I rather thought you might be the first one to get married, Cam said.
“ Oh, Im very fond of him, but marriage is not something Im quite in the market for. I have my work, as does he, and when we do find time together, it makes the pleasure even more enjoyable.
“ I can understand that. Cam grinned as Blair whooped and raked in a fistful of cards, obviously having won a big hand. “I dont think Ill ever get tired of being around her.
“ No, I cant imagine you will, Marcea said gently. “Thats the difference between loving someone and being in love with them.
At that moment, Blair shifted in her seat and glanced in Cams direction. She grinned and mouthed I love you .
Cam smiled back, but she was thinking how dark her world had become after losing her father. She couldnt fathom losing Blair. And she knew, no matter what she had to do, she would never let that happen.
* * * * *
“ Can I talk you into the hot tub? Blair asked, hooking her arm through Cams as they navigated the snowy path to their cabin. Unlike the last time theyd stayed at the lodge, before she and Cam had become lovers, they werent staying in the main house. Doris, the owner, had insisted they take the honeymoon cabin, the last one in a line of several surrounded by trees with a large private deck and hot tub. Diane had the cabin next to Blairs, although it was barely visible now with only the moonlight illuminating the mountainside. Emory had another closer to the house, Marcea had one, and another was reserved for Tanner and Adrienne, when they arrived. Other guests and team members had rooms inside the lodge.
“ You wont even have to try hard, Cam replied.
Blair slowed as they climbed the steps to their cabin. “How are you feeling? Are your ribs hurting?
“ Nothing a few minutes in the hot tub wont cure. Cam slipped her fingers beneath Blairs hair and cupped the back of her neck, stroking her as Blair unlocked the door. “Emory looked like she was a pretty good partner.
“ We killed them. Blair pulled off her coat as she stepped into the cabin. The décor was rustic ski lodge, with comfortable sofas, chairs, and coffee table in the main room by the fireplace. A small kitchen occupied the rear of the cabin and opened onto the back deck. A door on the left led to a separate bedroom with a king-sized bed and adjoining bath. “Do you want wine?
“ Ive had enough. Cam glanced over her shoulder, noting Wozinski on the trail. She knew he would walk a perimeter around the cabin before returning to his post farther up the trail. She closed the door. “Give Greg a minute to finish out back.
“ Ill grab towels and meet you at the back door, then, Blair said.
A few minutes later, Blair reappeared in the kitchen wrapped in just a towel. Cam quickly stripped and grabbed the other towel. “I already opened the tub.
“ Good. Race you. Blair opened the back door and ran outside, Cam close on her heels. The air was sharp, cutting clean, and Blair felt wonderful. Poised on the top step of the hot tub, she turned to take in Cam, breathlessly beautiful beneath the stars. “Ive been thinking about this all evening. She slid into the steaming water.
Cam joined her, bracing both hands on the rim of the tub on either side of Blairs shoulders, legs straddling Blairs hips, trapping her. She inclined her head and kissed her. “Have you now.
“ I have. Blair gripped Cams hips. “Ive been thinking about how you taste.
“ Ive been thinking about this too, and my picture was a little different. Cam eased a hand between their bodies until she cupped the hot, silky mound between Blairs legs. Blair spread her arms out along the edge of the tub and let her head fall back, her lids heavy, her breath coming slow and deep.
“ Mmm, Blair murmured. “I definitely like your picture.
“ Good. Cam sque
ezed rhythmically, her thumb swiping the base of Blairs clitoris each time she massaged her. She kissed her mouth, her neck, and nipped at the skin beneath her ear. The muscles in Blairs arms stood out as she clutched the side of the tub, her hips rising and falling below the bubbling water.
“ Feel good? Cam muttered, her teeth raking the column of Blairs neck.
“ Better than. Blair swirled her hips in invitation. “I want you inside.
“ Youll come.
Blair laughed, her throat arched and exposed. “Youre right, I will. I want to.
Cam licked the mist from the hollow at the base of Blairs throat and slipped into her. Instantly, Blair closed around her fingers and Cam groaned. She sucked the tight muscle that ran along the pounding pulse, murmuring her approval when Blair covered her hand and pushed her fingers deeper.
“ God, Cam, I love you, Blair whispered. “Im getting close.
“ I love you. Cam settled onto the bench and pulled Blair into her lap. Blairs arms came around her neck and Cam cradled her against her body as she moved slowly inside her. Blairs clitoris stirred against her palm and Blair made a small broken sound. “You like that, baby?
Blair pressed her face to Cams neck, her hands fitful on Cams shoulders. “Im going to come.
Cam kissed her eyes, her mouth, and rocked her gently even as she pushed in short, hard thrusts between her legs. “Youre beautiful, so beautiful.
Blair arched in Cams arms and gave one sharp cry before shuddering uncontrollably for several moments. Cam didnt move as Blair tightened and pulsed around her.
“ Ah, God, Blair sighed. “I cant believe I havent gotten used to you yet. I cant last even when I want to.
“ Why try? We can always do it again.
Lazily, Blair lifted her head and combed her fingers through Cams hair. “Lets go inside. I want you in my mouth.
“ Jesus, Cam groaned, her stomach tightening. “I think you could talk me into an orgasm right about now.
Laughing, Blair stood, water cascading from her flushed body. She held out her hand. “Lets find out.
* * * * *
From his blind in the forest a hundred yards away, Matheson watched through the night goggles, first as the presidents daughter climaxed with a wild cry of triumph, then as she stood naked in the moonlight a few moments later. Had he not just seen her waste her power and her beauty on another woman, he would have thought her perfect. Although his penis was hard, his mind was clear. She was tainted, defiled. If her death served the cause, she might at last be redeemed.
He hunkered down inside the thermal bag, shifting to make room for the sniper rifle cradled like a lover along his side. It would not be long now.
Chapter Twenty-one
A t the sound of soft knocking on her cabin door, Emory took two steps forward, then faltered to a stop. Her hands were shaking. Her entire body was shaking. Shed never done anything remotely like this in her life.
“ Emory, Dana called softly from the other side. “Everything is negotiable.
Smiling, Emory found her legs and made it to the front door. She pulled it open, a blast of frigid air streaking past her as if determined to put the fire out on the opposite side of the room. Dana stood hunched in the doorway, her hands in the pockets of her jacket, her hair windblown.
“ Come inside. You look like youre freezing.
“ It took me a few minutes to make it onto the porch.
Emory closed the door and leaned back against it. “Really? So Im not the only one whos nervous?
“ Not by a long shot.
Dana unzipped her jacket. Beneath it she wore a dark T-shirt tucked into her jeans. It was easy for Emory to see the curve of her breasts outlined by the tight material. Dana wasnt wearing a bra, and that simple knowledge made Emory tighten inside. She pressed her hands flat against the door, willing herself to stay in place. Her mind couldnt quite make sense of what she was doing, but her body labored under no such confusion. She wanted to touch Dana, everywhere. She remembered what Dana had said on the porch just a few hours before. I want to kiss you, everywhere. Imagining it, Emory grew wet. “I cant believe I invited you to come to my cabin for sex.
Dana smiled crookedly. “You did, didnt you.
Mutely, Emory nodded.
“ We dont have to, you know. Dana indicated her jacket. “Do you mind if I take this off?
“ Of course not. Theres wine in the refrigerator. Some fruit and cheese too, compliments of the lodge. Would you like some?
Dana shrugged out of her jacket and hung it on a coat tree just inside the door. Closer now to Emory, she took her hand. Emorys fingers were cold, despite the fact that the room was warm. The look in Emorys eyes had gone from stark confusion to wary interest over the last few minutes. Better, but not anywhere near comfortable enough for them to do anything other than talk. “Lets sit by the fire. Im not hungry for anything except your company.
“ You say the nicest things, Emory whispered.
“ All true. Dana drew Emory to the sofa in front of the fire and sat down, coaxing Emory to curl up by her side. She shifted until her back was in the corner and Emory reclined in her embrace. Dana wrapped her arms around her, both hands resting lightly on Emorys midsection, and kissed her. “This is nice.
Emory threaded her arm around Danas waist and rested her head on Danas shoulder. She loved the way Danas body felt, hard and strong, but yielding in just the right way. They fit together effortlessly. She kissed Danas neck and felt her stiffen. “Dont you like that?
“ No, I do. Dana swallowed and stroked Emorys hair. “I like it a lot. She turned slightly onto her side and stretched so they lay facing each other on the sofa. “Being close to you like thisI cant think of much else except how good it feels.
“ It feels good to me too. Emory traced trembling fingers along Danas jaw. “I appreciate you not rushing me.
“ Like I said, everything is negotiable. Dana shifted, easing her leg between Emorys thighs. Her stomach was tight with excitement and her clit ached. She struggled not to move, not to press herself against Emory. “Weve done pretty well with the kissing so far. That would probably be safe.
“ Oh, you think so? Emory laughed shakily. “I never got excited lying next to a man this way. Not like I am now. She caressed Danas back, then her ass. Her breath came faster as the surface of her skin became electric, her vision tunneling until all she saw was Danas face. “Kiss me, and well see how long we last.
Not long, Dana thought, as she covered Emorys mouth with hers. She teased with her tongue, sucked gently, licked the full, soft surface of Emorys lips. Emory moved in her arms, unconsciously seductive, and Dana tightened her hold. Unwilling to break the kiss, even to breathe, she grew dizzy and desperate with need. Finally, she pulled away with a short gasp. “Time. I need a break.
“ Why? Emorys eyes were cloudy, her face soft with arousal. She stroked Danas cheek before running her hand down the flat of Danas chest and cupping her breast through her T-shirt. Dana groaned and arched her back.
“ God, Emory, Im so wound up. I cant
“ I want to make love to you, Emory whispered. “Can I do that? I think if I touch you, I wont be so afraid.
Dana forced back her desire. “What are you afraid of?
“ Of losing myself in this terrible need I have for you.
“ Whatever you want, whatever you need, Dana whispered. “We can stop now.
“ Could you? Emory asked urgently. “Because I cant. I dont want to. Will you let me touch you?
Dana nodded, knowing she was already lost.
“ In the bedroom. I want to be able to see you, touch you. Emory pushed Dana away gently. “Lets go in the bedroom.
Dana stood, her legs unsteady. When Emory rose, she circled her shoulders, and Emory grasped the back of her jeans. Together they walked to the bedroom. Emory turned on a lamp on the dresser.
“ Should I take off my clothes? Dana asked.
Emory pulled down the covers, then, with her eyes o
n Dana, she lifted her sweater over her head and let it fall. She wore nothing beneath it. “Come here.
Dana obeyed, her gaze lifting from Emorys softly swaying breasts to her face. “God.
Smiling, Emory gripped Danas T-shirt and pulled it from her jeans. When the backs of her fingers brushed Danas stomach, Dana moaned. Emory looked down, surprised to see Danas hands clenched at her sides. “Whats wrong?
“ Dont you know how beautiful you are? I want to touch you. Danas voice was hoarse, strained with the effort to contain her surging arousal.
“ Then you should. Emory lifted Danas hands to her breasts. When Danas fingers closed around her, she tilted her head back and sighed. “I love the way your hands feel on me. I fantasized about your fingers on my nipples, squeezing th She groaned when Dana did. The faint roughness of Danas skin was exactly as shed imagined. “Yes. Like that. She leaned heavily against Dana as her arousal spilled from her. “But you cant do that to me any longer. Ill get too excited and forget what Im doing.
With a choked groan, Dana dropped her head to Emorys shoulder, dragging her hands down to Emorys waist. “Im not sure how long I can take this, Emory. If I touch you again, I wont be able to stop.
“ Just a little while. Just be patient a little while. Emory ran her hands up and down Danas back, tracing the hard muscles along either side of her spine. Then, pulling back just enough to get her hands between them, she unzipped and unbuttoned Danas jeans and pushed them down. Dana was nude beneath these too, and discovering it, Emory gave a small cry of pleasure. “I love your body.
“ I dont usually come easily, Dana confessed, “but right now I feel likeIm on the edge, Emory.
“ Whatever happens, its all right, Emory soothed, rubbing the back of Danas neck. She kissed her and felt Dana quiver against her. It was heady, knowing she could do this to her. She probed her mouth, slowly and thoroughly, until they were both shuddering. Then she stepped back, opened her slacks, and swept the remaining barriers away. “Your jeans. Take them off.
