Honor Under Siege

“The sadness will disappear the longer shes with Diane.

Cam rubbed her cheek over Blairs hair. “Mine did.

“Cam, Blair wrapped her arms around Cams waist and

caressed her back. “You sound a little sad right now.

Silently, Cam shook her head and kissed Blairs throat, then brushed

her lips over Blairs ear. “I love you.

Blair leaned back, keeping her thighs tight against Cams, and

smoothed her palms over Cams chest. “Oh, darling. I love you too.

Now tel me the bad news. I know you didnt interrupt me just to

remind me why I love you so much.

Cam winced. “I need to talk to you about an operation were planning,

and I

need you not to tel

Diane.

“Please Cam. I cant just stand by and watch Diane be

used

Cam shook her head. “Its not like that. Its not that I dont want her to

know, but its not your place or mine to tel her about it. Its Valeries.

Blair snapped of the spotlights, leaving only the fireplace to il uminate

the room, and walked a few feet away to face the fire. Cam watched

the red glow cast Blair in shadows and dreaded the distance that was

about to come between them.

“Valerie is going to arrange a meet with her handler, Cam

added.

“Is that safe?

Cam said

nothing.

“You dont know, do you? Thats the reason for the meeting, to try towhat,

make him show his hand?

“Something

like

that.

“This was Valeries idea? Blair glanced back at Cam. Beyond her,

through the window, the night sky was devoid of moon or stars. The

ocean was a distant thunder that might have been the sound of bombs fal

ing.

“Yes, Cam said, “but I was going to suggest it if she

hadnt.

Blair shook her head wearily. “You two are far more alike than I ever

realized.

She paused, her expression rueful. “Appearances can sometimes

be so deceiving. Valerie looks so much like the woman she was

supposed to bethe kind of woman who would spend her time acquiring

fine art and appreciating the company of a handsome woman like you

in her bed.

“Blai

r

“And of course, Blair went on undeterred, “she is those things, isnt

she? But shes also as single-minded and stubborn andand reckless, in

her way, as you and al the rest. Blair threw up her hands. “God,

Cameron. Is there no other way?

“We dont think

so.

“I know there are things youre not tel ing me, but you dont need to spel

it out for me to know how dangerous this is. How worried about you

do I need to be?

Cam kept her gaze steady but she flashed on Valerie, alone, with a man

who very probably wanted to kil her. “Il be backup. Its far more

dangerous for her.

Blair tilted her head as if listening to something that hung in the air

between them. “Youre frightened. Frightened for her.

“I always worry about my

team

“No, its more than that. Blair closed the distance between them and

set led her hands lightly on Cams waist. “Its okay. I know how you feel

about her.

Cam shook her head. “No. You

dont.

Blair smiled wistful y. “You are everything in the world to me. And you

love me perfectly, Cam. Perfectly.

“I wish I did. Cam frowned as she skimmed her fingers through Blairs

hair. “But

I swear Ive never loved anyone like I love you, and never

wil .

“See what I mean? Blair kissed her softly. “Perfectly. She

traced the column of Cams neck and slid her fingers underneath

the collar of her blue button-down shirt. “Id like to ask you a

favor.

“Ill do it if I

can.

“Let Savard lead the operation. Youre too close to Valerie and

Im afraid of what youll do if shes in trouble.

Cam rested her forehead against Blairs. “I have the most

experience with operations like this. Savard is not a hundred

percent. I cant let Valerie do this without the best backup

possible. She looked deeply into Blairs eyes. “It has to be me.

When Blair framed Cams face, her hands trembled. “Promise

me that you will not sacrifice yourself for her. I dont care about

your duty. I dont care about your honor. I care that you come

home to me. So you promise me that.

“I Cam thought about what it meant to have Valerie and

Savard and the others place their trust in her, to lead them

into danger with the pledge that she would guard their wel -

being with her life. She thought about what it meant to ask for

the love of a woman. She had asked for Blairs love, and her

vow had been sworn the first time Blair had said I love you

and she had not walked away. “I promise.

* * * * *

Diane found Valerie on the beach.

“Im sorry if you wanted to be alone. She kept both hands in

the pockets of her coat, even though she wanted to touch her.

“Savard and Felicia came up to the house for a late supper and

said that youd gone for a walk.

Valerie slid both arms around Dianes shoulders and kissed

her softly on the mouth. “Dont apologize. Im glad to see you. Im

sorry I lost track of time.