Honor Under Siege

“Wil you tel me what youre going to

do?

Valerie hesitated and the silence that closed in around them was more

frightening than anything shed ever known. “When I know, Il tel you.

“Thank

you.

“I know Im asking a lot of you,

but

“I have no idea why people fal in love, Diane said. “Or why we need to.

But I do know this about youyoure strong but youre lonely, and you

can survive without love, but you long for it. You need me, and I need

you. None of the rest matters.

“Youre the only person Ive ever let myself truly need, Valerie said

so softly

Diane could barely hear her. “If I lost you

now

“Im not going anywhere, I promise. Diane lifted Valeries face

between her hands and kissed her, softly at first, then more deeply. She

guided Valerie on top of her until their legs entwined and their bodies

melded. Her kisses grew

insistent as she urged Valeries hips to move with hers, cal ing to her

without words, marrying their bodies and hearts with the force of her

passion and desire.

“I love you, Valerie

murmured.

Dianes breath quickened as Valerie groaned and thrust harder. Wanting

more, wanting everything, Diane twisted onto her side and forced

Valerie onto her back. Stil kissing her, Diane cupped Valeries sex

and found her already wet and open. With a soft groan she pushed

inside her, rejoicing silently as Valerie arched and cried out in pleasure

and surprise.

“Oh yes, thats howthereI need you hard, please, harder, Valerie gasped.

Distantly, Diane was aware of her own building arousal, but al she

wanted was

to have Valerie with nothing between themno secrets, no fears, no

regrets. “I

love being inside you. I love feeling your heartbeat under my fingertips. I

love to

please

you.

With every word Diane thrust a lit le harder. Her teeth skated over

Valeries neck, and when Valerie tightened around her fingers, she

sucked on the delicate skin of her throat.

“Oh my God, Valerie moaned, pushing against Dianes hand. “Im

coming. Oh

God, its so

good.

Diane closed her eyes tightly, concentrating on Valeries labored

breathing, her soft cries, the pounding pulse that beat around her

fingers. She carried her smoothly to a peak, and then again, until

Valerie buried her face in Dianes neck and cried silent tears. Diane

rocked her and caressed her face.

“Its al right, darling. Everything is just exactly as it

should be.

“Im not used to anyone touching me that way, Valerie whispered.

“Sorry, I

cantmy

control

Diane laughed. “Oh, I hope youre not apologizing. Youre beautiful

when you come. I never want to stop making love to you.

Valerie laughed weakly. “Thats one thing Il never

ask.

* * * * *

When Cam walked into the kitchen at 5 a.m., she found Valerie seated

at the table, her hands inert around a mug of cof ee. “Youre up early.

Cam helped herself from the fresh pot on the counter. “Whats on your

mind?

“Henry cal ed.

“Are you ready?

“More than

ready.

“But? Cam watched a litany of emotions flit across her face. Anger,

unease, resolve.

“I know things are going to move quickly once we start planning the

operation, Valerie said. “So I wanted to talk to you before the briefing,

What I am going to say is just between you and me.

“Im listening. Cam could guess what was coming. Valerie was used to

working alone, being alone. She had never learned to lean on

othersso like Blair that way.

“If something goes wrong, we both know its very unlikely youl be

able to extract me, Valerie continued. “I dont want you to try. Col ateral

damage would be high, and She glanced down at her hands, which shed

folded on the tabletop, and then into Cams eyes, “My life isnt worth

yours or one of the others.

A gasp cut across her words. “It is to me. Diane stood in the doorway.

“Damn

you, it is to

me!

“Diane! Valerie jumped to her feet and caught Diane as she turned

to flee. “Diane, wait, you dont understand

Diane whirled back, her cheeks pale and her eyes blazing. She

knocked Valeries hands away. “What do I not understand? I just heard

you tel Cam she should let you die rather than risk someone elses life.

Every single one of them risks their life every day protecting Blair. Is

she so much more important She broke of and covered her face with

her hands. “Oh God, I cant believe Im saying this.

“Thats enough, Cam said steadily, rising to her feet. “No one is going

to die. And no one , she said, her eyes fixed on Valerie, “is going to

be left behind. Thats the last conversation I intend to have about this.

She pointed to the clock. “We have a briefing in twenty minutes and

we have a lot of planning to do. I expect you to be on time, Agent

Lawrence.

Cam walked out without waiting for an

answer.

“Im sorry, Diane whispered, turning away.

Valerie gently caught her shoulders and embraced her. “No,