Honor Under Siege полностью

and lifted herself up so that she was sitting on it. She still wore

the blue jeans and red sweater shed pul ed on to go out with

Tanner. Cam was in her work clothes and still wearing her

weapon, and although Blair knew it was foolish, the additional

height advantage made her feel better. “I wouldnt do that even

if it would do any good, which it wont. Once Lucinda makes up

her mind

“Lucinda is the presidents chief of staff, not yours. Cam tossed

the newspaper onto the oak table and started for the front of

the house. “If youd prefer, Ill tell Stark to call her.

“Im sure Stark will appreciate

that.

Cam turned, her eyes narrowing. “What is that supposed to

mean?

“I know about the whole rank thing, but shes still my chief

of security. I dont imagine shell appreciate being told anything.

You never did.

“Stark understands the situation, Cam said, thinking about

the briefing with Davis and Savard, and about Blair at a

crowded cocktail

reception where it would be impossible to control the guest list

or secure the physical environment beyond the most basic

measures. Thinking how exposed Blair would be. A ball of anger

and anxiety fil ed her chest. “The timing is bad, especial y after

this newspaper article.

“Weve already discussed this, Cameron. If it isnt this event, it

will be some other one. We cant prevent a public response to

anything we do.

“Why do you sound so calm? Cam moved closer, but stopped

two feet away. Just outside of touching distance.

“Because I know youre not, and I know youre worried. Blair kept her

hands on the counter, because she wanted to reach out and pul Cam

across the divide. It was odd how she hated distance between them

now. Once she had wanted, demanded , nothing but distance

between herself and anyone who had the potential to hurt her. Mostly

she resisted the urge to draw Cam near because she needed to judge

exactly how much of Cams concern was her normal distrust of any

public appearance and how much was a lovers less rational concern.

If she touched her, her perspective would be gone. “Why are you so

much more worried about this event?

“Jesus, Blair! Maybe youve forgot en what happened Cam bit of the rest

of the sentence, cursing herself inwardly when she saw Blair flinch. Of

course Blair

hadnt forgot en the assassination at empt at the Aerie. Blair would never

be able to forget it, and bul ying her with the memory instead of

explaining her own unease was cowardly. And cruel. “Im sorry, baby.

Blair took a long breath. “Dont apologize. Just

trust me. Cam fel silent and Blair watched her

struggle, waiting.

“I dont feel like Ive got a handle on anything right now, and I cant af ord

to be wrong when your safety is at stake. Cam took one step closer and

rested her fingertips lightly on the outside of Blairs thighs. “No one

knows what real y happened in September. We dont know how

much of the attack was orchestrated outside the country and what

part insurgents inside the country might have played. But we know

someone got very very close to you. She hesitated.

“Say it, Cameron. Al of it. Blair pressed Cams hands to her legs,

covering them with her own. Shed been wrong about not being able

to think when Cam touched her. As the distance dissipated she could

hear her far more clearly.

“Theres no reason to think they wont try again, Cam said. “Until

we have

Matheson, until we have Valerie, the risk is greater than Im

comfortable with.

“Im not the only one at risk, Blair said softly. “Have you forgot en

someone tried to run you down?

“That might not even be

related.

Blair gave her a look. “What does Stark say about

Saturday? Irritation flared in Cams dark eyes. “I havent

discussed it with her. “Because

Cam grimaced. “Because I havent managed the transition to her as your

security

chief

very

wel .

“You take a lot on yourself,

Commander.

“I love you, Cam

whispered.

“Oh I know. Blair said. “What if you dont find either Matheson or

Valerie?

“We wil

.

“Al right, until you find them, what do you suggest I do? It could be

months. Years.

“Are you trying to make me say things that wil piss

you of ?

“Wel , I do enjoy makeup sex. Blair lifted Cams hand and kissed the top

of it. “But Im trying something new. Im working on being reasonable

and rational.

“I think maybe youre more dangerous this way than when youre flat-out

furious, Cam grumbled. She eased forward until she was completely

between Blairs legs, then wrapped her arms around Blairs waist and

pul ed her forward until Blairs crotch rested against her middle.

“Im not ready for the makeup sex yet, Blair whispered, wrapping

her arms around Cams neck. “So dont get any closer.

Cam rested her forehead against Blairs. “Youre cal ing the

shots.