Radclyffe - Honor Under Siege Страница 28

Cam laughed. “Now, that would defeat the purpose of being a spy,

wouldnt it?

“A spy, Valerie said wryly. “Operative sounds so much

better.

“Lets assume Matheson and Henry are working togetherits the most

probable scenario. So, if we find one, we find the other.

“Any progress on your

end?

Cam scowled. “Were accumulating a file on Mathesons associates as far

back as twenty-five years. Its slow going, but Il want you to look

through everything Felicia and Savard have put together so far.

Unfortunately, some of the

photographs are going to be of boys or much younger men than theyre

likely to be now.

“Perhaps Felicia can use age simulator software to project present

appearances for any possibles.

“We might be able to do something even bet er, Cam said slowly as she

stood. “Its almost midnight. Id like you to brief with us in the morning.

0600 in the guest house.

“Are you sure? Savard and Felicia might not be quite as trusting as

you are, Valerie pointed out.

“I disagree, but either way, its not their

choice.

Valerie rose. “Youre taking a chance, Cameron, and I know that. I want

you to know I appreciate

“Dont insult me, Valerie. Cam lightly touched her fingertips to Valeries

cheek. “Get some sleep. Then she dropped her hand and walked away.

Valerie waited until she heard Cams footsteps disappear before fol owing

down the hal way and up the stairs. As she passed the room that she

knew was Blairs, she recognized Blairs sensuous alto and then Cams

slightly deeper tones. The sound of Cams voice in a phone message

had once stirred her heart and her blood. Now, it fil ed her with a

sense of comfort and safety. Wondering if that was fair, but being glad

for it nonetheless, she continued to the last door on the right and

knocked quietly before let ing herself in.

The room was lit by a bedside lamp. Diane was in bed, a sheet pul ed

to her waist. Her breasts formed soft curves beneath a pale peach

camisole. Valerie sat on the side of the bed and took her hand. “Theres

part of me that thinks I shouldnt be here.

“What does the other part

think?

“That its the only place in the world I want

to be.

Diane drew back the covers. “Thats the part Id listen to, if I

were you.

“Al right, Valerie whispered

softly.

She stood and unbut oned her blouse, unhooked her bra, and let them fal

to the floor behind her. She unzipped her jeans, pushed them down

along with her panties, and stepped out of them. Watching Diane watch

her, she was surprised to feel her body quicken when for so long the

only sensations shed been aware of were fatigue and desperate sadness.

She turned of the light and slipped into bed. Then she did something

shed never done before. She pul ed Diane on top of her and guided

Dianes hand between her thighs.

“Please make love to me. I need

you. Chapter Twenty-

Two Monday

A ny response from Lawrence on your request for a meeting?

Matheson inquired via his disposable cel phone.

“Not

yet.

Matheson sipped his cof ee and watched the traf ic on Main Street

through the diner window in the smal seaside town. A waitress slid a

plate of scrambled eggs and toast in front of him. He made eye contact

when he thanked her.

“Youre very welcome. The brunet e of ered him a sultry smile as she

lingered by the red leather booth made shiny by years of bodies slipping

in and out.

He held her gaze for a few seconds, noting the invitation in her

eyes while surveying her ful breasts and curvaceous hips. His penis

lengthened, reminding him that it had been some time since hed

satisfied his needs. He made a mental note to take care of that, then

looked away, dismissing her from his thoughts. “Why do you think

your operative is ignoring your direct order?

“Because shes one of our best, the man snapped. Then, as if

regret ing his outburst, he added in a conciliatory tone, “The leak came

too soon after her report to me for her not to be suspicious, but I didnt

have a choice. If Special Forces hadnt moved on the compound so

quickly, I might have been able to find another way to warn you, but

Robertss team was far more ef ective than we anticipated. I didnt have

time for a cover story, and I didnt think youd enjoy captivity.

“Its never wise to underestimate the enemy, Matheson said mildly,

spearing a fluf y mound of egg. “Its unfortunate that eliminating her wil

cost us an inside link to several of our primary targets, but the longer

she stays alive, the greater the likelihood youl be compromised.

“Ive warned her shes in danger, but she wont agree to a

meet. “Youre not using the right enticement. “What do you

suggest?

Matheson told him, disconnected, and punched in another number.

“He has forty-eight hours to take care of his mess, then well

clean house ourselves, starting with him.

“Yes sir. Its a pleasure to serve you,

sir.

* * * * *

“Valerie? Diane called urgently in the dark. The bed beside

her was warm, but empty. The nightmare of the past few

weeks instantly closed in around her, and she felt as if

she were

smothering. Bolting upright, she gasped, “Oh

God.

“Im here. Valerie hurried to the side of the bed and pul ed

Diane into her arms. “I found some clothes Id left here last

month, and I was trying not to wake you while I dressed.

“Where

are

you

going?

“A briefing with Cameron.

Diane held her tightly, running her hands over Valeries back.

She wore only a snug tank top and panties. “Youre cold. Go

finish dressing.

Valerie pulled the covers back and slid underneath. “I

frightened you. Im sorry.

Diane shook her head. “Just for a second. I wish you didnt have

to go.

“Ill be back. Valerie stretched out above Diane and kissed

her throat. “I wouldnt leave now except I might be able to help.

“You wont do anything foolish, will you?

Valerie laughed softly. “There are times I think my whole

life might have been foolish.

“No, Diane said with certainty. She feathered her fingers

through the short hair at the base of Valeries neck. “Youre

the most remarkable woman Ive ever met.

“Diane, Valerie murmured, kissing her deeply. When

Diane tightened her hold and strained beneath her, wrapping

both legs

around the back of Valeries thighs, Valerie immersed herself in

the heat pouring off Dianes body. Dianes passion was like

nothing shed ever felt. The fire burned effortlessly, searing into

those dark, barren places where shed learned to hide her feelings,

not realizing that eventual y that which was buried, died.

Desperate not to lose the connection, Valerie tightened her grip

on Dianes upper arms, digging her fingers into the firm,

pliable flesh. When Diane moaned, she instantly pul ed away.

“Im sorry. I didnt mean

“No. More. Diane dragged Valeries head back down, her fingers

twisting through Valeries hair. She pressed her mouth to Valeries ear.

“You cant hurt me. Not by touching me. Im dying to have you inside

me.

Valerie sobbed out a cry of need and wonder. She pushed herself down

until her face was pressed to Dianes stomach, then she cupped Dianes

breast with one hand and fil ed her with the other. She squeezed and rol

ed Dianes nipple as she pushed into her, higher and deeper, thrust after

thrust.

“God, Diane gasped, arching frantical y to meet each stroke. “I dont

want to come but youre going to make me.

“Yes, Valerie whispered urgently. She kissed her way lower, gliding her

tongue over soft skin and trembling muscles and into the fragrant heat.

She hummed as her lips found Dianes clitoris and she licked lightly.

“Oh no, Diane pleaded. “Dont make me come so soon.

“I want you, Valerie whispered, before sucking her even more firmly.

Diane gripped the sheets and pushed down hard around Valeries fingers

as her clitoris swel ed to fil Valeries mouth. “So good, so wonderful, so

oh, oh Im

Valerie watched Dianes face reflect the pleasure that rippled around her

fingers and pulsed between her lips, and thought shed never seen anyone

as beautiful.

She didnt stop caressing her, inside and out, until Diane murmured a

weak protest and twisted away.

“Love, Diane whispered. “I wont be able to walk today if you

dont stop.

Tenderly, Valerie placed a delicate kiss at the apex of Dianes

sex, then rested her cheek in the hol ow adjacent to her

hipbone. She continued to fondle her breast, smiling as Dianes

mouth curved in obvious enjoyment. “Thats what you say , but

thats not what your body is tel ing me.

“My body is greedy. Diane gazed down through heavy

lidded eyes. “Insatiable, in fact, for you.

“Real y? Valerie kissed low on Dianes bel y, then nuzzled her

face a little lower. “I can handle that.

“Oh, I know you can. Take your clothes off and come up

here first, Diane murmured. “I want you, too.

Valerie shed her tank and panties and slid into Dianes

embrace, easing her swollen center against Dianes leg. She

kissed her lingeringly, slowly rocking against her. “I only have a

minute.

“Can you come this way?

“I think so, if you help

me. “Anything.

“Play with my breasts, Valerie said thickly, already sliding

faster up and down Dianes thigh.

“Youre so wet. So beautiful. Diane pulled on Valeries

nipples.

“Does it feel good, darling? Rubbing against me like that?

Getting me all wet? Will you come for me?

“Oh, yes. Im almostalmost, Valerie gasped. “Kiss me. Kiss

meoh god, Im so close.

“Soon, Diane breathed, capturing Valeries mouth and

squeezing her breasts rhythmical y. As Valeries motions grew

more frantic, Diane plunged her tongue deeper, matching

Valeries frenzied thrusts. Sensing Valerie struggling to orgasm,

Diane drove her hips up and forced her leg more tightly

against Valeries clitoris. “Harder, darling. Press yourself har

“Im going to come. Valeries head fell back, her eyes wide

and fixed on Dianes. “God, I love you.

“I love you, Diane cried.

Shuddering, Valerie spilled onto Dianes welcoming body

and col apsed into her arms.

* * * * *

With several minutes to spare before the briefing, Valerie

knocked on the door to the guesthouse. Savard answered.

“Hey, Savard said, holding the door wide. “You missed a

good show at Mathesons compound a couple of weeks ago.

“So I hear. Valerie stepped inside but hesitated before going

any further. “Im sorry I didnt make it.

“Yeah, me too. Savard glanced toward the adjoining room

where

Cam and Felicia waited. “It could have been any of us in

your spot. Im glad it wasnt me.

“I appreciate that. Valerie grasped Savards arm. “Listen. Cam

told me about what happened in Boston. I owe you for taking

care of Diane.

“No you dont, Savard said dismissively. “But if you real y feel

like you do, you can plan on sticking around here where your

friends are for a while.

“Thank you, Valerie softly. “Ill do

that.

“Good. Savard turned and started toward the command center. “Then

lets go to work.

“Good morning, Cam said as Valerie came in. Felicia nodded to her.

“Our priority for the day, and every day until its accomplished, is to

identify your handler. Wel work from the assumption that hes an

associate of Mathesons, because otherwise we dont even have a

starting place.

“Al

right.

“I want you to scan the files Davis has compiled of known

Matheson associates, including the academy students. We might get

lucky.

Valerie smiled rueful y. “We could use some

luck.

“Before we get to that, Cam said, “I want Stark to join us so she can hear

how you got behind our lines. She opened her phone and pushed

several buttons. “Chief, can you come down for a minute? Thanks.

While they waited, Valerie and Felicia got cof ee and opened several

boxes of doughnuts that Tanners day crew had delivered.

“Its good to have the team back together, Felicia

said.

“It is. Valerie opened the refrigerator for milk. “Hows

Mac?

“Hes back on the team, too. Hes up at the main house seconding for

Stark. Im sure youl see him later. Felicia smiled and stirred her cof

ee. “Hesmaking a remarkable recovery.

Valerie studied her with interest.

“Real y. Felicia met her gaze.

“Quite.

“Wel , good for

you.

“Yes, it is. She sipped her cof ee. “Ah,

Diane?

“Luckily, shes forgiven

me.

Felicia shook her head. “I dont believe she ever thought there was

anything to forgive.

“I hope youre

right.

At the sound of the front door closing sharply, Felicia said, “Time for

round two. Starks not going to be happy.

“I dont blame her. Valerie fol owed Felicia back into the other room and

sat at the table next to Cam. Stark sat stif ly across from her.

“Good morning, Chief, Valerie said

formal y.

“Agent

Lawrence.

“Valerie wil do, Valerie said

softly.

Stark seemed to relax by degrees. “Sorry. That was quite a stunt you pul

ed last night. We could have kil ed you.

“I wanted to talk to

Cameron. “Did you ever

hear of a phone? “I dont like

phones.

“How about a car? You could have driven right up to the foot of this