Oath Of Honor

Chapter Thirty-five

Evyn woke to the rasp of Ricochet’s tongue on her ear and the deep rumble of his purr. She didn’t remember falling asleep. She only vaguely remembered the ride home. But she remembered the bright December sunlight and the fury in Jennifer Pattee’s eyes. She remembered glimpsing her colleagues, her friends, closing in as Jennifer’s hand dipped into the black leather bag slung over her shoulder, and she remembered the threat of death that would have followed a quick toss of a fragile vial filled with lethal virus into the street. She remembered the glint of sunlight on metal. Saw the gun come up. Pointed at her. She hadn’t thought, hadn’t needed to. Her body moved, conditioned and trained a thousand times over for exactly that moment.

Her mind clearer now, she knew her part in the greater picture was a small one. She’d helped stop an attack on the president of the United States. She’d done her job, the job she had wanted to do all her life. Her part was over, but the war was just starting. There were more like Jennifer and those who had conceived of the assault—at home and abroad—those who called themselves patriots and translated their fanaticism into violence. She’d keep doing her job, and the job would be more demanding than it had ever been. She didn’t mind, she was ready.

Carefully, she turned onto her uninjured side, dislodging Ricochet from his spot on her pillow. He stretched, gave her the insulted look only a cat could muster, and stalked away.

Wes lay beside her, the strong planes and angles of her face softened by sleep and the morning light. Evyn touched her bare shoulder. Warm. Warm, soft skin. Wes’s mouth curved into a small smile, making her handsome face achingly vulnerable. Want and wonder stirred in Evyn’s soul. She kissed her, just a light brush of lips, and Wes’s eyes fluttered open. Clear spring green—innocent and vibrant and gloriously beautiful.

“Sorry,” Evyn whispered.

“Not for the kiss, I hope.”

“It’s early. Go back to sleep.”

“Mmm. Merry Christmas.”

Evyn laughed. “Hell, it is!” She hugged Wes. “Merry Christmas. I didn’t get you a present.”

“Yes you did. I got you.” Wes’s arm came around her and Wes kissed her, her mouth possessive and seeking. Evyn kept her eyes open as long as she could, until the tenderness and longing forced her to surrender. She drew her leg up over the crest of Wes’s hip, pressing nearer, molding to her. The brush of hot skin over her clitoris made her shudder.

“Doesn’t seem right,” Evyn gasped, arching her neck for Wes to feast, “that I get so much pleasure out of your present.”

Wes’s mouth skimmed over her cheek, along her jaw. “Be careful—shoulder. Remember your shoulder.”

Evyn nipped at Wes’s neck. “We’ve managed with a banged-up shoulder before.”

Wes chuckled. “I wonder what it will be like when both of us have two good arms.”

“If it gets any better, I won’t survive,” Evyn muttered, rocking her center along Wes’s thigh. Her breasts were tense, aching, and she wanted to come. She needed it quick and hard, but she held on—wanting to hang suspended in this agonizing splendor of need and want and love for as long as she could. “God, I love you.”

Wes drew a sharp breath, her arm tightening on Evyn’s waist, urging her to thrust faster. “I really love waking up with you. I love how much you want me. You’re so sexy. Are you always like this in the morning?”

“I don’t know.” Evyn’s vision wavered. “I don’t usually wake up with anyone.” Evyn dug her fingers into Wes’s shoulder, anchoring herself, pressing closer, needing every inch of her skin against Wes. Wes. Everywhere, always, Wes. Her orgasm unfurled, escaping the tethers of her control, and she kissed Wes hard. “I want to wake up with you.” Her hips bucked and she buried her face in Wes’s neck. “You…just you. Wes—oh God, I’m coming.”

Wes kissed her eyelids, her mouth, her throat. “You’re so beautiful. I could wake up like this forever.”

“Stay, then,” Evyn whispered, shattered with happiness.

Wes grew still. “Evyn, I didn’t mean—”

“I did.” Evyn drew away until she could look into Wes’s eyes. She wanted Wes to see what was in her heart. Trust. Certainty. Joy. “I love you. I want to sleep with you and wake up with you as many nights and as many mornings as we have.”

“I thought I knew what mattered before I met you,” Wes whispered. “I thought my life was defined by what I accomplished, by what I contributed. Those things still matter, but what matters in my heart and my soul is you.”

Evyn found Wes’s hand and brought it to her heart. “I never let myself need anyone. I was afraid if I did, all the fears and uncertainties I kept locked away would escape. I couldn’t afford to be anything less than tough and sure. But I need you, and I don’t feel afraid. I’m stronger now, deep inside. I love you.”

“Then I’ll stay.” Wes kissed her. “For all the nights and days to come.”