Protecting Freedom

She looks as if she’s thinking it over. She’s been targeted before but never in the White House. We do thorough background checks on everyone that we allow near Honor, but that doesn’t mean that situations can’t change. If Chad got himself into trouble and someone offered him a way out, he may have taken the bait.

“My job is to protect you,” I say as I kneel down in front of her. I want to take the worry out of her eyes. “And I’m really fucking good at my job.”

That earns me a smile and I feel like at least I’m doing something right.

There’s talking in my earpiece, so I stand up and step away so I can concentrate on what they’re saying.

“Kitchen staff reports they saw someone come through. We’re on it.”

“Keep me updated,” I answer, feeling frustrated. How is he escaping all of the cameras? I talk to the rest of the detail in the room. “Looks like we’ve got him spotted in the kitchen. He’s in the opposite wing of the White House right now. I want all of you patrolling until we’ve caught him. This should be quick, but everyone stay on alert.”

I wait for everyone to exit before I bolt the door.

“Are you not going to patrol?” she asks as she stands up from the couch.

“I’m not leaving you,” I say and take a step forward.

“I’m scared,” she admits, wringing her hands in front of her.

I’m pulling her into my arms in an instant. “I’m here. Nothing will ever happen to you as long as I’m with you.”

Her hands wrap around my back and I feel her trace her fingers down my spine. My own hands explore the curves of her shoulder and down to her waist. Then I find the bare strip of skin between her slacks and her top. It’s silk against my fingers and the knot in my stomach tightens with need.

“Only five more hours,” I whisper, and the intent is clear.

No matter what is happening around us, I won’t wait a second longer to take what’s mine.

Chapter Four

Honor

I watch Washington pace back and forth. Every now and then he stops and I know he’s listening to his earpiece. Than he mumbles something in response, but I can’t hear what he says. My head is still spinning after all that’s happened today, but one thing is for sure: he wants me. Really wants me.

I glance over at the clock. How am I going to make it until midnight? I know my mind should be somewhere else. I should be worried about the threat around us, but all my thoughts are focused on him. Although it’s pretty normal behavior because I’m usually daydreaming about him. But now my fantasies might become a reality. It changes everything.

I jump when my phone rings.

“It’s the president,” Washington says as he stops his pacing.

I feel my face heat as I glance down at it. Oh god. My dad. Does he know about me and Washington? What’s he going to say? My heart starts to pound in my chest.

“Answer the phone, sweet pea. He just wants to make sure you’re okay. That’s all.” It’s as if he’s reading my mind.

Right. Of course that’s why he’s calling. I pick up the phone and I immediately hear my dad’s voice. “Honor,” he says, and I can hear the relief in his tone.

“Hey Dad.” I glance over at Washington, who’s staring right at me.

“Are you okay?” he asks, and it sounds like he’s rushing around.

“I’m fine, Dad. Calm down. It’s nothing really,” I try to reassure him.

“I’m heading back to you. I’ll be there in—”

“No!” I snap out louder than I mean to. I really don’t want my dad to come back for totally selfish reasons. Whatever threat he’s worried about is under control, but my biggest concern is that he will come back before the clock strikes midnight. “I have Washington. I’m fine. I promise.”

“Honor…” he tries to go on, but I talk over him.

“I told you I shouldn’t go to college. Look at the problems it’s causing already,” I joke. He laughs quietly then sighs. So I try another angle. “Stay with July. She needs you right now.”

When there’s a moment of silence I know I’ve won. “Fine, but if anything else happens, I don’t care how small, I’m coming back.”

“I love you,” I tell him, because I know he’s not looking for me to agree with him.

“I love you, too, sweetheart. Let me talk to Washington.”

“Bye, Dad.” I hold the phone out. “He wants to talk to you.”

Washington clears the distance between us. His scent invades me and suddenly I’m soothed. Being near him always puts me at ease. He takes the phone from me and I glance to the clock.

“Mr. President,” Washington says. His voice is cool and controlled.