The agent stopped.

"This is something I've never done before."

Addison appeared confused. "You mean...?"

"No." Skyler smiled. "I just mean this... what you're intending."

Addison smiled. "Trust me," she said softly.

Licking her lips, Skyler nodded. With Addison's soft encouragement Skyler moved up her body to straddle her face.

Addison looked up to the swollen desire above her. The vision alone caused her stomach to clench with need. "Oh G.o.d," she groaned and ran a hand up either side of Skyler's thighs. Slowly, she lowered engorged lips to her mouth.

"Oh...OH!" Skyler hissed as she felt Addison's tongue sink into her. She felt the oral muscle glide along her centre before entering her thickly. "Yes... G.o.d!" Skyler leaned back and held on to Addison's thighs. She moved against the agent's mouth, tongue and lips.

"Addison, that feels so... so good."

Addison could only groan, thoroughly captured by the sights, sounds and taste of Skyler. She held onto the blonde's hips, coaxing and aiding her movements. Skyler moved slowly back and forth over Addison's mouth, enraptured by the blissful sensations. Liquid desire coated the soldier's tongue. Addison's own desire rose again.

Feeling her pa.s.sion increase, Skyler adjusted her position and held onto the headboard behind Addison. Her grip tightened as Addison's focus turned to her tight bundle of nerves and her lips wrapped around it with a wonderful sensation of suction.

"Oh yes." Skyler ceased all movements, her entire world, for that one moment, focussed solely upon Addison's mouth and the wonderful sensations she was causing through her body. Her eyes fell shut as her head tipped back. Addison's hands glided up to her b.r.e.a.s.t.s. They manipulated and caressed her nipples to taught, ridged points then one hand slid back down her torso.

"Addison, please." Skyler resumed her grinding. She moved her c.l.i.t back and forth over Addison's tongue. "Let me feel you. I need you inside me."

The agent could only comply and using two fingers she sunk inside Skyler.

"Oh... oh, Addison!" Skyler gasped as she began to ride Addison's fingers.

The soldier instantly began to detect a change as Skyler's arousal engulfed her fingers and clamped around them. Addison sucked harder, moving to the rhythm of Skyler's thrusts.

"Addison... that's it... just like... oh G.o.d...Addison!" Skyler screamed as her body yielded to the intense release that engulfed her body in a tumbling, shuddering climax. She groaned long and loud under the relentless force of Addison's manipulations. The agent feasted greedily, unable to get enough of Skyler. Strong pulsations gripped her fingers and throbbed around them.

Slowly, as the tremors lessened, Skyler released the headboard. Her head fell limply against the wall.

Addison caressed Skyler's back. She waited a moment before saying, "Sky?"

"Hmm?"

"You okay?"

"Hmm."

"Is that a yes?"

"Hmm."

With a smile, Addison coaxed Skyler down to lie upon the bed. She rolled onto her side and faced the doctor. Blonde hair lay in a haphazard manner around her head and Addison ran her fingers through the golden locks, neatening the kinks.

"Will you tell me now?"

"Tell you what?" Addison asked evasively.

"Tell me why the tears."

Addison looked away momentarily and studied the ceiling for several seconds before turning back to Skyler. Noting the sincerity in her eyes, Addison spoke. "For the first time in... well, in ever... this didn't feel like it was an act of giving or taking... it was sharing... We were..."

"Making love," Skyler finished for her.

"Making love," Addison repeated. "Truly." Not sure of what else to say she kissed Skyler pa.s.sionately. For endless moments they stayed locked in a loving embrace. It was Addison who pulled away first. "G.o.d, I don't want this to end."

Skyler smiled and pushed an errant lock of hair from Addison's eyes. "I'm not going anywhere."

Returning Skyler's smile, Addison winked. "Well that's good then."

"Oh, and by the way... yes, I would love to attend the Gala with you."

Addison smiled wider. Pulling the blonde close they kissed and formed a lasting connection that continued long into the night.

Chapter 26.

General Blithe walked into his outer office where Antonia Bakersfield was busy on the phone.

"Yes, that's correct. Six dozen. You'll have them delivered to the Windsor Legacy no later than five on Sat.u.r.day next? Very good. Yes, thank you." She hung up and regarded the general.

"This gala is even more difficult to set up than the last one. The extra security for the possible attendance of the Prime Minister, the international flavor of the guests and the secrecy surrounding it all. It's a ma.s.sive headache. Coordinating an attack while I was in the Royal Marines wasn't as much of a logistical nightmare."

"Now, Miss Bakersfield, you're doing a splendid job," Mark complimented. "I'm glad Quinton Zimmerman volunteered to help you finalize the arrangements though."

"He's been an enormous help, General. He's taken on the whole job of working with the hotel people on the set-up and entertainment. He's even arranged for a podium for the presentation of Addison Black's commendation," Antonia replied with relief. "It's taken such a load off me; all I had to deal with was the caterers, florists and..."

"Finding time to arrange for a certain general's formal uniform and the rest of the claptrap to be made presentable? I do thank you for that, Antonia. You took on the extra work without complaint."

"It was no bother, General, I was happy to do it. I realize how special you wish this particular evening to be. I can see quite the attachment forming between you and Professor Tidwell."

Mark reddened slightly as he thought of Marlene. The previous night they had attended a play on the West End and enjoyed a late supper afterward. He had taken her home, to his home, at the end of the evening and it felt just right escorting her inside his house. It was almost as if she belonged there. The sweet kiss they had shared at the door of the guest room had been their first together, but Mark was under the distinct impression that both of them wished it to be the first of many. Now, in just two days he would have her on his arm as they attended a very formal, very public gala. Well, as public as a Special Operations gala could be. To have her there would be making a statement for everyone to see. You didn't bring a casual date to this type of affair.

"Yes, well, I know I won't be the only one escorting a member of that family."

Antonia covered her look of disappointment and asked in a professional tone. "Is there anything I can a.s.sist Agent Black with?"

"Nothing I can think of, Antonia. I spoke to her last night and asked if she needed anything and she replied in the negative. I have given her the remainder of the week off to let her injuries finish healing, but you know Black. She continues to go on working. She mentioned she was in the middle of a serious de-briefing when I called. That late in the day! No one is more dedicated to her job than Addison," he marveled.

"No, she has quite the work ethic," she replied, her tone shaded just a bit with sarcasm.

The general missed the inflection, but dropped three reports on Miss Bakersfield's desk.

"I hate to rush you on these, but I will need them by the end of the day for my early morning meeting," he said apologetically.

"It's no problem, General. It will be a pleasure to get back to some real work for a change."

Mark chuckled as he thanked her and headed back to his office, wondering if he had time to give Marlene a quick call before his next meeting.

Marlene Tidwell was at that moment asking her daughter her opinion about a dress to wear to the gala. It was approximately the fortieth time Marlene had done so in the last two hours and Skyler was growing weary of the hunt for the "perfect dress."

"Mom, look, why are you so worried? It's one party. What you wear won't make that big an impression on Mark Blithe's friends and colleagues."

Marlene paused in the middle of slipping the ivory sheath over her head in order to return it to the saleswoman. "Make no mistake here, Skyler. I couldn't be less interested in what Mark's friends think, but I would like to make a certain general himself lose his breath and I only have two days left to find the dress to do it."

Skyler had to laugh as Marlene batted her eyelashes coquettishly. "I didn't realize you had stopped shopping for a dress and were just looking for a mantrap! Why didn't you say so in the first place? You could have made this so simple."

Marlene looked at her daughter in confusion. "Why simple?"

"Okay," Skyler began as she moved toward an enormous rack of dresses. "Harrod's has everything, right?" Marlene nodded. "So we know your dress is here somewhere. Let's narrow down the field. What is he wearing?"

"I think he said something about a formal uniform complete with sash and medals. He's not happy about it, but that is the standard supposedly." He showed me a picture of himself attending an international conference and he is very handsome in it."

"A sash?" inquired Skyler. "What color sash?"

"Red. Why?" Marlene questioned in return.

"Because if you want every other female there to know that he is spoken for that evening, you get a dress color to match his sash. Now let me see." She moved to the area containing her mother's size and began moving hanger after hanger of red dresses past herself on the rack. "Nope, nope, too much material, whoa!...too little material, nope..." Skyler sputtered to a stop mid-dismissal and lifted a floor length red evening gown from the rack. The lines were simple, tasteful and s.e.xy. There was a small river of red sequins that ran the length of the dress from left shoulder to the floor in what appeared to be a gently descending waterfall. They sparkled as they moved and caught the light and the whole effect was sensual and elegant.

"That's it," Skyler breathed as she pictured her mother in the lovely attire. "Go ahead and try it on for any alterations but that is the dress."

Marlene nodded. "Mark Blithe, with the help of this dress, and by the end of the evening, I do believe I'm going to have my way with you."

Skyler grimaced. "Mom! Too much information! I did not just hear that. Thanks for the visual of my mom being a s.e.xual creature. I'm going to have to wash my brain out now!"

Marlene only laughed as she slipped the dress on. Maybe an inch needed to come off the hem, but otherwise it fit perfectly.

Marlene arranged for the dress to be delivered after the alterations had been completed. She turned to her daughter. "Want to pick out something for you while we're here? I'm fairly certain you didn't pack a formal gown in antic.i.p.ation of the excavation of Roman ruins in England."

"You're right about that," Skyler agreed, "But I don't need to pick something out. When I told Addison I didn't have anything with me, she insisted on making all the arrangements. I guess I know I can trust her by now so I'll just hope her good taste in women extends to good taste in clothes."

She paid for the purchase and hooked Skyler's arm in hers as they walked to the elevators. "Want to stop for some tea and a pastry? My treat for helping me."

"Sure," Skyler replied, "I've got nothing to do for the rest of the afternoon. Addison said she had some things that had to be taken care of today and needed some time to do that." They would still have the evening together.

Mother and daughter walked out of Harrod's and were immediately a.s.sisted in hailing a cab. Marlene gave the address of a teashop near Mark Blithe's house and they settled back for the short ride as the cab pulled into the London traffic.

As the black cab bearing Skyler and Marlene pulled away from the curb, another cab pulled in to the suddenly vacated s.p.a.ce. Addison Black emerged and tossed a few pound notes at the driver.

"Thanks, mate," she said amiably as she looked up at the impressive store. Special Operative 2 was on a mission and like all other missions, she was certain this one would be completed swiftly and successfully. If she didn't have to take somebody down as she was doing it, so much the better. For just a moment she had a brief flash of insecurity, but it pa.s.sed quickly and the steely resolve was back. Lifting her head and narrowing her eyes, she headed into the store.

One hour later, Addison Black was suffering from a bad case of shattered ego. The seeming mora.s.s of shoppers and the vision of the dozens of dresses she had seen were combining to make her head spin. She needed to stop the madness. Using her expert training, she spotted the weak one in the herd of salespeople and culled her out.

"Trina," Addison began smoothly, reading the older woman's name badge. "I am an official in the government and I require a bit of your time. You can do your country a great service here today or you can let the reputation of our beloved island suffer at the hands of foreigners."

The saleswoman bristled and leaned forward, darting her eyes to the left and right. "b.l.o.o.d.y foreigners," she whispered before she stood straight again and asked, "How may I be of service?"

Addison lowered her voice and said, "I need a dress." The words were whispered in a manner that let the saleswoman know that she was being called upon to perform no less than her ancestors on the beaches of Normandy had.

"England expects every Harrod's saleswoman to do her duty," Trina said. "Come with me."

Another half hour later, Addison was pleased with the choice she had made. The gown was absolutely stunning. Trina was pleased that the government representative was happy with her work. Addison reached out and shook Trina's hand formally.

"Never has one agent owed so much to so few." Trina smiled in pride at the words.

"One last thing, Trina. Do you think I could get some fabric to match this dress?"

Trina considered the question. "I might have some that would match back in the storeroom. How much would you need?"

Addison calculated in her mind. "Three feet would do. I need a sash."

Marlene Tidwell had chosen a quaint teashop less than a ten-minute walk from the General's home. The lure of freshly baked pastries and aromatic teas had tempted her the past two times she had walked by the establishment. It was traditional, typically British and the kind of place visitors to the Isle would find hard to resist.

Skyler and her mother stepped up into the teashop. Though it was winter, local city inhabitants still used the shop as a meeting place to gossip with friends and neighbours. Already inside were two elderly women, wearing thick winter coats and discussing a friend's recent stay in hospital. The larger of the two, a woman with short, curly and blue rinsed hair had a small puppy upon her lap. She continuously stroked the chocolate brown canine as she and her friend conversed. Though there were only five tables in the shop, three were still empty. Skyler chose the table beside the window. Mother and daughter sat down, store brought purchases placed on the floor beside the window ledge.

From a small doorway, shrouded by a hanging beaded part.i.tion, a young woman emerged. Her mousy brown hair was held back in a tight bun and she wore a long white ap.r.o.n with lace edging. Noting two new customers she took her pad and pencil from a small waist high pocket and approached Skyler and her mother.

"h.e.l.lo, darlings, what can I get you?"

"A pot of afternoon tea," Marlene replied. "I would also like a large fruit scone with clotted cream and strawberry jelly... I mean jam." Marlene looked to her daughter. "Skyler?"

Not quite knowing what to expect, but knowing she and her mother's tastes were similar, Skyler asked for the same. "But I'll have raspberry jam please."

"I'll be two ticks." The young woman ventured off with their order.

Left on their own Skyler traced her fingertip over the lacy design of the tablecloth and looked up at her mother. "Mom?"

Marlene looked away from her perusal of a table menu. "Hmm?"

"I want to ask you about Project Gemini."

"What is it?" Marlene placed down the menu.

Skyler paused before answering. She wasn't quite sure how she intended to deal with the issues she felt she had about her mother's project, after everything that had recently taken place. "Are you going to continue your work on Project Gemini?"

Marlene appeared confused by her daughter's question. "Of course I am, Skyler. We can't stop the tests we're doing. Do you know how close I was to creating a new drug for cancer patients? I have to finish this."

"But what about the Hyde application? I know you are contracted to work on both for the government, Mom. If you continue with this work, won't you still be in danger from terrorist organisations wanting Gemini?" Skyler had spent most of her early morning pondering over these thoughts and made a mental decision to talk about this to Marlene. Her concerns only deepened as time pa.s.sed. Although Addison said General Blithe had begun an internal investigation into the possible traitor within MI5, Special Operations, while that person was still on the loose, Project Gemini was not safe and neither was Marlene or Skyler. "Mark has a.s.sured me security on the project has increased threefold. My team at this moment is being moved to a secured laboratory at Mindenhall RAF base." Marlene moved forward in her chair, crossing her arms upon the table. "Every precaution necessary to protect the sensitivity of Project Gemini is being taken."