Cloud Dust: RD-1 (R-D #1)(17)

"Dr. Shaw," I said, "I want to go to bed with somebody who cares about me, and not some warm-blooded dildo. We've had this discussion before. I hope we don't have it again."





Chapter 5

Corinne

The first meeting with all seven of us present came three days later. General Safer arrived to deliver the news.

"The President's meeting at Camp David is next week. All of you will go. Your handlers will advise you of your assignments before then."

"I hope my assignment is writing in my bungalow," I sighed.

"Cori," August warned.

"Yeah."

*

"You will run with the rest of them, instead of on that pathetic treadmill," August informed me as we walked toward my suite after the meeting.

"That's outside," I said.

"Along the perimeter of the wall. They run at least five. I'm willing to let you do the usual three," he said.

"There are insects out there," I complained.

"And fresh air."

"In this town? Seriously?"

"You don't get enough sunlight. Dr. Shaw commented on it recently."

"I'm sure he did." At that moment, I was hoping he hadn't discussed my sex life—or lack of same—with August. "I can build a sunroom onto my suite," I suggested.

"It's spring," August pointed out, ignoring me. "The air is warmer. Get new running clothes if you need them; you've only ordered groceries since you got here."

"You know I'll need them," I grumped. I ran in old sweats. Totally unattractive ones, too.

"Get them ordered today. And ask Ginny to order a suitable wardrobe for next week."

"I'm not wearing dresses."

"You will if you have dinners with the President."

"Please say I won't have dinners with the President."

"Dr. Shaw says you refused Dalton Parrish. You know we could use information," August began.

I slapped a hand over my eyes. Shaw did discuss my sex life with Auggie. "I'm not prostituting myself for anyone," I hissed. "Get the hell away from me." I ran toward my door, leaving Colonel August Hunter stewing behind me.

*

Notes—Colonel Hunter

"I told you not to say anything," Shaw said, slapping the saltshaker onto the cafeteria table.

"We have an opportunity to find out what that * knows, and she balks," I stuttered.

"He put his name on Maye's list, too. Maybe Cutter wants the same thing."

"Good luck on getting anything from either one of them," I said. "What did Maye say?"

"That she'd break his neck before she'd have sex with him."

"I tend to believe her when she says that," I agreed. "Anything new on the Russian?"

"Nothing unusual. We talked about his time in prison. He had an easier time of it than some of the others—privileges and such. Still wasn't getting medical care, though. They wanted him dead."

"Tough bastard."

"No doubt. The Five showed up for the first three Krav Maga lessons with Corinne. That's been whittled down to two."

"The bullies?"

"Of course."

"You think they'll lose interest? Corinne has bruises everywhere. She won't even look at Rafe when they're not sparring."

"Is he still showing up for breakfast?"

"As far as I know. Dalton said she wasn't talking then, either."

*

Corinne

I sat at the kitchen island, preparing to eat a quick bowl of chicken noodle soup for lunch while I considered the prospect of having my future breakfasts in the cafeteria. He walked in. I hadn't spoken to him in days.

"I wanted lunch," he said, taking the seat next to mine and pulling my bowl of soup toward him.

"Oh, dear God," I sighed and dropped my head on the island. I listened, my eyes shut, while I heard sounds of a spoon clinking against the bowl and slurping noises. I waited until he was finished before rising from my seat and elbowing him in the ribs.

He'd taught me the move—I just hadn't used it until then.

While he got his breath back, I made myself another bowl of soup.

"You're still here?" I asked as I set the bowl on the island and took my seat.

"Thinking about taking that bowl, too."

"You think so?"

"I could."

"I know." I allowed my shoulders to sag.

"I won't take your lunch. Eat," he nodded toward my bowl. "I'll find crackers for you." He rose and shuffled toward the cabinets. In a few seconds, I had a sleeve of crackers and a glass of orange juice in front of me.

"You're going to run with the rest of us tomorrow morning. At six."

"Six is too early," I moaned, leaning my head back and closing my eyes.

"If you didn't stay up until two working on that goddamn computer, you'd get up earlier."

"It's easier to write then," I said, opening my eyes and staring into his. They were quite dark. I'll bet you're responsible for quite a lot of panty moisture throughout the Mansion, I thought at him. He chose that moment to turn his head away.