couples have jobs that require them to live separately part of the time. We’ll
manage.”
“Say that’s so. What about what I do, not where I do it?” Leslie leaned close
and kissed the corner of Dev’s mouth. “How are you going to feel about
consorting with the enemy?”
“I’ve decided that you’re a necessary evil. Figuratively speaking, of course.”
Leslie straightened. “I beg your pardon?”
“Big corporations and even the government hire computer crackers to test their
security systems, to look for ? aws so they can build a tighter and more fail-safe
system.”
“And this relates to me how?”
“Well, you’re like a cracker trying to break the system. If the laws are ? awed
or aren’t properly designed to do what we need them to do, you’re going to win
cases. And that just tells us which laws to make better.”
“There is a twisted sort of logic to that argument,” Leslie said, struggling to hide
a smile. “I think I ought to be insulted on some level, but I’m not sure I want to
point out your errors in thinking.” She kissed Dev again. “Not if you can live
with things the way they are.”
“What I can’t live with,” Dev said, framing Leslie’s face, “is being without you.
I’ve tried that for half my life. I don’t want to anymore.”
“It’s a plan, for now. But,” Leslie murmured, nuzzling Dev’s neck as she
caressed her, “if I can’t stand being away from you so much, I reserve the right
to change my mind.”
Dev pulled Leslie down and slid on top of her. “I forgot to mention a few
contingencies.”
“What?” Leslie asked, distracted by the sudden pressure of Dev’s leg between
her thighs.
“You work more reasonable hours and take better care of yourself.”
“Mmm-hmm.” Leslie arched her back and settled more ? rmly into Dev’s
crotch, smiling when Dev gasped.
“I’m serious,” Dev muttered, skimming her mouth up the column of Leslie’s
neck.
“That’s good, because I am too.” Leslie buried her ? ngers in Dev’s hair, her
body coming alive beneath Dev’s in the way only Dev could excite her. “You’re
all the reason I need.”
“I’ve dreamed of being with you all my life.” Dev kissed her softly. “Now I want
the real thing.”
“Are you into long engagements?” Leslie whispered against Dev’s ear.
“Isn’t ? fteen years long enough?”
Leslie laughed. “More than enough.”
“Good thing.”
And then she kissed her.
