Surrender and Certainty (7/?)
Title: Surrender and Certainty
Fandom: the Devil Wears Prada
Pairing: Miranda/Andy
Rating: M
Summary: AU - Andy must lie to Miranda to do her job and bring down an elaborate crime ring involving Irv Ravitz. Circumstances will force Andy back into Miranda's professional and personal life whether the editor wants it or not. Will she be able to trust the brunette and let her in to her heart?
Disclaimers: Not mine, obviously. Just taking them out of the box for entertainment and will return them when finished (or not).
A/N: Another chapter that lives up to the M rating with a bit of drama towards the end. Enjoy! Please R&R.
It was now Sunday morning and the two women were in bed cuddling. Andy's arm was around Miranda with her hand resting on her back while the older woman's head rested on her shoulder. Fingers drew a light pattern across the brunette's abdomen. "I can hear the cogs turning in your head," Miranda murmured and turned her head placing a soft kiss against her skin. Her lips were warm and Andy sighed.
She kissed the top of Miranda's messy hair before telling her what was on her mind. "What do you want to tell the girls when they get back later?"
"Well, I definitely don't think we should tell them about you being undercover. I fear for their safety should they let anything slip."
"I agree, but I was talking about us, me to be more precise."
"They noticed a while ago to be honest. They've let it slip a couple times that it would be alright if I was into girls," Miranda laughed. "We'll tell them the truth. We just started dating but we really care about each other and want to see where this goes."
"And you think they'll be fine with it?"
"Why, darling, are you scared of a couple of ten year olds?" Miranda teased.
"Not per say. I'm more worried what they think about me," Andy said after a moment’s hesitation.
"Don't be silly, they adore you. You're the only assistant I've ever had that could tell them apart. Not to mention you got them the Harry Potter manuscript. How did you get that anyway?"
"A friend," Andy smiled. "She owed me a favor and knew the artist who illustrated the cover."
"Should I be worried about this friend?" the older woman teased.
"Of course not, I only have eyes for you Mira," she replied kissing her softly. "I love you."
"I love you too," Miranda smiled.
Andy hugged her closer and ran her fingers across her spine. "So what do we tell them about why I'm here? They are going to question that at least."
"You are right, they will. Perhaps it would be best for you to sleep in the guest room under the guise your apartment is being renovated?"
"Okay," Andy said somewhat sadly.
"What is wrong, darling?" the older woman asked when she felt Andy tense.
"I just really like sleeping next to you," the brunette admitted. "We've already wasted time not admitting how we felt about each other sooner."
Miranda nodded. "You are right, again. I do not wish to waste any more time either."
"So what do we tell them?"
The former blonde turned slightly so her body was more on top of Andy and rested her chin on top of her hand where her palm rested on the brunette's chest. "That we have known we love each other for some time and we do not want to waste it now that we are together. They may not understand fully but they will know it is serious," she said with clear bright eyes.
"Okay," Andy smiled and ran her fingers through her white hair. "I can live with that," she replied kissing Miranda's lips softly.
Their gentle kiss turned more passionate the longer their mouths were attached. Andy wasn't sure which one of them had started to make mewling noises but she didn't particularly care when Miranda's lithe body was covering her own. Her leg had slipped between Andy's thighs and she stopped thinking altogether, after all, they only had until the afternoon to be intimate in this way.
Miranda kissed her jaw and ran her tongue up to her ear where she pulled her earlobe between her teeth. She breathed softly and made Andy shiver. Her fingers toyed with the brunette's nipples before skimming down her stomach and through wet curls. There was no hesitation as Miranda thrust two fingers into her love. "Oh, fuck!" Andy gasped in surprise at the welcomed intrusion. Her hips bucking automatically with the rhythm the older woman set. Lips, tongue, and teeth brushed across heated skin alternating between Andy's breasts and neck area while her fingers worked. It didn't take long once she added her thumb and swiped it across Andy's clit. A white hot sensation started in the pit of her stomach and burst through her entire body until her toes curled. "Mira!" she cried out.
The woman above her smiled utterly proud of her handy work and started to make her way further south. Andy's breathing hadn't even reached a normal cadence before she felt Miranda's tongue inside her. She threaded her fingers through her hair and pulled her closer feeling her second orgasm building quickly. The editor flicked, rolled, and thrust her tongue inside until Andy was begging. "Please, Mira..." She moved her tongue to her clit using a soft pressure at first but the brunette was having none of that. She pushed her hips forward and held Miranda in place instructing her to go faster and use more pressure. She came hard against the older woman's mouth unable to even form a sentence as her body arched and went rigid.
When Andy opened her eyes, Miranda was resting on top of her staring down at her. Gone were the bright turquoise colored orbs to be replaced by dark and stormy ones. "You are remarkably gorgeous when you come undone," she said causing the younger woman to blush and kissed Andy's chin.
"It's something I could definitely get used to," Andy smiled back and hooked her leg over Miranda's hip. She used her body to flip the editor onto her back. She kissed her deeply only pulling away when the need for oxygen became too much. "What do you say we get a shower?" she asked with her long messy chestnut locks hanging in her face.
Miranda licked her lips. "Mmm, you with me all wet, water dripping down your skin, oh darling, that answer will forever be a hell yes," Andy smirked at the older woman's answer.
Andy slid from the overly heated woman beneath her and sauntered into her luxurious bathroom throwing a sultry look over her shoulder as Miranda's eyes hungrily watched her form. The editor was quickly on her heels following her into the other room and into the shower. As soon as the spray was warm Andy stepped under it and pulled Miranda to her. The brunette's lips slanted over the editor's as the spray hit them. Water was in their eyes and mouth but neither seemed to care. She pulled back staring at the older woman in front of her ready and wanting. She tried to push Andy against the tile but the younger woman grabbed her wrist and pulled them above her head walking her back toward the other end of the shower. "You've had your fun, now it's my turn, Mira," she smiled wickedly.
Lips attached to the editor's neck sucking and gently marking her soft skin while one of Andy's hands wrapped around her wrists. She pinned her with her hips pressing her thigh between her legs. "Andréa," Miranda moaned loudly.
The brunette pulled back slightly. "Don't move," she whispered in her ear before biting her gently. She slowly kissed her way down Miranda's body leaving goosebumps in her wake. She scraped her nails over the back of her right leg and hooked her hand around the back of her knee lifting it over her shoulder as she knelt in front of her. Andy's eyes took in the editor's glistening folds and inhaled her scent. "You smell divine," she licked her lips and leaned forward her tongue jutting out to taste Miranda. The brunette moaned loudly as the salty mixture flowed over her tongue while she licked the entire length of her lover. She started slow and deliberate with her ministrations.
Miranda's hands hand found her hair and she stopped looking up at the woman. "Andréa, why did you stop?" she whined.
"I told you not to move; hands above your head if you want to come. Now Mira," Andy commanded gently but firmly.
The former blonde complied and put her hands above her head. Andy went back to licking her languidly until she was gasping. The brunette drifted in and out of her opening gathering more of the salty mixture on her tongue and bringing it up to her clit. She swirled the hot wet muscle around Miranda's bundle of nerves before sucking the nub into her mouth and pulling gently. The editor cried her name out and pressed herself into her lover's mouth needing more. Andy pointed her tongue and started a quick rhythm flicking the muscle over the sensitive appendage until Miranda came against her mouth shouting her name. The brunette held on to her while the sensations slowed and tenderly kissed her way back to her lips. Fingertips slipped through wet folds and into the editor. “No more, I can’t…”
“You can and you will.” Andy kissed her deeply her tongue probing Miranda’s mouth. Her fingers were slow and steady. She curled them up brushing against that rough patch inside her lover and the former blonde held onto her tightly. The older woman whimpered when she felt the loss of Andy’s fingers but groaned as she realized another was added. She hissed at the slight stretching and the brunette stilled briefly but Miranda welcomed the small amount of pain thrusting her hips and groaning. She quivered and arched into Andy before crying out her release with her head back against the shower wall.
The younger woman carefully stilled her fingers and withdrew them from her lover bringing them to her mouth and sucking each digit clean. “Dear God! You are quite bossy when it comes to sex aren't you?" Miranda raised her patented eyebrow.
Andy shrugged. "Sometimes and sometimes not, I guess you'll just have to find out won't you?" she smirked reaching for the shampoo. The brunette squirted a small amount in her palm and slid her hands through Miranda short white hair. She massaged her scalp and worked the shampoo into a rich lather then rinsed it out. Miranda did the same but insisted she turn around so she could wash the ends better as Andy started washing her body. She was soft and gentle that way Miranda didn’t get aroused again, she was sure the editor was sore. The brunette turned and backed her under the water so she could rinse her skin. The older woman let her hands run over smooth muscles of Andy’s shoulders, back, stomach, breasts, arms, backside, and finally each leg slowly spreading the soapy lather. The agent sighed at the gentleness and placed a light kiss to the corners of Miranda’s mouth while she rinsed off. The editor turned the water off and they both got out. She handed Andy a towel and after drying off they went back into the bedroom.
The agent fell back onto the bed with a soft thud and settled onto her side watching Miranda go about getting dressed. “Are you planning on staying naked all day?”
“Hmmm, you know I thought about it,” she got onto her knees and crawled towards the woman at the edge of the bed. “We could just stay in bed until the girls come home,” she whispered against her lover’s ear.
“As much as I would love to, we need to restock the fridge for the week. That means a trip to the organic market so get dressed, darling. I promise I’ll make it up to you tonight,” she grinned.
“Well, how could I possibly say no to that?” Andy smirked and rushed about throwing on some lingerie she packed with her followed by a pair of 7 for all Mankind boot cut jeans, a grey Donna Karan casual button down, and a pair of black heels. She placed her backup firearm in the waist band of her jeans in the back. Then, she threw her hair up into a messy bun and proceeded to let Miranda know she was ready, “Let’s go lady! Hurry up!” she teased. Of course Miranda was impeccable wearing a pair of Armani jean slacks and one of her popular wrap blouses that Andy loved.
“Cheeky,” Miranda smiled poking her in the ribs and moving her fingers against her.
“I’m not ticklish,” she laughed. “You look beautiful,” she kissed her nose making the older woman blush.
“Alright, let’s go,” the editor smiled taking her hand.
The sun was warm and bright as they walked the short distance to the market holding hands. Andy was smiling widely unable to stop herself. She was very much enjoying ever second spent with Miranda even if they were grocery shopping. When they returned with their purchases, the door was ajar and Andy motioned for her to stop and be quiet. She took her cell phone from her pocket and called in backup. “Wait here. I mean it, Mira,” the agent said firmly gripping her biceps tighter than she meant to and looked into her eyes leaving no room for questions or arguments. Miranda nodded once.
The agent pulled her gun pushed the door slightly ajar leaning around to get a look inside the foyer to make sure it was clear before slipping inside. The place was a mess, broken glass was everywhere, and furniture was overturned. Andy checked the alarm first noting that it was still activated which meant who ever had broken in was a seasoned professional and managed to circumvent the alarm system. She went room by room to make sure the intruder or intruders were gone. Every piece of china Miranda owned was shattered on the kitchen floor and Andy sighed knowing that several pieces were her grandmother’s and irreplaceable. She ascended the stairs taking note of the priceless art pieces slashed with a knife. Whoever did this wanted to hurt the older woman in a way that violated her privacy and caused her to lose the possessions that held a sentimental value. Once she reached the landing, she noticed every bedroom door seemed to be pulled off its hinges and marked with an ‘x’. Her office was in tatters, books ripped to shreds, paper everywhere, knickknacks broken, picture frames smashed, and her computer demolished. There was no way she was letting Miranda stay here after this. Andy decided right then they would go back to her apartment and then possibly a safe house. She would protect Miranda and the girls at any cost including Runway
When she returned downstairs, the FBI had arrived and was already taking pictures. “I want every room swept and dusted. Find something!” she barked and went outside to find Miranda. She was speaking with a few NYPD officers and looked quite despondent. Bright turquoise eyes found hers, fear flashed through them. She clenched her fists; how dare someone do this to Miranda. She’d find them and make them pay for taking away her sanctuary.
“I have a catalogue of everything I own. I will send it to the NYPD and FBI to compare the wreckage and see what is missing,” she heard Miranda say.
Andy knew she would be very upset at the disarray inside but she had to prepare her. “Miranda,” she started. “I’m so sorry but nearly everything is destroyed,” she sighed. The moment she saw a tear glistening in the corner of her eye she barked at the officers. “Go do something productive,” she yelled and glared at the three of them standing around Miranda. Once they were gone, Andy took Miranda’s hand and squeezed gently letting her know she was here. The editor’s mask slipped into place and Andy knew it was for the best. She could tell the older woman wanted so badly to take refuge in her arms but the press was starting to arrive and if the agent knew anything she knew that this would make the front page. “I’ll call Nigel to pack you a bag for the next week and have Roy pick it up. We can wash the girls’ clothes at my place.” When she saw Miranda open her mouth to object she said, “You’re staying with me for the week, no discussion.”
Fandom: the Devil Wears Prada
Pairing: Miranda/Andy
Rating: M
Summary: AU - Andy must lie to Miranda to do her job and bring down an elaborate crime ring involving Irv Ravitz. Circumstances will force Andy back into Miranda's professional and personal life whether the editor wants it or not. Will she be able to trust the brunette and let her in to her heart?
Disclaimers: Not mine, obviously. Just taking them out of the box for entertainment and will return them when finished (or not).
A/N: Another chapter that lives up to the M rating with a bit of drama towards the end. Enjoy! Please R&R.
It was now Sunday morning and the two women were in bed cuddling. Andy's arm was around Miranda with her hand resting on her back while the older woman's head rested on her shoulder. Fingers drew a light pattern across the brunette's abdomen. "I can hear the cogs turning in your head," Miranda murmured and turned her head placing a soft kiss against her skin. Her lips were warm and Andy sighed.
She kissed the top of Miranda's messy hair before telling her what was on her mind. "What do you want to tell the girls when they get back later?"
"Well, I definitely don't think we should tell them about you being undercover. I fear for their safety should they let anything slip."
"I agree, but I was talking about us, me to be more precise."
"They noticed a while ago to be honest. They've let it slip a couple times that it would be alright if I was into girls," Miranda laughed. "We'll tell them the truth. We just started dating but we really care about each other and want to see where this goes."
"And you think they'll be fine with it?"
"Why, darling, are you scared of a couple of ten year olds?" Miranda teased.
"Not per say. I'm more worried what they think about me," Andy said after a moment’s hesitation.
"Don't be silly, they adore you. You're the only assistant I've ever had that could tell them apart. Not to mention you got them the Harry Potter manuscript. How did you get that anyway?"
"A friend," Andy smiled. "She owed me a favor and knew the artist who illustrated the cover."
"Should I be worried about this friend?" the older woman teased.
"Of course not, I only have eyes for you Mira," she replied kissing her softly. "I love you."
"I love you too," Miranda smiled.
Andy hugged her closer and ran her fingers across her spine. "So what do we tell them about why I'm here? They are going to question that at least."
"You are right, they will. Perhaps it would be best for you to sleep in the guest room under the guise your apartment is being renovated?"
"Okay," Andy said somewhat sadly.
"What is wrong, darling?" the older woman asked when she felt Andy tense.
"I just really like sleeping next to you," the brunette admitted. "We've already wasted time not admitting how we felt about each other sooner."
Miranda nodded. "You are right, again. I do not wish to waste any more time either."
"So what do we tell them?"
The former blonde turned slightly so her body was more on top of Andy and rested her chin on top of her hand where her palm rested on the brunette's chest. "That we have known we love each other for some time and we do not want to waste it now that we are together. They may not understand fully but they will know it is serious," she said with clear bright eyes.
"Okay," Andy smiled and ran her fingers through her white hair. "I can live with that," she replied kissing Miranda's lips softly.
Their gentle kiss turned more passionate the longer their mouths were attached. Andy wasn't sure which one of them had started to make mewling noises but she didn't particularly care when Miranda's lithe body was covering her own. Her leg had slipped between Andy's thighs and she stopped thinking altogether, after all, they only had until the afternoon to be intimate in this way.
Miranda kissed her jaw and ran her tongue up to her ear where she pulled her earlobe between her teeth. She breathed softly and made Andy shiver. Her fingers toyed with the brunette's nipples before skimming down her stomach and through wet curls. There was no hesitation as Miranda thrust two fingers into her love. "Oh, fuck!" Andy gasped in surprise at the welcomed intrusion. Her hips bucking automatically with the rhythm the older woman set. Lips, tongue, and teeth brushed across heated skin alternating between Andy's breasts and neck area while her fingers worked. It didn't take long once she added her thumb and swiped it across Andy's clit. A white hot sensation started in the pit of her stomach and burst through her entire body until her toes curled. "Mira!" she cried out.
The woman above her smiled utterly proud of her handy work and started to make her way further south. Andy's breathing hadn't even reached a normal cadence before she felt Miranda's tongue inside her. She threaded her fingers through her hair and pulled her closer feeling her second orgasm building quickly. The editor flicked, rolled, and thrust her tongue inside until Andy was begging. "Please, Mira..." She moved her tongue to her clit using a soft pressure at first but the brunette was having none of that. She pushed her hips forward and held Miranda in place instructing her to go faster and use more pressure. She came hard against the older woman's mouth unable to even form a sentence as her body arched and went rigid.
When Andy opened her eyes, Miranda was resting on top of her staring down at her. Gone were the bright turquoise colored orbs to be replaced by dark and stormy ones. "You are remarkably gorgeous when you come undone," she said causing the younger woman to blush and kissed Andy's chin.
"It's something I could definitely get used to," Andy smiled back and hooked her leg over Miranda's hip. She used her body to flip the editor onto her back. She kissed her deeply only pulling away when the need for oxygen became too much. "What do you say we get a shower?" she asked with her long messy chestnut locks hanging in her face.
Miranda licked her lips. "Mmm, you with me all wet, water dripping down your skin, oh darling, that answer will forever be a hell yes," Andy smirked at the older woman's answer.
Andy slid from the overly heated woman beneath her and sauntered into her luxurious bathroom throwing a sultry look over her shoulder as Miranda's eyes hungrily watched her form. The editor was quickly on her heels following her into the other room and into the shower. As soon as the spray was warm Andy stepped under it and pulled Miranda to her. The brunette's lips slanted over the editor's as the spray hit them. Water was in their eyes and mouth but neither seemed to care. She pulled back staring at the older woman in front of her ready and wanting. She tried to push Andy against the tile but the younger woman grabbed her wrist and pulled them above her head walking her back toward the other end of the shower. "You've had your fun, now it's my turn, Mira," she smiled wickedly.
Lips attached to the editor's neck sucking and gently marking her soft skin while one of Andy's hands wrapped around her wrists. She pinned her with her hips pressing her thigh between her legs. "Andréa," Miranda moaned loudly.
The brunette pulled back slightly. "Don't move," she whispered in her ear before biting her gently. She slowly kissed her way down Miranda's body leaving goosebumps in her wake. She scraped her nails over the back of her right leg and hooked her hand around the back of her knee lifting it over her shoulder as she knelt in front of her. Andy's eyes took in the editor's glistening folds and inhaled her scent. "You smell divine," she licked her lips and leaned forward her tongue jutting out to taste Miranda. The brunette moaned loudly as the salty mixture flowed over her tongue while she licked the entire length of her lover. She started slow and deliberate with her ministrations.
Miranda's hands hand found her hair and she stopped looking up at the woman. "Andréa, why did you stop?" she whined.
"I told you not to move; hands above your head if you want to come. Now Mira," Andy commanded gently but firmly.
The former blonde complied and put her hands above her head. Andy went back to licking her languidly until she was gasping. The brunette drifted in and out of her opening gathering more of the salty mixture on her tongue and bringing it up to her clit. She swirled the hot wet muscle around Miranda's bundle of nerves before sucking the nub into her mouth and pulling gently. The editor cried her name out and pressed herself into her lover's mouth needing more. Andy pointed her tongue and started a quick rhythm flicking the muscle over the sensitive appendage until Miranda came against her mouth shouting her name. The brunette held on to her while the sensations slowed and tenderly kissed her way back to her lips. Fingertips slipped through wet folds and into the editor. “No more, I can’t…”
“You can and you will.” Andy kissed her deeply her tongue probing Miranda’s mouth. Her fingers were slow and steady. She curled them up brushing against that rough patch inside her lover and the former blonde held onto her tightly. The older woman whimpered when she felt the loss of Andy’s fingers but groaned as she realized another was added. She hissed at the slight stretching and the brunette stilled briefly but Miranda welcomed the small amount of pain thrusting her hips and groaning. She quivered and arched into Andy before crying out her release with her head back against the shower wall.
The younger woman carefully stilled her fingers and withdrew them from her lover bringing them to her mouth and sucking each digit clean. “Dear God! You are quite bossy when it comes to sex aren't you?" Miranda raised her patented eyebrow.
Andy shrugged. "Sometimes and sometimes not, I guess you'll just have to find out won't you?" she smirked reaching for the shampoo. The brunette squirted a small amount in her palm and slid her hands through Miranda short white hair. She massaged her scalp and worked the shampoo into a rich lather then rinsed it out. Miranda did the same but insisted she turn around so she could wash the ends better as Andy started washing her body. She was soft and gentle that way Miranda didn’t get aroused again, she was sure the editor was sore. The brunette turned and backed her under the water so she could rinse her skin. The older woman let her hands run over smooth muscles of Andy’s shoulders, back, stomach, breasts, arms, backside, and finally each leg slowly spreading the soapy lather. The agent sighed at the gentleness and placed a light kiss to the corners of Miranda’s mouth while she rinsed off. The editor turned the water off and they both got out. She handed Andy a towel and after drying off they went back into the bedroom.
The agent fell back onto the bed with a soft thud and settled onto her side watching Miranda go about getting dressed. “Are you planning on staying naked all day?”
“Hmmm, you know I thought about it,” she got onto her knees and crawled towards the woman at the edge of the bed. “We could just stay in bed until the girls come home,” she whispered against her lover’s ear.
“As much as I would love to, we need to restock the fridge for the week. That means a trip to the organic market so get dressed, darling. I promise I’ll make it up to you tonight,” she grinned.
“Well, how could I possibly say no to that?” Andy smirked and rushed about throwing on some lingerie she packed with her followed by a pair of 7 for all Mankind boot cut jeans, a grey Donna Karan casual button down, and a pair of black heels. She placed her backup firearm in the waist band of her jeans in the back. Then, she threw her hair up into a messy bun and proceeded to let Miranda know she was ready, “Let’s go lady! Hurry up!” she teased. Of course Miranda was impeccable wearing a pair of Armani jean slacks and one of her popular wrap blouses that Andy loved.
“Cheeky,” Miranda smiled poking her in the ribs and moving her fingers against her.
“I’m not ticklish,” she laughed. “You look beautiful,” she kissed her nose making the older woman blush.
“Alright, let’s go,” the editor smiled taking her hand.
The sun was warm and bright as they walked the short distance to the market holding hands. Andy was smiling widely unable to stop herself. She was very much enjoying ever second spent with Miranda even if they were grocery shopping. When they returned with their purchases, the door was ajar and Andy motioned for her to stop and be quiet. She took her cell phone from her pocket and called in backup. “Wait here. I mean it, Mira,” the agent said firmly gripping her biceps tighter than she meant to and looked into her eyes leaving no room for questions or arguments. Miranda nodded once.
The agent pulled her gun pushed the door slightly ajar leaning around to get a look inside the foyer to make sure it was clear before slipping inside. The place was a mess, broken glass was everywhere, and furniture was overturned. Andy checked the alarm first noting that it was still activated which meant who ever had broken in was a seasoned professional and managed to circumvent the alarm system. She went room by room to make sure the intruder or intruders were gone. Every piece of china Miranda owned was shattered on the kitchen floor and Andy sighed knowing that several pieces were her grandmother’s and irreplaceable. She ascended the stairs taking note of the priceless art pieces slashed with a knife. Whoever did this wanted to hurt the older woman in a way that violated her privacy and caused her to lose the possessions that held a sentimental value. Once she reached the landing, she noticed every bedroom door seemed to be pulled off its hinges and marked with an ‘x’. Her office was in tatters, books ripped to shreds, paper everywhere, knickknacks broken, picture frames smashed, and her computer demolished. There was no way she was letting Miranda stay here after this. Andy decided right then they would go back to her apartment and then possibly a safe house. She would protect Miranda and the girls at any cost including Runway
When she returned downstairs, the FBI had arrived and was already taking pictures. “I want every room swept and dusted. Find something!” she barked and went outside to find Miranda. She was speaking with a few NYPD officers and looked quite despondent. Bright turquoise eyes found hers, fear flashed through them. She clenched her fists; how dare someone do this to Miranda. She’d find them and make them pay for taking away her sanctuary.
“I have a catalogue of everything I own. I will send it to the NYPD and FBI to compare the wreckage and see what is missing,” she heard Miranda say.
Andy knew she would be very upset at the disarray inside but she had to prepare her. “Miranda,” she started. “I’m so sorry but nearly everything is destroyed,” she sighed. The moment she saw a tear glistening in the corner of her eye she barked at the officers. “Go do something productive,” she yelled and glared at the three of them standing around Miranda. Once they were gone, Andy took Miranda’s hand and squeezed gently letting her know she was here. The editor’s mask slipped into place and Andy knew it was for the best. She could tell the older woman wanted so badly to take refuge in her arms but the press was starting to arrive and if the agent knew anything she knew that this would make the front page. “I’ll call Nigel to pack you a bag for the next week and have Roy pick it up. We can wash the girls’ clothes at my place.” When she saw Miranda open her mouth to object she said, “You’re staying with me for the week, no discussion.”