“You were lucky today.” Bel poured two glasses of champagne to kick off the celebration. Until the judge handed down his sentence, she hadn’t been convinced Esther would be a free woman.
“Luck had nothing to do with it.”
“How do you figure that?”
“It was justice. A vindictive asshole put me through hell and tried to kill me. He’d have shot us both, you know that. The fact that I lost my shit and ensured he’d never walk properly again doesn’t change that.” Esther grinned.
Bel’s sense of right and wrong wavered, but only a little. “You shot an unarmed man.”
“I disagree. He had been armed. He was just stupid enough to put down his weapon.”
Bel and Esther had bounced this conversation around for nearly a year, and on every occasion they agreed to disagree, until now. Now Bel had to concede that Esther was right. She’d been found not guilty of grievous bodily harm on the grounds of self-defence, and although the judge was never able to voice his opinion, Bel had heard that he’d implied in chambers that justice would not be served by incarcerating the victim of such a heinous crime.
The result was certainly worth celebrating.
“Come and celebrate over here,” said Esther.
Bel looked into the lounge room and smiled. Esther sat seductively on the couch, a cheeky grin creasing her face. For the first time in a year, she looked relaxed, almost content. It had been a long and exhausting road for them both. Esther had conceded to seeking help with the ordeal, but naturally, it had uncovered deep wounds from her childhood. With Bel’s support, they were slowly working to heal the past.
Although Bel was cleared of any wrongdoing for her part in what happened to Conrad Rush, she resigned from MI5 against all protests from her superiors. In the end it had been an easy decision. One day after all the fuss had died down, Charlie, still sporting a yellowish shadow around her eyes after the beating from Conrad Rush, had showed up on her doorstep. Three hours and a bottle of brandy later, Salt and Reilly Protection and Investigations was conceived. Their first client was a wealthy MP left in a precarious position, through no fault of his own, due to foreign policy and tough decisions regarding corrupt activity in the Middle East. Salt and Reilly worked with his government-agency protection team to offer that extra level of security. As far as first gigs went, it was a lucrative contract that would lead to many more.
Bel stood before Esther and held aloft her champagne. “Here’s to us.”
“Here’s to you taking your clothes off.”
“Why, Miss Banks, how very forward of you.”
“It’s been a long time.”
It had been a very long time. Bel had given Esther all the space she’d needed, and for the past seven months that included space in the bedroom. Bel flushed at the thought of how much she wanted Esther.
“Have you forgotten what to do?” asked Esther.
“Surely it’s just like riding a bike.”
“Are you implying I’m like a push bike?” Esther hooked a finger over the top of Bel’s jeans and pulled her nearer.
“Not at all, but I’ve memorised every inch of you. There’s no way I’d forget what to do.”
Esther slowly unbuttoned Bel’s jeans.
“I’ve missed your body.” Esther pushed the jeans to the floor, revealing black lace pants. She raised her eyebrows. “These aren’t usually your style.”
“I’m trying a new look.”
“All posh now you’re minding an MP.” Esther pushed the pants in the same direction as the jeans.
Bel’s heart raced in anticipation. “I wear Armani now, what can I say?” She’d been naked with Esther on dozens of occasions since they stopped having sex, but all of those moments were nothing like now. The moisture between her legs was just the physical sign of how she was feeling inside. Inside she was on fire, and she knew exactly how to put out the flames.
“Step out of them, please.”
Bel complied.
Esther ran the back of her index finger from under the bottom of Bel’s shirt to her clit. “Open your legs, please.”
Bel squirmed and the hairs on the back of her neck stood to attention. When Esther pushed her fingers toward Bel’s opening, her legs weakened, and the champagne instantly caused her to become giddy. “God, I need you.”
“I’m sorry it’s been a while.”
Esther massaged her clit with her thumb.
“I would have waited longer. Much longer.”
Esther pulled her hand away. “I can make you wait all night if that’s what you’d like.”
Bel was quick to grab her wrist. “I don’t think that’s necessary.”
Esther smiled. It was one of those million-dollar smiles, and it melted Bel to the very core. She shuffled forward, encouraging Esther’s hand to explore farther. Bel couldn’t remember physically wanting anyone as much as she wanted Esther now. Without invitation, she straddled Esther’s lap and slid a hand around the back of her neck. They kissed deeply and intensely. For a moment, Bel could have sworn they became one being, one entity, and the only thing that drew her away from the sensation was the feeling of Esther’s fingers dancing around her opening.
“Please.” It was the only word Bel could mutter and, apparently, the only word Esther needed to hear.
In one smooth movement, Esther pushed two fingers inside Bel.
So powerful was the sensation, Bel broke their kiss and grasped Esther firmly as she began to rock up and down. Esther found her G-spot immediately, and although Bel knew she would come quickly, she wasn’t prepared to ask Esther to stop or slow down. She reached the edge of orgasm in no time.
“I’ve missed you,” said Bel.
Esther added a third finger. “I’m sorry I went missing for so long.”
Bel shook her head, although Esther couldn’t have seen her. “Just promise when you go, you’ll always come back to me.”
“I promise. Right now we have all night, so you don’t need to hold back. Come for me, Bel. Come for me now.”
Bel released immediately. She closed her eyes so tightly, she feared her head might explode. She felt the most satisfying and warm sensation between her legs.
Esther pulsed her fingers gently inside. It was exactly what Bel liked after her first orgasm.
“Welcome back, baby,” said Bel.
Esther’s fingers gained momentum. “It’s good to be back.”