Best of the Best

Chapter 16: Off Limits

Camila rubbed her neck, and smoothed the elaborate braid that was holding her hair back as she tried to subtly scan the room for Lauren. She couldn't remember the name of the woman who was talking to her to save her life, and she couldn't get a word in to excuse herself, so she just kept nodding and searching. Lauren should have been easy enough to spot in her stunning red dress with a slit up one leg that made Camila's palms sweat, but she was nowhere to be found.

Camila tuned back in just in time to catch the question being sent her way.

"You look awful young, but are you a doctor at the children's hospital?"

"Umm, no ma'am," Camila answered politely. Apparently this lady had missed the supernova of flashes that had occurred the moment she and Lauren had stepped out of their limo. Camila glanced around again but Lauren must have gone off to take one of a dozen calls she'd gotten since they arrived. "I'm not a doctor."

Camila looked around a little more frantically, trying not to squirm when the woman suddenly reached out and trailed her fingers along the soft wool of Camila's tuxedo jacket.

"Well I hope I can still make a...donation later tonight."

Camila was about to turn as red as Lauren's dress when the woman herself finally showed herself. "Camila," she purred, her fingers gripping Camila's arm possessively. "We need drinks, darling."

Camila floundered, looking between Lauren and the woman, whose hand was making a hasty retreat. "Right- Yeah d-drinks. Sorry ma-ma'am," she offered to the woman, as Lauren tugged her arm. "It was umm... nice talking to you."

"Every time I turn around they're pawing at you. I thought I'd made it clear you were off limits," Lauren muttered, sliding her hand down Camila's arm and linking their fingers as she dragged Camila along towards the bar. "Should have dressed you in a burlap sack."

Camila fiddled with her bowtie and shuffled along, stopping a passing waiter and letting go of Lauren to grab two flutes of champagne from his tray. "Drink this."

Lauren huffed but took a sip, the bubbles having their desired effect as she let out a sigh. "I just didn't think I'd have to mark my territory."

Camila took a sip and set her glass on a nearby table. "You don't, and I think things are going pretty good. Or did you just prepare me for the worst?"

"I may have, but things are going well. I don't think we'll have to deal with much tomorrow. And anyone willing to try I'll buy out and crush."

Camila laughed and took Lauren's now empty glass. "I'm sure you will. Now how about I mark my territory, 'cause that dress has everybody staring and I'm about one leer away from kicking one of these sleazebags in the side of the head, so," she said, extending her hand. "Dance with me."

Lauren smiled and took it. "Do you dance, champ?"

Camila answered by leading them onto the dance floor and spinning Lauren gracefully into her arms, pressing their bodies together. She smirked as Lauren let out a soft gasp. "I'm pretty quick on my feet."

---

"People are really staring now."

Lauren took her eyes off Camila to glance at the crowd surrounding the dancefloor. "Of course they are," she stated, adjusting her hand on Camila's shoulder. "We're stunning, darling. They're all trying to figure out which of us they'd like to switch places with."

Camila laughed. The kind that threw her head back. "Oh yeah?"

Lauren nodded, focusing again on Camila's as the band started a new song and the tempo slowed. "I'm quite certain every woman in this room is wondering how they can be me, which isn't anything new, but now it has less to do with fame and fortune, and more to do with what it feels like to be in your arms."

Camila shook her head, smiling. "Well they'll just have to keep wondering, because I don't plan on letting you go."

Lauren smiled and brought both arms up to drape over Camila's shoulders, as their dancing slowed to a sway. "Good to know."

"Do you really think there's a woman in the world who could take your place?"

"No," Lauren stated. "But it's still nice to hear."

Camila laughed and pulled Lauren closer. Words she desperately wanted to say threatening to leap from the tip of her tongue. Dive so far down they could never be retrieved and she would be diving right along with them, but Lauren spoke before she could.

"Let's get out of here, champ."

---

Lauren had been right, she was their Queen after all, and most major media outlets had little to say about their coming out. A few pictures were floating around the gossip websites, but Lauren's people had made a statement confirming everything and the little information they did release was apparently enough to keep everyone happy.

The only thing that was different about Camila's Friday was waking up to someone slapping her bare ass. She groaned and tugged at the sheets, rolling over in the process, but the lights proved too bright for her to stay sleeping.

"You know I'm not sure which side of you I prefer, darling," Lauren said looking down at Camila appreciatively. "Your behind is something, but the front has its attributes," she continued, putting in her earring.

Camila opened her eyes as a lecherous smile spread across her face. "You certainly like it from behind."

Lauren finished with her other earring one eyebrow up. "You're awfully brazen for so early in the morning," she said, sitting on the edge of the bed and running her fingers along Camila's exposed arm. "Last night was inspired though."

"By champagne," Camila added, rubbing her groggy face.

Lauren laughed as she stood and headed for her closet. "We should have maybe not taken that bottle for in the car," she said over her shoulder.

Camila groaned and rubbed her face again. "Seriously. How are you even up right now?"

Lauren stepped back into the bedroom, three inches taller than before, and Camila couldn't help but stare at long, smooth legs as Lauren bent to adjust her heels.

"Experience," Lauren answered, standing and smoothing out her dress. She sat on the edge of the bed and leaned in to give Camila a languid kiss. "I've got to go, but stay as long as you want. Thomas is already out with Ella. She'll be bringing him to the office for lunch, sushi on the balcony. If you're feeling up to it, you're invited of course."

Camila propped herself up against her pillows. "I'd like that. 12:30?"

Lauren nodded and kissed Camila quick before standing. "Go around to the executive entrance. I'll make sure security knows you're coming and to let you use my private elevator."

Camila's eyebrows went up. "I get to use the private elevator?"

Lauren leaned down for another kiss, smirking. "I think after some of the things we did last night, nothing's off limits anymore," she purred, rubbing Camila's cheek with her thumb.

Camila smirked and stole another kiss, her fingers toying with the hem of Lauren's dress. "Nothing?"

"Whatever you're thinking, I don't have time for."

Camila chuckled as Lauren batted her hands away. "How bout tonight after my classes?"

"Wear the uniform."