Bound by law

Chapter 60: A Night to Remember

Estelle stood in front of the mirror, her heart racing as she stared at her reflection. Tonight felt different—charged with a new kind of energy. She smoothed down the dress Celeste had bought her weeks ago: sleek, black, and perfectly tailored to her curves. It hugged her in all the right places, showing off a bit of skin without being overly revealing. The neckline dipped low enough to hint at her cleavage, and the fabric clung to her waist, flaring slightly at her hips. She looked elegant, but there was an undeniable sensuality to the way the dress draped over her.

Her dark auburn hair was loose, falling in soft waves around her shoulders, and her makeup was minimal but effective—a bold red lip that popped against her flawless skin and mascara that made her eyes smolder. She felt good. No—she felt powerful. And tonight, she wanted to look that way for Celeste.

Her fingers trembled slightly as she fastened the delicate gold necklace around her neck, a gift from Celeste that added a final touch of sophistication. Tonight was a big night. She knew it, felt it deep in her bones. They had been dancing around the inevitable for weeks, building up a tension that felt like it could snap at any moment. And tonight, that tension was going to break.

She took a deep breath and gave herself one last look before stepping out of her room. Mia had been out all day, leaving the apartment quiet, which gave Estelle time to prepare without any interruptions.

When she arrived at the front of the restaurant where they had planned to meet, Estelle felt the flutter of nerves in her stomach. She hadn't seen Celeste since their last encounter at the university, where things had gotten intense, but she knew tonight would be different—more intentional, more intimate.

As she stepped inside, her eyes scanned the room, and then she saw her.

Celeste stood at the back of the restaurant, near a private table by the window. She looked stunning—immaculate as always in a fitted black suit, the crisp white shirt underneath hinting at the powerful, composed woman she was. But tonight, there was something softer in her gaze as her eyes locked onto Estelle, something that made Estelle's heart skip a beat.

Celeste's lips curved into a slow, appreciative smile as she watched Estelle approach, her eyes darkening with something much deeper than admiration. Estelle felt that familiar heat spread through her body under Celeste's gaze—the feeling of being completely seen, completely desired.

"You look... breathtaking," Celeste said in a low voice as Estelle reached the table.

Estelle felt her cheeks flush, but she managed a smile. "So do you."

Celeste stepped closer, her hand brushing lightly against Estelle's arm as she guided her into her seat. The simple touch sent a jolt of electricity through her, and Estelle felt her breath hitch. It was always like this with Celeste—one touch, one look, and her body would react before her mind even caught up.

Dinner passed in a haze of conversation, stolen glances, and lingering touches. Celeste's hand would brush against hers as she reached for her wine glass, her leg would press just a little too close to Estelle's under the table, and every time their eyes met, the unspoken promise between them grew stronger. Estelle could barely focus on the food; all she could think about was the heat building between them, the tension that had been simmering for weeks now on the verge of boiling over.

When dinner was finally over, Celeste stood, extending a hand to Estelle. "Let's get out of here," she murmured, her voice rich and filled with something deeper than just desire.

Estelle didn't hesitate. She placed her hand in Celeste's, letting her guide them out of the restaurant and into the cool night air. Celeste's car was parked just outside, sleek and black, and as they drove back to Celeste's apartment, the silence between them was charged. Every glance Celeste shot in her direction, every brush of their hands, made Estelle's pulse quicken.