Bound by law

Chapter 69: Consequences

The air between Estelle and Celeste was thick with tension as they walked back to Celeste's office after the rooftop incident. Estelle's stomach twisted with nerves, her mind racing through everything that had happened. She knew she had messed up—getting caught up in Mia's chaos again—but it had felt harmless at the time. Now, however, Celeste's palpable frustration made it clear she didn't see it that way.

They entered Celeste's office, and the door clicked shut behind them with a heavy finality. Celeste didn't say anything at first, just walked to her desk and leaned against it, her arms crossed and her expression unreadable. Estelle stood there awkwardly, feeling the weight of Celeste's disappointment pressing down on her.

After what felt like an eternity, Celeste finally spoke, her voice low and controlled. "You want to explain what that was all about?"

Estelle swallowed hard, her nerves getting the better of her. "I didn't mean for things to get so out of hand. Mia just—"

"Mia," Celeste interrupted, her tone sharp. "Yes, I know. Mia always manages to get you into trouble. But this isn't about her, Estelle. This is about you. You made the choice to go along with her, knowing the risks."

Estelle's heart sank. She couldn't argue with that. Celeste was right—she had known better, but she'd gone along with it anyway. "I'm sorry," she said softly, her eyes downcast. "I wasn't thinking."

Celeste let out a frustrated sigh, pushing herself away from the desk as she took a few slow steps toward Estelle. "That's exactly the problem, Estelle. You weren't thinking. You have too much at stake to be making these kinds of careless decisions. I expect better from you."

The sting of Celeste's words hit harder than Estelle expected, her chest tightening as the disappointment sank in. She wanted to defend herself, to explain that she had just been trying to unwind after the intensity of the last few weeks, but she knew it wouldn't matter. Celeste wasn't looking for excuses—she was looking for accountability.

"I know," Estelle murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "I wasn't trying to jeopardize anything. I just... I don't know. I wasn't thinking."

Celeste's eyes softened slightly, but her frustration was still clear. "I care about you, Estelle. I don't want to see you throw everything away because of some reckless impulse."

Estelle's heart fluttered at the sincerity in Celeste's voice, but the weight of guilt still hung over her. "I won't. I'll be more careful."

For a moment, Celeste just stood there, staring at Estelle with that intense gaze that always made Estelle's heart race. Then, with a sigh, she took a step closer, her fingers brushing lightly over Estelle's cheek. "You know I'm hard on you because I want you to succeed, right?"

Estelle nodded, her throat tight with emotion. "I know."

Celeste's hand slid down to Estelle's chin, gently tilting her head up so that their eyes met. "Good. Because I don't like being disappointed in you."

The tension between them crackled with something more than just frustration now. Estelle could feel it in the air—the way Celeste's touch lingered on her skin, the way her voice had softened just enough to send a shiver down Estelle's spine. The line between frustration and desire blurred, and Estelle wasn't sure if she was more afraid of Celeste's anger or of how much she wanted her right now.

"I'm sorry," Estelle whispered again, her voice trembling as Celeste's thumb grazed her bottom lip.

Celeste's eyes darkened, her frustration slowly giving way to something more possessive. "You know," she murmured, her voice dropping to a dangerous whisper, "I don't tolerate disobedience lightly."

Estelle's breath hitched, her pulse quickening as Celeste's words hung in the air. There was something both thrilling and terrifying about the way Celeste looked at her now—like she was deciding exactly how to handle Estelle's recklessness.

"I know," Estelle whispered, her body already responding to the shift in Celeste's demeanor. "I'll do better."

Celeste's lips curved into a slow, dangerous smile as her hand slid to the back of Estelle's neck, pulling her closer. "You'd better," she said softly, her breath warm against Estelle's skin. "But you know what happens when you don't, don't you?"

Estelle's heart pounded, her body trembling with anticipation as she nodded. She knew exactly what was coming—Celeste's possessiveness, her need to remind Estelle who was in control. And despite the guilt that still weighed on her, Estelle couldn't help the surge of excitement that rushed through her.

Without another word, Celeste pulled Estelle into a fierce, possessive kiss, her grip firm as she claimed her with an intensity that made Estelle's knees weak. Estelle moaned softly into the kiss, her hands gripping Celeste's shoulders as she melted into the heat of it, her body responding instinctively to Celeste's dominance.

When Celeste finally pulled back, her breathing heavy, she looked down at Estelle with that familiar mix of desire and authority. "You're mine, Estelle," she growled, her voice thick with possessiveness. "And I'm not going to let you forget that."

Estelle's heart raced, her body trembling as Celeste's words washed over her. "I know," she whispered, her voice shaky but full of emotion. "I'm yours."

Celeste's eyes darkened, and she leaned in again, her lips brushing against Estelle's ear as she whispered, "Good. Because I'm going to make sure you remember that the next time you even think about being reckless."

Estelle shivered, her body already aching with need as Celeste's hand slid down to her waist, pulling her closer. She knew she was in for it now—Celeste wasn't just angry, she was determined to remind Estelle exactly who was in control.

And Estelle, for all her defiance and recklessness, couldn't wait to surrender to her completely.