Bound by law

Chapter 73: Defining Us

It was late, and the city outside Celeste's apartment window shimmered with lights, casting a warm glow over the room. Estelle sat on the couch, legs tucked beneath her, her gaze flickering from the skyline to Celeste, who was busy reviewing some papers for a case. The soft hum of the city, combined with the quiet intimacy of the moment, made Estelle's heart race.

For weeks now, she had been feeling this gnawing uncertainty about where exactly she and Celeste stood. Their relationship had grown deeper, more intense, and yet... they had never officially put a label on it. It wasn't as if she needed the reassurance, but a part of her craved clarity. She wanted to hear it from Celeste's lips, to make sure they were on the same page.

The thoughts had been circling her mind all night, and finally, she couldn't hold it in any longer.

She shifted on the couch, taking a deep breath before speaking. "Celeste?"

Celeste looked up from her papers, her sharp, beautiful eyes immediately locking onto Estelle. "Yes, baby?"

Estelle's heart fluttered at the term of endearment. Baby. It felt so personal, so intimate, yet... she still wasn't sure if it meant what she hoped it did. She nervously bit her bottom lip, trying to figure out the right way to ask the question that had been weighing on her mind.

"Uh, I've been thinking," Estelle began, her voice a little hesitant. "About us."

Celeste raised an eyebrow, intrigued but patient. She set the papers aside and shifted her full attention to Estelle, that usual composed air of hers softening. "What about us?"

Estelle felt her palms grow sweaty, her pulse quickening. Just ask her. She took a deep breath, the words spilling out before she could second-guess herself.

"I mean, we never really... you know... put a label on what this is," Estelle said, her voice quieter than usual. She looked down at her hands nervously, fidgeting. "Are we still just—uhm—girlfriends, or... I mean... we are that, right?"

Celeste's expression didn't change immediately, but her lips slowly curled into a teasing smile as she leaned forward. "Estelle..." she said in that low, smooth voice that always sent shivers down Estelle's spine. "I thought you would've known that by now."

Estelle blinked, momentarily thrown by Celeste's calm, confident tone. "I-I mean, I guess I assumed," she stammered, "but we never really said anything, and I didn't want to just assume, you know..."

Celeste's smirk widened, clearly enjoying the fact that Estelle was flustered. She slowly stood up from the chair and walked over to the couch, sitting down beside Estelle, her movements deliberate and graceful. She didn't say anything at first, just looked at Estelle with those intense eyes that always made Estelle feel like the world outside had disappeared.

Then, Celeste reached out and gently cupped Estelle's chin, turning her face to meet her gaze. "Let me make it clear for you," she murmured, her voice dropping to a soft, seductive whisper. "You are mine. There's no question about that."

Estelle's breath caught in her throat as Celeste's thumb brushed across her lips. The possessiveness in her voice, the certainty of her words, made Estelle's heart race.

"And I," Celeste continued, leaning in closer so that their lips were just inches apart, "am yours. So, yes, baby, we are together. You're not just some fling. You're not temporary. You're my girlfriend, and I'm yours."

Estelle's heart swelled with warmth and relief. Hearing those words made everything feel solid, like she finally had the clarity she had been craving. She had known on some level that this was real, but having Celeste say it—confirm it—made her feel grounded.

Celeste leaned in, pressing a slow, tender kiss to Estelle's lips, as if sealing her words with something deeper. Estelle melted into the kiss, her hands gently sliding up to Celeste's shoulders, pulling her closer. There was something about this kiss that felt different—more intimate, more meaningful. It wasn't just about desire; it was about them, about what they had built together.

When Celeste finally pulled back, her eyes were soft, her expression open. "I don't play games with you, Estelle," she murmured. "I care about you, deeply. If you ever have doubts, talk to me. Don't sit on them."

Estelle nodded, feeling a little embarrassed that she had been so unsure. "I guess I just needed to hear it. I'm not used to this kind of relationship. I didn't want to assume..."

Celeste chuckled softly, brushing a strand of hair behind Estelle's ear. "You don't need to assume anything. When it comes to us, I'll always tell you exactly how I feel."

Estelle smiled, the tension melting away as she felt Celeste's arms wrap around her, pulling her into a warm embrace. She rested her head on Celeste's shoulder, feeling a deep sense of contentment settle over her.

"I'm glad we cleared that up," Estelle murmured against Celeste's neck, her voice filled with affection.

"Me too," Celeste replied, pressing a kiss to the top of Estelle's head. "But just in case there's any doubt left, let me tell you again—"

Celeste gently pulled back, lifting Estelle's chin so that their eyes met once more. "You're mine, Estelle Brooks. My girlfriend, my partner, and something I don't plan on letting go."

Estelle's cheeks flushed with warmth, her heart swelling at Celeste's words. "And you're mine," she whispered, a smile tugging at her lips. "No one else."

Celeste's eyes glinted with a possessive intensity. "Exactly."

As they sat together, wrapped in each other's arms, Estelle couldn't help but feel a deep sense of peace. The doubts and insecurities that had once clouded her mind were gone, replaced by the certainty that what they had was real—solid. Celeste wasn't just her professor, her boss, or a fleeting romance. She was her girlfriend, her partner. And nothing was going to change that.