Chapter 78: Heat of the Moment

The law firm was abuzz with activity as the team prepared for a major case. Estelle could feel the energy in the air, a mix of urgency and excitement that had everyone on edge. She sat at her desk in Celeste's office, reviewing documents and trying to stay focused, but her mind kept drifting back to the small, charged moments between her and Celeste throughout the day.

There had been the way Celeste's hand had lingered on her lower back when she'd passed by earlier, the subtle smirk on her lips as she whispered instructions in Estelle's ear. The little touches, the teasing glances—it was all driving Estelle to distraction.

To make matters worse, Pierce had been hovering around all day, finding excuses to pop into the office and strike up unnecessary conversations. Estelle could see the way he watched her, the smug glint in his eye whenever Celeste wasn't around. It was infuriating, and she couldn't shake the feeling that he was trying to get under her skin.

By the time lunch rolled around, Estelle was on edge. She decided to take a quick break, heading to the staff lounge to grab a coffee. She was stirring sugar into her cup when Pierce strolled in, his ever-present smirk firmly in place.

"Taking a break, Brooks?" he asked, leaning casually against the counter.

Estelle didn't bother looking up. "Just grabbing coffee."

Pierce chuckled, his tone dripping with condescension. "You're really making yourself at home in Miss Thorne's office, huh? Must be nice, having all that... private time with her."

Estelle froze, her grip tightening on the coffee cup. She turned to glare at him, her voice low and sharp. "What's your point, Pierce?"

He shrugged, his smirk widening. "No point. Just an observation. But hey, if that's what it takes to get ahead around here, I guess you're playing the game pretty well."

The implication in his words sent a flare of anger through Estelle, but before she could respond, a familiar voice cut through the tension.

"Pierce," Celeste's voice was cold, commanding, and it sent a shiver down Estelle's spine. "Don't you have work to do?"

Pierce straightened up immediately, the smugness in his expression replaced by nervousness. "Of course, Miss Thorne. I was just—"

"Leave," Celeste interrupted, her tone leaving no room for argument.

Pierce stammered something unintelligible before quickly retreating from the room, leaving Estelle and Celeste alone. Estelle let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding, her heart still racing from the encounter.

Celeste stepped closer, her sharp eyes locking onto Estelle's. "Are you okay?" she asked, her voice softer now.

Estelle nodded, though her cheeks burned with a mix of anger and embarrassment. "I'm fine. He's just... impossible."

Celeste's lips curved into a small, dangerous smile. "He won't bother you again."

There was a possessive edge to her voice that sent a thrill through Estelle, and she couldn't help but smirk. "You didn't have to step in, you know. I could've handled him."

Celeste raised an eyebrow, stepping even closer until the space between them was almost nonexistent. "Oh, I know you could've. But I don't like people talking to you like that. You're mine, Estelle."

The words sent a rush of heat through Estelle, and she swallowed hard, her pulse quickening. "Am I?" she whispered, her voice teasing.

Celeste's eyes darkened, her hand coming up to brush a strand of hair behind Estelle's ear. "Don't play coy with me, baby. You know exactly what you are to me."

Estelle's breath hitched as Celeste's fingers trailed down her neck, her touch feather-light but electrifying. The tension between them crackled like a live wire, the quiet hum of the staff lounge forgotten as they stood there, lost in their own world.

"Celeste," Estelle murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

Celeste leaned in, her lips brushing against Estelle's ear as she spoke. "You're mine," she repeated, her voice low and possessive. "And I don't like sharing."

The heat in her words made Estelle's knees weak, and she had to grip the counter to steady herself. "I wasn't... I mean, Pierce doesn't—"

"I don't care about Pierce," Celeste interrupted, her tone firm. "I care about you. And I won't let anyone think they can speak to you like that."

Estelle's heart raced as Celeste's hand slid to her waist, pulling her closer until their bodies were almost touching. The intensity in Celeste's gaze was overwhelming, and Estelle felt her resolve slipping.

"Someone could walk in," Estelle whispered, though the protest sounded weak even to her own ears.

Celeste smirked, her eyes glinting with mischief. "Then we'll give them something to talk about."

Before Estelle could respond, Celeste closed the distance between them, capturing her lips in a fierce, possessive kiss. Estelle melted into it, her hands gripping Celeste's blazer as the kiss deepened. The heat between them was undeniable, and Estelle couldn't bring herself to care about where they were or who might walk in.

Celeste pulled back just enough to whisper against her lips. "You drive me crazy, you know that?"

Estelle smiled, her cheeks flushed. "Right back at you."

Celeste chuckled, pressing another quick kiss to Estelle's lips before stepping back, her composure returning as if nothing had happened. "Finish your coffee," she said, her tone light but commanding. "And then get back to work. We've got a lot to do."

Estelle laughed softly, shaking her head as she watched Celeste walk away, her heart still racing. She couldn't believe the whirlwind of emotions that woman could stir in her with just a few words, a few touches. And as she sipped her coffee, a small smile playing on her lips, Estelle realized that she wouldn't have it any other way.