Tug Of Law (Bernadette Mackenna Cases Book 4)

by D. R. Bailey

  “It’s probably what I need,” said Eve with a chuckle, though it was tinged with bitterness at her own appalling behaviour.

  “I don’t think I can slap you even if I wanted to, which I didn’t. I was just hurt, very hurt, by what you said. I couldn’t think straight.”

  “I know, and I’m so sorry. You have no idea how sorry I am,” Eve said contritely, “When those last words left my mouth, I felt like an absolute bitch, a heel, an ingrate, unworthy of the love you’ve given me…”

  “Stop it,” Bernadette said softly, “You are never unworthy of my love, never.”

  “Thank you. I know you don’t handle confrontation very well. I should know that by now. You should have shouted at me, given me a piece of your mind, it’s what I deserved.”

  “I couldn’t, and no I don’t, not in relationships. Is it a bad thing?”

  Eve laughed. “Don’t look so worried. You shouldn’t have to. I’m the one who needs to curb my behaviour.”

  “Only that behaviour.” Bernadette smiled. “But… you said for a start…”

  “Yes! Because,” Eve said with determination, “The second thing, I’ve decided, we are getting married as soon as possible. I’m taking it out of your hands.”

  “What?”

  This did surprise Bernadette, but Eve had a martial light in her eye.

  “Hush, I’m taking charge. I’m going to make all the arrangements, and in two weeks’ time we are tying the knot.”

  “But…”

  Eve shook her head, in such a way that Bernadette knew she would brook no opposition.

  “No buts, you need this, I need this. Once we are married you will know for certain I’m never going to leave you. I will have made my vows to you in public in front of our friends.”

  “But I haven’t got a dress.”

  This was a weak protest because secretly Bernadette was relieved the wedding was being wrested from her grasp.

  “I’m going to choose your dress, and everything else. I choose all your clothes anyway.”

  “So, I don’t get a say in this?”

  “No, you just have to turn up.”

  “OK.” Bernadette smiled.

  “OK? You’re going to let me? Just like that?” Eve laughed.

  “You’re the boss.” Bernadette shrugged.

  “I’m definitely not the boss,” Eve laughed, “You are the boss my darling, and you always will be.”

  She said it in such a way that Bernadette knew she meant it. Although Bernadette never really thought about who was more dominant in their relationship, perhaps it really was herself. She often felt Eve called the shots but in a much more subtle way. Bernadette always thought they should be equal partners, but perhaps Eve liked her to be the assertive one. Bernadette put it from her mind, there were too many other things to worry about.

  “Well, it’s nice to know,” was all she said.

  It didn’t do to dwell on things, Bernadette knew only too well. What they had was good. They were good together. They had had these blow-ups, but they always made it up afterwards. It was hardly that bad, even if it seemed so at the time.

  “I can be the boss sometimes, but only when you deserve it.” Eve smiled.

  “And what do you deserve?” Bernadette said mischievously.

  “You know what I deserve and I’m sure you’ll be doing it.”

  “You know I will, but now I want something else.”

  “What’s that?”

  “This…”

  Bernadette began to kiss Eve, and the pent-up emotions now found an outlet in their passion. The kiss became white hot, and the fire spread through Bernadette’s body very quickly. She had been wearing a satin robe after breakfast, when all this happened and nothing else. Bernadette quickly shrugged it off. Eve diverted herself of her own garments at the same time.

  Bernadette’s hands were running over Eve’s skin, making Eve gasp and pull herself in tighter to feel her naked flesh against Bernadette’s. Bernadette’s hands paused on Eve’s buttocks and she squeezed digging in her nails.

  “Oh God… oh fuck… oh yes…” Eve cried as Bernadette did it again.

  Her hand moved around and between Eve’s legs to find her indescribably wet.

  “Ah… fuck… ah… God… darling… oh… yes… don’t stop… I want… oh… oh… fuck… oh… I love you… oh… I love you… oh, oh, oh, oh, ohh!” Eve screamed as she climaxed quickly under Bernadette’s ministrations bucking and writhing, pushing herself hard into Bernadette’s hand.

  “Oh fuck, you’re so good at that… oh… God… my God,” Eve breathed, recovering and kissing Bernadette passionately. Eve’s hand quickly found Bernadette’s sweet spot so she could reciprocate.

  The pent-up need in Bernadette burst almost at once. “Oh… God… fuck… oh… oh yes… oh yes… oh my God… yes… yes… yes… yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, ohh!” She orgasmed within a few seconds of being touched. “Fuck,” she breathed softly, “I needed that so much, God did I need that.”

  Eve nuzzled her lips, a bit them gently. “I love you so much, and I’m so lucky to have you, so very lucky,” she whispered.

  “Are you?”

  “Yes, you are so loving, so giving, so caring. You’ve given me your all and you’ve never held back.”

  “You’ve given me your all too.” Bernadette smiled.

  “But I did hold some things back, things I didn’t tell you, important things.”

  “Yes, but you’ve told me now and it’s all that matters, my sweetheart.”

  Eve kissed her again, and they were lost in each other, holding each other tight. A fleeting thought occurred to Bernadette that these bumps in the road only made them stronger, reinforced the bond. Then the heat of the moment claimed her once again.

  ✽✽✽

  They spent the evening in bed, apart from a light supper which Eve prepared. There was little talking. They made love and just lay together sleeping or enjoying the presence of each other. It was perhaps a renewal of something, of even deeper feelings. It seemed as if a watershed had been reached and with it perhaps a new understanding.

  On Sunday, after breakfast, Eve showed Bernadette a drawing she had made while Bernadette had been asleep after the row. It depicted Eve prostrating herself naked and Bernadette looking down at her wearing high heels and a Basque.

  “Is that me?” Bernadette asked examining it, although she could certainly see the likeness immediately.

  “Yes, it is and that’s me.”

  “I thought so, and what are you doing?”

  “Begging for your forgiveness,” said Eve simply.

  “Is it how you were feeling?”

  “Yes.”

  “And did it help you? Drawing this?”

  “Yes, it did.”

  To some degree, the drawings seemed to have been therapeutic to Eve. She had drawn several depicting her chastisement or persecution by her sister, although the one she had shown Bernadette on the previous day was perhaps the most straightforward and graphic.

  “Do you feel forgiven?”

  “Partly, yes.” Eve nodded.

  “What do I have to do to make you feel completely forgiven?”

  Eve’s eyes slid to the drawing, and she looked back at Bernadette.

  “I have to make you beg me? Is that it?”

  “Yes,” Eve whispered.

  “If it’s what you want.” Bernadette smiled.

  Eve lowered her eyes. She was a complex character, Bernadette knew that. Eve’s fascination with Shibari or her craving for it was still not explained, nor perhaps would ever be. It was a big deal to Eve, however. This desire to be somehow submissive was also perhaps not explicable either. Love meant satisfying your partner, not just sexually but on a deeper level, Bernadette mused. It meant fulfilling their needs.

  “Well,” Bernadette began, “I will then, but not just yet.”

  Eve’s eyes flew up to look at hers.<
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  “When I’m ready, you’ll find a list on the fridge and then you’ll know. All the things you did yesterday will be on the list, plus anything else in the meantime.”

  Eve smiled and took her hands.

  “Is that what you wanted to hear?”

  “Yes.”

  Eve looked almost grateful, it tugged at Bernadette’s heartstrings. Perhaps others would say they were fucked up, the pair of them. Given the gamut of human frailty Bernadette had seen, she didn’t think their games, the things they did, were anything much by comparison. They fulfilled each other’s needs and desires. It was nobody’s business but their own. She would, however, be sure to talk about it with Imogen on Monday.

  “I’m not going to do it today,” Bernadette continued, “Because I think you should be made to wait, don’t you? A suitable amount of time to reflect on your behaviour.”

  “God, you are so sexy when you are assertive.” A laugh burst from Eve’s lips. “You have no idea how much more that makes me want you.”

  “Can you want me more than you already do?” Bernadette wondered.

  “Yes, oh, yes.”

  They both laughed then.

  “What are you like?”

  “I am a very naughty witch who also needs to be taken in hand and told what to do every so often. A girl who needs to be reminded who the boss is around here when she misbehaves.”

  “Oh, you’ll be reminded alright,” Bernadette chuckled pulling her closer, “In no uncertain terms.”

  They kissed then, wrapping their arms around each other. Bernadette had certainly regained her mojo and was feeling so much better.

  “You have to keep me in check, do you understand that now?” Eve whispered.

  “I’m beginning to.”

  “Good.”

  “What shall we do today, darling, apart from the obvious?”

  “Take a drive, have a long walk, do some exercises maybe.”

  “Sounds marvellous.”

  “Before we do that, I need you to take me upstairs.”

  “OK, then my heart, lead the way.”

  Chapter Ten

  When Monday morning came around, Bernadette found herself spooned into Eve. Eve had her arms around her holding her tight. Sunday had been a lovely day, and by comparison to Saturday, it was very far removed from the awful despair she had experienced. Bernadette reflected that as bad as it had seemed, they had become much closer. Instead of the row pushing them apart, Bernadette felt so much more love for Eve than she had ever felt before. Eve had become more loving and even more giving. Bernadette shifted around so she could kiss her fiancée. Eve would soon be her wife, and suddenly she could not wait. There was a beautiful feeling of anticipation building up inside her.

  Eve opened her blue eyes and looked into Bernadette’s brown ones.

  “Hi, my darling.” Eve smiled.

  “Hi, sweetness.”

  “Is it time to get up?”

  “Yes, yes, it is.”

  “Kiss me first.”

  Bernadette obliged her and held it just long enough before it became too steamy. She didn’t want to be late for work. There were no court appearances but nevertheless, she liked to set a good example, if possible.

  “Come, let’s get up,” she said reluctantly.

  “OK.” Eve sighed, yawned and stretched. She watched Bernadette slide out naked from under the covers and go to the bathroom.

  By the time Bernadette returned from the shower Eve had laid out a grey dress, light blue top, grey skirt for her, coupled with a pair of pink high heel mules, with a clear band. She tied Bernadette’s hair into a ponytail, did her makeup and went downstairs to make breakfast. Bernadette got dressed, admired the shoes which set her feet off nicely and then headed for the kitchen.

  “Mmm, I am glad to get back to your breakfasts,” said Bernadette as Eve slid a plate of poached eggs on toast with a side of bacon onto the breakfast bar. She gave Bernadette her cup of coffee and took a seat herself. “Oh, God, just so beautiful, darling, delicious.” She took a mouthful of eggs and bacon.

  “Better than the Langham?” Eve’s eyes danced.

  “No contest.”

  “That’s the right answer!” Eve chuckled and started on her own food.

  “So, what are you doing today?” Bernadette said lightly.

  “I’m going to start on the wedding plans, and you are forbidden from asking me about it.”

  “What about other things?”

  “Like drawing?” Eve teased her.

  “Yes, and other things…” Bernadette left it hanging wondering if Eve would start to be more open with her. It was a kind of test.

  “Oh…” Eve smiled. “Well, I might watch some porn and use the rabbit, is that what you wanted to know?” She looked mischievous.

  “Yes, thank you.”

  “I can’t help myself. You know that, don’t you?” Eve returned her attention to her plate.

  “I just wanted to make sure you’d tell me if I asked you,” Bernadette said honestly.

  “I will.”

  “Because if you don’t.” Bernadette pushed her plate away, pulled Eve towards her. “There will be consequences.”

  “God you are so deliciously sexy,” Eve said kissing her.

  “So are you.”

  Eve finished her breakfast, and Bernadette her coffee.

  “What are you doing today?” Eve asked her, “I mean apart from telling Imogen everything which happened at the weekend.”

  “That goes without saying,” Bernadette laughed. “We’ve got to see Callum again, and ask Olivia about her investigation, maybe tell her about Anh our witness. Then we’ve got to prepare for the prehearing conference which is probably going to be soon. The case is getting some attention now, in the media, and there will be political pressure going on behind the scenes.”

  “You sound like it’s well in hand.”

  “Hmm.” Bernadette put down her coffee cup. “I know someone else who needs to be taken in hand.”

  “I’m looking forward to it,” said Eve with a saucy grin.

  “Come on, missy, it’s time for my goodbye kiss.”

  So, saying and on impulse, Bernadette slapped her fiancée lightly on the bum.

  “Ooh, now you’re getting cheeky,” was all Eve would say, with a laugh.

  “I’m just doing what you want, being the boss,” Bernadette giggled.

  “Don’t let me stop you.” Eve wiggled her backside temptingly, but Bernadette declined to do it again.

  In the hallway, they said goodbye, with a long lingering kiss which left Bernadette a little breathless as always.

  “Is it as good as it was the first time I kissed you?” Eve said smiling.

  “Oh better, even better than I could imagine,” Bernadette said a little flushed.

  “My spells are working.”

  “You little witch.”

  “I’m your little witch.”

  “Yes, yes, you are, and I’ve got to go before I take you back upstairs.”

  Bernadette beat a hasty retreat out of the door, before her impulses got the better of her. Some days it had, and she had been very late in. On those days it was no use blaming the traffic as she only lived down the road, so she brazened it out, being the boss and made sure she stayed a little later that night. She watched Eve standing in the doorway, barefoot and fancy-free waving goodbye.

  “My little witch,” she said out loud smiling to herself as she pulled out of the driveway and begun her journey to work.

  ✽✽✽

  Bernadette logged onto her computer, knowing full well Imogen would arrive shortly with cups of coffee. She had managed to read three or four emails before her junior partner entered her office complete with the expected beverage.

  “Hi, darling,” said Imogen with a breezy smile, as she placed the cups on the coffee table by the sofa.

  “Someone’s in a good mood,” Bern
adette said moving to the sofa and picking up her cup.

  “Ah that’s what a weekend of unadulterated sex does for you,” said Imogen sipping her cup.

  “Just sex?” Bernadette said raising an eyebrow.

  “Oh, no I gave her a damn good spanking to boot, but that just upped the ante and we both went into overdrive.”

  Bernadette couldn’t help laughing. Imogen’s sexual exploits never ceased to amaze her.

  “Any particular reason for…” she enquired.

  “Oh well, D’Arcy was being petulant all Saturday and acting like a little brat, so she got a little brat’s punishment, and then she was as good as gold.”

  “I love the way you are so matter of fact about it, as if it’s an everyday occurrence in your house,” Bernadette said still laughing.

  “Not quite every day, my darling. Perhaps once a week. Anyway, the little sojourn did wonders for our libido.”

  Bernadette shook her head. “But did you not… you know at the hotel?”

  “Oh, we did, but we were extra quiet, even so, I’m surprised you didn’t hear us.”

  “We were otherwise engaged, trying to keep quiet ourselves.”

  “Perhaps we should all have just let rip then.”

  They both giggled at this for a few minutes, sipping their coffee.

  “OK, well, you’ve heard about my debauched weekend, what about yours?” Imogen asked her.

  “Oh God, well… I’ve had a weekend and a half…” Bernadette began.

  “Do tell.”

  Bernadette related everything which had happened in all the vivid details, accompanied by suitable noises of surprise and sympathy from Imogen.

  “I did warn you,” Imogen said at length, once the tale had been told.

  “I know and I didn’t listen.”

  “Oh, I wouldn’t worry about it, I never listen to my own advice either.”

  Bernadette chuckled at this. It was all too true, Imogen was completely impetuous, at least in her personal life. She had become much more controlled in the courtroom, however, and it showed in her small successes so far.

  “It’s brought us closer together.”

  “That’s a good thing, and Eve’s going to organise the wedding. I mean, that is a result in itself.”