Amelia let out a gasp, gripping Vogue’s arse tightly as she pulled her closer, grinding her leg between Vogue’s thighs.

  Vogue bit Amelia’s earlobe delicately as she whispered, ‘Are you sure this is what you want?’

  Amelia pulled back and gazed at Vogue. The intensity of her stare was enough of a reply.

  Too impatient to make it to the bedroom, Vogue sank onto the hardwood floor and gently pulled Amelia down with her, sweeping kisses across her collarbone as Amelia lay beneath her on the dark oak floor. Amelia’s body arched into Vogue’s as they ground their pelvises together.

  This wasn’t how Vogue had wanted their first time to be but the need, the urgency to touch Amelia, taste her, was overwhelming. She would make up for it later, but for now there was no stopping the momentum.

  In the darkness, she could hear Amelia’s breath quicken as Vogue unbuttoned her shirt, sliding her hand under Amelia’s bra and massaging her firm breast, enjoying the start Amelia gave at her touch. Vogue loved the texture of Amelia’s skin under her hand – smooth, soft.

  Pushing away the fabric, Vogue lowered her mouth and captured Amelia’s erect nipple between her teeth, gently biting, sucking and teasing Amelia as she squirmed beneath her. Amelia’s fingers threaded through Vogue’s hair as Vogue slowly made her way down her body, tugging Amelia’s jeans and underwear off when reaching her waist. Vogue wanted nothing more than to get her mouth between Amelia’s thighs, to taste her.

  Vogue parted Amelia’s legs, spreading them wide as she pressed her mouth against Amelia’s smooth and bare centre, her juices causing Vogue’s tongue to slip and slide as it flicked around the pink, swollen clit. Amelia lifted her hips up to Vogue’s face, moaning.

  Vogue pulled away, teasing Amelia as she did so. ‘So wet already?’

  The breath left Vogue’s lungs in a ragged rush. Her nipples ached they were so hard, her own clit throbbing as Amelia rocked her hips to meet Vogue’s tongue.

  Amelia’s thigh muscles jerked as Vogue slipped two fingers into Amelia’s slit, the channel clenching around them tightly, holding them captive. Vogue’s heartbeat gained speed with every thrust. She continued to flick Amelia’s clit with her tongue as her fingers gently increased momentum.

  ‘Fuck me harder,’ Amelia begged.

  Vogue glanced up to Amelia’s flushed face, her words igniting a fire inside Vogue she’d never experienced before. Her own climax was near despite the lack of contact.

  Vogue slipped in another finger and thrust hard inside Amelia, pulling her mouth away from Amelia’s clit in order to achieve more force. Vogue watched Amelia groan and writhe beneath her as Vogue forced her fingers deep inside. Amelia’s back arched in anticipation of her approaching climax and Vogue immediately returned to her clit, lapping hard as Amelia cried out, her legs trembling.

  Kissing her way up Amelia’s limp body, Vogue stopped to take her time with each nipple, up one side of her neck and finally to her ear.

  ‘This is just the beginning…’

  ***

  Amelia lay on the cold wooden floor, unable to move.

  Is this really happening? Have I actually had sex for the first time in a year? And with Vogue!

  Vogue’s voice broke into her thoughts before she could pinch herself.

  ‘Shall we go to the bedroom? You must be freezing,’ Vogue whispered, her fingers caressing Amelia’s abdomen.

  ‘I’m not sure I can move.’

  Vogue smiled and kissed her gently on the lips.

  I’ve well and truly crossed the line now. Amelia knew there was no coming back from this.

  Vogue got to her feet, helped Amelia up then led her through to the bedroom.

  Large bay windows let in the moonlight which cast a pale white streak over the super king-sized bed that dominated the room.

  Amelia stepped out of the shadow and climbed onto the bed, her hands and knees sinking into the softness of the feather-filled duvet as she quickly removed her bra and shirt. Eager and waiting with anticipation, she stared at Vogue who stood at the foot of the bed, looking back at her as she stripped down to her underwear.

  Vogue bent to crawl onto the bed, but Amelia stopped her with a slight raise of her hand.

  ‘No, take the rest off. I want to see you.’

  Everything faded away. The soft moonlight highlighted Vogue’s figure beautifully as she dropped her bra and panties seductively to the floor.

  She is so amazing. Goose pimples erupted all over Amelia’s body as she drank in the swell of Vogue’s breasts. Her desire for this woman was a never-ending ache in her body.

  Despite just having the most powerful orgasm ever, Amelia’s clit began to throb once again. The excitement building inside her.

  She beckoned Vogue towards her. Her chest expanding with each breath she took. This time she was going to take charge. Amelia was not submissive when it came to sex, she never had been. Although her self-esteem was low outside of the bedroom, when it came to getting satisfaction sexually, she was another person altogether.

  ‘Touch yourself,’ Amelia said to Vogue who now lay next to her.

  Vogue slid her hand down between her thighs, rubbing gently with her gaze fixed directly on Amelia.

  Amelia lay there watching, waiting. Waiting for the right moment to touch Vogue, to send her over the edge. As Vogue’s rhythm increased, Amelia reached out and caressed her breast, circling Vogue’s nipple with her finger. She squeezed gently, and a gasp escaped Vogue’s lips. Amelia moved towards her, covering Vogue’s mouth with her own and kissing her deeply. Her hand trailed its way along the curve of Vogue’s body and down between her legs. Amelia’s fingers entered her, Vogue still playing with her own clit.

  Vogue groaned against Amelia’s lips, her excitement more and more evident with every thrust.

  Amelia stopped abruptly, gesturing for Vogue to straddle her. Vogue changed position, lowering her wetness into Amelia’s eager mouth. Vogue rode Amelia’s tongue, her hand firmly placed on the wall in front of her.

  Amelia had never experienced such intensity before. Never had the taste of a woman sent her to such heights. As her tongue continued to flick Vogue’s clit, Vogue’s breathing became rapid, and Amelia delved deep inside her which was enough to send Vogue over. Amelia continued to suck and lick as Vogue’s juices flowed. Vogue slumped forward, unable to take anymore, but Amelia held her in place still teasing until the very end.

  Vogue slid down on top of Amelia, their bodies entwined, their breasts pressed together, hips and thighs melting into one.

  ‘All I can say is oh my God,’ Vogue said, still breathless.

  Amelia smiled to herself. It was good to know that after a year of celibacy she hadn’t lost her touch.

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Melissa’s hand trembled so uncontrollably, she could barely hold her phone in her hand.

  ‘What the fuck did you do? You nearly landed me right in it.’

  Jordan’s voice was apologetic. ‘I’m sorry, Melissa, I didn’t even think.’

  ‘That’s the problem, you never do.’ Melissa pressed the phone hard against her ear, half wishing she could somehow travel down the line and see Jordan face-to-face.

  ‘So how did you talk yourself out of it?’ Jordan asked casually which only served to wind Melissa up even further. Jordan was oblivious to how close she was to being caught out by Vogue.

  ‘By causing a distraction. Turning the blame back onto her.’ As Melissa spoke, she recalled how easily Vogue had bought her explanation.

  ‘So what’s next?’

  There wasn’t anything next for Jordan. Her part in this project was over. She was too much of a liability. This time Melissa had managed to escape by the skin of her teeth, next time she might not be so lucky. Vogue wouldn’t be so gullible if she fucked up again.

  ‘I want you to email your resignation tomorrow, effective immediately. Stating, in light of the latest revelation, you can’t work with a company you can’t trust, blah, blah, blah.’

  ‘Okay. It’s a shame ’cause I really enjoyed working there. If you ever need my help again, you know where I am.’

  ‘Sure do,’ Melissa said, knowing full well that was the last contact she would be making with Jordan ever again.

  She could have ruined everything by not keeping her mouth closed. And to tell Amelia of all people. The stupidity of the woman knew no bounds.

  Agitated beyond belief, Melissa knocked back a mouthful of brandy and winced as the liquid burnt her throat. This was unravelling too fast for her. She hadn’t expected her tweet to go viral straight away. What had made things worse was seeing Amelia and Vogue together. The connection between them was undeniable and she knew there was no way she was going to be able to draw Amelia away from her. Once Vogue got her claws into someone, unless she dumped them, they never wanted to leave.

  Melissa picked up the only picture she had of her mother, given to her by her adoptive parents when they sprung the news on her. For twenty-one years she had grown up believing Mike and Polly were her parents, even considering how odd their whole family dynamics were. For starters, she looked nothing like either of them. Not the slightest bit of a resemblance. Even strangers noticed. She could remember several times when people had been surprised that Polly was her mum. Melissa had ignored her gut feeling despite knowing deep down something was wrong. But how could she have ever known, guessed the truth? That they would have lied to her for so many years?

  Ever since Melissa walked out of their door, she had not looked back. The one time she had seen Polly in the street, Melissa had walked past her as if she was a stranger. Because in reality, that’s what she was. They weren’t related, and they certainly didn’t have anything in common. It was then she went in search of her biological mother, only to find out that she had another daughter.

  What was so wrong with her that her own mother rejected her? It must have been bad considering she kept Vogue – the golden girl.

  It was strange that Melissa hadn’t wanted to bond with her like a sister would have. There was something about her, this sense of entitlement that always made her keep Vogue at arm’s length. That invisible barrier that repelled her. It was an instinctive move. A protection of some sort to keep her safe. But it was pointless. Nothing made Melissa feel safe. Not after knowing the people that were supposed to have loved her had lied for most of her life.

  What normal sane person could feel safe after that?

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Amelia awoke and was relieved to see she was in Vogue’s bedroom and not at home. If she had been, the previous night would have been nothing but a dream. Thankfully, life hadn’t been that cruel. Flashbacks to a few hours earlier caused a prolonged tingling sensation between her thighs. The highs Vogue had taken her to had been well worth the year-long drought. In fact, if she never had sex for the rest of her natural life, Amelia was quite happy to live off the many memories she had stored in her brain.

  Vogue stirred beside her and for a moment she was overcome with ‘Morning shyness’ as she called it. The moment you had to face the woman who had heard you saying things that would normally be kept safely locked away in your head.

  ‘Morning,’ Vogue said.

  Hearing the smile in her voice, Amelia rolled onto her side to face her. ‘Morning yourself. How long’ve you been awake?’

  Vogue pushed away a lock of hair that had fallen across Amelia’s eye. ‘About twenty minutes.’

  ‘What’ve you been doing?’

  Vogue smiled. ‘Looking at your neck.’

  ‘Really?’ Amelia said, unconsciously resting her hand on her neck.

  ‘Yes, really, it’s beautiful.’

  ‘You’re beautiful,’ Amelia said unable to tear her eyes from Vogue’s face.

  Vogue frowned. ‘Even with bags under my eyes?’

  ‘I couldn’t care less what you look like.’ Amelia placed the palm of her hand on Vogue’s heart area. ‘It’s what’s in there what matters.’

  Vogue covered Amelia’s hand with her own and smiled. ‘I’m going to take that as a compliment. Has anyone ever told you how sweet you are?’

  ‘Hmm, let me think, sweet? No.’ Amelia inched forward and snuggled up close against Vogue. ‘And if I recall, you weren’t calling me sweet last night.’

  Vogue laughed. ‘And what was I calling you?’

  ‘Hot, horny, wet, ho—’

  Vogue burst out laughing, covering Amelia’s mouth with her hand. ‘I did not call you a ho.’

  Amelia joined in with her laughter. ‘Did too.’

  ‘I have never used that word in my life.’

  ‘Yeah, I was just kidding.’ Amelia tilted Vogue’s face up and kissed her. ‘I don’t want to get up.’

  ‘Who said you have to?’ Vogue said, wrapping her arms around Amelia.

  ‘Me. I promised Cecile I’d go shopping with her today. She’s got a date.’

  ‘Nice,’ Vogue nuzzled Amelia’s neck. ‘Who is she?’

  ‘She?’ Amelia drew back slightly, wondering why Vogue would say such an odd thing. ‘Cecile isn’t into women.’

  ‘She could’ve fooled me.’

  ‘What does that mean?’ Amelia asked, immediately noticing the change in the atmosphere.

  ‘Nothing, forget I said anything.’

  ‘Come on, Vogue, you can’t make a comment like that and just brush it off.’

  ‘Look, if she hasn’t told you, it isn’t my place to.’

  ‘Told me what?’ Amelia said exasperated. She hated it when people didn’t just get straight to the point. It drove her crazy. ‘I wish you’d stop talking in riddles.’

  Vogue sighed as she rolled out of bed and slipped into a shirt.

  ‘This really isn’t the kind of conversation we should be having after we just slept with each other,’ Vogue said, glancing over her shoulder at Amelia who had now pushed herself into a sitting position.

  ‘I think this is exactly the time to be honest with each other.’ Amelia tried to keep the edge out of her voice but failed miserably.

  ‘Fine.’ Vogue threw her hands in the air. ‘You want to know the truth? I slept with Cecile.’

  Amelia burst out laughing and attempted to pull Vogue down onto the bed. ‘Okay, if you don’t want to tell me, I’ll respect your wishes.’

  Vogue resisted and instead stood and turned to look at her. ‘It’s the truth, Amelia.’

  ‘You and Cecile?’ Amelia frowned. Not quite sure she’d heard right. ‘But… she’s… she’s straight.’

  Vogue shrugged and started towards the en-suite. ‘I’m just telling you as it is. I’m going to take a shower.’

  ‘Wait! Is this what you do then? Work your way through the office? Am I just another notch on your bedpost?’

  Vogue turned around, anger flashing in her eyes. ‘I am not even going to dignify that with a response.’

  Vogue disappeared into the en-suite whilst Amelia got out of bed and went in search of her clothes. Vogue’s words raced around her mind as she tried to make sense of it. Vogue and Cecile? How could she trust either of them again?

  Amelia needed to speak to Cecile and find out what the hell she was playing at.

  ***

  As Amelia stood at the front door searching for her keys in her bag, her phone rang but she ignored it. She didn’t want anything to distract her from what she was going to say. It was going to be straight to the point and she hoped Cecile had a good reason for lying to her because if she didn’t, Amelia didn’t think she could continue with their friendship. Honesty was paramount to her, and it was the one value that she didn’t back down on.

  Entering the flat, Amelia kicked off her shoes and went in search of Cecile. She found her in the living room, sitting on the sofa, engrossed in the TV. She barely looked up when Amelia entered.

  ‘We need to talk.’ Amelia took the remote control and turned the TV off, then got straight to the point. ‘Why did you lie to me about Vogue?’

  ‘Lie? In what way?’ Cecile’s features were bland and expressionless.

  ‘Oh, don’t play the clueless card with me, Cecile.’

  Cecile looked up at her with disdain. ‘She told you then? Was this before or after you fucked?’

  ‘Does it matter?’

  ‘Well, I’d hope any decent woman would tell someone they’d slept with their best friend before shagging them, wouldn’t you?’

  ‘Maybe she thought you’d already told me. What with you supposedly being my best friend and all?’ Amelia said. She recognised Cecile’s familiar features. Her voice. Just not the person.

  Cecile gave her an awkward smile. ‘Supposedly? Are you saying I’m not?’

  ‘What kind of best friend lies? Why couldn’t you just’ve been honest with me?’ The thought entered Amelia’s mind to leave before she ended up saying something she might regret. If she did, that could signal the end of their friendship. While Amelia didn’t want anything that drastic to happen, she had to make Cecile understand that this wasn’t something they could just sweep under the carpet and pretend like it never happened.

  ‘I lied because I was ashamed,’ Cecile said, bowing her head slightly.

  ‘’Cause you slept with a woman? There’s nothing—’

  ‘No, not because of that!’ Cecile looked up again, meekness replaced with fire in her eyes. ‘That bitch dumped me like I was a piece of trash. I know what she’s like, Amelia. I just didn’t want her to do the same thing to you.’

  ‘So why not just come out and say it? All that rubbish you fed me about her were lies. She’s nothing like you said she was. You were just pissed off ’cause she rejected you.’

  ‘And you think she’s not going to do the same to you? I know you think you’re different, but you ain’t nothing special.’

  ‘Maybe not. But the one thing I’m not and never will be is deceitful.’