Bella passed her the bag of cash. “Nah. How would they even know? This isn’t some high-tech city bank. The bag will just sit in a box along with every other deposit that arrived after they closed at six.”

  “Good point.” Nadine dropped the bag into the receptacle and closed the slot, sending it down the chute.

  As they pulled out of the parking lot and headed for home, Nadine decided to bring up another concern, one that had gnawed at her for the past few hours. “What about everything else? I can’t imagine corporate will look kindly on what we did tonight, calling in reporters to view security footage on Grady’s computer.”

  Bella chuckled. “I guess they won’t. But Jason is going to be in way more trouble. I mean, it wasn’t an Overstock Oasis camera.” She paused. “Well, I might get in trouble for letting reporters into the store after hours. But come on, this is your life. What other choice was there?”

  Nadine pulled into a parking space at the complex, cut the engine, and faced Bella. “Thank you. I’m so grateful to you. I really am. None of this would have happened if you hadn’t…um.” Tears blurred her vision. After hours of worry mixed with giddy elation, she felt frayed and overwhelmed. “I might have a second chance now. And it’s because of you.”

  Bella unclicked her seatbelt and leaned over to embrace Nadine. “I love you.” Her voice was raw, almost sad. Was something wrong?

  “I love you too.” Nadine decided Bella was just exhausted from the evening. Surely she wasn’t questioning what they had done or their relationship. They were together. Everything would be okay.

  Chapter 32

  Bella stood in the shower, the scalding water pouring onto her face and down her body. She felt dizzy and shaky, overwhelmed with the enormity of what they’d done.

  How could everything change in a day? Twenty-four hours ago, they were secure in their little world with their shitty jobs and their one-bedroom apartment. It wasn’t much, but they had each other.

  Now everything was different. If Tom wrote an honest story, the rest of the world would learn what Bella already knew—that Nadine was a hero, someone who had sacrificed two years of freedom to spare the country from a truly terrible leader. Nadine’s whole life was about to change, and Bella couldn’t imagine her staying in Cheriville.

  The scandal had brought Nadine down to Bella’s level. If not for her fall from grace, they would never have met, never have become friends, never have shared an apartment. But now Nadine would have new opportunities worlds better than Overstock Oasis. Maybe she’d even get to be a lawyer again.

  Bella had no idea what it would mean for their new relationship. She knew Nadine cared for her. But did she care enough to stay in a small, conservative town when she had the chance to leave?

  Bella emerged from the bathroom wrapped in a hot-pink terrycloth towel. Nadine sat on the bed in a plain gray T-shirt and boxers, her clothes contrasting with the faded rainbow zebra-print bedsheets.

  Nadine looked up from her phone. “There’s nothing online yet.”

  “Tom said it would be hours.”

  “I know. I just can’t stop refreshing the page. God, I don’t know how I’m going to sleep tonight.” As she spoke, her gaze dropped to Bella’s cleavage.

  Bella licked her lips. Nadine’s rumpled T-shirt exposed a strip of skin above boxers that hugged her slim hips. All Bella wanted in the whole fucked-up world was to be on top of her, to hold her close for as long as she could.

  The towel fell to her feet. “Let me distract you.”

  Nadine straightened her back. “Right now?”

  A draft of cool air chilled Bella’s exposed body. Was this a mistake? What if Nadine would rather watch the news, and this was foolish or insensitive—

  “Come here.” Nadine dropped her phone onto the nightstand.

  Oh, thank God. Bella climbed onto the bed and straddled Nadine. As she leaned forward to capture her lips, her breasts brushed Nadine’s, sending shivers down her body.

  The kiss was hot and breathy and charged. While their mouths moved together, Nadine massaged Bella’s breasts.

  Every caress sent waves of pleasure to Bella’s core. She arched backward and ground against Nadine’s cotton boxers, soaking the fabric beneath her. “Take off your clothes.” She lifted the T-shirt as far as she could.

  Nadine pulled it over her head and cast it aside.

  Bella drank in every inch of Nadine’s muscular shoulders, sleek collarbone, and round breasts, trying to memorize her body. “You’re so beautiful.”

  “Nah.” Nadine scoffed. “You’re the pretty one.”

  “I’m the prissy one. You’re beautiful.” Bella didn’t know if Nadine believed it, but she would tell her every day—if Nadine stayed. She ran her fingers down Nadine’s belly. “Come on. Bottoms too. I want to feel all of you.” She shifted to the side, making room for Nadine to slide her boxers down her legs.

  Nadine kicked them aside and lay back again, now fully naked.

  Heat rushed through Bella as she lowered herself onto Nadine’s bare skin. Leaning forward, she compressed her soft breasts against Nadine’s firm chest and slipped her knee between Nadine’s legs.

  Wet curls brushed her skin. Bella couldn’t suppress her smile, knowing she wasn’t alone in her desire. Soon they were moving in unison, rocking into each other until they were both slick with arousal.

  Bella looked into Nadine’s eyes. “Can I taste you? Please?”

  Nadine seemed to hesitate, then nodded.

  Bella kissed her way down Nadine’s belly. The skin was smooth and soft beneath her lips. She lingered just above her triangle of curls, wanting to prolong the anticipation for both of them.

  At last, Bella slid her tongue into the slippery folds.

  “Oh God.” Nadine moaned. “Oh hell. Fuck.”

  Bella explored with gentle pressure. Every shift, groan, and curse caused her own center to pulse. She could have stayed in that moment forever, reveling in the texture, the taste, and the sounds Nadine made just for her.

  Suddenly, Nadine grabbed Bella’s hair.

  Stop? Keep going? Ohhh.

  Nadine came so hard, Bella felt the tremors on her face.

  “Oh fuck.” Nadine panted. “That felt so good.”

  Bella wiped her mouth on the sheet, then moved up the bed to lie beside Nadine. “You taste amazing.”

  “Mmm.” Nadine was still recovering. Her eyes were closed, and her cheeks were flushed. “Aaah.”

  Warmth spread through Bella’s chest. I did that to her. She ran her fingers up and down Nadine’s arm.

  Nadine finally opened her eyes and turned toward Bella. A slight smile formed as she ran her gaze down Bella’s chest and belly, down to her thighs. “God. Your body.” She stroked Bella’s breasts with her fingers.

  “Are you sure?” Bella asked shyly. Every inch of her skin craved Nadine’s touch, but she didn’t want Nadine to think she expected anything, especially after such an intense night. “I’m sure you’re tired after everything that happened today. I just wanted to—oh!”

  Nadine pushed her flat onto her back. “Like I said before, I don’t feel like sleeping.” The hunger in her eyes was like their first time. Bella would never forget the high of Nadine climbing on top and claiming her, so consumed with passion that everything else fell away.

  Now, Nadine ghosted kisses up and down her neck, her breath heating Bella’s skin until her face, chest, and neck were ablaze. Moving downward, she licked and teased the swell of Bella’s breast. When she reached the hard nipple, Bella groaned.

  Nadine’s tongue was slow and relentless, tormenting Bella until her vision blurred. She moved her hand over Bella’s belly in languid strokes that traveled lower and lower each time. Finally, she reached down to cup and caress the damp curls. “Oh my. You’re so wet.”

  “You do this to me. You always have.” Bella pushed her hips into Nadine’s hand. “Do you remember your first day, when I saw you in the stockroom? You were all sweaty with your shirt sticking to your breasts, and I just”—she gasped for breath as Nadine’s finger went deeper—“I’ve wanted you ever since.”

  She’d spent weeks at war with her own instincts, trying to reconcile her attraction with Nadine’s supposed crimes. Now, as her whole body ached for more, she couldn’t believe she’d ever managed to hold back.

  “Could you please…ah.” Bella sucked in her breath as Nadine nipped at tender flesh. “Um, could you fuck me?”

  Nadine’s gaze was uncertain. “Do you have something?”

  “No. I mean yes, I have toys. But I just want you. Your fingers.”

  A smile spread across Nadine’s face. “Okay.” Gently, she slid a single finger inside of Bella.

  “Omigod.” She was unprepared for the effect their connection would have on her. Her thighs trembled, and heat flooded her core.

  “You feel incredible.” Nadine began a slow rhythm, gliding in, then pulling back.

  The wonder in Nadine’s gaze humbled Bella—knowing that Nadine felt safe enough to try something new with her. It was also a turn-on. As Bella lifted her hips to match each thrust, she felt her body opening up from the inside. “Can you use two fingers?”

  Nadine filled her with a second finger. “This okay?”

  “God, yes.” Bella’s thighs clenched. “Harder. You’re not gonna hurt me.”

  “Okay.” Nadine pushed deeper, increasing her speed.

  Bella was close, so damn close to the edge. When Nadine brushed her clit with her thumb, Bella succumbed to pleasure that coursed through her body. “Omigod,” she rasped, struggling to catch her breath.

  Nadine moved to wrap her arms around Bella and nuzzled her shoulder. “Do you…?”

  “Hmm?” Bella cuddled into the embrace.

  “Do you mind if I check my phone?”

  “Oh.” Bella tried not to sound disappointed. “Um, of course not.”

  Nadine pushed herself up. “I’m going to wash my hands first.”

  Alone in bed, Bella chastised herself. Stop being an insecure baby. This was one of the most important nights of Nadine’s life. Of course checking the news was more important than basking in the afterglow.

  They’d still sleep together, wake up together…and if it didn’t last, well, there’d be plenty of time to feel terrible about it later.

  Chapter 33

  When Bella opened her eyes the next morning, Nadine’s side of the bed was empty. After a few seconds of groggy confusion, she jolted upright as the events of the previous evening rushed back to her. I need my phone.

  Notifications cluttered her lock screen—news alerts, missed calls from Grady and her mom, plus a message from Raelyn that was just a string of shocked emojis.

  The first alert read, “Alyssa Jackson appears to admit role in Atlas corruption scheme in footage viewed by the Washington Post.”

  Bella tapped the notification, bringing up the story in her Post app. The subhead read, “Bayani claims she took blame to prevent election of President Gunn.”

  The story included a still image of the video, plus a link to the full transcript of what Alyssa and Nadine had said. There was also a photo of Nadine sitting in the break room, staring past the camera.

  Bella was transfixed by the snapshot of Nadine in that moment, when she knew her life was about to change a second time. Her gaze was serious, as it had been on the day they met. But now, instead of anger, Bella saw peace in her eyes.

  She slid out of bed and walked into the living room. There was no sign of Nadine. Had she left already? Bella pushed down her hurt feelings. This was Nadine’s moment, not hers.

  But I thought she’d want to share it with me.

  Then she heard Nadine’s voice coming from outside the apartment. Bella opened the door.

  Nadine sat on the porch steps, wearing a jacket over her T-shirt and clutching her phone to her ear. She nodded at Bella but continued listening to the voice on the other end. “Listen, I appreciate the offer. But I’ve been disbarred in Illinois… Uh-huh… Well, that’s good to know, but I need to talk to my attorney.”

  Bella hovered in the doorway, shivering as the icy December wind blew through her skimpy pajamas. She considered going inside for her coat but worried it might be presumptuous; Nadine hadn’t invited her to stay.

  “Okay, you can send it over… Same email address I’ve always had… Yes, that one. But I need to go. I’ll be in touch, okay?”

  Nadine tapped the phone to hang up, then turned to Bella. “Since I woke up, I’ve received about a hundred interview requests, plus texts and calls from countless ex-friends, a book deal offer, and now a job offer at an old classmate’s law firm.”

  “That’s a lot.” Bella rubbed her arms for warmth.

  Nadine stood. “Let’s go inside. I only came out here so I wouldn’t wake you.”

  Inside, Nadine shed the jacket and turned to hang it in the closet.

  As soon as she turned back around, Bella threw her arms around her. She couldn’t help it. “Good morning.” Then she said into her ear, “I heard a wild rumor that you might be innocent.”

  Nadine kissed the top of her head. “Is that so?” She sounded light and free.

  Bella’s eyes filled with unexpected tears. “I’m so happy for you.” She buried her face in Nadine’s T-shirt, inhaling her scent. She smelled fresh, like soap. This was what she wanted every day for the rest of her life. She was happy—and so frightened that it was all about to end. But she didn’t know how to say it.

  She pulled away to look at Nadine. “Has Alyssa put out a statement?”

  “Not yet. I imagine she’s holed up with her lawyer, brainstorming possible defenses.”

  The thought brought Bella some cheer. “Plan A, I was on drugs. Plan B, I was possessed.”

  “Something like that.” Nadine chuckled. “I’m going to make coffee. Want some?”

  “Do you have to ask?” Bella followed her into the kitchen.

  “Speaking of lawyers,” Nadine continued, “I got a call from mine.”

  “Oh? What did he say? Does he think they’ll reverse your conviction?”

  “Maybe. But it won’t be simple or fast.” Nadine poured ground coffee into the brewer. “I lied to Congress under oath—that’s a crime. Amir isn’t too happy about that. Or about…well, the whole thing, really. He’s quite peeved that I didn’t tell him the truth.”

  “I can imagine.” Bella pulled two mugs from the cabinet. “I’ve heard lawyers don’t like to lose.”

  “We certainly don’t.” Nadine smiled.

  We. Because that’s what Nadine was, a lawyer. “Are you… Do you think you’ll get your law license back?”

  Nadine shrugged. “I really don’t know. I could apply for reinstatement in Illinois, or I could apply to the bar in another state—but it probably depends on what happens with my conviction.”

  “Do you think you’ll take that job you just got offered?” Bella held her breath.

  “Oh, who knows.” Nadine waved her hand dismissively. “He wants to snap me up before other offers come in. I don’t know what I’d do there anyway since I don’t have a license. He probably just wants publicity for his firm.”

  Other offers? Bella imagined Nadine courted by high-power law firms and political organizations throughout the country. Miles and miles away. “What about the book deals? Maybe you could get an advance and take your time working on it.” And stay here.

  Nadine scoffed. “I’m not interested in sharing the details of my time in prison, no matter how lucrative the advance. I’ve been humiliated enough.”

  “It was just a thought.”

  “Oh, sure.” Nadine relaxed. “I know. But I’m sure I’ll have opportunities that don’t require me to bare my soul for the gawking public.”

  This sparked another uncomfortable thought. “Are you going to come out?”

  Nadine furrowed her brow. “Come out? You mean…?”

  “Yeah, I mean as a queer person. I’m sure people will ask about your personal life. Like where you live and if you’re seeing someone.”

  Nadine shook her head. “They won’t ask about that. And if they do, I’ll say it’s none of their business. Besides, I haven’t agreed to do any more interviews.”

  Bella fixed her gaze on the coffee dripping into the pot, afraid to let Nadine see her reaction. Nadine had dismissed the suggestion so quickly, like there was no point in being open. Did she really think they could keep their relationship completely private, or did it mean she wasn’t planning for a serious future together?

  As soon as the brewer finished, Bella filled her mug. She added cream and extra sugar, sensing she’d need every ounce of energy she could get. “Well, I should get ready for work. I guess you’re not coming?”

  Nadine laughed. “Uh, no. I’ll write a letter of resignation. Would you mind giving it to Grady?”

  “Oh, okay. That’s very formal.”

  Nadine looked puzzled. “Isn’t that what I’m supposed to do?”

  Bella shrugged. “You can write a letter if you want. Usually people just stop coming in.”

  “Ah. You know, in a way, I’ll miss that fucked-up place.”

  “Yeah.” Bella picked up her mug and walked away, her eyes brimming with tears. The truth had been out for less than day, and already Nadine was leaving her behind.

  * * *

  The first thing Bella saw when she turned into the parking lot was a row of news vans parked in front of Overstock Oasis. The entire lot was packed. She had to circle twice before she found an empty space—a delay she didn’t need when she was already running late.

  As she hurried across the lot to the store, stuffing her keys into her purse, she realized she should have zipped up her jacket to conceal her purple polo. When she stepped onto the sidewalk, reporters came at her from multiple directions.