Page 104 of Broken Beyond Repair

“Three of us? Scotland?”

“You left something behind, didn’t you? A chunk of metal.”

“I knew you loved Gertie!” Sydney crowed.

“What? That wheelie bin of yours?” Beatrice laughed.

Sydney tucked a leg under her and turned to face Beatrice. “Shut your mouth, or I’ll shut it for you.”

“I do wish you would.”

“Are we okay to…?” Sydney nodded to the front of the car even as the dividing screen went up.

“These drivers wouldn’t have a job if they weren’t discreet.”

“Why didn’t you commission one of these to bring you home from Biggin Hill instead of ordering me to collect you?”

“I wanted to see if you could follow some basic instructions,” Beatrice answered archly.

“Oh, so you admit it was a test?”

“Mm-hmm. You were late, if I recall.”

“No. You were early,” Sydney replied firmly.

“Be that as it may, I’m wondering if you’re still able to follow basic instructions.”

Sydney flashed her a questioning look.

“I’m waiting for you to shut my mouth, Sydney. Eagerly waiting.”

“Oh. Of course, how remiss of me. Let me fix my mistake.”

Beatrice’s lips tingled with anticipation.

CHAPTER38

As they made their way up the long driveway to Highwood House in the darkness, Sydney could sense their exact position from the bumps and turns in the road. Had it become so familiar over the weeks she’d spent there? She’d driven along it enough times.

Beatrice was tucked tightly beside her, her head resting against Sydney’s shoulder and her mouth open. In the dim interior light, she could see a small dribble patch had soaked into her top and she knew then that she only felt love for the woman. It was too early to say it aloud; she didn’t want to scare her away when she’d only just fallen into her arms.

The gearbox dropped a gear, indicating they were reaching the top of the hill. It was time to wake Beatrice. Leaning down she kissed the top of her head, taking in a lungful of her scent as she did.

Beatrice stirred. “Where are we?”

“Highwood… home.”

“Did we?”

“You fell asleep.”

“Oh, I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine. I’m not sure I wanted our first time to be in the back of a rental anyway.”

“Good point. Do you mind if we save ourselves a little longer? I’m exhausted, and as much as I want to devour you, I think I’ll fall asleep again. I want to be fully conscious when I finally get my hands on you.”

She’d waited for months; one night longer was fine to wait to be devoured by Beatrice Russell.