The two near strangers remained achingly close against the wall for long, languid moments of joyous intimacy. Bernie's hands were clasped firmly on Serena's rear, pleased to discover that her daring nature was being welcomed by the woman she barely knew. She tried not to dwell on the real reasons for why Serena might have chosen her as an evening companion, but as brunette drew her tongue and mouth slowly along Bernie's jawline, her eyes caught a glimpse of Edward heading towards the open patio doors into the courtyard. Bernie froze and removed her hands from Serena before pushing her roughly and flush against the wall so that they were hidden by the overgrown ivy that trailed the wall and the entrance to the building.
"Oh Major, we are keen, aren't we?" Serena purred. She hoped her quip would not betray just how much she was trembling in the soldier's arms, quivering with desire and intoxicated by the scent of the unknown. But now Bernie was turned away, her apparently senses pricked.
Bernie placed a finger on Serena's lips, and moved in to whisper softly in her ear: "Your husband has just stepped out onto the terrace." Unable to reply, Serena's eyes widened with alarm and she tensed involuntarily, her grip on Bernie's smooth upper arms squeezing in panic.
Maybe it was the drink, the imprint of Bernie's kisses burning her skin, or maybe it was a sudden allergy to Edward's bullshit once and for all, but all of a sudden, Serena felt delightfully reckless.
Eyes still on Bernie, even in the darkness, she inched her head away slowly and wrapped her lips around Bernie's silencing finger, enjoying the disbelief that slowly turned to arousal on Bernie's face. Serena kissed and licked the tip of her finger, before ceasing to state her case: "Let him see. I don't care anymore. He can have a taste of his own medicine," she growled back into Bernie's ear.
"But you might in the morning. As much as I would l like to wipe the smirk off his–"
"SEREEEEEENAAAAAAAAAAA!"
Bernie was interrupted by the drunken howls of Edward and the sound of shuffling feet on the top step of the patio.
"RENA, WHERE ARE YOUUUUUUU?"
"Stay here." The Major commanded. And something in the reassuring yet authoritative tone of her voice made Serena obey. Bernie disappeared around the tall shrubbery and Serena rested her head against the wall as she listened to the unfolding encounter:
"Evening Dr Campbell,"
"Captain Wolfe, have you seen my...wife lately?"
"It's Major, and no, I haven't. I've been out here for while."
"Right well, Flemyng tells me he saw you two come out here together."
Serena could hear Bernie's tentative movements up the patio steps.
"We did. She seemed upset so we came for some fresh air."
"Oh she did, did she?"
Serena's eyes snapped shut. Hating how the man she once loved could still control her emotions like a tight fist on a stress ball.
"Yes. But like I said, I haven't a clue of her whereabouts now. Perhaps ask the waitress you had your eye on earlier?"
"I just might. Rather nice filly actually."
"I hope your wife doesn't hear you say that, Dr. Campbell."
"That's no concern of yours!"
The sound of splashing liquid on stone made Serena jump. She inched closer, tears now stinging her eyes.
"Don't suppose you have a light, MAJOR?"
"I do, actually. Somewhere."
She turned to see Serena appear around the corner, Bernie's bag in hand and a look of pure defiance that had now hardened her features. The three players stood stock still, eyes darted from one another, crudely aware of the denouement of their current predicament. Cigar in mouth and tuxedo tie undone around his collar, laughed heartily as he stared down at the two women from the top step.
Bernie, determined to keep this mess (that she created, she feared) civil, took the bag from Serena, fished out her lighter and climbed the steps towards Edward. As she moved in to light his cigar, the smell of his booze-laden breath made her inwardly recoil. She lingered to allow the tip of the cigar to flicker in the flame of her lighter, but caught his eye as she did so:
"Dyke."
Edward smirked as cigar smoke billowed in Bernie's face.
