Chapter 29:

Trigger warning: Sexual content.

Carla

"Did you chase Jameson's about that order?" I tap away at my keyboard, sending an email to several clients informing them of our leave.

"Yes, I did." She points at me in recognition, and I raise my head to where she is leaning forwards on her desk. "And yes, they've now doubled it."

"Ey, good going girl." I flash her a proud smile and she flicks her hair off her shoulder. "Only issue is we won't be back until shipping day."

"I've spoken to Sally, she said she's 'fully capable of taking on the challenge'."

"Oh, she would be... Your seat'll still be warm when she gets herself nestled in here."

"Speaking of which." A sigh is released as she pauses, flexing her hands on the desk. "...This whole Alya thing-"

"No, Michelle." I respond before she has the chance to finish her sentence, clicking my pen on and off for effect. "I'm not taking her back."

"But she knows the business really well, the best after us and... Aidan. Plus, that'll give Sally some support."

"The girl stood here and told me Aidan would be ashamed of me." I keep a brave face on it as I indicate to the door. "She's a spoilt brat, Michelle. I don't want her back here."

"Ok, ok. It's your business." She raises her hands exasperatedly, leaning back and chewing on the lid of her cup, as my eyes draw themselves up to meet hers again.

"No, it's our business." I give in, reminding her of the factor she often forgot. "Equally our business now."

"We haven't had the will through yet. He'll have given his shares back to you."

"Well even if he has, you're my wife now. Fifty to you, fifty to me." I shrug, and she can't help the small smile that sinks into her cheeks. "What's mine is yours and all of that. I trust you fully anyway. This is the real thing now. You and me."

"You thought you and Peter were the real thing. You gave him fifty."

"Nothing like reassurance, baby." I raise an eyebrow, as she shifts her feet onto the desk and I narrow my eyes.

"Fifty to me. I make my own rules."

"Don't rub it in." I tap them back off again and she giggles contently, going back to her computer for a second as I watch her, hoping she wasn't aware my gaze was so interested in taking her in.

"Mrs Connor? Can I have a word?" Sally taps on the door and I swing my chair around to face her.

"Which one?"

"Well... Both of you." Her eyes snap between us. "Looking forward to your honeymoon?"

"Is that the word you wanted, Sal?"

"Well... It's two things actually." The typical polite but irritating grin coats her cheeks and I draw my eyes back to the order sheet on the computer, already bored at her request. "You see, I've got a mayoral meeting this afternoon. It's at that new posh hotel, you know? The other side of Weatherfield. It's an opening ceremony followed by canapé sampling. I've been asked to-"

"So you need this afternoon off?" Michelle intervenes, noticing my expression as she swings around on her chair. "Well I suppose it's the least we can do as a thanks for taking care of this place while we're away. You enjoy yourself."

I raise my eyes to flash Michelle an impressive smirk. "And next?"

"Oh and also, um... Alya Nazir's outside, she wondered if she could have a word with you?"

"No." I respond bluntly, ticking off the to-do list in a bid to distract myself.

"I think it's about discussing her job role."

"Well, Carla's decided she no longer has a job role here." Michelle states with an element of professionalism in her tone. "So, I can write her a reference, if she needs one."

"Right." Sally just nods, proceeding to leave before lingering around, a hand firmly placed against the door frame as the same nosey look passes over her face. "...Lovely place, Malta."

"You've been?" Michelle frowns, drifting from the idea to avoid making further conversation. "When?"

"Well... No, I haven't been as such. But I've seen some gorgeous pictures... And... Videos." She hesitates, acknowledging that I, in particular, wasn't bothered about her explanations. "So which hotel are you-"

"Bye Sal." I dismiss her and she awkwardly turns, slipping out of the ajar door and closing it firmly behind her. "Who interviewed you for this job because they were right in thinking you'd make an excellent business partner."

"Nah." She shrugs my joke off, leaning forwards to balance her head in her hands, her eyes dipping seductively. "I just wowed them with my many, many methods of persuasion."

"Michelle Connor. I forbid you to be so forward in our place of work."

"Well in exactly three hours." She flicks her head around to intake the time on the clock. "We won't be in our place of work anymore and I'll be able to be as forward as I like." Her eyes fix back on mine as I swallow slightly, narrowing my eyes as I kick her feet gently under the table. "But I guess some things are worth waiting for. Yeah?"

Michelle

"Ooh, going somewhere nice?" Kate's voice sounds, as I lean back against the taxi Tim was loading the baggage Carla was passing him into. Striding along with her hand linked with Rana's, it was possibly the brightest I'd seen her since Aidan's passing. "You excited?"

"Yeah it'll be nice to get away." I wave to Rana in greeting, feeling Carla's arm hook around my shoulders, shifting her sunglasses onto her head. "Gotta put up with this one though."

"We need a holiday." The huff in Kate's tired tone causes Rana to face her. "Sun, sea, se-"

"I've heard Malta's lovely." Rana cuts her off abruptly, throwing a hand over her mouth as Kate chuckles into her palm. "I'd love to go."

"Good for the LGBT community." Kate slides her foot into the side of my leg, excitedly, as if we were going with the intentions to pull somebody else. "I went years back."

"Did you?"

"Yeah... Azalea Abitresi." She gazes off into the distance for a moment, as I exchange a look with Carla.

"Who now?"

"Holiday fling." The question pulls her back to reality, prompting a nudge from Rana. "Yeah I'll never forget that holiday."

"Right! Well, I'd like to think we're going for very different reasons." I move my fingers to brush the piece of blossom out of Carla's hair. "Don't think we'll be hitting many clubs, will we babe?"

"Don't think we'll be leaving the bedroom." The words are uttered under her breath and it sends a rush of goosebumps up my arms as a slight smirk tugs at her cheeks.

"You ready then or what?" Tim's demands finally sound, and I turn to realise he has been listening unenthusiastically to the recent notes of conversation. "You'll miss your plane at this rate."

"Mm, and she's gonna need at least an hour in duty free." Carla pecks me on the lips, flicking her hair over her shoulder as she passes around to the side door.

"Have an amazing time."

"Thank you." I kiss Kate on the cheek before pointing a finger authoritatively. "Please make sure Ryan behaves himself. If there's word of any parties at our flat, you text me and let me know."

"Like you'll be able to do anything from two thousand miles away." She tilts her head cockily, clearly tempted by the idea herself. "He's too old for house parties now anyway."

"It's Ryan. He's never too old for anything."

Carla

Given the setting of a busy airport, especially on the brink of summer, I was surprisingly content watching Michelle spray tester perfumes on her wrist and trying on sunglasses despite having packed three pairs already. Granted, I'd travelled and caught enough planes to spontaneous destinations on countless occasions, so in comparison, this trip felt rather relaxing.

I weave my hand through her hair briefly as she judges her reflection in the mirror, running her finger along the shelf. It was a distraction for her. Security had set her on edge, as did the buzz of the airport. Calming her down had proved a task in itself, and I was very aware her anxiety could strike again at any point. Keeping Michelle at ease and happy was my priority for the next ten days, weighing up in my mind whether Rana's suggestion of seeking medical advice will be a necessary persuasion when we return.

"You ok?" I whisper in her ear, planting a kiss against it and she turns to smile at me, removing the sunglasses from her head and placing them back on the rack.

"Yeah." Her voice is so soft and sweet as she slips an arm around my waist, the sandals on her feet dropping her a few inches below me, due to the wedges on mine. "Sorry I'm being a stress head. I'll be fine when we get there."

"Uh, listen to me." I tilt her chin upwards as her eyes deepen, scanning mine. "You have any worries at all, tell me. Ok?"

"I don't want to annoy you."

"You do that anyway." I shrug playfully and she flashes me a withering look, pulling me in to kiss her. "There's kids staring at us."

"So?" She raises her eyebrows, pecking me again before pulling back to acknowledge the group of children trying to subtly gaze at us over the large Toblerone bars in their hands.

"You're not having that." One mother takes it off them, placing it back onto the shelf and I feel Michelle wrap her fingers around mine, leading me, finally, out of duty free.

"Which one of us is gonna be the strict parent?" The words sink into my mind, trying to figure them out for a moment. I was still trying to piece together the reality of what we were to face when we got home. 'Parent' was a term I'd never contemplated being associated with myself, never mind Michelle and I as a pairing.

"Wow..." Is all I muster in response, as we amble around the corridors of the airport with no destination in mind. "...Probably you." I finally reconcile, with a hint of conclusion in my answer. "I used to bribe Simon with chocolate."

"Ooh, save that one for social services." She teases, her eyes drifting around almost involuntarily. I study how they travel left to right, a quiet cough emitting her lips as she glances over her shoulder.

"Do you want a drink?" I break the silence as her head whips around to face me, calming when she witnesses my expression. "There's a bar over there."

"Yeah, a triple vodka."

"Calm down." I soothe, making my best efforts not to sound patronising, which is far from what I intended. "You're in the safest place, hey? Everyone here has been searched from head to toe."

"Is it stupid that... Even though I know he's dead, I have this constant paranoia that he's going to come walking out of a shop or I'll sit down next to him at the gate?"

"No, because I was exactly the same after everything with Tony." I reassure her comfortingly, guiding her over to a nearby table as she takes the seat opposite me, her back to the wall. "Every time the buzzer went in my flat I wanted Trevor to get it. But I knew he was dead. I'd witnessed it with my own eyes. You just need to keep reminding yourself of that and eventually, with time, sweetheart, it'll seem more real that he's gone and less vivid that it happened." I reach for her hand across the table, giving it a gentle squeeze. "You're safe."

"...Well I might have a cocktail." Her eyes divert from mine to the menu resting on the table before her, as she raises it in front of her face.

"Oh might you?" I watch the smile paint itself back on her face. "Well I suppose you are on holiday after all."

"Quite glad you splashed the cash on this honeymoon now." Her expression brightens as she leans forward, hair travelling down her back loosely as she fixes her gaze on mine. "You're still paying for these though."

Michelle

"Ok, this is insane." I click on the LED lights that coat the ceiling like stars, despite bright sunlight travelling through the balcony doors. For a moment I feel so free in the height of luxury, dumping my suitcase and pacing the large suite Carla had done, as expected, a remarkable job of picking out. "Oh look at the rose petals on the bed." I pick at one of them, lifting the whole rose from the pillow and practically skipping towards her as I hold it out for her to take. I felt like a little kid. As if all my worries were invisible for he time being, completely clueless of them all.

"How romantic of you." She narrows her eyes playfully, taking it from my grip and slipping it through the gap in my hair, fixing it loosely against the soft curls that fall around my shoulders. "You seem happy."

"As if I wouldn't be, have you seen this place?" I leave her embrace to admire the surroundings again; the long oak desk, king size bed with gold and purple covers to match the overall colour theme of the room. Taking a few steps forwards, I slide the balcony door open, the warm sea air soaked against my skin as my newly bare feet pad along the marble tiles. Leaning against the balcony, arms folded on the stone wall that protects me from the drop, I gaze out at the world before me. Blues of the wild ocean swimming against the greens of the surrounding scenery. The definition of paradise.

To my surprise, I don't even jump when I feel Carla's arms around my waist, although I could tell she was hesitant and gentle, so as to not scare me. "You like it then?"

"It's perfect." I whisper against the calming breeze, closing my eyes momentarily to absorb the echo of distant laughter and soft crash of the waves. "You did good."

"I know." She taps my nose as I turn to face her, sighing as I take in her beauty, the safety and love she was indulging me in. "See, this is how married life is supposed to start."

"Don't you think it's mad?"

"What? That six months ago, I was dying and you were in a relationship with Robert Preston?" Carla inserts for me, my eyebrows unintentionally raising at the mention of the subject. "Quite a turn around, isn't it?"

"For the better." I kiss her, humming as I taste the sweetness of her lips, which causes her to emit a soft laugh. She continues to kiss me, pulling on the hem of my top as she guides me backwards inside the suite. Suddenly, I feel her hands slip behind my thighs, hoisting me up with strength I wasn't aware she had and allowing me to fall back onto the bed. "Carla!"

"You're beautiful." She stops my giggles by pressing her lips against mine again, lowering her own body onto the bed next to me. Our embrace continues for a few minutes, ending when she pulls back to witness how my hair was fanned out on the bed, eyes staring back at her lovingly. "You ok?"

I move my head to kiss along her jawline, threading an arm around her neck as I guide my lips towards her ear, nibbling gently which I can tell sends a rush of goosebumps cascading against her skin. "Stop worrying." I whisper the words seductively, nipping back along her jaw and down to her neck.

"We've only just got here."

"Yeah well get used to it." I feel her laugh softly as my fingers dance over the hem of her top, pulling it up over her head and pushing myself up onto her after removing her bra. There's no resisting my actions as she removes my own, undressing me passionately as the kiss intensifies.

"I've been waiting for this the whole flight here." She admits, her voice breathy and lustful which tugs on my desire, running my fingers over her silky skin. "I couldn't wait to be alone. See you like this again."

"Like what?"

"That look in your eyes." She releases me for a moment, studying my face with her own concupiscent expression. "This." She traces a finger over my cheekbone, letting her hand fall through my hair before grazing her lips against my cheek. "When you crave me so badly."

"Bit full of yourself, aren't you?" I gasp the words as her nails stroke against my thigh.

"Like I crave you."

"Badly?"

"So badly." Her hand falls flat against me, toying with the lace of my underwear before trailing it down my legs. "...We haven't even checked out the bathroom yet."

"Carla, just... Please." I shake my head exasperatedly, a sigh of desirous urgency leaving my mouth as she laughs softly. "Stop that."

"Ok, have it your way." Each word rushes against my skin as her lips move downwards, trailing her tongue down my skin as I throw a hand over my scar defensively. She pauses, kissing it and entwining her fingers with mine, tilting her head up to face me and reminding me I'm beautiful. I swallow, letting it fall away to grip hers, as she proceeds down my body, kneeling at the foot of the bed. The warmth of her tongue coincides with the heat of my core, as they greet one another welcomingly.

My grip tightens over her fingers, my other hand falling against her scalp as I pull myself up slightly, gripping her hair gently as I watch her movements. The rhythm and curl of her tongue sends pulsation rippling inside me, unable to keep quiet as I mumble to myself, opening and closing my fingers in her hair at the rise and fall of sensation.

"Want me to stop?" She teases me, pulling back to gaze at where my mouth was partially open, eyes weak with arousal as I push her head back into position demandingly. It causes her to laugh again, the vibrations only increasing the wetness that is building between my legs.

"Mm, Carla?" I tap her spare hand, urging her to work her tongue around my clit, as she guides her fingers into me. "Yes..." It's involuntary as I gaze up at the ceiling for a moment, shifting my hips against her and moaning loudly. I know she's probably urging to release some witty comment about the walls being thicker in the honeymoon suite, but due to my building orgasm and possession of her tongue, she allows me to win this time around. I beg her to go faster as I feel her actions increase, throwing my head back and climaxing suddenly as her fingers curl inside me. I sense her licking the residue that's been released, attempting to regulate my breath before pulling her back towards me, tasting myself against her lips for a moment. Knowing I'd only increased how turned on she was herself, I don't delay time in shifting myself on top of her, desperate to taste her and pleasure her the same way she had me. "I love you."

Carla

I dip my head around the door of the bathroom, watching the way Michelle fashions her hair around her shoulders in the mirror, dressed in nothing but a red bikini. It influences me to swallow in awe, the way her body was so elegantly formed, nothing I could flaw. How I'd never realised I could feel this way about women was beyond me. But it seemed it was just her, above anyone else, and without exaggerating, Michelle Connor was pure perfection.

"Chelle?" I'm careful that my voice is soft, so as to not scare her and I notice her eyes dart to my reflection in the mirror. "You look gorgeous."

"...Thank you." She just responds, despite her arms still being wrapped insecurely around her waist, and I exit the bathroom fully, the white lace kimono I had wrapped around me dancing across the room towards her.

I proceed to smother her in kisses between the muffled words I place into her skin. "Stop... Covering... Your... Beautiful... Body... Up."

"I'm not that's the whole point." She sighs, gazing at how I'm holding her in the mirror, wrapping my fingers around hers. "I'm completely exposed."

"Mm... Good." I murmur and a smile tugs against her cheeks. "Hey, see." I persist with her, tickling her chin playfully before hesitantly pulling her arms away from her waist. "Believe me, you look breathtaking. There's nothing to feel paranoid about."

She just bites her lip nervously, guiding her eyes down to the scar on the right side of her stomach.

"Chelle, I'm really nervous too, I'll admit it." I whisper weakly and she turns to look at me, eyes focused on mine as she lets a finger fall through my hair, grazing it across the lace covering my shoulder. "...Matching wedding rings, matching stitches."

"Shut up." She grins slightly at my defensive humour, placing a lasting kiss against my lips. "This is pretty." She pulls on the lace of my kimono, admiring it. "And also sexy."

"Tell me how I'm supposed to cope seeing you in a bikini for ten days." I tilt my head to the side, mirroring the small smile on her cheeks. "So, sun?" I spin around to sling the bag over my shoulder, throwing a bottle of water at her as she pulls a long chiffon cardigan around her shoulders, which she only manages to catch at last minute. "If you feel uncomfortable at all, tell me, ok? We can come back."

"You're not such a hard faced cow anymore, are you?"

"Nope." I lace our fingers together as I pull her towards the door, spinning around smoothly to step backwards as I face her. "You've softened me. Hope you're happy with yourself."

Michelle

"Can I get you a drink?" An unfamiliar voice makes me jump suddenly, almost choking on the mojito I was sipping from a straw as my head whips around to face the muscular, tanned bloke leaning on the bar next to me. For a second, I just stare back at him with a perplexed expression, trying to internally calm myself as I figure out what to say.

"...I've got one." I bluntly point to it, tucking a loose wave of hair behind my ear. It had lightened in the sun, now tinted blonde, as my skin had tanned, causing an array of subtle freckles to blush my nose. "But thanks."

"Boyfriend?" He jumps straight to the point and I try to prevent a cough of unwanted assumption to tickle my throat, just shaking my head. "Ah, excellent." He slides into the seat next to me and I make a particular effort to shuffle further away from him on my own. "Well you're the most beautiful woman I've seen in this hotel... Although your friend is gorgeous as well." I notice him point behind me, shifting my gaze to where Carla has appeared, leaning on the bar top as her dark locks fall elegantly against her tanned skin. "Hello."

"Alright gorgeous?" Carla intervenes, tilting my chin up to kiss her and I can't help smiling as she does so, releasing her to intake the shocked expression on the bloke's face, who is plainly gawping at us. "And you are?"

"Just talking to..."

"My wife." Carla nods proudly as I raise my hand, indicating the wedding ring as his eyes dart between us and Carla winks at me. "Ooh, having fun?"

"Not really, no." I blush shyly as she kisses my forehead. "But I am now you're here."

"I'm just gonna... Have a nice holiday." He awkwardly removes himself from the stool he is slung over, skulking off.

"Honeymoon, and thanks." Carla calls after him, and I turn my full body to face her, still rested on the stool as she rests her elbow on the bar.

"Happy with yourself?"

"Yep." She grins, kissing me again for extra measure. "Sorry, it's only natural to get protective when my wife looks like this."

"You look... Stunning." I admire the deep red floral sun dress which clings to her figure, emphasising all her best assets and trying to stop my eyes drifting to the cut away of her cleavage. "Really... Wow."

"Eyes up here, babe." She tilts my chin to face her and I narrow my eyes, taking her hand as she helps me off the stool. "And for the record you look amazing." Her hand falls against the soft cotton of my white maxi dress, gold embroidery decorating it. "And smell amazing." Her lips fall to my neck as she breathes in my scent and I can't help laughing against her skin as she moves backwards, my head turning in the direction of where the bar tender was giving us a sideways glance.

"Ugh." I mutter under my breath. "We're in love, deal with it."

"You coming for dinner then or what?" She diverts my comment, letting our fingers latch together which I have no intentions to object to. "What do you want to eat?"

"You." I murmur under my breath and she nudges me childishly, unable to stop a giggle escaping at my comment. "Um... I don't know, surprise me." My body turns to face her excitedly as we walk. "Hey, get this right and I might marry you."

"Oh don't give me an ultimatum like that." She whines sarcastically, as I tap her nose, reverting back to her side as I rest my head on her shoulder. "Hey, we could go to the beach later? When it's quiet and the stars are out?"

"Stars are coming out now, look." I point a finger to where some of the brightest ones are beginning to form, as we head along the sandy pathway, blossom trees shrouded with bees and butterflies lining the journey. We walk in silence for a while, listening to the hum of nature and the distant crash of waves, combined within the soft trudge of our footsteps. "...Do you think if I hadn't have thrown the pint over Toyah Battersby, we'd be here now?"

"Hey?"

"Well, would you have kissed me? Told me how you felt?" I remind her, moving my head to gaze at the side of her face as she deepens her thoughts towards the distance. "I mean, we wouldn't have gone back to mine."

"I'd still have got around to it."

"You make it sound like its picking up your dry cleaning." I wrap an arm around her shoulders, planting a kiss into her hair and she smiles at the thought. "Is that what I am? Dry cleaning?"

"Not when I'm finished with you."

"Stop." I whine playfully.

"Ooh, another thing you rarely say."

"Carla!" I scold her, laying my chin against her shoulder and gazing at her expectantly.

"Well it'd have happened sooner or later? Wouldn't it?" She gives in, squeezing my hand as we round the corner into a street of bars and restaurants. "I can't imagine we're solely here because of a pointless scrap in the Rovers. You seem a lot more calm and content."

"I am." I agree, swinging our hands lovingly as we pace down the street. "Must be your influence. Come on then, where are we eating?"

Carla

"Seriously, I hate sand." I nudge my foot against Michelle's knees, where she's just sprawled herself across the beach, staring up at the stars. Her stresses of her hair getting messed up, or clothes getting dirty were clearly non existent, and that was something I found particularly attractive as I study the rise and fall of her chest.

"Well you're on holiday so..." She thumps the sand next to her. "Sit down."

"You're drunk." I practically sing and she furrows her brow, tilting her head to watch me reluctantly lower myself to the ground.

"I'm not drunk!" She retorts, as if I've majorly insulted her, pausing as I raise an eyebrow. "Maybe just tipsy... Too many cocktails."

"As long as you're enjoying yourself." I run a hand through her hair as she pulls herself up, practically crawling into my lap as I fasten my arms around her.

"Are you enjoying yourself?"

"Of course I am."

"You don't seem like you are." She comments quietly, tracing a finger along my jawline like a child. "You're very quiet."

"Don't be silly, I'm in absolute heaven." I place a kiss against her temple and she calms slightly at my admittance. "I'm just thinking."

"About what?"

"About how I'm going to get you home." I tease her, running my hands up and down her bare arms and taking my cardigan off to wrap it around her shoulders. "You're cold."

"You'll be cold."

"I'm alright." I shrug, slipping her arms into it as she smiles in gratitude. "I'm thinking about the future, if you must know. How mad everything is going to be for the next few weeks. How crazy it is that this has all fallen upon us."

"You know if it's moving too fast for you, we can take a step back?"

"By doing what? Getting divorced?" I wind her up harmlessly.

"No." Her eyes roll in response, playing with my fingers in the darkness. "I just mean, you know, if you want to delay the adoption process."

"I don't think Peter's up for waiting." I point out. "But I don't want to delay anything. I'm excited, just nervous as well."

"Well we're still in paradise for now. No screaming babies to deal with." She decides, settling back into me and staring at the sky as I rock her gently. "See that one there, the really bright one?"

"Hm?"

"That's the North Star." She recites her knowledge, pointing her finger in the direction of it and I can't help smiling, my lips broadening silently as she turns to look at me. "What?"

"You told me that when you were eleven." I remind her, despite her clearly having no recollection. "You'd learnt it in school and we were lying out on the field behind the estate. You were so proud of yourself."

"Wait..." Her face crumbles in thought for a moment, blurry lines of intoxication and distant memories phasing her. "I remember, because you said that..."

"That one day we'd be looking at it from a completely different place. Our lives would be completely different. Either together or apart. But still the same star."

"Together." She repeats, the word so soft as she squeezes my hand, only noticing the tear trickling down her cheek as a result of the highlighted moon beam on her face.

"Hey, you ok?"

"Yeah." She turns to face me, shifting her body around and holding her fingers up to indicate; "I think maybe I am a tiny bit drunk."

"Good job I'm here then."

"Will you look after me?"

"You know I will." I laugh softly, kissing her forehead as it lowers into my chest, comforted by the protection of my arms around her. "You know I always will."


"I actually think it might be hotter here than in Malta." I fan myself as Steve loads everything out of the taxi. "Has it been like this the whole time?"

"Eh, dunno." He just shrugs.

"How do you not know?" Michelle comments. "Even you're not that thick."

"Well I'm in the flippin' cab office half the time." He points to it exasperatedly as Michelle raises an eyebrow at me. "Honestly Michelle, what have you got in here?"

"Duty free." She leans up against the door, observing the suitcase he was hauling out of the boot. "And... Other necessary items. Which came in handy."

"Alright." He pulls a face, dragging it towards her and glancing at me awkwardly. "Right well... Bye then."

"Hey, I'm just gonna pop to the factory." I wave the keys at Michelle once we've dumped our suitcases into the flat. "Then I'll take you for a drink."

"Carla we've just got back, Sally can manage."

"I want to check the Jameson's order has gone out. You know, they won't be expecting us so we can catch them if they're running riot. You chill out here."

"Nah, I'll come with you." She rises from the sofa again reluctantly and I can't help my tongue easing itself temptingly over my teeth as I admire how the deep tan of her skin parallels the white of the sofa. It just emphasised her beauty even more. Our phones vibrate in sync as we head out of Victoria Court, sun beating down on the cobbles, tinting them in a shroud of golden light. "Kate needs to talk to us."

"Oh, probably wants to be bored with our holiday snaps."

"She sounds quite urgent."

"Well tell her we'll meet her for a drink in a bit." I pace up the steps of Underworld, the usual squeak of the door like music to my ears. Don't get me wrong, Malta had been sheer luxury, but there was always a comfort in the sense of familiarity of the business I had worked hard to build up. It was my pride and joy, and having my best friend run it with me again was a blessing. I had my two favourite things in one place and felt so indescribably lucky. "Hey!" I greet the staff and they all look up sharply from their machines, Sally clutching a clipboard to her chest as she takes a step forward. "Before you all ask, yes, we had an amazing time and yes, you've all been bought chocolate from Duty Free. Don't say we're not the best bosses in the world." I plaster a grin on my face, throwing my arm around Michelle as I eye up Sally's hesitant expression. "You ok, Sal? I thought you'd be in the office, making the most of your temporary authority."

"Well, there's a business call in progress..."

"Ey?" I frown. "A business call with who? Hang about... Who's even making the call?"

"Me." The office door flies open and my eyes fall to where Alya is stood with her hands on her hips. The smile slips from my face, arm falls from around Michelle, thumping against my side.

"Get out." I scoff, taking a step forwards as the attention is focused solely on the heightening drama that collides between us. "Thought you'd smuggle your way back in, did you? While we weren't here to make sure everything was ticking over? I thought you had more about you, Sal."

"Oh no, don't you speak to our staff like that."

"Our staff?" My voice is borderline hysterical, as I narrow my eyes menacingly. "...Look, I don't know what you think you're doing here, or who you think you are-"

"Well let me just clarify that then; I'm here because I'm entitled to be." A smug smile crawls over her face, as she folds her arms across her chest and I glance at Michelle, who's expression is as confused as mine is. "And, who I am? Well... The machinists here have been referring to me as Miss Nazir, but since we're in this together now, Alya's fine."

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"Aidan's solicitor has been in touch." She announces, smartly, holding an envelope out. "Meet your new business partner."

The room falls silent, Alya's hand descends back by her side as I bitterly take the paper within her grasp. I glance around the array of awkward expressions, opening it up and scanning the title on the front of the envelope.

The Last Will and Testament of Aidan Connor.

"...You've got to be kidding me." I mutter under my breath, as Michelle steps forwards, peering over my shoulder. The sharp swing of the factory door hardly even intervenes the dread of my thoughts, until Kate is at my side, flustered and out of breath.

"Carla? Oh." Her eyes glide down to it, biting her lip worriedly as she shoots a glare at Alya.

"What the hell is this?" I snap, angrily, waving it in Kate's face as she swallows back her earlier desperation.

"I did say I needed to talk to you..." She says quietly, pulling on my arm and guiding Michelle and I over to the corner of the room, pausing before planning to reveal more information I could already tell I wasn't going to digest sweetly. "And that's not the only thing..." Her eyes drift between us. "Eva's back."


A/N: Dun, dun, duuun. Plot twist. Gotta keep it exciting haven't I? Let me know what you think!