Case File 76

Case File Name:

Overwhelming Guilt.

♤Chapter Seventy-Six♤

"Tazmin," I called out as I walked past the main hallway of her house, adjusting my strapless cream and white patterned top.

Which cinched perfectly at my waist and exposed my cleavage.

The matching flare pants purposely sat low on my waist to reveal part of my toned stomach, flowing down onto the white open-toed heels on my feet. 

I also wore my typical dainty silver jewelry with my dark hair pulled into a high ponytail—leaving some of my curled baby hairs out to frame my face covered in a matte makeup look.

My brows suddenly furrowed as soon as I stopped in the kitchen, noticing Tazmin was nowhere to be found.

I glanced around the open living area, making sure she wasn't off to the side.

But when I noticed she wasn't, I reached for my phone to double-check that I read her text correctly.

She did say she would be in the kitchen...

I tilted my head, unconsciously glancing past my phone where I noticed a pink bow.

Which was tied around a thick stack of cash.

I slowly lowered my phone, walking over to the stack of cash and a note beside it which was in Tazmin's neat handwriting.

For your next shopping trip baby.

A slow smile slowly grew on my lips, shaking my head as I picked up the cash to analyze.

Remind me to never be on the phone with Tazmin while I'm shopping without her.

And using my own money.

I had just gotten this New Year's Eve outfit today when I was out with Marie.

And Tazmin happened to call me during the midst of it.

Let's just say she wasn't the happiest about me sending the money she had sent over—right back to her.

I never imagined unaccepted money would be what we argue over.

Like a full-on fight actually occurred between us, but maybe after this insane gesture, she'll be over it.

"You had me looking fucking crazy during a meeting today," I heard Tazmin suddenly say as she walked into the kitchen towards me.

And she looked so fucking good in the black tank top that clung to her torso and exposed her tatted arms.

The matching baggy black jeans added to her look along with the black beanie she wore over her light blonde hair.

And of course, she had on her usual iced-out chains—with Cartier bracelets and an expensive AP watch lining her wrists.

My smile grew amused, "Mad you couldn't get your way?" I purposely said, as she ran her hands past my waist and pulled me back into the front of her body.

"Never, you know I always get my way," Tazmin corrected me, trailing kisses down my neck, which she grabbed to tilt further to the side for more access, "I'm mad that I didn't buy the outfit I'm taking off of you tonight," she murmured against my soft skin.

I hummed breathlessly, especially when Tazmin drew her hand up from my waist to run under my top—gripping me even closer to her body by my stomach.

Which made me naturally arch away from the front of her body, especially when she began sucking down on various spots of my neck.

"Tazmin we're already late," I whispered as she nipped at my ear, which immediately earned a whimper from me.

"We're never fucking making it with you wearing this," Tazmin said so perfectly in my ear, drawing her hands down between my legs.

Which easily made everything burn around me.

I could even feel the sudden wetness growing between my legs and ruining my underwear.

Maybe we could be ten more minutes late...

My eyes snapped open when her hand halted right above where I needed her the fucking most.

"But I guess I can control myself for a little longer," Tazmin suddenly said, letting me go and taking a step back from me entirely.

Which earned a breathless huff from me.

She just edged me.

And I knew it was fucking purposeful after I had specifically gone against her wishes today.

I knew sending the money back irritated her, I just didn't realize it was to this extent.

I swear she's so dramatic sometimes.

"I'm definitely not taking the fucking money now," I mumbled childishly.

Tazmin lazily raised her brows as she stood beside me, "I'd like to see you try baby," she said, openly eyeing my frame.

Specifically, my cleavage which is on complete display.

I forced a tight smirk, picking up the cash to purposely wave in the air.

Before I drew my hand back and threw it across the room.

Which didn't faze Tazmin in the slightest—as fucking expected.

If anything it left a tense silence between us as I awaited her next move.

And the longer she stood there staring so openly at me, the more I anticipated what she would do next.

Until she suddenly turned away from me?

"You have sixty seconds to pick it up and meet me out by the car," Tazmin calmly said, adjusting her black tank top as she began walking to the garage door, "Otherwise I'm dragging you back upstairs and tying you to the bed—then you can really see what edging is."

I narrowed my eyes at her, parting my lips for any form of rebuttal but she had already walked out to the garage before I could think of anything.

Which was fucking annoying.

I hate that she got the last word.

I unconsciously glanced at the digital clock on the microwave, crossing my arms over my chest with determination—which fueled my need to prove a fucking point to her.

But as the seconds ticked by I quickly realized it would be the opposite.

And that I would be the one tied to the bed enduring whatever she had planned.

Which would definitely be worse than the last time I experienced her sexual torture.

I've never fucking cried during sex yet somehow Tazmin made it happen.

I let out a deep irritated sigh, reluctantly uncrossing my arms and walking over to where I had previously thrown the pile of cash.

And as soon as I picked it up I annoyingly sped-walked out to the garage before I could surpass sixty seconds.

Which had to be the most humbling fucking thing of my life.

Especially as Tazmin watched me walk over to her, standing by the chauffeured Maybach.

Except instead of the driver opening my door, he sat waiting in the front seat—allowing Tazmin to open the car door for me instead.

"Good girl baby," Tazmin murmured as I silently walked past her to slide down into the backseat.

Where I got settled with my seatbelt on as Tazmin slid in beside me, and closed the car door.

I narrowed my eyes when I noticed her grab the small Prada purse I had previously taken off my arm.

And as soon as she slid the cash inside my purse, she passed it up to the driver—who I knew would return it back to me later.

"You won't need that for the club," Tazmin said as she reached for my hand.

That I immediately pulled away, crossing my arms over my chest as I stared out of the tinted window.

"Don't be like that baby," Tazmin said as she ran her hand up my thigh, "You should know better than to do what you just did."

I childishly shrugged, even if a part of me did know better.

Tazmin somehow finds a way to snatch up the upper hand from me every fucking time.

"You know I handle your bills, Milena," Tazmin said as her fingertips drew soft circles on my inner thigh.

Which made my frustration triple.

"I like taking care of you," Tazmin whispered, leaning into my ear that she placed a soft kiss to, "You look good spending my money too."

I only rolled my eyes, and I could easily see Tazmin tilt her head at me in my peripheral.

"Do I need to fuck this attitude out of you?" she suddenly asked, her raspy voice dangerously lowered in my ear.

Yet I remained silent, purposefully crossing my leg over the other which made her hand fall away from my thigh.

"Your way," Tazmin said, clearly not bothered by my targeted behavior, "I'll have him turn the car around—"

"Just say you're sorry," I mumbled, glancing over to meet her dark eyes.

And it wasn't hard to notice the amusement that instantly grew on her features at even the mention of apologizing.

Yet she took my hand anyway and said—

"I'm very sorry baby."

I raised a brow, analyzing her face which still held an amused expression.

But instead of dragging this out even further, I decided to take the apology.

Mostly because it's hard to actually stay mad at her.

Especially when all she wants is to spend money on me and spoil me.

"Give me a kiss," I said, leaning closer to her.

And Tazmin didn't hesitate to comply with my demands, gently grabbing my neck and pulling me toward her for a kiss.

"I don't like fighting with you baby," Tazmin murmured against my lips as she applied the perfect amount of pressure to the front of my neck.

"Me either," I whispered as I deepened the kiss, sliding my tongue past her soft lips.

And as she kissed me back just as deeply, I naturally ran my hands up her toned arms and tugged her even closer to me.

"We'll go shopping together next time," I offered as we naturally leaned back from the kiss.

"Sounds perfect beautiful," Tazmin said as she slid her hand to rest around the back of my neck, "Let's have a good New Year," she said, gently caressing her thumb across my nape.

I nodded in agreement, "A good New Year," I said with a content sigh, relaxing back in my seat.

But really only for another five minutes since the club we're meeting everyone at is in Miami Beach near Tazmin's house.

The club is also owned by Tazmin to no surprise.

Which meant there were already bottles of expensive alcohol waiting for us along with all of our friends gathered in the large section.

Marie, the twins, Gia, and even Mila showed up—who seemed to be back by Mav's side.

Apparently, they can be really on and off as Marie previously told me.

"Happy New Year!" Gia called out as soon as we approached the section, which was on a crowded rooftop.

"We still have two more hours until midnight," Tazmin reminded her sister with an amused smile.

Gia rolled her eyes, "Close enough," she said as she pulled Tazmin into a hug before reaching out to me.

"You guys seem like you're already having fun," I said over the music as I hugged Gia back, noticing the used shot glasses on the table.

"We're about to have more fun now that you guys are here!" Gia said with her usual excited smile as we pulled back from the hug.

"More shots!" Mila called out, which immediately diverted my attention over to Marie and the twins as well.

And after Tazmin was done talking to both Mav and Vic—I pulled them both into a group hug.

"The party is officially here," I said as they briefly hugged me back, "You're welcome."

Vic rolled his eyes, "I'm the party but thanks for showing up," he said, nudging me over to Marie.

Who immediately pulled me into a hug.

"You look so hot," Marie said as she held me in one of her usual tight hugs.

I smiled slightly, "You look hot too babe," I said as I eyed her short white satin dress.

"Do a shot with me," Marie said with a growing smile as she leaned past me to grab the Reposado.

"Let's do it," I said, watching as she opened the bottle, but only to bring it to my lips.

Which made me instinctively tilt my head back to take the shot she poured into my mouth.

And after pouring one back in her mouth, we ended up looping everyone into a group shot together.

Until I somehow found myself back by Tazmin's side, taking personal shots with her. 

"One more," I told Tazmin, gently pushing her back to sit on the cushioned couch.

My girlfriend shook her head with a smile, "Go on baby," she told me, tilting her head back as I lifted the tequila bottle in my hand.

Tazmin's expression grew amused when I grabbed her chin and tilted her head back further.

"Good girl," I purposely said as I poured the shot into her mouth.

Tazmin's lips twitched up into a smile, swallowing the shot as I carefully wiped the sides of her mouth.

"You're learning baby," Tazmin said as she ran her hands up the back of my thighs to grip my ass.

I smiled happily, "Only from the best," I said, now handing her the bottle to pour a shot into my mouth next.

Which immediately made Tazmin pull me down to straddle her lap.

And after grabbing my neck to tilt my head back, she poured the burning alcohol into my mouth for me to take.

"Dance with me," I said after I swallowed the shot, allowing Tazmin to wipe my lips for me.

"Lead the way beautiful," Tazmin said as she sat the bottle off to the side while I stood from her lap.

But not without her hands on my waist to steady me.

And soon we were off on the dance floor where Gia and Mila already were.

I even noticed Marie and Vic further off to the side doing their own thing.

"Slower," Tazmin whispered in my ear, even if the beat of the music was fast.

But it felt like it was just her and I in this club—lost in the crowd under the night sky decorated with twinkling stars.

"How's that?" I leaned closer to her to say, grinding slower against the front of her body as she stood behind me.

"Good baby," Tazmin said, pressing a kiss to the side of my neck, "We'll go faster later tonight," she subtly added, gripping my hips firmer as she guided us in sync.

"And what if I want to go slower later?" I purposely asked, smiling slightly as I reached behind me for her waistband.

"Then I'll give you slow," Tazmin didn't hesitate to say as I tugged her closer into me by her waistband, "You know the drill by now sweetheart."

I hummed as I rolled my hips slower, "You always give me what I want," I said as my heavy eyes naturally fell closed.

"Always," Tazmin emphasized in my ear.

But as soon as she slowly halted our slow pace, my eyes immediately fluttered back open.

Only to notice Gia and Mila now stopping in front of us.

"Dance with us!" Gia said over the loud music.

Even if Mila shook her head, "I need another shot first," she said as she walked over to our section.

"Dance with me, Lena?" Gia asked with a smile as she extended her hand.

And I didn't hesitate to nod with a smile, causing Gia to grab my hand and pull me closer to her.

"One song and then she's mine again," Tazmin told Gia as she backed off to the side, sliding her phone from her pocket that looked to be ringing with a call.

And as Gia fell in sync behind me, Tazmin answered the call—stepping away from us for a moment.

"Only thirty minutes until midnight," Gia said which made a smile grow on my lips.

"I'm having so much fun," I said as we naturally danced to the beat.

"Me too—I'm so happy Mila is back with Mav," Gia said as we continued to follow the beat of the music.

"What about Ibiza?" I asked, hoping Gia would still get to have her trip with Mila.

"Mav said he'll come along with us—and Jace confirmed that he can come too," Gia said, which caused a slow smile to grow on my lips.

"Jace sounds nice," I said as Gia reached down to guide my hips to the beat.

"He's so fucking nice Lena—he should be here any minute with his friends," Gia said, gripping my hips firmer to steady me when the beat sped up, "I really can't wait for you to meet him."

I turned my head slightly to look at Gia, "Does Tazmin know he's coming?" I asked, knowing how protective she could be over family.

Gia awkwardly pursed her lips, "Not really," she leaned into me to whisper.

But before I could respond to her statement, I suddenly felt another pair of hands on my lower waist, pulling me away from Gia entirely.

"You don't touch my girlfriend like that," Tazmin said as she adjusted my waistband which had ridden down slightly.

I pursed my lips, noticing Gia blinking awkwardly, "We should head back over to—"

"You're her friend and my sister—there's not a single reason you should be touching her like that," Tazmin cut me short, glancing past me to Gia.

"We were just dancing Taz," Gia explained as she took a closer step to her sister.

But I could tell by Tazmin's expression that she was genuinely bothered.

"Your hands don't roam that low on my girlfriend again—end of fucking discussion," Tazmin said, not giving Gia time to respond as she guided us both away from her and off the dance floor.

"Tazmin," I said, trying to keep up with her quick pace as we walked back to the section.

"We're leaving," Tazmin firmly said. 

And as soon as we stopped in front of our section, Vic immediately furrowed his brows.

"What's going on?" he said, standing up from the couch, which caused Marie to do the same thing.

"Nothing, we're leaving early," Tazmin said before I could get a word out, guiding us past the section toward the stairs.

"Happy New Year guys," I quickly called over my shoulder with a forced smile, causing everyone to faintly say it back, but it was clear they were confused.

Meanwhile, I felt less confused and more paranoid.

Does Tazmin know about what happened between me and Gia?

Because she's never once acted this way before?

At least not regarding Gia. 

"You're not dancing with her again," Tazmin said as soon as we were seated in the chauffeured Maybach.

I immediately nodded, "Yeah okay," I quickly whispered, unsure of how to navigate this conversation.

Because if she knows, I don't know what I would fucking do.

"I've never seen her fucking touch you like that," Tazmin said, shaking her head as she briefly massaged her temples, "Has she done that before?" she asked.

And I couldn't help but remain silent for a moment, unsure if she knew anything about the kiss.

Because now it seems like she doesn't.

"If you're uncomfortable, I'll talk to her Milena," Tazmin said, her dark eyes now tracing every inch of my face, "I never noticed any of this shit before, but I swear when she was behind you like that, holding you close to her and leaning into you—"

Tazmin suddenly cut herself short with a tightened sigh, visibly bothered by the scene she just repainted in her head.

"I think I could've actually fucking hurt her," Tazmin said, rolling her tense shoulders back.

Which made me instinctively run my hand up her arm to her shoulder—that I gently kneaded the tension out of for her.

"I'm sorry," I unconsciously whispered, but mostly because if us dancing together bothered her this much—then Gia and I kissing might send her over the fucking edge.

"No, don't apologize baby," Tazmin suddenly said, her expression immediately softening as she glanced to me, "I'm sorry for dragging you out of there before midnight."

I quickly shook my head, "No, it's okay—"

"It's not okay, but I'll make it up to you," Tazmin said, gently grabbing my hand in my lap.

I unconsciously nodded, unsure of what to say to her now that this had all happened.

Or maybe I did know what to say to her.

I just physically couldn't get the words out without feeling sick to my stomach.

I honestly felt stuck on mute as we rode in the car for the next few minutes. 

Even when we finally pulled up to her house and made it inside, I still couldn't string together one fucking word to say.

Until I suddenly noticed her packed suitcase over in the corner of the room.

"Where are you going?" I unconsciously asked, the question coming out more demanding than I wanted it to.

"Just Chicago for business," Tazmin explained as she took off her beanie and began pulling her hair back into a low ponytail, "It's only for a night—you won't even notice I'm gone baby."

I raised a brow as I slipped off my heels, "But I will notice you're gone," I said almost defensively.

Which immediately made Tazmin's dark eyes snap over to me, "I thought I mentioned this the other day—"

"Yeah, but you never said it was set in stone," I pointed out, hating the idea of going without her presence for even a night.

Or the fact that I lied to her.

I really fucked up this time. 

"Milena," Tazmin whispered, walking towards me as soon as tears annoyingly burned in my eyes, "I didn't realize I never mentioned the final plans."

I shook my head when the warm tears escaped my eyes, "It's not even that it's just..." I trailed off wordlessly as Tazmin instinctively pulled me into a hug. 

"Don't cry baby," she whispered, pressing a soft kiss to my temple before she nuzzled down into my neck, "You're too beautiful to be crying like this."

I drew in a deeper breath, hoping to get my emotions under fucking control but I just couldn't.

Not after what happened tonight and the overwhelming guilt now swallowing me whole.

"Come to Chicago with me—you deserve time off from work," Tazmin offered, holding me tighter to her body, "Just don't cry anymore okay?"

I nodded wordlessly, sniffling as I slid my arms around her waist and nuzzled in closer to her body.

And as Tazmin pressed soft comforting kisses up my neck—I could hear the sudden fireworks in the distance.

"Come on," she whispered to me, pulling away from the hug to guide us both out to the balcony.

Where fireworks lit up the sky and the nearby beach was crowded with groups of cheering people.

"Happy New Year, Mil," Tazmin said as she drew me in closer to her body.

I let out a deep sigh, running my hands up her arms to gently cup her beautiful face.

"Happy New Year baby," I whispered, closing my eyes as soon as Tazmin pressed her lips to mine.

And as more fireworks went off in the distance and exploded all around us—Tazmin deepened the kiss with her tongue, pressing me back against the glass balcony.

"I love you so fucking much, Tazmin," I whispered against her lips, feeling tears burn in my closed eyes.

"I love you too, Mil," she murmured, running her hands so softly up my back, "This year is ours baby."

I nodded a few times as we naturally pulled away from the kiss, "All ours," I forced out, glancing up at the fireworks exploding so beautifully in the dark sky.