Witches of Three: Charlene by Temple Hogan

His strokes were insistent, bringing her to culmination yet again. This time, she screamed and curled into a ball.
    “Enough,” she whispered. “I can’t take any more.”
    “Yes, you can,” he said and spread her knees wide so when he mounted her, she was once again open to him.
    This was different than his fingers had been. His cock was full and hard and smooth as it slid into place. She loved the feel of him inside her and began to move with him. He was a strong athletic man, and his stamina was amazing as he plunged into her with increased fervor. She’d thought she was too satiated to climax yet again, but she felt him stiffen, felt his cock throb deep inside her and her own muscles clenched tightly and a wave washed over her. She lay stunned by the intensity of her release. Nick sighed deeply and relaxed, and her body melted against his. She slept and awoke only when Nick moved to pull the covers around them.
    “Umm,” she grumbled sleepily, and he settled her against his shoulder before her eyes closed again. She had one thought before oblivion claimed her. Life was just too perfect. She’d never felt this complete.
    * * * *
    She had to face this alone, and she couldn’t let Nick know she was anxious. He had troubles enough of his own. She showered and dressed in her uniform without waking him. She changed her bandage into one less noticeable then headed out for the station. When she entered the squad room, the noise died away abruptly and every eye turned toward her. She’d never felt more like a pariah. She wanted to turn herself into a moth and fly out the window. Instead, she took a deep breath and walked to her desk and checked out her assignments for the day. There was nothing. She looked up in puzzlement.
    Sam Turner walked over to her. “They didn’t expect you back today,” he said. “You just got shot. You should be home in bed.”
    “I’m all right,” she answered, grateful he’d joined her.
    “You’ll probably have to see the acting captain then,” he said, nodding toward Nick’s office.
    “Thanks, Sam,” she said and took a step, then turned back to him. “I’m sorry.” His face maintained its inscrutable façade. Even his eyes were guarded.
    “I didn’t mean this to happen.”
    “I’m sure you didn’t,” he said noncommittally. “I think Captain O’Shea wants to see you now.” He walked away.
    Charlie looked at the short, round-bellied man standing in the doorway of Nick’s office. If she’d never heard his name, she would have known he was of Irish descent by his red face and snapping blue eyes, but Captain Brian O’Shea was well known by most of the precinct. And his hot temper was legendary. Taking a breath, she walked to his office, aware every eye in the place was on her.
    “Come in and sit down,” O’Shea ordered without preamble and seated himself behind the desk.
    He folded his hands over his considerable girth and stared at her silently. She knew this was meant to unnerve her and held his gaze. She was guilty of nothing, well, almost nothing. Nick had said there were no written rules about fraternization, and even if there had been, it wasn’t like they’d robbed a bank or killed someone. That thought sobered her as she realized their superiors didn’t know that and Nick was under suspicion.
    “Tell me about your relationship with Ralph Latimer?” O’Shea said.
    “I’ve never had a relationship with Ralph Latimer,” she said hotly.
    “Your working relationship,” O’Shea amended. “I understand you had some trouble with him.”
    “Not really,” Charlie said. “I stayed away from him as much as possible. I didn’t like him.”
    “You didn’t like him,” O’Shea repeated.
    “He wasn’t a likable guy,” Charlie said.
    “I was told he sought you out often for his unsavory remarks.”
    “Like I said, he wasn’t a likable person.”
    “Did you see him outside of work?”
    “No, sir.”
    “Did Captain Hilliard dislike Latimer as