Page 160 of Filthy Rich Vampires: For Eternity

“And now I’m not.”

I shot her a look that said debatable. But maybe... maybe part of her drive to find Willem—to end him—was about us, too. About finally freeing herself from that forced vow. About giving us the chance we never had.

“Will Sabine support this?” She sniffed. “She’ll want grandchildren, and you two...”

“She’s already got one on the way,” Camila said. I squeezed her hand, reminding her that wasn’t public knowledge yet. Although, when Thea finally made her appearance… I didn’t think the mask could disguise her enough to smother the unmistakable scent of her pregnancy.

“And you two intend to take The Rites together?”

I wasn’t sure she was processing this. I barely was.

But Camila answered, “We do.”

My heart soared, but I grabbed hold of it, willing it to stay firmly in my chest. Camila loved to get a rise out of people. To play games. She’d witnessed my mother’s cruelty and decided to screw with her. What else could I believe? Yes, she’d told me she loved me before. Yes, I couldn’t deny this breathing, aching need I felt for her. But that didn’t mean any of this was real.

“Well, I... will tell your father.” Mother paused and looked at me. “And I will let Jessica decide if she wants to continue with The Rites.”

It was more than I could have hoped for. “All I ask is that it’s her choice.”

“Keep your side of the bargain, and it will be.”

My joy plunked inside me, heavy as a stone, but I nodded.

She studied as once more, like she suspected this was a trick before disappearing into the party. I spun toward Camila. “Thank you.” There were too many emotions, too many questions, too much hope. But I needed to know her intentions. “You saved her.”

“I wasn’t trying to save your sister.” She tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. “I was trying to save you. She was just a bonus.”

“Will you go along with it?” I asked. Her eyes pinched together, confusion muddying their bright blue. “Until The Rites are over?”

Realization hit her and her smile wilted. “Go along with it?”

“You are married, and you have children.”

“I see.” Her frown deepened and she took a step away.

I grabbed her hand. “Camila... I understand your priorities, but maybe someday, when you’re ready, maybe then, we...”

“Are you ready?” she asked quietly.

My heart was pounding so hard I thought it might crack me open and spill out at her feet. “I have been ready since the first time I kissed you.”

Shadows filled her eyes, the past returning to both of us. It had rained that day, keeping us from going on the horseback ride we’d been promised. I’d been sullen, annoyed that my day was ruined. And Camila had tried to make me laugh, hadn’t stopped trying until she succeeded. I couldn’t even remember over what now. But I recalled the way her eyes had sparkled when she triumphed. She hadn’t pulled away when I’d brought my mouth to hers.

And I had known my life would never be the same.

She moved closer, reaching toward me, and I tensed. “What are you doing?”

“Stop.” Not a demand. A request. Her palm cupped my cheek. “I’m doing what I should have done during my first social season.” This time, when our lips met, there was no urgency, only a gentle invitation. I saw it then—her, our future, everything I thought I’d lost—and accepted. Her tongue brushed my lips, a soft entreaty, and I opened myself to her. She took the kiss deeper, tasting and exploring, until we broke apart, breathless and needy.

“Take me to bed,” she blurted out.

I laughed softly. “Here?”

“Smart ass.” Her finger moved to trace the lines of my lips. Each movement deepened my need. She watched, her eyes shy and curious. The eyes that had found mine after that first kiss. “I’ve had lovers since Willem,” she explained in a quiet voice.

I smiled at her confession. “I didn’t exactly save myself for you, either.”

She groaned, shaking her head. “Other male lovers. I’ve never... You’re the only person I’ve ever truly wanted.”

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