Page 42 of Resolute

Vicente shoots up from his chair so fast, I’m surprised he doesn’t get whiplash. His eyes dart between me and Owen, his whole stance shifting into full protector mode.

“It was a short fling, boss. Nothing serious,” I say, avoiding his eyes.

“So that’s how you remember things? Interesting,” Owen drawls, already heading to the mini bar—the one I hadjustrestocked for Mr. Godoy.

He pours himself a glass of scotch, completely unfazed.

I don’t have anything else to say to him, but I don’t want to look unprofessional in front of Mr. Godoy.

“If you excuse me, I have something to work on,” I say as I finally make eye contact with my boss. I’m pleasantly surprised when, instead of seeing judgment or disgust, I find a worried gaze trained on me. I offer him a small smile and make my way out.

“Nice seeing you again, Camie. Can’t wait to catch up,” Owen says.

I close the door a little harder than I needed to.

Instead of sitting down at my desk and pretending to work, I go to the restroom. Turning on the hand dryer, I yell as loud as I can. Why did he have to come back into my life? Owen is the only man I’ve had a relationship with that ended badly. It’s not likeI’m best friends with any other of my exes, but Owen was just a nasty, abusive prick. I never wanted to see him again.

I use the restroom, and after washing my hands and fixing my hair, I head back to my desk.

“Oh, Ms. Flores, there you are,” Vicente says when he sees me. “I was just leaving you a note. I’m heading out for the day, so I wanted you to know you can take the afternoon off.”

My mood lifts instantly. I haven’t spent an afternoon with Ava during the work week in a while. She’s going to be ecstatic.

“Thank you so much, Mr. Godoy. I’ll see you in the morning,” I say, quickly shutting off my computer and gathering my things.

I don’t know why I glance once last time at the men heading out, but of course—Owen is looking at me.

When we make eye contact he blows me a kiss.

I don’t care if I look unprofessional, I gag.

The arsehole cackles, clearly entertained.

I feel Vicente's gaze on me. When I look up, his brows lift slightly.

But—thankfully—he doesn’t say a word.

“Mummy, you’re early,” Ava shouts from the sofa as I open the flat’s door.

“Yes, my little duckling. Mr. Godoy left early and told me I could leave as well,” I say as I remove my heels and breathe a deep sigh of relief.

“So he’s not adicktatoranymore?” Ava says, repeating the word I use whenever I’m mad at him.

My eyes go wide in shock.

Mrs. Evans barks out a laugh, completely unbothered, while I quickly cover my face with my hands to hide my own laughter.

“Baby, remember you can’t say bad words,” I say.

Her lower lip starts to quiver, and I immediately hug her, lifting her into my arms.

“I’m sorry, Mummy.”

“It’s okay, baby. Just don’t ever repeat that word. Okay?”

Being the curious and smart girl she is, she asks, “What does it mean, anyway?”

I sit down on the sofa, and Ava squeezes between me and Mrs. Evans.

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