Page 61 of Resolute

“You don’t need to bribe her to get on your side.”

“For fuck’s sake, woman. I’m not trying to bribe her. I just want to send her a little something as a thanks for the card she made me.”

Camila’s eyes soften immediately, but she stays quiet as we continue walking

When Harrods comes into view, we make our way inside the store. I can feel her gaze on me the entire time.

When I see the Cartier section, I smile, an idea already forming.

Before I can take another step, Camila pulls me back. I turn to face her, and her eyes are wild.

“Are you getting jewelry for a five-year-old?”

“It’s something small.”

“Vicente, you can’t.”

“Why not?”

“Because I can’t afford to give her presents like this.”

This gives me pause. I don’t mean to make her feel less, but that’s definitely what I’m accomplishing.

Good job, arsehole.

“Good thing I can. And if you were to marry me, you could too.”

“Argh,” she complains, and I chuckle.

Once I spot the brooch I want to buy, I flag down the lady who works the area.

She comes over with a huge smile on her face. “May I help you, sir?”

“Actually yes. Will you please wrap that duck brooch for me?” I ask.

The woman eyes me, then glances at Camila before offering a smile. “Certainly. It’ll be just a minute.”

I take out my black card, not even bothering to ask for the price.

“Vicente, that brooch costs a fortune,” Camila whispers against me.

I wish her lips were closer to mine. I can feel her breathing on my chest, sending sparks flying in my stomach.

“Can you please relax? It’s okay,” I whisper against her hair, grabbing her by her waist and pulling her close to me.

She immediately relaxes under my touch.

Oh, Camila. There must be a war raging between your body and your mind, because right now, they’re both giving me very different messages.

“Here it is, sir. Anything else?” The woman comes back with the brooch packed in a small red box.

“Do you have a card?”

She nods and hands me a small one. I take a moment to write a message before tucking it inside the box.

“That would be all for now,” I say as I quickly pay.

I pocket my black card, and holding Camila’s hand, we head back out.

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