Page 69 of Resolute

That sounds like an interesting mix.

“Here, do you want to try it?” she offers, holding out the arepa.

I lean down to take a bite. It’s definitely different from anything I’ve ever had before, but the sweet and savory flavors of the condensed milk and the cheese compliment each other surprisingly well.

“Wait,” she says, using her thumb to wipe milk from my face—then licking it off.

Something inside me snaps.

I’m done being a gentleman, done waiting for her to lead the way.

With my index finger, I swipe some milk from her arepa and smear it over her lips.

“What are you doing?” she asks, a mix of confusion and excitement flickering across her face.

Before she can say no, I claim her lips. A little moan escapes her as our mouths meet, and that’s all the invitation I need. I kiss her like I’ve been dreaming about for weeks now, drinking her in, tasting every single corner of her mouth. It’s hungry, needy—I can’t get enough of her. Some might say it’s borderline indecent, like I’m trying to suck her soul out of her body, but I don’t care.

For the first time in thirty-five years, I feel like I’ve found my home.

After the initial shock, Camila wraps her arms around my shoulders, pressing herself against me.

I never want this kiss to end. If this is how good it feels just kissing her, I can’t imagine how good it’d be when we’re truly together.

Because there’s no doubt in my mind—this woman is my beginning and my end.

Chapter 18

Camila Flores

Ihave never experienced an earth-shattering event—until now.

This kiss wasn’t just a kiss. It was a promise. A bond. A deal has been sealed.

“Marry me, Camila,” he whispers, his voice steady but urgent. “Allow me the honor of giving you the world.”

He exhales slowly, and I look at him—really look at him. All I see is honesty. An honest-to-God good man.

“Yes.” The word escapes me before I can even register it.

His eyes light up. “We need to get you a ring.”

I chuckle at the urgency in his voice.

“But wait—I still have questions. There’s so much to talk about.” I try to stop him from walking, but it’s useless. The man is on a mission.

“And we will. But we can do it with a ring on your finger.”

I simply follow him. There’s no point in denying what my heart is telling me.

For some reason, I trust this man. The last time that happened, I ended up with Ava. And she’s the most precious gift life has given me.

Nothing will go wrong this time around. I just know it.

Vicente drives like a character fromGrand Theft Auto, and we get to Old Bond Street in Mayfair in no time.

As soon as he helps me out of the car, I pause to think for a moment.

Is this really what I want? Is this what is best for me? For Ava?

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