Page 198 of Corrupting Camille
Her gaze gentles further, understanding the unspoken truth in my words. “Por supuesto. Ella estará segura aquí.”
Turning slightly, I bring Camille forward, keeping a possessive hold at the small of her back. My voice lowers, quiet and rough with meaning. “Camille, meet Rosa. She’s…” I pause, searching for words I rarely say aloud. “She matters.”
Camille’s eyes flicker briefly to mine, surprise and curiosity mixing beneath the soft gold shimmer of her lashes. She steps forward gracefully, extending her hand, but Rosa ignores it completely. Instead, she pulls Camille directly into a warm embrace, soft laughter rising gently between them as Camille relaxes slowly.
“Bienvenida, cariño,” Rosa whispers affectionately, drawing back slightly, examining Camille closely, her approval clear in her warm smile. “You’re more beautiful than Kane described.”
Camille arches a brow, eyes dancing briefly to mine. “Apparently, he’s been busy describing me.”
Rosa chuckles, casting an amused, knowing glance my way. “Only constantly, mi amor.”
A flush rises subtly on Camille’s cheeks, a quiet smile curving her mouth as she meets my gaze again, tender, knowing, andjust a little triumphant. Seeing her here, wrapped in Rosa’s immediate acceptance, something inside my chest loosens, releases just slightly, easing the ache I’ve carried for days.
Rosa gently takes Camille’s arm, leading her toward the kitchen where the low hum of feminine voices and the clink of glassware waits. “Come, Camille. Las mujeres están ansiosas por conocerte. They want to know who stole our Kane’s cold heart.”
Camille glances back once, eyes locking fiercely onto mine. I hold her stare, feeling it drag like fire over every nerve. Then she disappears into the warmth and laughter of Rosa’s world, leaving me alone with Diego.
I exhale sharply, jaw tensed. Diego hands me a whiskey, understanding glinting in his eyes.
“Tranquilo, hermano,” he murmurs softly, raising his own glass. “She’s safer now than she’s ever been.”
I down the drink in one harsh swallow, the burn settling hot and raw inside me. Safer, maybe. But I know better than to trust this fragile peace.
Because safety is temporary.
The threat is still nameless, faceless, lurking just beyond reach.
And I’m not letting my guard down until whoever wants Camille suffers at my goddamn hands.
Camille
The kitchen wraps around me, alive with the scent of grilled meats, fresh citrus, and spices that feel comforting even though I don’t yet recognize their names. Warmth radiates from Rosa and the other women as they gather close, their eyes kind, curious, and openly intrigued.
“Can I help with something?” I offer gently, feeling slightly awkward just standing here as they move effortlessly around the room. “I’m not very good at sitting idle.”
Rosa’s smile widens knowingly, eyes soft and reassuring as she touches my arm. “Of course, cariño. Aquí, help slice these limes.” She passes me a cutting board and a small knife, her voice gentle yet commanding. “I hear you’re quite capable of handling sharp things.”
I glance at her, seeing the playful tease in her dark gaze, and relax slightly as laughter ripples around us. “You’ve been talking to Kane.”
“Él habla mucho,” Rosa chuckles softly, handing me a lime. “About you, at least.”
My cheeks heat, but I grin despite myself, slicing slowly, carefully, as a woman named Ana asks from my left, “So, Camille, how did you manage it?”
“Manage what?” I tilt my head, smiling, fingers working steadily.
“To tame Kane.” Ana’s eyes glint with humor, voice warm. “We thought he’d stay untouchable forever.”
“I wouldn’t call him tame,” I reply softly, biting my lip. “But…I guess we understand each other.”
The murmurs and knowing nods around me tell me that was exactly the right thing to say. These women have known Kane longer, deeper, but none of them have seen him quite like I have, in darkness, desperation, the violent tenderness he reserves just for me.
Soft laughter ripples through the small circle, breaking the tension. My cheeks heat, but I smile easily, feeling something inside me loosen just a little more.
“How did you and Kane meet?” another woman asks bluntly, her sharp, curious gaze softening quickly. “Forgive me, querida, but you don’t look like his usual type.”
Rosa shoots her a warning glance, shaking her head with a small smile. “Enough interrogating our guest. Camille just arrived.”
“No, it’s fine,” I reply gently, meeting her eyes. “Honestly, I don’t think I’m his usual type either.”
