Chapter 56 Camilla’s Pov.
“I'll be right with you!” Josh shouted without even looking up to see who it was and I stood, backing the door. “Camilla, give me your number and we can continue this conversation later.” He said and I cringed noticeably because I could swear with everything in me that Àlvaro was the one standing behind me. Shit.
“Please. Your little boyfriend doesn't have to know. What is he? Some control freak?” Josh said even when I waved my hand for him to shut up. You fucking idiot.
I spun around quickly but Àlvaro's arms were already on my shoulder and then I felt his lips on my temple. “Baby, have you ordered yet?”
My heart melted when he called me ‘baby.’
Josh's face paled, contrasting against the redness in his cheeks. “Sorry, man—”
Àlvaro gave him a deadly look and even I felt the power behind it.
“So? You've been in here a while and haven't ordered anything?”
“I was just kidding around.” Josh said, chuckling sheepishly. The scary part was that Àlvaro completely ignored him.
“I was just talking to Josh, a friend from high school.” I said, purposely including the friend part in an attempt to deflate the situation.
“Hmm…” Àlvaro hummed.
“Àlvaro, let's just leave.” I said, tugging at his shirt.
“Leave?” He frowned. “But you haven't gotten anything yet.”
“I'm okay. I don't want anything anymore.” I whispered through gritted teeth.
“Chica, you came in here for a reason. Order what you want.” He said in that voice that left no room for arguments.
“So, what can I get for you?” Josh asked, eyes darting between me and Àlvaro. The tension in that tiny shop was thick and nearly choked the life out of me. But I licked my lips and proceeded to order.
I ordered a bunch of donuts and a few puff pastries because I know how much Hector would kill for puff pastries. Josh was treading on egg shells the entire time and Àlvaro appeared not to have a care in the world.
Eventually, Josh handed me the box with my pastries and I couldn't help but notice how shaky his hands were.
Does he know who Àlvaro is?
“Thanks Josh.” I said, relieved that the whole ordeal was over.
When we were both out the door, Àlvaro handed me his car keys. “Go wait in the car, okay? I'll be out soon.” He whispered and I was quick to glare at him.
“Àlvaro, please.” I said, because I had an inkling of what he had in mind.
“What do you think I'm gonna do? Kill him in a fucking pastry shop? I'm just gonna talk to him, chica.”
I opened my mouth to speak but the words fail me when Àlvaro walked back into the shop. Fuck! I pursed my lips, sighing through my nose.
I shook my head, turning around to head towards the car. I unlocked it, opening the door to sit on the passenger's seat.
It was about five minutes later when Àlvaro returned and I had no time to bombard him with the many questions I had in mind before he was reaching over and crashing his lips on mine.
He kissed me hard, holding both my cheeks and I was a little caught off guard but I kissed him back. Of course I kissed him back. Who could resist him? The kiss wasn't gentle or slow. It was rough and impatient. I moaned against his lips, holding his wrists.
I pulled away for air and murmured, “Àlvaro…”
“You're mine, chica. Only mine.”
My breathing spiked and I just sat there mute. I didn't know what to reply or say to that.
I cleared my throat as I leaned back in my chair. “What happened with Josh?”
He looked at me once. “We just had a nice conversation about manners.”
I knew my definition of a conversation was a lot different from his but I nodded anyways. “Sure.”
He started the car, reversing out of the driveway while I could think of nothing except the kiss we just shared and what he said to me afterwards.
\~~~
When we arrived back at the house, I insisted on carrying the grocery bags inside, when I noticed how much he had been glancing at his phone. I knew he wanted to make a call so I went in to give him his privacy.
I passed Hector on my way to the kitchen. He gave me a once-over, shrugged and walked away from me.
“Thank you for the help, dumbass.” I huffed, whispering the last part under my breath.
“You're welcome, dumbass.” He retorted nonchalantly but he was a lot louder than me.
“Hector!” My mother screamed and I couldn't stop the smirk from showing on my face.
Just like old times.
“Mama!” Hector gasped, his eyes wide as his steps faltered. “She started it!”
“I don't care who started what. There will be no foul language in my house!” She yelled back and Hector gave me the deadliest glare.
“I was wrong. I did not miss you one bit.” Hector whispered, sneering at me and I reached up to ruffle his hair but he flinched away from me and I laughed.
“Well, I guess that means that you don't want the puff pastries I got for you.” I watched as the harsh expression on his face slowly melted away. His eyes lit up.
“Did I tell you that you were the best sister in the world?” He said as he grabbed the grocery bags from me. I laughed as I shook my head, heading up the stairs for a quick shower before dinner.
I pushed open my room door at the far end of the hallway, stepping inside. Nothing had changed. The white carpet matched the white bedding and remained untouched. The blinds were opened and my window overlooked the backyard.
A whole bunch of memories came flooding in, both good and bad. I headed to the bathroom, taking off my clothes as I waited for the water to heat up.
We were all seated at the dining table and my mother really did go all out with the different dishes on the table. Everything not only smelled delicious, they tasted delicious too.
This was my first meal with my family in a very long time and it melted my heart to be right here with them. Àlvaro was seated close to me and hasn't uttered a word since the dinner started.
“So,” My mother started, glancing at Àlvaro. “With your accent, you're clearly from Spain. What made you move so far away from home?” It was evident that she was just genuinely interested in Àlvaro and his upbringing but I could feel the fear enveloping me.
He glanced at me before he spoke. “Miami has bigger and better business opportunities than here in Spain.”
“I see. What is it that you do exactly?” She asked, taking a bite of her food and I decided to jump in.
“Mama, why are we having an interview at the dinner table?”
“Is it now a crime to know all about my daughter's first boyfriend?” She asked sternly.
Kill me now!
I felt Àlvaro's leg nudge mine but I was too embarrassed to look at him. I realized that we hadn't exactly put a title to whatever our twisted relationship was.
“I own a line of clubs and some other business establishments.”
And that's putting it mildly!
“That's such hard work. Well done.” My mum said, sounding proud.
Àlvaro's grin was wholesome and he looked unbelievably happy.
“Thank you.” He said just as he placed his hand on my thigh underneath the table, giving it a little squeeze.
“Okay. I have to go. I booked an hotel close to the airport and I should get going.” Àlvaro announced.
“Hotel?” My mother looked like she had just been struck across the face. “Hector already cleaned up the spare bedroom while you guys were out getting groceries. You're staying and I want to hear no arguments.” She added when Àlvaro wanted to protest.
“Yes ma'am.” Àlvaro replied, chuckling.
Oh God.
I really don't think this was a good idea…