Old Money || Shawmila [Completed]

15. Trying to reach an agreement

The moment Camila stepped outside her front door, a steaming hot cup of coffee was presented under her nose and put directly into her glove-covered hands. «This is a nice surprise» she muttered, slightly confused.

Shawn gave her a half smile, then he directed her towards a waiting taxi. «I didn't want to wait much more to see you again. Besides, we're heading in the same direction».

«Maybe it isn't a great idea to show up together... we're supposed to represent our clients who are clearly on opposite sides».

Shawn smirked. «That's what makes it exciting. It gives that... Shakespearian feeling, don't you think?». But Romeo and Juliet loved each other, and Camila knew that her feelings weren't reciprocated. Obviously that thought must have shown up on her face, because Shawn changed demeanor almost instantly. «By the way, I'm sorry if the other night I made you uncomfortable»

She forced a tight-lipped smile. «Oh no, the problem was that I was way too comfortable».

«So, why did you have to leave then? I mean, you've been very clear that nothing sexual was on the table».

Camila looked directly into his eyes. «There was too much tension between us, I couldn't risk it».

For a few minutes, the only sounds inside the cockpit were the traffic around them and the faint noise of the radio. Camila sipped her coffee, tasting its black bitterness and trying to absorb her first caffein intake of the day. Shawn looked out of the window, lost inside his thoughts, until he found the courage to blurt out what was on his mind. For a moment he seemed just like the old Shawn, a little vulnerable but mostly shameless. «Just to be clear: are those boundaries only related to the other night or is it a definite "no"?»

That was a good question, in more than one way. On one side she was ecstatic to know that Shawn was somehow still interested in her, but on the other she didn't have any answer for him in that exact moment. «You get me more confused with every passing day. You can barely stand me, yet you never waste a chance to hang out. You want no relationship, no strings attached, and yet you're asking me to sleep with you for the second time in the span of forty-eight hours».

«Answer my question Camila».

«Not until you've answered mine». The taxy pulled over and Camila got out of the car quickly. Shawn followed her, his facade once again hard and unreadable. They walked together towards the conference room, where their clients were waiting for them. Once they were sitting in front of one another, nobody could tell that between them there was some kind of relationship other than a professional one.

Straight back and head up, Camila opened her brief case and dramatically laid pre-signed documents on the table. The fierce look in her eyes should have somehow intimidated her opponent, instead she noticed his signature smirk trying to hide under a serious expression. She brushed it off and continued with her theatrics. «Mr. Kaplan, Mr. Mendes, I hope today we'll be able to reach an agreement. Assuming you considered Mr. Gold's offer and wisely decided to accept it, I took it upon myself to drew up all the documents we need in order to close this deal».

«Actually, Miss Cabello, we're here to reject Mr. Gold's offer» Shawn replied assertively. «My client and I are confident we have great chances to win this case, that is if we'll go to court. We all know it isn't necessary, all Mr. Gold has to do is to agree to my client's demands». He too slid a pile of papers in front of her. Camila took it and skimmed through it, noticing Shawn didn't change a word since their previous encounter.

Leaning towards Mr. Gold, Camila whispered in his ears: «We must adjourn this meeting. They haven't backtracked, not one bit. They could be bluffing, but I think they have something intangible to use against us. We need to discuss things further». Bringing her attention back to the other side of the table, Camila stood up. «Thank you for your time, I'll let Mr. Mendes know my client's intentions by the end of next month». She left the room and headed straight for her office. Once inside she realized she was furious. Her hands were shaking, and her face was certainly flushed. That son of a bitch, she thought, I see what you're trying to do.

Not wasting a second to somehow regain her composure, she marched towards Connor's office. She thumped on his door and immediately barged in when she heard his reply.

«I need your help» she stated.

Connor was surprised and yet amused. «It looks like someone here has got a hornet up her skirt». The murderous glare he received as response was enough to shut him up. «I'm sorry, what can I do for you?» he asked battling hi eyelashes.

Camila scoffed. «Why do you always have to be so farcical? Anyway, I need you to get me in contact with a private investigator». And as soon as she stepped out Connor's office, she was already texting Shawn.

I'm coming over tonight