Old Money || Shawmila [Completed]

20. A gentle soul can't be faked

Camila stepped onto the rooftop bar, her heels clacking on the cold pavement. The city lights sparkled below her, and she could hear the distant sounds of car horns and people laughing. Shawn stood right behind her with his gloved hand on the small of her back, gently guiding her towards their table. Their breath was visible in the cold November air and part of her wanted turn on her heels and go back inside. She couldn't understand why he chose such a windy and chilly place, but she couldn't deny that it offered a breathtaking view.

As they made their way to a cozy corner of the rooftop, Camila couldn't help but feel nervous. This was their first date, so to speak, and she didn't want to mess it up. Shawn, however, seemed completely at ease. He ordered two glasses of red wine and settled into a comfortable lounge chair, gesturing for Camila to join him.

They sat in silence for a few moments, taking in the view and sipping on their drinks. Christmas was more than a month away, but the streets and the shops were covered in sparkly, colored lights. The night didn't seem that dark anymore.

Then Shawn turned to Camila, a small smile on his face. «You know, I never thought I'd be up here with you like this» he said, his voice - apparently soft - hid a subtle accusation.

Camila felt a lump form in her throat. She knew what he meant – so much happened between them that she was sure she could never have another chance with the love of her life. But now, as they sat together, she could feel a shift in their relationship. They were no longer enemies, but something more undefined and exciting.

Moments like that always brought her back to California. She often wondered how Shawn could have felt during their first encounters. Had he always liked her? Which was the exact moment he had fallen in love with her? Had he ever been intimidated by her mere presence? Honestly, she didn't want to know it. Those memory, even if so magical and sweet, were ruined by the stain of her treachery.

«I'm glad we're here» Camila said, finally finding her voice. «I like how you always surprise me with such amazing views. I think, deep down, you're an artist at heart».

She swore he was blushing. «You make me seem more profound than I actually am».

«Don't belittle yourself. You put on a show for everyone around you, with your cool face and cold heart, but you're actually a great person, Shawn».

He stared deeply into her eyes. «What if I'm not acting? What if I'm as bad as everyone else and you're just deluding yourself?»

Camila smiled sweetly. «A gentle soul can't be faked». She sipped her wine while she watched as a multitude of emotions run over his face. «But if that bothers you we can pretend that you're just a tough guy».

«You know, this is the reason why I couldn't forget about you». Shawn turned his head to the skyline. «You were the first person that actually went beyond my appearance. I've never really been myself with anyone else, if not with you and occasionally my sister. After we broke up I thought you were interested in knowing me just to scam me, but now I understand that's just how you really are».

Speechless, Camila linked her arm with his, leaning her head over Shawn's shoulder. For a moment they both silently admired the sparkly view below them. «You're my biggest regret and, at the same time, the best thing that has ever happened to me» she admitted in a small voice. Shawn took her hand in his and squeezed it, their fingers intertwined.

They spent the rest of the night talking, their conversation flowing easily but never delving into more sensitive topics. Camila had a lot of questions to ask him, but she was aware that it wasn't the right time for that, so she kept the conversation plain and simple.

As the night wore on and the air grew colder, Shawn offered Camila his scarf, a small gesture that made her heart flutter. Those tiny details fueled her feelings for him, pulling her more and more deeply into that whirlwind of strong emotions that she already felt for him.

Finally, as the rooftop bar began to empty out, they made their way back down to the street. Anticipation ran in her veins, knowing what was bound to happen next. It had been more than a week since Shawn asked her to spend her nights with him, and ever since that Camila had share her bed and body with him every single night. He seemed insatiable but she didn't mind it: she had never been more satisfied in her entire life. Countless sleepless hours and a tired body were worth the effort.