Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 695

Dennis Williams wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her close, holding her against his chest. “Naturally, it’s because I’m always in the know,” he murmured.

Camila Davis smiled, lips pressed together in amusement. Of course he’d know—after all, he was the one who’d orchestrated her move to Cabinda and arranged for her to get into the research institute. If he wanted to keep tabs on her, it would be the easiest thing in the world.

It had been days since they last saw each other. Camila nestled her head against his chest, rubbing her cheek lightly against him. “I’ve missed you and Lillian.”

Working in such a closed environment, every day was a whirlwind—she barely had time to breathe, let alone dwell on her longing. Any thoughts of home were quickly drowned out by another stack of reports or a late-night experiment. But now, seeing him again, all those carefully suppressed feelings burst through the surface.

She breathed in the familiar scent of cedar that always clung to him, and warmth radiated from his body—a comfort that made her want to melt into his arms. The longing she’d held back for days surged up, insistent and overwhelming.

Camila looked up, her eyes tracing the elegant lines of his face before settling on his slightly flushed lips. Dennis noticed, of course—there was little about her he ever missed. He loved this side of her, the Camila who didn’t hide what she wanted.

But they were still standing at the entrance to the institute, people coming and going all around them. He didn’t want anyone else to get even a glimpse of his treasure.

His voice turned husky, his gaze darkening as he guided her gently toward the car. “Let’s get inside first.”

She nodded. When he opened the door, she slipped into the back seat, and he followed her in. As soon as they sat down, the divider slid up, sealing them off from the outside world.

In the next moment, a possessive arm pulled her onto his lap. Her hands had barely found his shoulders before his lips crashed onto hers, urgent and hungry, the kiss searing with all the longing and impatience they’d been forced to bury.

It was the first time Camila had ever seen Dennis lose control like this, and she found herself thrilled by it—eager to match his intensity. She clung to his broad shoulders, pressing herself close, their bodies fitting together with barely any space between them.

His rough, calloused hand slid beneath her shirt, fingers brushing lightly against the soft skin at her waist. The contrast of textures made her shiver, her whole body turning weak and pliant in his arms.

Even Dennis’s usually refined features were tinged with desire now. His deep-set eyes held a wild, consuming heat that threatened to swallow her whole. Meeting his gaze, Camila felt her soul nearly swept away.

But they were still in the car, and Dennis’s self-control finally asserted itself. He stopped, gathering her into a tight embrace, burying his face in the curve of her neck. His voice came out low and rough with want. “I missed you too.”

The quiet tenderness after all that heat sent Camila’s heart galloping. She wrapped her arms around him, reluctant to let go, curling up in his lap as she tried to calm the fever in her veins.

She couldn’t help but laugh, scooping Lillian up and giving her nose a gentle tweak. “What are you, a little cannonball? I can barely stop you anymore!”

Lillian giggled and snuggled into her mother’s arms, voice sweet as honey. “I missed you so much, Mommy…”

The sight of her daughter, all soft and needy, made Camila’s heart melt. She kissed Lillian’s cheek and asked, “I missed you too, sweetheart. Have you been good these past few days?”

Lillian nodded vigorously, her curls bouncing. “I have! I’ve been really good—ask Daddy if you don’t believe me!”

Dennis reached over and pinched her cheek affectionately. “It’s true. She’s been an angel.”

While the little family basked in their reunion, Sarah Brown—unable to stand their endless chatter at the doorway—stood up and came over, tugging them toward the table. “Alright, you two, the whole gang’s been waiting on you. Come sit down already! Let’s eat and catch up.”

Camila laughed and, still holding Lillian, made her way to the table with the others.