Page 41 of Cameron's Contract

“Windsor Suite.” Dad mused to himself. “Reserved exclusively for visiting dignitaries.”

“I don’t want to be a bother,” whispered Mia.

Dad smiled at her. “You’re my son’s Magnum opus, Ms. Lauren.”

I suppressed a moan of embarrassment for her.

CHAPTER 12

DAMN.

“You googled it, didn’t you?” I said.

Mia dropped her phone to her side and turned away.

“Answer me.” I kept my voice low so Henry and Shay, who were waiting for us inside the library, couldn’t overhear.

Mia stepped away from the door. “Opus? How embarrassing, Cameron. Your girlfriend is your finest piece of work.”

“Did I not tell you that once myself?”

“Yes, but I didn’t think everyone else would think it too. That they’d all know because of you I’m now able to walk with my head held high and not be ashamed of who I once was. A girl from Charlotte who knows nothing other than what you’ve taught me. A common—”

“I told you never to refer to yourself in that manner.”

“Why? Because the truth embarrasses you?”

“Do you honestly believe that Jesus, or Gandhi, or Buddha cared about how to hold a glass by the stem? Or cared about what is considered acceptable by a class of people who worship money?” I pulled her into a hug. “No Mia, the wisest and kindest men who ever walked the earth didn’t give a damn about such superficiality because they were too busy trying to save the world from itself.”

“Everyone can see I don’t belong.”

I pressed her up against the wall. “Have you ever once considered that I’m your Opus, Mia?”

“How do you mean?”

“I’m your finest work.”

“I changed you?”

“Of course.”

“Your world is so different.”

“That’s why I avoid it.”

She shrugged in agreement.

“Mia, you’ve ruined my reputation.”

She suppressed a smile.

“I may not be able to prevent the monsters from reaching us, but what I can do is teach you how to deal with the fuckers when they turn up. And if that’s what you being my opus means, then so be it.”

She flung herself into my arms. “Oh, Cameron, I need you so much. It scares me how much.”

“I know.”

“I love you.”