Revenge in Rio Read online

  “It’s not us I’m worried about. I wasn’t aware you still had a home here?”

  After several years of service to one of Rocinha’s most dangerous gangs, he’d made a run for it. There was nothing to hold him back, both parents had passed and his brother had sunken deeper into trouble; a trouble that he didn’t want to give up. However much he’d wanted to flee Brazil, he’d been unable to part with the property he’d bought and renovated for Daniella and himself, once upon a time.

  The sense of freedom when he’d left was indescribable. He tried to match his experience with Daniella’s. He was sure she would be craving freedom right now and not his overbearing orders.

  “I can look after myself. I promise to give you whatever it is you want–your own space? I travel overseas a lot, so that’s not a problem.” He shrugged. “You’ll have space. Just let me be there for you…you both.”

  She sucked in a deep breath as if preparing for the next round of battle, but instead she answered quietly. “Fine, but once my baby is born and you see I can manage, we will be leaving.”

  She pulled her hand away from his light grip and quietly retreated to the en-suite.

  * * * *

  The chauffeur maneuvered the Bentley through Rio de Janeiro’s bustling motorways and narrow side streets, leaving the private clinic in Barra da Tijuca far behind them. They were heading toward the hilly mountain regions where Luca’s property was nestled away from civilization. Daniella had shuffled to rest on her right buttock, leaving her back to face him. She hadn’t said a word since leaving the clinic and, quite frankly, Luca wasn’t sure what to say for once. He closed his eyes and rubbed both eyelids hard with his thumb and index finger. When he opened them, he looked out on to the city that was his birthplace. A place he’d once called home. The cloudless blue skies were turning shades of orange, red, and dusky pink as the evening sun began to set behind the mountaintops and skyscraper roofs.

  The chauffeur drove the car further toward the thick, green vegetation following the beaten track and leaving behind the chaotic noise of the city. The panoramic view of the cosmopolitan city below them was breathtaking, Luca had to admit it. The royal azure Ipanema and Copacabana beaches were fully visible in all of their famous glory from this height as the waves lapped at the honey golden sand fringes of the bay. Luca’s gaze drifted away from the shorelines and rested upon the unique blend of favelas growing upon the stylish city’s edge. The shanty homes sprawled along the steep hillsides and around the cusp of the inner city’s expansion. In his five-year absence he could see the changes; further favela growth spread and ever taller, sleeker, skyscrapers were filling the over-urbanized and crowded city to its limits.

  In the distance, he could see the Corcovado Mountain and the Christ the Redeemer statue situated at its peak. The last of the evening sun’s rays glittered around the edges of the solid concrete and soapstone artwork, illuminating its beauty and presence for the whole of Rio to adore. Its arms were open wide and ironically, Luca felt as if the statue was welcoming him back to his motherland.

  No. He needed to remain focused and remember exactly why he was there and what he had to do. Once it was done, he’d be on the first jet back to New York. Brazil and Rio held nothing for him anymore.

  Luca glanced at Daniella. Her eyelashes were lowered and she’d lost the fight to stay awake. Her arms were tightly wrapped around her body, as if to protect herself from the world.

  The car pulled off the road and turned right down a dirt track strategically hidden by gatherings of tropical trees either side. His off-the-grid Rio property was just one of his many homes across the globe; small in comparison to the rest of his tasteful collection, though its sentimental value was priceless. His staff immaculately maintained the house and gardens even though he had not visited Rio for five years. He found himself wondering why he’d kept the house and the employees, instead of selling it. Maybe secretly he’d hoped that one day he would have a reason to come back to his birthplace. He didn’t want Daniella back and he was never going to give her the property as he’d originally planned. So why had he insisted on keeping it? He pushed the pestering thoughts aside and concentrated on the house before him.

  He took in all the details of the estate as the car slowly made its way down the driveway. Nestled away at the bottom of the mile long driveway, large ceramic plant pots filled with an array of vibrant flowers were placed on the steps leading to the front door. The fragrance of the lush trees and laelias welcomed him through the open car window, along with the exotic twittering of the native birdlife living nearby.

  Whitewashed walls were still as brilliant as the day they had been painted. Huge bay windows draped with elegant curtains were situated on both sides of the heavy wooden front door. He’d insisted on them when the property was being built. He knew how much Daniella loved light and open space, though she had never seen their home. Just days before he’d planned to give her the keys, Miguel had made his move. Daniella had broken his heart and trust as if it was the easiest thing in the world. Women now meant nothing more than a pleasure in his bed. Simple as that.

  The chauffeur drove the car through the password protected gates and parked in front of the mansion. Luca stepped out into the muggy evening air and walked to the other side of the car. Daniella didn’t move a muscle as he gently picked her up and cradled her close. Deeply asleep, she didn’t resist, but rested her head against him and sighed. Luca made his way into the house and up the twisting marble staircase. He laid her down on the master bed—his bed, even if he hadn’t slept in it for over five years.

  He removed her black dress, which had now completely dried in the intense Rio heat and left her in her underwear. His gaze lingered on her scantily clad body for the briefest of seconds as his attention was again drawn to her delicate frame and neat bump. It was hard to believe there was a child growing inside her. He pulled the sheet over her and encouraged her sleep; she needed to escape, to recharge.

  He brushed her hair aside and bent down to kiss her temple. “I’m here now, querida, I will look after you both. I promise.”

  Were those words part of the plan to seduce her? If so, why had he said them when she was fast asleep? He exited the bedroom and rubbed his eyes hard. He needed to focus on his plan and not let his emotions get the better of him.

  “Olá, Senhor Venancio.” Maria, one of his longstanding housekeepers, smiled at him, seeming genuinely pleased to see him. “It is good to see you home.”

  Luca toyed with Maria’s words. Was he really home? The house was hollow. There was no warmth or body to it, no family portraits, nor children running through the halls. That was a home. He gave the middle-aged lady a courteous smile. “Olá, Maria. It’s good to see you too.”

  He chatted with her for a few minutes, commented about the hot summer, and asked how her family was doing. Promising to catch up with her tomorrow, he insisted she take the evening off and go home.

  He attended to several business calls and emails, ate the salad Maria had prepared for him, and then returned back to the master bedroom. The woman in his bed had not even stirred and remained in the exact same position he’d left her in. He stripped down to his cotton boxer shorts and pulled on a t-shirt. He positioned himself on the sofa opposite the bed. He started to think perhaps he should have put her in one of the guest rooms.

  No. He wanted her nearby so he could keep a watchful eye over her. Over them both. She was not leaving his sight this evening or any other until he had succeeded. His plan of revenge and seduction would be put into full throttle tomorrow morning.

  Chapter 4

  Daniella stirred in the luxury silk sheets and stretched her arms and legs, wriggling her fingers and toes. Blissfully unaware of her whereabouts for the first few waking seconds, she reveled in the calm surrounding her. Then reality came into play. There was no honking of car horns, no loud music vibrating through the walls, and no arguing neighbors. There was nothing, only silence. She opened her eyes and the t
ropical sun blinded her for a moment. The sun was high and the slanting rays had reached the edge of her bed, touching her bare skin. The bed. The room.

  Wondering where she was, she looked around the spacious room, her sight still blurry. The huge floor-to-ceiling windows took up half of the wall space at the far end of the suite. The room was decorated in modern, clean lines, yet there were subtle hints of a traditional feel thrown in amongst the antique wooden furniture, the four-poster bed she was lounging in being one of them. Luca. Yesterday’s actions started to replay in her mind. His insistence.

  Pulling herself upright, she drew the bedding closer to her semi-naked body. She looked down at the fabric and frowned. She didn’t recall taking her clothes off. In fact, she barely remembered leaving the hospital. She moved her legs over the edge of the tall bed and wrapped the silky smooth material around her body. The polished, wooden floorboards warmed the soles of her feet and creaked slightly when she walked toward the window. She rested her forehead against the bay-shaped window and looked down at a middle-aged man attending to the gardens.

  The luscious orchards were thick with vibrant greens, yellows, and purples. Begonias, poppies, and orchids were in full bloom, providing a true Brazilian flavor to the garden. She’d never seen anything quite like it and she instantly wanted to be out in its beauty, allowing the natural energy and tranquility to soothe her. She was going to get dressed and head straight to the garden.

  A flush heated her cheeks when she looked down at the sheets that covered her body and realization hit her hard in the stomach. Luca must have undressed her. Anger quickly replaced embarrassment. How dare he! He had no right to do such a thing. She frantically searched the room for her clothes, but couldn’t find them. Was this some kind of joke?

  Daniella was irritated with herself for being manipulated once again. She wouldn’t allow herself to be controlled by another man. He was already monitoring her and she’d been in his company less than twenty-four hours. Too much had happened between her and the Venancios. As much as she had loved…still loved Luca, it would be impossible to stay. It simply wasn’t healthy for either of them.

  Peeking around the doorframe into an empty hallway, she crept out on tiptoes and slowly made her way toward the staircase at the end of the corridor. Aromas of fresh bread and sweet pastries filled the air and her stomach growled fiercely. She toyed with the idea of finding the kitchen before Luca, not sure whether her stomach, and the baby, could wait any longer. She reached for the intricately carved banister, but stopped when she heard Luca’s deep, velvety voice coming from further down the hallway. Backing up, she followed his voice. As she neared him, she could hear he was talking about work, tying up loose ends of a new contract.

  She walked into the last room off of the corridor and saw that it opened out onto a large, open planned veranda. More tropical flowers surrounded the balcony and provided a sense of security and privacy. He was sitting at the food-laden table, speaking into the webcam on his laptop.

  He turned his head toward her and his gaze traveled up and down her body. A shiver rippled through her, yet she wasn’t cold.

  “Have your secretaries make contact with your final offering figures and I will be in touch. Good day to you all.” He ended the meeting with a nod toward the laptop’s inbuilt camera and then shut it.

  He stood and walked toward Daniella who was hovering by the doorway.

  “Bom dia.” He smiled, offering her his hand.

  Daniella held the sheet more tightly around her body as she coolly gave him the once-over. He was casually clothed today. Instead of the high-powered, well-fitting Armani suit, he wore tan chinos and a white linen shirt with his sleeves rolled up. The little dark stubble growth added to his relaxed image and good looks. He was the complete opposite to his younger brother whose muse to the alcohol and drugs had left him thin and disheveled. But there was no disputing they were brothers. The dark features and model-like cheekbones were a genetic trait.

  She wanted to snap at him, demand to know where her clothes were, and scream that he’d had no right to undress her. Taking a deep breath, she remained calm. “Where are my clothes? Who undressed me? And why was I in your bed?”

  Luca’s lips curved into a playful smirk, annoying and righteous. “So many questions. Daniella, I left you in plenty. I simply removed your outer clothes due to the heat and for comfort…of course.” He took a couple more steps toward her and she could feel the heat radiate from him. “And I wanted you in my room so I could keep an eye on you both, in case you were taken ill again.”

  Daniella looked up at him for a brief moment before shifting her gaze. She was angry, but part of her was appreciative of him looking after her. She breathed in, slowly regaining her self-control. “Well, you didn’t have the right to do any of those things.”

  Luca looked down and rubbed the back of his neck before he answered. “You don’t need to worry, querida. I slept on the sofa beside the bed.”

  Her face filled with warmth, and she was thankful for his gentlemanly behavior—it was something she had not experienced in a long time. She tightened her grip on the sheet and fiddled with the edge, unsure of what to say.

  “I believe you slept well?” Luca asked.

  Daniella shrugged her shoulders and lied. “I got a couple of hours.”

  Luca’s laughed boomed and echoed around the plush veranda. “You slept for fourteen hours solid and didn’t move a muscle.”

  “I’d like my clothes back please.”

  “I asked Maria to wash them. I figured after yesterday’s weather you would want them freshened up. Have a seat for now.” He gestured toward the veranda table. “Have something to eat, you must be hungry.”

  Daniella desperately wanted to say no to his offer, but her stomach let out another loud growl. She also remembered what the doctor had told her—to start taking care of herself. She was aware of her minimal attire, but hunger pains were taking over and she looked at the feast laid before her.

  “Fine, but it’s not for your sake.”

  Luca stepped aside and pulled a seat out for her. Once she had sat, he resumed his position opposite her.

  “What would you like? Tea, coffee?” His gaze was fixed on her, but she kept her head bowed.

  “Some orange juice will be fine, thank you.” She nodded toward the crystal jug beside him.

  She watched him pour the freshly squeezed juice until her flute was three-quarters full. She brought the glass to her lips and took a few sips of the pulpy liquid. As she shut her eyes, she enjoyed the fresh, zesty sweetness of the juice as it made her tongue tingle.

  She opened her eyes and saw he was watching her intently.

  “This is very nice orange juice.”

  “Homegrown, only the best. Please, help yourself to food.”

  Daniella was ravenous, it had been a long time since she had eaten a hearty meal. She craned her neck to see what was being offered to her. The table was full of various freshly baked breads, cheeses, jams, butters, yogurts, cereals, and ripe fruits sliced and designed into various patterns and shapes. She wanted to devour everything in front of her, but started by polishing off a couple of slices of sweet almond bread slathered with butter and freshly made strawberry jam.

  “How do you feel this morning?”

  Swallowing a mouthful, Daniella answered, “I feel fine. I just needed some rest, that’s all.”

  “It’s amazing what sleep can do for the mind, body, and soul.”

  She ached to tell him it was partially the undisturbed sleep partnered with a safe environment and no longer having to fear his abusive brother that had helped her feel ten times healthier as of this morning.

  “Hmm.” That was all she could muster for now. She couldn’t relax under his constant gaze; he watched every bite she took. “Please stop watching me.”

  Luca’s chair screeched as he pushed back against the tiles and she jumped. He threw back the last mouthful of his black coffee and collected his laptop and
cellphone.

  “Finish your breakfast in peace. Whatever it is you or the baby want, the staff will prepare for you. All you need to do is say.”

  Daniella looked up at him and shielded her eyes from the sun with her hand.

  “Thank you.” She meant it.

  She could have sworn Luca frowned when she had thanked him, but his expression instantly returned to a smile within a split second, making her wonder if she’d imagined it.

  Hell, she could be imagining everything right now for all she knew. Nothing had seemed real since Luca had appeared at Miguel’s funeral. She had prepared herself five years ago, consoled herself that she would never see him again as instructed. Yet, there she was draped in silk sheets, sitting in his Rio stately home, having slept just inches away from him. Her true love.

  “When you’re finished, there is a guest room at the end of the hallway with an en suite. You’ll find my staff has prepared a wardrobe for you. Everything you will need is there for you.”

  “But I’d like my clothes.”

  “They will be returned to you, but for now, if you don’t like what I am offering for your convenience, fine.” He smiled and turned and stepped off of the veranda. “Personally, I am happy with just the bedsheet.”

  Daniella pulled the material closer around her body, as if his words had caused it to bare her semi-naked body.

  Peace and quiet surrounded her; just the faint chirping of tropical birds of paradise could be heard from afar. She relaxed into the wicker chair and let her head fall back. She admitted the long sleep had done her a world of good. Her hands instinctively rested on her tummy, as if greeting her child with a ‘good morning’, and for a moment she wondered about the sex of her baby. Would she have to buy blues or pinks? Footballs or dollies? She didn’t mind, as long as her little one was healthy.

  The sun’s golden rays washed over her face and recharged her with its vitamin-enriched energy and warmth. Then came another hunger pang, reminding her to eat. Sitting up straight, she tucked into the feast in front of her, no longer worried about spectators.