Revenge in Rio Read online

  He rested back on his haunches and realized she was talking in her sleep.

  “Miguel, I beg you,” she pleaded with his brother in her nightmares.

  He considered whether to wake her as she was obviously dreaming.

  Her eyebrows drew together, and frown lines formed across her forehead. A pained look crossed her face and her breathing quickened. She flung her arms across her face, as if protecting herself from something.

  Or someone?

  “No,” she screamed.

  Luca’s gut wrenched and he wondered whether her story had been true and not just fabricated for his benefit.

  “Daniella?” he whispered, stroking a finger down her cheek and meeting with a fresh teardrop.

  She stirred under his touch and the frown lines faded gradually as she woke. “Luca?”

  “I’m here.” His words were soothing as he caressed her hair.

  Her eyelids fluttered open and she looked up at him, confusion in her expression.

  “I only sat down for a few minutes. I was going to give Rose a hand with lunch, but I must have fallen asleep.”

  “Don’t worry. I’m sure she has it all under control. I’m glad you rested.” Luca smiled.

  She positioned a hand on her bump and looked up at him. “How was your morning?”

  He sat back on the Italian leather sofa beside her and tried to process his racing thoughts. Her voice was loud, yet it was distant.

  “Luca, what’s wrong?”

  “Huh?”

  “I asked how your morning was?” she repeated her question, a look of curiosity on her face.

  Images of her having the nightmare filled his mind, the genuine terror on her face now imprinted on his memory.

  “Fantastic. I sealed the Saudi deal. Six months of tough negotiating and I finally got the figure I wanted. Plus a lot more.” He placed his hand on top of hers. “So, we have great reason to celebrate. In fact, we are going out to celebrate properly. Tonight.”

  “Tonight? But—”

  “Yes. I’m taking you to the best restaurant in New York and we are celebrating the deal.” Luca searched deep into her eyes. “And us.” Now was the time to go back to his initial plan if he was going to achieve his goal.

  “Us?” Her eyes opened wide.

  “Yes, us. This is our second chance, Daniella. Don’t you see that?” This was his chance to dangle the illusion of them reuniting as a couple, plant the seed and allow her to nurture it before he snatched it away.

  She bit her bottom lip and worried it with her teeth. “And what about my baby?”

  He took a deep breath and looked down at her hand, which was resting on top of the fluffy robe. Already she appeared fiercely protective of her child.

  “I want you and the baby, querida.” He surprised himself with the sincerity of his words, although he knew they were hollow lies. “You are one.” Luca wanted to place his hand beside hers and feel the small curve of her belly and the life beneath it, but he stopped himself. He couldn’t become too attached to either of them.

  “You really mean that?”

  “Yes. It was me who insisted you stay and I meant it, every word. All that has changed is I now want you both to stay and not leave after the baby is born,” he explained. “Think about it.” His thumb grazed her bottom lip. “Think how we can be. This is our second chance.”

  She was quiet for a moment before she answered. “I don’t know if us being together is the right thing—”

  “I don’t care if it the right thing. If I had done the right thing five years ago, we wouldn’t be here now. I want you. All of you.” Luca grabbed her hips and lifted her in one swift movement so that she was straddling his lap.

  She gasped and her body tensed, but she didn’t resist him.

  “I don’t care about right and wrong. All I know is that I want you and anything and everything that comes with you.” He cupped her face with his hands and worked his fingers through her hair.

  He clenched his jaw and resisted the desperate urge to take her there on the sofa, to use her body to satisfy his own needs. He wanted to tear the bathrobe off of her and taste her, inch by inch, taking what was rightfully his and should have been his years ago. Now, whatever he desired, he got immediately. He wasn’t used to having to wait patiently. The groundwork had to be done before he could claim the prize.

  The time would come.

  * * * *

  Luca’s throbbing pressed between her legs, his muscular thighs spreading her own apart. She focused on his dark eyes, the swirls of mahogany glistened in the light and she could see her dazed reflection in them. She wasn’t ready for their relationship to progress and to open up to uncharted territory, rekindling both new and old feelings. Her confidence had been damaged and she wasn’t sure if she could give everything to Luca wholeheartedly without believing in herself first.

  She ran her tongue across her lips that had dried in the cool air of the lounge. New York was cold compared to her usual tropical climes. She had tried to figure out the heating system earlier but had given up after pushing at several buttons on the hi-tech control panel and having no luck.

  “Luca. I…I don’t know… I think…” She stumbled for words and shook her head.

  He pulled her face down to meet his and whispered huskily, “Don’t think.” And pressed his lips against hers.

  His long fingers pushed further into her hair, twisting through the curls and pulling her farther into the kiss. Letting out a soft moan, she found herself responding. Even though she wanted to stop and pull away, a small part of her felt at home at last. She was kissing the man she loved. She wasn’t scared by his touch and didn’t need to withdraw and protect herself. Her body melted into his embrace.

  One hand rested on his chest and the other wrapped around his neck. She wanted to place her hands on his bare skin and feel the rise and fall of his breath. It was something so simple, yet essential to survive. She needed to feel the life in him. Daniella choked back the fear that had consumed her for five years. The fear that she would never see him again. Alive. To watch him breathe right in front of her was a beauty in itself.

  His hands moved from her hair and traced down her cheeks, her neck, and rested on her shoulders. Her skin heated and the desire for his caresses built within her. He tucked his thumbs under the edge of the collar of her bathrobe and gently pushed it away, revealing just a thin camisole top and lacy briefs. He let out a muffled groan and when he ran his hands along the length of her shoulders and arms, the tiny hairs across her body stood tall and gooseflesh covered her skin.

  Her heart was racing, and her breaths were quick and shallow. She had to stop this from going any further. As much as she wanted to, she knew she wasn’t ready. She wasn’t sure she would ever be.

  “Luca…I think…we…” She tried to say the words, but putting words together had become very hard.

  He pulled her closer to him, his strong hands on her hips as he pushed the robe aside.

  She let her head fall back slightly and murmured against him. “Luca, please.”

  Was she begging him to stop or continue? Her head spun faster but she was well aware of where his hands were traveling as they glided lower.

  Stop. Just say it.

  Her inner voice chastised her. Why couldn’t she say the simple four-lettered word, stop.

  She didn’t want to upset Luca. Over the years, silent cooperation had become an automatic response, yet she desperately tried to find the strength and voice within her.

  “Luca…”

  She still couldn’t bring herself to say it. Her body was electrified with tingling pleasure. Her nipples betrayed her and hardened against his soft, yet wickedly rough hands as he gently cupped her breasts. His touch was welcomed, and she arched her back and pushed herself into his hold. She needed to bring this to a halt before it went any further, but it was so exquisite and natural. His touch didn’t frighten her, it didn’t hurt her, and it didn’t mark her. It was how a love
r’s embrace should be. A liquid sensation curled in the depths of her belly, and she knew she had to stop him right now. Although she trusted Luca, she needed time to regain her confidence and heal from what his brother had subjected her to. Throwing herself into another relationship wasn’t the answer, even if it was with the love of her life.

  Oh, dear God. Just say it.

  Mustering all the strength she had left, she whispered, “Stop.”

  His hands immediately stilled, and he looked at her, not saying a word.

  Please don’t be angry.

  His gaze rested on hers and he shuffled in his seat a little. He didn’t look angry. Of course he wouldn’t be. The Luca she knew had morals and understanding. He cared—not like his twisted sibling.

  “I just…I just think we…”

  “We what?” he asked gently.

  “I can’t do this…not yet.”

  His eyebrows pulled closely together in a frown and then quickly eased apart. He wasn’t angry, maybe frustrated, but not angry she concluded. He was a gentleman.

  “I just want to take it slowly, please. My head is full of…” She brought her hands to her head and rubbed her temples. “Well, let’s just say it’s a mixed up place at the moment.” An uneasy silence lingered between them both for several minutes before Daniella spoke again. “But being with you is helping it all to make sense a little more. Please, be patient with me.”

  She wasn’t sure if a flash of uncertainty crossed his face, but before she could blink, it was gone. Maybe she had imagined it.

  “I am still taking you out tonight and treating you like a queen. What does your heart desire? You name it and you will find it here.”

  He checked his cellphone and then placed it back into his jacket pocket. She was sure he wasn’t used to be rejected and his ego was probably now feeling a little bruised.

  “Umm, I don’t mind. You choose.”

  “No, it’s your choice.”

  “Okay.” She paused for a moment. “Well, I would really like to eat some feijoada.” She was craving the typical Brazilian stew and had been since stepping off the jet yesterday afternoon.

  Luca’s laugh echoed throughout the room. “You have flown hundreds of miles and you want to eat feijoada, seriously?”

  “Yes. It’s what the baby wants,” she protested. It was one of her favorite meals and full of goodness, though she highly doubted they would find it in New York.

  Luca nodded. “Certamente! Whatever the baby would like, she will have. I know just the place.”

  * * * *

  “Thank you, sir, most kind of you,” gushed the headwaiter as Luca paid for the meal and handed the waiter a more than generous tip.

  Daniella shrugged into the thick, black designer coat Luca was holding out for her and shivered as his fingers brushed against her.

  “Are you okay?” Luca asked.

  “Yes. Yes, I’m fine,” she answered, conscious of people looking at her as they had been all evening. “Why is everyone staring at me?” she whispered and leaned in closer to him.

  He placed his hand around her waist and lowered his head to reach her level. “Because you are the most beautiful woman in this room.”

  The warmth of his breath made her shudder and gasp to catch her own. She was sure everyone was looking at them because they were aware of who Luca was and because of his undeniable good looks. They probably wondered who the short, unpolished, pregnant woman on his arm was. She pushed the thought aside and found herself lost in his words, wanting to believe them. For once, she wanted to imagine a man could say and mean such tender words and not expect anything in return. After all, he had once loved her for everything she was.

  “Ready?” He interrupted her daydream and extended his hand for hers.

  She smiled and accepted his hand.

  “Adeus, Senhor Venancio.” The concierge held the door and nodded to them both.

  “You come here often?”

  “Occasionally.”

  By the way staff and visitors had reacted and treated them, she was sure it was fairly regularly. Perhaps he missed his motherland of Brazil more than he liked to admit and sought solace in this quirky yet familiar Brazilian restaurant.

  The cold air hit Daniella’s face with such sharpness that a small cry escaped her lips. She could feel her loose curls being blown in every direction. Damn.

  “Come here.” He shrugged out his coat and draped it over her shoulders.

  He drew her close to his solid warmth and she was thankful for the protection his body offered. Icy air filled her nostrils and stung her throat as she breathed in.

  “Thank you for the meal. It was delicious. I don’t think I need to eat for a week now.”

  “You’re welcome. Let’s get you home and warmed up.” He started to guide her in the direction of the chauffeur-driven Chrysler, which was pulling into one of the waiting bays.

  Daniella took a step out into the empty road and felt herself being pulled away from Luca’s warm embrace. As if in slow motion, her purse was snatched from her shoulder and she was pushed to the hard ground.

  Chapter 6

  “Hey!” Luca roared at the young kid running away with Daniella’s purse.

  Daniella. Was she hurt? Was the baby okay? He held her gently and looked into her face. She didn’t appear to be in any pain.

  “I’m okay. I’m fine,” she reassured him, sensing his question. Her voice was shaky and her bright green eyes were wide with fear.

  With his free hand he helped Daniella back on to her feet and supported her as she stood.

  “Are you hurt? Are you sure you’re okay?” He cupped her face in his hands.

  “Yes, I’m fine.”

  “Go to the car, now.” He let go of her and started to move away.

  “Luca, please no. Leave it—”

  Luca sprinted down the walkway and turned the corner, following the boy’s tracks. He was physically fit and the adrenaline spurred him on even further. The kid was in his sight. Luca’s arms moved at his sides, pushing him faster toward his target.

  He reached out and grabbed the boy’s coat collar and instantly brought him to a halt. His heart pounded and he was poised to fight, to protect, the adrenaline filled his veins within seconds.

  He faced the troublesome kid, pushing him against the wall. He was young; he looked about fourteen or fifteen, and Luca found himself remembering his early teenage years and his own relationship with trouble and felony. He battled internally. Did he want to help this boy who could have potentially harmed Daniella and the baby, or did he want to hand him over?

  “Luca…” Daniella’s voice called from several meters away.

  “I said to wait in the car. Go back, Daniella.”

  “No.” Her voice wavered.

  Luca sucked in a deep breath and fought back the urge to argue with her there and then.

  “You owe this lady an apology,” he said calmly to the boy, giving himself a few more seconds to think.

  The boy lifted his head and met Daniella’s gaze. A remorseful expression was evident on his face.

  “Sorry, miss.” He extended the purse to her. “I didn’t mean to hurt you. I just needed some food.”

  Luca dropped his hands from the boy’s shoulders and hesitated for several seconds before reaching into his jacket pocket and retrieving a business card.

  “If you really want to sort yourself out, call here tomorrow morning. Otherwise, I will press charges.” He removed the boy’s cellphone from his hand and waved it in front of him. “Insurance policy.”

  The boy took the card offered and scampered away, looking back over his shoulder.

  “What are you doing? Are you going to let him get away?” Daniella cried.

  “Come on, let’s just get home,” Luca said, taking her hand and pulling her gently toward the car.

  “No,” she protested, and snatched her hand away from his grip.

  “Daniella, come on. He was just a kid and…”


  “A kid who should know better! You call that…this…looking after my child and me? He tried to openly mug me on the street and then you rewarded him for it!” She stared at him and held his gaze.

  He waited a moment and thought before he spoke.

  She was right. Yes, it was an unorthodox way of handling such a situation, but he was prepared to take the chance, and if it failed he had the boy’s personal details and would follow through with pressing charges.

  “Let me handle this my way, Daniella.” His voice was firm.

  “Some people are simply beyond any help at all.” She turned her back on him and walked to the car. He wondered whom her bitter comment was really meant for.

  * * * *

  The elevator to his penthouse home was ridden in silence. Luca turned the key, pushed the door open, and signaled for her to enter before him. He knew she thought badly of his earlier actions, and he was well aware that he was going to have to work hard to repair the damage.

  One step forward and two steps back.

  “I’m going to bed.” She walked down the hallway toward the room he’d shown her earlier. “Good night.” Her icy tone sent a shiver down his spine.

  He shoved his hands in his trouser pockets and clenched his jaw. It still ached slightly. Though he had deserved it and more. The soft click of the guest bedroom door jolted him back to the present.

  He couldn’t allow arguments to keep interrupting his plan for revenge. Then he smiled as he had a sudden thought. He could use Daniella’s unhappiness to his advantage. He must swallow his pride and let her think she was in control. He had to get her back on his side. He had thought his plan would be swift and painless, but to his surprise it was requiring a great deal of his time. All he had to do was make her fall back in love with him, share his bed for the night, and then leave her. It was foolproof. She was a widow, fragile and emotional. It was his opportunity to be acting as the support she needed. He would apologize through gritted teeth and be the rock she obviously needed. She must trust him wholeheartedly before he could discard her like trash. He released the knot of his tie and threw the silk fabric on to the sofa. Just like she had done to him.