Revenge in Rio Read online

  His heart pounded and the unfamiliar feeling of opening up to others filled him with unease. Although Daniella and he had shared a life together before, he had never disclosed much about his youth to her, or anyone. He was still ashamed of the kid…the man he had been, but right now those memories were needed and they could help him with another step toward his plan.

  “Okay.” She smiled timidly at him and tucked a loose curl behind her ear. “I can’t say I agree with what you did, but I can now understand the reasoning as to why a little more. Thank you for being honest with me.”

  Luca’s heart softened in response to her innocent expression. He closed his eyes to sever their link. The warmth in his heart was quickly replaced by the all too familiar cold and icy grip.

  Just like when he left her room last night. Luca had rested the back of his head against her door. He had gotten her back on his side, he was sure of it. Although frustrated, he’d smiled and gone back to his room at that point.

  Admittedly, he’d thought she would be an easier conquest than this, but what was the saying? Good things come to those who wait?

  Chapter 7

  “Is this really necessary?” Daniella touched the soft, silky fabric covering her eyes.

  “Completely. It’s a surprise.” Luca’s tone was playful, relaxed, far from the usual serious and matter-of-fact composure she was used to hearing.

  “So, you’re happy with the nursery? Everything is as you want it?” He leaned over her, buckled her seat belt, and then his own.

  Three weeks had passed since they’d left New York and returned to Rio. Luca had organized his schedule to work from home and insisted she choose a room and decorate it as a nursery. Luca had hired a small team of professional designers and decorators to assist under her direction, which had resulted in a beautiful and serene space just opposite her bedroom.

  “It’s beautiful…no, it’s stunning. I couldn’t imagine it being any more perfect than it already is.”

  Before leaving the house that morning, she’d run her fingertips along the soft, freshly polished oak cot and smiled. It was a nursery fit for a princess…or prince, she corrected herself. She was still unaware of the sex of her baby. She’d deliberately chosen neutral colors instead of pink or blue. Deep shades of chocolate-browns, off-whites, and creams were teamed with solid oak furniture to complete the homecoming suite for her little one.

  “You haven’t touched the account I’ve set up for you.”

  “I’ve told you it was unnecessary. I have a little money. Plus, so far you haven’t given me a chance to pay for anything!”

  “Well, as long as you know that the money is yours for whenever you need it.”

  Daniella nodded her head in reply.

  “Good. As long as you’re happy, I’m happy.”

  Today, he had insisted on no work and just play.

  “Can’t you just tell me where we’re going now? This is silly. I look ridiculous.”

  “Why are you worried? Nobody can see you.” He tapped lightly against the blacked-out windows of the Bentley and reminded her of the privacy it offered.

  “Well, you can see me.” She attempted to blindly point in his direction.

  He shuffled beside her and, without being able to see, she still knew his gaze was on her, scorching her skin. Heat rose to her cheeks and she became even more aware of the material covering her eyes. The silky fabric brushed delicately against her lashes and tops of her eyelids. Her pulse raced at the uncertainty of their location.

  “And what is wrong with me seeing you?”

  His voice, as soft as the silk, whispered quietly and her heart fluttered. How could his raspy, accentuated voice and a piece of silk affect her so deeply? So physically. She twisted her hands in her lap and tried to focus on something else.

  “It’s not fair that I can’t see you. I feel…I…” She stumbled for the words. “I feel exposed like this. You’re looking at me and—”

  “Who says I’m looking at you?” His voice was low and his warm breath on her skin sent shivers tingling down her spine.

  Daniella swallowed and attempted to compose herself.

  It was true. The blindfold left her vulnerable, yet strangely exhilarated. He was now so close to her face—her lips, his hot breath warming her skin.

  Is he going to kiss me?

  Her heart pounded so loud, she was sure even the chauffeur could hear it. An exquisite sensation pulled deep within her belly and she caught her breath. The telltale moisture at the very top of her thighs was instantly met with embarrassment as heat continued to rise to her cheeks—it happened every time she thought of Luca recently, and she couldn’t keep blaming everything on her pregnancy hormones. She was positive he would have had the exact same effect whether she was nearly eight months pregnant or not.

  This wanton need for him had taken over her body and soul and left her mind vacant. She couldn’t find words, but Daniella knew she wanted him more than anything else in the world. Unclasping her hands, she slowly reached out beside of her. Her fingertips instantly came into contact with his face and confirmed her earlier thoughts of his closeness. Uncontrollable fluttering in her stomach took over as her fingers traced his skin, soft and smooth from the fresh shave earlier that morning. Her trembling hand cradled his cheek as she lingered in the moment.

  “This is not the first time your hand has been in contact with my face, so why are you shaking, querida?”

  Daniella giggled and was thankful for his lighthearted humor as she recalled the harsh slap across his cheek she had given him in the hospital suite. The blindfold was giving her courage and she longed for his lips on to be on hers. It was as necessary to her as the very air she breathed.

  “What do you want, what does your heart desire, Daniella?” His lips grazed her earlobe as he leaned in closer, and she shuddered at the gentle touch.

  She caught her bottom lip between her teeth and rolled it gently from side to side before she spoke. What did she want?

  All of him. His lips on hers. His tongue exploring her mouth. His hands on her body. She wanted him in between of her legs and making her…

  No. Not in the car, in public.

  She reined in her wild imagination and fought for control.

  “I want…I…need you to kiss me,” she whispered. The blindfold offered her a sense of security, protection. If he objected, she wouldn’t have to face the rejection in his eyes. There, I’ve said it. She breathed a sigh of relief.

  One hand cupped her cheek and his thumb traced over her parted lips. His lips met with her cheek and trailed small caresses against her burning skin. “Relax,” he murmured against her cheek.

  Daniella arched her back and pressed herself into his embrace as his lips finally met hers. With a small moan of pleasure, she draped both arms around Luca’s neck. His mouth pushed onto hers with wild intensity and her lips tingled with the slightest hint of pleasurable pain. His free hand traced up and over her hips, her waist, and cupped her breast. Soft whispers, which she couldn’t understand, warmed her lips. She was sure she heard him mutter something under his breath, but she couldn’t make out what exactly. Her heart beat like a drum in her chest and filled her ears. As she relaxed, Luca’s tongue invaded and explored her mouth, entwining with her own. He was in control now, directing the embrace, stamping his ownership on her mouth and physique. Adrenaline pumped through her body and her skin prickled with excitement.

  She longed for his hands to explore her body, for his fingers to tease between her legs. She was ready for him now and needed to let him know.

  Daniella pulled back and away from his mouth. “Luca, I—”

  He leaned forward to cover her lips with his once again, pushing harder to prevent her from finishing her words.

  He slowed and his hot lips leisurely pulled away from her. “As much as I want to have you here, right now, more than anything…we can’t. All in good time, I promise you.”

  With her vision clouded, it was hard to con
centrate on his voice. She licked her tingling lips and nodded.

  He rested his forehead against hers. “Meu Deus! Do you realize what you do to me, Daniella?”

  He shuffled again, presumably rearranging himself, and she smiled to herself.

  “Can I please take this silly thing off now?” She reached for the blindfold.

  “Yes, you can. We’re here.”

  “Where exactly?”

  Luca released the tie at the back of her head and pocketed the silky fabric. “See for yourself.”

  Daniella turned to the window and fear crawled into her throat. Several ladies dressed in carnival attire sauntered past their vehicle and toward the crowd of people enjoying Rio carnival.

  “You said we were going somewhere safe.” Panic gripped her throat.

  “How much safer do you want? This place is swarming with security.” He tried to tease her.

  “That’s not what I meant.” She grabbed his hand.

  Luca’s gaze fell on her grasp. “Then what do you mean? Tell me. I cannot keep attempting to translate your cryptic clues. Why is the carnival not safe? You can’t stay cooped up at home all of the time.” His gaze lingered on her tummy for a few seconds before he spoke. “It’s not good for either of you.”

  She sucked in a quick breath and looked from him back to the crowds outside. Her mind raced as fear consumed her. Miguel had made it clear to Daniella that if Luca returned to Brazil he would end Luca’s life. But Miguel isn’t here anymore. Her inner voice attempted to reassure her, but she couldn’t entirely block out the constant replay of her and Luca’s parting.

  Being forced to lie to Luca, she’d had to tell him that she no longer loved him. She’d had no choice but to go along with Miguel’s wicked plans, as she knew his violent gang was more than capable of following through with his demands. Daniella knew this was the last time she would see Luca as he stood on the doorstep to his favela childhood home, his expressive eyes fixed on her.

  “You are leaving me, for this?” He gestured to the men surrounding them. Weapons were loaded and pointed at the ready under Miguel’s orders.

  “Leave me alone, Luca. I don’t want to be with you…I don’t love you anymore. Just leave me, leave here and don’t come back.” The premeditated words sickened her and she almost choked as she whispered them one by one, watching as pain and anguish filled his expression.

  She turned to face the man who was blackmailing her into marriage and using her to torture his brother. The brother he hated and despised; the jealousy uncontrollable inside of him.

  “I love Miguel.” She pressed her mouth to his cold lips as he pulled her to him possessively.

  She forced herself to hold back the flood of tears and loathing for the man who groped at her as if he now possessed her like a new pet. Miguel’s cruel fingers held her close to him and Luca walked away from her, pain and hurt in every line of his body. He strode away and then slammed his fist in the hood of his car, making a huge dent.

  “Tell me what’s wrong.” Luca’s voice pulled her back to the present. “I thought you would like it...or is that another thing that has changed about you?”

  Apart from the tiny furrow in his brow, his face was relaxed and he appeared genuinely excited about their destination, throwing fleeting glances toward the celebrations. She took a calming breath and rested her palm on top of her small bump.

  Who said that any of Miguel’s gang would even be at the carnival? The favela was their stomping ground, and they would never venture out of it to a place like the carnival. She was overreacting and needed to forget the last five years.

  Calm down and enjoy yourself. Luca won’t let anything happen.

  “Okay.” She forced a smile to her face and attempted to invent an excuse for her overreaction. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be ungrateful or rude—”

  “There’s nothing to be sorry for.” He squeezed her hand.

  Her memories of Miguel faded and she concentrated all of her energy on the present.

  Luca reached into his trouser pocket and retrieved his cellphone. As he stepped out of the car and made his way around to open her door, Daniella briefly heard him talk, but the exact conversation failed her earshot. He had pocketed the phone by the time he had reached her car door.

  “Who was that?”

  “Nothing for you to worry about. Now come on, we’ve already missed the beginning and the middle, not that it really matters because we both know the end is the best part.”

  Luca beamed like a joyful child as he kissed the back of her hand. It was one of the first times she’d seen him let down his guard; he was completely relaxed.

  * * * *

  Their earlier kiss reminded Luca of their time together years ago. He’d always loved Daniella and he knew deep inside he could never stop loving her. It was impossible. She was in his blood, imprinted on his soul, and carved on his heart.

  No. Stop. He reined himself in. He wouldn’t be distracted by one mere kiss.

  She wanted something from him. Something physical. He smiled to himself; one point to him. She was exactly where he’d hoped for her to be at this stage of his plan, trusting and wanting him. He shook off the uncomfortable twinge bothering him.

  “Let’s have some fun today. No dramas, no business, just you and me. Sim?”

  “Sim.” She smiled at Luca and held on tightly to his hand as he guided her toward one of the camarotes luxury suites of the Sambodromo stadium.

  He nodded in the direction of the camarotes. “I thought it would be more ideal given you are nearly ready to give birth. It’s safer up there, plus better access to restrooms.”

  Daniella stopped and placed a supporting hand on Luca’s chest as she leaned in close to his ear to shout above the deafening noise. “I have over a month yet and I feel fine.”

  He placed his hand firmly on her hip. “It’s not up for negotiation.”

  She gestured toward the huddle of vendors selling sweet and savory snacks. “We’ll miss all the great food.”

  “We’ll get something now and take it with us.”

  Her eyes had an impish glow and he accepted that as a silent agreement between the pair of them. Enthusiastic partakers and spectators blew whistles and played a variety of percussion instruments. Flags and banners were waved eagerly in unison with the samba beats and sashaying of bodies as they wove their way through the masses.

  “One bottle of Brazil’s finest water for you, Senhora, as requested,” he joked, and handed her the bottle purchased from the vendor.

  “Thank you. Viva!” She lifted her bottle to chink alongside his caipirinha.

  “So, what do you want to eat?” Luca snaked his arm around Daniella’s waist and drew her close to his body.

  “Hmm, everything,” she teased, pointing to the vendor who was grilling espetinhos. “But let’s start here.” The typical Brazilian snack of barbecued chicken and sausage kebabs smelled delicious as the vendor methodically flipped them across the griddle.

  “Funny, I remember these being one of Miguel’s favorite foods when we were kids.” Her body tensed under his arm as he spoke. “The baby must certainly take after him and have the Venancio genes.”

  He turned to the vendor and was secretly thankful to be away from her gaze. He wished to hell and back that the baby she was carrying was his and nobody else’s. His body tensed at the thought of another man’s hands on her, as fury and frustration built inside of him.

  “Who says they aren’t my favorite?” Her voice was standoffish and her jaw was clenched.

  “Because you never used to eat this when we were together. Not once, in fact.”

  She fidgeted under his gaze, biting her bottom lip. “I’ve changed my mind. I’m not very hungry—”

  “Stop it. What the baby wants, she will have.” Luca gave the vendor the money in exchange for two kebabs and handed her one. “Here. Now eat up.”

  * * * *

  Daniella hesitated before accepting the food Luca held out
to her. She hated it when he was right. It was true, she had never liked espetinhos, but pregnancy had changed a lot of things and her taste buds were one of them. She knew damn well it wasn’t physically possible for her growing baby to desire something, and it was even more absurd to think that he or she took after Miguel, so it was down to her change in hormones. Simple as that. But something niggled at the back of her mind, eating away at her as she stared down at the food in her hand.

  What if her baby was like its father? What if he or she was more like Miguel than her? What if she couldn’t love her child? What if… Panic gripped her throat as the questions consumed her. Stop analyzing things.

  She was right—not Luca. Pushing his comment aside, she decided to only listen to herself. It was just a piece of chicken, after all, nothing more and nothing less. It was not going to determine anything about her child and its personality.

  “Come on, let’s move now that you’re fed and watered.” A smile spread its way across his mouth. It was infectious and she couldn’t stop her lips from mirroring his boyish grin.

  Luca kept an iron grip on her hand as he pushed through the crowds and guided them toward the camarotes. A gentleman in the carnival staff uniform greeted them, nodded to Luca, and automatically opened the door without checking their tickets.

  “Sir, we will be outside,” a voice called behind them.

  Daniella looked over her shoulder and saw Luca shaking hands in turn with four heavily built and armed men. Bodyguards?

  The attendee closed the door behind them, leaving them alone in the suite, which could easily fit another twenty guests. The camarote offered a perfect, eye level view of the parade, access to one’s own bar and readily prepared buffet, plus first class waiter service.