Page 47 of Brazilian Revenge

Chapter Fourteen

“This is your idea of relaxation?” she asked Leonardo, pointing at the lush green trees and the overgrown bushes crowding the national park of Tijuca. “I was thinking visiting an air-conditioned museum or something.” Six days after Maria’s funeral, she had begged him to get her out of the house. She hoped by going out she’d get Harry’s attention. The bastard hadn’t called again, and she knew deep down Harry would rejoice at the chance of meeting with her. Although, to be fair, she doubted he’d go for a hike.

Leonardo flashed her a smile. “I grew up without cars. Walking comes naturally to me.”

“Yes, but this is hiking. I thought a well-to-do lawyer like you would take a woman to do something more glamorous.”

“You’ve been cooped up at home. Do you think now is the time to be picky?” he asked. Addie had practically ushered them out, promising she’d watch Lyanna. She was getting sick of staying at home or going out with the bodyguards. Maybe so was Leonardo. He didn’t use security when he left by himself or with her.

The idea he could protect her set a strange quickening in her pulse. “I guess not.”

“I’ll show you one of my favorite places. The highest peak of Rio de Janeiro is only an hour and a half away. It’s one of the best views of the city.”

“An hour and a half?” No wonder his body was ripped. While the tourists and even some locals favored a guided tour, Leonardo knew exactly where he was going. He’d been given a map at the entrance, which was still neatly folded in the back pocket of his perfect ass.

She licked her lips. Ever since that night they hadn’t been intimate. He never gave her the contract to sign, but based on their verbal agreement, the deal was done. He no longer needed to touch her to lure her into doing anything. Her heart raced. Was it fair to blame him? She’d done it.

“I know the way. Follow me,” he said. She tried hard to pay no attention to the wide planes of his back stretching against the white cotton shirt. He also had on gym shorts, and she had never seen him so casual. Sure, she’d seen him naked, but this was so…normal.

They passed a few visitors who talked loudly about a waterfall. She wondered if they’d peg them for a couple hiking together. Could she settle for the fantasy? Every day that went by her heart beat a fraction quicker when he called her name and her skin prickled at the nearness of him. Her body was betraying her and there was nothing she could do about it.

She pulled down the hem of the shirt Addie had lent her. Addie was shorter than she was, so the black halter shirt kept sliding up her abdomen. The shorts were a lot more forgiving.

“Why didn’t you give me the contract to sign yet?”

“I’ve been busy. I have it ready, I just need to print it.”

“Good. I want the best for Lyanna.” Even if it’ll suck for me personally.

“Me, too,” he said.

I believe you.The words tingled at the tip of her tongue, but did she need to voice them? Besides…the little hairs on the back of her neck stood on end, painfully aware of his presence.

To distract herself, she grabbed a bottle of water from the backpack and took a big swig. She realized while she lifted the plastic bottle he watched her, his lips parted like he was about to kiss her. “Want some?” she said, pointing at the bottle. “It’s hot here.”

“Hot, indeed,” he said, and his gaze dropped to her lips.

Oh God. Was it wrong to want him to take her, right there, in the middle of the forest, in broad daylight? Her sex tingled with anticipation, her clitoris throbbing.

She waited. He grabbed the bottle from her hand, and when his fingers brushed hers, a thrill of excitement surged up her arm, electrifying all her nerve endings. Her nipples puckered in full alert. She was like an exotic fruit, ready to be picked and eaten.

He took a drink and gave her back the bottle. “Thanks. We’d better get going.”

…

Leonardo swallowed. For the past half hour, he’d been hiking without any idea where he was going, even though he’d done this dozens of times. Satyanna followed behind him, but he saw her ahead of him.

After Maria had died, he’d talked to the authorities and pressed to have charges brought against Harry Clemonte, but there were no witnesses or evidence. Their hands were tied, and he hated that.

He’d agreed to get out of the house, foolishly thinking some time with her in the outdoors would get his mind off of the recent events.

“Hey,” she called out to him, and he glanced over his shoulder.

Her hair was all disheveled, and the top clung to her skin. When she lifted her arms, he could see her belly button. Desire pounded hard in his bloodstream, but he willed it away—or tried to.

“What?” he asked.

“Is that a waterfall?” she asked, pointing at a famous bank of water to the south.

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