Page 37 of Brazilian Revenge

Chapter Eleven

Satyanna took a bite of the delicious coconut-flavored fish, when the light on the baby monitor flashed red. A second later Lyanna wailed.

She pushed her plate and motioned to stand up, when Maria dashed in from the kitchen and gestured with her hands for her to sit. “I’ll check on her, senhora.”

“Thanks, but you don’t have to.”

The woman flashed her a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry. I raised four children and three grandkids. They’re all still alive, and thanks to the Duarte’s generosity with paying for their education, doing well.”

Addie gave Satyanna’s hand a light squeeze. “In this house we usually go with what she says.” Addie winked at her. “Trust me.”

Biting back a smile, she sat down, her shoulders slowly relaxing. Yes, she would finish her meal. She would have a lot of one-on-one moments with her daughter. Why not enjoy lunch?

She took a swig of mango juice, and her gaze slid from the crystal glass to the others around the nicely put table. Addie had been a joy to talk to; from the moment she walked into the house, the beautiful, blonde pregnant woman had been witty and welcoming. A tad on the inquisitive side, but Satyanna should expect that. She was the outsider, even though they all made an effort for her not to be. All but Leonardo.

The planes of his face tightened, and besides a couple comments on the food, he hadn’t exchanged a word with her. Was he upset they were treating her better than he would have liked? Like…family?

Her heart squeezed. She wasn’t family. She’d given birth to the new family member—and she’d be the one who would live quietly in a luxurious loft, according to him. Quiet, tolerant, and agreeable. Ugh. So not happening.

When he’d told her about his parents, there had been admiration in his voice. Love. She had never met anyone who respected their folks like that.

“Your husband said you were in a meeting,” she said to Addie. “What do you do?”

“Yes. I’m the president of a nonprofit organization that offers support to Brazilian natives spread throughout the country. We’re the liaison between them and the government and the private sectors.”

While she explained, her husband flashed a smile filled with pride. Satyanna watched the scene, feeling like a third wheel even though they weren’t touching. When she peered at Leonardo, who sat in front of her, she stifled a laugh.

Tension claimed the planes of his beautiful face, and the intensity in his eyes was unmatched.

“Emanuel, their other brother, has started to work with me. He’ll be taking over for a while so I can enjoy mommyhood,” Addie said.

Satyanna blinked. “Of course. And where is Emanuel? Does he live nearby?”

“He’s fighting for one of our causes…in loco.”

“Interesting.” Wow. All these people committed to making the world a better place. Leonardo was a human rights lawyer; Addie was fighting injustices. No wonder he didn’t want to marry her. Given his background and the people around him, he probably thought she wasn’t worthy of him.

Did that change Lyanna’s situation? Wouldn’t she be better off growing up with a father nearby than thousands of miles across the ocean? Unless…I give in and stay in Brazil. Bile rose in her throat. She had fought so much to have control over her own destiny. That was why she’d fled the youth house with Harry. Then, when she learned Harry wanted to control her more than any institution, she’d left him—too late. And she wrestled with her decision for years as they stayed in touch.

Could she do it? Give control over her life to a man who had been painfully, brutally honest from the beginning?

She brought more food to her mouth, but somehow the taste didn’t register anymore.

“Satyanna.” Leonardo wiped his mouth on the linen napkin and called her again. “Are you listening?”

She nodded her head. “Yes.”

He frowned, and she realized what she’d done. “For the next few days, I want you to be careful. Don’t leave the house without someone with you. I’m hiring a couple security guards to watch over you if you need to go somewhere and I’m busy. The important thing is to let us know your every move. That’s the only way we can protect you.”

“Protect me?” She squared her shoulders. How much of the conversation had she missed? A lot, if Addie’s and Bruno’s concerned looks were anything to go by. “I don’t get it.”

“Ulisses contacted me. Jacinta was found dead.”

Dead. Her breath caught in her throat, and a chilly shiver zipped down her spine. “What?”

“Someone slit her throat, a few miles from her house. A neighbor saw her go in and leave with a big bag, and that bag was missing.”

“What does that mean?”

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