Page 59 of Adrenalina (The Rush World)

He laughs. “It’s not that bad.”

I pull away the pillow from my face and give him a deadpan look. “Are you joking?”

“What? December is the beginning of the hot season here in Brazil. It’s also the start of the tourist season. I’m used to it.” He shrugs.

“You may be used to it, but you can work out from the commodity of the gym. I just stood outside playing three rounds of tennis. I almost got heat stroke,” I complain.

A flash of worry spreads across his face. “Let me go get some of my electrolytes in the kitchen so you can hydrate.” His knuckles push him up as he scurries off to the kitchen.

A few minutes later, he comes rushing back with a water bottle in hand, which I hesitantly grab. The cold water hits my tongue and I groan out in bliss.

“Drink all of it,” he tells me sternly.

I look at him with a little bit of defiance but opt for the healthy option. I drink the whole water bottle until there isn’t a drop left.

“Happy.” I hand him the water bottle.

He takes it. “Very.” A satisfied expression overtakes his face. “I put the electrolytes out on the counter. Take any of the bottles and fill them up before going out to train. It’ll help with exhaustion and prevent you from passing out. I do not want you getting a heat stroke on my watch. I also don’t like that if you come back covered in sweat, you could get sick. Take a shower at the spa before coming back here. It’ll balance your body heat.” He ends his ramble.

Something spikes in my stomach at his caring side.

“Thank you,” I reply.

“You don’t have to thank me; just listen.”

I smile at him softly and he returns it with a grin.

I fall back onto the couch, feeling a sense of relief run through me.

“You know what would help you?” Xavier says.

“What?” I question. I will do anything at this point to take this ache out of my body.

“Copacabana.” A sheepish grin spreads across his face as he raises his eyebrows in my direction.

“The beach?” I don’t know if I can take any more heat.

“Yep. You could jump into the ocean with fresh fruit in your hand.” He has hope in his eyes that I will accept his offer.

I sigh, giving in yet again. I don’t have the energy to protest. “Okay.”

“Perfeito!” he says. “We’ll leave in thirty minutes. Cleo woke up early today, so I won’t have to be chased in my own home.”

I laugh a little at his comment. He walks away yelling out in a sing-song tone, “Peaches and Sparkles!”

I run a hand over my face, getting up slowly before walking up to my room to strip off my tennis set and jump into a bikini.

Chapter28

Violetta

The beach is packed, as expected.

Xavier is by my side as Cleo and Chanel roam around behind us, not being able to help themselves in buying souvenirs. Cleo’s buying pretty much everything she sees while Chanel is critiquing her taste. Xavier turns around every so often to check on them.

On the occasional wave of a hand, Xavier gets up to help translate the transaction. But the twins can gauge what the saleswomen and men are saying most of the time.

The sand is white and the ocean a darker blue. Bright color umbrellas intended to block the sun are strewn across the beach. The sky is a crisp turquoise blue, and the wind prevents the sun and humidity from being too much. Copacabana goes on for miles and miles while people pack every inch of it.

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