THE VALQUEZ SEDUCTION(40)

                While Daisy was collecting her things, Luiz organised a helicopter for the Grand Canyon. He figured a day outside in the fresh air was another good way to distract himself from the temptation of taking her to bed.

                Once they were on their way in the limousine he told her what he had planned. ‘We’ll fly over Hoover Dam first and then on to the Grand Canyon. You’ll get a good view of both.’

                ‘Oh, lovely,’ she said. ‘But you shouldn’t have gone to any trouble.’

                ‘It’s no trouble.’

                ‘But what did you have planned for today?’

                Luiz wasn’t used to his dates being concerned about him, only what he could do for them. Daisy’s concern was not only refreshing but it was surprisingly genuine. Her blue eyes had a worried light in them as she waited for his reply.

                ‘Nothing much,’ he said. ‘A bit of time in the gym, a few games of poker. Chilling out.’

                ‘So is that why you’re here in Vegas now? Just for a holiday?’

                Why did he go anywhere when he wasn’t competing? To distract himself from moping around his huge empty villa in Argentina. If he didn’t fill his spare time with parties and people he got restless and bored. His older brother enjoyed solitude. Luiz didn’t. Time alone reminded him too much of how he had felt as a child.

                Abandoned.

                ‘I come over a couple of times a year. It’s a great place to blend into the crowd.’ He realised too late the irony of what he’d just said and sent her a wry smile. ‘Well, maybe not always.’

                She gave him a sympathetic look. ‘I’d hate to be famous. It must be awful to have cameras thrust in your face all the time. Never being able to go anywhere without someone tailing you.’

                ‘Having a bodyguard must be similar.’

                She rolled her eyes. ‘Tell me about it.’

                Luiz glanced out of the back window of the limousine. ‘Is he still following you?’

                ‘No. I called my father when I was packing my things and made him promise. I think he finally accepts I’m safe with you.’

                You’re not safe, he thought. But then, I’m not safe either. Damn it.

                The helicopter was waiting for them when they arrived. Luiz handed Daisy the headset and went through the safety features.

                ‘But what about the pilot?’ she asked.

                He adjusted her earphones so they sat correctly. ‘I’m your pilot.’

                Her eyes rounded. ‘You’re a pilot?’

                He couldn’t help touching her chin where the red mark from his stubble was still faintly apparent. ‘Got my licence years ago.’

                Her eyes began to sparkle. ‘Do you have any other secret talents I should know about?’

                ‘None that I can show you right now.’ Do not flirt with her. Do. Not. Flirt. With. Her.

                Her smile had a touch of naughty girl about it. ‘I bet you have lots of tricks up your sleeve.’

                Right now my biggest trick is not up my sleeve, Luiz thought as he helped her into the passenger seat. His hand inadvertently brushed against her breast as he pulled the seat belt into place.