Virgin Mistress(30)

But as the fragrant breeze whipped her hair around her face, Ellie glanced at Diogo with troubled eyes. Like the statue, he'd been welcoming and warm all day, his arms always reaching out for her. Browsing together though the arts and crafts for sale at the Hippie Market in Ipanema. Buying her a new wardrobe of bikinis, ignoring all her protests as he dragged her into the shop on Copacabana Beach. Taking her for a lunchtime barbeque at a local churrascaria rodízio. Traveling to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain on a cable car.

And every time she glanced at him, his dark eyes were on her. Assessing her. Waiting.

Hot.

Every time their eyes met, it felt like a full-body assault, leaving her breathless. He touched her constantly. Helped her out of the limo. Held her close as they walked through the busy streets.

As she stood beneath the enormous statue and watched the sun finally dropping in the west, painting the white stone the vermillion and orange of sunset, she felt Diogo come behind her. He wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her back against his body.

A shiver went over her. Just friends, she repeated to herself, her teeth chattering. Just friends.

“We should go,” she whispered.

“Sim,” he agreed. “After I kiss you.”

“Kiss…?” Her lips parted involuntarily. “But you promised!”

“I never promised not to kiss you.” He gently brushed her hair away to nuzzle her neck. “Call it a friendly kiss.”

She felt the interested eyes of the few lingering tourists watching them. She turned around in his arms, placing her hands on his chest. She breathed. “Please don't—”

But he lowered his head to hers. It was a hard, hungry kiss, tenderly cradled in his arms, a kiss so powerful and true it was everything she'd once dreamed a kiss could be. On top of the world, with the blue Atlantic and sharp mountains and beauty of Rio de Janeiro at their feet, she felt the colors and faces of the tourists swirl around her in a whirlwind beneath the intensity of his embrace. She almost forgot where she was. Lost in a sensual haze, she hardly noticed the approving smiles and nudges of the tourists around them.

He held her gently, so gently. She felt his hands in her hair, brushing softly against her jawline, holding her as if she were the most precious treasure in all the world.

When he pulled away, he looked down at her. There was an intensity in his dark eyes that made it impossible for her to look away.

“You are hungry, yes?” he whispered.

So hungry. She'd never been so hungry. Her lips trembled. “I…”

He grasped her hand. “Come with me.”

His chauffeur drove their shiny black SUV south through the city. In the backseat, Diogo continued to hold her hand. He wouldn't let go. He caressed her with his eyes. As the sky outside darkened into deep shades of scarlet, she felt his heat like a blast of burning sun.

The driver stopped at an elegant restaurant on Ipanema Beach. Diogo helped her from the car, then led her past a line of people waiting outside. The doorman leapt to open the door.

“Boa noite, Senhor Diogo!”

The restaurant was full, and yet somehow they immediately got the best table, set outside on the veranda with a view of the red sunset sparkling across waves crashing against the shore. She could see the shadows of the cragged mountains of Rio rising from the mist of sunset.

“You are right,” she said quietly, looking out at the view. “The city is like nothing I've ever seen before. Dangerous and beautiful.” She looked at him from the corner of her eyes. “Impossible to resist.”

He took a sip of his Sapphire martini, then set the sleek blue glass back down on the table. “I'm glad you feel that way.”

She glanced down at her plate. Diogo had ordered a classic Brazilian dish for her: camarão na moranga, a thick seafood stew with large shrimp with potatoes cooked in coconut milk, served in a small carved pumpkin. It was delicious. She savored every bite. It was truly an experience unlike anything she'd ever had in her life. She looked up.

And so was he…

She took a deep breath as she came to a sudden decision.

“I will stay until the babies are born,” she whispered. “I give you my word.”

“Tá bom.” His eyes swiftly met hers. “That will be best for everyone.”

As they left the restaurant after their leisurely dinner, she caught herself in a sigh. “It's been a wonderful day, Diogo.” She gave a wistful little laugh. “I'm almost sorry it's over.”

He pulled her into his arms, looking down at her with a wicked gleam in his eye. “Nothing is over, querida.”

“But it's getting so late.”

“The night is just beginning.”