2. Davi

Chapter 2

Davi

My attraction to this woman is like all the energy of our yearly Carnivale celebration rolled into one moment. She's spicier than my mother's signature Galinhada, and that dish is regret-it-now and regret-it-later hot. But the moment I watched her step into the café, it was like all my senses homed in on her, and I was enraptured by her, ravished by her lush beauty and satiated by her ethereal presence.

I hope I don't regret what I'm about to do, but I must help her, get to know her, and see what more can come from meeting her.

"My name is Davi Santos." I flash her my biggest smile, but it doesn't appear to phase her at all, and my blood heats with intrigue. Not many women turn me down, but I have a feeling this one could turn down petting the cutest puppy.

Maybe she's allergic to sincerity…

"Nice to meet you." Her sexy, raspy voice is made to be screaming in the bedroom, and my heart thuds against my chest at all the possibilities of it.

I stay still looking at her, waiting for her to tell me her name, but she's not cracking. "And you are?"

"Becca."

"Nice to meet you, too, Miss Becca." It's like pulling teeth to get her name, and I frown as she gets up.

"I'm just going to go." She grabs the handle of her suitcase, but I can't have her leave. I need more time with her.

I truly can help this lost kitten.

Without thinking, I lay my hand on top of hers, and heat rises along my skin where we touch. Her mouth opens slightly as she licks her bottom lip, and I want to groan but stop myself, hoping never to be a cause for her to run.

"I can see you're upset, Meu Bem . I promise you're safe with me." I gaze into her eyes.

I'm not lying, sweetheart.

With me, she will be the safest she's ever been or ever will be.

The woman of my dreams stills, and she eyes me carefully. "What do you do for a living?"

"Professional surfer and hotel owner."

Her delicate eyebrow arches, and she plops into her seat. "Really?"

I fight my smile, but a smirk sneaks out. "Yes, but there's good news and bad news."

"Like?"

"I have a hotel, but due to Festa Junina , we are booked up."

Becca slumps, and she shakes her head. "Then what are you suggesting?"

I maintain eye contact, just so she knows I'm serious and not a serial killer that she was spouting off about. "I live in the hotel, and I have a two-bedroom–"

"No," she's firm and direct.

"Why are you so untrusting?"

She scoffs. "Because I've been burnt before, and it hurts. Plus, I don't know you, Mr. Santos."

She's right. She doesn't know me, but how will she get to know me if she up and leaves this amazing city, my birthplace and heart, Rio de Janeiro, when she's only been here a few hours?

I pull my phone out, search for what I'm looking for, and slide it across the table. "This is me. Look at the picture."

The customers' voices get louder as a group of tourists traipses into the cafe, but my eyes never leave the goddess in front of me. She studies my phone intently and bites the inside of her cheek. I pray she'll lick her lips again soon. It gives me a thrill to watch that pink tongue darting out.

In a soft voice, she states, "I came to Brazil to be bold."

I lean in close and inhale her soft coconut scent, wondering if she tastes the same. "Then be bold. Bold is beautiful— beautiful like you."

Becca's eyes snap to mine. "You have to stop that. I'm not interested in a vacation fling."

I raise my hands in the air in an international pose of surrender. " Meu b em, I promise to be nothing but a gentleman."

The wheels turn in lovely Becca's mind, but I don't want her to rush, so I sit back and finish my coffee.

"I need your I.D.," she says quickly.

"Because?"

"I'm going to send it to my friend so she can know who I'm with, and she will send the police to find you, if she doesn't hear from me."

I smirk, but it isn't enough, and a full-on grin. My feisty beauty has me all worked up. "Fair enough."

I hand over my I.D., but as I study her, my heart aches at how this woman has been hurt. So untrusting. Almost hiding inside of herself.

It's disgusting how a supposed man can break such a gift of trust from a woman. I must be slow to earn her trust and give in to her needs first. I'm willing to do this because I'm sure she is well worth it.

Becca fiddles with her phone as she snaps the picture and sends it to her friend. An angelic sound hits my ears as she laughs, and I'm entranced seeing her light up.

"What did this friend say?"

"I don't want to say." The blush on her face says it all, and I'm curious but let it go.

I stand and pick up her suitcase. "Let's go. Time is wasting, and we must get on with your vacation."

Becca stands but plants her feet. "I retain the right to leave at any time."

"Agreed. And I retain the right to ask you to leave at any time."

For the first time, she has a genuine smile as she looks at me. "Agreed."

We nod with understanding and share smiles before I guide her out of the cafe and show her Rio like she would never see.