Game of Passions Read online

  — Him and you? — I was amazed.

  — Yes. You and I were together, in case you do not remember — I was hurt.

  — And you do not... I mean you do not... well I thought, you had not taken it very seriously— Carmen could not finish.

  Lucas reached out and squeezed his small hands between hers.

  — Because you think then, that after that mission in Germany, a week without you, I went straight to your house at twelve o'clock at night, without even changing clothes, or reporting to the colonel... — Lucas almost touched his lips when talking so close to his face.

  Carmen bit her lip remembering that night. She opened the door to see who was calling at that time and she found Lucas lifting her up in his arms and dragging her to the bed with laughter and shouts of "I'm famished!

  Lucas looked at her with ardor, but when noticing his embarrassment and remembering the advice of his friend Azul...

  «The wounds of the past, become deeper with the passage of time and only patience is medicine against old errors»

  Lucas took a few steps back.

  — Summing up — Lucas cleared his throat and tried to cool his ardor — the investigation of your friend, was the base on which Matías and the colonel began to work. They are totally sure that a hotel company...

  — Thompson Hotels.

  — Exactly. They are very interested in the island and as far as we could investigate, they usually use all kinds of persuasion mechanisms in order to achieve their objectives. There has never been evidence to incriminate them but the chances are many.

  — So you're here for work?

  « Was I disappointed?». Lucas thought so. He was almost sure he did and that made him happy.

  — The truth is, no. We have no reason to intervene.

  — Then why are you here?

  Lucas raised an eyebrow.

  — Azul was uneasy and waiting for twins. If Azul is nervous, Matías, who by the way is my captain, is in a very bad mood. He could not travel at this moment — Lucas shrugged his shoulders — and I prefer to travel to Brazil to have to put up with an unbearable boss. Simply that.

  — Sure, Carmen seemed disappointed — the truth is that I appreciate the interest — his voice was ironic — but you can go back. I can manage alone.

  Lucas did not even bother to get upset. I knew how stubborn that woman could become.

  — As before with that disgusting bug — he looked at her distrustfully— Who is that supposed to be?

  — It is Eder, one of the faithful dogs of the "great Mr. Thompson", they say, he has been on the island for months trying to buy land for his boss.

  — And I imagine that at that moment the accidents began.

  — I think so.

  — After tonight, I do not think he dares to go back

  — You think he...

  — I'm sure.

  — Now come on, I want to rest a little before starting the rounds and catch those guys.

  — Rounds... catch... I do not like this.

  Carmen held her head trying to calm the pain that suddenly hammered her inside.

  — I want a room and I need it to be attached to yours.

  Carmen looked at him suspiciously and Lucas smiled amused, as he raised his arms in defeat.

  — It's just for protection. I swear. I also promised your little brunette that he would take care of you.

  — It's not my little brunette! His name is Paulo and we are only friends. Nothing ever happened between him and me.

  Lucas looked at her with ardor and knew that he had made a mistake. He had gotten a confession from her without even bothering.

  "You're all I fear but all I want" Carmen was frightened by her own thoughts.

  Playing is dangerous

  Lucas came out of the shower, when he met the young Adriana, inside his room, carrying a tray with breakfast.

  — I thought that the gentleman would be tired and that he would like to have breakfast in the room— the young woman smiled mischievously.

  That young lady was insinuating herself but Lucas was not interested.

  — Thanks, but I'm afraid I prefer to have breakfast with your boss.

  The young woman pouted but did not give up.

  — Maybe at another time want to know the island? — The young man looked at the male body just covered by a small towel at the waist and wet his lips

  — I'm beautiful, but I do not think I have time.

  The young woman bowed her head and walked towards the door, somewhat disillusioned

  — Carmen. Enter— Lucas was blunt.

  «Shit, caught out»

  Carmen saw Adriana enter Lucas's room and stayed behind the door to listen, she wanted to prove that he was a confirmed womanizer, like everyone else, but she only managed to be discovered in full gossip.

  — Eh... mmm... I just wanted to know if you were awake to go down for breakfast.

  — It seems. If you wait for me, we go down together.

  — Luke!

  Carmen turned heated to see how Lucas dropped the towel revealing a wonderful strong body, turned and completely naked— He smiled satisfied to see his heat.

  — It seems to me that you've seen me naked again and again.

  Lucas came up to whisper from behind as she turned nervous.

  — Yes, but now it's different. You and me... no longer...

  Lucas stroked her back gently. Carmen could feel the heat of the powerful body stuck to her back. He was breathing agitated and she could feel the softness of his breath brushing her neck.

  — No longer what... You do not like me anymore...? — Slowly I encircle his waist with his strong hands— you do not want me anymore... you do not want my caresses anymore— Lucas spoke slowly to his neck and turned to stay in front of her

  Carmen had her eyes closed, she was breathing agitated and those beautiful pink and thick lips opened showing a sky that he wanted to conquer.

  Lucas touched his chin gently so she could look at him but Carmen was still with her eyes closed. I did not want to open them, I did not want to think. I had been dreaming of him for months, I wanted only a few minutes like that, just that.

  Lucas saw her so soft, so defenseless, that she felt like hugging her and never letting go. He anchored his grip on her waist and with the other he held her chin until he clung to those full lips.

  He thought of a little kiss. A simple caress.

  She had to act slowly and patiently, she needed to acknowledge her feelings and face her fears. Patience and waiting were the price of victory and both were qualities that an expert sniper like him knew perfectly well, although at times like this, with her so willing, she doubted much of having the will power enough.

  His body asked to claim her for him. I loved her in her life. That woman captivated him from the first day he saw her in the company of Matthias and his wife.

  Lucas gathered all his strength and rested his mouth on her fleshy and fresh lips.

  The kiss was soft, sweet, affectionate and short, very short thought Carmen when she felt Lucas move his mouth away from hers.

  Carmen opened her eyes and looked at him somewhat surprised.

  — I'd better stop here— Lucas spoke in a hoarse and choppy voice

  Carmen could notice Luke's muscles strained by the restraint, in addition to the strong erection tightening on his thighs. He wanted her, then why did he stop?

  They were not strangers. Why not get a little mutual satisfaction? I could not understand it.

  — Lucas we are adults... we have been a couple and we have gone to bed other times... I do not see anything so serious in...

  — I will not have only sex with you — it was blunt— I will not settle for just that anymore. The next time you are in my arms and I have you in my bed, we will make love and you will give me something more than your body.

  Carmen separated angry and frustrated sexually.

  — It's not possible. I can not... I do not intend to give you my hea
rt, or anything of mine, why! So you leave me lying like an old rag. No sir, step... I am free, independent and I decide my destiny. I do not need anyone who laughs while I wait like a fool for a simple call. Of that nothing.

  Carmen turned with fire in her eyes.

  — Bottom you have breakfast— said looking at the tray forgotten by Adriana on the bed— or if you prefer, I tell the waitress to raise it, as she is more naive than me— and left slamming the door.

  Lucas was cold as a glacier.

  What had happened?

  "I do not need anyone who laughs while I wait", what did that mean? He had never left her planted, much less laughed at her feelings.

  "Many times we give our hearts to who we believe to be the center of our world and one day we discover that for that other person we are just an annoying satellite in a universe full of brighter and more beautiful stars." According to Azul, it was a phrase he once read in a romantic book and he liked it, but now it made sense.

  "Same, she is more naive" Carmen said about Adriana.

  Those words echoed in his head.

  Lucas leaned his body against the wall. Naive Wait crying a call.

  «Is that... small Did someone hurt you so much that you did not allow yourself to love me? You love me, I can feel it in your kisses, in your caresses, but neither of you can be happy but I get you to wake up from your old nightmare. If you let me show you »

  Lucas dressed with renewed spirits. At last he understood something about his behavior. Now he knew who the enemy was and was willing to aim at the center of the target. I did not intend to fail.

  In a hurry waiting to see her in the dining room but the only person present was Paulo talking with the waitress.

  — Bom day

  — Hi— Lucas answered politely but still looking for her with his eyes

  — If you are looking for bela garota Carmen, she went with Dona Felisa for shopping.

  Lucas seized a cup of coffee and tried to disguise how much he was bothered by those affectionate appeals to his girl and much more if they came from a guy who looked like a cover model.

  Paulo ignored the stupid jealousy of the gringo and continued without giving importance to those murderous looks.

  — Tonight, it's the fishermen's party and she wanted to be pretty.

  Lucas sat at the table with Paulo.

  — You should have waited for me. After last night, it is not certain that I am on the island without protection.

  — You say it for Eder's vermin.

  — Yes. I do not like what's happening.

  — That's why you're here. Are you a cop?

  — Something like that?

  — Well, if you can help us stop them before a week, we will be very grateful.

  — One week?

  — The turtles will come to spawn, they are in danger of extinction and if we do not stop those damn works, a large part of the reefs and the fourth beach will be totally destroyed.

  — Tonight, we will use the bonfire party, to cover up a secret meeting among the inhabitants. We must stop them— Paulo was nervous.

  — I will help you as much as I can, as long as she is safe.

  — You want it — it was not a question.

  Lucas nodded without another word.

  — Uf brother, then I wish you luck, because bela Carmen is a woman to take arms.

  — Yes, yes it is.

  Both laughed accomplices and Lucas had to accept that Paulo liked him, although he was devilishly handsome and called bela garota to his girl.

  — Anyway, it would be better if I went to prepare everything for tonight's exhibition.

  — Display?

  — Yes, on the island we have a group of local capoeira and always in these parties we make a fight to encourage the attendees. You see the capoeira is a fight that... — Lucas interrupted him.

  — I know what it is, I've been practicing it since I was nine years old.

  Paulo opened his eyes wide, then patted Lucas's hard back.

  — I knew you'd like me. Being a capoerista could not be otherwise. Then it's done, today you'll fight with me at the bonfires, it'll be fabulous.

  — I do not think I should, it's something very yours and I also have to take care of Carmen.

  — Are you afraid?

  Lucas smiled coldly and with a gesture that showed no friendship.

  — Then it's done, I do not accept excuses. She will be in the company of all the members of the island, no one would even touch her, and the Bahians will be happy to have you on display. We'll be the center of the party— Paulo winked— a blond gringo against a toasted mulato.

  Paulo laughed amused and Lucas agreed to fight together. He was leaving when Lucas called him from the portal.

  — Paulo, one thing, this afternoon my companion Carlos will arrive at Morro but the Posada is complete. Would you know where he could stay?

  — Of course. Your partner is a cop too?

  — Let's say we are a little more than polis— Lucas never wanted to give more information than necessary.

  — Well, then he will stay at my house, on the beach two in Bela Samba. There you will be in the center of the island and you can move calmly. I'll send for him when the plane arrives. Is he blond like you?

  Lucas looked at him intrigued and Paulo clarified.

  — I say it to be able to distinguish it.

  — No, but do not worry, you'll see him as soon as you see him. Carlos's size and physique are unmistakable.

  « Where will it be? Have a good time lost. And that's how he's supposed to take care of me. "Carmen snorted angrily.

  I already knew that men could not be trusted. In the morning they asked for your heart and at night they were out there enjoying the attentions of the generous bahianas.

  «I'm not going to make myself bitter. If you want to be out there enjoying yourself doing it. I do not care. They are all the same »Carmen died of jealousy.

  — It will be better if you stop snorting and you approach or you will not see the roda.

  — Charles! When you have arrived— Carmen embraced him with affection.

  — This afternoon.

  — I should have thought you would not leave it alone. Do you know anything? Those of your brigade look like a sect — their mood had changed.

  Carlos smiled showing his perfect teeth and marking even more that dark and penetrating look.

  — By the way, if you look for Lucas, I have no idea where he is— Carmen spoke very coldly.

  — I was not looking for it. You do?

  "Shit. Caugth »Carmen preferred not to answer.

  — You'll see soon — and wink an eye.

  Carlos did not finish speaking, when she was able to spot a group of Bahians dressed in just ample and very white trousers tight at the waist with a string of colors. The men were barefoot and sang to the beat of the music as they settled into a kind of semicircle. About ten wonderful dark bodies... and a blond one.

  Carmen swallowed. He was magnificent and felt how the heats began to rise.

  Lucas was in the opposite position to Paulo. The two moved and applauded to the beat of the music. They looked at each other and smiled, enjoying the moment.

  With no other warning than the change in the speed of the music, the couples began to face each other to the beat of the instruments but without touching. It was wonderful, those bodies so contoured and moving in perfect harmony.

  At one point, Lucas stepped forward and shook Paulo's hand. The people shouted excitedly and she sighed hotly.

  "You can not be more handsome" Carmen dreamed.

  Lucas seemed to listen to his thoughts because he looked up and winked at him, before turning in a triple somersault on himself.

  — He's going to kill! — screamed scared

  — She has been doing it for years, do not worry— Carlos observed her curious.

  Lucas raised one leg over Paulo's head, for another time he turned on himself but this time without resting any ar
m on the ground.

  Carmen jumped and applauded with effusion.

  The girls beside him shouted enthusiastically and Carmen felt touched and sunk. He was behaving like these women, like a naive fool pining for the handsome boy. The muscular blond for whom they all sigh and give themselves without thinking twice.

  Why would he want her if he had all those at his disposal? She was just one more girl.

  Lucas made a double flying kick and blew the women present one more time.

  — He's strong, manly... — his voice was a whisper

  She turned to leave when a strong arm stopped her.

  — Do not go away— Carlos seemed to discover his dark thoughts— When the fight is over, it is you he will look for. Trust him.

  — Trust? — Carmen smiled irritably— as if that were so easy. I'm going to Dona Felisa's hostel to prepare the neighbors' meeting.

  — I accompany you

  — No need, I'm close

  Carlos did not bother to argue, he turned to her and walked silently beside her.

  You love me, I love you

  — Please, can we put some order? — Carmen shouted loudly— so we're not going anywhere.

  — But we can do, they are much more stronger. They have a lot of money and power— shouted one.

  — And we are many. We have to organize an attack. We can not stand idly by — Carmen countered.

  The young people of the island nodded.

  — But we have tried thousands of things and they do not leave — another shouted from the bottom.

  — I'm scared. The accident of his aunt... that was no coincidence — the baker's son spoke openly.

  — That's why, we can not leave things as they are. Are we going to let my aunt's death be forgotten because some thugs scared us? With what face can we go on with our lives, knowing that an innocent person died for taking this island forward and we decided to flee? My aunt wrote me a letter, in it she spoke of wonderful neighbors, an incredible nature, a unique place where beauty and love were united in a whole and were present in each floor, in the beautiful beaches, in the dolphins that dance compass of the sun or the crabs, which come out at night to show us their joy. We can not sit idly by!