Cherished (Adam & Ella) (18 page)

Ella went to the other room and stepped out to the balcony. She heard Adam answer the phone in the room and list items they needed. It was good to get away. Being out on the water would distance them from the stress of the situation. All she could do was
wait and she had no idea when Gustavo would work his magic.

It didn’t take long for the clothes to arrive, and after changing quickly, they went to the yacht club where Adam’s boat was secured. It was getting later in the year, and the weather was warming up. The water looked beautiful, although Adam told her it was polluted and not fit for swimming. Skimming along with the sun beating down, and a light breeze wafting past, Ella began to recover.

After sailing for a while, they stopped to eat the food Adam ordered. The quiet out on the ocean was relaxing. Ella hadn’t had time to think of food earlier, and it tasted delicious. She was hungry. Watching Adam eat, she smiled, remembering how they fed each other in the kitchen, which led to…

“What are you thinking?” he said through a mouthful of cheese and bread.

“You.”

“
Mmm, good to know. By the way, while you were off meeting with Gustavo, I was setting a plan in motion myself. I went over it with Quinn, and he agrees it’s a one.”

“What? You didn’t tell me.”

“Uh, I would have, if you’d been home.”

“Okay, enough said. What is it? What’s your idea?”

“Well you know that Claudio’s gambling debts are with Taiz.”

“Yes, sure.”

“That’s one reason I think Taiz will jump at the chance to own the online gambling software. It would expand his business; gambling is already a major source of income for him.

“But think about this: Adrian told us that Claudio intended to rig the software so he’d win a disproportionate amount of times—if not all the time, if I know him.”

“Yes, I remember that.”

“Well, I looked at it from
Taiz’s point of view, and I saw how to get the advantage. Claudio intended to take the software from me, and rake in money illegally. He’s got three strikes against him. One, he owes big money to Taiz, but didn’t include him in the deal. Two, gambling is turf largely controlled by Taiz in Rio, so Claudio would be cutting into his action. And three, Claudio intended to take the money and run.”

“He did?”

“Sure, it’s what the contract he asked Adrian’s firm to write was about. There’s no way a scam like that won’t blow up. And when it did, Claudio was going to let the investors take the fall. I’m sure he hoped to have millions by then, and he could just vanish. He’d have to vanish, because when the investors figured it out, they’d come after him. And I know he wouldn’t share the profits with Taiz before taking off, so he’d be leaving unpaid debts behind.”

“You’re right.”

“So, I sent another message to Taiz through Miguel’s cousin. Bluntly, Claudio’s plan was a blatant betrayal of Taiz. When he hears the details I just outlined for you, he will be annoyed. More than annoyed. And when Taiz is annoyed, heads roll. He may be making the effort to go legit, but he doesn’t tolerate disloyalty. If I’m right, Claudio’s life won’t be worth much. Soon. Before his arrogant deadline of five days.”

“Between Gustavo and
Taiz, your father will
need
to run.”

“That’s the plan,” Adam said, taking a big swig of beer.

Ella felt like a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. She slid over onto Adam’s lap, with her back against his chest and her cheek next to his firm jaw.

“And for extra insurance,” Adam said. “I had Quinn put together a package and send it to Vitto, detailing my father’s crimes. My mother gave a statement about how he attacked her. And I hadn’t had a chance to tell you, but our investigation turned up details of his ongoing drug dealing and his connections.”

“Will the media take the story?”

“I think so. When Vitto received the package he spoke to Quinn on the phone. There’s a citywide effort to reduce cocaine trafficking and conquer other drug issues. My father will be an example of exactly what they are trying to wipe out. Human interest, you know. It’s always better to have a story about one man than a generalized version of the issues.”

“Will the media reveal his connections?”

“I would think so.”

“Won’t the police go after your father, too, then?”

“That’s something we can’t count on. As long as he has other criminal elements behind him, the authorities could be bribed. However with public sentiment the way it is currently, that’s not as easy as it used to be.”

“What’s going to happen, Adam?”

Adam stroked her hair and ran his palm along her ribs. “We will have to see, amore mia. We will just have to wait and see.”

When they had their fill of sailing, they went ashore. Adam took her to
Biaggio’s, a restaurant set in a picturesque villa serving Northern Italian cuisine. They shared a bottle of Chianti and nibbled on breadsticks on the patio overlooking the water. As afternoon became evening, the sun turned into a fiery orange globe dipping lower in the sky. Adam ordered sirloin with port sauce, and Ella had smoked scallops. The food was delicious.

The romantic setting, the wine, and sumptuous food made Ella forget, at least for a little while. Worry and stress seemed far away. Rubbing her toes over Adam’s ankle, under the table, she thought of only one thing. He reached out and took her hand to kiss her fingertips. His light kiss made her whole body tingle.

“Let’s get out of here,” he said.

Back at the cozy hotel room, Adam stood on the balcony with his arm around Ella. City lights glittered around the bay, and the moon reflected on the surface of the ocean. High above, they had a perfect view of the nighttime scene. Laughter echoed from below, and a cool breeze touched their skin.

Adam turned and fisted Ella’s hair, pulling her head back. Lowering his mouth over hers, he kissed her like she was air to breathe. His need was evident in the strength of his kiss, and the way his hot tongue caressed hers. “Adam,” she gasped when he released her.

He scooped her into his arms and took her to the huge bed. The room was bathed in moonlight. In the quiet of the room, Adam undressed her then removed his own clothing. Warmth flowed through Ella’s body as she stood before the man she loved, naked, vulnerable. The love in his eyes made her feel like the most beautiful woman that existed.

Lifting her onto the bed, Adam leaned over her, kissing her cheeks, her temples, her eyelids. She lost her hands in his thick hair as he kissed under her jaw and across her collarbone. She was his, and she wanted nothing more. She wanted Adam, only Adam. Reaching out, she touched his hard cock, feeling the heat, loving the soft skin. He groaned in a deep male voice.

Stretching her legs out, Adam ran his hands over her naked form, looking at her with longing. He leaned in and teased her nipples with his tongue, making her clit tighten. Adam pressed on the smooth skin of her vulva, the delicious pressure reaching deep into her core. He ran his fingers through her wetness and she spread her legs wider, allowing him access.

Moving back, he stood, illuminated in the soft light of the room, gazing at her. “So beautiful,” he whispered. “You are so beautiful.”

He placed his hands on her thighs, just above her knees, and spread her legs wide. Ella felt the cool air rush in, causing a delicate throb in her sex. Adam looked at her boldly, turning her on even more. His hand touched her sex, and then he dragged one finger over her wet slit.

Looking into her eyes, Adam said, “Your pussy is so pretty. It’s too pretty to ever cover up.” He kept her thighs wide apart, leaving her no modesty. “I like you this way. Naked. Feminine. Such beauty should never be hidden.”

Ella felt weak. She needed him to touch her, craving pressure, craving him. The more he looked at her, the hotter she got. His eyes missed nothing, saw everything. His admiration was an erotic caress, and her nipples turned to tiny stones, her clit clenched in agony. Getting up on the bed with her, Adam bent her knees up and kissed her pussy.

Ella whimpered. His touches, his lips, his caresses were heavenly. The bed felt like a cloud underneath her, the light from the stars and the moon radiated around her. Adam was so sexy, in so many ways. And he was hers. He was there with her, touching her, fondling her. Her thighs fell open, and Adam touched her slick wetness.

He held her outer lips open, still looking, still loving. Ella hovered close to orgasm, needing just one touch, just the right touch. Adam put his mouth over her pussy, sucking sensually, and stroking his tongue along her sensitive opening. Panting, she held on, waiting for just enough pressure, in exactly the right way.

Adam sucked and licked, massaging her with his mouth, until Ella cried out. Unrelenting, he plunged his tongue inside her, fucking her with it. She came unglued. With his hot hands on her inner thighs, Adam flicked his tongue over her clit, then swirled and tapped until Ella let go.

Screaming long and deep, she came hard with Adam’s mouth on her, his tongue tantalizing her to the end. He held her until the tremors stopped, then kissed her pussy again before leaning up to kiss her mouth. Ella could taste the flavor of her own cum on his lips, and
she sucked at his tongue for more. The sensation of Adam’s mouth on her, with his tongue pressed to her clit, was fresh in her mind, and she wanted him more than ever.

Adam seemed to know her need, and he pressed his erection against her sex. “Yes,” she gasped. “I need you inside me. Please.
Now.”

Ella felt the wonderful stretch as his wide cock dipped into her. She wrapped her legs around his waist, and grabbed his ass, pushing him deeper. As he slid inside, she heard him groan. His desire for her aroused her newly, a burn flooding through her sex. With Adam inside her, Ella wrapped her legs tighter, wanting him to stay forever.

Rocking gently, he rubbed in a sexy, virile motion; gyrating his hips for greater effect. Adam panted loudly, his hot breath against her cheek. He rocked faster, more violently. Ella dropped her feet to the bed with her knees bent, and arched her back, forcing her hips up to meet him. Slapping together hard and long, moisture glistened on Ella’s skin, and sweat beaded on Adam’s brow.

Kissing her deeply, Adam fucked hard, taking her, possessing her. As his hips rocked, his chest grazed her red, sore nipples and her clit turned to rock. Gasping and panting, they moved in a rhythm they understood, moving to music only they could hear. The sound of Adam’s body slapping against her and the feel of his hot balls on her sex drove her to the edge.

Pounding into him, trying to take more of his cock, wanting it deeper and craving the fullness, Ella moaned loudly. Her voice filled the room, and her vagina closed like a vise around him. The hard squeeze of her muscles pulsed over him, and Adam released with her. He yelled with pleasure; his muscles taut, his body hard as a rock. Simultaneously, they rose into orgasm.

Pumping, moaning, and sweating, they moved together until the waves of pleasure finally subsided. Adam, supporting his weight on his forearms, put his cheek next to hers. Still breathing heavily, he said between breaths, “Oh my God, Ella.”

And her heart warmed. Feeling Adam’s pleasure made everything perfect. It was a perfect night. Adam was perfect, and their love was perfect. She ran her hands over his strong shoulders, and down his back. “I love you, Adam. I love you so much.”

Adam and Ella slept late. Even when the sun brightened the windows, they snuggled and kissed, wanting to savor every minute together. Away in a world of their own and deeply in love, the morning drifted by. Adam rose first, and it was only the smell of coffee that pulled Ella from the soft, cozy bed.

They sat on the patio, sipping strong coffee and watching the boats in the harbor. The beach was already a hub of activity, buzzing with tourists and the hum of local businesses. They showered together, slowly and attentively. Ella sighed as Adam’s strong fingers washed her hair, and then she washed his. Touching each other, feeling more than washing with the scented body wash, they feel into sweet, easy lovemaking.

Ella was happy, truly happy. If only they could just stay in
Botafogo, their worries would just fall away. Lost in the romantic hours with Adam, treasuring them, she pushed away thoughts of anything else. They dressed in shorts and linen shirts, and went down to the shops. Adam really did go shopping with her as promised.

Ella discovered
Botafogo was a shopper’s paradise. It had an array of shops, catering to every need. They had a light breakfast at a Spanish place called Meson Le Pepa. The rustic décor of the intimate restaurant and the low lighting gave it an intimate feel. They had a light meal of toasted bread, spicy olives, and eggs.

In the early afternoon, Adam took her to one of the charming cinemas showing a film outside the commercial circuit. The theater showcased independent and offbeat cinema. Holding hands in the darkness and leaning against each other, they got lost in the film. Hours later they stepped back into the sunlight, feeling as though they’d returned from another time. All in all, it was the perfect way to relax and unwind.

They had aromatic Brazilian coffee at a small café, and looked around a couple of small bookstores. Adam took her to the top floor of Botafogo Priaia Shopping Mall to get some good pictures of Sugarloaf, beautifully framed in the background. Ella took pictures of sights she visited, and always emailed them to Cameron. His response was one of gratitude, as he didn’t think he’d ever visit Brazil, and he was impressed with the amazing views.

Not in a hurry to leave, they enjoyed a couple more days in the quaint area, trying different restaurants, and going sailing in the afternoon. Ella liked any kind of water sports, but watching Adam handle the sails, his biceps bulging, his lean thighs flexing, she decided sailing was especially enjoyable. Lounging on the deck, drinking a soda, she watched his thick, sun-bleached hair ruffle in the wind blowing across the bay. His amber eyes and bronze skin gave him a handsome Italian look; golden, that was how he always looked to her.

The last day when they returned to the marina, and tied up the boat, Adam took her to one of the farmers’ markets. They strolled around the open-air venue, covered with a canopy to protect the produce from the midday sun, and sampled exotic tropical fruits. The flavor and juiciness of the strawberries, mangoes, and melons was amazing. Ella thought it was like eating candy. They bought a mango and some bananas to take back to the room.

The lazy days had subdued Ella into forgetting about Claudio’s ultimatum—but not entirely. In the late afternoon, as she watched the sailboats float tranquilly in the bay and gazed at the majestic mountains, a familiar knot formed in her stomach. She took a sip of her mango
lassi, and looked down at her hands.

“What are you thinking?”

Ella looked across the table at Adam, wondering what the future held. There was only one day left, and then his father would send his demand. They’d done everything they could to fight against him. Yet they hadn’t heard a word. Waiting was all they could do. And waiting was the hardest.

“I was wondering. It’s been days, and it’s been quiet. I wish I knew what was going to happen. And I dread that demand from your father.”

Adam was about to answer when his phone rang loudly. He pulled it from his pocket and glanced at the caller ID. As he put it to his ear, he mouthed, “Vitto.”

Ella leaned up, elbows on the table, listening to every word Adam said, trying to decipher the conversation. The call wasn’t too long. “Ciao,” he said, and closed the phone.

He had a flat look, almost as though he didn’t know what to think or how to react.

“What did he say?” Ella asked cautiously, wanting to know but afraid to hear.

“The media took the story. Vitto received the package Quinn sent over. He was impressed with the detail and depth of documentation. He said Violetta was adamant that he get it to the media right away, and stressed the urgency. Apparently, she has not forgotten Claudio’s influence, and with a chance of seeing his reputation destroyed, she implored Vitto to make it his top priority—for her.

“He did. And his primary connections to the newspapers liked the angle. It sounds like the controversy surrounding the cocaine business in Rio has escalated. The public demands better control and is all too glad to target the dealers. Claudio’s story, down to every sordid detail, will sell papers.”

“And it will make it uncomfortable for him in this country,” Ella added.

“Even dangerous, if the authorities decide to run with the information we just handed over.”

Ella was about to say something when her phone rang. Rarely receiving calls, she was surprised. “Hello,” she said tentatively, noting the caller ID flashed as private.

She looked at Adam, who watched her intently, and listened. She recognized the rough voice that barked, “
Alô.” She said, “Alô, Gustavo,” and watched Adam’s eyes widen. Then another voice came on the line, and began speaking, clearly interpreting for Gustavo, as she could hear his deep voice in the background.

Listening, she absorbed the message delivered concisely and to the point. At the end she said, “Tell Gustavo he has honored us with his support. We will never forget it. And I will definitely let him know how it works out.”

Adam looked at her intently. Ella ran her hand through her hair. “Whew. That was Gustavo.”

“I could tell.”

“He says he put the word out. His allies, and even some who resent that he left the inner circle of crime, won’t tolerate a simpering fool like Claudio Bianci. He’s not only lost their support, but has incurred their wrath.”

“What does that mean?”

“He didn’t say exactly, but it’s good for us, I’m sure of that. I included my contact information with the donation I gave, but I never dreamed he would call,” Ella said.

“You have a powerful friend there, Ella.”

“So it would seem.”

Once it started it didn’t stop, and by the time they got back to the hotel, Adam had an email from Miguel. “Good news,” he wrote. “Call when you get in.” Adam dialed the number before bothering to close the email. “Pronto,” Adam said.
“Não me diga.”

Ella was riveted, anxious to know what the good news was, hoping and praying it was what she thought. Watching Adam’s expression, she tried to tell. Yet he had his business look—intent but revealing nothing. Only at the end of the conversation, one corner of his mouth lifted. It had to be good.

“Lucas got a response to both messages. First of all, Taiz said we have a deal. He will have his attorney contact Quinn concerning a contract for the sale of the gambling software which will be mutually beneficial. It’s not often anyone gets a compliment from the great and feared Taiz Mezzanetti, but he said I’m smart to do business with him. I couldn’t agree more.

“On the second point, his reply was short but lethal. Claudio
Bianci has displeased him. He has no taste for cheap criminals, and he doesn’t tolerate betrayal.”

Ella looked at him. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. They’d fought so hard, endured so much.
Could it really be over?

“What does ‘will not be tolerated’ mean from a man like
Taiz?”

“I think even paying the gambling debts won’t save Claudio at this point. His life is in peril. He crossed the wrong man.”

“What will your father do?”

“Run.”

“Where?”

“My guess is Paraguay. I think he has connections there. Between the sentiment of the drug lords Gustavo united against him, and the wrath of
Taiz, he will never be able to return to Rio.”

“Will
Taiz go after him?”

“Probably.”

Ella hardly knew how to react.

“It’s over, amore
mia,” Adam said, pulling her into his arms. She cried, relief washing over her. The danger, the stress, the fear for the man she loved and for his family—it was finally over. Adam stroked her hair, and she pressed against him, comforted against his muscled chest, wrapped in his strong arms. They were free of his father’s oppression, at last.

*****

The next few days proved them right. No email ever came from Claudio, no threats, no insane demands. They returned to the white home on the beach, and Adam discussed the situation with Nico. Certain Claudio was out of action, there was no further need for the extensive security. Nico and Miguel would stay. The others were given their final pay, and thanked for their loyalty.

Fiorella’s
engagement party was the following Saturday, and a huge, festive occasion it was. Serena invited the church congregation; Adrian’s family and friends from the law firm attended. Ella wore a colorful dress, ready for dancing and partying as only the Brazilians knew how. Adam looked good enough to eat in his satin dance shirt and black slacks. Fiorella had never looked lovelier than in her fuchsia cocktail dress, the diamond engagement ring glimmering on her finger.

And Adrian, every bit the Italian heartthrob, was so in love with her, he enthusiastically made a fool of himself. Drinking with gusto, and dancing to excess, he whirled his bride-to-be around the polished floor, making a spectacle. The whole time
Fiorella grinned and laughed. Ella did, too. It was a happy occasion. The raucous, vibrant party signified not only the engagement of two wonderful people, but the end of the reign of terror which had cast a shadow over their life for too long.

During a break for refreshment, Serena beamed at Ella.
“Contento.” Looking out at the dancers, Serena spotted Fiorella dancing in Adrian’s arms. “Contento,” she said again. Ella didn’t need an interpreter to know that her family’s happiness gave her great joy. Ella hugged her and said, “Contento.” After the party, Adam told her his mother was going to have the plastic surgery to repair the scar across her cheek. Now that Claudio was gone, she had no need of the reminder.

The wedding was set for the following spring. It would be an elaborate ceremony at the Metropolitan Cathedral. The reception would be held at Fiore, the restaurant
Fiorella had dreamed of for so long. She was already interviewing and hiring employees, and Adrian was taking care of the paperwork. The restaurant would open as soon as it was staffed. The renovations had been completed, and there was no reason to delay the opening.

When Ella had first arrived in Rio, she had no idea how much it would mean to her. The beautiful city with its friendly people, stunning views, amazing food, and festive spirit, had become home. She couldn’t imagine leaving it for long. Drawn to help the gorgeous Italian she’d fallen in love with, she’d succeeded in that aim. Now, they had the future together.

Adam informed Quinn that he would be away for a few weeks. Joel, his head of marketing, had launched campaigns with the new funding. Any co-ordination could be done through phone or email. There was another matter Adam asked his attorney to handle. He requested that Quinn set up a charitable trust fund. Donations to Gustavo’s rehabilitation projects were to be made monthly for as long as the programs ran.

The day they left, Ella was sad. As the luxury jet took off, she was homesick, but not for California. She couldn’t wait to return to Brazil, and missed it already. Although, she did look forward to seeing her friends again, and intended to make things right with her mother. Settling into her leather seat, she leaned her head on Adam’s shoulder. It was hard to fathom how much life had changed; how much
she
had changed.