GAME OF LOVE: PLAYING WITH FIRE

CHAPTER 4

Zara's laughter echoed through the penthouse suite. Alex's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched. He made a sound of clearing his throat to attract their attention.

Zara turned, her smile unwavering. "Alex, I didn’t hear you step in."

Alex's face remained impassive as he walked towards Zara, who had now stood up to hug him. "No, you didn't.”

Zara placed her hand lightly on the stranger's shoulder. “Alex, meet Gabriel Renault. Gabriel, meet Alex.”

Gabriel stood, extending a charming smile. "Nice to meet you, Alex."

For a moment, Alex hesitated to take Gabriel's extended hand, as he stared at him. Gabriel had this relaxed look of a man who didn't have to worry about anything, his tanned body and excruciatingly handsome features making Alex dislike him immediately.

Alex's handshake was firm, his expression guarded. "Likewise."

Zara continued, "Gabriel and I knew each other from my time in Paris. We accidentally bumped into each other outside the hotel, just as I was returning from my trip. I decided to invite him up for a drink and to catch up.”

Alex's eyes flicked between them, sensing an intimacy that made his gut twist.

Gabriel's relaxed demeanor only fueled Alex's growing unease. "What brings you to Rio, Gabriel?" Alex asked, his tone neutral.

"Business and pleasure," Gabriel replied, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I'm thinking of investing in a local startup somewhere other than Europe. I decided to check out Rio, and, of course, also enjoy the scenery.” Gabriel turned to look at Zara, his gaze almost sultry and reminiscent of memories. "But as fate would have it, I was blessed with a most amazing reunion.”

As they chatted, Alex's jealousy simmered, his responses curt. Zara seemed oblivious, laughing and joking with Gabriel. Why was he being this way? He is not a jealous type, so why does the fact that Zara looked so at peace and happy with this guy make him feel like sticking a rod through his amazingly-devilish green eyes?

As Gabriel prepared to leave, Zara walked him to the elevator. "Thanks for the unexpected reunion, Gabriel. Let's catch up more soon."

Gabriel's gaze lingered on Zara before shifting to Alex. "Nice meeting you, Alex. Perhaps we'll meet again." He then bent down to give Zara a kiss on her cheek.

As the door closed, Zara turned to Alex, a hint of amusement in her eyes.

“You seem really happy to have met this guy you just ‘knew from your time in Paris,” said Gabriel, his voice betraying his attempt to remain impassive.

Zara laughed in response, her eyes twinkling. "I guess I am.”

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The next day, they began their tour of Rio. At the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, Alex's tension lingered, his possessiveness surprising him. He was shocked at himself for allowing his encounter with Gabriel yesterday to affect him this much. He wanted to make this trip a memorable one for Zara if he intended on really winning her heart and having a chance at that. He was not going to allow some smug French guy to ruin his plans.

On their way back from their sightseeing, they decided to ditch their rental car and driver in order to take a stroll along Copacabana Beach. As they walked in awkward silence for a moment, Zara teased, "You seem a bit off today, Alex. Everything okay?"

Alex forced a smile. "Just enjoying the view."

Zara stared at the tourists and locals packing their bags and preparing to return as the sun was already setting. “I think we should sunbathe on the beach tomorrow. I would love to get a tan."

Alex turned his gaze to Zara, chuckling. " Really? You would love to sunbathe. You do know that will involve wearing a sexy bikini and lying beside my half naked body, and slathering on suncream?”

Zara smiled back at him, happy to see he had regained his bantery demeanor. “Ohh no, don't delude yourself, good Sir. There would be plenty of other sexy half-naked men on the beach for me to stare at. And I'm sorry to disappoint, but I managed to get a granny bikini. The sexy ones were sold out.”

They both laughed, while Alex threw his arms around her shoulders.

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The next day, on Copacabana Beach, Alex and Zara soaked up the sun, their skin glistening with warmth. Zara's sexy bikini drew admiring glances, fueling Alex's growing possessiveness. He, too, couldn't help but stare at Zara's perfect body and the way she seemed oblivious to the effect she was having on the men around her, especially him, only made her much more attractive.

Zara struggled to apply sunscreen to her back, her movements awkward.

Alex chuckled. "Put your pride down and ask for help, Zara."

Zara's eyes sparkled teasingly. "Maybe I don't need help."

Alex raised an eyebrow. "Really? You're doing great...not."

Zara playfully rolled her eyes, handing him the lotion. "Fine."

As Alex applied the sunscreen, his touch sent shivers down her spine, his hands lingering on her skin. Zara's breath caught, her body responding instinctively.

The air thickened with tension, their bodies responding instinctively. Alex's desire surprised him; Zara's reaction, instinctive.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, they packed up, returning to their hotel suite in silence. The tension between them was palpable.

As they parted ways outside their rooms, Alex stopped Zara. "There's a carnival tomorrow around the city. Want to join me?"

Zara's gaze faltered, her cheeks flushing. "Okay."

Alex's fingers grazed her face, sending sparks through her veins. "Goodnight, Zara."

Zara looked up, her lips parting to respond. But words failed her. Her gaze lingered on Alex's, their faces drawing closer.

The world around them melted away, leaving only the thrumming tension. Alex's eyes locked onto hers, his breath mingling with hers.

Zara's pulse quickened as Alex's face inched closer. Her heart pounded, anticipation building. What is happening right now? Why is she finding it impossible to stop herself?

Their lips brushed, a whisper of contact. The spark ignited, and they surrendered to the passion.

Alex's arms enveloped Zara, deepening the kiss. Before they knew what was happening, Alex had swept Zara's fragile frame into his arms, as he carried her into his room. The world spun around them, their love-making fierce and all-consuming.

As they lay entwined, Alex realized his feelings for Zara went far beyond desire. He was an expert in the art of s*x and has had s*x with a lot of sensual ladies. But why did this one feel totally different? Like he was doing it for the first time. It then dawned on him, he didn't just have s*x with Zara, he had made love to her.