GAME OF LOVE: PLAYING WITH FIRE

CHAPTER 5

The vibrant rhythms of Rio's Carnival pulsed through the air, infectious and exhilarating. Alex and Zara strolled hand-in-hand through the colorful crowds, surrounded by colorful costumes and mesmerizing scenery.

Alex's thoughts drifted to their passionate night. "How did I overlook you for so long?" he wondered, captivated by Zara's radiant smile. Zara had been his best friend for so many years now, and he had not really seen her in a s****l way. Of course, he had always known she was stunning and very attractive. Many of his friends had pestered him to link them up with her, and he had always laughed them off, insisting that Zara didn't have time for frivolities.

Within one week, she had managed to become the object of his desires and it now scared him. He had never really desired anyone the way he now desired Zara. Last night, after their passionate love-making, she had scurried back to her room without so much as a word, and he had found himself longing for her warmth as soon as she left.

This morning, she had carried on as if nothing had happened between them the night before. He knew she was only trying to put up her defenses as she must also have been taken by surprise by the high s****l chemistry between them.

Zara's mind whirled with conflicting emotions. She had secretly desired Alex for years, but had been able to bury those feelings with the acceptance of the knowledge that he had no desire for her, not in that way. But now, discovering how Alex desired her also, if the night before was any indication, she couldn't help but feel her defenses being shattered.

"Maybe I shouldn't have given in so easily," Zara thought, cheeks flushing. Yet, she couldn't help but acknowledge the fact that she was not regretful of the events of the night before. She had only two relationships and her two lovers were quite good in the art of lovemaking. But reflecting on the night she just had with Alex, they paled in comparison.

They paused to watch a captivating samba performance. Alex's hand instinctively wrapped around Zara's waist. She didn't pull away; her body responded.

The air was electric with tension; their eyes locked.

A street photographer approached, camera in hand. "Sir, may I take a photo of you and your wife?"

Zara smiled mischievously. "He's not my husband."

Alex chuckled. "But we'll take the picture anyway."

The photographer grinned. "Smile, please."

After the photo, they explored the carnival, sharing sweet treats and laughter, deepening their connection.

At a street food stall, Alex teased, "Your samba skills need work."

Zara playfully retaliated, "You're not exactly a pro.”

Amidst the joyful chaos, Alex and Zara joined a Carnival parade. Dancers swirled around them. It was a Salsa dance this time around.

Without hesitation, Alex pulled Zara into the vibrant throng. Together, they danced.

Moving in sync, their bodies swayed to the rhythm.

As the music slowed, Zara's eyes locked onto Alex. "Can this really work?"

Alex's heart skipped a beat. Fear and hope intertwined. Seeing how much she was getting vested in this, twinged him. Should he really go on with this or should he stop all these now before it becomes deeper? There is also the risk of him losing his heart to Zara Natchios. Even as dreadful as that would have sounded to him before now, the appeal was quite enticing now.

"Yes," he replied, voice firm. "I'm ready to make it work."

Zara's smile lit up the night. "Let's give it a try."

Their lips met, sealing their promise.

Amidst the Carnival's vibrant chaos, Alex and Zara found their own rhythm.

★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Zara settled into her plush couch, surrounded by the comforting familiarity of her LA home. Reflections of the past few days swirled in her mind – the Carnival, their passionate night together, and their whispered promise.

But amidst the warmth, doubts crept in. It was three days since they returned from Rio and Alex had been distant since their return, claiming busy schedules and distracted silence. As much as she was thrilled with the prospect of having an affair with Alex Steele, her first love, she couldn't really kill the doubts and fear that occasionally creeped into her. Her sister's subtle warning rang in her head once again.

As Zara continued in her reflections, the doorbell rang.

She rose, expecting the delivery of the hair shampoo she ordered. But on opening the door, her eyes widened.

"Gabriel?" Zara's voice barely escaped her lips.

Gabriel Renault, her Parisian flame, stood before her, his eyes burning with intensity.

"Hello Zee," Gabriel said, his voice low and husky.

Zara's mind reeled. "How did you find me?"

Gabriel smiled. "You mentioned your address in Rio. I tracked it down."

"Yeah, but what are you doing here? I mean… in LA. I thought you were supposed to be in Rio.” Her brow furrowed, still struggling to process Gabriel's sudden appearance.

“Well, Zee, will you let me in first?" He smiled, maintaining a relaxed but intense expression.

“Ohhh! I'm sorry, please come in." She swung the door open, gesturing for him to come in with her hands.

As they stepped inside, Zara's memories flooded back – their whirlwind romance in Paris, the bittersweet goodbye.

Gabriel's eyes locked onto hers. "I had always regretted not pursuing you all those years ago when you had to return to LA, Zara. I had thought it was for the best to let you go, believing it couldn't work because of the distance, but I regretted my decision after you left, Zee. My feelings ran deeper than I realized."

Zara's heart skipped a beat.

"I've come to LA to invest. I decided Rio was not the best fit for me," Gabriel continued, "but most importantly, to reclaim what we once had. My heart still belongs to you, Zee."

Zara's world tilted. Alex's gentle touch still lingered on her skin, but Gabriel's words awakened dormant emotions. She had a whirlwind romance with Gabriel when she had gone to Paris for a year for an internship with a major newspaper office in Paris. He had been perfect and sweet, making that period of her life one of the best.

Her internship had barely ended when she had received a call from the LA Tribune, offering her the spot she had applied for months back. She had to make a decision to terminate her internship to start work with the LA Tribune, but more painful, she had to leave Gabriel. They had both decided that the long-distance relationship would be too complicated and chose to separate on a good note rather than let it become messy, which might end up being the case if they tried holding on to each other.

Now, he is back and declaring his long-held love for her, making her aware of her still present but dormant affection for him.

"Gabriel, I...I don't know what to say."

Gabriel's gaze burned brighter. "Say you'll give me another chance."

The doorbell rang once more, breaking the spell. As Zara opened the door, Alex stood with a sober smile on his face, carrying two gift bags. Zara's heart pounded.

As Alex stepped into the apartment, he became aware of Gabriel's presence. He froze, his eyes searching for answers.