I decided not to ask anything else. I didn't want to fall into the arms of that giant man again because he made me feel small and defenseless. Although I was dying of curiosity about where we were going, I resisted the temptation to question. I didn't want to pay the price of a kiss for every doubt.
Staying silent was actually good. I discovered that he had a black pickup truck and that's how we were going to travel. Christophe put my backpack in the back and opened the passenger door for me to enter.
"Working late today, girl?" Mr. Geraldo peeked through the gatehouse window when he saw me waiting for him to open. At that moment, I thought about my life for a few seconds and realized that Geraldo had been the doorman of my building since they finished construction and allowed residents to move in. He always greeted me with sympathy. I felt a pang in my heart as I left that part of my routine behind.
"Not today, Mr. Geraldo. I'm on vacation and I'm going on a trip with my boyfriend," I lied, and the man frowned. He didn't seem to believe what I was saying.
"You have a boyfriend?" I would be surprised too, since I never took anyone to my apartment. I was very private and even lonely. Geraldo looked at the big guy waiting for me in the car, and Christophe waved to the man after putting on his sunglasses. "Well, I hope you have fun. See you when you get back, then."
"See you."
He opened the gate for me to leave, and I gave my last wave to the old man at the gatehouse before getting into the car.
Christophe locked my door with a click, walked around the car with long strides, got in on the driver's side, and turned on the radio. He chose a funk song with an electronic beat in the background and soon began to sing along, moving his shoulders to the rhythm. I looked at him confused, feeling a curiosity grow in me about his taste in music and our destination. I bit my lip as he seemed to realize I was holding back and laughed at my agony, showing his white teeth. He gave me a provocative look and said:
"Are you going to be quiet or are you going to cheer up a bit?"
"I'm going to be quiet." He smiled and sped off towards our destination.
During the trip, I leaned back in the window and fell asleep. The invisible trackers invaded my dream, haunting me. They chased me through the dark and humid forest, following my scent of fear. I ran desperately, tripping over roots and branches until they surrounded me, I could hear paws beating in all directions. Their growls echoed through the air and I knew they were ready to devour me.
I woke up with a start. Christophe had stopped the car at a gas station. He looked at me with a kind smile.
"Good morning, girlfriend. Did you sleep well?"
I felt a shiver down my spine and a lump in my throat. I couldn't forget the nightmare. I forced a weak smile and replied:
"Yes. Where are we?" I asked curiously, and Christophe leaned towards me, opening my door with a chivalrous gesture. In one swift motion, he stole a fiery kiss, making me feel complete for a few seconds until he pulled away, breathless.
"One less question, thank God," he celebrated, with a mischievous glint in his blue eyes, and I cursed myself internally for forgetting his game. He sniffed the air as if checking for danger, then looked at me contentedly, with a smile that lit up his tanned face. "We are half an hour from the place."
"You can give me a better answer, that one's not worth a kiss like that," I complained, pouting. "What? A little peck would have paid for it all."
Christophe laughed, leaned in towards me again and whispered in my ear.
"I don't remember stipulating how the kisses would be." He nibbled my earlobe lightly, making me shiver. "Do you want more?"
"No," I stammered, unable to meet his gaze. I let out a sigh, feeling frustrated. "Can we make rules for this game? It's not fair that I just can't ask some questions."
"Another question," he said with a triumphant smile, and kissed me again, his hands resting on the seat around me, pinning me against him, while his tongue played with mine, teasing me and driving me crazy. "No agreements. I'm liking the way it is."
He said against my mouth and hell, he kissed so well that I couldn't push him away.
"Credit or debit?" the attendant interrupted us, and I thanked him under my breath for it.
"Debit," Christophe growled.
"Contactless?" the young man asked with a polite smile, but the face of my huge wolf didn't seem very friendly. He frowned as if he didn't like the question.
"Yes," I intervened, not even knowing if his card had that function enabled. But I had to do something. Christophe went back to staring at me deeply, his eyes penetrating, as his hand held the card out toward the machine the attendant was carrying. He seemed impatient, wanting to get out of there soon.
When the machine printed the receipt, the attendant handed it to us with his friendly smile and a nod. Christophe carefully closed my door and walked around the car, getting into the driver's seat. He started the engine and gave me a knowing look as if he was eager to continue our journey.
I was recognizing the route. We had left the chaos of Sao Paulo, with its chaotic traffic and giant buildings, towards the interior of the state, where the landscape became greener and quieter. With every kilometer traveled, we got closer to Botucatu, the city where my family lived. I could even hear my mother desperately yelling at me to help her with something, in her high-pitched, worried voice.
"Christophe..." I called, with a lump in my throat, as soon as we left the road and entered a very familiar dirt road. I recognized every curve, every tree, every stone of that place. I looked at him, seeking support, and saw that he was looking at me with affection and understanding.
"Heleninha!"
My mother screamed, getting up from the chair she had placed in front of her gate, and I swallowed hard.
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