NOTE: For a better reading, when I point out during the chapter, listen to "TenerifeSea" by Ed Sheeran ;) 

-----

Candece's POV

I stayed for a few more instants just watching all the movement in the club, today was another crowded day. Thank God, or rather, thanks to Karla. I shook my head thinking that she would not come tonight, and such irresponsibility filled me with fury. Karla Luiza was always an impeccable professional in "Imperium", until she met Valentina of course. I don't even want to think about that now, her performance time had already passed and not even a sign, not even a fucking call. Normani took over her place that night, the brunette was the second best dancer in the entire place, her sculptural body and the easiness it had to seduce covered Karla's absence. But not so much, the "untouchable" had customers that were only there for her, and for no one else. Important customers, magnates of Miami. 

- I heard that Karla didn't come.

I took a deep breath, staying in the same place where I was. I brought the cigarette up to my lips pulling the smoke hard into my mouth, to then turn towards Alexa. The woman looked beautiful, and smiled as if she was saying "I told you so". 

- There's no use in make that funeral face, Candece. We knew that this would happen sooner or later. Absences, and negligences. - The woman spoke patiently while walking to the beverage counter, pouring herself a glass of Martini.

- She shouldn't do this to me, I was the person that helped her the most. 

- She already forgot about that, she has Valentina now. 

Valentina... That name only made me feel a huge revulsion. Damn day she walked into my club. I squeezed the glass tightly, feeling that at any moment it would break between my fingers. Until I felt Alexa's slender fingers slide down my arms in a caress. 

- I told you, Candece, but you still pitied her. - Her words were whispered coldly in my neck, causing a shiver all over my body - Karla doesn't deserve your compassion. 

- It's not her fault, it's Valentina's fault. - I said angrily. 

I felt Alexa smile on my back. Her hand went up to my shoulders where she squeezed slowly, in a slow and relaxing massage.

- It doesn't matter whose fault it is. We can't let our plan die now. We can't let Valentinatake Karla away from "Imperium", right?

Alexa spoke softly, while she let her wet lips slide along the full extent of my neck. And I just nodded. We had never gotten involved in a carnal way, but that night she seemed to want something more.

- Right. 

- Perfect. Now I want you to go down to the club's main floor. We know that Miss Issartel is there. And convince her that she will not regret meeting our poor dancer.

She said close to my ear, giving a small bite on my earlobe when she finished speaking. Iclosed my eyes and sighed, looking through the large glass window. Keana Marie was having fun at the expense of one of my dancers. If she would be the solution to my problem surely I would do it.

- Leave it to me, I'll do it.

Alexa smiled mischievously, winking at me.

- I will wait for you here to celebrate, Candece. - She said sitting in my chair.

I looked at her for the last time before leaving the office. I descended the stairs listening to the sensual sound of the music get stronger by the second, I passed among some important people that I talked about, until walking to the center where my target was. Keana smiled mischievously, with eyes that overflowed lust upon the dancer that swayed her hips sensually, half naked, in front of her. She was enjoying the little show, time or another she put some dollars on the elastic of the dancer's panties. I approached her slowly, and sat next to her on the brown leather couch. Keana let out a puff of air, letting the smoke of her cigarette spread through the environment. 

- Enjoying the show?

She looked at me with a surprised smile, placing the cigarette on the ashtray on the table.

- I'm fascinated. 

- Hmm, really? 

- Yes, it's better every time, Candece, look. - She pointed at the blonde that swayed sensually in front of her. 

- I'm glad that you are enjoying, Miss Issartel, you are one of "Imperium"'s most importantcustomers.

She smiled with an arrogant air, taking a sip of her reddish drink. 

- I am? 

- Of course, I know that you travel a lot and that you don't have much time to frequent my club. But I have much better things to show you.

Keana stared at me curiously, arching one of her brows with a smile on her face. 

- Better? If I'm already fascinated with this one, imagine with better. 

- Much better, Miss Marie. 

- I am open to new proposals. - She spoke jokingly.

Keana was already pretty excited, surely she had already drunk more than she should. But she never lost her arrogant posture nor her mischievous smile. The woman had a huge fame of being naughty and predatory, her name was always stamped on gossip magazine covers. Always very well accompanied by beautiful women, models and even prostitutes. But Keana didn't care, after all who would care with other people's opinions with the amount of money she has?

- Great, since you know how to recognize good dancers, I'll present to you the best dancer of my whole club.

- Better than all of these?

- Better than all, she's the best in all Miami. - I said confidently.

- You are making me really curious to meet that woman.

- Wonderful, in three days she will perform here. If you want, you can come, just to check out my precious gem. If it's of your interest, we can make good business.

- What's her name?

- Karla Estrabao. I must warn you that she never goes out with any customer, she's not a prostitute, only a dancer. But I guarantee you, she is better than all of these together. 

Keana let out a small laugh, while taking a sip of her drink.

- She never went out with any customer?

- No, as I told you already she is only a dancer, she doesn't accept any kind of closeness. 

- For everything in life there's an exception, Candece.

Challenging Keana to conquer Karla was the best way, she was the type of woman that loved challenges, but beyond that she loved even more to win them. 

- I don't know if you can do it, Keana, she only gave a chance to a woman in this club during all these years.

I could see her frowning, giving me a curious look. 

- Who would be the awarded?

I smiled cynically. 

- You can't imagine? 

- I hate to guess, tell me. She has to be very powerful, right? 

- And she is. 

- Tell me! 

- Valentina Albuquerque. 

In the same instant that she heard Valentina's name, a smile appeared on her lips. Bingo! 

- The only? 

I nodded patiently.

- Valentina was the only to be able to get close to Karla, she always comes to watch her performances here.

- Regular customer then?

- Yes, let's say that Valentina doesn't miss one.

- Valentina and I always meeting each other through this life.

Keana spoke staring at the dancer in front of her, she seemed to be thinking about everything that we were talking, her expression betrayed it.

- I think that now I like that Karla even more. I will show her that if Valentina could do it, I will do it too.

- So you are coming? 

- Of course, I need to appreciate your precious gem, Candece. 

- Great, you will not regret it I guarantee you that. Well, enjoy the night and anything you need just call me, Miss Marie.

She raised the glass in my direction with a smile, and I left. Things started better than I imagined. I walked in slow steps up to my office, and through the window I could see Alexa staring at me, I just made a positive sign. And she smiled. Valentina wouldn't take Karla away from me, she wouldn't.

----- 

Valentina's POV

There was no deal, by luck or the work of fate, we were stuck in that office until the time of her performance ended. And I confess that that had left me very happy, after all it didn't please me at all having my woman dancing in that club for a bunch of people that imagined her in a way that only I could have her. Luiza in the beginning didn't believe that the door was really jammed, but then accepted it, and with a request loaded with sweetness she decided to spend the night with me.

I asked her to take a bath with me, but she refused, saying that I didn't deserve anything that night. And there was no prayer to make her change her mind. I simply took care of taking a long bath, to then leave and give her one of my sweatshirts for her to wear to sleep, after all she didn't pack anything to spend the night. While Lu was in her long bath, I took care of preparing something to eat, I spent the entire afternoon stuck inside that dealership choosing the best car for Luiza. Obviously that I had the desire to give her a much better car, but I knew the brunette very well. If it would be hard for her to accept this one, imagine if I bought her a car as expensive as mine. She would freak out.

I shook my head as I cut some fruits into a bowl. It was already pretty late, and I wouldn't do anything too long nor heavy to eat. A fruit salad would be enough to keep us satisfied until the beginning of the next day, effort we wouldn't make. Unfortunately. I cut everything into small pieces, from strawberries, bananas, kiwis, apples, grapes, etc. Mixing everything with a delicious natural yogurt.

I walked towards the bedroom placing the tray on the nightstand, I would wait for Luiza to start eating. She took about five more minutes, until the door opened. The Latina came out of the bathroom wearing only my gray sweatshirt that reached a little above the middle of her thighs. She removed the excess water from her hair distractedly. While I sighed like an idiot. Oh God, Valentina!

I stared at her for only God knows how many minutes, noticing how hot she looked wearing my clothes. Of course that I preferred that Luiza was wearing what I liked the most, nothing. But the sweatshirt looked great. She finished drying her wet hair and then laid eyes on me.

- What? - She asked with a smile. 

- I like to see you wearing my clothes.

Luiza gave a quick look at her body, and then looked at me.

- I like to wear your clothes, although this sweatshirt is quite large. - She commented as she turned towards the bathroom. 

It was a bit big. It left the brunette's legs and part of her butt showing. A beautiful view I must say, she was wearing a small white lace panties. It surely would be a wonder to remove them with my mouth. I shook my head at the perverted thought I was having, until she returned from inside the bathroom with a moisturizer pot in hand. Luiza put one of her legs on the edge of the bed and slowly poured a little bit of body cream on her skin, and she slid her hands slowly. It was somewhat tempting all of that. Imagine you lying on your bed seeing Luiza wearing only a thick sweatshirt, with her wet hair turned to one side, while she slid her hands on her long and toned legs. She knew what she caused me and she did it on purpose. 

- Valentina?! - I heard her voice and looked at her. 

Luiza stared at me with a smirk, cynical. I shook my head, and grabbed the bowl that had the fruit salad. 

- I made this for us to eat.

The woman made an excited face and crawled on the bed to get close to me. Lu, or rather, Karla stayed too close, to the point of sitting on my lap. 

- This looks yummy. - She said as if what she did was the most natural thing in the world.

Danger lived inside that woman, Karla Luiza amid little actions instigated me to possess her. But I knew that she wouldn't let me, not that night, as a proof of my punishment.

- And it is, I made something pretty light.

I placed my hands on Luiza's thighs and made a slow caress, the brunette stared at me with a smirk. And slowly grabbed the small spoon to capture a bit of fruit salad. I didn't do anything, just slid my hands from bottom to top. From her knees to her butt, where I squeezed.

- Nope, don't even think about it, Miss Albuquerque. - Luiza made a negative sign with her finger as she slid her tongue over her lips to clean the yogurt residue.

- There's no way for me not to touch you when you are sitting like this on my lap. 

- Then I'll leave. 

When she took impulse to leave my lap, I held her waist tightly. Making her eyes search mine automatically.

- What's the problem? Why don't you want to have sex with me?

Luiza ate some more, and then put a little bit in my mouth, that was really good. 

- You are grounded, Valentina.

- May I ask why?

She squinted her eyes in my direction, as if she was saying "stop being cynical". 

- All of this because of the car? 

- Obvious! This cannot happen. If you saw me coming out of that woman's private jet, would you buy me one as well?

I let out an amused laugh, talking that way it even seemed an exaggeration. But I had only bought a car. What's wrong with that?

- Don't laugh, I'm very serious, Albuquerque. You can't act as if you are my owner. 

I sighed, and Luiza gave me some more fruit salad.

- I'm sorry, Lu, it was an impulse, okay? I know that I acted badly, and I'm apologizing.

- You acted very badly.

- I know, but I really want you to keep the car. 

Luiza looked at me somewhat harshly. 

- Lu, let's think that this car will help you as much as it will help the girls. Dinah's car broke down, and now you have a new one.

- Valentina, when a car breaks down we send it to the mechanic and we don't buy another one. At least that's what normal people do.

I smiled and pulled her face to a calm kiss, and Luiza corresponded despite being apparently angry.

- This won't make the strike end.

This time it was me that squinted my eyes in her direction. 

- Strike? 

- Yes, I have to find a good way to punish you. And a sex strike solves the problem. 

Luiza said calmly, grabbing the last piece of strawberry from the bowl in which she bit slowly, in a damn provocation. 

- This is not funny. - I placed the bowl on the nightstand. 

- I'm not joking, no sex for you.

- Luiza! - I cried out, pushing her body against the soft mattress. 

Luiza squealed when I sat on her hips pinning her wrists above her head. 

- Are you sure you want to stay without sex? - I whispered hoarsely in her ear

I could see the brunette swallow hard, and then I continued. I slid my lips on her earlobe, letting small puffs of air escape between my lips.

- I'm su... sure. - She whispered.

- What can I do to make you change your mind? - I asked descending with the kisses to Luiza's neck.

In one swift action the brunette inverted our positions, positioning herself the same way I was before. I smiled, had she surrendered herself?

- Beg for me. - She said licking her index finger and thumb slowly - And accept being a bottom. 

I laughed, but laughed loudly. I wouldn't beg to be a bottom, no way! It was already enough the times that I surrendered myself, that was destroying my ego. 

- Baby, come on. Stop. - I said trailing my hands up inside Luiza's sweatshirt.

- No! Take it or leave it.

I stayed for a few minutes staring at the woman who smiled in a provocative way, she was doing it on purpose. I confess that the damn woman knew very well how to punish me. 

- Lu... 

- Will you accept? 

- No! 

- Ok then, no sex for you.

Luiza spoke getting off of me, making me deep down feel guilty for not accepting. But I would not surrender myself, after all she would also come out losing in this game, and I would see how far she would go.

Luiza's POV

I gave a chaste kiss on Valentina's lips, she was still sleeping serenely, the night was pretty peaceful. She accepted promptly her punishment, and only slept cuddled up to me. It was too early, and I was already dressed to go back home. I needed clothes to work, so I just wrote a note: 

"I left early to pick up my clothes, you looked beautiful sleeping and I didn't want to wake you up. See you at Albuquerque's Industry. I love you. - Luiza" 

I gave a little peck on the paper and left it on the nightstand. Giving one last look at Valentina that was still sleeping, to then leave.

Reluctantly I entered "my" car. Valentina didn't accept in any way that I refused it. I needed one, and I was dying to buy one. But earning one from my girlfriend was not being taken into consideration. The car was beautiful, luxurious and expensive. Everything that I couldn't have, but that now had, right?

I drove through the streets of Miami that were quite calm, not taking too long to arrive in my building. 

----- 

- Let's go, girls, we have to catch a cab! Staying without my old can is giving me a pain in the heart. - Dinah said grabbing the house keys. 

- Have you already sent someone to pick it up? 

Ally asked grabbing her bag.

- No, I need to call someone to tow it. That old can won't leave its place not even with a holy mother prayer.

I let out a soft laugh and just accompanied them. We descended in the elevator amid jokes and went to the garage. Ally and Dinah looked at me confused when I stopped next to my car.

- Lulu, I know that we don't have a car, but stealing one is not the best thing to do. 

- Jesus said clearly that we cannot steal. 

- I can't steal what's mine, Ally. - I spoke pressing the small control that unlocked the car.

Both looked at me with wide eyes.

- From whom did you steal this? - Ally asked scared.

- Honey, if it's what I'm imagining, we will marry Luiza to Valentina as soon as possible.

- Dinah... - I scolded the woman.

- Can you two update me?

Dinah let out a loud laugh, entering the passenger side. And Ally followed to the backseat. 

- If I'm correct, this was a little gift from Valentina, am I right? 

Ally gasped staring at me. 

- Is that true?

I stared at both of them that were waiting for a quick answer.

- It was more of a whim than a gift.

- How so?

- Valentina gave me the car because she saw us leaving Keana's car yesterday.

- Mercy! - Ally exclaimed.

- Lulu, do you think if we go to Keana's apartment, Valentina will give you a new one?

- Dinah, stop this nonsense, ok? She acted very badly.

- It's a lot of jealousy for only one person. - Ally said agreeing with me.

- I only have to say that I loved the car. Look at this, guys, all digital and sophisticated. - Dinah spoke touching the car's dashboard.

- I will still return it. 

- No you won't! Now shut up and drive. 

- Yes I will, I don't want her to keep bankrolling me. - I said turning on the car and driving away. 

- Lulu, you need to understand one thing, even if Valentina doesn't bankroll you, one day when you two take the next step in your relationship, you will have to learn to live with the perks that she can give you. 

- Dinah is right, you will have to leave your pride aside, Luiza. We see that Valentina only wants what's best for you.

- I know, but I don't want to be the person that sucks her.

- I thought you liked it! - Dinah let out with second intentions.

- Dinah!

Ally and I said in harmony. 

- Mercy, get a grip, Jane. I want to find you if I go to heaven one day.

- Ally, love, we all have sex, ok? Me, Luiza and you. Sex is good, and makes us younger. If I go to hell for it, I will have more sex to be worth it.

- I'll have to agree with her. 

- Jesus will forgive you two for all these sins.

We let out a laugh at each other while we followed the path to the company. 

Valentina's POV

I walked in hurried steps to the entrance of Albuquerque's Industry, receiving a shy greeting from the doorman. And some curious and attentive looks from the other employees. I had almost certainty that my fame was of a bitch to them, and particularly I didn't care about it. I continued my way towards the elevator without even looking to the sides, I pressed the illuminated button that indicated the floor of my office and before the metal doors closed I could see my woman entering alongside her friends. And damn it, she looked incredibly sexy.

Luiza's brown eyes automatically connected to mine, and quickly a smile appeared on her lips, which was reciprocated with great pleasure.

- Good Morning, ladies. - I said with my eyes on Luiza. 

- Good Morning, Miss Albuquerque. - Ally and Dinah spoke at the same time.

- You won't wish me a good morning, Miss Campos? - I asked with a cynical smile.

Luiza was wearing that morning a red dress, somewhat tight, that reached a little below the middle of her thighs. And that highlighted clearly her so fucking wonderful curves, her legs were covered by black stockings, and on her feet black high heels. The brunette turned to face me, letting me notice her flashy and delicious cleavage. Her hair was tied in a well made bun.

- Good Morning, Miss Albuquerque. 

The damn woman let out every word in a dragged way. Making my whole body shiver. My desire to repeat our episode on the elevator was eating me up inside. 

- Miss Campos. Did you do a good trip from there to here, girls? 

Luiza arched an eyebrow. 

- Great, the car is very good, ma'am. - Miss Brooke spoke politely.

- Divine you mean, right? I'm even thinking about letting my car be towed for good. I will never want to enter that old can again, after having Lulu's luxurious car. - Dinah said laughing. 

- Dinah... - Luiza nudged her, which made me smile. 

I slid my hand lightly on Luiza's spine, which made her stand upright.

- Shall we go? - I said as soon as the beep sounded, making the doors open. 

I wouldn't fall into Luiza's teasing, she wanted with all her strength to make me beg for her. But my pride was much stronger than that. 

-----

It wasn't being easy, I admit. Resisting Karla Luiza was a fire proof by which I wasn't prepared to go through. The damn woman decided to test my limits during the two days since the strike announcement, without the slightest shame. But I wouldn't give up. We were now in my office, I along the financial sector of the company in an important meeting in which I couldn't concentrate. Because Luiza was in the back, sitting on the couch making some notes in a distracted way, she looked beautiful as always. Today she was wearing a silk blouse, a tight black skirt that perfectly modeled itself on her hips. She was with a fully upright posture, and with her legs crossed. Giving me a full view that in that morning Luiza was wearing a black garter belt. Fuck, why the hell did she have to be wearing that? I tapped my fingers on the tea cup on my desk, letting the two men speak. Time or another I nodded pretending to be listening everything, when actually I was lost in the Latina in front of me.

Now I understood the reason why my dad always said "Don't mix work with personal relationships". This is the result. 

Luiza adjusted her small glasses on her face, putting a small strand of hair that insisted on falling over her face behind her ear. She wrote down the most important issues that we were discussing, so I didn't mind if I wasn't listening to what those boring man were saying. I heard one of them clearing his throat, snapping me out of my reveries.

- Miss Albuquerque? - The youngest called.

I stared at him and he was staring at me.

- So, did you like this new method? - He asked.

I blinked a few times, glancing at Luiza who stared at me with a smile.

- I will think about it, ok? Analyze everything, and then I'll call you. Now if you'll excuse me. 

The men looked at each other and nodded, to then get up and leave my office. I shook my head, taking a sip of iced tea. Luiza stood up from where she was with a wide smile, she knew that she was the reason why I was like this.

- You've been too distracted, Miss Albuquerque. - She said closing her notebook and walking towards me.

The brunette circled my chair, and sat on my desk, right next to me. My eyes automatically fell to her feet that now were supported on the furniture that was behind me. Leaving clearly her legs exposed with the garter belt. 

- How not to be? Why the hell are you wearing this, Miss Campos? - I exclaimed resting my hand on her thigh.

- You didn't like it? I bought it for you.

Luiza spoke feigning innocence, as she crossed her legs again, and stared at me.

- Luiza... Luiza... 

- You need to see the rest of the lingerie, it's beautiful. - She whispered teasingly and then stood up.

In a snap I stood up after her and glued my body on hers, making the brunette support herself on the shelf in front of her. Luiza let out a sigh and smiled cynically.

- I can see it now if you want. - I whispered in her ear, biting her earlobe.

I could see Luiza's body hair stand on end, my hands ran quickly to the hem of her skirt where I quickly lifted, making Luiza sigh. 

- You are crazy... 

- You are driving me crazy, Miss Campos. - I slid my lips on her neck, while my hands pressed her body against mine - Completely crazy.

- Oh God, Valentina... Someone might see us! - Her nervous voice tone only gave me even more desire to possess her. 

The strike that Luiza imposed on me was driving me crazy. I wouldn't be able to handle it for much longer. I backed away a little bit from her body and gave a quick look, and fucking hell. The lingerie was tiny, it didn't cover absolutely anything. She was destined to torture me.

- Are you afraid? No one told you to tease me so much, Karla. 

I whispered slowly, letting my hands that were on her thighs go up to her hips, until going down again, but now towards her center. Luiza was nervous, the fear of being caught was making her aroused. I slid my slender fingers on the thin fabric that covered her center, making her sigh deeply. 

- Afraid? I'm not afraid, Valentina. 

The brunette said sensually, turning around to face me.

- But you won't have anything until you accept my conditions. - She said trying to get out of my arms.

I held her tightly, pinning her body with mine tightly.

- When this strike ends, Campos, be prepared, I will compensate all this time.

She slid her tongue over her lips, and when I took impulse to kiss her my phone rang stridently. And Luiza took advantage and got out of my arms. I only smiled when she escaped. 

- Be prepared, Miss Campos. - I said softly to myself. 

I grabbed my phone that was vibrating tirelessly on the desk, and answered it:

- Valentina Albuquerque. - I spoke. 

- Valen?!

- Sofi? - I asked confused, making Luiza stop in the middle of the way. 

- Hi, Valen, is Kaki there? 

I smiled on the phone. 

- Yes, little one, did something happen? 

Luiza frowned and approached quickly.

- What happened? - The brunette asked nervously. 

I made a sign for her to be quiet.

- Nothing happened, I'm just at my aunt Madalena's house and I didn't want to be here alone, it's pretty boring. 

- And where is your mother?

- She went after my dad to some town. But I don't remember which. Valen, can you pick me up? 

I thought for a few instants. 

- Of course, I will. Don't worry. Talk to you later, little one. - I said ending the call.

- Valentina, tell me what's happening! Sofi? - Luiza exclaimed in agony.

- Can you relax? Sofi is great. 

- How come she called you? How did she get your number?

I got up from the chair and pulled Luiza slowly by her hand, until she was close to me. When it came to Sofi, Luiza was very careful. 

- Baby, look at me. 

The brunette stared at me somewhat agonized.

- Sofia is great, she called me to ask me to pick her up. She said that it's very boring where she is.

Luiza squinted her eyes, and I smiled. 

- What?! I can't believe that girl called you to ask you a nonsense like this... 

- Lu, I told her that she could call me anytime she wanted. And she promptly did it. 

- I'll have to talk to her, she can't do that. 

I pulled her body closer to mine, wrapping her waist with my arms. 

- Leave her alone, Lu, we will pick her up today during the afternoon. 

- What? - She asked surprised. 

- Exactly what you heard, reschedule our commitments. According to Sofi, aunt Madalena is not cool. 

- Where is Sinu?

- She said that she went after your father. 

Luiza sighed harshly. And shook her head. 

- Relax, okay? Everything is alright.

- No it's not, Valentina, my mother can't drop Sofi in someone else's house like that to go look for that piece of trash. 

- Isn't she in an aunt's house?

- Yes, but Madalena isn't even that close to the family.

- We'll pick her up today. Relax. 

- If you want, and let me of course, I'll go alone and leave her with Normani to come back to work.

I smiled, and deposited a little kiss on Luiza's lips.

- Look, Sofi called me. So Miss Campos, you are only a guest in our day.

The brunette opened her mouth, pretending to be offended.

- So that's it? A plot? 

- Yes, do you accept hanging out with us? 

Luiza smiled and kissed me. 

- Of course I accept.

I pulled her even closer if it was even possible, in a slow and lingering kiss. I don't know for how long we stayed in that affection, but we only backed away when we heard the door being opened. 

- Wow, canoodling here in the company? - Vero said laughing. 

I let go of Luiza slowly, laughing at Vero that stared at us with a mischievous expression. The brunette beside me blushed violently as she straightened her blouse. 

- Vero..

- Am I lying? I come here to solve important business, and I find the president kissing an employee.

- Is that envy? - Luiza asked playfully.

- Obvious, I'm in an endless drought. - Veronica huffed angrily. 

- Valentina as well, enjoy. - Luiza said leaving the office. 

- You are in an endless drought? 

- Sex strike, do you believe this? 

- Worst thing in life, do you want to drink the pain away? 

- Yes. - I said laughing.

- Great, Whiskey will do. Meanwhile see this folder, I found everything that you asked. We can start the process and soon you'll have what you want.

- Soon? - I asked taking the papers out of the folder. 

- Soon, with plenty of money of course. But you'll have as you asked. 

  -Money is not a problem, Iglesias. 

- Of that I know very well, boss. - Vero said raising her glass. 

Luiza's POV

I even got curious, after leaving Valentina's office, she and Vero took care of business that I didn't even know about. I asked if they wanted something but she denied and even told me that she needed to be alone with her best friend. Okay, that had bothered me more than it should, not that I was jealous, but I was always on top of every business that was dealt in that office, minus this one. I stayed in my desk, taking care of solving all my duties when she left her office.

- Let's go, Lu? 

- Where? 

- What do you mean "where"? To pick up Sofi.

In a snap I remembered that Valentina had promised to pick up Sofia, I didn't know that my sister called my girlfriend, I didn't even approve of it. After all Valentina was a very busy woman, and closed to others. And her attitude of dropping everything to go out together left me quite surprised. 

- Valentina, are you sure? 

She looked at the screen of her phone, and then looked at me. 

- Of course, I already programmed what we'll do. 

I looked at her surprised. 

- Really? 

- Yes, so let's go. We'll take your car. 

- Yours, right? - I said grabbing my bag. 

- Okay, let's pretend it's mine. 

-----

I talked with Madalena that told me that Sinu had left to go look for Alejandro, he didn't show up in 2 weeks. Not that I cared about it of course, it's been a long time that both that claimed to be my parents didn't cause me any kind of feeling, the only person that truly mattered was now inside the car with Valentina. 

- I'll bring her tomorrow morning. Since Sinu won't return so soon. 

- It's okay, Sinu said that she would return tomorrow night. It's better if the girl stays with you, she's not used to me, and she stays somewhat misplaced. 

- I imagine, she should be with her mother.

- We know that first of all Sinu cherishes her marriage. - The woman spoke calmly.

- Which surely she's doing wrong. But anyways, I don't care to know about her and even less about him. 

Madalena touched my arms in a calm caress. 

- You shouldn't hate your mother, Karla. 

- I don't hate her, I just don't care about what she does with her life. 

- Still, she continues being your mother. 

- She stopped being my mother when I needed her the most and she wasn't by my side. 

The woman didn't say anything else as soon as I finished the sentence, she knew about everything. But she never said anything about what happened. 

- Are you having something with that lady over there? - She asked pointing to Valentina who played with Sofi. 

- Nothing that's any of your business, aunt, I'll come back tomorrow. Good Afternoon.

I walked in slow steps to the car, hearing the loud noise of the music. I narrowed my eyes seeing Sofi dancing in the backseat and Valentina laughing amusedly. It was nice to see the two most important people to me having fun and getting along so well. Valentina looked much more relaxed, before picking up Sofi we changed clothes, now she was wearing a pair of light jeans with a print shirt and a leather jacket. Her hair was wavy and on her face her Ray-Ban glasses. I loved the fact that she had this bad girl posture when she wasn't being the all powerful woman. This style looked good on her. 

- Can I know what mess is this? - I exclaimed entering the car. 

- Ihhh! Sofi, let's turn the music down, Lu will fight for order in her car. 

- Kaki, this car is yours?! - The little one almost shouted. I casted a furious look at Valentina who smiled. 

- Yes, Sofi, it's mine. 

- Wow, you said that you would have a nice car, but you didn't tell me that would be so beautiful.

- Hmmmm, so you finally accepted the car? - Valentina asked arching an eyebrow.

- Shut up, Valentina. I didn't even know, Sofi, I didn't even know.

- But now you know, right? So let's go, I know an amazing place where we'll do a great picnic.

- Really? I love picnics, but I don't even remember the last time I did one. - Sofi said calmly. 

- It must be because you never did one, Sofi! 

We let out an amused laugh. 

- My mom never wanted to do one with us, right Kaki? 

I sighed and nodded. 

- Well, we will change that today, we are going to do a picnic! - Valentina spoke excitedly. 

*(Play song)* 

https://youtu.be/4rg6puSP9ks

And we really did, we had the whole afternoon ahead. And Valentina took us to one of the most beautiful parks in Miami, our picnic was wonderful. With right to a white and red checkered cloth, and all the goodies that we liked. It was obvious that Valentina had sent someone to buy all of that, but it made me happy to know that she cared about giving us the best time possible. We had already walked through the huge green extension of the park, stopping to buy cotton candy and balloons for Sofi, and we even fed the ducks that swam in the central lake. Now I was sitting while I watched both of them making soap bubbles, there were so many bubbles that a caramel-colored Labrador started to jump to "eat" most of the bubbles. I let out a fun laugh when Valentina released several and Sofi fell in a laugh when the dog jumped trying to catch them. The owner embarrassed pulled him by the leash, but Valentina made a sign that it was okay. She handed the object that made the small soap bubbles to Sofi and approached me. 

- Sofi, leave the dog alone.

I spoke seeing my sister petting the huge Labrador in front of her. The dog wagged his tail cheerfully while his owner held him by the leash.

- Leave her alone, Lu, she's having fun. - Valentina said sitting next to me.

We were sitting near the lake, Valentina slowly leaned against the tree that gave us a good shadow, not that it was hot, but the weather was good there.

- I'm afraid of him biting her. 

Valentina smiled and pulled me, making me join my body to hers.

- Relax, ok? We are here to forget about all the problems. And the dog seems to be very well trained. 

I sighed defeated, seeing Sofi speak to the poor animal that didn't understand absolutely anything. I laughed, and so did Valentina.

- She seems to like him. - I heard her whisper. 

- She likes you a lot. 

Valentina smiled widely, depositing a kiss on my cheek. 

- I like her too, Lu, and I like to see you happy like this. 

I stared at Valentina that kept her eyes attentive on me. Her iris was in a light green, with a different brightness. 

- You'll be a good mother. - I said smiling. 

Valentina squinted her eyes, and diverted her gaze. 

- You think?

- Of course, you get along so well with Sofi, it seems that you two know each other for years. 

- The Campos's have something that makes me love them very fast. - She said slowly squeezing me in her arms. 

- Is that right?

Valentina nodded. 

- You know that a certain Albuquerque has the same effects?

Valentina smiled and sealed her lips on mine.

- But I think that you spoil her too much! - I spoke disconnecting my lips from hers, while I touched with my index finger on the tip of her nose.

- Maybe, but there's no harm.

- No, of course not, imagine! You will spoil your son a lot. - I spoke getting out of her arms, facing her. 

- When we have a son, I can even imagine, you know? 

I smiled, sitting on my legs.

- You can?

- Of course, Lu, oddly enough, you'll be the grumpy and bossy mom, and I'll be the cool mom.

I opened my mouth, pretending to be offended.

- Of course not! He'll like you better like this! 

- He'll love us the same, baby. 

- He won't, if you do everything he wants, he'll like you more. 

I crossed my arms and pouted. 

- No he won't, stop pouting. He'll love us equally, even if I do everything he wants. 

- I'll leave you on sex strike if you make our son spoiled. - I threatened. 

Now it was Valentina's turn to be surprised. 

- You wouldn't... 

- I would, you know that very well. - I said getting up - You better not play the smartass. 

- Me? Baby, come on, I won't interfere in any of your orders! Whatever you say goes! -Valentina stood up and pulled me by the waist.

I let out a loud laugh, and wrapped my arms around her neck. 

- Great! I like to be obeyed, Albuquerque. 

- Yes, Miss Campos Estrabao. - Valentina feigned continence. 

- I love you so much, you know that? - I spoke intensely. 

- I love you too, my Lu, I love you so much. 

She smiled and stared deep into my eyes. To then slowly inch closer and unite her lips on mine in a kiss loaded with love. I swear that that could make me weak, she had such a big power over me. At each day I found myself even more in love with that woman. Little by little, Valentina showed a little piece of her interior, and of how she could be wonderful. Of how we could make everything work out, we only had to want. And I wanted, I wanted because being with Valentina was being the best time of all my life. In a little time I felt loved, cared and desired. Even with all the problems and with the whole world against us, in the end she always made me feel that everything would work out. And she was right, if you strive and fight for your goals, there is nothing that can bring you down, nothing will prevent you from getting to where you want to go. Believe me, being with someone you love, in moments like these is an inexplicable feeling. It doesn't matter who it is, girlfriend, boyfriend, friends or even your parents. Feel every wonderful moment as if it were the last of your life. Mark them with the point of your happiness, and even with all the torment that life imposes on us, remember:

In the end everything will work out. 

- Kaki! - Sofi shouted approaching. 

I got out of Valentina's arms, and stared at the little one that was guiding the dog. 

- Sofi, what are you doing with this dog? 

 Valentina laughed. 

- Trevor said that I could walk with him! Isn't he beautiful, Kaki? I want one! 

Sofi said kneeling beside the dog, making a caress on his head and he licked her nose. 

- No, no, no, don't even think about it.

- Valentina, can you give me a dog?! 

- Sofia Campos! 

- Of course, Sofi, we can schedule a day and we'll buy a puppy. 

- No, no. Valentina! 

Valentina and Sofi stared at me as if to say "pretty please". 

- You can't go home with a dog, Sofi. - I spoke calmly. 

The little one made a sad face, and stared at Valentina who scratched her neck thoughtfully. 

- We can buy one and leave it in my apartment. 

In the same instant that Valentina spoke, Sofi widened her eyes excitedly. 

- Valentina... 

- I love dogs! You can totally do that. 

- I swear that if Kaki leaves you one day, I'll fight her. - Sofi spoke seriously, making us laugh. 

- You will, huh? Did you forget that I'm the older sister, young lady? 

- It doesn't matter, I think that you and Valentina make an amazing couple. 

- You know that I also think that, Sofi, too bad that your sister is somewhat grumpy. She will complain about our dog. 

- Oh I will, the dog will destroy everything. 

- He will be good just like giant over here. Right, buddy? 

The dog just snorted and stared at us. 

- I think the owner wants him back, better give him back. 

Sofi looked at the boy who was staring at us from afar. 

- Say bye to them, giant. - Sofi said grabbing the dog's paw moving it in a wave. 

- Bye bye, giant. 

I spoke before Sofi left with the dog to deliver it to Trevor. 

- Lu? 

- Yes? - I asked turning towards Valentina. 

Valentina inched closer, and held me by the waist again. 

- What do you think of the idea of us living together after you get Sofi's custody? 

I squinted my eyes. 

- Are you serious? 

Valentina smiled and nodded. 

- I like being with you, I feel good, I feel happy, you know? 

Oh God, could she be more perfect? 

- That sounds incredible, Valentina! 

- We can start thinking about that! 

- Yes we can, of course we can. 

Valentina opened a wide smile and hugged me tight. 

- Everything will work out for us, Lu. 

- I know it will. - I said kissing her lips again. 

Valentina was everything that I needed to be happy again, and I had her. 

-----