Chased By The Bad Boy

Chapter 2: Brasil, Here We Come

Today was going to be a great day. I barely slept a wink last night as I kept tossing and turning on my bed from the sheer excitement. 

Sophomore year was only a month away as I had been filled with summer classes, but Theo managed to surprise me with one last hurrah - a vacation to the country I’ve been dying to go to for forever! And to top it all off, he invited our two other friends I hadn’t seen in years. 

Pushing myself off of bed, I did a few jumping jacks to get my body up and running, the heat from the quick exercise pumped blood through my veins as I felt the adrenaline rush coursing through me. 

Although I was forced to do this by my parents, it had somehow become a habit as well and I eventually began to enjoy doing it every morning. There was something about having the diligence and drive to be so active as soon as you wake up and it always pushed me to do my very best knowing very well who I was before, or at least what I looked like. 

Years had passed since I was that chubby high school girl who was often bullied, but during that time I also realized that there was nothing wrong with me back then. It was an even more amazing thing that my boyfriend had actually been harboring feelings for me even when I thought no one could love me for who I was. He helped me truly love myself, flaws and all, but amidst that, he also pushed me to become a version I liked being. 

It was true that somewhere in this world, no matter what you look like or whether or not you liked yourself, someone out there liked you for who you are. 

“Honey, are you up?” I heard my mom on the other side of the door just as I finished my last jumps. 

Panting a little, I tried to catch my breath before answering back. “I am, mom! Just finished my exercise.” I told her and I could almost see the wide smile on her face just by hearing her voice. 

“That’s my girl. Breakfast at the table when you’re done getting ready.” She said happily before walking away.

I walked to the bathroom, taking my clothes off and couldn’t help looking at myself in the mirror. A lot has definitely changed. When I thought I couldn’t grow or say, look more mature compared to my high school self, I was absolutely wrong. 

In the effort of embracing a new college look, I decided that changing the basic brown hairstyle I’ve had since I was born would be a good idea. I still remember the look of shock and amusement on Theo’s face when he picked me up, brown hair completely gone and was replaced by a caramel shade with blonde highlights. It honestly looked like someone had poured straight up caramel on my hair which was not a bad thing at all remembering how much Theo couldn’t keep his hands away from my hair… and well, me. 

I blushed ever so slightly at the thought of my boyfriend and that irresistible face and smile of his that could almost get me to do whatever he wanted. Almost. 

After everything that has happened between the two of us since we got together in junior year in high school, we both couldn’t keep our hands off each other but at the same time we had never really gone all the way. 

I bit my lip nervously and got a little excited at the thought of finally being able to get close to Theo in that way and what better place to experience that but in the sunny sandy beaches of Rio de Janeiro - the place my mom lived at a long time ago. 

“Luna, are you sure you have everything you need? Enough clothes for two weeks, bras, panties, bikinis, your toiletries, sunblock, protection, lingerie-”

“Mom!” I said shocked as I looked at her in horror. Did she just say protection and lingerie?! 

“What? I wasn’t born yesterday, sweetie. Rio is a place full of surprises.” She wiggled her eyebrows at me and I almost drowned in embarrassment and when I thought I was going to be saved by my dad as he appeared next to her, I thought wrong. 

“Your mother’s right. We had some pretty good memories there. Didn’t we, my little coxinha?” He smirked at her and the two began to look at each other all flirtatiously. 

“Oh my gosh! Get a room!” I said, faking my disgust as I turned around and began to pull my luggage away from them. 

Amidst the intense TMI from my parents, I still loved them to bits and their relationship was undoubtedly one of my favorites. I mean, the two are so in love they didn’t have a problem with being so touchy in front of their kid. I probably wouldn’t traumatize my own kids in the future like that, but I’m just not so sure about-

Ding dong. 

Oh, speak of the devil… a very handsome one. 

“Theo!” My mom said in a very elated tone as if she was his girlfriend. Honestly, sometimes I think she’s come to love him more than me. 

“Mrs. Valentine, a lovely good morning.” He greeted her with that debonair smile of his, making me blush even if it wasn’t even directed towards me.

“How many times do I have to tell you that you can just call me Lucy?” My mom replied, acting all dejected until Theo raised up his hand holding a box of her favorite croissants. 

“Sorry, Lucy. Can this make up for it?” He said clearly sucking up to her. 

My mom gave him a suspicious look for a few seconds before of course giving in, taking the box out of his hands. “You’re a doll, Theo. Take care of our baby girl.” She said already giving me away before I could even say goodbye, and to think she was just telling me how much she was going to miss me literally minutes ago. 

I forget everything the second Theo walked up to me, instantly taking my hand with his and even if we had been together for approximately four years - I say approximately because we went through so many things that almost tore us apart, I would never not have butterflies in my stomach every time I got into contact with him. 

“How’s my favorite girl in the entire universe?” He asked as he smiled at me widely and I was already melting on the floor at how his gray eyes looked at me so softly. 

“I’m your only girl.” I corrected him. “But I’m great, now that you’re here. Thank you for asking.” I finished my sentence with a smile before tiptoeing to give him a quick kiss on the cheek. 

He let out a soft chuckle, his cheeks blushing a little as he shook his head pretending to be unamused at me correcting him, but it was obvious he actually found it cute. I loved the way I knew that my boyfriend loved me as much as I loved him… almost. Although Theo wouldn’t admit that. We often fought over who loved one another the most. 

“All ready for the trip of a lifetime?” He asked as he tightened his grip on my hand and shot me that trademark smirk of his. 

“You have no idea.” I replied without hesitation. 

“And remember kids, safety is better than-” 

“Oh my goodness gracious, go go go!” I hurriedly ordered Theo as I began to push him away from our front porch with my luggage in tow, hoping that we could escape my mom from further embarrassing me. 

My parents chuckled as I shook my head at them. “We love you! Please take care and have lots of fun!” 

I rolled my eyes as I let out a scoff, but gave them a reassuring smile right after. As humiliating as they are sometimes, I knew it was all in good fun. “Love you, too. See you in two weeks!” I waved goodbye and in a few seconds, I was in Theo’s car and driving away. 

I made myself comfortable, putting the seatbelt on, and taking in his black car I had gotten used to as well in all the years. We’ve truly had so many memories together that it was impossible not to remember it with all the things around us. 

“Are we picking up Aiden and Alexa?” I asked Theo as I pulled down the visor mirror to check if I still looked okay.

“Nah, those two lovebirds said they would just meet us at the airport.” He replied before stopping the car on the stoplight and taking me by surprise as he turned to me. 

“Also, you are perfect just the way you are.” Theo said so casually as he placed his hand on my thigh and it felt like all the air in my lungs had been sucked out immediately. 

He moved closer to me, his face barely an inch apart from mine and my heart began to beat so fast. Countless kisses exchanged between the two of us, but each and every time it made my heart skip a beat. 

“And I love…” He placed his hand on my face and began to gently caress it while leaning closer to me. 

“Every bit…” I could feel his warm breath on my skin and my grip on my shorts tightened as I began to feel nervous. 

“Of you.” Our lips collided and in an instant, I forget everything as all my thoughts are replaced with the feeling of his soft lips on mine, that irresistible sweet taste of milk and honey, and that completely alluring scent of rosewood and lavender already transporting me to a paradise just as the feeling of his lips on mine did. 

He gave another light kiss on my lips before pulling away and a smile formed on both our faces as we looked at each other, cheeks slightly blushing. 

“I love you, Valentine. I’m so excited for this trip with you.” He said, his voice soft and calming like the sound of rain hitting the roof on a cozy Sunday evening. 

I will never in a million years be able to grasp just how in the world I ended up with this boy in front of me right now. He was a boy that was once just a stranger to me, the bad boy that was known to break hearts and noses without any remorse for them. And yet, he took my heart and handled it with complete and utter care taking even all the people around him by surprise. 

“I love you more, Donovan.” I gave him a teasing smile knowing how much he disliked me claiming that I loved him more than he did me. 

“Hey! What did I sa-”

“Green light!” I shouted as I pointed ahead of us in order to distract Theo and he playfully rolled his eyes at me before letting the topic go. 

-

“Is that my very bestest friend in the whole wide world, Luna Valentine?!” I saw Alexa running towards me, the exact summer dress I was wearing aside the color all flowy behind her and in a second we embraced each other tightly in the middle of the airport. 

“You look freaking amazing!” She squealed as she held me on my shoulders and turned me around and around making me slightly dizzy. 

“You’re blonde-ish!” Alexa couldn’t stop touching my hair as if she didn’t have her own.

“And you’re strawberry blonde!” We chuckled together before hugging each other once again.

The two of us walked side by side to our waiting area as we continued to talk about anything and everything since we parted after the end of summer which was when she moved to New York. It was crazy how so many things have changed and even crazier that my best friend ended up with my ex crush, Aiden Harries. 

It was no surprise that Aiden got accepted for his scholarship in New York University, but it was a surprise when Alexa ended up in the same school with the same course, Premedical and Pre Health. 

Back then Alexa only often annoyed Aiden about his dad’s medical adventures. Who knew that the two would one day end up being in a relationship? Was it just a coincidence or fate at play?

“Two cheesy hotdogs for my girl.” Aiden popped up at the side, passing two hotdog sticks to Alexa before giving her a quick kiss on the cheek.

I smiled the moment I saw Aiden and realized that not much had changed with him at all. He still had that same soft caramel brown hair and ocean blue eyes I knew all too well. Although he was my first and only childhood crush for years, my heart no longer beat for him in that way, but he was still special to me. 

And as crazy as it seems that my best friend and my boyfriend’s best friend ended up together, I was still happy for them just as they were with one another - whether it was by coincidence or fate that they came to be. 

“Luna Valentine in the flesh.” Aiden smiled at me while Alexa sat down, happily munching on her hotdogs instantly. 

I lightly chuckled as I took in the boy in front of me. After almost two years of not seeing each other, we were finally in the same place once again. 

“Hello to you too, Aiden Harries, the best friend stealer.” I teased and he gasped pretentiously trying to act as if he was offended by my remark.

“To be fair, it was your best friend that made a move on me first.” He corrected in which Alexa paused eating to retaliate. 

“Hey! Not true! Wait… okay, maybe slightly true.” She realized her disadvantage and just shrugged her shoulders before going back to her food.

Aiden and I both chuckled and shook our heads. 

“So, how’s everything? UCLA good? How are your parents? Theo still nagging you constantly?” Aiden began to ask me questions as if I was suddenly put on an interview chair. 

“Whoa, whoa.” I replied, putting my hands up in front of him. “You act like we don’t talk online putting me on the spot here.” I said with a soft laugh as Aiden rubbed his neck sheepishly. 

“Sorry, you know I kind of get ahead with things.” He confessed. “You look… great, by the way. I like the uh- the new hair.” He commented with a smile as his eyes looked at me endearingly. 

“Obrigada, mano.” I replied with my best Brazilian knowledge and Aiden looked at me as if I just told him the secret to the krabby patty formula.

“It means ‘thank you bro’ in Portuguese. Did you not study like I told you to do so?!” I asked him slightly offended since I sent both him and Alexa things to learn. 

“Oh, that’s for you and Theo to worry about. Alexa and I will just follow. We trust you both wholeheartedly. Right, babe?” Aiden turned to Alexa who replied with a thumbs up, still busy enjoying her food. Exactly how long does one take eating a hotdog? 

I shook my head unamused at him, crossing my arms on my chest while c*****g an eyebrow. “Good luck ordering food when Theo and I go off on our own.” I teased and just before Aiden was about to respond, Theo appeared with our tickets. 

“Alright, ladies and gents. Thank your boy for getting the first class tickets.” He said proudly as he flaunted it in front of us, flapping it like it was a wad of money.

I scoffed at him jokingly. Although he was silly, I couldn’t deny how handsome he looked right now after changing into his ‘summer outfit’ which was composed of a tight fit white polo and dark gray shorts with white sneakers. The baseball cap and shades added to the mysterious look which is probably why I encountered some girls earlier thinking he was a celebrity. 

Which was slightly true since he was still a Donovan and with their company still at their highest, the Donovan family was no newbie when it came to fame. 

“Flight 809 to Rio de Janeiro boarding now.” The woman on the speakers said and we all looked at each other, eyes widened in excitement and a hint of mischief as well thinking about all the endless possibilities that could happen on our vacation in a place we weren’t entirely familiar with.

“Last one gets the middle seat!” Theo proclaimed and we all hurriedly tried to outrun each other as no one wanted to be that one person stuck in the middle for fifteen hours or more especially when you needed to pee. 

We got settled on our first class seats and as I looked around, I couldn’t help but smile at the fact that after all these years, the original gang was finally back together and going out of the country for our first trip. 

Brasil, here we come! 

-

“Holy moly guacamole.” I said out loud as we stepped out of the plane and immediately felt the different atmosphere of the country. 

I hadn’t really been able to go out of the country since high school so being here, especially in a place that was special to my mom, was definitely something else.

The sun was high up, the air much more fresh, and you could almost smell the scent of the ocean from where you stood.

I was interrupted in my admiration when I heard the sound of a camera clicking, hurriedly turning around to see where it came from and I saw Theo with a camera in his hand, smiling as he took more pictures. 

“When and why did you get a camera?” I asked as I walked over to him curious. Theo never seemed to be the camera kind of guy. He barely even used his phone, only when I would text or call. 

He gave me an amused smile before showing me the photo he just took and I gasped at how cool it actually looked with my back turned and the clouds were in full view. 

“Just for this trip so I can take high quality pictures of my high quality girlfriend.” He said before giving me a quick kiss on the forehead and I couldn’t help but blush at his words and action. Man, my boyfriend undeniably knew how to make me all giggly. 

“Oooh, a camera! Take our shot, i********: boyfriend!” Alexa oohed in amusement before pulling me to pose and we couldn’t help but laugh while posing like the tourists that we were. 

Some of the people that were on the plane with us passed by, curious eyes ogling as well, but as long as we weren’t entirely bothering anyone, we didn’t care. Nothing or no one was going to ruin this trip for us. 

As we were in our twentieth picture and even Aiden was facepalming us, Alexa and I almost had a heart attack when two people dressed very summery in a floral shirt and dress appeared in front of us. 

“Ola! Welcome to Rio de Janeiro!” They greeted excitedly before placing flower crowns on mine and Alexa’s heads and flower necklaces on the boys, which elicited a teasing laugh from Alexa and I.

“This is so cool.” Alexa whispered to me as we both giggled in delight. 

“Mr. Theo Donovan? The car is waiting for you and your friends.” The woman approached Theo and our brows furrowed in confusion. 

“Car? What car?” I asked and at that exact moment, a huge white camper van that looked straight out of a tourist magazine appeared and we all looked at each other stunned. 

When Theo offered to plan the whole trip, we had expected for him to just book a decent place and whatnot, but to book a fancy-looking transportation as well that came with these two lovely and kind people? I think my man went all out and I was not complaining at all.  

“Obrigado.” Theo answered to the woman with a smile in which Aiden was surprised and I knew at that moment he wished he studied the lessons I sent to him. 

None of us, mostly Alexa and I, could keep our excitement at bay as we passed by the wide roads of Rio and all the tall trees and even the beaches by the road as we drove to the hotel. My mom did say that a lot of things might have changed since the last time she was here, but if there was one thing she knew would still be the same it would be the beauty of the water of Rio. She was most definitely correct. 

“Eek, I’m so excited to swim!” Alexa squealed as she inched closer to me. “Did you bring your bikinis?” She teased, whispering slightly as she looked at me mischievously. 

“More like my mom forced me to.” I responded with an eye roll in which Alexa laughed at. 

“Oh don’t deny it, L. Your mom isn’t the only one who knows what’s going to go down… or should I say up.” She winked at me and my cheeks blushed embarrassingly at her comment. 

“A!” I said, slightly slapping her leg as revenge but she continued to tease me nonetheless.

Our little back and forth teasing went on until the car stopped and our mouths hung open at the sight in front of us - the five star Copacabana Palace. 

I turned to Theo who was seated behind us. “Is this what I think it is?!” 

He nodded proudly. “Only the best for my girl… and well, friends.” He added and I pushed myself off of my seat in order to hug his neck. 

“Okay lovebirds, you can do that in your room.” Aiden commented exactly as how Alexa would and I internally laughed at how the two have gotten each other’s mannerism already.

The outside of the palace blew our minds, but the second we stepped in, we were transported to actual paradise. 

“Caipirinhas, anyone?” A man in a white suit approached us with a tray of the delicious-looking national cocktail of Brasil made with cachaça (vodka), sugar, and lime. 

“Don’t mind if I do.” Theo immediately took two of the drinks and passed the other one to me. 

“It’s not even happy hour yet.” Aiden commented and both Theo and I turned to him and somehow ended up saying the same thing at the same time. 

“It’s 5 o’clock somewhere.” We chuckled before hitting our glasses together, cheeky smiles and all.

This was definitely going to be the best summer ever.