Patrícia Aguiar, a fearless Brazilian police officer serving in the Federal Police, finds herself on a dangerous mission: to capture one of the most feared white-collar mafiosos ever seen in Brazil. Accepting the challenge with determination, she never imagined that the target of her investigation would also be the mysterious man with whom she shared nights of overwhelming passion months ago. Now, discovering that she slept with a wanted criminal leaves her in an emotional dilemma. With every encounter, instead of arresting him, Patrícia finds herself ensnared by his magnetic seduction, struggling against the desire that consumes her. The risk of ruining her career has never felt so palpable, but her heart seems to have plans of its own. Behind the facade of a respectable CEO of an international transport company, Alonso Carrielle hides a criminal empire responsible for the largest distribution of drugs and arms from Italy to Brazil and vice versa. Known for his coldness and irresistible charm, he never imagined that the woman who took his breath away months ago would now be his greatest threat. As the two confront each other in a game of cat and mouse, the tension between them intensifies. While Patrícia tries to capture him, Alonso finds himself increasingly attracted to her, challenging his own nature. But with his subordinates receiving orders to eliminate anyone who threatens his empire-except for the police officer who drives him mad-the battle between love and duty promises devastating consequences. Prepare for a story of passion, betrayal, and impossible choices, where the heart and the law collide in a fiery and dangerous dance.
Chapter 1 The Arrival
A few months ago...
The night was about to begin, and the air was filled with anticipation. Through my bedroom window, the city lights flickered like stars, but inside me, there was a storm of anxiety. Hélio kept pressuring me, and I was already fifteen minutes late.
"Patrícia, does it have to take this long to get ready? I've been out here for 15 minutes!" His voice echoed on my speakerphone, almost unbearable.
"If you stopped pestering me, I'd be done by now! Enjoy my sister's company and shut up, damn it!" I replied, trying to keep my patience.
He sighed, and I could imagine his frustrated expression. "I don't know why we have to go to this party. That ghost wouldn't be so stupid to be at something with so many politicians and cops present," he grumbled.
"Dear, nobody knows who he is, so it's no problem for him to move around as he pleases. And from what we know, he has so much money that his accomplices hand out hundred-dollar bills at parties when they close a big deal. Imagine how many of those corrupt people there are in cahoots with him, enjoying the money he can give?" The indignation in my voice was evident.
"Yeah, I know, but hurry up, I'm itching all over in this suit..." He complained, and I couldn't help but laugh.
"I'd pay to see this, you in a suit, Hélio!" I laughed louder, and he started cursing. I hung up the phone and finished my makeup.
I looked in the mirror and smiled. I looked gorgeous, if I do say so myself. The tight red dress and light makeup made me feel more feminine than usual. It was a good and strange feeling at the same time. I grabbed my purse, put my Glock inside, and went downstairs.
In the living room, I found Hélio talking to my parents and my sister. He looked sexy in his suit, and I thought about complimenting him, but before I could, he started flirting, making me roll my eyes.
"Wow, it was worth the wait! You look stunning. My stunning," the way he said it made my stomach twist.
I made a face and stuck my tongue out at him, which drew laughs and criticism from my parents. "Pat, he's just complimenting you, and you do that to the boy?" my mother scolded.
"Mom, stop! He'll never be what you think for me. Hélio and I are like siblings," I replied, trying to make it clear that our relationship was platonic.
"Only because she wants it that way, Mrs. Sílvia, because for me..." Hélio added with a mischievous smile, while I noticed the jealous look on my sister's face. It amused me a little; it was clear she had a crush on him.
"Let's go, clown, we're already late. This party is also work," I said, pulling him by the hand.
As we left, a red sports car was waiting for us, as if sent by a guardian angel.
"Love it! Whose brilliant idea was it to send this car for us to go to the party?" I asked, running my fingers delicately over the glossy hood.
"Juliano, my brother. He's the judge's security and told me we had to arrive in style. Otherwise, we wouldn't even get past the gate," Hélio explained, looking at me with a sparkle in his eyes.
"I love the car! I hope we can have fun besides working. At least at this party, we don't have to babysit politicians." My optimism was contagious.
"I hope so too, my lovely. Today, our job is just to observe and, if anything unusual happens, protect the judge. Since the ghost case hasn't been assigned to us yet, our duty is just to report any suspicions," Hélio replied, starting the car.
The drive took about two hours. As we approached the farm, the anticipation grew. The rural scenery was different from what I had imagined. "My God, I thought it would be in an urban area, and we're actually spending a long weekend in a mansion in the countryside," I said, worried.
The farm was surrounded by high walls, with visible security at every corner. "I don't think we'll be able to enter this place armed without identifying ourselves," I commented, assessing the situation.
"Leave it to me, Pat. Juliano will get us in without any problem," Hélio assured, already dialing his brother.
After a few minutes of negotiation, we managed to get in. With adrenaline pumping, I grabbed my suitcase with the few clothes I had brought and my small handbag with the gun while Hélio parked the car.
"It seems they are so sure nothing will happen here that they didn't even search us," I observed, seeing the relaxed security.
"Don't be fooled, Pat. They have control over the whole place," Hélio said, walking around the car and holding my waist, guiding me to the entrance of the grand mansion.
As we crossed the threshold, we were greeted by Juliano, accompanied by two uniformed employees who took our luggage. "My brother, I'm so glad you came. Patrícia, my dear cousin, I've missed you. Welcome to Judge Carrielle's house," he exclaimed, smiling broadly.
Being called cousin was a relief. It was much better than girlfriend. The thought of sleeping in the same bed as Hélio was like dealing with a taboo. The hall of the house was imposing, decorated with artwork and luxurious furniture that exuded power and wealth.
There, we met the judge, a man in his seventies who still maintained an air of elegance and charm. Beside him was his wife, who seemed to be only twenty-five years old. It was impressive how money could create such an illusion of youth.
The judge's gaze scanned my body, and he approached, giving a kiss that almost touched my lips. His wife pretended not to see, and I put on my sexy doll mask, disguising the disgust I felt.
"Patrícia, you look stunning tonight," he said, with a smile revealing perfect white teeth. The warmth of his presence was uncomfortable, and I tried to step back a little.
"Thank you, Judge," I replied, trying to maintain composure. The environment was saturated with power and wealth, and I couldn't help but feel a bit out of place.
Hélio was by my side, and I could tell he also felt the tension in the air. He had always been protective, and the way he looked at me showed that he was alert. "Let's enjoy the party and keep an eye on everything," he whispered, and I nodded in agreement.
As the party began, music filled the air, and the guests, mostly men in suits and women dressed in glamour, mingled in animated conversations. I looked around, trying to absorb the scene.
Soon, a group of politicians entered, laughter and greetings exchanged with the ease typical of the elite. It was a world I knew well, but still made me uneasy. Power and corruption danced together, and I wondered where the ghost that had caused so much concern was.
"Pat, are you okay?" Hélio asked, breaking my reverie.
"Yes, just thinking about what could happen here," I confessed. He nodded, his expression serious.
"We need to keep our eyes open. Anything suspicious, we should report immediately," Hélio suggested, and I agreed. The game was just beginning, and I was ready to face whatever came our way.