### (DONOVAN)

It was almost time to sleep, but my mind was completely engrossed in the thoughts and words Amanda had shared with us that afternoon. How could I rest knowing she was far from me, and consequently, far from my support? How could I relax knowing she would probably find the necessary comfort not in me, but in Gavin?

I felt guilty for thinking this way, but it was impossible to control the jealousy that became more evident each day. Since admitting to myself that, yes, I felt something for her, this ugly, primitive emotion had also decided to express itself. It was torturous to imagine Gavin being with her twenty-four hours a day; torturous to imagine that he had the privilege of seeing and talking to her all the time, not just a few days like I did. I remembered when we found her on the beach, when we decided it would be better for her to stay there because of my duties and constant busyness with Urus business.

Indeed, there was no way I could fully dedicate myself to her. My constant absences and focus on work wouldn't allow me to give her all the attention she needed. At that moment, as grateful as I always was to Gavin for having the trust to make the most important decisions for the company and dictate the future of our finances and investments, I had never hated being the vice president so much.

If there were any alternative way to reconcile work with my time with Amanda, I would accept it without a second thought. Even if it was risky, even if it was never my first option; I would face and swallow any consequence if it meant I could be closer to her heart.

Did this make me a bad man? After all, wasn't I as assertive and determined to do the right thing as I thought I was?

Or... Have things simply... changed?

I wouldn't be working the next day. I was completely free to do whatever I wanted, and of course, I would see Amanda again. But that wasn't exactly what I was thinking. What if I... managed to convince Gavin that she could sleep here?

It would be risky to bring up the topic, especially now that we were so focused and dedicated to her. Would he get irritated or suspicious? And would I want to use my well-known oratory and persuasion against my best friend if I felt it was truly necessary?

Thinking clearly at that moment was practically impossible. Every time I tried to use logic and reason to make a minimally reasonable decision, Amanda's eyes appeared in my mind, inviting and cautious at the same time, causing me so many sensations that no amount of drugs in the world could reproduce. It was on her slim body and curly hair that I focused instead of the biggest problem of all, which was having none other than Gavin in the way.

Some at the company thought I was ruthless; they said I always did the right thing, even if it was painful. Actually, I always saw myself as someone who did what was necessary and the least harmful, where all parties came out minimally benefited. How could I allow Gavin to be minimally benefited? Better yet, how could I convince him that the biggest winner in that dispute would be me?

For all those years, I was the one sitting at the meeting table, actively discussing all the details of Urus. During all that time, I was the one who took on the boring and uninteresting but unfortunately necessary and important bureaucracies. Even the permanent move to Brazil was my idea so that, besides being free from the psychological and inhuman pressure of his parents, he could really focus on the things that truly mattered to him. Everything worked out, everything was functioning, and until then, forgiven the lack of modesty, by my mediation and support.

Did I want to see him once again enjoying my accomplishments? Because if my memory wasn't failing me, it was because of me that Gavin stopped at Botafogo Beach to look at the sea. And I was the one who spotted Amanda's silhouette, and I was also the one who told him about it.

On the porch of my house, properly seated in my rocking chair, I thought it wasn't fair to have such thoughts. When I met Gavin, I thought he was an arrogant brat, but I was poisoned by my own bitterness, and that's why I had that impression. When I saved him from being killed by a particularly dangerous gang, I did it out of civic duty, not because I liked him. But the blonde was so grateful and moved by the gesture that he decided to follow me everywhere like a faithful puppy.

It took time for me to finally get used to the idea of having him as a friend, and when it finally happened, we became practically inseparable. Gavin's contagious optimism complemented my vision and analysis of facts. His parents, who were not only completely petty and cruel but also racist, almost disinherited him from Urus when they found out that I was the great college friend he talked so much about. But Gavin had no siblings, and wouldn't have any, as the hateful couple was already too old to conceive. In an impressive truce, they accepted that I be the vice president of the company not because they liked me, but because they saw they had a lot to gain if, after retirement, they still remained influential enough due to the company's good news. Idiotic and disgusting leeches.

It was very fortunate to discover that Brazilians really liked our business, and that here might lie the key to absolute success. We made this our home, and there was no regret in the decision.

But there was Amanda.

I sighed, stressed and disheartened. I looked at the starry sky, completely lost in reverie.

I never cared about being Gavin's right-hand man, being there to give strength when necessary and offer guidance in any area. I never minded signing documents as vice president but not being required at the most important events, where all the CEOs talked about how they could extract more money from their clients.

But for everything sacred on Earth, I simply couldn't swallow the idea that I would be the second man in Amanda's life.

I couldn't simply accept that she might even see me as the second-best option, or the second-best way to feel protected. When I felt her fingers touch me that afternoon, it felt like the world was opening a door for me; as if the angels were saying that was the sign that, yes, she wanted me by her side and needed me.

... But she also needed Gavin.

I crossed my arms. That night, I would once again be consumed by all my doubts and insecurities.

### . . . . . . . . . . .

### (AMANDA)

I'm wearing the pumpkin-colored pajamas Gavin bought me months ago. It's comfortable, smells like strawberries, and keeps me warm on this cold night. I'm still in my room and can't decide whether to sleep here or do what I usually do, which is to sleep in my host's room. The contact we had in the bathroom was the way I managed to tell him that, yes, he was also special to me.

When I made the small caress on him, I confess I felt very light and heavy at the same time, as if my own body didn't know how to react to it. Part of me wanted to run away, but the other wanted to stay. His blue eyes were so bright, and his face was so flushed with such intensity that it was very difficult to simply leave and go back to the room as if nothing had happened. It was evident that he felt moved by me, and the words he had said to me earlier were not from a good man to his guest, nor from a dear friend.

I felt the weight and intention of his words. I felt the emotion present in every syllable.

Thinking about his pink lips uttering so many precious words, I let out a sigh unintentionally. It was foolish to try to deny that his presence also made me sway. I could spend hours just listening to him talk about anything, from income tax to why he loves the different Brazilian accents. Gavin simply relaxed around me, and it was obvious that I made him comfortable enough to chat without stopping and not feel guilty or even childish.

One of the things I liked most about him, however, was when we had our breakfast, and he looked at me with a proud smile on his face, offering support and solidarity subtly. Sometimes we just looked at each other, as if that alone was enough for us to connect on a deep level.

The security Gavin gave me was great. As great as...

Thick lips, short curly hair, dark skin, and a defined chest; the combination that made up Gavin's best friend was scorching. His dark eyes conveyed to everyone who opposed him that he was a formidable and unscrupulous adversary if it meant protecting those under his care. But among his own, he was gentle and compassionate. His sentences were calculated, and he always knew what to say or do. By his side, I didn't need to wonder what the next step would be because he already had the plan in mind and left no room for mistakes.

When he called me "shorty," I didn't feel humiliated or angry. On the contrary. It was as if that big guy was saying he was the "big guy" who would protect me. I had the distinct impression that he would do anything I asked, at any time of the day. He would make me smile as easily as he would pick me up and spin me around. He was very strong and could definitely be a terrible adversary for anyone daring enough to try their luck, but he wasn't aggressive. He didn't need to speak harshly or shout to assert his authority. He was polite, meticulous, proud, and prepared. Nothing shook him, except me.

In the square, I could clearly see how close he was to simply losing his usual composure and giving in to what he was feeling. Since the day he caught me only in a towel, I saw how exhausting it was for Donovan to concentrate on not taking me for himself

right then and there. He even tried to hide it with a few jokes, but I saw how tense and sweaty he was and how his brown cheeks flushed. If it weren't for Gavin, I don't know how far we would have gone. Every time I remembered the events of that day, my legs trembled. I put my hands to my face, feeling that my cheeks were hot.

No matter how rational I wanted to be, it was impossible to deny that my thoughts would return to him sooner or later. It wasn't just because he was an almost perfect man; it wasn't just because I felt safe and in good hands by his side; it wasn't just because he gave me a slight reprimand when necessary. It was because Donovan was simply...

Irresistible.

Gavin made me sway with his incredible speeches and his willingness to do anything to make me happy, to see me smiling. It was very difficult to focus on one person, not only because of how intense his presence was, but also because I never received such attention and care from anyone.

But Donovan... I liked to imagine him taking care of my life.

I shook my head, noticing that I was already too involved in thoughts that didn't seem to come to an end. I should rest, but my mind couldn't find rest.

It was then that I got up and opened the door, heading to Gavin's room.

### . . . . . . . . . . .

### (GAVIN)

I was already lying down and about to sleep when I saw Amanda appear at the door of my room, in her comfortable pajamas. I raised an eyebrow, without understanding why she was there at that time of night. Would she tell me something important?

"Am I interrupting you?" She asked with her tender voice, always delicate.

"You? No way," I smiled. "Come in."

The young woman closed the door and approached the bed, sitting on the edge of the mattress with slow movements.

"I thought about sleeping, but... I couldn't. I kept thinking about... everything you told me."

"And you want to talk about it?"

Amanda hesitated a little, looking away, but soon decided to make eye contact again. I liked to look at her deep, expressive eyes. It was as if they were saying everything she felt, from happiness to sadness.

"Can I sleep here?"

I was taken aback. Amanda wanted to sleep with me? Why did that idea cause so many conflicting feelings inside me? If I said yes, I would be giving her security, comfort, and tranquility. On the other hand, I would be setting myself up for disaster if she approached me too much. How could I control myself? How could I guarantee that I wouldn't... lose my composure?

However, she didn't need to hear about my concerns. Her eyes asked for help; her eyes asked for compassion.

"... Of course you can," I answered, trying not to show my confusion.

Her smile brightened my night, and her presence, no matter how difficult it was to control my emotions, made me feel special. I knew that, no matter how much I wanted to kiss her at that moment, I shouldn't.

It was another test.

Amanda turned off the light and lay down, snuggling beside me. I turned slightly to her, holding back the urge to hold her. My heart was beating fast, almost erratically. To think she was there, that I could touch her and bring her close to me, made me lose focus.

I needed to concentrate. I needed to be the best man she could have.

My body was tense; my heart was demanding; my thoughts were confused.

Yet, I just caressed her hand and whispered, "Sleep well, Amanda. I'll be here if you need anything."

Maybe I could be her hero for another night.