was lined with mountains. Christ the Redeemer, the largest Art Deco statue in the world, perched high on Corcovado Mountain, looking ethereal and majestic.
Of the cities Leah had seen so far, Rio was the most uniquely stunning. Their beachfront lodgings were in a palace. The Copacabana had been frequented by such famous faces as Marlene Dietrich and Princess Diana. The interior of the hotel was as glittering white as the outside. The marble reception desk and the immaculately attired bellboys exemplified the cool, elegant luxury of the legendary establishment.
The Lapa district was home to the city’s best nightlife and samba music. When Leah learned samba she had found out that the dance was said to represent the struggles of life and love, and conquering them through the joy of music.
Dancing the samba with Gianni seemed very fitting. The night he took her out, Leah wore the special dress. The fuchsia color with layers of pale pink in the skirt made it bright and festive. The rhinestones across half the bodice were a classy touch. She wore pink leather high heels with the outfit, and let her hair hang loose.
Gianni had a dance costume of his own. He wore black dance pants with a satin strip down each side seam. The shimmery fabric of the shirt was studded with sequins. The sleeves and the mid-back section were sheer. Nothing was worn underneath. With the top four buttons open, Leah had a sexy view of Gianni’s chest.
The sidewalks of Lapa were buzzing; it was a hive of music and partying. The area was the historic cultural heart of Rio, and was filled with mansions in colorful pastels that had been homes for the wealthy. Later they had been restored, and were now bars, cafés, and clubs.
The most famous was Rio Scenarium, a club in the middle of an antique store. The esoteric nightspot had three floors filled with antique clocks, paintings, and chandeliers, reflecting the vintage neighborhood. The stage and dance area was on the first floor, and was hopping with music when they arrived.
Leah found the place colorful and warm. The hanging lights were orbs of red and blue. The chairs came in all colors. There was a banner on the back wall of the old dance hall with a quote in Portuguese, and she found out from a waiter that it said: While there is dance, we still have hope .
The locals shook their hips, and moved their feet on the worn wooden floor to an eight-piece band playing samba. Gianni ordered two Brahma beers, and secured a seat for them. The tables were close together, and the customers were friendly.
A man next to them told his date, “Don’t worry about anyone else. Just move without shame.” And he took her hand to guide her to the dance floor to samba. Leah watched the crowds lost in the music, and pressed her thigh against Gianni’s.
He leaned close to be heard. “They say samba is the vital rhythm that unites all Brazilians. Seeing this crowd tonight, I agree.”
Leah nodded, and put her head against his shoulder. She let the music flow through her, and enjoyed her beer. Gianni kept his arm securely around her. The vibrant atmosphere was exhilarating, and it wasn’t long before he led her out to dance.
Letting the music carry her away, Leah swayed her hips and got in step. She could barely take her eyes off Gianni. In the satin outfit that draped over his muscles, he looked like a Latin god. And the way he danced was sexy as hell.
The lovely dress made Leah feel sensual. The flared skirt shifted as she danced, and the high heels added to her graceful movement. She tossed her long hair in time with the beat, and matched Gianni’s fluid steps. The samba was bold, and Leah’s pulse pounded to the rhythm.
Crowds pushed in, but it was all part of the spirit of the dance. Leah kept pace with Gianni, and let the mood carry her. It was warm, and she noted the sheen on Gianni’s skin, which served as a further attraction. They danced song after song before collapsing back in their seats,