Chapter 1 – Sambadrome of Lights
The plane was slowly descending for landing over Rio de Janeiro. Marta pressed her nose to the window, enchanted by the sight: the ocean shimmered like a mirror shattered into thousands of sparkles, the Sugarloaf mountains rose above the bay, and the monumental Cristo Redentor stretched his arms over the city.
– Looks like a movie scene, only real – she whispered.
Alex fastened his seatbelt, shrugging nonchalantly. – Movie scenes usually steal inspiration from me.
A few hours later, a black SUV was taking them toward the Copacabana Palace, Rio’s most legendary hotel. Marta settled comfortably, but Alex – instead of contemplating the view – pulled out his phone, plugged it into the speakers, and with a single tap blasted Danza Kuduro.
The bass tore through the silence inside the car.
– Seriously?! – Marta burst out laughing as the first notes of Don Omar played. – That’s your definition of “blending into the local vibe”?
Alex, his face cool but his eyes gleaming, started tapping the rhythm on the steering wheel with his fingers. – That’s my definition of opening a new chapter.
The driver glanced in the mirror and smiled too. The whole car vibrated with the music, and when the chorus exploded, Marta couldn’t resist: she started dancing with her shoulders in the seat, laughing with all her heart.
– Alex, you’re absolutely impossible – she shouted over the music. – You look like you’re about to drive this SUV straight onto the Sambadrome!
– Bad idea – he replied seriously. – An SUV isn’t made for drifting.
Marta threw up her hands, breaking into another fit of laughter. – You’re basically a factory defect in premium edition.
When they reached the hotel, the crowd on Copacabana beach was already dancing, playing soccer, singing. The city breathed with a rhythm that Alex and Marta felt pulsing in their veins.
The Copacabana Palace gleamed white like a tropical palace – marble stairs, a red carpet, staff in tuxedos.
– The perfect place to get lost in Rio – Marta muttered, adjusting her dress.
Alex smiled faintly. – And then find yourself on a track no one knows.
Their story in Rio was just beginning – with music, laughter, and the promise that this city would show them what it means to ride without limits.
