“I’d enjoy it. The beaches here are amazing, even now the water is still warm. This hotel has so much to offer. I’d stop thinking you don’t belong and do what makes you happy. You look a little downtrodden, I think this vacation is just what you need. I will book you in the spa this evening so you can start the holiday off on the right foot.”
“You know what,” she smiled, “you’re right. This is probably exactly what I need. Sure I’m disappointed about the job but, like you say, I’d never be able to afford a place like this. With how my life has been recently this could be a blessing in disguise.”
Ivy decided then and there, despite the crushing disappointment, she was going to make the most of this holiday. She couldn’t resolve anything now, Becca wouldn’t mind her crashing in her spare room for a few weeks when she got back. In fact, staying with her would probably do her some good.
Becca was the most no-nonsense, tough love woman she knew. She’d really drawn Ivy out of her shell during their friendship. Just being near her filled her with confidence. If anyone could help her get over Miles and through this rough patch, it was her.
After the last few months this would be a welcome break. Time to relax and let her hair down, a rest before she needed to face her problems head on when she got back. Until then she was going to savour every moment of this rich boy’s holiday. She looked to Lex and smiled, pretending not to notice his slight frown, secretly hoping she hadn’t just voiced her monologue aloud.
Words escaped her as Ivy stood frozen in the doorway after saying goodbye to Lex. This wasn’t a room, it was an apartment, and one far bigger than she had spent the last seven years living in. The door opened near to a small bathroom and walk-in closet before the hall fell away to reveal an enormous rectangular room with two spectacular floor to ceiling windows on each wall.
Greeting her was a lounge with a flax coloured three-seater sofa overlooking the calm, vibrant ocean. The rugs were the same gold and bronze as the Reverie Muse group’s logo. To the right was a U-shaped marble counter top bar, complete with a glass counter-top mini bar, and crystal glasses so clean that she could see the small rainbows cast by the shelf lighting.
Just beyond the bar was a large square rug, with a small coffee table between two rounded armchairs and a second, L-shaped, sofa. Behind this was a thin shelf-like table as long and high as the sofa. It held a lamp and a selection of catalogues fanned across its polished surface.
It was impossible not to notice this shelf-like table had been perfectly aligned with the bar, creating an invisible partition into the next area where an oval rug cushioned the floor beneath the elegant dining area with an eight-seater glass oval table. Behind the dining room was the door to the bedroom, fully carpeted in gold and bronze, the plush thread felt like silk as it sank beneath her feet.
Light from the bedroom window spilt into the room, making the white of the gold-trimmed bedspread positively glow against the dark frame of the large, queen-sized bed. Next to the window were two more armchairs separated by a small oval coffee table positioned to look out over the grounds. There were two doors, one opening into another wardrobe, the other into a luxurious bathroom which she immediately made use of.
After she had showered and got over the embarrassment at finding Lex had not only unpacked her clothes, but ironed them. She spent a few moments wrapped in the luxuriously soft towel flicking through one of the catalogues.
Normally she wouldn’t dream of spending four hundred dollars on a dress, but the moment she saw the white lace Ted Baker number she was filled with images of her walking barefoot on the warm, pale sands, looking almost as if she belonged. It was also one of the cheapest, and she reasoned since she was here, she may as well spoil herself.
Picking the phone up, before having time to talk herself out of it, she called in her order, paying on her emergency credit card. She never used this card but, given class of people who normally stayed in this hotel, she convinced herself at least one item of nice clothing was an emergency.
The dress was stunning, white and lacy, with long flowing sleeves that would keep off the evening chill. Why shouldn’t she treat herself? After all, this was a once in a lifetime vacation and she was long overdue a bit of spoiling. After taking her details, the catalogue told her it would arrive by ten am tomorrow. Before she had time to reconsider she ordered a bikini, and a small shoulder bag just large enough to hold her kindle. Whilst many of her clothes had been in her hand luggage, things like that had been in her case.
When she had finished, she slipped on some clean clothes and made her way down to the spa for her appointment, where the young woman had been waiting for her as per Lex’s request.
Her fingers had worked magic, easing aches and pains Ivy hadn’t even realised had been there as the deep pressure of the sensual massage teased small moans from her lips until embarrassment caused her to bite down on them. Each second was pure bliss, breathing life back into her weary body and revitalising her in ways she had never imagined possible. She understood now why people got massages; she felt like a new person, alive, vibrant, and energised.
She spent the next two hours walking the extraordinary building, marvelling at the tall ceilings and the impressive architecture. Each room was magnificently different, ranging from subtle carvings to artwork that would put the Sistine chapel to shame. Not that she’d ever seen it personally.
There were rooms so grand they would surely make even the largest tycoon feel small when stood within their glorious expanse, although the few people she had seen walking, or riding, around seemed to pay no heed to their majestic surroundings.
Her stomach grumbled quietly, reminding her she hadn’t eaten anything since the snacks served on the aeroplane. She had already passed three dining areas, which had been impressive looking themed rooms with well-dressed servers waiting at the door ready to be of service. But Ivy wanted something a little less formal. She couldn’t imagine sitting in one of those stunning rooms alone, eating food that made her feel like an impostor while dressed like a pauper.
It took a while for her to find the beachfront bar, but the atmosphere was far more relaxed. Just what she needed. She was certain no one would look twice at her skinny fit jeans, cream tank top, and cardigan out here, not that there was anyone about.
After agonising over the menu she finally settled on the beach-bar burger, relieved to find one thing amongst the many items that sounded remotely edible, although she had no idea what heirloom tomatoes were, the word conjured images of golden vines, polished fruits, and numerous side quests in order to obtain them.
While she had to admit it was delicious, she had always found food tasted better in good company; so this gourmet burger with royal vegetables—that would probably cost more than an entire week’s food bill—didn’t hold a candle to her favourite burger bar on 8th Avenue. A place she, Miles, and Becca could have single-handedly kept in business over the years. It wasn’t the largest place, but people came from all over Manhattan to enjoy their phenomenal burgers and with just cause.
Being ten in the evening she had been relieved to find herself alone in this soothing environment, thankful that not many people were seeking to eat at this late hour, especially given the nightlife available beyond the complex.
Plucking the last of the fries from her plate she leaned back in the bamboo chair, contently listening to the world around her. The soft music drifting from inside was barely audible against the whisper of the wind through the Florida Silver Palms that, during the day, would provide soft natural shade from the blazing sun.
The rolling of waves against the shore, and the gentle breath of the wind, combined with the chorus of nightlife, everything was so peaceful that the combination of the spa, a full stomach, and the atmosphere made it impossible to think anything but how beautiful the world around her was.
She could smell the delicate fragrances of unseen flowers mingling with the subtle fragrances of her frozen lemonade. She’d always used her senses t
o calm her, be it sight, scent, texture, taste, or sound, and this small haven catered to them so completely that the entire setting was like a soothing hug from nature, easing away her tension.
The moon cast a beautiful glow on the dark ocean, and the subtle floor lighting allowed faint islands of light to illuminate the paved walkways while being subdued enough not to spoil the perfect view of the night sky. She had never seen anything so magnificent.
Miles and Becca often took her on evening picnics to Riverside Park South, but what she saw there, as they talked beneath the stars, was nothing compared to the awe-inspiring canvass above. Each star was so bright and radiant it made her wish she knew the names of more than just a few. She took a sip of her frozen vodka lemonade, savouring the lemon’s bite as her vision filled with such sights of wonder she couldn’t help but feel small and overwhelmed and, for the first time, it wasn’t the recent events of life making her feel that way.
“I thought I was the only one who came out here at this time of night.” The man’s voice had been quiet, nothing more than a deep mumble, but the silence of the evening was unforgiving to even the sound of his soft leather shoes as he stepped onto the paved dining area.
She startled at the sound of his voice and turned towards the dark-haired figure. She couldn’t see much of him, just his broad physique and tailored suit. At once shame flushed her cheeks. He was impeccably dressed, and here she sat in her thirty-dollar jeans and flight creased cardigan.
“Sorry, I can—” She lifted her drink from the table, preparing to leave.
“Nonsense. Maybe I can buy you a drink in way of an apology for disturbing you?”
“You do realise they’re free, don’t you?” she teased, taking an embarrassed sip from her empty glass, wondering what on Earth had possessed her say that. She forced herself to swallow through her blushing embarrassment, relieved the dim lighting ensured she was the only one aware of her glow.
“Yes, but I normally charge a courier fee.” She could hear the amusement etched in his voice as he stepped closer. For a moment she thought she should recognise him. Given that he was staying here she’d probably seen him on a cover of some magazine or something, she reasoned. She glanced away, fixing her gaze on the condensation streaking down the outside of her glass. “But since I’ve disturbed you I feel inclined to waver the charges.”
“In that case, I’ll have the same again, please.” She smiled, her gaze barely flicked towards the bartender, but he nodded, preparing her order as the man approached the bar. She turned back to the view of the ocean, her eyes closing as she listened to the serenade of the waves.
“Beautiful night.” His breath caressed her neck as he leaned over to place her glass on the table, startling her again. She hadn’t expected him to be standing so close. She tried to straighten her posture, to sit prim and proper, but her sudden movements only caused her knee to knock the table sending a small trail of crushed ice cascading down the outside of her glass as she bit off a curse.
It was only then as she saw the slight spill of her drink she realised her old glass and plate had been cleared away and wondered when that had happened.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many stars in my life,” she admitted, filling the strained silence while rubbing the slight chill from her arms, grateful she had put her cardigan on, even if it was looking a little worse for wear. “Would you like to join me? I mean, you don’t have to but, after you wavered your normal charges it seems a little mean for me not to ask.” She was rambling, she knew it. She turned towards the man who still hovered behind her shoulder, the same feeling of recognition playing in her mind.
“Ivy? Ivy Sinclair?” His voice was suddenly louder, filled with astonishment, as he walked around the table to get a better look at her. When she noticed he was staring his face broke out into the most mesmerising smile, one so bright the moon seemed to pale. “Oh my God, it is you. What’s it been?”
Ivy studied his features for a moment before realisation dawned on her. He’d grown, filled out from the teenager she’d known, but now she was sitting this close to him there was no denying where the faint hint of recognition came from. She hadn’t seen him since graduation. If she remembered correctly, they’d even shared a few dances at prom.
“Perry, gosh, what are you doing here?”
“Same thing as you I imagine.”
“I doubt that. I’m here under false pretences.” Ivy chuckled, gesturing towards the vacant seat. At once, the tension had all but evaporated at the relief of seeing a familiar face.
“Do tell,” he teased, his face positively glowing with his smile. Her heart stilled with her breath as he reached across the table, hooking the pendant of her necklace between his finger and thumb, caressing the delicate design for a few moments longer than necessary before turning it around and returning it to its place just above her cleavage, his fingers innocently skimming across her flesh in a way that caused her cheek to burn.
“NDA, if I tell you, they’d have to kill me, and you I imagine.” She took a sip of her drink, using the glass to hide her amusement.
“I can’t believe you still have your accent. We had a bet going on how long it would take to phase out.”
“Are you kidding? Do you realise how many free drinks this accent gets me.” She gestured towards her drink. “I give you exhibit A.” She laughed, although she knew its foundation was a mixture of nerves and alcohol.
“Wasn’t it you who pointed out drinks here are free?”
“Yes, but I like to think you don’t waver your fee for just anyone.”
Ivy and Perry slipped into an easy conversation. She’d seen him around a lot at school, he was always nice to her, asking about gaming tips when he realised they were playing the same thing, although they’d never become close. He’d had a tendency to flaunt his wealth and buy his friends, and that was something which had ensured they never shared more than just the occasional conversation.
She enjoyed listening to him talk about his life. Reminiscing about school, and laughing under the stars, soon pushed away the uneasy feeling of her being a crow amongst the peacocks.
“You really shouldn’t do that to yourself you know.” He traced a finger down her jaw causing her to shiver at the unexpected contact. “You belong here as much as anyone else.” Ivy groaned, realising she’d drank far too much given that she’d just confessed that out loud. She’d lost count of the refills they’d had while they talked. “In fact, when I saw you sitting here you looked so at peace I just had to speak to you. I’m glad I did.” He grinned at her, his thumb now tracing her cheekbone as his hazel eyes looked into hers. “Hmm, I should go,” he said, his voice dropping an octave as his thumb and gaze dropped to her lips. He shook his head, pulling away. “How about lunch, tomorrow at one? Eating alone can be quiet dull sometimes.”
“That would be wonderful, thank you.” He stood, kissing the top of her head in the same way Miles did, causing her aching heart to stall for the briefest moment.
“Until then.” It was only as he disappeared from sight she realised they’d not made any arrangements of where to meet.
CHAPTER SEVEN
At nine o’clock on the dot, the phone call from the embassy came through as promised. After explaining the situation, she was asked if she could provide any form of identification to prove who she was. Having nothing made things more difficult, but as soon as she mentioned the resort where she was staying the world opened up to her and all barricades seemed to crumble at her feet.
Suddenly they were providing her a reference number, had crosschecked her details against the ones they held, and those she had given, all she needed now was access to a computer to take the required pictures of herself to prove she was who she said.
Just before ten Lex knocked on the door. She stared at the items in his hand, silently admiring the beautiful packaging, the way the red silk bow caressed the cream box. She’d never had a dress come in a box like this before, or seen a gift ba
g that looked too beautiful to be discarded. She could feel the glow of her smile and she hadn’t even seen her purchases yet, just the beautiful trimmings. Seeing her staring, Lex grinned at her in the disarming way he seemed to have mastered.
“Good morning, Ivy. Did the call to the embassy go well?” he asked, taking a moment to study the strappy wine-coloured sundress she was wearing.
“Better than I expected. I need to use a computer to take some pictures so they can issue me an emergency passport. Is there something here I can use?” She stepped aside to let him in, following his path with her gaze as he placed her newest purchases on the counter of the bar.
“Have you not got a phone?” His brow furrowed, as if such a thing was unheard of. Then again, it was. Everyone had a phone these days, the people who stayed here probably had three or four in fact.
“In my bag with my passport.” She shrugged.
“Oh, then I believe I can be of service.” He pulled out his phone with a smile. “Normally women are inclined to slap me if I ask to take their picture, but I have a feeling you’ll be more open to the suggestion.” He quirked his eyebrow in such a way Ivy found herself laughing again. “This should be suitable.” He gestured towards the phone and she spotted the hotel emblem on its case. “Do you have the link?” She handed him the piece of paper and a few moments later he’d snapped several photos of her against the wall, “Now give me a Marilyn Monroe, now a damsel in distress, beautiful, beautiful,” he teased.
Despite her embarrassed flush, she found herself giggling, offering all manner of ridiculous poses in his direction, each one causing his eyes to sparkle with mirth. It honestly seemed as if he was having as much fun as she was. “Can I interest you in some boudoir photography while you’re being so cooperative?” She slapped his arm playfully, wondering what it was about this man that made him so easy to feel comfortable with.
Breaking Sin: A kidnap abduction story (Addicted to Sin Book 1) Page 9