Dare to Surrender

Her confidence inspired more in me. “Okay, then. I hope I didn’t insult you.”

She shook her head. “Nope. Don’t worry, I get those questions a lot. So are you ready?”

I glanced around the empty inside of the vehicle. “I’m the only passenger?”

The other woman nodded. “It’s a fast two-hour trip, so buckle up, and we’ll get going.”

I did as instructed. I still can’t figure out whether I was grateful for the loud noise that surrounded us inside, preventing conversation, or if it frightened me more. I only know that I passed the two hours with a white-knuckle grip on the armrests, and I’d never been happier to see land.

The island I viewed out the window was nothing like I’d imagined. The greenery spread out as far as the eye could see, and jutting out from the lushness below, an Irish castle of gray stone sat looking majestic and regal in the distance.

I exited onto a long dock, grateful to be on the ground at last. I waved at Joely, who grinned and promised to return for me when my time was up. I had no idea when that would be.

Even though I was used to Manhattan in the summertime, the island humidity and heat swept over me, and I regretted choosing a pair of silk slacks, like I’d wear to work, and a tank top, which already clung to my br**sts.

Alone on the dock, I fingered the pearls around my neck and looked around, relieved when a man strode toward me. As he drew closer, I realized he wore a cloak of some kind over his head, obscuring his face.

“Isabelle?” he said, sounding sure of my identity, as he extended his hand.

“Yes.”

“Welcome to Eden.”

“I knew immediately he was the elusive Master of the island.

“Thank you,” I said.

“Enjoy your time here.”

I glanced up at the fantastical castle I’d seen from the air and smiled. “I’m sure I will.” I turned to address him again, but strangely, he’d disappeared.

Before I could contemplate that oddity further, a woman approached from the pathway opposite the one the Master had taken. She wore a pair of simple silk khaki drawstring pants and a white sleeveless top, her name tag identifying her as Connie Hendrickson. Dark brown hair had been pulled into a work-friendly, island-necessary bun, keeping her hair off her neck.

She was attractive with a warm smile. “Isabelle,” she said with the same familiarity everyone associated with this place had used. “Welcome to Eden. If you will come with me, I will show you to your room. Your bags will be brought up shortly.”

“Has Lucy Dare checked in yet?” I asked, following her up a narrow, winding pathway.

She turned, her eyes narrowed in confusion. “I don’t recognize that guest’s name. The Master has placed you in the penthouse,” she went on, as if my question hadn’t been asked.

“There must be some mistake. I’m here to work. To help decorate the new club opening on the island. Elite?”

The other woman shook her head. I’d obviously asked another question she wasn’t aware of the answer to. “I assure you there are no mistakes made here. You’re in the penthouse.” Again, she’d ignored my inquiry.

As we approached the castle, sliding glass doors immediately opened for us, and a blast of cool air assaulted me from inside. I gratefully stepped into what was clearly a lobby. It was darker than I’d expected, and I pulled my sunglasses off, allowing my eyes to adjust as I looked around. Dimly lit sconces adorned the mirrored walls, but I couldn’t see myself in what must be tempered glass.

“We’ve recently upgraded the room keys, so if you’ll just give me your hand,” Connie said, capturing my attention.

She snapped a bracelet on my wrist and went on to explain. “Just line up the ‘E’ to the one on your door and the lock disengages. A little bit of technology we borrowed from Disney,” she said with a smile.

I laughed. “This is as far from Disney as you can get,” I murmured. “Unless you’re in the Haunted Mansion.”

Connie merely treated me to her smile. “This will allow you into the spa, the gym, and any other areas of the resort you might wish to visit while you are here.”

I would be working, not lounging, but I decided not to question her again. Surely I’d find Lucy soon, and all would be explained.

“Ready to see your accommodations?”

I nodded, and Connie gestured across the lobby. I followed her, surprised when we stopped near a stone wall. “Where is the elevat—”

Before I could finish my sentence, the wall opened, revealing the hidden lift. “Oh my.”

We stepped on, and the doors closed behind us. “How thoroughly modern.”

“Sensors,” the other woman explained.

“Lift your hand and align the bracelet with the penthouse.” I did as she asked, and soon we were in motion.

In complete awe, I wondered what awaited me next. I didn’t have to wonder for long. The doors glided open.

“Your penthouse awaits,” Connie said, sweeping her arm, gesturing for me to go first.

Unlike the darkened lobby, white floors and a wall of windows letting bright sunshine into the room beckoned, and I stepped directly into the luxurious suite. The enormity of the space hit me at once, and I shook my head, overwhelmed. Marbled floors, mirrored walls, plush carpeting in a living room with a cream couch and dark wood furniture. And a baby grand piano sitting in the center.

“No, this is wrong,” I said, turning back to Connie, but the elevator doors finished closing on my words, and she’d disappeared.

Hesitantly and feeling like Alice in Wonderland, I made my way into the suite. Surely the other woman would return and tell me there had been an error and I was in one of the regular rooms on a lower floor. In the meantime, I decided to explore.

I glanced around, making my way to the bedroom, surprised to see that my suitcase had been brought up and placed on a luggage stand near the closet.

“That was fast.” And odd, like everything else on the island so far.

Unsure of what to do with myself, especially since butterflies had once again had taken up residence in the pit of my stomach, I walked back to the foyer area. My hands went to the faux pearls at my neck, fingering them nervously. I’d bought them with the island-appropriate clothing for this trip.

I looked out the window, the view of the tranquil blue ocean and beautiful island below a panorama of indescribable beauty. Something I’d enjoy more if I understood what I was doing here.