Chapter Thirty-Eight
Lucy
For a woman, there is nothing as stressful as a last-minute holiday.
It’s my worst nightmare come to life. At least I'm used to packing light. It has been a whirlwind of a twenty-four hours. Luckily for me, Riley is up my arse with how much money I’m bringing in.
So, when I asked for the time off, he was happy to oblige.
On the condition that I promise to come back, that is.
We don’t even know how long we’re away for.
After Maya had another scary incident with her stalker, they decided it’s best to get away for a while, and from how he has started targeting the people closest to her, we all get to come along for the ride.
I have never been to their villa before, but I have seen the picture spam from when my dad was there.
I can’t wait to finally see it in person.
The only issue is that whilst we’re there, me and Max have to play happy families.
As if we’re not madly in love and couldn’t bear to be apart from each other. It is going to be torture.
We’re all ready and waiting on the jet. All the girls at one end and the men on the other. Tommy decided to keep us all coming along with them, a surprise, hoping to cheer Maya a little with all that’s gone on. Honestly, she deserves a little happiness for once.
I have made it my mission not to look over at Max whilst we’re here.
I know that the moment I do, our game is over.
The urge to run over and sit in his lap is hard enough, and we haven’t even left the ground yet.
Never mind if I lay eyes on that gorgeous smirk of his.
We're going to have to tell them all at some point, but it just never feels like the right time. But when will it be?
“Hello! Earth to Lucy. What’s going on with you? I speak to you less now that you’re back in the country than ever before.” Fallon complains from her seat across from me.
“What can I say? I’m a busy girl. It’s not my fault, I have so many plans all the time.” I joke, trying to get her off my case.
“Well, you could try to make some time for me. I’m bored shitless all the time. I need a good night out that doesn’t end in carnage.”
“You’ve got me for the foreseeable in Menorca.” I grin. “We can party every night if we want to.”
“Did I hear the word party?” Blair interrupts from the seats across from us. “I’m ready to see some hot Spanish men.”
“Fuck off, you were busy romping the night away last night.” Gracie scowls. “Every time I think I’m going to finally get a full night’s sleep, you decide to have your fuck buddy over.”
“Don’t hate me, because you ain't me.” Gracie sings. “You just need to get your head out of your arse and bring a man back yourself. Or woman. Whatever floats your boat.”
“I can’t stand you sometimes.”
“I know. But you love me, and I’m your sister. So, you’re stuck with me.” She blows her a kiss, making us all erupt into fits of laughter.
“How do you cope with them?” I ask Fallon, whilst trying to catch my breath.
“I don’t have a fucking clue.” She says, wiping at her tears. “God, get Maya on this plane to shut these buggers up.”
The minute she steps onto the plane, everyone starts to cheer. She looks gobsmacked as she says her hellos and makes her way over to us.
“I can’t believe it. You’re all here!” She cries, cuddling everyone as she does.
“You better believe it,” Blair says.
“This is a much-needed girls’ trip. The boys are just the tag-alongs. Think of all the cool shit we can do.” Fallon exclaims.
“I don’t know about you lot, but I personally can’t wait to do nothing at all. Sunbed, pool, cocktail, and chill. In that order.” I say, my own excitement is getting the better of me.
“Hell yes. That sounds like heaven right there.”
I knew from the pictures that this place was going to be nice, but fuck me, it is absolutely incredible.
Even the gate to the property looked good, but the moment they swung open, I was dumbstruck.
It is quite possibly the most beautiful home I have ever seen.
The driveway is covered in bright fuchsia flowers, standing out in contrast to the large white villa behind it.
If you can even call it that. It looks more like a mansion from ‘Selling Sunset’.
I have travelled around a lot and seen some of the most spectacular places, but this place trumps them all.
“Yep. I’m never going home.” Gracie says from next to me, her mouth agape in awe.
“Same.” Blair agrees, her eyes wide.
“Maybe you could get a dancing gig over here, Luce,” Fallon says.
“That would be a dream. I might have to ask the boys if they mind a squatter moving in.” I laugh, but that isn’t actually a bad idea.
As soon as the thought crosses my mind, it is gone again in an instant.
For one, I would hate to live abroad without Max at my side.
And two, I don’t think I would like to be his secret mistress, living the life of luxury in the sun, who he is only coming to visit occasionally. I’m not for that sugar baby lifestyle.
I wouldn’t object to some extra-long vacations here, though.
Max, Jenson, and Maya's new security team pull up just after us. You’d think they’d won the lottery with the smiles on their faces.
The team seems to be a close-knit bunch, joking playfully amongst themselves most of the time.
Apparently, they’re old friends of Jenson’s from back in the day.
I don’t know much about Jenson, other than he used to work away a lot, but surely it’s something to do with what these guys are doing now.
“Honey, we’re home,” Max calls as he barges through the front door. Probably warning Maya and Tommy that we’re here and to put their clothes back on.
The second I step inside, my mouth drops open.
I thought the outside was nice, but it’s nothing compared to in here.
How much have they spent on this place? It has a similar vibe to Max’s apartment, with all neutral tones but the odd splash of colour to liven the place up a little.
It’s exactly how I would have decorated it.
“Since Tommy has buggered off, I’ll show you all to where you are staying,” Max announces, and we all follow along after him.
He points to doors, directing everyone where to go. Everyone except for me, that is. Once they’re all inside and more than likely getting their swimwear on, he takes me a little further down the hall.
“This is my room,” he says as he points to the left. “And this is yours.” He says as he signals to the door directly opposite.
He has a shit eating grin on his face as he opens the door. I take a step inside, and I can’t stop the gasp that leaves my lips. It looks like one of those extra expensive hotel rooms that you see in the movies. It’s minimal but chic at the same time.
“As soon as I knew we were coming here, I picked out which bedroom would be best for you. This is the biggest aside from mine and Tommy's, and the view outside the balcony doors is stunning. But the main reason is that it is the closest one to mine. I can’t go weeks without being near you, Sugar. Even if it’s only for a few hours.
At least we can sneak around a little.” He pulls me into his chest, holding me close.
“Do you think we can do it? The thought of sleeping without you next to me is killing me. I’ve got so used to falling asleep in your arms, it will be hell knowing I can’t.” I whine.
“If I have anything to do with it, not a day will pass by without me falling asleep next to you.”