Claire
Chapter Ten
As I laid my eyes on him, electricity bolted through my body from my toes to the tips of my fingers before finally settling in my chest. This feeling had been building inside of me all morning.
I tried to fight it off, to distract myself with coffee in the lobby while I worked on emails, a phone call to my parents, and a FaceTime with my sister.
But I found myself rushing everything, even when there were hours remaining until his arrival.
Arik stood before the grand fountain of the hotel lobby; his form cast a magnificent, rich shade of crimson from the stained-glass windows that hung from above the entry doors.
Per usual, he was dressed in a crisp black suit with his dark hair slicked back, making the strong features of his pale skin pop in contrast. His face lit up as he saw me approaching through the dim corridor that led to the lobby.
“Well, there she is,” he beamed.
“Here I am.” I smiled as I dropped my head, my hands grasping the flowy white cotton dress in a semi-bow.
“Did you sleep well?” he asked as the space between us disappeared.
“It was the best night’s sleep I have had in quite some time.” I smiled as I basked in his firm embrace.
I hate to admit it, but I missed him.
Arik’s head turned to the reception desk, his brow wrinkling as his eyes scanned the figures standing around the dark mahogany. He pulled away from me, straightening his body and clenching his jaw.
“Give me just one second, love,” he whispered, his face twisted.
I watched as Arik approached the desk and appeared to question the half-dozen employees who were mingling.
Dressed in matching white dress shirts with gleaming golden name tags, the staff stood there, their faces glossy and fearful as they answered Arik.
His arms crossed across his chest as his expression darkened—narrowed eyes, jaw clenched.
The staff looked puzzled, shaking their heads in response to him.
Arik’s hand rested against his brow in aggravation before he pulled away from the group.
“Is everything okay?” I asked as he walked quickly from the reception desk, approaching me with urgency. He firmly grasped my hand, guiding me out the front door and toward his black SUV that was waiting at the front.
“Nothing for you to be concerned about, love,” he muttered, his expression laced with concern that he was trying his best to conceal behind a forced smile.
As we both settled into the vehicle, it began to move back down the driveway that led to the road, leaving the hotel in the rearview mirror.
The silence hung stale in the middle seat between us.
Arik’s demeanor was concerning as he stared into the distance.
The charming warmth that typically radiated between us was now a thick, dark cloud of unknown.
“You can tell me what’s going on. You look upset,” I whispered to him as I placed my hand on his thigh, the crisp fabric of his black slacks resting under my hand.
Arik’s gaze wandered in all directions, looking into the distance in contemplation. He took a deep breath before finally turning to me.
His words were slow and deliberate. “Jennifer is not in her room.”
“What do you mean?” I asked, my back shooting up straight.
“Housekeeping went in this morning, and she was not in her room. The bed is still made from yesterday,” he replied, speaking to me in calm tones.
“Well, knowing Jennifer, she probably found some entertainment for the night and hasn’t come back yet.” I laughed.
Arik did not return my laughter.
He let out a sigh before continuing, “Her bag, phone, and identification are in the room.”
My eyes widened as I remembered our last interaction with her. “Wait, she said she was going out with people from the hotel last night.”
“Yes, I questioned them. They all returned to the hotel together a little past midnight. Some of the staff had too much to drink and decided to take up some vacant rooms. Another fucking issue to deal with,” he said as he stared out the front windshield, his eyes racing.
“But she came back to the hotel? Was she seen going into her room? What about the cameras?” I questioned as concern hitched in my voice.
“Yes. She was seen by multiple people going to her room. There are only cameras in the lobby, and the cameras show that she entered the hotel. The footage confirms the story from the staff.” Arik wrapped his arm around my shoulder as he moved to the middle seat and pulled me into him.
“So…she’s just missing?” My head shook with confusion. “Wait…this isn’t the first time. Jennifer told me about two women going missing earlier in the year.”
Arik sighed deeply as a lingering silence filled the space between us. He replied, his voice low and honest, “Yes. That is true.”
“And no one knows what happened? They just vanished?” My voice was filled with anger at the certainty in his voice.
How could something like this be happening? How are there not more cameras?
Arik’s eyes widened at my tone as he responded pensively, “The authorities did not find any indication of foul play. It was thoroughly investigated.”
“You’re being so passive. What have the authorities said this time?” I questioned.
“She hasn’t been missing long enough for the authorities to take concern,” he said as his eyes met mine, reflecting my own irritation.
“Listen, let us be honest. She could be in another guest room. She could be with a member of the staff. A few of them have not answered—likely sleeping off hangovers.” His eyes filled with reassurance as he looked into mine, hoping for my acceptance.
“I guess,” I mumbled back as I turned to look out the window.
The afternoon sun perched high in the sky to the west, shining against the ocean to create brilliant waves of deep blue that glittered like diamonds.
“Regardless, I am relieved you are not at the hotel. Your safety is my highest concern.” His voice was low, calling my attention back to him.
My heart fluttered and breath hastened as his words floated around my mind.
I sat silently before nodding in acceptance.
This entire situation was too close for comfort, and I was struggling to accept the unknown that hung in the air.
Despite this, his concern for me was comforting and ignited something I couldn’t quite explain.
I don’t want to be at the hotel either. As a matter of fact, I want to be as far away from the hotel as humanly possible. And…I hope…wherever that is, it is with him.
The SUV sped down overgrown dirt roads as the orange-hued roofs of the town disappeared into the distance. Arik and I sat silently as his body wrapped around mine, surrounding me in comfort as his hand rubbed my upper arm soothingly during the drive.
The driver slowed as we began to descend narrow gravel roads that wound toward the sea. Upon the last turn, a large black wrought iron gate appeared with a stone wall that flanked both sides and continued to run through the countryside as far as my eyes could see.
Moments later, the gate began to swing open with a large metallic creak, displaying the long gravel road that sat just beyond it. As the SUV slowly made its way down the road, tall evergreen trees lined the sides, keeping the surroundings beyond them shrouded in mystery.
“Arik, where are we?” I asked as my eyes shot to his face, my tone heightened.
Arik smiled widely as the lines around his eyes formed. “The best beach in all of Scalea, love.”
The way he said “love” softened my expression as my body finally relaxed.
Calm down, Claire. Everything is fine. You are safe.
As soon as I looked away from Arik, my vision filled with beauty. Before us stood a tall villa, like the hotel we had come from, except this villa radiated warmth from being truly lived in, not a manufactured warmth for wealthy tourists.
As the SUV pulled to a stop at the front entrance, my eyes lifted to take in the grandeur of the building before me.
It was majestic, with its age adding to the villa’s apparent elegance.
The golden sun perched in the light blue sky behind the villa, bathing it in golden light and accentuating its timeless beauty.
Deep emerald ivy climbed the weathered stone wall, threading through every nook and crack that could be found.
Honey-hued plaster and terracotta roof tiles contrasted with the natural tones of the stone walls, adding to their charm.
Scattered along the front and sides of the villa, olive trees stood strong among the surrounding greenery, their presence creating a natural screen of seclusion.
Just behind the trees, tall arched windows framed in ornate wrought iron opened onto expansive terraces, their delicate railings twisted into intricate patterns.
In my haze of staring at the building, I had not noticed Arik exiting the SUV. He opened my door swiftly, startling me back into reality. His warm smile greeted me as he extended his hand and guided me out of the vehicle.
“Claire, let me introduce you to someone,” Arik said as he closed the car door behind me. “This is Sam.”
I looked past Arik, seeing a young man stride toward his side from a door off to the side of the villa.
“Sam, this is Claire,” Arik said stoically as Sam reached his hand out toward me.
Sam couldn’t have been more than twenty years old. Dirty-blond hair gently curled around his round face, nearly the same shade as his lightly tanned skin. His frame was shorter than Arik’s, maybe five feet ten inches, but he had broader shoulders and a more muscular build.
His light blue eyes locked into mine as he greeted me with a smile. He spoke with barely a trace of an accent. “Nice to meet you, Claire. Arik has been talking all about you.”
Arik smiled, looking down toward the ground.
Oh, he’s a little embarrassed, I see.
I looked toward Arik as I shook Sam’s hand. “Oh, he talks about me?” I asked, playfully.
Sam laughed as he turned his attention to Arik, his eyes glimmering with subtle concern.
“All right.” Arik laughed. “Yes, I talk about you. Does that make you happy?”
“Oh, very much so,” I replied, bringing my hand to the top of my forehead to shield the direct sunlight that was making it hard to see Sam. “Sam, how long have you worked for Arik? What do you do?”
Sam’s eyes shot to Arik. “I have worked for Arik for about two years now, but my family has worked for him for a very long time.” He paused as Arik’s eyes drilled into him. “I do a little bit of everything. Personal assistant, logistics, house management.”
“Oh, well, I bet he keeps you busy.” I laughed.
Arik chimed in, grabbing my side and pulling me close next to him, “All right. Wonderful. Everyone has met. Let us continue with the tour.”
Sam nodded, giving me a reassuring smile before disappearing back to the side of the villa from which he came.
“After you,” Arik said smoothly into my ear as he held the door open, clearing my path.
A flight of stone steps greeted me just beyond the rustic wooden front doors. Light streamed from above as I climbed the steps, each one revealing more of the villa’s rustic beauty and the sparkling sea just beyond the terrace.
The main level was breathtaking: a grand chandelier hung above a long, dark wood dining table surrounded by a dozen wooden chairs with tufted black leather cushions.
Beyond the dining area, leather couches were adorned with ruby-red throw pillows and dark faux fur throws.
In the far corner, a large stone fireplace stood, its stack of freshly cut wood waiting for the cool evening while its fragrance filled the air.
I looked back at Arik as he was standing at the base of the stairs, as if he were waiting for me to process before joining me at my side again.
I paused before the glass doors leading to the terrace, my heart fluttering with anticipation.
Suddenly, Arik’s arm wrapped around my waist once more, his other hand tenderly brushing the hair from the side of my neck.
His lips brushed against my skin, and I tilted my head back in bliss, biting my lower lip before I could stop myself.
“Are you ready for the best part of the villa?” he whispered in my ear, his arms pulling me tightly against him.
I nodded, unable to speak as Arik slid the glass doors open.
Before me lay a magnificent stone terrace, perfectly positioned to offer an unobstructed view of the sea. The sight took my breath away. Arik guided me past rattan couches with clean white cushions and led me to a glass partition overlooking a secluded beach.
“What is this place?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
“This is my villa,” Arik replied with a proud smile.
My mouth opened in shock as I gasped. “This is your house? You live here?”
Arik smiled as his hand rested against the glass partition in front of me, pulling himself closer against my back.
I leaned into the glass, taking in the view and letting the sea air fill my lungs.
As I looked down, I noticed two men scattered around the property: one on the terrace to the far right and another on the beach to the left.
They both bore a striking resemblance to Arik’s driver with their muscular builds and stone expressions.
“Who are all these men?” I questioned, a note of concern creeping into my voice.
Arik glanced around, his voice casual as he replied, “Oh, they work for me. Security assistants. They do a bit of everything. The formal term is conti.” His smile was charming, but I could sense he was hoping I wouldn’t probe too deeply based on the look in his eyes.
Sarah’s right. This guy is a mobster. Fuck!
I screamed, “Arik. Please tell me you’re not in the mob. Or…or doing anything illegal!”
Arik’s head fell back as his whole body laughed against mine. “Just good at business. Nothing illegal. Unless wine has become illegal since we entered the front door.”
I blinked rapidly, as the sound of my heartbeat filled my ears. “I have so many questions,” I said, my mind racing.
“Later,” Arik said with a sheepish laugh. “For now, we enjoy. And tonight, you are mine.” His voice slowly proclaimed with a smooth rumble as his mouth pressed into my neck, just below my ear.
With that, he pressed me with such firmness against the glass that I thought it might shatter.
My head leaned back toward his face as his lips captured mine in a passionate kiss.
I shifted my body to face him, letting my eyes close as I accepted the power he had over me.
His body seemed to melt into mine as the glass rested against my back and wind from the sea swirled us into a mixture of desire and affection.
The villa, the view, and the enigmatic man beside me all seemed to blend into a surreal story that was now my reality.