15. Bree
The next two days passed in a blur as excitement over the new massage service grew. Word had continued to spread, and even more members had come in on their off days just for a chance to sign up.
Spraying a punching bag with a cleaning solution, I used a cloth to wipe the bag down thoroughly before moving onto the next. The gym wasn’t open yet that morning, which was the only time I had to clean these suckers.
Marissa had tried to convince us to go digital with the sign up form, allowing even more business to accumulate, but neither Frankie nor I were especially tech-savvy. We needed to handle sign ups when my sister wasn’t around, which was roughly ninety-nine percent of the time.
While Frankie claimed her fae magic made all things electronic go on the fritz, I was already sixteen when we’d left home, an adult under the ocean and nearly an adult in the human world. I’d started working right away and had no time to learn new things, while Marissa had only been ten. Adapting to changes like phones and computers was easier when all your friends and schools used them.
Once, she’d even tried to convince me to read books electronically on my phone, but I’d squashed that idea with a hearty laugh and a hard nope. Nothing smelled or felt better than an actual, physical book in my hands.
Besides, I didn’t want her schedule to get out of control. She still had school to finish, and if I let her have access to anything digital, she’d drop out, claiming she didn’t need school when she was doing fine on her own.
Fine with our kind, maybe, but she’d still need a license to practice massage therapy on humans. There weren’t enough Gifted people in D.C. with the money and interest to keep her in business indefinitely.
A glint against the wall caught my eye, and I bent to inspect the source. Frowning, I picked up what looked like a tiny red rock. Hm, maybe a crystal or a funky-shaped bead. It probably came from that bag passed between the two strangers the other day.
I didn’t know what it was, and I had no interest in finding out who those men were. It wasn’t a ruby or anything like that and was likely too small to be of any importance. No one had come looking for it, after all.
Once I finished cleaning, I would ask Frankie about it. For now, I tucked the rock into my pocket and returned my attention to the task at hand, allowing my imagination to take over. Daydreaming about my latest book boyfriend—or a certain dragon—always made the day go by faster.
I finishedeverything on my Friday to-do list by early afternoon, so I poked my head into Frankie’s office, where I found her muttering at her computer screen. “Hey, any idea what this is?” I pulled out the red rock from earlier and held it up.
Frankie peered at me over the frame of her glasses and squinted. Then her eyes widened, and she shoved her glasses up into her hair. “Where did you get that?”
“It’s not a ruby. I found it on the floor earlier.” I dropped it into her open palm.
“I know it’s not a ruby.” She sniffed the rock and grimaced. “It’s a pyrocrystal.”
“A what?”
“A type of drug for us Gifted types.” She gave it a tentative lick. Smoke swirled off her tongue, and her irises briefly swirled with violet. “Ooh-wee, strong one, too. You said you just found it on the floor?”
I told her about the near-skirmish from a few days ago when I saw the bag of red crystals being exchanged.
She glared at the rock. “They better not be doin’ what I think they’re doin’ in my gym. These suckers are dangerous. Who was it?”
“No one I’ve seen before,” I said, trying to recall the men’s faces. “Mike was involved at first, but I don’t think he knew what was going on.”
Frankie scrubbed a hand over her face and grumbled. “Them tryin’ to sell in here is the last thing I need right now. Keep your eyes and ears peeled, would you?”
“Uh…”
“It means…” She sighed then chuckled. “Just let me know if you see or hear anythin’, kid.”
I nodded. That I could definitely do. “Need anything before I head out to grab a late lunch?”
After carefully setting the crystal into the desk’s top drawer, she detangled her glasses from her hair and faced the computer screen again. “Oh, I almost forgot. Someone’s here to see you.”
My heartbeat sped up as I glanced back at the gym. Except I didn’t see anyone looking for me. Definitely not someone I shouldn’t be hoping to see.
“It’s not the dragon, but I made the guy wait outside ’till you finished.” She hunted for a few keys on the keyboard and pecked at them. “Seemed too fancy to be in here.”
My curiosity was officially piqued, but so was my caution.
Did our father finally find us?
Pushing open the gym’s front door, I squinted against the sudden brightness. Painting all the windows black and growing up beneath the waves meant I was never prepared for the sun.
Other than a man in a sleek suit and dark sunglasses standing beside a long black limo, I didn’t see anyone looking for me. Whoever it was must have gotten tired of waiting.
As I moved to go back inside, the man beside the limo took a step forward and removed his sunglasses. “Ms. Johnson?”
Despite the day’s warmth, goosebumps rose along my arms. I took a longer look at the man. He wasn’t overly tall, but he had broad shoulders and big hands. Those bad boys could wrap around my neck easily.
I glanced up and down the street, only slightly reassured by the humans milling about. “Uh, yes?”
He reached inside his jacket pocket and withdrew a black envelope, which he handed to me.
Keeping one foot inside the gym, prepared to flee, I cracked open the envelope. The letter inside smelled like him. A fact I probably should not have known, but the red dragon wax seal had confirmed it anyway.
My eyes widened as I read over the invitation, then reread it two more times.
Was I still daydreaming? Were the bleach fumes making me hallucinate?
“Mr. Sato has provided his car for you this afternoon,” the man in the suit said formally.
I blinked at him, then at the limo. His car, huh? “That’s very generous, but Mr. Sato agreed to leave me alone after we…after his last visit.”
An uncomfortable prickling sensation rolled over my skin, and I rubbed my arm. The oath-keeper must have been letting me know I was too close to discussing the fight. Not that I wanted to discuss it with a stranger, but it would be Dominic’s fault if I accidentally did.
The suit nodded. “He asked me to apologize for not following through with your agreement, but he will explain in person.”
I snorted. “If he was so set on breaking his word, why didn’t he come in person?”
“He presumed you’d want to change for your date first.”
I glanced down at my faded black leggings and a no-longer-white tank top with permanent pit stains. Not exactly date material. “Yeah, no, I’m not dressed for a date because I don’t date.”
Crinkles formed around the man’s kind eyes. “He presumed that as well, which is why we’ll start with a trip to a salon.”
I was pretty sure this was the bleach fumes talking. “I’m sorry, what?”
“He’s rented the entire salon out for your private use and has provided a selection of the latest fashions to choose from.”
Nope. Not happening. “I’m afraid you’ll have to disappoint Mr. Sato. I’m not interested. If you’ll excuse me, some of us have real work to?—”
A hand pushed me roughly out the door, and I stumbled forward. I spun around to find Frankie’s grinning face in the doorway.
“Oops. Bye!” She cackled once before her face disappeared inside, pulling the door shut quickly.
When I tried the handle, it didn’t budge. I banged on the metal frame of the door. “Frankie! Come on, open up!”
“What was that? Can’t hear you,” her only somewhat muffled voice drifted through the glass windows.
Grumbling, I turned back to face the suit.
He smiled gently and opened the limo’s back door. “Air conditioning and fresh water are waiting for you, Ms. Johnson. My name is Samson should you need anything else.”
Since I always kept the basement door locked and didn’t carry keys while inside the gym (because why would I?), I had a choice to make. I could stand out here until Frankie caved and let me in, barge my way in if someone opened the door to leave, or go get dolled up to meet Dominic Sato.
Since Frankie was even more stubborn than I was and, for some unknown reason, supporting this kidnapping, I had a strong suspicion she wouldn’t let anyone inside leave anytime soon. That or she’d find a way to magic them out. The sun was already hot on my pale skin, which only left option C.
Pride was a hard thing to swallow sometimes, but going along with this plan would allow me the opportunity to give Dominic a real piece of my mind. He would regret kidnapping me, no matter how many fancy things he threw my way.
I didn’t need or want his charity.
“Please call me Bree.” I smiled politely at Samson and slipped into the limo.
As promised, cool air kissed my skin as soon as I slid across the seat. A bottle of cold water waited for me, as did a chilled bottle of champagne, already uncorked with a full glass beside it. The extraordinary wealth and privilege on display practically assaulted my senses.
There could be worse ways to spend my afternoon before chewing someone out.
I helped myself to the bubbly and sank back into the luxurious, black leather seat. I’d never sat on anything this comfortable in the human world, and I couldn’t help but wonder how much something like this cost to maintain.
Absurd amounts of money wasted on a mode of transportation that was slowly killing our planet. I scrunched up my nose and set the champagne flute back.
Ridding the world of one extra-long car wouldn’t do much in the grand scheme of things, but landlubbers loved having every new trinket and gadget that came on the market. So many materialistic things, when there were other options like public transportation and recycled products.
My gaze drifted out the window, where the busy sidewalks flew by. Used food wrappers and empty cans and bottles littered the roads and blocked sewage drains, strengthening my point.
Leaving our home had been my idea, but I wish I’d known more about this world before I came. Not that there were many other options to escape our father, but at least I’d have come in knowing rather than realizing it after the fact.
I wasn’t sure how that made a difference, but somehow it did.
When the limo finally slowed to a stop along a curb, I peered up at the storefront. We were parked in front of the city’s most exclusive spa and salon, La Belle Vie. Yes, even I’d heard of the place. Of course he would pick this place.
I gritted my teeth, steeling myself for an afternoon of lavish extravagance that was sure to end in frustration—Dominic’s frustration. The thought made me smile, and I relaxed a bit.
Samson opened the car door and offered his hand to help me out. I eyed it for a moment before accepting, reminding myself that he wasn’t responsible for this foolish venture.
“Shall we go in, Ms. Johnson?” His genuine smile reached his eyes, melting some of my resolve. “Your treatments await.”
Treatments. As in more than one. This was going to be a long afternoon.
Inside, I was ushered into an elegant waiting room. Soft, muted colors adorned the walls, creating an atmosphere of understated elegance. A crystal chandelier hung like a work of art in the center of the room, casting an inviting glow that bathed the space in a soft, golden light.
A woman in a crisp white blouse and pinned-up jet-black hair approached, her smile professionally pleasant. “Ms. Johnson, we are so pleased to have you with us today. Mr. Sato has arranged a wonderful treatment plan, followed by styling, and your choice of attire from our designer collection for your date this evening.”
“There seems to have been a mistake, ma’am,” I said with a tight smile. “I’m not interested in any of this.”
“Please, call me Amy, and accept my sincerest apologies for any confusion.” Her smile never wavered. “However, if you’ll allow me to point out, everything has already been paid for and arranged. Perhaps it would be best to enjoy yourself for now, and you can express your concerns to Mr. Sato in person after?”
In other words, I was stuck. Tides, he was good.
I sighed, resigned to my fate. “Fine. Do your worst.”
“Excellent.” She beamed. “This way, please.”
The sleek glass doors Amy led me to slid open with a gentle whoosh, revealing the interior. My resentment faded into wide-eyed amazement as I took in the lavish space.
A rectangular pool stretched across the heart of the room, its surface adorned with floating rose petals. Soft ripples danced across the water’s surface, reflecting the serene atmosphere.
Surrounding the pool, plush white lounges beckoned guests to relax and unwind, and soft-looking towels and robes embellished each lounge. My hands itched to sink into their fluffy embrace.
The walls were adorned with tasteful artwork, and ambient music played in the background, adding to the sense of tranquility.
At one end of the vast room, a sleek bar boasted a range of artisanal teas and freshly squeezed juices. An attendant stood beside an espresso machine, ready to craft custom beverages. Today, that meant just for me.
Amy guided me to an open door leading into a private treatment room and smiled. “Your day starts here.”
When in Rome, as they say.
At least, I was pretty sure it was Rome.
After I stripped and settled onto a padded table, two attendants got to work, kneading scented oils into my skin and soothing my aching muscles. Tension bled from my body as I gave myself over to their practiced hands.
Marissa was a talented masseuse but nowhere near this good. Based on her instructors’ gushing praise, I had a sneaking suspicion she cut corners when she practiced on me. What a brat.
By the time I emerged from the spa—scrubbed, buffed, and polished to perfection—my annoyance with Dominic had almost vanished. I felt relaxed and decadent, ready to face whatever the evening held. Even spending time with an arrogant dragon couldn’t dampen my good mood now.
I could take on the world.
Wearing one of the fluffy white robes that felt as good as I’d hoped, I followed an attendant to another large room. As promised, the stylist waiting for me there presented a selection of designer outfits in expensive fabrics and a range of styles. Despite myself, I was impressed with Dominic’s taste.
I browsed as if knowing what was in fashion and eventually selected a deep blue dress that clung to my slight curves before flaring at the knees. I paired it with kitten heels that didn’t make me wobble too much.
The woman expertly styled my hair in loose curls and brushed on some makeup before handing me a small clutch to finish the look. Inside was a mirror and the lipstick she’d used on me.
What a lovely touch.
I hardly recognized myself in the mirrors surrounding me. When had I last dressed up like this, like the carefree socialite I once was?
Back home, we donned attire made of seaweed, clamshells, and sometimes even gems and trinkets from shipwrecks. Every activity had its dress code or preferred style.
Admiring my reflection, I looked confident and ready for war.
Dominic wouldn’t know what hit him.
“I hope you have an evening as lovely as you look, Ms. Johnson.” Amy assessed my choices with a smile—I’d passed. “Samson is waiting outside to take you to the restaurant.”
Her use of the driver’s name spoke of a familiarity between them, and I wondered how often Dominic brought women here before dates. My resentment returned tenfold.
Lovely wasn’t the word I’d choose for what was about to come. I strode out to the limousine on unfamiliar heels, smoothing the dress over my hips and praying I wouldn’t fall flat on my face.
Samson opened the limousine door, and I slid inside.
“Let’s get this over with.” The bite had returned to my words, but my frustration wasn’t directed at the driver.
I’d almost fallen for Dominic’s charms, and I hadn’t even seen him yet. He was going to regret breaking his word.
If only I hadn’t been such a dope.