Chapter 11
Evangeline
We stride across the narrow runway carpet toward a well-dressed older couple standing on the tarmac. Well, they’re not actually older, I guess. They’re Raphael’s age from what I can see.
The man trots toward Raphael with an outstretched hand. “Welcome to Crystal Whale Island,” he says warmly as their hands clasp. The man’s chubby cheeks jiggle as the two men shake hands.
“Thank you for having us,” Raphael responds, his eyes scanning the scenery beyond Mr. Fenty’s shoulder.
This truly is paradise. The sky is the most perfect shade of blue and the warm breeze causes the towering coconut trees in the distance to sway left to right. Blue-green waves rush up to lick the shores just at the airport’s edge and the most vibrant flowers grow untamed all around.
“Welcome to my island.” Mr. Fenty’s pudgy arm sweeps through the air, gesturing at the lush expanse behind him. Then, he turns to his lady. “Silver, I don’t believe you’ve met my lovely wife, Elaine.”
The neatly-coiffed woman steps forward, her low slingback kitten heels clicking against the pavement as she shakes hands with Raphael. “I haven’t,” he says, “but it truly is a pleasure.”
“In deed,” she says in a melodic drawl. “My husband has had lots to say about you, Mr. Silver.”
Raphael laughs heartily. “Mostly good, I’m hoping?”
“Mostly…” she says playfully, tossing him a teasing wink although I can tell she’s only half-joking.
When their laughter dies down all eyes turn to me. Raphael’s hand settles on the small of my back and a powerful rush of energy surges in my belly. I suck in a sharp breath to balance out the jolt zinging through my body. “This is Evangeline Brooks. She’s my…”
I’m his what?
His property?
His hostage?
His sex slave?
His girlfriend?
Good god!
“…My guest,” he says finally.
Elaine’s perfectly manicured eyebrow inches up on her sepia forehead and she and her husband share a sidelong glimpse.
#Awkward
I feel a bead of sweat snaking its way down my spine and it’s not just the punishing sun that has my cheeks burning. But I’ve got this. I can handle this woman.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you both, Mr. and Mrs. Fenty,” I say charmingly as I shake the man’s hand. When I turn to his wife, she’s wearing a subtle frown. I guess that Raphael and my age difference is really bothering her. Still, I give her a wide smile as I take her hand. When my eyes fall to the intricate beaded cuff on her wrist, I know I’ve found our common ground. “That is one gorgeous bracelet,” I tell her.
She holds out her arm in front of her and admires the jewel. “Isn’t it?” she beams, “Debra, one of the girls who works at the resort, makes them as a hobby. She gave this to me for my birthday.”
“Oh, how lovely,” I say.
I feel Raphael’s hand on my shoulder, guiding me toward the terminal. He gives me a subtle nod as he and Mr. Fenty pick up their own conversation. My heart flutters at the tiny symbol of approval.
I turn back to the woman, genuinely curious about her bracelet. “Were all the shells collected here on the island?”
“Of course.” She smiles, running her fingertips over the trinkets.
“That’s amazing,” I muse as we walk toward the tiny gray concrete building. “I’m a bracelet fanatic. I collect them in every country I visit.”
She throws a sceptical glance at my wrist. “Oh really?”
I bob my head. “Guys collect baseball cards. I collect artisanal jewelry.” I give an impish smile. “I feel like every piece is unique. It tells a story about the place it came from. About the people and the culture and the land. It might be silly, but it’s fascinating to me.”
“Well, it’s a shame that you don’t actually wear the pieces you collect,” Elaine chuckles lightly.
I squint against the blinding sun. “I usually do. The wish bracelet I was wearing yesterday was from Brazil. Unfortunately, it broke off.”
With a lifted eyebrow, she smiles. “That’s good news then. Means that your wish came true,” she informs me.
“Really?”
She laughs musically at my befuddled expression and waves her comment away dismissively. “It’s all superstition, really. No hard facts to back it up. But it is believed that when your wish bracelet breaks off, your dream has come true even if you haven’t realized it yet.” She shrugs, looking off into the distance.
I nod in understanding and throw a subtle glance at Raphael. Now that I think about it, he was my wish come true. If he hadn’t been at that auction last night, I have no idea where I’d be right now.
But it would probably involve bondage. And lube. Lots of lube.
“Anyway, since you love jewelry, I’ll be sure to introduce you to Debra once we get you all settled in at the resort.”
“I’d love that.”
Our strides halt as we arrive at the building and Raphael holds the door open, letting everyone step into the cool shade of the terminal.
“Dario, leave the young lady alone and come stamp some passports!” Mr. Fenty calls out to a rakish-looking man in a half-buttoned Havana shirt and tan slacks who is over by the window charming the daylights out of his blushing co-worker.
Dario turns his debonair smile on us, welcoming us to Crystal Whale Island and taking our travel documents. He makes small talk with us while he checks our travel documents and in less than two minutes, we’re heading out of the building where a pristine white off-road vehicle awaits us. That has got to be the most laid-back customs and immigration experience I’ve ever had. The FAA could take a few tips from the people of Crystal Whale.
Raphael and Mr. Fenty help Elaine and me into the backseat before climbing in front to continue their business chat.
Elaine rolls her eyes. “These men don’t take a second to relax and have fun, do they?” she shouts over the sound of the wind whipping through the vehicle.
I laugh. “All work, no play.”
She nods and gives me a wicked smile. “Don’t worry. Tonight, we’re going out on the water. And we’ll teach them to have a good time!”