CHAPTER FOUR - CARRIE
I held Lindy’s hand, thankful that the agreement allowed me to have her with me as I waited to board the plane. My nerves were on edge knowing that once I landed at Chance’s private estate, not only would be at his whim, but I’d have to sleep with him.
“You’ll be okay, Carrie. I promise. I’d take this deal in a heartbeat, virgin or not. It only hurts a little the first time, and then you’ll be so horned up you won’t care.”
Her gung ho attitude was grating my last nerve, and it was easy for her to think this was a piece of cake; she’d lost her virginity when she was fifteen. “Is it strange that it’s the only part of the trip I’m worried about?”
She shook her head. “No, it sounds like a freaking vacation of a lifetime. Ireland is one of the most beautiful places in the world, with magical castles, and from what I’ve seen in pictures, it’s like a fairytale.”
“Magical? You do know there’s no such thing, as magic and fairy tales are bullshit, right?”
She let out a huff. “I’m trying to comfort you. You’ve really had it bad, haven’t you? You can’t see that life can bring wonderful, amazing moments, can you?”
“Um, have you met me?” I gave a half-hearted laugh. She knew me better than anyone on the planet, including my father, and that was only because I’d told her all the secrets I could never tell him. But she knew that life hadn’t dealt me a great hand, and it was no wonder why I thought magic and fantasies were a waste of time.
“I’ll tell you what I know. Your luck is changing. Ireland is a great place for good luck.”
“Did you read that on a postcard?”
She was about to answer, but a man I assumed to be Rick Herring came out of the terminal to greet me.
Rick wasn’t what I had expected from a mediator, which was a middle-aged man in all black with a briefcase. Instead, he wasn’t much older than me and seemed more like a hot IT geek, than someone working for a billionaire with eccentric needs.
Lindy smiled when he approached, and he gave her a smile back and a look up and down before he turned his attention to me. “If you’re all set, you can board now. You’ll be the only one aboard beside the pilot and one attendant. If you need anything, her name is Ruby, and she’s a gem.” He gave me a wink, and I let out a long breath as I turned to hug Lindy.
“I’ll have Rick check in and give you messages. Remember, my dad thinks we’re on a girl’s getaway, and the staff at home is aware that I’m not stopping by.”
“Have a good time, and don’t worry about things at work. You saved enough time, and I’ll cover you the one day.” She gave me one last hug, and Rick walked me to the door and said his farewells.
Twenty minutes later, I was on my way all alone to a different continent to meet a man I didn’t know so that I could give him my virginity. What can go wrong? I leaned over and watched out the window of the plane. It was the first time I’d flown, but the last thing I was afraid of.
According to the contract I’d signed, Chance’s wants and need were on the kinky side. Though there was a promise of no injury, I had also seen the words, ‘light bondage’, ‘blindfolds’, and ‘sexual aides’, whatever in the hell that meant. I couldn’t help but feel like I’d be a bit worried, even if I wasn’t a virgin.
I wished Rick could have come along and then I’d have someone to talk to, but I’d brought my contract and was prepared to read it again, though it was not very long, and to the point. Showing up meant I belonged to him for the two weeks and in that time, he had the right to do with me whatever he desired as long as it posed no threat to me. There would be no permanent markings allowed by either party, and I was to eat three meals a day, provided by his staff, and get at least eight hours of rest per twenty-four-hour period.
I could understand and appreciate the no markings rule, but it scared me to think how rough he might be able to be without leaving a mark.
I thought again about Chance and his strong, muscular frame. He could do some damage if he wanted to, or bring me to the brink of begging. There was no rule about pain, and Lindy had said it would hurt the first time. I wondered if he’d be gentle, as I had disclosed that I was a virgin. A man of his size must be large in other areas as well. A warm, tingling sensation spread through me thinking about him above me. He was so strong and handsome, and I still didn’t understand what he wanted with someone like me.
I glanced down at the contract’s list of rules as my stomach growled. As if on cue, Ruby came out of the back.
“Would you like something to eat?”
Three meals a day, and I’d managed to skip two. “Sure.” I hadn’t been hungry from the nerves, but I supposed I should try and eat something. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d had three meals in one day. And sleep? I’d gladly take eight hours a day. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d had that either. Maybe this wasn’t going to be so bad after all.
Ruby prepared my dinner, and I ate a small portion of it and then decided to take a nap. I’d have to be rested, though I hoped that when I arrived, he wouldn’t want sex immediately.
I had always hoped my first time might be special and with someone I loved. I’d dreamed of marrying a rich man when I was younger, one who would take care of me and treat me like a princess. I believed that marriage and love were that fairy tale type of romance up until my mother passed, and then my stepmother had taught me that love was not always unconditional and marriage was a choice.
She’d chosen to leave my dad when the going got tough, though I suppose it was for the best. She’d always hated me. But Daddy loved her, and I was content to deal with as long as he was happy.
I didn’t realize how much I cared about her until she was gone, or how much of a hole she’d filled until she’d decided to leave it empty again.
What was I doing? I tried to put it all out of my mind and get some rest. I needed to be on my toes if nothing else.
Ruby woke me as the pilot announced our landing and I held my breath. I was about to be taken to his castle, where I hoped to be treated like a human being, and not a piece of meat.
I exited the plane and the night sky greeted me, as did Chance’s driver.
The man gave me a polite nod as he opened the door and I slid inside. I’d freshened up a bit on the plane and was glad that Ruby had suggested it.
Before I knew it, the car slowed and turned down a different road. I peeked out the windows into the darkness and saw there was light ahead. I kept my eyes on it, hoping that soon I’d be able to tell where I was, and then I saw something that took my breath away.
We were headed toward one of those magical castles that Lindy had told me about. It's pale stone walls were covered with ivy and moss, and glowed in the moonlight. I wished I had a camera to send a picture to Lindy because she would never believe it.
A warm glow came from several of the windows and I began to feel more at ease.
The driver stopped beside a smaller entrance to the side of the castle, and then got out and opened my door.
“Thank you,” I said with a polite nod.
He brought my bags to the doorstep and left them as a large shadow filled the doorway. My heart skipped a beat as Chance walked out to greet me. His perfect hair was mussed and was dressed casually in loose jeans and a fitted T-shirt that showed off all his muscles. Desire ached in my core as I trembled slightly.
He smiled warmly at me as he reached out to take my hand. “Welcome to my home Carrie. I’m so glad you’re here.”