CHAPTER FOUR
The carefully orchestrated tour, comprised of fruity cocktails garnished with tiny umbrellas and shuffling us around in golf carts, had been a complete waste of time. They only showed us the places we were allowed to go—the white sandy beach, luxurious day spa, gym, and tennis courts, all nestled between immaculate gardens and a lush tropical forest. I had wanted some behind-the-scenes action.
That said, the tour made me realize that our portion of paradise was quite small compared to the rest of the island. It was also enough to realize that the employees lied about everything.
For example, the off-limits portion of the island wasn’t a nature preserve. It couldn’t be. Rook’s island provided hundreds of fantasies. At least, I assumed so after hearing more details from the eleven other guests during our tour. Not one woman had the same fantasy between them. Then, earlier, Rick had told me we weren’t the only group. There were VIPs, too, though I wasn’t sure how many. So, by my calculations, the island put on several dozen “shows” a month, with each fantasy being as unique as the guests. There was no way an island this small could accommodate so many “sets,” so to speak, plus staff housing and a nature preserve.
Anyway, the tour took all of one hour and helped me get my bearings. We were to the north along a little peninsula and a small bay that kept us away from strong currents, just perfect for snorkeling and swimming. The rest of the island was really another little island connected by a narrow bridge. That had to be the fantasy portion and where everyone else lived, including Mr. Rook.
Yeah, I know where you live, buddy. If he didn’t come to me, I’d go to him.
After the tour, I returned to my bungalow and began preparing for tonight’s welcome dinner.
I looked at my shiny, sun-kissed face in the bathroom mirror, noticing how my tan from today’s activities had made my dark eyes appear darker, while making my brown hair seem lighter. I already looked the part of tourist ready for a little scandalous fun. And tonight, I’d wear something sexy that might catch Rook’s eye—I hoped. Then, of course, there was my insurance policy of making noise. Either way, I’d be getting his attention, because I had only six days to get what I came for.
With one final check of my red lipstick and smoky eyeshadow, I stepped outside and gave the handle a little jiggle, making sure I’d locked the bungalow door properly. The night air was warm and thick with humidity.
Damn, it’s hot. I’d be swimming in sweat before I reached the dinner club.
I tucked my card key into my black satin evening bag and headed down the path, smoothing back a few loose strands from my ponytail.
“Oh, crap. I’m so sorry,” said a male voice from behind me.
I jumped, nearly falling off my heels.
A young blond guy, maybe twenty, wearing the island uniform, jumped out of a golf cart.
“Jesus, you scared me,” I said. “I didn’t even hear you come up.”
“I’m sorry I’m late. It’s my second day, and I got turned around.” He gestured toward the cart. “Please, get in, and I’ll have you to your dinner in two minutes.”
“I didn’t know you provide transportation. No one told me.” They really do think of everything in this stupid place.
“Can’t have you worn out before you get there. You have a big night of fun ahead.”
I slid into the passenger side. “Yeah. Sure. Fun.”
His hands shaking, he released the brake and headed down the dimly lit path, taking a right turn instead of going left toward the water in the direction of the restaurant, spa, beach, and such. I raised my finger, about to correct him, but decided to shut my trap. Let’s see where he takes me. After all, I wanted to explore more of the island.
He stayed on the narrow path that cut behind the reception building and led to a wooden bridge, the narrow one I’d seen earlier on the tour, but we hadn’t crossed. This time we were crossing it, and that was when I knew for sure he wasn’t lost. He had to think I was someone else.
The little cart rumbled across the wooden planks, and he immediately took a sharp right, bringing us up to a big wooden gate. He punched some numbers into the keypad and the gate slid open.
“So sorry. We’re almost there,” he said, his voice frantic.
“No problem. Take your time.” If he wasn’t taking me to my welcome dinner, then this had to be for the VIPs. Rook will definitely be there.
We pulled up to a big white tent with torches next to the flap-covered doorway.
“Here we are,” said the driver. “Just go inside. They’re waiting.”
“Uh…okay.” I slid out and waved as he drove off into the night.
Hearing strange loud music and laughter, I walked toward the tent and peeked inside. “Holy shit.” I snapped my head back, closing the flap. Those aren’t dinner guests. They were naked men. A lot of fucking naked men. All lying around on pillows, drinking from goblets and eating grapes.
“Is that our princess?” A man with dark skin, wide brown eyes, and long black hair, wearing a gold genie-type outfit, stood in the doorway. “We’ve been waiting for you, your highness. Your husbands are restless to feed you and please you with their bodies.”
My jaw fell open. I didn’t know whether to laugh hysterically or run. “I’m sorry, but I think—”
“No. No need to apologize, princess.” He took my hand and began pulling me. “I am Ravi, your harem master for the evening. Welcome to the tent of sinful pleasures. Anything you want, you merely need to ask.”
He pulled me inside, where the men—most with long hair and deep brown skin, too—were now lining up. There had to be thirty or forty of them.
“Oh boy,” I muttered, in complete shock. “Tha-that’s a lot of penises. Big penises.” They were all hanging out like salamis in an Italian deli.
The men chuckled, crossing their buffed arms and exchanging proud nods.
“Which one would you like to sample first this evening, princess?” asked Ravi. “They are all new husbands, no repeats from last time.”
So this was for a repeat customer. “I, uh…” I could barely speak. I’d never seen anything remotely like this.
Did Cici come here? I wondered, quickly berating myself. Of course not. She was a loving, kind, one-guy type of woman.
“Does your harem not please you, princess?” Ravi asked.
“Uh, no.” I shook my head, feeling my face flush. “I think there’s been a mistake. I’m looking for the welcome dinner. My name is Stephanie Brenna.”
Ravi’s brown eyes nearly popped from his head. “Uh-oh.” He whipped a small phone from his baggy pants. “Hi, it’s Ravi. I think we’ve been brought the wrong guest.” He pulled the phone from his ear. Clearly, someone was yelling at him. “How would I know? I’ve never met her,” he snapped back.
“Uh, I’ll head back on my own. I know the way.” I stepped outside, eager to escape the awkward penis playground and see what else I’d find on this side of the bridge. Hopefully Rook’s place.
I left behind the tent of grumbling sex toys, unsure if I should be terrified, turned on, or laughing myself to death. Definitely terrified. If I hated being touched, I couldn’t imagine forty of them coming at me.
Halfway to the gate, it popped open and my driver appeared.
“Ms. Brenna! I am so sorry. I didn’t know and then…” He let out a breath and hopped from the cart, helping me inside. “I’ll have you to the welcome dinner in a moment. A thousand apologies for the mix-up,” he said dejectedly.
I was about to say it wasn’t a problem, but then I really couldn’t pass up this opportunity to complain, now could I? Because I wasn’t here to make nice.
“Mr. Rook will hear about this,” I said flatly.
“Yes, ma’am. I’m very sorry, ma’am.”
“Don’t call me ma’am. It makes me feel old.”
“Oh, oh. Sorry, miss. I’m so sorry.” We rolled across the tiny bridge, heading toward the restaurant. “It’s just that I’m new, and Mr. Rook is so…” His voice faded off.
“So what?” I asked.
“He’s very particular. He wants everything perfect, and I’m afraid I haven’t given that to you tonight.”
I started to feel bad. “Is he going to fire you?”
The driver was silent for several moments. “I, uh, don’t want you to worry. You’re here to enjoy your time.” We pulled up to the little walkway leading to the restaurant.
I slid out, wanting to assure him I wouldn’t make a stink, but I had to be hard. I had to think of my sister.
“Thanks for the ride.” I turned and headed inside. “Goodnight.”
Now, to make some noise. But would Rook come to quiet me?