by Jenny Lynn
“I’ve had smoother take offs,” he teased. I sat down beside him and bumped him with my shoulder.
“Very funny,” I told him. “Pilot Charlie said I did a good job.”
“You did, you really did. I’m impressed.” He leaned over and kissed me. I felt so alive, I leaned into his shoulder and breathed in his scent. Being with Nicholas was exhilarating, I never thought I would be comfortable in a plane let alone sitting upfront during take off, my hands on the wheel. I liked the version of myself Nicholas brought out in me. The stewardess came by and offered us a drink, Nicholas had a scotch and I had a glass of wine. I relaxed in my seat and opened my book while he went over notes for his meeting. I glanced out the window at the canopy of clouds below, the sun making the sky glow as the horizon stretched far in all directions showing off the natural beauty of the world around us.
15
I was standing in a ballroom, people dancing in pairs around me. I knew Nicholas must be here, somewhere in the crowd. I called his name but my voice couldn’t rise above the noise. I moved through the couples who were twirling and dipping to the music, searching. I felt panic rising in me, and an urgent need to find him in the midst of this noise and the unfamiliar place. In the distance I saw his face and felt relief. I forced my way past people trying to get to him. I was close, so close and all the dancers stopped, turning to look at me. The music stopped and there were hushed whispers, people still staring at me. I felt cold and looked down, horrified to find that I was completely nude and exposed. I clasped my hands over my body, trying to conceal myself. Nicholas looked me over, then he turned and walked away. I tried to call for him but when my mouth opened no sound came out. The crowd started to close in around me, threateningly. I was not one of them. Their hands reached out towards me and I screamed.
“Breanne, shh, it’s okay,” said a familiar voice. I opened my eyes and Nicholas was looking down at me with concern. “You’re having a nightmare.”
I blinked and looked around. We were still on the plane. My book had sunk into my lap. I must have fallen asleep. “How long was I out?” I asked him.
“A few hours,” he told me. “We’re about to land.” I glanced out the window and saw the ground coming into view. “What was your dream about?” he asked.
I continued to look out the window. “I don’t remember,” I lied. I didn’t want to talk about it, and he didn’t press me to. The plane trembled slightly and we dropped a bit lower. Smoothly we made our way towards the runway, I looked out the window as the world below started to take shape and landmarks grew larger. I couldn’t believe it, I was in Spain. My excitement chased away the lingering dread of my nightmare at the adventure I was about to embark on. The plane landed with a jostle, then we slowed on the runway, coming to a smooth stop. Nicholas looked over to me with a smile.
“Welcome to Barcelona, Breanne,” he told me. I was thrilled, I couldn’t wait to get off the plane and start to explore. The pilot came out and the door was opened, I turned to him before we exited.
“Thank you,” I told him. “I had a wonderful flight.”
“Enjoy yourself, Breanne, and you as well Mister Blackstone,” he told us. Nicholas nodded and we walked out of the plane hand in hand towards the dark Bentley parked a distance away. The driver went to the plane and retrieved our bags as we got into the back. When we pulled away I couldn’t help but stare out the window, watching the sights pass me by. Barcelona was a beautiful city, the sky was pale blue and the sun was shining. I couldn’t have asked for more gorgeous weather. Nicholas was still holding my hand, watching me with a pleased expression.
“You have such an excitement about the world,” he told me.
“The world is an incredible place,” I replied.
“Once we get settled I’m afraid I need to head straight to my meeting, but you’ll have the driver for the rest of the day. He’ll take you anywhere you like to go, then I’ll see you tonight.”
“That’s okay,” I told him. “I like to explore. I can just wander, I’m sure there are interesting places near the hotel.” Nicholas laughed and I looked at him, confused. “What’s so funny?”
“Nothing,” he said, but I could tell he wasn’t being entirely truthful. “You’ll see,” he told me finally. We continued to drive, I looked out my window and could see crystal clear water stretched far into the horizon. We turned down a few streets, getting closer, then the car came to a stop.
“We’re here, Mister Blackstone,” the driver said, turning his head.
“Thank you,” Nicholas replied as he opened the door, waiting for me to follow him out. I looked around, stretched out in front of us was a dock where a large yacht was tied. I looked at Nicholas and he smiled. “This is where we’re staying, Breanne,” he explained. I looked from him back to the large ship in disbelief. He took our bags from the car and we walked along the wooden dock towards the yacht where a man in a pressed uniform was waiting for us.
“Hello, Mister Blackstone,” he said extending his hand. “My name is Captain Mateo Samuel and I’ll be at your disposal during your stay.”
“Nice to meet you, Mateo,” Nicholas said, shaking his hand. “This is my girlfriend, Breanne.” I shook slightly as Mateo scooped my hand in his, glancing at Nicholas. Did he just say what I thought he said?
“Welcome, bella Breanne,” Mateo said kissing the top of my hand. My head was swimming and I smiled at him, then followed Nicholas wordlessly as we went below deck. He opened a door into a beautifully decorated bedroom, placing our luggage down. He looked back at me.
“Was it okay that I introduced you that way?” he asked.
“It caught me a bit by surprise, but not in a bad way,” I told him. He walked towards me, easy confident strides as the boat rocked gently. When he was in front of me he cupped my face in his hand.
“I consider you my girlfriend, Breanne, I think I have since the wedding. When I introduced you it just came out, I guess.” He lowered his head and kissed me, his lips moving over mine as he pulled me into his arms. When he pulled back and looked at me, his eyes searching mine for a reaction, I kissed him once more.
“I’m happy to be yours,” I told him. Nicholas smiled then checked his watch, the smile fading from his lips.
“I’m sorry but I need to get going. I’ll send the car back and if you want to go anywhere today please do.” He kissed my forehead. “I’ll see you tonight.” He turned and walked out of the room, I followed him to the deck of the yacht and watched as he got into the car then they pulled away from the dock, into traffic and away from the harbor. I wandered the ship, standing on the deck and staring out at the calm water stretched far to the horizon. The sun was glimmering off the surface and I could swear that I saw a large fish jump in the distance. I breathed in the fresh air and sat down on the deck, admiring the view. I wasn’t sure how much time passed, I was lost in the beauty of the scene, and eventually Mateo came up behind me.
“Letting you know that the car is back Miss,” he told me. I turned my head and looked up at him.
“Thank you, but I’m not sure where I should go. Do you have any suggestions?”
He thought for a moment, looking towards the sky, then back to me. “The aquarium is magnificent, but I myself am partial to everything having to do with the water,” he told me. “There are a number of restaurants and cafes near there you could enjoy a nice paella afterwards.”
I got to my feet, excited by his suggestion. “That sounds perfect,” I told him. “Thank you.”
“My pleasure, Miss,” he said. I walked past him then headed back below deck to get my purse. I checked my reflection, I was wearing a fitted sundress and flats. It was an appropriate outfit for a day of exploring the city. I made my way outside then down the dock towards the car, opening the door and slipping into the back seat.
“Where can I take you, Miss Taylor?” asked the driver, turning back to look at me.
“I’d like to go to the aquarium please,” I replied. He nodded
then started the ignition, pulling away and back onto the road. I looked back at Mateo standing on the deck of the ship waving as we drove away. We wound our way through busy streets towards the city centre, passing shops and restaurants along the way. I still couldn’t believe I was there, it was an incredible feeling. I liked spending time with Nicholas but there was also a thrill to being able to explore somewhere new on my own.
When we arrived at the aquarium I got out, thanking the driver. He indicated a lot across the street. “I’ll be parked there when you are ready to head back,” he told me handing me a card. “Just call this number when you need me. Enjoy your day, Miss Taylor.” I nodded and took the card, then closed the door and headed into the aquarium entrance.
I had never been anywhere so spectacular. I wandered from exhibit to exhibit, standing close to the glass and marvelling at the gliding aquatic creatures. There was a tunnel fully enclosed in glass, when I walked through it I felt as if I was taking a journey under water among the schools of bright fish and the smoothly moving sharks. I pulled out my phone and turned the camera on myself as I stood by the glass, a shark moving past. I snapped a photo then texted it to Tabitha.
Guess where in the world I am
I giggled, thinking about how surprised she would be when I told her. I moved closer to the glass and stood there a while, marvelling at the sheer size of the exhibit and the variety of life on display. It was hypnotic and peaceful, Mateo had made an excellent suggestion. I took a few photos as I went through, captivated by everything. I made a mental note to call my parents later and let them know where I was, and also to ask Nicholas if he would be comfortable meeting them when they visited next week. I was a bit nervous at the idea of him meeting my parents, everything was moving so fast yet it all felt perfectly natural. There was so much passion between Nicholas and I, but also a warm affection that made me feel safe with him. I had never felt that way, certainly not with my ex, Eric.
After hours wandering the aquarium I made my way reluctantly through the exit out onto the street. I could have stayed there forever but I was starting to feel a bit hungry. I found a quaint restaurant and went inside, finding a table on the patio in the sun. A waitress approached.
“Hola bienvenidos a Sebastien’s,” she said.
“Hello,” I told her. “I’m afraid I don’t speak Spanish.”
She smiled. “That’s okay, I speak English as well. Welcome to Sebastien’s. Would you like to see a menu?”
“Actually I already know what I would like,” I told her, after having checked the menu outside. “Could I have a glass of the garnacha, and the seafood paella?”
“Excellent choices,” she told me. She walked away and I reached into my bag for my book with a satisfied sigh. I couldn't ask for a more beautiful setting. As I read the waitress returned with my wine, I took a sip and let the smooth sweet flavor roll over my tongue. It was absolutely delicious. Later when my paella arrived I ate it excitedly, it was incredible. The seafood was fresh and the saffron rice was flavorful. It was one of the best meals I had ever eaten. I relaxed with my book and meal, then when I was finished paid and left a nice tip. I made my way back out onto the street towards the lot where the driver had told me he would park. I wandered a bit before finally finding him, parked and reading a magazine. I tapped on the window and he unlocked the door, I slid inside against the smooth leather seat.
“Did you enjoy your day, Miss Taylor?” he asked.
“I did, very much,” I told him.
“After I drop you off I’ll be heading to pick up Mister Blackstone,” he told me as he started the engine and began to drive. I smiled, I was excited to see Nicholas and tell him all about my day. We made our way back to the harbor and I was dropped off, then the car left again. I walked down the dock and boarded the boat, Mateo was behind the wheel checking the equipment and making notes in a small book. He looked up at me as I approached.
“I went to the aquarium,” I told him. “It was beautiful, I really enjoyed myself.”
“I’m glad to hear that, Miss,” he told me. I left him to his work and headed back below deck. I changed into a long blue dress that draped along my figure, wanting to look nice for Nicholas when he returned and wondering what we would be doing that evening.
The sun was hanging low in the sky as I headed back up to the deck, I admired the view as the sky changed from blue to orange and pale pink. There were footsteps behind me and I turned my head, Nicholas was holding his phone out and I heard a click as he snapped my photo. I smiled at him as he approached, the breeze causing the fabric of my dress to flutter around my legs.
“I couldn’t resist,” he said as he walked towards me. “You look so beautiful against the sunset.” I blushed and he pulled me against him, kissing me passionately as if he had been longing for the contact all day.
“How did your meeting go?” I asked as he ran his fingers through my hair.
“It went well, exactly how I hoped everything would turn out,” he told me. “What did you do today?”
“I went to the aquarium, and then to a nearby restaurant for paella.”
“I hope you still have an appetite,” he said as he gestured to a box set up beside a blanket on the deck. “I picked up dinner, Mateo is going to take us out into the water and we can watch the sun set.” There was a soft roar as the ship sprang to life, we started to move and Nicholas took me by the hand and led me over to the blanket. I sat beside him as we moved towards the horizon, towards the setting sun and through the glowing water. The shore shrank in the distance and I found myself laughing, completely overcome by the incredible view and exhilarated. Nicholas popped open a bottle of champagne and poured me a glass, then himself. We toasted as the sky blossomed before our eyes, the ship slowing to a stop and rocking gently on the waves. Out of the box Nicholas retrieved plates of meats, olives, fruit and cheeses. We ate together as the sky grew dark and the stars emerged, countless above us. The moon was bright and shined off the water, it felt like we were the only two people in the universe. When Nicholas bent his head down to kiss me I leaned against him in surrender. I was captivated, falling head over heels for this incredible man. I never thought my life could be like this.
16
I was curled up in bed, I fell fast asleep after the second time Nicholas made me come. The man was talented in bed and I couldn’t get enough of him, there was nothing better than drifting off to bed exhausted and completely satisfied. The gentle rocking of the boat on the water was peaceful, I slept deeper than I had in a long time. I felt my shoulder shaken, softly at first, then harder. My vision was blurry with sleep. In the dark cabin I blinked, confused, and looked at Nicholas. He had a finger pressed to his lips, signalling for me to be quiet. He moved to the edge of the bed and picked up his t-shirt, pulling it on and stepping towards the door. Confused, I retrieved my slip from the floor and pulled it on, following him. Then I heard it, the noise that must have awakened him. There were footsteps on the deck above us. Mateo had left after we docked for the night.
I looked at Nicholas, his face grim and serious, and held onto his arm as he moved towards the stairs. He turned to face me, holding his hand out. “Stay here,” he whispered. I didn’t want to be alone but stood still as he quietly moved away, tip toeing up the steps and looking around. For a while there was only the sound of my rapid breathing and the creak of the boat as we bobbed against the dock. Above me the footsteps grew louder when suddenly I heard shouting, then Nicholas barreled down the stairs. “In the room Breanne, NOW,” he shouted. My heart racing I turned and ran back where I came from, Nicholas close behind me. He slammed the door shut and locked it. Behind the wooden door I heard a heavy thud, and then banging. Nicholas pushed me aside with his arm and I fell to the ground as a loud bang clapped through the air, a bullet hole piercing the door.
“He’s in here,” shouted a voice behind the door, trying the handle with no luck. The door shook on its hinges as I heard a heavy boot kicking against it but the s
olid wood held.
“Don’t worry, he’s not getting out alive,” said another voice. I looked over at Nicholas, awake now and in a panic. I didn’t know what was happening, but I knew that we were in serious danger.
“Is this a dream?” I asked Nicholas, my voice shaking.
“I’m afraid not,” he told me, walking over and lowering himself to the ground, holding me in his arms. “It’s going to be okay,” he assured me, but I could hear the panic in his voice as well. He stood and rushed over to the dresser, picking up his phone and dialing. “I’m calling the police,” he shouted at the door. He pressed the phone to his ear. “Hello? Yes, we’re at One Ocean Port Vell Marina, there are men on our boat with guns. They’re trying to attack us.”
My eyes grew glassy with tears and I stared at the door which was still being kicked by whoever was on the other side. Nicholas walked back over to me and placed his hand on my shoulder reassuringly. “Nicholas Blackstone. I don’t know,” he continued on the phone. “Please hurry.” The door was quiet now, the silence stark after all of the noise. I continued to stare at the door dumbly, wondering if they were scared off. Maybe we were safe now. As I continued to stare at the door I saw trails of smoke, thin and light at first, creeping under the door. The smoke grew thicker, pouring under the crack and through the hole the bullet had created. I reached up and tugged on Nicholas’ arm. “Breanne, what is it?” he asked. He followed my line of sight and turned his focus to the door. “Shit,” he said. He walked up to the door and placed a hand against it. “Fire. They set the yacht on fire,” he said into the phone. “Send someone, fast.” He hung up the phone and crouched in front of me, I was still staring forward, frozen with panic.
“Breanne,” he said, looking me in the eyes. “Breanne, listen to me. We can’t stay here, we need to get off this boat.” He went to the dresser and grabbed a few things, placing them into a plastic bag and sealing it. He pulled on jeans and went over to the window, pulling it open and sticking his head outside. He rushed back to me. “Breanne the fire is spreading fast, they must have used some type of accelerant. We need to go.” He pulled me to my feet and I followed him over to the window. “You need to slip out into the water,” he told me. “Go, I’ll be right behind you.”
