Page 69 of Bride By Initiation

Destiny chirps, "We're landing shortly."

"Thank you," Sylvia replies, and puts her seat upright.

Destiny disappears behind the curtain.

The landing gear squeaks, and the plane descends.

I ask, "Where are we?"

"I already told you it's classified information," Sylvia reprimands.

I roll my eyes and turn toward the window, then get more frustrated from the reminder I can't see out of it.

The wheels hit the ground, and the bins rattle. The pilot hits the brakes, and we slow down to a stop.

Sylvia stretches her arms over her head, yawning.

The door to the jet opens, and Destiny slides the curtain back. "All safe to deplane."

Sylvia gets up and steps behind her seat. She motions for me to go first.

My stomach flips. I walk down the aisle, pass Destiny, and enter the jetway.

It, too, has no windows. The air is warm and borderline humid, so I'm guessing we're somewhere tropical, but I could be wrong.

Soft light flickers from candles inside sconces. A dark hardwood floor and black painted walls surround us.

Sylvia keeps her hand on my back, guiding me forward. A door opens, but it looks the same as the jetway. We travel down several more hallways until we finally enter a high-end locker room.

It reminds me of a spa, but a very intimate, personal, and luxurious one. Plush cream-colored couches and chairs line the room. The center has a massage table with an infrared light hanging above it.

One side of the room has a marble counter. Water infused with lemons, limes, oranges, and basil fills glass jugs. Nuts, dried fruit, and dark chocolate heap out of bowls.

Similar to the hallways, the room is light by candles in sconces. The scent of roses fills the air, mixing with some earthy oil, which I assume is sandalwood.

Sylvia points to the corner of the room. There's a toilet room with a door, and a huge, open shower fills the rest of the space. An oversizedvanity with tons of cosmetics, hair tools, brushes, and other toiletries is situated across from the beverage station.

Sylvia states, "Renzo and Mila will give you a massage before they help you shower. They'll also do your makeup, hair, and nails, and ensure you're freshly waxed."

Renzo and Mila?

Massage?

Help me shower?

Wax?

My chest tightens, and my heart races. I glance around.

A tall Italian-looking man steps into the room, followed by a beautiful Middle Eastern woman. Her long, dark hair reminds me of silk. They both have warm brown eyes and perfect skin. Her makeup is flawless, and she offers a kind smile.

I freeze. My eyes dart between them and Sylvia, still unsure what's happening.

She strokes my hair and smirks. "Ah, yes. I know you want to run, but that's not the smart move."

I admit, "I don't understand why I'm here."

Sylvia arches her eyebrows, as if she's convinced I have no reason to be confused and made a silly statement. "Darling, it's about getting you ready for initiation. It is what you said you wanted, correct? To know all the answers?"

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