Page 53 of Tangled Trust

"We have your suite ready for you and your guest. Welcome, Ma’am. If you need anything, please feel free to ask."

"Thank you, Geoffrey," Ella smiles.

The concierge smiles and leaves Ella and me to our own devices.

"Oh, my goodness. This place is breathtaking, Carter."

"They do know how to look after their guests."

"I feel a little underdressed."

"Nonsense. You look beautiful. But if you’re in the mood for something a little bit special, they do have an excellent boutique downstairs. Feel free to browse while I pop out to the office for a few hours. Oh, I’ve booked you in at the spa. You deserve a little treat after putting up with Jagger’s and my spots."

"That’s so sweet, Carter. Thank you."

"Don’t be too grateful, or I’ll never leave this suite. You’re going to make me forget about the meeting I have."

"Okay, I’ll show you my appreciation later," she purrs, and I fear that I’ll be walking around with a raging hardon the entire day.

"I’ll see you later, Ella. Have fun," I smile and kiss her luscious, plump lips.

It takes all my willpower to leave, but I know if I don't, I’m done for. The thought of Ella waiting for me will keep me going.

* * *

This place is insane! I’ve never experienced such opulence before, and I have to be honest, I love it. A woman can get used to this alarmingly fast.

The spa is pure decadence. Marble counters and stairs, hardwood floors, soft music, and the perfect lighting create the perfect ambience. How wonderfully thoughtful of Carter.

"Good morning, Ma’am. I see you’re booked in for our signature body ritual."

"Hi. Sounds heavenly."

"You’re most certainly going to leave here feeling like a new person," the perfectly put-together therapist smiles before she tells me what I have to look forward to. "We’ll start you off with a full body exfoliation, followed by a relaxing Salt Stone massage. Afterward, you’ll simply melt into the table as you’re cocooned in warm towels. Next, you’ll experience the healing effects of a detoxifying gemstone mask, revitalizing scalp massage, and calming foot massage."

I want to say wow and do a little jig. Instead, I make sure my mouth isn’t hanging open and say something I imagine the stinking rich women she usually treats would do.

An hour and a half later, I emerged as a majestic swan. I had no idea it was even possible to feel and look this well put together. It’s crazy what money can afford for the privileged. It’s as if I’ve left the old Ella somewhere on the spa floor. Is it legal to feel this relaxed? Should I feel guilty? Hell, no!

It’s 4 p.m., and I’m slothing about the suite. I had a delicious pasta for lunch and treated myself to dessert too, just for the hell of it. My phone rings. It’s Carter.

"Hey, Cinderella. Did you enjoy your spa spoil?"

"Oh, my word. I feel like a new person."

"I like the old one just fine," he laughs. "Meet me in the lobby in ten?"

"Sure. Where are we going?"

"I want to check out an exclusive new listing, and I thought you’d like to join me."

"Great. See you in a bit."

I stopped off at the boutique after lunch and bought myself an outfit I thought Carter would like. I put it on and go downstairs.

"Wow!" he grins when he sees me. "You look amazing."

"Oh, this old thing," I sigh.

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