Page 19 of Possessed By You
CHAPTER TWO
“Take my hand,” Benjamin says as we file out of the airport among many other bright-eyed tourists. The Indonesian air is so thick I can hardly breathe. I take his outstretched hand, knowing if I don’t, there will be a very probable possibility I’ll lose him on the way out of here.
We’re lacking the security we’d usually have following us on a trip of this magnitude, which is worrisome, considering how present he and I have been lately in the news. But Benjamin’s made it very clear he intends to have me to himself, with no distractions. Dimitri had to sit this one out.
We approach a short man holding a sign with Benjamin’s name on it. “Hello, Mr. Scott. I’m Farel. I will be your chauffeur for the duration of your visit.”
“Pleasure, Farel.” They shake hands, and Ben gestures to me. “This is my girlfriend, Darcy.”
“Welcome to Bali. Right this way. The car is parked just outside. Is this your first trip here?”
“Second for me. First for her.”
Like a stupid teenager, I’m stuck on the word girlfriend, pleased to hear him say it to a stranger. The drive to the villa is long and draining, considering the lack of sleep and jet lag, which has descended upon us both. When we finally arrive, Benjamin ushers me from the car with apprehension, waiting for my reaction. Which is stupor. I whip my head from the monstrous resort home to his face in disbelief.
The private villa is entirely encased in crystal clear glass, surrounded by lush green vegetation and tall, straight palm trees. A narrow stone path leads us to the whitewashed French door. He lets me race ahead of him first, obviously savoring my reaction. There seem to be endless rooms. The main living spaces are spacious, teeming with flowers and fresh fruit. Colorful mimosas are laid out on the table for us. My mind implodes at the sight of the plunge pool, which has an entire side of glass dedicated to overlook the ocean, just a few paces of sand away.
“So, good choice?” Benjamin asks warmly, informing me he’s been watching me spin in circles.
“This is unreal.”
“This is our reality for the next four days. Ultimate seclusion. No one here but you and me.” He circles my waist with his arms.
“I like that idea.”
“Are you tired? I know the flight was brutal.”
“I can survive if you have something you want to do.”
“No, get some sleep. Everything will still be here when you wake up.” He kisses me, offering a seemingly unending supply of tender care. His gentleness is disarming but appreciated. This trip feels like a force of nature, the remedy to our problems. We’ve only just arrived, and I’m reassured we’re going to come out of this stronger than going in.
I wake a few hours later, not because I’m ready to. My curling stomach has flipped and forced me out of my comatose state. Jet lag has descended, and the only way to get rid of it is a cold shower. Shedding my nightgown, I step into the shower with hopes that the nausea will miraculously disappear. However, within minutes, I’m jumping out of the glass fully drenched, just making the toilet to heave violently into the bowl that reeks of strong bleach. To make sure I’m done, I lay on my knees, my burning cheek against my arm propped on the seat. When it’s clear that my stomach has stopped turning, I pick myself up off the puddle I’ve created and reenter the shower, hoping it doesn’t happen again. After brushing my teeth vigorously, I drape on a delicate blue sundress and exit the room, in search of the mogul I’m in love with.
I find him barefoot on the patio in jeans and a white t-shirt, leaning against the railing on the phone, always working. I slide the door open, hit by a wave of boiling heat, and smile when I catch his eye. He holds his arm open, and I walk into him, glowing at this picture.
Benjamin and this backdrop.
“Yes. Yes, tomorrow. No exceptions. Yes. Goodbye.” He hangs up, leaving his phone on the laptop set on the wood railing. “You okay?”
“Yeah, just a little sick from the plane, I think. I’m fine.”
“You sure? You want to lie down some more?”
“No, I’m fine, really. What have you been doing?”
“I spoke to a few people, Rebecca included. She told me to say hello to you.”
The mention of Benjamin’s sister, the only member of his family who can stand me, is welcome. “How is she?”
“Pregnant.” He chuckles fondly at my gaping.
“That’s so wonderful! How far along is she?”
“Not sure yet.”
“I’m so happy for her. That’s amazing.”
He nods, kissing my forehead. “I had a surprise for you, but I don’t know if we should do it now.”
