Page 10 of Fionn
But I wanted this. I needed an adventure.
I smiled at Cleo. "Do I need to sign something?"
I'd never been on a private plane before. It was just as glamorous as I'd imagined. I was offered champagne and lobster, a steward was at my beck and call, and the leather recliner was so comfy I fell asleep halfway through my in-flight movie. I felt like a rockstar.
They'd not told me where this flight was going, not even when I'd had my passport checked. The steward had said that he didn't know, but I found that unlikely. He must have been ordered not to tell me. But why? There was no going back now. I couldn't exactly jump out of the plane and swim home.
We'd been over water for most of the flight. I peered at the white-crested waves far below. We'd started our descent ten minutes ago, but we still hadn't reached land. It was all very mysterious. But soon, the mystery would have to be lifted. I couldn't enter a foreign country without knowing where I was.
"Cabin crew, prepare for landing."
The captain's smooth voice echoed through the plane. She could have just addressed the steward directly. It was just him and me in the main cabin. I'd expected more women to travel together with me, but again, the steward hadn't been able to tell me why an entire private plane had been chartered just for me. There were eight seats, but I was the only passenger. I ignored the niggling doubt at the edge of my mind that this was just too good to be true.
They'd want something in return.
This was costing them thousands upon thousands. The Hot Tatties office hadn't looked like they were making that much money. Not shabby or run-down, but ordinary, down-to-Earth. Not the sort of office where billionaires came to search for their arm candy.
Not that I was arm candy material. I was thin but more muscular and broad-shouldered than most men preferred. My boobs were small, my hair short, my cheeks covered in freckles. I could dress up if I had to, but I preferred loose, comfy clothes. And because I was so used to swimming every day, I rarely wore jewellery - not after losing one of my grandmother's earrings in the pool.
"Cabin crew, please take a seat."
A thin strip of sand appeared from nowhere, right beneath us. An island.
My heart beat against my ribs. Reality hit me. I was thousands of miles from home. I was about to go on the adventure of a lifetime. And I had no clue where I was.
The landing went smoothly. I tried to get glimpses of our location through the windows, but all I could see was a nondescript airport building in a sandy, flat place. Airport workers in bright orange uniforms swarmed around the plane as soon as we'd reached our final position, unloading my baggage before the gangway had even been attached.
The steward cleared his throat as he handed me a sealed envelope. Thick, luxurious paper.
"I was instructed to give you this upon landing. Someone from the agency was supposed to travel with you, but she had to cancel at the last minute. You should read it now, before you leave the plane."
I was about to pepper him with questions, but he'd already turned away, busying himself with tidying up the cabin.
I carefully opened the envelope. Ripping it open would have felt wrong. Inside was a letter, the top embossed with the Hot Tatties logo. Maybe I'd underestimated them.
* * *
Dear Elise,
* * *
Welcome to what we like to call the Island of Love. It has other names, but as it is a private island, allow us the indulgence of giving it a new name.
* * *
For the next four weeks, you will be sharing this island with four gentlemen, one of whom has been matched to you. Other women will arrive shortly. There will be various activities offered, both for ladies and for all guests together, including excursions to neighbouring islands. Please let the staff know if you have special requests or questions. They are here to cater for anything you might wish for.
* * *
Your first encounter with the gentlemen will be in a somewhat unusual manner. They have requested to stay hidden from view until you know each other better. There will be a screen between you and your accommodations are at opposite sides of the island to ensure you only mix once everyone is comfortable.
* * *
If you, after meeting the gentlemen in question, feel uncomfortable or do not wish to proceed with the dating aspect of this adventure, please let staff know. You will still be able to have a wonderful holiday in one of the most beautiful places on Earth.
* * *
Happy dating,
