Page 82 of The Last Resort
Yep, it’s an island mansion. Straight out of Architectural Digest. And it’s magnificent.
She stopped and took in the view. The northern aspect; the ingenious use of the sloping roof. Somewhere, no doubt, well-hidden from view, were large tanks which collected fresh rainwater and fed it back into the house.
A veritable genius had built this island palace. Everywhere she looked, Rachel caught glimpses of inspired design.
“This place is fantastic. Promise, that you will show me the plumbing and waste systems while we are here. I’m sure they’ll have some great pointers for the upgrade in Colorado.”
“Yeah, I was thinking the solar paneling could be worth looking at as well. The villa is entirely self-sufficient. Everything that can’t be taken off the island is broken down for compost or fed back into the system,” replied Matthew.
She turned to him. “Do you have any idea how cool it is to be able to talk sustainable design with someone who gets it?”
Matthew nodded. “Yeah, I do.”
You get me.
That unbidden thought had guilt rising fast in her mind. He got the Rachel he thought he knew, not the real one. Not the one whose father was pressuring her to ask Matthew for four-million dollars.
At the bottom of the steps leading up to the villa’s entrance, two men in white shirts and black pants stood either side of a trestle table. A woman with braided black hair, sat at the table. She was shaded from the heat of the sun by a large canvas café umbrella. As they approached, Rachel sensed a definite “don’t mess with us” vibe coming from the people waiting to greet them.
Matthew pulled up a few yards short of the welcoming committee and turned to Rachel. “Do you have your cell on you?”
She nodded. “Yes, though I turned it off on the plane.”
“Please give it to me.” He pulled his own phone out of his pants pocket.
What? Give up her phone. What if Kellie or her mom had to get in touch?
What if something blows up on TikTok or Insta and I miss it?
“You’ll get it back after the wedding tomorrow, I promise,” he explained.
She reluctantly handed it over, then after one final glance at her cell, followed Matthew to the table.
“Good afternoon, I am Mister Matthew Royal, and this is my guest Ms. Rachel Little.” He handed over the phones.The woman flipped through a box and took out a numbered bag. She placed the phones in the bag, then zipped it. “You will get your cells back after the bride and groom have departed. Do you have any other electronic recording devices with you?”
Matthew and Rachel both shook their heads.
“Good. I must also inform you that your bags will be checked before they are delivered to your room. The only items we are interested in are things such as laptops, phones, or cameras. If you are bringing in any other forms of contraband, rest assured we won’t be touching those.”
One of the men moved forward and placed a wristband firstly on Rachel wrist, then on Matthew’s. “Please keep these on until the time you leave the island. If you are found without one, you will be escorted back to the mainland.”
This is presidential-level security.
Someone mega important had to be coming to the wedding. The security on the island was nuts. Now she understood why Matthew had been so insistent on them leaving their laptops locked up on the jet.
“We understand. I’m the groom’s brother so rest assured, there is nothing contraband in our cases,” replied Matthew.
Matthew is the groom’s brother. And if the groom isn’t Bryce. Then its … holy heck!
Rachel was still blinking hard as the well-dressed woman handed them both clip boards with documents attached. “Please take your time to read the pages as these are legally binding agreements. The bride and groom are prepared to take legal action against any guest who does not adhere to the terms and spirit of the contract.”
Rachel glanced at the papers in front of her. It was a non-disclosure agreement. She flipped through the pages, searching for any clue as to who the other party was, but all she could find was the name Royal.
But it can’t be anyone else getting married. And I’m here. OMG.
Must not pee my pants in excitement.
“What happens if I don’t sign it?” joked Matthew.
