The convoy of cars pulls into the Four Seasons at approximately 4:00 p.m. on Saturday.
I’m in Beth’s car, the black Mercedes with the two security guards inside it trailing silently behind us both.
I look over to Beth as she bounces in her seat. “My fucking God, can you believe you are doing this?”
“No.” I hold my stomach. “I feel sick. What if I get caught?”
She shrugs as she pulls the car to a stop. “Who cares? What’s the worst that could happen? Edward flips his lid, like he doesn’t do that once a fucking week anyway.”
I smile. It’s so refreshing having a friend who doesn’t give a damn.
Beth hands the keys to the parking attendant once we’re parked, and we get my bags out of the boot of the car. I’ve warned the boys that they’re to keep their distance. I don’t want anyone to know that they are with me or are my security team. I want to appear normal. I am normal… it’s just my life that isn’t.
I walk up to the reception in the foyer with Beth by my side.
“Hello, I’d like to check in, please,” I say timidly.
“Into the penthouse.” Beth smiles proudly.
The girl types on her keyboard, and then frowns and types something else in instead.
Oh God, don’t tell me they messed up the booking. This plan could all turn to hell before it has even started.
“Is your reservation for six weeks?” she asks with surprise.
“It is.” I slide my credit card across the reception counter.
She scowls at the screen. “Just a moment, please?” She calls someone and turns her back to me, thinking that I can’t hear her. “I have someone here for the penthouse for a six-week booking. Do you know anything about it?”
She glances over at me and her eyes widen. “Oh. Oh, yes, I see. Sorry, sir. Thank you.”
She turns back to me and smiles an exaggerated fake smile. “Good afternoon, Miss Prescott. Welcome to the Four Seasons. It’s our honour to have you stay with us for your time in London.”
My shoulders sag as I stare at her. How does she know who I am?
“Your brother Edward has been on the phone with management all morning making sure your arrangements are all in order.”
He would have been going through their security with a fine toothcomb.
Beth frowns, already unimpressed with my family’s interference.
“The account has been settled in full. Welcome to the Four Seasons. I’ll personally show you up to your room now.”
I take my credit card back, feeling dejected. Edward would have paid my account without even looking at the amount.
Great.
“Can you issue me with three keys, please?” I ask. I want one for Lara and Beth so they can get up to my suite at any time.
“Certainly.” She organises everything on her desk, and then hands them over.
I glance at Wyatt and Anthony who are walking through the front doors.
“Are those gentlemen with you?” the receptionist asks, already knowing the answer. She would be aware that we have two other rooms booked as well.
“Yes,” I reply, embarrassed. There’s no mistaking the two huge men dressed in black suits who are staring at me.
“They are staying on the floor below, is that correct?”