Fuck.
What more could I ask for without seeming like I’d lost my mind?
I slouched in the chair, my appetite severely lacking. I wanted fresh fruit from my orchards and vegetables from my gardens—not mass-produced crap. Even if it was vegetarian approved.
Rubbing the back of my neck, I scowled at the swirly, shitty carpet that all airports adopted to hide sins and stains.
In the grotesque pattern, my eyes saw an illusion.
An embroidered foretelling where I’d deal with my brother.
I’d win.
Yet I’d return home and find out that I’d lost.
Like always.
Chapter Ten
A KNOCK SOUNDED ON the door for the second time today.
I scurried to throw my bedsheets on top of the small pile I’d gathered while creating my escape bag. Running to the door, I opened it.
Once again, a smiley, pretty girl who I recognised was here to deliver a tray groaning with every delicacy imaginable. Usually, it was just her. A friendly hand over of lunch.
But not today.
Today, the same man who’d appeared this morning at seven a.m. stood beside her.
His tanned skin and jet-black hair hinted of his Indonesian origins. His intelligent dark eyes promised swift repercussions if I disobeyed, and his body held muscles that looked painstakingly built rather than given at birth.
Sully might have left, but he hadn’t relinquished control. This new overseer narrowed his eyes with suspicion, looking past me into the villa as if I’d stolen Sully’s prized belongings and frolicked with abandon.
“Thank you,” I said quietly as the girl dropped off the tray on the driftwood carved sideboard.
She smiled and bowed a little, darting back onto the sandy path and waiting for the man to signal departure.
The man continued to stare at me. Holding his hands clasped in front of him, he stood with his legs spread in authority and his lips pressed together in deliberation. Finally, he said, “As you are not serving in Euphoria today, I suggest you remain in your villa and enjoy this fine afternoon.” He bowed his head cordially. “I will be along to check on you this evening. If you require anything, please just ring for service.”
Another check?
How many will he do?
I nodded, clutching the door handle to end this strange meeting. The ease that cloaked the island while Sully ruled had gone, tightening with tension under this new leader’s command. His control felt brittle, as if he clutched the reins too hard and they might snap from his attempts at perfection.
As one, the man and woman turned to go. My mind whirled. I’d hoped I’d be able to head to the dining room to collect more food and water. Rations for my escape. His suggestion to stay in my villa had been more transparent, strict instruction rather than just a kind proposal.
“Do you think…” I held up my hand, stopping them. “That I could have some more water delivered? My fridge is low. Also…another bottle of sunscreen? I’m out. Oh, and some fruit would be great—but not sliced or prepared. I don’t mind peeling them.”
To my ears, I’d confessed to my plans of escape. I rushed with a shaky laugh. “I just like putting the fruit in the fridge and eating it when its cool…that’s all. If it’s already been prepared, it can go a bit brown and soggy.”
The man eyed me.
I wanted to hold his stare but instead dropped my gaze to his bare feet covered in golden-silver sand.
He studied me for far longer than I liked, and worry scattered down my spine. I’d thought leaving would be easy with Sully gone. I hadn’t accounted for his lackey to be so diligent.
“As you wish. I’ll have some brought directly.”
I hid my huge exhale of relief. “Thank you.” Before I could hint anymore at my indiscretions, I closed the door and slouched against it.
Oh, my God.
My heart winged a thousand flurries a minute, burning off breakfast, making me shake.
If I was going to do this, I had to be braver. I had to fully commit. To accept the hazards and pitfalls, to admit that it might not work and pain might be waiting on either side.
Pain of failure—beaten and reprimanded.
Pain of success—unknown hardship and struggle.
I’m committed.
I am.
Balling my hands, I straightened my back and returned to my small pile. Two sunhats, a long-sleeve blouse, one long skirt, two bikinis, a bottle of sunscreen, four bottles of water already pilfered from the fridge, pastries wrapped up from breakfast, a handful of grapes, and a slim, solar torch from the bedside drawer.
I had no idea how long I’d be at sea. The sun would beam down from above, burning me, dehydrating me, killing my energy and hope. I had to be smart and give myself the best possible chance of survival.
I was well aware I could be jumping from a monster’s den into death.
But…if I didn’t try…what does that make me?