Page 70 of Pride

“I have to get back to Washington as soon as possible,” I say, sighing heavily as this trip has turned into a nightmare. “I need to talk to my dad and try to convince him that Isiah is up to no good.”

Olivia nods in agreement. “Of course. We’ll take the jet back this afternoon.”

I wince. “Is that the earliest?”

“Unfortunately, I’ve already paid for a spa treatment at the most exclusive spa in London.” She purses her lips. “What’s a few hours?”

I roll my eyes. “Can you never take anything seriously?”

“You definitely need a good massage to loosen you up, ready you for a showdown against your dad.”

She might be right that it would do me some good, but despite only knowing Isiah for a few weeks, I’ve learned that he’s always one step ahead. The last thing I want is for him to beat me back to Washington.

“What if he gets there before me?”

“Who?”

“Isiah. He will head back and try to get to my dad first.”

“Don’t you think it’s going to look suspicious if he heads straight back to Washington this morning to see your dad?” Olivia asks.

I shake my head, as I know how good Isiah is at manipulating my dad. The man hangs off every word he says, and it’s pathetic. “No, he’ll have a way of manipulating the situation somehow.”

“Do you really think that he’s going to just head straight back this morning?”

“Possibly not.” My shoulders slump. “What time is the appointment?”

“Ten o’clock this morning for two hours.” Olivia’s eyes narrow. “We can be on the plane by two o’clock this afternoon at the latest.”

I sigh. “Okay, I’m not going to say I’m happy about it, but let’s do it.”

She claps her hands and jumps up and down, making me want to puke. This is so insignificant right now, but I accept that she’s probably right. A few hours won’t make a difference.

“Get ready and we will head downstairs to the spa.” Olivia pulls her cell phone out of her Gucci purse. “I’ll arrange for the jet to be fueled and ready for a two o’clock take off, okay?”

I nod and go into the bathroom to get ready, staring at myself in the mirror. The girl staring back is hardly recognizable. I feel like last night I lost a part of myself when Isiah took me against my will and I submitted to it in the end. The fight left me and pleasure replaced it, as sickening as that admission may be.

Olivia bangs on the door impatiently. “Do you realize we’re going to be late?”

I roll my eyes and grab my robe off the back of the door, carrying it out. “I’m ready.”

Olivia arches a brow at the fact I’ve not changed from the night before, but I don’t really give a shit right now. She leads the way to the hotel spa, which should be a relaxing space with the soothing music playing in the background and the scent of essential oils, but there’s nothing that could make me relax at the moment, not even a massage.

This is a waste of time. Precious time that I could be using to ensure that I get to my dad first. I have this sinking sensation that Isiah will want to get ahead of me on this.

“Welcome to the spa. Do you have an appointment?”

Olivia beams at the staff member who greeted us. “Yes, Benedetto at ten o’clock.”

He checks a clipboard he’s holding and nods. “Yep, we’ve got you down here for two spa treatments. Bella is in room two and Olivia is in room three. Here are the keys. If you go and change in to your robes, your masseuse will be with you in ten minutes.”

Olivia squeaks as she takes her key. “Thank you.” And then she’s off.

I take mine with less enthusiasm. “Thanks.”

I head into my room, which is overly lavish and smells even more strongly of essential oils. And then I get dressed in my robe, wishing that I could get the hell out of here and onto that plane right now instead.

Impatience plagues me as it feels like I’m waiting a lifetime, not ten minutes, for the masseuse to arrive, staring at the fucking floor through a hole.

---