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Serena says with a sigh. “And Apollo brought you here. I’m sure it wasn’t what you hoped for, but if we can make your stay a comfortable one, we will do our best.”
Ariana nods. “Serenita is the name of our island. It means Serenity.”
I glance around at the armed guards, and Ariana laughs. “Take no notice of the security guards. We live a strange life, Melissa, but we do live a life. Too many have not had the chance to enjoy theirs to the full. Make it your business to make the most of yours all the time you have it. Treat Serenita as your own healing place and hopefully, when you return home, your problems will be behind you.”
I’m surprised when two other women head our way and Serena says with a smile. “Here come Purity and Allegra. They are my brother’s misguided girlfriends who know a thing or two about dealing with problems. Theirs are trickier than most and go by the names of Killian and Shade.”
Ariana rolls her eyes. “They will tell you differently, Melissa. They are happy with their choices.”
“If you say so, nonna.” Serena shakes her head as the two women arrive and greet me warmly.
“Hey, you must be Melissa. I’m Purity.” A truly gorgeous woman holds out her hand and as I shake it, I am instantly at peace with myself. There is something so angelic about the beauty before me, and I can’t look away as she smiles sweetly and drops into the seat beside me.
The other woman grins cheekily. “I’m Allegra. It’s good to meet you, Melissa. I must say you travel with extremely impressive baggage.”
“Don’t let Shade hear you?” Serena grins. “Apollo won’t make it off this island.”
Allegra rolls her eyes. “I can look, can’t I? I’m just saying.”
Ariana laughs out loud, and I can tell she loves being among these women. There’s a sparkle in her eyes that takes years off her, and I wonder about their lives. They live among terrifying men and yet act no different to the women I usually keep the company of. They seem more real even and not so contrived like Katy. I have known them for a few minutes and yet I’m more comfortable with them than any of my friends and that surprises me.
Purity sighs and gazes out at the ocean, much like I did.
“I love coming here. I wish we had longer.”
Ariana nods in agreement. “I wish that too, honey. It hurts my heart when you all leave.”
“When will that be?” I ask and she sighs.
“I don’t know. Possibly in a few days. Killian tells me we could be here a week or two, but there is a lot of work piling up back at home and then I won’t see him for ages while he deals with it.”
“Do you work?”
I’m curious and she nods. “Of course. I work hard at the charities we donate to. Most of my days are spent helping them or arranging fundraisers.”
Ariana nods her approval. “And you do a very good job of it.”
Purity smiles and I stare at a beauty who fascinates me.
“Thanks, nonna. I try my best.”
I turn to Allegra, who sighs. “I wish I had that luxury. I was due to start work at a PR company, but then I met Shade. I’m still figuring out what will be acceptable to both of us because any ideas I have he tells me are shit and I can’t work there.”
Serena laughs out loud. “Good luck with that. Shade has always been an arrogant bastard who demands one hundred percent attention. There is no way in hell he will stand for one minute less of your time and expect you to be available when he calls.”
Ariana says sternly, “Stand up to him, Allegra. Make your own demands and do what makes you happy.”
I turn to Serena who says lightly, “I don’t work either, so I’m a fine one to talk. Like Allegra, I never had that luxury and am just enjoying a little freedom that I wasn’t expecting.”
She sighs and I can tell she’s thinking about a man because Ariana rolls her eyes and whispers, “Serena met a man, and they are traveling together. Perhaps she will find herself on your same journey and decide if she wants to settle down or spread her wings.”
“I can do both.” She shrugs. “I want it all and I will get it.”
“Of course you will, dear.” Ariana gazes at her with such a proud expression it makes me smile.
I don’t have time to dwell on it though because Serena says with a wicked grin.
“Well, look what blew in with the wind.”
