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“Excellent.” She beamed. “This way, please.”
The sleek glass doors Amy led me to slid open with a gentle whoosh, revealing the interior. My resentment faded into wide-eyed amazement as I took in the lavish space.
A rectangular pool stretched across the heart of the room, its surface adorned with floating rose petals. Soft ripples danced across the water’s surface, reflecting the serene atmosphere.
Surrounding the pool, plush white lounges beckoned guests to relax and unwind, and soft-looking towels and robes embellished each lounge. My hands itched to sink into their fluffy embrace.
The walls were adorned with tasteful artwork, and ambient music played in the background, adding to the sense of tranquility.
At one end of the vast room, a sleek bar boasted a range of artisanal teas and freshly squeezed juices. An attendant stood beside an espresso machine, ready to craft custom beverages. Today, that meant just for me.
Amy guided me to an open door leading into a private treatment room and smiled. “Your day starts here.”
When in Rome, as they say.
At least, I was pretty sure it was Rome.
After I stripped and settled onto a padded table, two attendants got to work, kneading scented oils into my skin and soothing my aching muscles. Tension bled from my body as I gave myself over to their practiced hands.
Marissa was a talented masseuse but nowhere near this good. Based on her instructors’ gushing praise, I had a sneaking suspicion she cut corners when she practiced on me. What a brat.
By the time I emerged from the spa—scrubbed, buffed, and polished to perfection—my annoyance with Dominic had almost vanished. I felt relaxed and decadent, ready to face whatever the evening held. Even spending time with an arrogant dragon couldn’t dampen my good mood now.
I could take on the world.
Wearing one of the fluffy white robes that felt as good as I’d hoped, I followed an attendant to another large room. As promised, the stylist waiting for me there presented a selection of designer outfits in expensive fabrics and a range of styles. Despite myself, I was impressed with Dominic’s taste.
I browsed as if knowing what was in fashion and eventually selected a deep blue dress that clung to my slight curves before flaring at the knees. I paired it with kitten heels that didn’t make me wobble too much.
The woman expertly styled my hair in loose curls and brushed on some makeup before handing me a small clutch to finish the look. Inside was a mirror and the lipstick she’d used on me.
What a lovely touch.
I hardly recognized myself in the mirrors surrounding me. When had I last dressed up like this, like the carefree socialite I once was?
Back home, we donned attire made of seaweed, clamshells, and sometimes even gems and trinkets from shipwrecks. Every activity had its dress code or preferred style.
Admiring my reflection, I looked confident and ready for war.
Dominic wouldn’t know what hit him.
“I hope you have an evening as lovely as you look, Ms. Johnson.” Amy assessed my choices with a smile—I’d passed. “Samson is waiting outside to take you to the restaurant.”
Her use of the driver’s name spoke of a familiarity between them, and I wondered how often Dominic brought women here before dates. My resentment returned tenfold.
Lovely wasn’t the word I’d choose for what was about to come. I strode out to the limousine on unfamiliar heels, smoothing the dress over my hips and praying I wouldn’t fall flat on my face.
Samson opened the limousine door, and I slid inside.
“Let’s get this over with.” The bite had returned to my words, but my frustration wasn’t directed at the driver.
I’d almost fallen for Dominic’s charms, and I hadn’t even seen him yet. He was going to regret breaking his word.
If only I hadn’t been such a dope.
CHAPTER 16
Bree
