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Avehicle is waiting for us on the tarmac when we touch down. It’s kind of strange to exit a plane and immediately be escorted into a blacked-out SUV. It’s like we’re celebrities or in the secret service, or both, really.
Dom keeps his hand on my thigh the entire ride to our destination. I don’t know how long to expect, nor do I really care. Just being here with him is enough. Away from the city that consumes him and the place that feels heavier with each passing day.
Mountains line the distance with lush greenery scattered throughout. The airlooksclearer here, like if I were to roll down the window and breathe it in it could spark new life in my lungs.
“It’s beautiful,” I say to no one in particular.
“It really is.” Dom throws his arm over my shoulders and tugs me toward him.
We stay like this for what feels like forever and somehow not very long at all. Our chauffeur turns us onto a gravel drive, and after a couple minutes down the winding path, we arrive at a picturesque structure. I wasn’t sure things could be any more stunning but when I step out onto the ground, I’m struck by the gorgeous views from this place.
“Wow.” I stare off into the distance at the open water ahead.
The building is tucked near the coast with nothing else in sight for as long as I can see in both directions. Trees block any potential neighboring places from being in sight, leaving this building completely off on its own.
So very like Dom to pick something so secluded. He’s a man of privacy, and he intends on getting it every chance he can, and when he can’t, he makes it happen anyway.
“Let me guess,” I glance over at him. “You own this, too?”
Dom grins but shakes his head. “No, but it isn’t from lack of effort.” He nods toward the woman walking toward us. “Family owned and operated. It’s been passed down from generation to generation.”
“I’m surprised you didn’t take it by force,” I tell him, only partially being sarcastic.
“They’re too nice of folks.”
“Dominic,” the woman greets him with rosy cheeks, her wiry gray hair fluttering in the wind. She immediately focuses on me. “You’ve brought a…woman.” The lady latches onto my hands and holds onto them. Her face is kind and innocent but shows the gentle lines of her old age.
“Priscilla, this is June. June, Priscilla,” Dom introduces us.
“It is so very nice to meet you, my dear.” She continues to clasp my hands. “How lovely it is that you’re here.”
“Thank you,” I tell her. “Your property is absolutely breathtaking.”
“Come.” She tugs me with her. “I will show you all around.”
“Cill,” Dom calls after us.
I glance over my shoulder as she takes me with her, Dom shrugs and lets it happen. I guess this is an instance where my life isn’t in danger so he allows her to kidnap me.
“I like to say this is where the sky and the mountains and the water all meet to gather into this incredibly magical place.” Priscilla points around the building. “There are lush gardens around every corner. And over there”—she motions in the distance—“is a lavender field. You smell that?” She sucks in a breath and exhales. “I just love it here.”
I take in a lungful of air and revel in how pure it is.
“You two will be staying in the Lavender Suite, but you’ll have the run of the place. Feel free to wander around and get lost.” She cups my hand and smiles up at me. “You’ll always find your way back, don’t worry. Just close your eyes and listen to the water, it will guide you home.”
We walk along a stone pathway that trails the massive building.
The landscaping is immaculate with its rich lawns and vibrant flowers and perfectly trimmed shrubbery. Each section is carved with precision and shows how much detail was put into every aspect of this place.
I take in the building, noticing all of the windows overlooking the still water.
“There are bikes all over the property. Hop on one and explore if you feel called to it. Make yourself right at home, okay, June?”
"I will, thank you." I continue walking with her and wonder how this place can continue to get any nicer. It's no wonder Dom comes up here to disappear. This is nothing like his day-to-day life. Back home is dark and dangerous and gloomy. Here, it's like anything is possible, or at least you can distract yourself long enough to believe it is.
“Are you running off with my girl?” Dom catches up to us and weaves his fingers through mine.
“I haven’t shown her the Azaleas yet,” Priscilla tells him.
