33: Princess Treatment

Lena

“Welcome to the villa, senoritas!” Corey announces with a grin as we step through the door. Immediately, we’re greeted by the expansive, open-concept space, framed by towering glass windows that offer a breathtaking view of the midnight ocean. The living room is both airy and inviting, with pillowy white furniture that looks like clouds drifting atop the cool marble floors. The decor strikes a perfect balance between elegance and comfort: soft, neutral tones with pops of lush greens, vibrant blues, and warm gold accents bringing it to life. The room is also adorned with a stunning array of artwork, from captivating abstract sculptures to timeless historical paintings, each piece adding its own unique flair. The high, vaulted ceilings enhance the sense of openness, drawing the eye upward and amplifying the luxurious atmosphere.

Just beyond the living area lies the kitchen, sleek and modernly upgraded, with every surface gleaming under the ambient lighting above. "This is absolutely amazing,” I say filled with genuine appreciation as we all gather around the kitchen island. Corey, always quick with a boast, flashes his signature grin. “What else would you expect from a couple of knuckleheads like us?” he says with mock humility, shrugging as if it’s no big deal. The sound of laughter ripples through the room, filling the space with a sense of camaraderie as we ask them how they knew about this place. Jordan, never one to let a moment go by without adding her own flair, eagerly grabs the bottle of tequila. She pours generous shots for each of us, her movements like practiced professional, setting the stage for what promises to be another unforgettable night full of stories and memories we’ll all cherish for years to come.

"I honestly have no idea how I'm going to go back to regular life after you two have spoiled us rotten this whole trip!" Katie exclaims through a wince, clearly struggling with the bitter after taste of the liquor. "Seriously, I might need a week of recovery just to readjust to reality," she mutters, trying to hide the distaste in her voice as she sucks on a slice of lime. Jordan, not missing a beat, smiles and raises her already refilled glass high. "I second that! I really don’t want to go back to the hospital after this week. Those 12 hour night shifts fucking kill me!" she declares, tossing her head back as if the clear liquid in her glass was nothing more than water. I moan in response, thinking of returning to the office after a week of pure bliss and relaxation is depressing.

"Ughhh enough about work, don't think about that yet! The real question is, what’s the plan for tonight?" I ask as I slowly lick the salt from my wrist, my tongue lingering long enough to catch Chase watching me out of the corner of his eye. “Kat and I were thinking of going for a night swim. The pool is heated, and there’s a hot tub too!” Corey wiggles his shoulders, his excitement apparent. “Hmm, I think I'll pass. Seems like I'm the damn third wheel in this situation! Cool if I explore, do my own thang?” Jordan hums thoughtfully, her eyes drifting over the villa before rising. “Of course! I’m going to throw on my swim trunks! Be right back!” Corey grins, already skipping toward the bathroom. "Me too!" Katie adds as she eagerly shuffles through her beach bag for her bathing suit, like she’s trying to catch up in an invisible race. Chase and I lock eyes, a mischievous spark flickering between us as we giggle, the alcohol weaving its intoxicating spell through our veins.

“Come on, Lena, let me give you a guided tour before the pool gets crowded,” Chase says with a playful grin as he tugs gently at my hand. He pulls me along, leading us toward the terrace. With a fluid motion, he slides open the glass doors, revealing a breathtaking sight. Before me stretches a stunning infinity pool, its crystal clear waters glistening under the soft light of the moon. The pool seems to merge seamlessly with the dark horizon, making it hard to tell where the water ends and the night sky begins. “It’s even more impressive during the day,” he murmurs, a hint of pride in his voice as he guides us toward the railing that lines the edge. The ocean stretches before us, its dark waters tumbling gently against the shore. The rhythmic sound of the waves crashing on the rocks below fills the silence, creating a soothing melody that blends with the soft breeze rustling through the palm trees. For a moment, I simply stand there, drunkenly captivated by the serenity of the scene. I catch a glimpse of a hidden gem tucked into one corner of the terrace: a hot tub, nestled in a cozy alcove, its steam rising lazily into the air. Chase, noticing my awe, offers a quick smile before he gently takes my arm again, guiding us back toward the door. “Let’s let Katie and Corey enjoy this for tonight.” He whispers as we walk inside.

“Everything about this place is perfect,” I whisper as he guides me up the spiral staircase, the marble banister cool under my hand as we ascend. At the top, he opens the doors to a series of elegant bedrooms, each one more inviting than the last. We pass several bathrooms too, all of them boasting fancy fixtures and sleek finishes. There’s a study tucked away at the end of the hall, its walls lined with bookshelves that house an eclectic collection of novels. Adjacent to the study is a built-in sauna, the warm, wooden panels giving the room a sense tranquil escape. He then leads me to the master suite, pushing open the grand double doors with ease. The moment we enter, I’m struck by the refinement. In the center of the room, a majestic king-sized bed commands attention, its romantic frame adorned with crisp, white linens that shimmer in the soft glow of the room. Above it, a sheer flowing canopy drapes delicately from the ceiling, enveloping the bed completely. Every detail, from the tasteful furnishings to the lighting, has been thoughtfully curated to create an atmosphere of pure sophistication. I make my way to the bathroom like an excited child, which feels like an oasis on it's own. A deep, freestanding tub, a rain shower with views of the ocean, a double vanity made of sleek stone… I pinch myself in awe, marveling at the sheer wonder of being able to experience something like this.

“You’ve done it again, Chase.” I say as I spin on my heels to look at him, my face flushed and warm from the drinks we had downstairs. He gives a sly smirk before he saunters over to the bed, his steps slow and deliberate, before lowering himself on the edge of the bed. “What do you mean?” he questions, his glossy eyes watching me as I glide toward him. “The boat, the coral reef, the cove, the bonfire… now this. You’re making me feel like a princess.” I can't help but smile brightly as I settle beside him, my heart fluttering like a tiny hummingbird that just scored a wealth of nectar in a flower field. A raspy chuckle rumbles from his lips as he gently reaches out and grabs my hand. "You deserve nothing less than princess treatment, Lena," he murmurs, his voice low and affectionate as he leaves a trail of soft kisses along my wrist. My breath hitches at his touch, a jolt that sends a ripple of shivers through me. Something is different about him right now, but I can't quite place what it is.

“Don’t say things like that, Chase. I’m ordinary,” I murmur bashfully, embarrassed by the lack of shame in his statement, and he gives a small, almost imperceptible shake of his head. “You have no idea... how truly incredible you are, do you?” He whispers back, leaving light kisses on the tips of each of my fingers. He rises smoothly, effortlessly pulling me up and into the bathroom with him within seconds. “Wait a moment,” he says calmly as he makes his way to the shower. The sound of the water turning on catches my attention as it cascades from the multiple heads above, surrounding us with a soft, rhythmic rush. He moves with purpose, adjusting the temperature to the perfect warmth, the steam quickly filling the space between us. Then, with a subtle motion, he reaches for the nozzle near the door and dims the lights, softening the brightness until only a faint, sentimental hue remains. The ocean beyond the windows, still visible through the mist, continues to blend endlessly into the noir sky. Finally he turns to me, a devilish smirk tugging at the corner of his lips; as if he’s been waiting for this moment all day. His head cocks to the side and taps his chin before opening his lips to speak... “Undress yourself, little dove. Let me worship you like royalty some more.”