Page 109 of Addicted

The jet touched down smoothly, and a fewminutes later, we were taxiing to a stop. The flight attendant opened the door, and we all stood up, grabbing our carry-on bags.

Stone took my hand and led me down the stairs, and the warm tropical air hit me immediately. It was hot, but not unbearable. Perfect.

There were two blacked-out SUVs waiting for us on the tarmac, along with a few men in suits who I assumed were Stone’s security.

We piled into the SUVs. Me, Stone, Ish, and Destiny in one, and Aurora and Kenzo in the other.

The drive to the villa was about twenty minutes, and I spent the entire time staring out the window, taking in the scenery. Everything on this island felt different. Slower. Like nothing from my old life could even find me out here.

Finally, we pulled up to a set of tall gates, and the driver punched in a code. The gates opened, and we drove down a long driveway lined with palm trees. Then I saw the villa up ahead. That shit didn’t even look real. It had white stone walls, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a sprawling layout that looked like it belonged in a magazine.

“Holy shit,” I said under my breath.

Stone smirked beside me. “You like it?”

“Like it?” I said, turning to look at him. “Stone, this shit is on another level.”

The SUVs came to a stop in front of the villa, and we all got out. I stood there for a moment, just staring at the place. It was even more beautiful up close.

The front doors opened, and a woman in a white linen dress stepped out, smiling warmly.

“Welcome to Azure House,” she said. “My name isCamille, and I’ll be your concierge during your stay. If you need anything at all, please don’t hesitate to ask.”

“Thank you,” Stone said, shaking her hand.

Camille gestured for us to follow her inside, and we did. The interior was just as stunning as the exterior. High ceilings, marble floors, modern furniture in shades of white and creamEverything felt clean, intentional, like no detail had been overlooked.

Aurora grabbed my arm, her eyes wide.

“Girl, I feel like I’m in a music video,” she said.

I laughed. “Right? This is crazy.”

Camille led us through the villa, showing us the living room, the kitchen, the dining area. Then she took us outside to the back, and I swear I almost cried.

The view was breathtaking. An infinity pool overlooked the ocean, the water so blue it didn’t even look real. There was a private beach just steps away, with white sand and crystal-clear water. Lounge chairs, cabanas, an outdoor bar.

Nowthiswas paradise.

“This is where we’ll be serving dinner tonight,” Camille said, gesturing to a beautifully set table on the beach. “Chef Laurent will be preparing a five-course meal for you.”

“That sounds great,” Stone said.

Camille smiled. “I’m glad you approve. Now, let me show you to your rooms so you can get settled.”

She led us back inside and down a hallway.

“Mr. Wright and Ms. Thompson, you’ll be in the master suite,” she said, opening a set of double doors.

I stepped inside and my jaw dropped. A king-sized bed with white linens sat in the center, facing out toward the ocean. The view alone was enough to stop you.There was a sitting area, a walk-in closet, and a bathroom with a soaking tub and a rain shower.

“This is...” I trailed off, unable to find the words.

“Perfect,” Stone finished for me.

Camille led Ish, Destiny, Aurora, and Kenzo out to show them to their own rooms. When they left, I turned to Stone, my eyes wide.

“This is the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen,” I said.