Free [Invitation to Eden 24.0] How to Tempt a Tycoon by Daire StDenis Page A

dock leading to what can only be called tropical paradise. A castle, that smacks of fairytale princesses, is visible from where I’m standing, surrounded by lush tropical foliage and the heavy scent of frangipani blossoms. There’s an entourage of uniformed employees to greet me. One woman dressed in a smartly tailored skirt and blouse, has a champagne flute on a silver tray. Two extremely handsome young men stand to the side, waiting to tote my bags.
    The pilot addresses them, saying, “We had to leave before her bags arrived.” To me she says, “I’ll have them delivered as soon as they arrive.”
    A tall, dark-haired man comes forward and says, “I’m Andre. I’ll be your concierge for the duration of your stay. Your villa will be equipped with everything you need until your bags arrive.”
    Pointing to a golf cart, he says, “Please have a seat. You’ll be staying in the private villas on the far side of the island.
    Before climbing aboard the cart, I swipe the champagne flute from the woman holding the tray and down it. This has been the longest day and a little champagne is exactly what I need to unwind.
    As we start driving, Andre gives me a brief history of the island.
    “The resort has been operating for almost a decade. The castle was purchased in Scotland by The Master and moved, stone by stone, to the island where it was rebuilt and modernized. There are many sections and it’s much larger than it looks. It’s unique in that every stay is tailored to its guest.”
    “Wait. Who owns this island?”
    “A very wealthy man. Most people refer to him as The Master.”
    “Does he have a name?”
    Andre smiles. “Yes.”
    “Are you going to tell me his name?”
    “No.”
    “Why?”
    “He’s requested he remains anonymous.” He glances at me and winks. “Now, the villas where you’ll be staying are reserved for our exclusive guests. You’re welcome to use all the amenities in the castle, and on the rest of the resort, but I think you’ll find your needs will be met where you’re staying.”
    His smile is enigmatic.
    It makes me wonder how Wade and Connor can afford something like this. It’s crazy.
    Andre continues his monologue for the duration of the car ride, pointing out all the restaurants, bars, night clubs, swimming pools, giving me the low down on the activity schedule; yoga classes, cooking classes, dance lessons, all typical activities and amenities of a tropical resort. Then there are the atypical amenities, the indoor and outdoor BDSM club, the hedonist pools, the nude beaches.
    “The Master has created a resort where fantasy is made into reality, so please do not be shocked by what you see. It is all consensual.”
    The information, while interesting, is too much for my foggy brain to take in.
    “Have Wade and Connor arrived yet?” I ask, stifling a yawn.
    “Who?”
    “Wade Messing and Connor O’Reilly.”
    “I’m sorry. I’m not familiar with the names of those guests.”
    I’m too tired to care. I’m sure they’re here already or will be soon. We take a turn through some dense foliage and then through an automated gate that slowly opens between two stone walls that must be at least twelve to sixteen feet high. Following a circular drive, we pull up in front of a pillared archway covered in climbing vines. Just the palapa style roof of the villa is discernible through the trees. We make our way along a winding stone path until we come to the entrance of the villa.
    Seriously?
    What were Wade and Connor thinking? How can they afford this?
    “Are there any other guests arriving today?”
    “You are the first to arrive.” Andre stops outside the closed door and fishes a delicate gold bracelet out of his vest pocket. “May I?”
    “Of course.” I hold out my wrist and he attaches the bracelet. It fits me perfectly. Not too loose, not too snug. There is a flattened gold section that has my name scripted on it.
    “It’s embedded with a microchip.” He takes my wrist