Finally Meeting Rhys

We touched down on the runway and it was as smooth as could be. I had to check several times whether it was still raining. I shouldn't have doubted Len and Rachel. They were talented individuals.

Once again, they helped us exit the plane with umbrellas protecting us from the rain, and walked into the airport together. It was nearly identical to the previous adventure, but without our luggage. I couldn't even remember what I had in mine.

As we were walking in the airport, I noticed the signs that said Harry Reid International. I hadn't realized that we were landing nearly on top of Vegas. It was much bigger than I expected.

Most of the time with Dad, we'd be running using a car. He rarely flew because tickets cost money and he would always lose at the casinos. I didn't have experience flying as a kid.

We had a lot more ground to cover before we got to the drop off area. When we finally reached our destination, we saw another limo almost exactly like the one we'd been in before. After Rachel opened the door for us, we slid in.

I could tell Bram was fatigued and he lay against the headrest. While he leaned back whether it was appropriate or not, I wanted to climb on top of him. It was strange to have these feelings while being in a place that created feelings of doom. Maybe that was why.

Perhaps I needed an escape.

As soon as I saw the city lights, my stomach was in knots. I couldn't tell if it was from excitement or the constant disabling anxiety I felt when I was alone here. I rolled the window down so I could see better. There was no way around its beauty.

Bram was asleep as we pulled into the gated drive. I watched as our driver spoke with the guard outside. Wow, a human operating the gate. Just who was this Rhys anyway?

We were allowed entry as the guard attempted to see in the windows. There was no chance of that. They were tinted almost to an illegal level.

The oil-black metal gate unlocked, and two sections receded. Jacob didn't move until they were completely open. As he drove a few hundred feet, all we saw were trees and the road. It wasn't until we passed the two thick sections of the small section of woods did we see the real setup of the place.

There stood a three-story mansion with a cul-de-sac. A mammoth-sized fountain made of some sort of durable material was centered. It was an angel holding an urn. The water poured out of the urn down to the impeccably clean fountain water below. It took up the entire roundabout middle and that was saying something.

There was a restaurant and bar on one side of the estate and another building, but all the windows were blacked out and there was no sign. Perhaps they were still building it.

Jacob stopped and that was when Bram woke up. He stretched. His eyes were glassy, and he seemed confused.

"We're at Rhys's," I informed him. He nodded, linking his fingers together and stretching his arms outwardly. I couldn't look away from his body. What the hell was wrong with me? We almost died not a few hours ago.

I chalked it up to our newly realized love.

Rachel exited first and then Len, both holding a door to let us out. We stepped out and upon a cement driveway came who could only be Rhys. Accompanying him were two women who appeared to be intent on making sure he had all that he needed.

"Bram! My big brother, how are you?" Rhys asked, enthusiastically as he adjusted his light-gray scarf.

"I'm doing well," Bram replied.

When Rhys came over to Bram, he hugged him and double kissed his cheeks southern European style. I was astonished to see Bram return the double kiss.

"Who's this beautiful specimen you've brought to accompany you? If you paid, I could get you better--"

Bram promptly stepped in front of Rhys and whispered several fast-paced words with emphasis. Rhys's face lit up in surprise and he nodded and said, "Alex! It's so lovely to meet you. I apologize for that faux pas."

"It's okay," I said. I knew it was an honest mistake.

"Bram doesn't pay for women. I was simply taken aback by your beauty and--"

"You never thought I could get someone like that, right?" Bram asked, his face taught in a grimace.

"Oh, come now brother. I know your reputation," Rhys said, shaking his styled golden-yellow hair. "You're very selective. Nothing but the best." Rhys pointed at Bram. Bram took that to heart and cracked a smile.

"Nice save, Rhys," Jacob commented. We all turned to him, and he pursed his lips. I hadn't realized he joined us. "Well, it was!"

We all shared a smile and then a collective sigh.

"Where are my manners? Follow me. I'll show you around the Darling mansion. Since we're already here, let's take a tour of the outside."

I could hear Rhys's gold-tinted flip flops hitting the ground. I wondered if that could be real gold. We followed down a perfectly arranged rock walkway that led behind the mansion. As we arrived in the backyard, I could see an Olympic sized pool with several lounge chairs. A few people were sitting in them despite the sun being down.

There were decorative solar lights that illuminated the way along the cement surround, aka decking. It was perfectly placed so not to be intrusive but still effective.

"It gets cold out here in the desert at night, certainly, so if you'd like to use the hot tub, it's around here!"

Rhys led us along a perfectly manicured lawn to a hot tub. A couple of women were in it with a server providing them champagne. I wanted to tell them that may not be the best idea because of dehydration but they probably know what they're doing. Besides, there was no need to be calling people out on my first visit.

"On to the front."

As we came closer to the beautifully carved off-white door, the women who had been accompanying Rhys ran to get it. One unlocked with a key card and the other held it open. They waved us inside like they were about to attend a presentation. In a sense we were.

The floors were all marble and carved into tiles. Another smaller fountain was in between two sets of staircases. To the right and left of us were a few doors, some open, some not.

I couldn't believe this place. I'm sure Dad thought he was going to be able to live like this if he could, "Just get one more hand." He might have been able to have this kind of villa if he'd saved or walked away when he was ahead. I sighed hoping being here wasn't going to become too upsetting.

We followed Rhys as he showed us the first room on the left.

"Here you have our billiard room and bar. One needs hobbies!"

Rhys led us to the next door on the left. As he walked, I noticed how freeing his linen pants were. They were perfect for living in the desert, not that he needed to worry so much. The place was heavily air conditioned.

"This is our theater. We have people come over to watch on the big screen. You see there are several rows." He waved his hand at the staggered seats. I couldn't speak.

"And onto the last one on the left. My favorite room, the study and library."

"You enjoy reading?" I asked Rhys as he walked ahead of us. He turned to me and gave me a perplexed look.

"Of course, darling. Who doesn't?"

I couldn't argue with that.

We walked behind the enormous stairs then to the other side of the house.

"Here is one of our bathrooms. It has a sizable shower if you need more space."

I glanced at Bram, and he caught me looking. We both smiled suggestively remembering our time in the shower at home. I wondered if we couldn't have a repeat here.

Rhys continued down the hall to the other door.

"Here is our massage and wellness room. Feel free to get yourself a massage or a facial." Two staff members glanced at us and smiled. That would be incredible. I hoped we'd stay here for a while. "And here is our on-site kitchen with Chef Dublay. He's world-renowned."

The chef nodded at us stoically.

"Of course, you can always go to the restaurant in the circle. The quality isn't lacking there either. We have plenty of seating."

"What's that other building?" I asked. Rhys glanced at me and then Bram. Bram gave him a tiny nod.

"That is where our exotic dancers perform. You'll not be disappointed." Rhys studied me, looking at me up and down as he held his chin. "We have pure beauties there and you'd fit right in, Alex. Would you like to give it a try? Our girls will train you."

I tried not to outwardly cringe. Bram was so jealous before whenever a guy would even talk to me. What would he think about this?