Page 30 of Ruin

Arik sighed deeply as a lingering silence filled the space between us. He replied, his voice low and honest, “Yes. That is true.”

“And no one knows what happened? They just vanished?” My voice was filled with anger at the certainty in his voice.

How could something like this be happening? How are there not more cameras?

Arik’s eyes widened at my tone as he responded pensively, “The authorities did not find any indication of foul play. It was thoroughly investigated.”

“You’re being so passive. What have the authorities said this time?” I questioned.

“She hasn’t been missing long enough for the authorities to take concern,” he said as his eyes met mine, reflecting my own irritation. “Listen, let us be honest. She could be in another guest room. She could be with a member of the staff. A few of them have not answered—likely sleeping off hangovers.” His eyes filled with reassurance as he looked into mine, hoping for my acceptance.

“I guess,” I mumbled back as I turned to look out the window.

The afternoon sun perched high in the sky to the west, shining against the ocean to create brilliant waves of deep blue that glittered like diamonds.

“Regardless, I am relieved you are not at the hotel. Your safety is my highest concern.” His voice was low, calling my attention back to him.

My heart fluttered and breath hastened as his words floated around my mind. I sat silently before nodding in acceptance. This entire situation was too close for comfort, and I was struggling to accept the unknown that hung in the air. Despite this, his concern for me was comforting and ignited something I couldn’t quite explain.

I don’t want to be at the hotel either. As a matter of fact, I want to be as far away from the hotel as humanly possible. And…I hope…wherever that is, it is with him.

The SUV sped down overgrown dirt roads as the orange-hued roofs of the town disappeared into the distance. Arik and I sat silently as his body wrapped around mine, surrounding me in comfort as his hand rubbed my upper arm soothingly during the drive.

The driver slowed as we began to descend narrow gravel roads that wound toward the sea. Upon the last turn, a large black wrought iron gate appeared with a stone wall that flanked both sides and continued to run through the countryside as far as my eyes could see.

Moments later, the gate began to swing open with a large metallic creak, displaying the long gravel road that sat just beyond it. As the SUV slowly made its way down the road, tall evergreen trees lined the sides, keeping the surroundings beyond them shrouded in mystery.

“Arik, where are we?” I asked as my eyes shot to his face, my tone heightened.

Arik smiled widely as the lines around his eyes formed. “The best beach in all of Scalea, love.”

The way he said “love” softened my expression as my body finally relaxed.

Calm down, Claire. Everything is fine. You are safe.

As soon as I looked away from Arik, my vision filled with beauty. Before us stood a tall villa, like the hotel we had come from, except this villa radiated warmth from being truly lived in, not a manufactured warmth for wealthy tourists.

As the SUV pulled to a stop at the front entrance, my eyes lifted to take in the grandeur of the building before me. It was majestic, with its age adding to the villa’s apparent elegance. The golden sun perched in the light blue sky behind the villa, bathing it in golden light and accentuating its timeless beauty.

Deep emerald ivy climbed the weathered stone wall, threading through every nook and crack that could be found. Honey-hued plaster and terracotta roof tiles contrasted with the natural tones of the stone walls, adding to their charm. Scattered along the front and sides of the villa, olive trees stood strong among the surrounding greenery, their presence creating a natural screen of seclusion. Just behind the trees, tall arched windows framed in ornate wrought iron opened onto expansive terraces, their delicate railings twisted into intricate patterns.

In my haze of staring at the building, I had not noticed Arik exiting the SUV. He opened my door swiftly, startling me back into reality. His warm smile greeted me as he extended his hand and guided me out of the vehicle.

“Claire, let me introduce you to someone,” Arik said as he closed the car door behind me. “This is Sam.”

I looked past Arik, seeing a young man stride toward his side from a door off to the side of the villa.

“Sam, this is Claire,” Arik said stoically as Sam reached his hand out toward me.

Sam couldn’t have been more than twenty years old. Dirty-blond hair gently curled around his round face, nearly the same shade as his lightly tanned skin. His frame was shorter than Arik’s, maybe five feet ten inches, but he had broader shoulders and a more muscular build.

His light blue eyes locked into mine as he greeted me with a smile. He spoke with barely a trace of an accent. “Nice to meet you, Claire. Arik has been talking all about you.”

Arik smiled, looking down toward the ground.

Oh, he’s a little embarrassed, I see.

I looked toward Arik as I shook Sam’s hand. “Oh, he talks about me?” I asked, playfully.