The Fall - Book 2

217. A castle?!

MAY 31, 2020 — KILLEAVY, IRELAND — BUCKY

We make a quick stop by Réa's room to grab our luggage.

"So, you know where we're going, but there is a surprise. And I'd like it to stay a surprise, so could you...y'know, hang up?"

"Of course," she replies, and I feel our link fade.

I'm excited to surprise her, and I can't help the grin that forms on my face.

'She's going to love this,' I think.

"Ready, doll?"

"Yes," she nods, then blinks us to our accommodations for the next two nights.

The place we're staying—the Killeavy Castle Estate—is even more spectacular in person: sprawling expanses of vibrantly green grass, towering trees, and a walled garden, in addition to the main hotel and several other buildings—including a castle and four residences, neither of which are visible from where we're standing; I just know they're there because of the website.

"This is beautiful! The picture you showed me so I'd know where to blink us didn't do it justice." Réa looks up at me. "Thank you, Bucky."

"You're welcome, Réa."

She cups my face, and stretches up to press her lips to mine in a brief kiss.

"Alright, doll, let's go get checked in," I say as I offer her my hand.

She nods eagerly, taking my hand and once again biting her lower lip as her gaze moves over me.

'Good god, man, keep it together. Definitely don't want to be sporting a hard-on in the lobby,' I think as—like always—my body reacts to the look in her eyes, the expression on her face, the feeling of her hand in mine...just her.

"Good evening! How may I assist you?" the Irishman behind the front desk greets us as we approach.

"Good evening. We're checking in, reservation for Barnes," I reply.

The man taps rapidly on his computer keyboard. "Ah, yes, I have that right here...would you like one key or two?"

"One, please."

"Excellent," the man types some more. "Also, the rental car you requested was dropped off earlier. I have the paperwork and the keys for you; if you'll give me just a moment, I'll bring them to you along with the key to the—"

I press my right index finger to my lips in a 'shh' gesture, and the hotel clerk quickly recovers.

"—your accommodations."

He disappears into the office behind the desk, returning a few minutes later with a small stack of papers, a key fob, and a skeleton key.

"Alright, Mister Barnes, you're all set. Your rental car is parked in the upper lot; it's a black BMW five-series. Would you like assistance with your luggage?"

"No, thank you. And thank you for all of your help. Have a nice night."

"Thank you; you as well."

With that taken care of, Réa and I make our way out to the lot; it doesn't take us long to locate our car, and I open Réa's door, waiting for her to be situated before I stow the luggage in the trunk.

"Close your eyes, doll," I tell her as I take my seat behind the wheel.

She quickly does, and we head toward our destination. The drive isn't long; once I've parked, I ask Réa to keep her eyes closed while I take the luggage inside. When I return to the car after doing so, her eyes are still closed, and she's practically vibrating with excitement. I open the door and help her out of the car, my arm around her waist as I stand beside her so I can see her face.