Dark Paradise

Chapter 4

ALEXANDRA

We were dozing off until, softly, Nicol said:

—It stopped, girls, the van's not moving anymore — she whispered, and we all became alert again. Adrenaline rushed through us, and total silence filled the air.

—Take care, girls —Rebecca murmured quietly.

We heard the sound of keys unlocking the door. We waited, tense, for it to open, but there was no movement. We stayed still, holding our breath, until a male voice shouted from afar:

—Aren't you coming out, my pretty girls? —he said, laughing.

Seeing that no one was moving, I gathered my courage and pushed the door. But the moment I did, a blinding light flooded my vision: it was a spotlight. When they saw me covering my eyes with my hands, it turned off.

—What do you see, Alexa? —Nicol asked.

—It's... it's a really beautiful place —I said, astonished, rubbing my eyes again. I wasn't mistaken; it was an incredibly luxurious place. There was a pool surrounded by candles, tables overflowing with food, and huge crystal chandeliers. It was a luxurious mansion with a stunning garden in every sense of the word.

—I'm dreaming —Rebecca said, pushing me aside to get a better view. But as she did, a man dressed in black approached and extended his hand to help her down. Without hesitation, she accepted. Seeing this, the others pushed me to get out too.

I was about to step out of the van, and before I could, that man extended his hand to help me.

—I can do it myself, thanks — I said distrustfully, and he withdrew his hand immediately.

—Come this way, ladies! —the man indicated, and we all followed him. We were dazzled by what we saw.

—Rebecca, our plan —I whispered as we walked.

—Oh, forget it. Look at all this, it's gorgeous. Don't you like it? —Rebecca replied, and when I looked at the others, they all nodded.

—You can take whatever you want. The boss will come down soon to see you all more closely —said the man in black, and everyone squealed in excitement as they scattered to find food and sit on the couches. They looked like kids at an amusement park.

Despite the luxury surrounding us, a sense of unease crept over my skin. I knew that behind this shiny facade were dark intentions. I watched my companions, who now seemed relaxed and smiling.

I approached the table, pretending to be interested in the food, but my mind was elsewhere. León's voice echoed in my head, reminding me that I was here for a reason, and that I needed to be ready for whatever came next.

The minutes passed slowly, each second feeling like an eternity. Finally, a door at the far end of the garden opened, and a tall, elegant man appeared. His presence commanded an immediate silence among us all. He walked confidently toward us, his gaze fixed and piercing.

—Welcome, ladies — he said with a smile that didn't reach his eyes —. I hope you're enjoying my hospitality.

The girls around me let out nervous giggles, charmed by the luxury and attention. But I felt a knot in my stomach. I knew this wasn't just a simple party.

—My name is Arturo Ferrer —he continued, introducing himself— and I'm the host of this evening. Please, feel free to enjoy everything we offer.

Rebecca, always the most daring, stepped forward and gave him a flirtatious smile.

—Thank you, Arturo. This place is amazing.