Empire of Deception (Harry Styles AU)

Chapter 28

The whir of the motor was deafening, as were the rolling waves when our boat collided with them. The salty air was warm and somewhat humid as it whipped through my curls and clothes, the ocean spray stinging as it hit my face. Deep cerulean blue surrounded me with a consistency that was almost jelly. I watched as the calmness of the warm day was destroyed by the power and force of the motor boat. The driver picked up speed as we aimed for the open ocean which lay just outside the borders of Atrani Bay where the biggest yacht I have ever seen floated peacefully, glittering majestically under the warm Italian sun.

It was long and sleek, painted white with the name Palìrroies embedded in black along the side. It had to be nearly 180 meters long. There were three stories built on top of the boat in layers, each floor span smaller than the one below. Windows below deck signified that there was more down there; rooms, perhaps.

"Big, ain't it?" the driver snorts, not even being able to contain how ridiculous he believed the whole thing was. This yacht was bigger than anything my father had ever owned—and I have seen some pretty big ones.

"I can't believe Alexander Jarwin would pay for something like this," I whistled, my hand moving up to wipe away a bit of spray which hit my cheek.

The driver chuckled and shook his head. "Not Mr. Jarwin," he said with a snort, "This was all the wife."

My entire attention span transferred over to him at the mention of Mr. Jarwin's wife, someone whom I was not all too familiar with. "The wife?" I question, attempting to piece bits of information together. "You mean Christopher's mother?"

"Yes, Mr. Styles." The driver of the motor boat seemed to be done with the subject of Mrs. Jarwin, and continued on to discuss the beautiful waters of Atrani as well as the history of the Italian town. Within minutes we soon approached the larger boat where a crewman in an official looking seaman's uniform stood stiffly as he waited for my arrival. We floated alongside a sea level platform where I was able to transfer boats with ease.

"Here is your room key, Mr. Styles," the uniformed man spoke. A brass key was given to me, a number etched onto the metal and attached to it was a golden tassel which had some weight to it. "Dinner begins promptly at 6:00 PM and sunset is at 7:30. I will see to it that your bags get to your room, but in the meantime please feel free to explore the ship or retire in your quarters until the evenings' festivities again. I am Dante. If you need anything my call number will be on the table beside your bed." Dante smiles again before giving me a firm shake and another welcome on board, and soon I am left to fend for myself.

Without proper inspection I can already see how well made this yacht is. Sturdy white railings have been polished all around me and the deck is clean beneath my shoes. Everything has been cleaned to perfection. Only a few people wander about this part of the boat but I can hear the hum of noise which lurks from just beyond a corner. Turning my eyes towards the land, I inhale it's beauty that Atrani has to offer. Between the glittering azure ocean to the floral landscape and white buildings that climb up the mountain, it is absolutely breathtaking.

The Italian sun beats down on me and I am shocked at how warm it suddenly is. So different from London. I feel hot and sticky in my Armani suit and decide I better go and find my room and change into something more appropriate for a holiday in Italy.

My room isn't small. The first thing I notice is the bed with all white sheets. A comforter is no where in sight but all I see is a thin cotton blanket which rests halfway up the bed. Perhaps that is all I will need while I am here. Again, so different from London. Gold and navy blue pops of color accent the place, making an appearance in picture frames, lamps, towels, and other things. It has a very airy and resort-y feel to it and I am pleased to see my suitcase resting in the corner by the armoire.