𝐌𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑'𝐒 𝐃𝐀𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐄𝐑, luke castellan

𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞

When Keira told the taxi driver to take them to Pol's Resort in Malibu, Luke was half expecting him to claim that such a place didn't exist.

To his surprise, the driver merely chuckled under his breath. Glancing at their disheveled appearance and dirty clothes, he asked, "Are you sure you have a reservation there? The place seems a bit too upscale for you guys."

Keira raised her eyebrows, giving him a serious look from the backseat, and retorted, "We're shelling out for a ride, not a fashion critique, alright?"

The man shrugged and started driving, muttering something about not many people going to that resort. Keira and Luke paid him little attention, captivated by the breathtaking view of the late afternoon sun reflecting on the ocean outside the window. For the first time since escaping from Utah, Keira's gaze seemed relaxed, something Luke couldn't help but notice.

After about half an hour of travel, with the autumn sun setting behind the Pacific, the taxi driver stopped. Before handing him the money, Keira cautiously peered outside to ensure they were at the right place, mistrusting the driver. They found themselves in front of a complex of beautiful wooden cabins, adorned with quaint lights. A golden-lettered sign at the entrance read "Pol's Resort." Assuming they had arrived safely, they paid the fare, waited for the change, and got out.

As they crossed the street, the resort appeared even more stunning. A small stone staircase led to the reception, made of wood and glass. Behind the reception, they could see a massive pool, surrounded by beautiful wooden cabins where guests would stay. In the distance, the sea stretched out, as Pol's Resort had direct access to the beach, making it a dreamlike location. Keira entered the reception first, Luke following behind.

As the taxi driver had cautioned, they felt completely out of place inside. Their grimy clothes starkly contrasted with the cleanliness and sophistication of the surroundings. The woodwork appeared magnificent, the counters impeccably polished, and golden armchairs adorned the waiting area.

A woman dressed in a golden beach dress-Keira suspected it was the same individual who had bumped into her at the park-was flipping through a magazine written in Greek. Upon noticing Keira and Luke's entrance, she set the magazine down on a wooden coffee table and took her place behind the counter.

"Good afternoon, welcome to Pol's Resort," greeted the woman. She appeared to be in her forties, but perhaps she was older, Luke thought, considering her radiant skin as if she followed her skincare routine every day without fail. Her bright, curly blond hair framed her face. "Do you have a reservation?"

Luke was about to say no, but without hesitation, Keira took the card from her pocket and handed it over. Immediately, the woman examined it, turned it around, and disappeared beneath the counter. Luke shot Keira a curious and anxious glance, but the woman swiftly returned with a key in her hand.

"Room 107, double," she informed, handing it to Keira. It had a keychain, also golden, with the numbers carved on the metal. She had the feeling it was pure gold. "Tonight, we'll bring food to your room. You'll find clean clothes and everything you need in the cabin. On behalf of Pol's Resort staff, we wish you a pleasant stay."

Keira couldn't help but ask a question that had been gnawing at her, her expression mischievous with slightly raised eyebrows. "Is Pol here?"

Luke frowned at the strange question. He couldn't help but wonder who this strange and mysterious Pol they referred to was, although he had an idea of who he might be.

"Unfortunately not," the woman said, apologetically. "This is his summer residence. He tends to spend more time here during the months of July and August."