Page 7 of Kidnapped By the Boss

Chapter Three: Vincent

Devrick was staring at me with adeeplook of judgement as I finalized all of the details for Katya and my honeymoon with the vacation planner we were working with.

“Yes,” I said. “It’s very important that the sheets are brand new. I don’t want my wife lying on sheets that anyone else has laid on. Is that clear?”

“Of course sir,” the vacation planner replied. “I’ve taken the liberty of buying a fresh set of thousand-thread count sheets and a brand-new comforter and pillows and having them delivered to the cabana myself. I’ll be in Barbados myself to give the entire property a look over personally and make sure that everything is as you requested it.”

“The sunflowers and lavender will be there, correct?” I asked.

“Yes sir,” she replied. “In each room of the home as you’ve requested, and we’ll make sure the trail of sunflower and lavender petals leads from the bedroom door to the bed upon arrival.”

“Good.” I flipped through some of the papers in front of me. “I know I’m being a pain, but can we go over the meal accommodations one last time?”

Devrick was sitting in one of the chairs facing my desk and was shaking his head in disbelief. As I was going over some of the paperwork, he grabbed some of what I wasn’t actively looking at and started to flip through it. His eyes widened and he started to laugh. “I went to Cheesecake Factory with Mario for our honeymoon.”

I flipped him the bird before turning my attention back to the papers in front of me. “Okay, I’ve got it here,” the vacation planner said. “We have breakfast every single morning, delivered to the dining room, with warmers if needed, and they are specifically instructednotto involve you or your wife and instead leave the food for your leisure. Breakfast should include American, Russian, and Italian cuisines. Lunch will be provided upon request and ordered from the provided menus that include a variety of light, worldly dishes with fresh ingredients. And dinner options should be delivered to the outdoor, oceanside table and should consist of local dishes with ingredients from the region, including fish, meats, and unique fruits and vegetables. You do not ever want to eat the same thing twice.”

“Oh my god,” Devrick grumbled under his breath. “Your wife can’t even eat the same thing twice?”

“Shut up,” I barked at him.

“Does that sound right, Mr. Costello?”

“Yes!” I replied. “All of that sounds wonderful. And desserts will be included with the dinners, correct?”

“Yes sir. When your meal is brought to you, a dedicated waiter will remain at your service and will provide a selection of options for you to choose from. Your dessert will be prepared to order and delivered to you upon completion of your meal,” she explained.

“Perfect,” I said. “I think that might be everything. Our flights are all ready for the day after tomorrow, correct?”

“Yes sir, and I have made arrangements, not just for you and your wife, but for your son, mother-in-law, and your son’s nanny as well. They will be staying in their own private villa. All of their meals have been taken care of as well, and a host of excursions have been made available to them.”

“Good, and as we discussed, the only person who will know where their villa is located is their driver,” I confirmed.

“Yes. The information was sent directly to their private driver and he is secured to be with them and only them while they’re here,” she responded. “I’ve looked over everything on your list a number of times, and I assure you that everything has been taken care of. You and your family are going to have a delightful, and stress-free time while you’re here, and I’m certain that you and your new bride will have a wonderful honeymoon.”

“That’s what it sounds like. I’m just a details cleared sort of person. I knew I was correct to choose you, however. You seem to have everything in line,” I said. “I won’t take up any more of your time; besides, my friend is looking at me like heisgoing to murder me.”

“Considering it,” Devrick responded quietly.

“Thank you so much. We’ll be in touch the day after tomorrow,” I said.

“Yes sir,” she replied, “have a good day!”

I hung up the phone and Devrick really was looking at me like he wanted to kill me. “That was obscene,” he growled at me. “Honestly. Your wife canonlysleep on fresh sheets? She can’t eat the same thing two days in a row? Katya isnotthat uppity.”

“I know that, but it’s our honeymoon. I want her to enjoy her time and be surrounded by as much comfort and luxury as possible because it’s what she deserves,” I responded. “Did you guys really go to Cheesecake Factory?”

Devrick laughed. “Yeah, but I requested it. Their pasta is just too good. Hedidrent out the nicest hotel room he could find. It was like an apartment.”

“See? I just want to show my new bride the best time,” I told him.

He frowned as he nodded at me. “I get it…”

“What?” I said. “You look as if you want to say something.”

“I’m your friend, but I’m also your consigliere,” Devrick said, “which means, I have a duty to tell you that I don’t think you should go.”

I glared across my desk at him. “What?”