Ruined - Page 70

“Then I’d like for you to come. My cousin Benjamin is meeting us there.”

I frown at the prospect of spending time in Eric’s company, but if Tony wants me to, I don’t want to refuse. I’ll just have to make sure I’m not alone with Eric.

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

We take a helicopter into Northern California. I get a little motion sick, the feeling sitting on top of the ickyness still in me over what happened in the kitchen.

But it’s a gorgeous day, yet another blue and cloudless sky in California. I wish Lila could see the view of the Pacific Ocean rolling into the beaches and cliffs, though Lila gets motion sickness worse than me. Though we’re not biologically related—maybe it’s possible if we trace our roots back far enough—we share traits like motion sickness when flying, slight gluten and dairy sensitivities, and an inability to hold much alcohol. I remember at one dinner, Lila had a glass of wine on an empty stomach and nearly passed out.

I didn’t think I would be ecstatic with having to spend more time in Sierra’s company, but I’m thankful that she joins our trip. Eric pays me little attention. I see Tony looking in his direction a number of times.

The helicopter heads east, away from the ocean and into a more rural area, eventually landing in an open field. Tony helps me out of the helicopter. I still feel nauseous and hope I don’t throw up all over him. I am very happy to put my feet on solid ground.

“This is at least a four hour drive from the Bay Area,” Tony notes.

“Yeah, but we’re in friendly territory here,” Eric replies, “away from all the liberals of San Francisco and Berkeley. There’s an initiative to break up the state of California. Folks here are conservative. They don’t have anything in common with the tree huggers and hippies south of here.”

“You couldn’t find a site near the ocean?” Tony asks.

Eric sighs. “The state is protective of the coastline and preserving what they call open space. But once my dad is elected President, we’re going to change that. The federal government will trump state law.”

Tony raises a brow. “We studied the US government in a number of my courses in college, about a balance built into the country’s Constitution between federal power and states’ rights.”

“Yeah, states’ rights are needed when the federal government tries to impose its will.”

“Which is acceptable as long as that will matches your own preferences?”

Eric laughs. “Exactly.

America is about winners, and winners get to make the rules.”

A large black SUV drives up at that point. The front doors open, and out steps a big fellow who looks like he could be an NFL lineman, and the other one must be Tony’s cousin because he’s even more of a head-turner.

Eric walks up to greet them. “Benjamin Lee, nice to finally meet you.”

Benjamin, who stands a few inches taller than Tony, shakes hands. I see a similarity between the cousins in the shape of their mouths and the width of their brow, but Benjamin’s features have a different quality about them and his hair, though still black, is a shade lighter.

Tony introduces me. “This is Virginia.”

I shake hands with Benjamin. Sierra is clearly an afterthought to Eric, but he introduces her as well. I can tell she’s as struck by Benjamin as I am.

Tony nods toward the large Asian man standing next to the SUV. “You still have to drag a babysitter around with you?”

Benjamin smiles. “And where’s yours?”

“Gave mine the week off. No one’s likely to try anything here in the States.”

“You should be careful after what happened in Hanoi.”

“At least it’s known there can be consequences when attempting anything on me.”

Eric intervenes. “So let me tell you why this is going to be the best resort and golf course outside of Florida.”

He proceeds to describe his vision for a two hundred room luxury hotel with a spa and several award-winning restaurants, the 18 hole golf course with views of the hills, and a vineyard on site.

Sierra and I hang back while the man talk shop. She’s wearing a thin sleeveless dress and strappy sandals and clings tightly to a shawl while she shivers. I’ve discovered that the state of California has a lot of different climates, and the one here makes me think of the Pacific Northwest.

“What else is around here?” Benjamin asks.

Tags: Em Brown Erotic
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