"Hah," Taylor groaned, collapsing face-first onto her bed. Every inch of her body throbbed in protest, muscles tight and screaming after hours of relentless dance practice. The pillow muffled her voice as she grumbled, "Fuck, my whole body hurts. I need a massage before I literally fall apart."
Across the room, Gleed sat perched on the edge of the armchair, a smirk tugging at her lips. "Rough day?" she teased, crossing her legs.
"No," Taylor deadpanned, turning her head to glare. "It was magical. I only feel like a semi-truck backed over me twice. Maybe three times." She groaned again, flipping onto her back despite the ache it sent through her shoulders. "Seriously, I need a massage. A good one. Like, life-changing."
Gleed's smirk widened as she stood and stretched lazily. "Well," she started, her tone laced with amusement, "I might know a place that can help with that."
Taylor eyed her warily. "Might? Why does this sound like one of your weird schemes?"
"Relax," Gleed said, waving off the suspicion as she sauntered over to the bed. She perched herself on the edge, her grin turning mischievous. "It's a legit spa. Euphoria Spa & Wellness Center "
Taylor arched a brow at the name. "Sounds… fancy. What's the catch?"
"No catch," Gleed said, pulling a sleek black card from her pocket. The gold-embossed letters glinted in the light as she held it out. "Just go there, tell them what you need, and let the magic happen."
Taylor hesitated, staring at the card like it might bite her. "Why do I feel like there's more to this than you're saying?"
Gleed's grin turned into a full-on smirk as she stood. "Well, that depends entirely on you."
"On me? What the hell does that even mean?" Taylor asked, sitting up, her suspicions deepening.
"You'll figure it out," Gleed said, winking as she walked toward the door. "But, uh, when they ask what kind of massage you want? Just… think carefully before you answer."
Taylor's eyes narrowed. "Why are you being so cryptic? Seriously, what aren't you telling me?"
Gleed paused at the doorway, glancing over her shoulder. "Wouldn't want to spoil the surprise. You'll thank me later." And with that, she disappeared down the hall, leaving Taylor alone with the card and her mounting curiosity.
Taylor stared at the card for a moment, her thumb brushing over the embossed letters. Euphoria Spa & Wellness Center,sounded harmless enough, but Gleed's smirk and vague warnings replayed in her mind.
"Think carefully..."
She sighed, tossing the card onto her nightstand before dragging herself off the bed. Her muscles screamed in protest, and she winced, muttering, "Whatever this is, it better be worth it."
At Euphoria Spa & Wellness Center
The spa was nestled in an upscale part of town, its sleek glass doors glinting in the sunlight. As Taylor stepped inside, she was immediately enveloped by a wave of warmth and the soothing scent of lavender. Soft instrumental music played in the background, the low hum mingling with the faint trickle of water from a nearby fountain.
The interior was sleek yet inviting, with polished wood floors, golden lighting, and plush chairs scattered throughout the waiting area. It was the kind of place that oozed luxury, the kind of place Taylor usually avoided because her wallet couldn't handle it.
"Welcome to Euphoria Spa," a smooth voice greeted. Taylor turned to see the receptionist, a stunning woman with striking features and a smile that was warm but oddly knowing, like she was in on some kind of secret.
"Uh, hi," Taylor said, approaching the counter. "I, um, need a massage. My body feels like it's been hit by a truck."
The receptionist chuckled softly, her gaze flicking over Taylor with an appraising air. "Of course. We can help with that. What kind of massage are you looking for?"
Taylor blinked, caught off guard by the question. "I mean… a good one? One that'll make me feel better?" she said, trying not to sound as impatient as she felt.
The receptionist's lips curved into a faint smirk, her expression unreadable. "Of course," she said smoothly, picking up the phone. "One moment."
As the receptionist spoke quietly into the phone, Taylor shifted on her feet, glancing around the lobby. There was something about the atmosphere—something unspoken yet palpable—that made her skin prickle. It was luxurious, sure, but there was an edge to it. An intimacy.
The sound of a door opening snapped her attention back to the counter. Her breath hitched as a man stepped through, his presence commanding the room.
He was tall, with a strong build that was impossible to ignore. His dark hair was slightly tousled, and his piercing green eyes locked onto hers with a quiet intensity that made her stomach flip. His tailored black shirt hugged his broad shoulders, the sleeves rolled up just enough to reveal forearms that looked unfairly perfect.
"This is Mr. Finn," the receptionist said, her tone laced with something playful. "He'll be taking care of you today. I trust you'll leave here feeling… amazing."
Taylor swallowed, her cheeks warming as she met Finn's gaze. There was a flicker of something in his eyes—amusement, curiosity, or maybe something more. She wasn't sure, but it sent a shiver down her spine.
"Right this way," Finn said, his voice low and smooth as he gestured for her to follow.
As she trailed behind him, Taylor couldn't help but glance back at the receptionist, who was watching them with a knowing smile.
"What the hell did Gleed send me into? "
The hallway was dimly lit, the faint scent of sandalwood and jasmine growing stronger with each step. Finn walked ahead of her, his movements confident, fluid. Taylor's pulse quickened as her mind raced, Gleed's cryptic warnings replaying in her head.
When they reached a door at the end of the hall, Finn opened it, stepping aside to let her in. Taylor hesitated for a moment, her nerves and curiosity warring within her.
Whatever this is ... I'm ready.
She stepped inside, her lips curling into a small, anticipatory smile.