CHAPTER EIGHTY SIX – THE SPA DAY

From the moment she stepped through the ornate glass doors of the lavish five-star spa Julian had carefully arranged for their "tranquil respite," Charlotte had the distinct feeling of a contingent of tiny roaches scuttling up her spine. The ambiance should have been one of soothing serenity - muted lighting, the trickling of elegant water fixtures, soft instrumental melodies wafting over hidden speakers. Instead, Charlotte found every well-honed sense abruptly prickling with building unease, instantly on high alert despite Julian's steadying hand at the small of her back. "I fear we may have missed the mark on serenity already, darling," he murmured in an undertone pitched low enough for only Charlotte's ears. From the moment Charlotte stepped through the ornate glass doors of the lavish five-star spa Jules had carefully arranged for their "tranquil respite," she had the distinct feeling of a contingent of tiny roaches scuttling up her spine. The ambiance should have been one of s