Aurora watched the tiny crabs sidestep from the cerulean ocean and burrow into the sand further along the shore. There were thousands of them on the Balinese beach, yet people just inched slowly around, seemingly not worried about getting nipped by them.
From the safety of the resort bar, Aurora sipped on a bright orange cocktail, and leant back into the sun lounge. Hotels were certainly different here to her home in Australia. The pool, with crystal clear water, sparkled in the sunlight. At the shallow end, children splashed and frolicked, their squeals of delight punctuating the air. Closer to Aurora was the deeper end of the pool, where adults sat on bar stools immersed in the water.
Waiters fluttered around, huge smiles lighting up their faces. It was an idyllic place. Time moved slowly, and the heat, the lazy days, took it out of her. She glanced at her watch; it was just past lunch. Probably too early for a second cocktail, but who was going to know?
A sigh escaped her lips as she pictured Denny sitting in the chair beside her. He would have jumped up to take photos of the crabs, laughed in that sing-songy way of his, and marvelled at the smallest things in this paradise.
Or, maybe not. Maybe he would have sat next to her, his eyes disguised by designer sunnies, gaze following bikini-clad girls around without Aurora noticing. Schmoozing women at the bar when he went and billing another drink to her account. If there was one thing Denny did well, it was spend her money. Three years, she thought, and for what? This was meant to be their first holiday together. A romantic interlude on a beachside bungalow in Kuta.
Tears trickled down her face, and she was glad her oversized sunglasses hid her swollen, red eyes. She was in a tropical haven for lovers, yet she was alone. Her best friend Bessie had offered to come with her, but she couldn’t face anyone. Not yet.
The hotel manager breezed past, waving at the swimmers in the pool, and pointing to empty glasses that littered tables. Heads turned toward him as he strode through, his tall frame and strong broad shoulders commanding attention. The staff dashed to clean the tables before assembling for their regular lunchtime meeting. For three days, Aurora had sat in the same spot, pretending to read a novel, and watched them. They giggled and pushed each other and looked as though they loved their jobs. Marcel the manager, a Frenchman of all things, laughed along with them, and they seemed to respect him. Aurora wondered how a man from France ended up running a resort in Bali.
The crabs had moved on by the time Aurora glanced back to the beach. She sipped the last of her drink and pondered whether she should hide in her room to avoid the frenzy of the lunchtime rush, or wander into town. She gathered up her magazines and her book and stuffed them into her tote.
‘Leaving so soon, Mademoiselle?’ said Marcel.
Aurora hadn’t seen him approach, and was momentarily startled. She shaded her face with her hand. ‘Yes, I was thinking I might take a walk through the markets for a while.’ His deep brown eyes sparkled with vitality. He ran a hand through his shiny black hair which Aurora noted was a touch too long, curling around his ears. His aftershave—a spicy, nutty fragrance—reminded her of this place. Exotic and mysterious.
‘Would you care for a companion?’
Aurora wished she’d taken the time to put on make-up. Instead she’d only bothered with a smear of sunscreen. And she hadn’t washed her long blonde hair in days, simply putting it up in a loose ponytail.
‘Sure,’ she said averting her eyes. What if she had to take her sunglasses off? It’d be obvious she’d been crying for three days. ‘Can you give me ten minutes to freshen up?’
‘Of course. Take your time. I’ll be in the foyer when you’re ready.’ He winked and walked away.
She couldn’t help notice the way his beige linen pants hugged his backside as he strode. He was muscular and she wondered what his chest looked like hidden under the white t-shirt that fit snugly over his torso. A flush came over her. What was she thinking? Denny’s desertion still weighed heavily in her heart. Grabbing her bag, she jogged to her room. Ten minutes to try and work magic on her puffy red eyes.
* * *
Assessing herself in the mirror, Aurora was impressed. You would never know by looking at her that she’d spent the better part of three days quietly weeping alone in her room. Max Factor was a miracle worker.
She threw on a light pink cotton dress and spritzed on her coconut and vanilla perfume.
Heading into the opulent marble foyer, she spotted Marcel with an employee. He gesticulated with his hands as he spoke, laughter lighting up his face. She liked that he always smiled. The employee was rapt by whatever Marcel was saying. He seemed to have that influence over people, drawing them in, making them feel special.
Imagine living here, she mused. It would be like a constant holiday. So different to her job, where she worked long hours at her own company – a public relations and event management business. A job which often took over her social life. But as hard as it was, she thrived on it. It had taken her years to build it into a successful and well-known enterprise. Even when it had looked bleak in the beginning, she never lost focus. She just threw herself into work, hoping the long hours and determination would prove beneficial for her customers. And it did. Aurora had to turn clients away these days. It was a luxury choosing them based on their merits and not the other way around.
Marcel turned towards her as she neared. She waved and tried not to fidget. It was only a shopping trip, after all.
‘You look beautiful,’ he whispered and kissed her gently on each cheek.
Flustered, she tugged at her dress and tried to ignore the fact her heart was racing. ‘Thank you.’
‘Shall we walk? There are a few places I want to show you.’
‘Sounds great.’
Marcel led her by her elbow to the sidewalk. ‘Have you been to Bali before?’
‘No, first time. Which is odd for an Australian, I know.’ Aurora delved into her handbag for her sunglasses as the bright sunshine blinded her. The smell of patchouli and sandalwood permeated the air from little shrines set up as offerings to the gods. Vibrant and colourful, the small structures lined the streets and thin spirals of scented smoke wafted hazily from incense sticks.
‘Yes,’ said Marcel, stopping to wait for her. ‘It’s like a rite of passage for Aussies. They come here in droves.’
‘Cheap flights, an exotic destination, what more can you ask for?’ Aurora veered out of the way of other tourists on the bustling street. Hawkers held their wares, and motioned for her to step into their shops. She shook her head and kept close to Marcel.
‘How does a Frenchman end up in Bali?’
‘Ah…that is the question,’ he replied, a smile lighting up his face. ‘I travelled a lot in my early thirties. Ended up here twenty or so years ago and fell in love with the people, the place. The hotel, the one you’re staying in, was being sold for a crazy sum, too cheap really, and I thought it was fate. I bought it without much thought, and have loved every minute of it. It’s a business like any other, but we take our time, we enjoy what we do.’
‘So you don’t miss France?’ Whilst Bali was a tropical paradise, Aurora thought of France with its grand old buildings and rich history, the way French people oozed sophistication – it would be hard to leave.
‘Yes, of course, I miss the food…’
‘Spoken like a true Frenchman,’ she laughed.
‘Oui,’ he said with a wink. ‘But there is something inherently different here. Life is tough for most of the Indonesians. They work hard, and they don’t get paid much, but they are considerably happier than most people. They have an energy, a buzz…it’s contagious.’ Marcel paused, his palms faced upwards before his hands began to move in rhythm with his speech again. ‘I love it here. They make me appreciate all the little things in life. Waking up to a glorious sunrise, perfect weather. It’s impossible not to be happy. But yes, a good chunk of brie and a bottle of burgundy and I’d be in heaven!’
Happy, shiny-faced tourists lined the bustling streets filled with stalls grilling satay sticks, the sound of the ocean roaring in the distance, hawkers and shop owners spruiking their wares. Thick columned temples sat on every corner, where hauntingly beautiful pipe music rang out. It was a type of nirvana. Right now, Aurora could imagine staying here forever too, forgetting her troubles, and living simply for the thrill of it. For a brief moment she pictured herself free from incessant phone calls, not chained to her laptop. Swapping her heels for thongs, and her business suits for bathers. A to-do list which consisted of just one thing. Fun. Aurora shook the thought away. She’d never be able to give up her career. She flourished under pressure, and found her work a comfort – as hectic as it was.
They continued walking through the throng of people. Women in swimsuits with sarongs tied around their waists and men in brightly coloured board shorts and Bintang singlets. Aussie tourists by the sound of their chatter.
‘So,’ she began, ‘does your family still live in France?’
Marcel turned and looked directly at her. ‘Yes. My family would never travel here, but I go home regularly to visit my parents. When the wet season comes and after the Christmas festivities, Bali quietens down. Then I return to Provence.’
What a life. Travelling between Bali and France. Two wholly different places, each beautiful in their own way.
‘So you’re not tempted to stay in Provence when you finally pour that Burgundy and eat as much brie as you can stomach?’ she teased.
He threw his head back and laughed. ‘Tempted, yes. But one can have too much of a good thing, you know.’ He smiled at her.
She blushed and fumbled with the strap of her tote bag.
‘Let’s stop for a drink.’ He gestured towards a small bar, with outdoor tables shaded by silken fuchsia umbrellas.
‘Sure.’
Aurora sat, glad to be out of the heat. She pushed her sunglasses atop her head and watched Marcel from under her lashes. His olive skin was luminous, glowing with vitality. From what he’d said, she guessed he was in his fifties but he looked much younger. She calculated a fifteen year age gap between them, and then caught herself. Why was she even considering their ages? It’s only a shopping trip!
A waiter appeared and smiled when he recognised Marcel.
‘Hey, boss man!’ he said, slapping Marcel’s back good-naturedly.
‘Hello, Wayan. How’s business?’
Wayan shook his hand to imply so-so. ‘What about you? Busy?’
‘So-so, too. This is my new friend Aurora.’
‘Pretty name, pretty lady,’ Wayan said with a flirtatious smile.
Aurora blushed. All the Indonesian men flirted with the female tourists, it was second nature to them and while she didn’t believe a word of what they said, their easy smiles were so sweet, she found it charming.
‘Thank you,’ she replied.
‘Drinks?’ he asked, raising his eyebrows. ‘What about a Wayan cocktail? I give you good luck price!’
Aurora laughed. ‘Good luck price?’
Wayan grinned back. ‘First order of the day, so I give you special good luck price!’ Everything he said seemed to end in an exclamation. His good humour was infectious.
‘How can I argue with that?’ Aurora looked over to Marcel who nodded in acknowledgment. ‘Thank you. We’ll have two Wayan specials.’
Wayan clapped his hands together and rushed off to concoct their drinks.
Aurora relaxed into the chair, her mood brightened by the cheery Wayan. ‘He called you boss man. Do you own this place too?’
Marcel flipped a coaster over, and absently tapped it against the table. ‘No, no. All of the locals call me boss man. They call foreigners who own businesses here that…well, if they like them, that is.’ A smile played at the corners of his mouth.
Wayan bustled over with two topaz coloured drinks with straws and pieces of pineapple perched on the side of the glasses.
They took the proffered drinks, and thanked him.
A gaggle of customers walked in. Wayan bent and whispered conspiratorially, ‘See? Good luck price.’ He pointed to the group waiting at the bar. ‘You bring me good luck. Lots of customers.’ He grinned at her and rushed to the bar.
Euphoria dazzled Aurora senses. The locals were so quirky with their beliefs, it was impossible not to feel inspired by them. They genuinely believed in kismet, and were ecstatic when it went their way.
Marcel tilted toward the table. ‘So, Aurora, what brings you to Bali?’
She took a sip of her drink and frantically tried to think of an answer that wouldn’t sound pitiful. Would Marcel know her room had been booked for a couple?
‘Just a quick trip, you know, to recharge the batteries.’
He looked at her, his gaze piercing. She turned away, worried he’d see something in her expression to hint at her heartbreak.
‘And by yourself? No one is meeting you here later, perhaps?’
She coughed, and looked back to him. ‘No, no. Just me. I wanted some time to soak up the sun, and…’ She broke off mid-sentence as he clasped her hand, taking her by surprise. His palm was smooth and warm. Her breath caught and for a moment she imagined herself falling in love with Marcel. Immediately she shook the thought away. He must have noticed her forlorn demeanour over the last few days and simply wanted to cheer her up. He’s French, remember. Expressive with his hands.
‘Well, that settles it then,’ he said.
Trying her best to keep her voice level, she said, ‘Settles what?’
‘I’m going to be your official tour guide. I’ll take you to some places off the beaten track that most tourists don’t know about…that’s if you want to?’
Her pulse quickened. ‘Sounds wonderful. I’ve had enough sun to last me a few days.’
‘Two days, is that right? Until you leave?’
‘Three.’ She suddenly wished it was longer.
‘Great, tonight there is a folk band arriving. A well-known group. They’re here on a break, staying in a holiday home along the beach. But they invited a few of us to come and hear them play their new album, which is yet to be released. We’ll start there.’
‘Ohhh,’ she said, noticing he still held her hand as if they were lovers. ‘I wonder who they are? You’re not going to tell me, are you?’
‘No, beautiful lady.’ He leant and kissed the top of her hand. ‘I’m not. Shall I show you the markets now?’
Aurora’s heart hammered against her chest. Denny, she thought. Denny who? Marcel might be just the distraction she needed. ‘Yes, let’s go,’ she said and they walked off hand in hand.
* * *
Intoxicated by the heat of the markets and Marcel’s presence, Aurora glided into her room to prepare for the night ahead. Her holiday had taken an unexpected turn for the better. Glimpsing her reflection in the long bevelled-edged mirror, she saw that her sallow complexion and puffy eyes had disappeared. She looked radiant and happy. Grinning, she walked toward the bathroom to run a bath. She’d have a nice long soak, and then paint her nails. Walking into bathroom, she gasped. The huge roman style bath was full of steaming water, and frangipani petals floated on top. A crisp white envelope sat next to the vanity, with her name written in cursive.
She danced over to it and ripped it open.
Dear Aurora,
I’ve taken the liberty of organising a few things for you. In the fridge you will find a bottle of champagne and some Belgian chocolates. Maria, who runs our day spa, will arrive at three p.m. As a VIP guest, I would like to offer you a complimentary package – this includes a massage, facial, and bevy of other treatments. She will have a list, and you may choose whatever you like. At nine p.m. a limo will be here to take us to the destination. If you’d care to meet me in the hotel foyer, we can have an aperitif before we leave.
If we can do anything else to make your stay more comfortable, please don’t hesitate to ask.
As ever,
Marcel
Aurora glanced at her thin gold watch. Two o’clock. An hour before Maria would arrive to pamper her. She felt like jumping up and down. No one had ever made her feel quite like a princess before. A VIP guest! Beauty treatments and champagne! She wondered if Marcel did this kind of thing with women all the time. Probably. But she didn’t care. For once she was going to live in the moment and not worry about anything other than making herself happy.
She undressed and poked a toe into the bath to check the temperature. Perfect. Just as she began to lower her body into the bath her mobile phone rang. She debated whether to answer it in case it was Marcel. He would have called the room phone, she mused, and sunk into the delightfully fragrant water. Closing her eyes, she pictured Marcel’s strong chiselled face. Imagined kissing his firm lips. He was well-groomed, and had been stylishly dressed each time she’d seen him. She wondered what it would feel like to be embraced by him. His strong arms wrapped around her, protective and comforting, so unlike Denny, who was scrawny, boyish – such a contrast between the two men.
When the bath cooled, she stepped out and reached for a plush towel. Enveloping herself with it she walked into the bedroom and put on her silk dressing gown. Her skin glowed from lying beneath the sun the last few days.
While she waited for Maria, she flicked through her wardrobe, wondering what to wear. She didn’t want to go too formal, she’d look like she was trying too hard, and too casual would look as though she didn’t care. Finally, she decided on a yellow cotton dress. It was cinched at the waist, and stopped just above the knee. The canary yellow colour suited her blonde curls and accentuated her blue eyes. She selected a pair of lemon wedge sandals to match. Perfect. Thank goodness she had over-packed.
There was a soft knock at the door and Aurora hurried to answer it. As she opened it, her mobile rang again.
‘Good afternoon,’ said a small plump woman dressed in white like a nurse. ‘I’m Maria. I’m going to look after your treatments today.’
‘Hello, Maria. Come in.’ Aurora gestured her inside.
‘I’ll set up…do you want to answer that?’ Maria asked as the phone rang in the background.
‘Yes, thank you.’ Aurora hurried over to the bedside table just as the phone stopped again. Private number. She dialled message bank and listened to the recording.
‘Hey, darl, it’s me. It was an accident. I missed the plane. You know what those buck’s nights are like…and the photos on Facebook – I can explain…’ Blinking away tears, Aurora hung up before she heard anymore. Dizziness overwhelmed her. She sat on the edge of the bed and tried to take some deep calming breaths, but all she wanted to do was scream.
The phone rang again, and this time she pressed reject and switched it off. How could he be so casual about the whole incident? The photos she’d seen had shocked her to the core. It didn’t leave much to the imagination. Buck’s night and strippers. And her so-called boyfriend being straddled and kissed by a buxom girl wearing nothing more than a G-string. Candid photos splashed around social media for the world to ogle. It was heartbreaking and humiliating.
Tears welled. She hurried to wipe them away so Maria didn’t notice. Suddenly a night out didn’t seem like such a great idea. What had she been thinking, anyway? A fling with Marcel? Ridiculous. He was probably just as bad as Denny. Aurora seemed to attract a certain type of man, one that dazzled and charmed her in the beginning, and then took advantage of her in the end. She vowed it wouldn’t happen again.
Maria cleared her throat. ‘Ah, miss?’
Aurora sniffed and turned back to Maria. ‘Sorry, Maria. I’ve just had an upsetting phone call. Do you mind if we give this a miss? I don’t feel much like being pampered.’
Maria tutted and flicked a towel expertly over the massage table. ‘Broken heart, pretty lady?’
‘Is it so obvious?’ Aurora asked.
‘Lots of broken hearts in Bali. Best place to fix them. Come on. Massage fix everything, too.’ Maria patted the table, and look imploringly at Aurora.
With a sigh she walked over to her. ‘Ok, Maria. Thank you.’ She put her head through the hole in the massage table and closed her eyes, trying to block out thoughts of Denny. Denny with his cheeky smile, his almost manic need to always be on the move. She should’ve known better. Her friends had warned her about him. Said he was a player.
It was over between them. She would concentrate on enjoying the rest of her holiday, and then she’d put all her energy into her work. Like she always did. But in the future, she’d take a few more overseas holidays. Maybe Provence next time? The thought cheered her.
* * *
Maria worked some kind of magic on Aurora. The voice message from Denny became a distant memory. The three glasses of champagne had helped too. She took some calming breaths and walked toward the hotel bar. The thought of seeing Marcel again made her buzz with excitement. She wasn’t going to think of him as a replacement for Denny, but if the chemistry sizzled between them, who was she to stop a harmless holiday fling?
The bar was dimly lit, with leather chaises lining the walls. Jazz music played quietly through unseen speakers. She held her clutch tightly as her nerves threatened to get the better of her.
You can do this. It’s just a night out with a new friend. She pulled her shoulders back and walked with confidence. Tonight, you are in charge.
Marcel waved from a chaise lounge in the darkest corner of the bar. Aurora kept her excitement in check. God, he looked like a movie star. His black hair was slicked back, and he wore a black shirt so tight she could see his rippling abs. The top two buttons were undone exposing a peek of tanned, toned pecs. Aurora imagined herself running her hands down the inside of his shirt. What would his body feel like?
She approached the table and he stood to greet her. ‘You look ravishing,’ he said, his French accent making her woozy.
‘Thank you. You look pretty good yourself.’
He leaned in to kiss her cheek, but on a whim she turned her head so he kissed her on the lips. ‘Excusez-moi,’ he said, his eyes twinkling.
‘Let me try that again.’ She moved closer to Marcel and pulled him to her. Tonight she would take charge, and not give a damn about the consequences.
He put his hands on the side of her face and kissed her full on the mouth, stealing her breath.
‘Better?’ he asked.
‘Once more, I think, just to be sure.’ Aurora cupped his face. Their gazes locked and longing danced through her. No holding back. She swept the tip of her tongue over his bottom lip before covering his mouth with her own. They kissed hungrily until Aurora broke off.
‘Better?’ she echoed, a mischievous glint lighting up her eyes. They held hands and he tipped his forehead to rest gently against hers. He stared at her, silent. Could he hear the staccato rhythm of her heart?
He pulled away from her. ‘If this continues, we won’t get to the party,’ he said, his voice raspy with desire.
‘What…and I don’t get to find out who the mysterious folk band are?’ Lust made Aurora lightheaded, and bolder than usual.
Marcel groaned. ‘Why, oh, why, did I build it up so much? Ok, my little minx, we shall have an aperitif and then go to the party. This,’ he gestured to the space between them, ‘can continue later.’ He smiled and motioned for Aurora to sit.
Aurora inched back into the chaise lounge and watched him walk away to get their drinks. His jeans fit snugly – she couldn’t wait to see what was underneath. Tonight she wasn’t going to overthink or analyse the situation. Marcel made her feel sexy, simple as that. She was going to have a one night stand. Hell, maybe even a three night stand. Why not? She had nothing to lose, except sleep.
* * *
The balmy air cooled Aurora’s fevered skin as they walked outside. Stars twinkled above them as they stepped into the limo. It was the first time she’d ever been in such a fancy car. Usually she organised them for clients, who spared no expense when everything was tax deductible. If Marcel was wooing her simply for a holiday fling, at least he did it in style. Tonight, she intended to play out her fantasy. A wild holiday romp with no strings attached.
The sat close, holding hands. The space inside the limo stretched out before them. Enough room to lie down, Aurora thought, as erotic scenarios played through her mind.
Marcel murmured in her ear. ‘You’re going to enjoy this.’
‘Define this?’
He laughed. ‘Hmm, that’s a loaded question. You’re going to enjoy the band…’
Flushed with anticipation Aurora whispered, ‘I think I’m going to enjoy you more.’
‘Oh, yes? How so?’
Feeling daring, she took his hand and slid it up her thigh, hoping he wouldn’t feel her hand trembling. Her dress had ridden up, exposing a triangle of her sheer white underwear. Shivers raced over her skin and she had an urge to tell the driver to take them back to the hotel. Desire blazed through her making her pulse quicken as Marcel’s hands and fingers heated her skin with their delicate strokes.
Streetlights punctuated the dark of the car every few seconds, illuminating them.
‘Marcel, why don’t I tell you what I want to do when we get back to my room…’
‘I don’t think I can wait that long,’ he said, his voice rumbling from his chest so she almost felt it before she heard it.
‘No?’
‘No. There’s plenty of room back here for what I have in mind.’ His hand crept up, his fingers slipping beneath the fabric of her underwear, finding her moist and ready for him. A blackened screen kept their movements hidden from the driver.
‘I might start with a little of this,’ he said sliding his fingers between her slick folds.
Aurora closed her eyes and moaned as Marcel’s fingers found her clit. He rubbed softly and lightning flashed through her with every brush against the sensitive bundle of nerves. She spread her legs wider and sunk deeper into the seat. ‘Don’t stop,’ she said, her hips moving against his hands. She knew how she looked – wanton and flushed. Heat bloomed on her skin at thought.
He leaned down and kissed her, tongue edging into her mouth. His mouth was sweet and cool, like the cocktails they’d been drinking. She kissed him back hard, as lust coiled within her. Mindless with want, she clutched at him as he continued to touch her with wicked fingers.
She broke off the kiss. ‘Tell me what you’re going to do to me.’
‘I want you bent over. I want to take you like that.’ His breath was warm in her ear. ‘Fondle your breasts while I thrust in to you, until you cry out for more.’ He grabbed her hand with his free one and put it on his cock, which was fighting hard against the fabric of his jeans. ‘Do you feel that? Can you feel what you do to me?’
‘More.’ The word slid from her throat on a moan.
‘How do you want it, beautiful? Fast or slow?’
Aurora pressed her hand against his shaft, thrilled when she felt his touch falter and breath rush out. She stroked him through the denim, her blood pumping as she imagined him entering her – his cock hard and thick. ‘Fast,’ she whispered.
‘Hard and fast?’
‘Yes!’ Her body tightened as Marcel stroked her clit, quickening his pace. She felt an orgasm coil within her and she gripped his wrist, urging him wordlessly to continue. She was so close.
‘Come for me, Aurora.’ Marcel’s demand pushed her over the edge. She turned her head into his neck in a desperate attempt to hold back her screams as an orgasm ripped through her body and pleasure pulsed with every heartbeat.
As her breathing quietened, she turned her body into Marcel’s, seeking his warmth.
‘I want to do that to you again and again.’
Aurora looked up at him, stunned at the desire burning in his eyes. She felt an answering ache. She needed Marcel inside her. ‘I can’t wait. I want you now.’
Her audacity electrified her as she unbuckled his belt and pulled it free. With shaking hands, she undid the buttons of his shirt. His body was toned and tanned and she kissed from his neck down to his belly button. With one quick flick his jeans were undone, his erection pushing against the material of his Y-fronts. He wrenched them down and away from him. He then shifted closer to her, hands moving to the back of her dress to undo the zip. Her braless breasts were exposed to the air-conditioned cool of the limousine, and her nipples puckered with arousal. He brushed his thumbs against them and her head dropped back. Her heart began to thump with renewed desire and she pushed the dress over her hips to throw it aside. When she lay against the leather seat, clad only in her underwear, his eyes traced over every inch of her skin and she felt it like a caress.
‘Allow me,’ he said, sliding her lace panties down. ‘I want to taste you…’ he said.
‘Later.’ She pulled at his underwear, needing it off. His erection sprang free.
She knelt down on the plush carpet and leaned over the seat, offering herself to him. He groaned at what she knew was a tempting sight. He moved behind her, his hands reaching for her breasts to cup their weight and fondle her nipples. Heat radiated from his body as he pressed himself against her.
‘You’re so beautiful, I’ve been watching you for days,’ he said. ‘You drove me wild. I wanted you from the first moment I saw you.’
She arched closer to him. Cool air brushed her back again as he pulled away for a moment. She heard a quick rip of foil. Condom on, he slowly rubbed his erection against her soft centre. The ache inside her was unbearable. She felt him stroke up and down her wet folds, until he pushed into her slowly. Unbearably so.
‘Stop teasing…’ she said from between gritted teeth.
He laughed unsteadily and thrust into her – one long, powerful drive. He filled her. Aurora moaned as he gripped her hips and went in deeper again.
‘You are perfection,’ he said, moving a hand back to her breast and fingering her nipple. She yearned to see his face and kiss him. He began to thrust faster, his hands shifting back to her hips. He slowed again. Inching gently out of her wetness.
‘Don’t stop,’ she cried. He pushed back into her, and she felt the rise of another orgasm.
‘I can’t stop now,’ he said, voice rough as he drove his shaft into her. Her breasts bounced with each thrust. He pumped faster, and their skin slid together with each push. She felt herself tighten around him, and tried to muffle her moans by biting her hand as another orgasm hit her.
‘I’m coming, I’m coming,’ she said breathlessly.
She pushed herself back into him as she felt his body tense and he followed her into the abyss.
Chest heaving from exertion, Marcel bent and kissed her neck. Goosebumps broke out over her skin. They inched back up to the soft seats and sat naked together. Sweat glistening on their bodies, with their ragged breathing filling the air. Aurora placed her legs over Marcel’s lap, and nudged closer to him, arms wrapping around him. He ran a hand through his hair and looked over to her. ‘I can’t wait to try that again.’ He cupped her breast and gave her a crooked smile
She exhaled. ‘Not a bad start to the night,’ her voice catching as he bent his head to her breast and flicked his tongue over her nipple.
He pulled her onto his lap, moved his hands to her face and kissed her softly on the lips. ‘It’s only the beginning.’
‘Here’s an idea,’ she said. ‘Let’s skip the party and go back to my room.’
‘You read my mind.’ He pressed a button on the armrest. A sharp crackle sounded overhead. The voice of the driver rang out, ‘Yes, boss?’
Marcel pressed the button again. ‘Change of plan. Back to the hotel, please.’
‘Yes, boss.’ And the static stopped.
‘There’s only one problem,’ he said.
‘What’s that?’
‘I don’t think I can wait that long.’
She laughed and nuzzled into his neck. He was still warm despite the air-conditioning in the car.
He ran a finger from her knee up the inside of her thigh. Longing washed over her again. ‘I definitely can’t wait until we get back.’
‘Me either,’ she said, pulling him to the floor.
* * *
As the sun rose the next morning, Aurora was just drifting off to sleep. Marcel had said his goodbyes, and snuck out early so none of his staff would see him leaving her room. They’d giggled like teenagers at the door. Neither of them wanted to say goodbye but fatigue won out.
Alone with just the smell of Marcel on her skin, Aurora walked into the bathroom and turned on the bath. All she wanted to do was soak in the tub and replay each moment of the previous night. She’d never let herself go like that with a man before. Always shy and hesitant, always wondering what men thought of her body, the way she performed. It was different with Marcel. It’d been magical, as she let her reservations go and enjoyed sex in a brand new way. There was a freedom in being so uninhibited.
While the water ran she walked back to the bedside table and turned on her mobile phone. Marcel had said he’d text when he could throughout the day. She’d urged him to get some rest, teased him that he’d need all his energy when they met again tonight. Her phone beeped with voice messages. She checked her missed calls. All private numbers.
Denny.
She pressed delete without listening to them. No way was she going to let messages from Denny ruin her high. The rapturous night with Marcel was all she’d focus on.
Walking back to the bathroom, she took off her robe and hung it on the back of the door. She scrutinised herself unselfconsciously in the full length mirror. Her lips were swollen from kissing, and her face was still flushed. Small love bites marked the top of her breasts – Marcel hadn’t held back in his desire for her. She was still drunk with excitement and couldn’t wait to see him again tonight.
Just as she was stepping into the bath her mobile rang. She castigated herself for not remembering to switch it off. Denny didn’t give up easily. Closing her eyes she let the water wash over her body and sighed. Her thoughts turned back to the steamy limo ride. Marcel would be hard to leave. That man knew how to pleasure a woman.
The phone rang again. Aurora cursed and covered her ears. Go to hell. She stepped out of the bath and wrapped her robe around her.
When the phone rang for the third time anger took over. ‘What?’ she yelled into it.
‘It’s me. I’ve been calling you for days.’ Denny’s petulant voice made her want to scream.
She could hear traffic noise in the background, horns blared, and sirens rang out. ‘Where are you?’ Aurora asked.
‘I’m at a phone box on…’
‘Just stop,’ she interjected. A phone box? Had he lost his mobile phone again? He was like a child. She wasn’t having it anymore.
‘Stop calling me, Denny. It’s over. Because you chose to sleep with another woman!’
‘Oh, come on. I didn’t actually sleep with her…’
‘Denny, enough. I don’t want to hear it.’ Aurora hung up and switched the phone off. How dare he? He had some nerve trying to wheedle his way back to her. As if she would allow that to happen.
Grumpy and exhausted, there was nothing to do but sleep. Making her way to the rumpled bed, she fell into it, pulled the sheets up and closed her eyes. Minutes later, she was in a deep sleep.
* * *
An insistent knocking woke Aurora. She glanced at the alarm clock. Nearly six p.m. Marcel was early. ‘One sec,’ she yelled to the back of the door, and rubbed her eyes.
She ripped the covers off and dashed to the bathroom to brush her teeth. Ugh, she thought looking at her reflection. No make-up. If last night was anything to go by, it would soon be rubbed off. A quick splash of water and a spritz of perfume would have to do.
A smile lit up her face as she jogged to the door, wrapping her dressing gown around her as she went.
She pulled the door open and gasped.
‘What are you doing here?’ she hissed. With the sun sinking behind him, Denny stood slumped against the door, wearing floral board shorts and a faded yellow t-shirt. Utterly different from the stylish Marcel. What had she ever seen in him?
‘You wouldn’t take my calls, so I booked another flight. I called you from Denpasar. It took me a hell of time to find this place! And we need to sort this out.’ He held the door open with one hand and craned his neck to look into the room.
‘I thought I made it clear? There is nothing to sort out!’
‘You say that, but three years is a long time to throw away.’
‘You should have thought of that before you...you did whatever it is you did…and then posted photos on Facebook. You all octopus-like around a stripper! I mean really? A stripper?’
He shook his head and looked at the ground. ‘It was a mistake, Pookie. Let me come in and I’ll explain.’
His battered guitar case was propped up against the wall. Aurora sighed as she looked him up and down. His clothes needed washing, he hadn’t shaved and he had dark circles beneath his eyes. Everything about him screamed lazy. She remembered all those times he was unemployed and uninspired. A struggling, wannabe musician, who spent more time drinking in bars than playing in any. She’d paid their rent, their bills and gave him extra for nights out with the boys, so he could ‘suss out a potential gig’. He’d used her from the beginning but she’d been too caught up by his boyish charm to notice. The same boyish charm he now used on other women.
She steeled herself. ‘There’s nothing to explain. I don’t want to talk. Please leave, or I will call security.’
He ran a hand over his five o’clock shadow. It was obvious he needed a shower – the smell of stale beer and cigarettes clung to him. He’d probably been holed up with the stripper until his money ran out.
‘Listen. I’m not leaving. I paid for half of this room, remember, so I’ll be sleeping on my half of the bed.’ It’d been the first time he’d contributed to anything. And now she knew why. He had suggested the holiday after she confronted him about the rumours. Why had she been so trusting?
‘I’ll give you the money back.’ She wanted him gone before Marcel came along. She panicked at the thought of them meeting. Denny looked and sounded like a bum.
‘No. I want this room.’ He picked up his guitar and pushed past her.
She wrapped her robe tightly around her waist, and followed him in, leaving the door open. ‘I mean it, Denny!’ Her voice rose. ‘Get out or I will call security.’
He laughed her off and scrutinised the room. ‘Pretty flash digs.’
Aurora crossed her arms. He walked over to her and massaged the tops of her shoulders. ‘Loosen up! We still have two days. We can make this work.’ He moved to kiss her and without thinking she slapped him hard across the face. He reeled back, anger flaring in his eyes. ‘Feel better?’ he asked.
‘I’ll feel better when you leave. I don’t know how else to say it!’ Frustrated, she fought tears.
‘I’m sorry,’ he said, his voice plaintive. A red handprint marked his face, and he rubbed it and said, ‘If you really want me to go, I’ll go. But, at least, let me kiss you goodbye.’ He grabbed her by the shoulders and kissed her before she could push him away.
‘Excuse me, it was open.’ Marcel’s tall frame blocked the doorway.
‘What’s up, mate?’ Denny asked, an edge to his voice.
‘I’m the hotel manager,’ he replied. ‘Just wanted to check everything has been to your satisfaction.’ His stance was casual, yet Aurora could see the hurt look in his eyes.
‘Perfect. Actually, better than perfect.’ Aurora said. ‘Denny here, was just leaving.’ She stepped away from him and fought the urge to run to Marcel and embrace him. She didn’t want a scene with Denny. If he found out about her and Marcel, it would only give him ammunition.
‘I see.’ Marcel glared at Denny and was met with a blank stare.
‘One more kiss, and I’m gone,’ whispered Denny.
Aurora’s eyes widened. ‘I don’t think so.’
Denny turned to Marcel and yelled, ‘Mate, the room’s great. Now piss off!’
Aurora inhaled sharply. ‘I’m so sorry, Marcel! Please ignore him. Would you mind waiting for one minute while I change and perhaps you can escort me to the bar?’
‘I’d love to,’ he said, his eyes flashing with anger. ‘And please, if I should need to call security, don’t hesitate to let me know.’ He looked firmly at Denny.
‘Thank you.’ Aurora pulled a dress out of the cupboard and hurried into the bathroom to change. Her hands quavered as she tried to do the zip up. The last thing she wanted was a fight to break out. She was embarrassed that Marcel had encountered Denny, and even more so when she thought about how he had walked in on what looked like them kissing.
Soon, their raised voices carried through the door. There was no time to worry about her appearance. She rushed out. Marcel held Denny by the scruff of his t-shirt. ‘You ever speak about her like that again and I won’t be responsible for hurting you. Understand?’ Marcel said, sharply.
Aurora was frightened by the look on Marcels’ face. He was flushed with rage, and the veins in his neck were taut. He moved closer to Denny, his teeth bared. ‘I said, do you understand?’
Aurora raced towards them, as much as she disliked Denny, she didn’t want to see him hurt. And Marcel looked fit to kill.
‘Let go of me!’ Denny pushed Marcel’s arms away. ‘Seems you’re a little more than a manager, am I right?’ He looked to Aurora. ‘So not much of a pity party going on, then? Not pining for a guy you spent three years dating?’
Aurora stood tall, her voice steady as she said, ‘No, Denny, you’re right. Pity is the last thing I’m feeling.’
‘You better be gone before I get back,’ Marcel said, giving him a shove.
Denny plucked at his shirt. ‘Whatever.’
Marcel, eyes fierce, clutched her hand. Aurora pulled Marcel to the door – worried he might still lash out at Denny.
* * *
She gazed up at him as they rushed away from her room. His nostrils flared as he muttered to himself in furious French.
She had to jog to keep up. ‘Marcel, slow down.’
He stopped walking, and turned to her, and exhaled. ‘Sorry. Sorry.’
She searched his face, and saw his features soften. ‘What happened in there?’ she asked.
He ran a hand through his hair, and sighed. ‘I’m so sorry, Aurora. I shouldn’t have done that. He is a nasty piece of work. But I shouldn’t have done that.’
Aurora wondered what Denny had said to provoke such a reaction, but could guess it was something that would make her feel worse. ‘Would you have hit him if I didn’t come in?’
‘Yes. No. I don’t know. Seeing him kiss you didn’t help.’
Aurora smiled up at him. ‘Who knew you were the jealous type?’
He pulled her up on tiptoes and kissed her softly on the lips. Butterflies swarmed in her belly.
He held her, and murmured, ‘Come to my home. You can tell me about him in private.’
Aurora clutched his hand and they continued on. ‘Did you get any sleep?’
He laughed and kept walking. His shoulders were no longer tense and he looked more like the Marcel from the previous night. ‘Yes, I managed a few hours. But I was sorely tempted to come back and ravish you one last time. I wonder if we’ll get to do that again,’ he teased.
‘I’m willing if you are.’ She nudged his arm.
‘More than willing. And after eight hours break, definitely able. So two days, huh?’
Her heart felt heavy. Did all holiday flings feel so special? ‘Yep, two.’
They veered away from the resort, onto the soft sand.
‘Let’s drink some champagne. You can tell me all about your friend, and then…’
‘And then what?’ she interrupted.
‘And then we repeat last night’s performance.’
A shudder of anticipation jolted her.
He motioned toward a huge private bungalow set alone on a quiet stretch of the beach. ‘Here we are.’
‘Wow! What a gorgeous place to live.’ The bungalow had a thatched roof and floor to ceiling windows that faced the beach. Palm trees lined the side closest to the resort providing a partial screen for privacy.
‘Come in.’
Aurora stepped over the threshold and into the most beautiful home she’d ever seen. It looked like something from an interior design magazine. Cushions were scattered over pristine white leather lounges, and everything was colour coordinated. White, beige and lime green. It was modern and fresh. ‘How long have you lived here?’
‘Nearly twenty years, but I’ve just had the place renovated. The interior was done by an Australian designer. She flew here especially to do it.’
Jealousy snaked through Aurora. She imagined a pert, sophisticated interior designer flirting with Marcel. Pictured him throwing her down on the lounge, and bending down to… She shook the image away. Three day fling, remember?
Instead she concentrated on the room. ‘It’s beautiful. But it’s still very Balinese in style with the artwork and ornaments. I love it.’
‘Could you picture yourself living here?’ He rocked on the balls of his feet and gazed at her.
What kind of question was that? ‘There are worse places.’ She laughed nervously.
‘Champagne?’
‘Please.’
‘Shall we sit outside on the day bed?’
‘That sounds lovely.’ Aurora walked outside. A large white canopy shaded the table. Gossamer curtains waved with the breeze. Marcel followed her and pulled the curtains closed along a metal rail. They were secluded with only the view of the beach in front of them.
‘This is truly magnificent.’ Aurora kicked off her sandals and sunk into the cushions.
Marcel ambled into the kitchen and returned with a bottle of champagne and two glasses.
‘Here’s to new friendships.’ They clinked glasses and sat silently together, watching waves crash into the shore. The wind had picked up and the air was fragrant with the salty smell of the ocean. It was a balm for Aurora’s soul. She felt rejuvenated by the elements and by Marcel.
‘So, who was he?’ His accent thickened with fresh jealousy.
Aurora sighed. ‘He was my boyfriend. I’m ashamed to say we spent three years together. It was never really right between us, but I thought if I gave him enough space, enough love, things would improve. But we’re polar opposites. I’ve always worked hard and he never worked at all. His dreams of becoming a musician were impeded by the fact that he doesn’t put any effort in to looking for work. He’d rather have a boys’ nights out, than stay at home with me.’
Marcel’s frown deepened. ‘I don’t understand boys’ nights. If you’re single then fine, going out with a group of friends is understandable. But for me, I couldn’t leave you at home. Especially to be surrounded by a group of beer-swilling men.’
Aurora nodded. She couldn’t picture Marcel in at a crowded pub, jostling for drinks. He was more the type for intimate romantic dinners, and nights in front of the fire. Or was she inventing him the way she wanted him? Maybe that was her problem with men. She spent too long envisioning how they’d be instead of noticing who they really were.
She sighed and continued. ‘Rumours started making their way back to me. Like Denny being seen kissing other women at nightclubs. I laughed them off, thinking he’d never do that. Eventually I asked him, and he denied it of course. Then we booked this holiday.’
Marcel pulled her feet into his lap and gently stroked the soft skin on her legs. ‘Go on.’
‘I thought he had finally changed. That the gossip had inspired him to be romantic. The night before we were due to fly out he had a friend’s buck’s night. I asked him not to get home too late because we had an early flight.’
Aurora took a sip of her champagne. ‘Well, by five a.m. he still wasn’t home. He wasn’t answering my calls. I was angry but I headed off to the airport. I wasn’t going to miss the flight, and deep down I hoped he would be at the terminal with some kind of believable excuse – he lost his phone or something – and we could go on and enjoy our trip. I checked my luggage and settled in to wait. I got a text message from him. Said he’d miss this flight but would meet me later. I was so furious I didn’t respond.’
Marcel frowned. ‘I don’t believe this guy. Is he an idiot? He has the most beautiful girl in the world and he treats her like this?’
Aurora noticed that he motioned with his hands more forcefully when he was angry. She sat up and moved to the crook of Marcel’s arm. ‘It gets worse.’
‘Worse? He better be gone we when get back.’
No one had ever fought for Aurora before. She liked the way it felt.
‘A friend called me, the same one who told me all those stories about him in the clubs. Told me to check his Facebook account. There were all sorts of explicit pictures of him with someone who looked like a stripper.’
‘He’s filth,’ Marcel spat.
‘I checked Facebook and sure enough, someone had posted photos of him from the buck’s night. Graphic and shocking. He must have been drunk out of his mind.’
‘You weren’t going to take him back were you?’ Marcel’s frown deepened.
‘No. Definitely not. I was mad at myself for wasting three years with someone who was obviously taking advantage of me. I guess with work being so busy, one day bled into the next and I didn’t notice it wasn’t going anywhere.’
‘I wish I’d punched him!’
Aurora huffed and snuggled in closer. ‘I’m glad you didn’t. Then he’d never go. Hopefully he’s slunk off, and we can enjoy the rest of my time here.’
‘Two short days.’ He kissed the top of her head.
Aurora put her hand on Marcel’s chest and felt the steady thrum of his heart beating. ‘So, what does your bedroom look like?’ she said suggestively.
‘Let me show you. You’ll forget all about what’s-his-name.’
‘He’s already forgotten.’
‘Good. I’m going to show you how a real man loves a woman.’ He took her hand and pulled her up from the lounge.
They reached the bedroom, where a king size bed sat regally against the wall. Everything was white, except for a vase of colourful fresh flowers on the bedside table.
Marcel pulled his shirt over his head.
‘Race you,’ she said, and pulled her dress and underwear off.
‘Like that?’ he said, pulling at the rest of his clothes.
Naked, they both stared at each other. ‘Lie down,’ he commanded.
Aurora shivered in excitement as she lay on the huge bed. He knelt on the floor at her feet and kissed curve of her ankles. She throbbed, her body aching with want. Slowly he made his way upward, kissing and licking the inside of her legs. When he got to her thighs, he spread them wider. She closed her eyes and waited, tension making her body vibrate.
‘You are gorgeous.’ He pushed his tongue inside her, licking and sucking gently. She moaned and arched her back. He lapped at her centre, softly, delicately. Her pulse raced as his tongue flashed across her. The intensity of her desire made her heart thud. She clutched fistfuls of his hair and pushed his face deeper into her. She cried out as waves of pleasure shuddered through her. As the sensation washed away, she was left weightless and with an emptiness inside that could only be satisfied by taking him into her body.
‘My turn,’ she said, kissing him. Aurora could taste herself on his mouth. She pushed him to the back of the bed and palmed his shaft. Marcel watched her, his face hard with lust. She straddled his hips, sliding his hardness into her heat. Her breath caught as his fullness took up every inch of her. She rocked up and down, his hands gripping her hips. He closed his eyes, and let her ride him. ‘I don’t think I can hold out for long,’ he managed through gritted teeth. She moved harder and drove him deeper inside. Thrills raced through her as she watched him open his eyes and fixate on her breasts as they swayed with every move. He moaned as she sped up, taking him over and over, her heart hammering with excitement. His breath quickened, and he closed his eyes again. He moaned her name and clutched her hips to him as he came hard, his body tensing between her thighs. Out of the breath, she slowly stopped rocking.
‘You’re amazing.’ He pulled her towards him and kissed her.
‘The night’s not over yet.’
‘Ten minutes and I’m good to go again.’ He laughed and cupped her face, stared into her eyes. ‘I don’t want you to leave.’
‘Let’s see how you feel after two nights of this.’
* * *
Aurora pressed every button on the fancy coffee maker. Nothing. Marcel’s soft snores echoed from the bedroom, while she attempted to make breakfast. Dinner had been forgotten the night before, and she was famished. The fridge was well stocked. Plenty of eggs and mushrooms – which she’d scrambled to eat with buttery toast. She had also thrown together a simple fruit salad. Finally, the coffee machine spluttered to life, drenching her with hot milk. She cursed, pulling hot fabric away from her skin.
‘Excuse me.’
Aurora started. A young Indonesian woman leaned against the metal doorframe.
‘Is Marcel here?’ she asked.
‘Yes, he’s...he’s indisposed. Can I help you?’
The girl walked inside. ‘No,’ she said.
Was Aurora imagining it or did the girl throw her a challenging look?
‘Haven’t seen you here before,’ she said, giving Aurora a cursory once over.
Aurora felt a stab of envy. The girl was wisp thin and had fine delicate features. ‘I haven’t seen you either. What can we do for you?’ Aurora felt her hands shake. Was this his girlfriend? Or part-time lover? She couldn’t imagine someone like Marcel sleeping alone.
‘I’m here to see Marcel.’
‘Perhaps you can come back later? Maybe call first?’ Aurora tried to keep the bitterness out of her voice. She realised how Marcel must have felt when he saw Denny kissing her. The thought of Marcel touching the young girl made her want to cry.
‘I can wait.’ She moved to sit on the lounge.
Aurora felt like pushing her out the door, but instead went back to attempting to make coffee.
‘You have to push the lever down on the side of the machine or you’ll only get boiled milk.’
She knows how to work the coffee machine.
Aurora pushed the lever, trying hard to look serene. The cups filled with black liquid, before the milk gurgled into the mix.
‘What’s your name?’ the girl asked plucking at the tassels on a cushion.
‘Aurora. And you?’
‘Are you Marcel’s girlfriend?’
What kind of question was that? ‘No. I’m on holiday here. What was your name?’ She was so young. What kind of man slept with a girl that age? She looked barely eighteen.
‘Ni Luh.’
‘How do you know Marcel?’
‘It’s a long story.’
‘I see. Well, I better take this coffee in before it gets cold…’
‘I’ll take it.’ She jumped up.
‘He might not be dressed.’ Aurora held on to the handle of the mugs as though she could stop her by sheer will.
‘It’s ok. I’ll knock first.’ Ni Luh pulled at a cup, liquid spilling over their hands.
‘I’ve got it,’ Aurora said pulling it back. Coffee splashed over the counter.
‘I’ve got it, let go.’ Ni Luh held the handle and looked Aurora square in the face.
A cough startled them. Marcel.
‘Good morning, girls.’ He looked at the bench, and the half empty mug of coffee. Raised his eyebrows at Aurora. ‘I take it you’ve met Ni Luh.’
Aurora flushed. What must he think of her, fighting with this teenager? She felt old compared to her. Her face probably looked haggard in the daylight after another night of minimal sleep. A stark comparison to Ni Luh’s glowing youthfulness.
‘Yes, well, I know her name and that’s about it.’
Marcel laughed and sidled up to Aurora. He whispered, ‘You look beautiful with the sun streaming in, landing on you like an angel.’
Aurora cast her eyes downwards. How did he always know what to say?
Marcel moved around the bench and embraced the young girl. Aurora wanted to disappear. What was this?
Ni Luh helped herself to the fruit salad Aurora had made. She chomped on the watermelon and simpered up at him.
‘Ni Luh is my daughter.’
Aurora eyes widened. ‘Your daughter? I didn’t realise…’
Marcel picked up the half empty coffee cup and took a sip. ‘My adopted daughter. She lives in the bungalow next door. Now that she’s eighteen and independent, she craves her own place.’
Aurora didn’t know what to say. She felt foolish but was relieved Ni Luh wasn’t his lover. The poor girl had been trying to see her father and here she was fighting over a coffee cup with her.
Ni Luh glanced at Aurora, a mischievous look on her face. ‘Can I have those eggs?’
Marcel pushed the plate towards her. ‘Eighteen and demanding independence, but not so much when it comes to food. She’s got a gift for knowing when something is about to be dished up.’
‘Fork?’ she said.
Marcel opened the drawer and took out knives and forks. ‘Can you eat at the table at least?’
‘The table? We really are on out best behaviour.’ She grinned at Aurora and picked the plate up.
They sat together, Ni Luh wolfing down the eggs, while Marcel and Aurora picked at the fruit salad. ‘Ni Luh is at university, studying hotel management. One day soon she’ll take over from me.’ Marcel said.
Ni Luh rolled her eyes. ‘Not too soon.’
Marcel chuckled and clutched Aurora’s hand under the table. ‘What would you like to do today?’
Aurora squeezed his hand and said, ‘What do you suggest?’
‘I can drive you to Ubud? There are lots of temples and art galleries. It’s not as touristy as Kuta.’
Ni Luh finished her eggs and put the plate on the kitchen counter. ‘Don’t let me stop you two lovebirds. I’m off to study.’ She walked over and kissed the top of Marcel’s head.
‘Love you, dad. Nice to meet you, Aurora,’ she said, and flounced out.
Aurora waved goodbye and let herself fall against Marcel’s arm. ‘She took me by surprise. I thought…I thought…’
He laughed. ‘I can guess what you thought. I adopted Ni Luh when she was a baby. Her parents worked here at the resort. Great people. There was a traffic accident and they were killed. God knows how Ni Luh survived the crash. But she did. The grandparents asked me to look after her. They couldn’t manage. So, I did. I had help, of course – nannies around the clock. I had no idea how to look after an infant. And now look – she’s an adult. It seems like only yesterday a screaming bundle was placed into my arms.’
‘I can imagine you as a father, though.’ She pictured his strong arms, wrapped around a baby. Ni Luh must have felt loved and safe her whole life.
‘Do you want to have children one day?’ He stroked her cheek.
She looked up at him, and wondered whether to tell the truth. She supposed it didn’t matter much. ‘I can’t have kids. I had some issues when I was younger, so it’s never been a real desire. Probably because I’ve always known I can’t. What about you?’
‘There are so many kids in Bali that need help, need love. That’s enough for me. I support a local orphanage and help out there once a week. They rely solely on donations, so when they fall short, I step in. It’s not much in the scheme of things but it’s something. Most of the staff here grew up at the orphanage. I’ve known a lot of them their whole lives.’
She was falling in love with him. Hard. He was everything she wanted in a man. Why would the universe allow her to fall in love with someone so perfect who lived in another country?
‘Can we go there? To the orphanage?’ She wanted to immerse herself in the real Bali.
‘Sure. You’ll love them. I’m telling you now, they are the happiest kids on the planet. They don’t have much but they’re resourceful.’
‘I can’t wait to meet them.’
* * *
They came home after a full day at the orphanage. Marcel was right. They were the happiest kids Aurora had ever seen. She’d taken them gifts. Shirts and shoes she’d picked up at the markets. They scrambled around her and hugged her legs. It made her sad to think that they didn’t have mothers to tuck them in at night – but there were an army of volunteers who cuddled and fussed over them when they needed it.
They showed her their favourite game. They each pulled off a worn out thong, and one child placed his a few metres away. Then they all took turns in throwing their thongs towards it. Whoever’s thong landed closest was the winner. Like lawn bowls with footwear.
Kids had followed Marcel around and begged to be picked up and carried on his broad shoulders. He spent hours parading them around and made sure each child had a turn. They giggled and played chase. Aurora helped prepare lunch – nasi goreng with lots of fried eggs on top. It had been a wonderful day.
When they returned, Marcel had checked with staff that Denny had left, but still walked around her room, opening and closing cupboards to make certain. He’d kissed her goodbye and arranged to meet later that night. He had planned a romantic dinner at beachside restaurant in Jimbaran Bay.
Aurora undressed, and got under the covers. She felt as though she’d been here forever, yet it had only been a few days. Happiness swelled inside her every time she thought of Marcel. It was quickly replaced by a heavy feeling of grief when she thought about leaving the next day. How could she even contemplate going? She’d never met anyone who made her feel so alive, and so free. And as for the sex, she’d never imagined it could be so good. Yet work called, like it always did. But after spending the day in the orphanage, she wondered if she had her priorities right.
* * *
Refreshed after a nap and a steaming hot shower, Aurora was dressed and readied herself to meet Marcel. She sat on the edge of the bed and fought impending tears. Trying to pull herself together, she clasped on her earrings and took deep breaths. Marcel would think she was crazy if she arrived at the hotel bar with tears streaming down her face. She strengthened her resolve. It was her last night here, and she was going to enjoy it. There was no point acting glum.
She checked her make-up in the mirror one last time and fluffed her hair. With a heavy heart and a forced smile, she walked to meet Marcel.
He was sitting on a stool at the bar talking to the waiter, head lowered, swirling wine around his glass. He looked sharp in a suit. The place he was taking her to was one of the fancier restaurants along the beach in Jimbaran Bay. She wore in a red sheath-like dress and red stilettos, thankful that she’d thought to pack something formal.
He turned just as she bent to kiss him. ‘Aurora.’ He put a hand to his chest. ‘You look stunning.’ His eyes trailed from her cleavage slowly down to her heels. He took her hand and kissed the top of it. It was an old fashioned gesture, and made her feel special.
‘Thank you.’ She propped herself on the stool next to him. ‘Our last night together.’
He put and arm around her and drew her close. ‘I never want this to end,’ he whispered in her ear.
The bartender walked over and broke the spell. ‘A drink, pretty lady?’
Aurora plucked at the hem of her dress. ‘I’ll have the same as Marcel, please.’ She wasn’t brave enough to say anything back to Marcel in case she had a breakdown in front of him. They sat silently, arms loosely around each other, faces morose.
* * *
They finished dinner, and decided to walk back to the resort from the centre of town. The driver pulled over and opened the door for them. Both wanted the night to linger on. The limo slowly pulled away from the curb, and the driver stuck his hand out to wave goodbye.
They ambled slowly along through masses of people still shopping. Bars were full and rowdy customers spilled out onto the street. Marcel pointed to places he liked, and told stories about the people who worked there. He knew everyone in town, and he respected them all. When a shoddily dressed, stooped man approached, Marcel embraced him without thought. The homeless man blessed him and asked after Ni Luh, and in turn Marcel surreptitiously tucked some money into his palm.
‘What time is your flight?’ he asked.
The tears she’d been fighting all night finally spilled. She choked back a sob and said, ‘Eight a.m.’
‘Merde…so early. I can take you.’
Aurora pulled herself together. ‘I think it’d be easier if I go alone, Marcel.’ She would never get on the plane of Marcel was watching her from the airport.
‘Hmmm.’ He pursed his lips. ‘Tonight, I’ll hold you. I want you to know how much these past days have meant to me.’ He looked fervently at her. ‘Do you know, Aurora? Do you know how much you mean to me, already?’
She looked up at him, tears coursing down her face. He brushed them away with tender hands.
‘Really, Marcel?’ They stopped walking and faced each other. Traffic whizzed by, drivers honking and berating each other. She wanted to believe him but how many love affairs had he initiated in this tropical paradise?
His dark eyes pooled with sincerity. ‘Really. I want more.’
‘I don’t know what to say.’ She clutched his hand and resumed walking.
They arrived back at the hotel and strolled down the soft white sand to his bungalow. They sat outside in the dark, not bothering to turn lights on. The beach was deserted, the only sound coming from the waves that swelled to meet the shore. A fine pair they made. Both too despondent to talk and the time they had left together ebbing away too quickly.
Marcel bent over the small wooden table and lit a candle. He pulled her into his lap. She pushed her hair back and leaned her head on his chest. His spicy aftershave surrounded her. Lightly, he stroked her cheek. ‘Aurora, if I asked you to stay, would you?’ The question hung in the air between them.
She’d hoped he would ask. And she was grateful. Maybe he loved her? But how could she stay? What about her career? Would the magical spell wear off if this became a serious relationship?
She looked up at his brooding eyes and kissed him, put her heart and soul into it. It was a gentle goodbye kiss. Soft and sweet.
‘I take it that’s a no?’ he asked his voice breaking with emotion.
‘It’s not a no. It’s a goodbye, for now.’ She nuzzled into this neck and whispered in his ear. ‘I’ll come back, Marcel. Soon.’
‘Bali’s changed you, hasn’t it?’ he asked.
‘Yes,’ she whispered. ‘I’m going home a different person to the one who arrived here a few short days ago.’
It all became clear to Aurora. She’d spent her whole life replacing one man with another. Thinking she needed love to prove her worth, but finding it in all the wrong places. And then working day and night, expecting the man she loved to wait for her. She had set herself up to fail each time.
She’d learned so much from the Balinese people, and the kids at the orphanage. Maybe it would work out with Marcel – a long-distance relationship – and maybe it wouldn’t. His charm and his attentions had buoyed her confidence, and made her realise she was enough. They’d take it slowly, and only time would tell.
Aurora snuggled into Marcel. He wrapped his arms protectively around her.
She took a deep breath in. The intoxicating smell of frangipanis and salty sea water assailed her senses. Palms trees swished in the distance. This time she would follow her heart, but on her terms.
And at this moment, her heart was in Bali.