The Heart Of Bali

by Rebecca Raisin

  ‘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 per
fection,’ 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.