The Resort

by M J Hardy

  I’m almost afraid to go back to my room because I’m certain Charles will be there, waiting with a disapproving stare as he demands to know where I’ve been. Therefore, I’m surprised to find it empty and feel the relief hit me as I race to the shower before he returns.

  As I look at my reflection in the mirror, I thank god he wasn’t here because it’s obvious what I’ve been doing. My hair is a mess and my lips swollen. There’s a slight bruise around my neck and I shiver when I remember how rough he was. I loved it, every minute because there was more passion in that encounter than there has been in the past ten years with Charles.

  I don’t regret a moment of what we did because I needed it like a drug. It gave me a shot of life when I thought I was dying. A hunger for more and a desire for freedom that I have kept firmly buried inside. Maybe I needed this trip to shock me into life again because now I’ve had a taste of forbidden fruit, I’m hungry for more.

  Chapter 16

  Chloe

  The moonlight dances on the waves that gently lap to the shore and I feel at peace with myself. As I hold John’s hand, I shiver with anticipation. I never thought for one moment we would be enjoying this all-expenses holiday in February. We haven’t had a holiday for years, there was never enough money to waste, and now I see what was missing. We need this time to reconnect as a couple and make some time for us.

  I am distracted by a figure of a man walking slowly up the beach and peer into the darkness. He’s too far away to make out his features, and strangely I feel annoyed that he is here at all.

  John raises my hand to his lips and whispers, “This is nice.”

  “It is.”

  I love the way he wraps his arm around me and pulls me close as we study the inky black sea and listen to the sound of nature. I’m not even cold because even though the heat of the sun has faded, there is only a balmy breeze to take its place.

  “We should do this more often.” John voices my own thoughts and I nod. “We should.”

  The man passes and now all I can see is his silhouette walking back to the resort and I am literally glad to see the back of him.

  Impetuously, I reach up and drag John’s lips to mine and kiss him softly and with so much love, it feels as if this is our first kiss. It’s different here, romantic, magical, and has more feeling than the perfunctory ones we enjoy at home before he turns his back on me and falls asleep. Even sex is carried out in the darkness, once a week behind a locked door. Any noise is muffled because the girl’s bedrooms are a stone’s throw away and the thought of them hearing us is not a pleasant one.

  Here we are free. We have a week to rediscover our connection and I feel excited for that.

  John pulls back and his voice is husky as he whispers, “Shall we go to bed?”

  “I thought you’d never ask.”

  I giggle as he growls and pulls me along after him and like a couple of teenagers, we race back up the sand towards the resort.

  As we spill through the double doors, the receptionist calls out, “Excuse me.”

  John groans, “What now?”

  We head across and the woman smiles. “I trust you’re enjoying your stay.”

  “Lovely, thank you.”

  She smiles. “I’m sorry to interrupt your evening, but I have you down on the list to take the boat to Kurraga town tomorrow.”

  We look at one another in surprise.

  “Did you book that?” I stare at John in surprise and he shakes his head. “No.”

  The receptionist smiles. “It’s one of the complimentary excursions all the guests are signed up for. We would like your feedback on the experience and I’m sorry, but seven days just isn’t nearly enough time to pack it all in.”

  I nod, but inside I feel a little annoyed. I really wanted to lie by the pool, although my skin may be dancing for joy at the thought of some respite from the sun, but I just smile gratefully. “That sounds amazing, what time?”

  “It leaves at 9am, which should give you time to enjoy breakfast before meeting the rest of your party on the jetty.”

  John nods and says impatiently, “Thank you.”

  He turns to go, and the receptionist says quickly, “Enjoy your evening and don’t forget to report any problems with your room.”

  John practically drags me away and mumbles, “Great, a morning shopping instead of sleeping by the pool. If I had known we would be signed up for everything going, I wouldn’t have come.”

  I feel a little hurt at his words and yet I shrug it off because I’m guessing he’s just annoyed his day has been planned for him. Of course, he would have come and only a fool would remain in England when paradise beckons.

  We head to the lift and I notice the single man from the pool waiting and something about him makes the hairs on my neck stand to attention. I’m not sure why, but he has a look about him that gives me the creeps and I stand a little behind John and hear him say in a deep voice, “Good evening.”

  Luckily, John answers for us both and thankfully the lift arrives and as we crowd into the space, John politely asks him which floor.

  “Three please.”

  It’s a little awkward as we ride the lift in silence, and there’s a prickle of tension running down my spine. Something that makes me raise my guard a little and try to look invisible.

  I’m not sure why I’m so on edge. After all, this man is a stranger to me, but there is something there, something odd about him and I can’t put my finger on it. When you know something’s not quite right but don’t know what it is, the air around you changes and I feel that now. When he steps outside, it’s as if I can breathe again and I haven’t had this feeling for quite some time, which tells me there’s a storm building in paradise.

  Chapter 17

  Emma

  A gentle tap on my door wakes me around 8am and as the sun filters through the cracks in the blind, it takes me a moment to remember where I am. Then it hits me and I stretch out with contentment as I remember – I’m in paradise.

  The tap gets louder and I drag myself from the warm, cosy bed and head to the door. I open it a crack and see a uniformed waiter standing beside a trolley, and he nods respectfully. “Room service.”

  “But I didn’t order this.”

  I stare at him in surprise and he smiles. “Compliments of the hotel, madam. Breakfast on your balcony.”

  “Wow, thank you.” I open the door a little wider and as he wheels the trolley inside, I actually pinch myself. Surely, I’m still dreaming because things like this don’t happen to an ordinary girl like me.

  As the waiter sets up the breakfast trolley on the balcony, I watch him arranging the silver dishes filled with hot scrambled eggs and bacon. Fresh fruit and natural yoghurt nestle beside a bread basket of pastries still warm from the oven. Freshly squeezed juice of every variety in little glass jugs sit beside crystal glasses and a selection of conserves look tempting accessed by way of a small silver spoon in every pot.

  He finishes up and nods respectfully. “Tea and coffee are on the lower shelf with your choice of cream or milk. Please call if there are any special requirements, such as an omelette or pancakes. The smoked salmon is also a favourite, so please make sure to call if you prefer that.”

  “Thank you so much.” Quickly, I grab my purse and remove a few notes and yet as I offer him the tip, he shakes his head. “No need, madam, your stay here is complimentary and that included any tips.”

  “But…”

  “Good day, madam. The maid will sort out your trolley when she makes up your room later. If you need it collecting beforehand, please call 505.”

  He turns to leave and I stare after him in surprise. This is unimaginable luxury. Breakfast on the balcony. I don’t even have to get dressed and can just relax and read my kindle while I enjoy the ultimate in relaxation.

  As I approach the trolley, I see an envelope propped up in the middle. My heart beats a little faster for some reason as I draw out a thick cream card and note the spidery hand
writing.

  Good morning Emma, I would be honoured to show you around the resort today. I will call for you at 10.30am.

  Ben X

  Wow, a date with the owner. This is above the five-star rating. It’s like being invited to dinner with the Captain on a cruise ship. My own personal guided tour with the man in charge.

  As I help myself to breakfast, I think about the man I met last night. Ordinarily, I don’t go for men with beards or glasses, but there was something about that man that felt safe. He was a little intense, but in a good way. I didn’t miss the way he stared at me – hard, for most of the hour I spent in his company. His dark hair and immaculate clothes impressed me, as did his apartment that was even more luxurious than this president’s suite. He listened to every word I said as if he needed to know so badly every thought in my head. It was quite an intense experience, and it was only when I reached my room, that the daze I was in left me.

  Just thinking of seeing him again brings with it an excitement that is making my stay here even more intoxicating and as I settle down to eat, my kindle is forgotten as I stare out to sea and wonder how I got so lucky.

  10.30 brings a knock to my door that makes me jump and sends a shiver down my spine.

  He’s here.

  Smoothing down my simple sundress and fixing my sunglasses firmly on top of my head, I grab my bag.

  I open the door and catch my breath because he is standing waiting, looking so incredibly gorgeous in a white t-shirt and khaki cargo shorts. He is wearing leather flip flops and I note an expensive Rolex on his wrist and am pleased to see there is no wedding ring.

  His eyes rake my body appreciatively and he holds out his hand.

  “You look lovely, Emma, come, there’s a lot to see.”

  Why I grasp his hand so readily is a surprise to me because surely that’s a little presumptuous, and as his hand closes around mine, I feel a shiver of expectation. He’s interested in me, Emma Stone, single and desperate to mingle and what a catch to land.

  We head towards the lift and he says in a deep voice, “I trust you enjoyed your breakfast.”

  “It was lovely, thank you.”

  “I thought you would prefer to eat in your room because I’m guessing it’s not much fun eating alone.”

  “You are so thoughtful.”

  He nods, and it strikes me how serious he is. “I like to take care of my guests.”

  “Well, you’ve certainly done that. Is this service going to be standard because I’ve never known anything like it?”

  He shakes his head. “A scaled-down version, but I pride myself on excellence, I always have.”

  We step into the lift and for some reason it feels more intimate in here, probably because he is standing so close to me, his fingers holding onto mine tightly. He looks at me and just stares and if anything, I feel a little uncomfortable and say quickly, “From your accent you’re British, how did you end up here?”

  “I didn’t.”

  He smiles. “My business is in London; this is just one of my investments. I have several others that require my time, but for obvious reasons I needed to be here this week.”

  Thinking about the launch, I nod. “Yes, I suppose it’s a very exciting time for you.”

  “It is – very.”

  Part of me wonders if he’s referring to his business or something else because his voice has an edge to it that tells me something more is going on in his mind.

  The lift arrives and we step outside into the brightly lit reception and he pulls me along by his side at a rapid pace.

  For most of the morning, he shows me paradise. From the sumptuous pool that I visited yesterday, to the gym, spa and tennis courts. There are two more pools and several hot tubs, not to mention the beautiful white beach that appears to stretch for miles with no other building in sight.

  He leads me down a wooden jetty towards a beautiful motor cruiser where a man in uniform is waiting.

  “Good morning, sir.”

  The man nods and Ben stops and says gently, “Allow me to show you the rest of the Island.”

  “On here?”

  He laughs at my expression. “Yes, The Lotus is my pride and joy and has every luxury I could cram into the space. So, what do you think, it’s a beautiful day to explore?”

  I don’t need asking twice and follow him on board and take a brightly coloured cocktail that another steward hands me from a silver tray.

  Ben slips his arm around my waist and guides me to the front of the boat and as the engines start, we sip our drinks, looking out on a beautiful turquoise sea.

  Chapter 18

  Kim

  It feels a little awkward standing, waiting for the boat to Kurraga. Jack was sleeping when I got in and hasn’t said two words to me today. Breakfast was conducted in silence and I can tell he’s angry. The fact he hasn’t even bothered to ask me where I was, shows how little he cares and I am so angry right now. I don’t deserve this, he’s a cruel, nasty man and after spending a very pleasant evening with Charles, it just reinforced the fact that I married a brute.

  We stand watching the other guests arrive and I steal glances at Charles and his wife Evelyn. He catches my eye on a couple of occasions and the look he gives me makes me feel warm inside. He was so attentive last night. Kind, funny, charming and courteous. I didn’t feel the least bit uncomfortable around him and once again I envy his wife her husband.

  The boat arrives and I watch the nice couple giggling as she steps on board and stumbles and I love the way her husband reaches out to steady her. It’s obvious they are happy, unlike us, and dare I say it, Charles and Evelyn.

  The usually cool, chic woman, looks a little worse for wear today. She is wearing her large sunglasses, but her shoulders sag a little and she seems on edge.

  He is holding her against his side protectively and I wonder if she has a drink problem. She is certainly a little unsteady on her feet, and he helps her on the boat and throws me a small smile when Jack isn’t looking.

  Jack also seems on edge, and I can tell he’s angry. Well, that’s nothing to how I’m feeling because he has created this atmosphere, not me. I thought we were set for a romantic break and after the first few hours spent in bed, I assumed we were starting as we meant to go on.

  An overwhelming feeling of sadness grips me as I think about my husband and our deteriorating relationship. I’m doubtful if there’s a way back for us, especially after Charles showed me what a proper gentleman behaves like.

  The last passenger is a man on his own and I’m not sure why, but I dislike him on sight. He is staring at me when he thinks no one is looking, and I don’t like the expression in his eye. There is something about that man that makes my flesh creep and I wonder what his story is? Not that I intend on finding out, because the least time I spend with him, the better.

  Jack looks out across the water broodingly, as the boat starts and I wonder if we are actually going to speak at all today. Once again, I look across at Charles and find him watching me and I throw him a small smile.

  He returns it and a warm feeling spreads through me because there’s a man I would really like to get to know.

  Despite the company, we dock at the local town and I look around me with interest. It’s so pretty with its brightly painted wooden houses that double as shops, their locally made treasures spilling from them in a collective burst of colour.

  The other passengers disembark and I hear Charles say loudly, “Come on, darling, I’m sure there are a few shops here who would welcome the economic boost your visit will give them.”

  He guides her away from the rest of us and if anything, she looks as if she could use a good sleep rather than a day spent trawling around the local town.

  The nice couple hold hands and disappear up the street, and I’m glad to see the man heading in the opposite direction.

  Jack hunches his shoulders and says in a bored voice. “This is just great. Why on earth did we agree to this in the first place?”
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  “Because we owe it to them. They have paid for our trip, so the least we can do is sample their excursions and give our honest feedback.”

  Deciding to make the best of a bad situation, I say with resignation, “Come on, let’s just explore the town, there may be a nice bistro or bar we can set up camp in. We’ve only got three hours, anyway.”

  He nods, and we set off, an awkward silence settling between us.

  All around us are people enjoying the sunshine and laughing as they take photographs on their phones. The only thing we’re doing is walking under a cloud and I decide that I’ve had enough and say tentatively, “We really need to talk, this silence isn’t doing either of us any favours.”

  “First, tell me where you went last night.” He looks at me with a fierce expression and I hide a small smile. Maybe he was jealous, possibly testing me and hoping I would be waiting for him. Maybe he was about to apologise and say he didn’t mean it. I’m not sure what I think about that and just shrug.

  “I went for a walk, a long one.”

  “Do you really expect me to believe that? You were trying to get back at me.”

  “No, Jack, I was trying to make sense of what you said to me. It’s not every day my husband tells me he’s calling time on our marriage. I was shocked, upset and a little bit devastated in case you were wondering.”

  Turning away, I pretend to be interested in a shop display of brightly coloured scarves, and he stands moodily beside me.

  Then he says in a softer voice, “If it’s any consolation, I was upset too.”

  “Really.”

  I don’t look at him and he snatches hold of my hand and says roughly, “Look at me.”