TouchStone for ever (The Story of Us Trilogy) (27 page)

“No, I can’t say I
have.” He licks his lips. “But it sounds like something I might enjoy.”

I clamber up from his
knee. “I’ve never done it before either, so it’ll be a first for us both.”

“Even better.”

Hand in hand we
stroll down to the water’s edge; the sand still retains some of the day’s heat
and cushions our feet as we near the rippling waves, gingerly dipping in toes
and ankles. I release my hand and unbutton my shorts, push them down with my
panties and toss them up the beach. I pull my crop top up over my head and
throw it in the same direction. He stands before me utterly mesmerised.

“What are you doing?”
he asks, looking about him furtively.

“I’m skinny-dipping.”
I turn towards the ocean and begin to take a tentative step into the rippling
tide.

“You are?”

I glance back at him
over my shoulder. “Yes …You said you wanted to.”

“That’s before I
realised what it was!”

I’m beginning to feel
very foolish standing with water up to my shins wearing no more than a smile; a
smile that is quickly fading. “Why didn’t you ask me what it was?”

“Because you assumed
I knew.”

Tiring of the
conversation I continue to stride forward until the water is above my knees.
“If you’re scared of being seen you can always block out the moon.” I start to
giggle, realising how ridiculous that would sound to any normal person. I turn
to face him and watch him mumble something inaudible, drag his T-shirt over his
head and step out of his cut-offs. “Be careful. You don’t want anyone to see
your sexy body,” I call out, laughing as the water tickles my waist.

He comes marching
towards me. “I don’t give a fuck about anyone seeing me. I don’t want some
voyeur getting an eye-f of you.” He pulls me to him forcefully. “I don’t
want to share you with anyone. Not even your silhouette.” His lips find mine
and I wrap my arms around his neck instinctively. 

“No one’s here,
Ayden,” I reassure him, tearing my mouth away from his long enough to catch my
breath. I feel the hard prod of an erection against my hip and respond by
lowering my hand to caress it. It appears to be buoyant, floating into my hand
of its own accord; and I find it so amusing it makes me giggle.

“I love that sound,
but I haven’t the faintest idea why you’re making it,” he declares, grinning so
excitedly I can see the laugher in his eyes reflecting, caught by the
moonlight.

“It’s because I’m in
love with you and you make me happy,” I reply not stopping to think through my
answer.

He leans back, taking
my words to heart. A smile forms slowly and a moment of intimacy ensues. “I
love you more, Beth. Making you happy is my dearest wish.” He slides both hands
around my cheeks and into my hair. The dampness of his palms cools my heated
skin and I am reminded of the lengths to which my lover will go to keep me safe
and satisfied. I jump up and wrap my legs around his waist and, forgetting
myself, kiss him with the fervour of a woman craving intimacy and love.

With long strides, he
takes us deeper into the ocean. The water undulates and rises as far as my
breasts, then my shoulders, but all I can feel is him: a powerful presence
entering me and moving back and forth to the rhythm of a breaking surf.

I pull away from his
suffocating kiss and lean backwards into the inky blackness, staring up at a
midnight sky encrusted with stars. Slowly he gyrates his hips and begins to
spin me around until the water takes hold of my hair and I am swallowed up by
the sea.

“See, feel and be
part of the universe, Beth. Give yourself to me,” he commands, claiming all of
creation.

The authority with
which he speaks captures my imagination; his words touch my primeval being and
I arch into him, drowning in lust. I cry out until his name becomes lost to the
wind. Only his guttural moan remains, sending shock waves ocean-deep,
proclaiming our love.

The endless sea that
stretches out before us suddenly surges; waves come crashing over our heads and
I am lifted from the foam coughing and spluttering. Once we reach the beach,
Ayden lays me down, peeling strands of saturated hair from my face.

“You're alright,
Beth. Clear the sea water from your throat and breathe normally.” He sits back
on his thighs and pulls my head across his knees. “You’re going to be alright.
It’s not your time.”

I look up and see the
face of the man I love; there are worry lines around his eyes and his brow is
furrowed with concern. I try to speak but liquid dribbles from my mouth as I
continue to clear my throat of sea water.

He slips his arms
beneath me and lifts me to him in an almighty heave.  “Hold tight, let’s get
you into bed.”

Suddenly, feeling
bone tired, I rest my head against his chest, becoming aware of the beating of
a heart over-dosed on adrenalin. I have no idea what just happened; but,
whatever it was, it nearly killed me. If it hadn’t been for his quick thinking
and brute strength I don’t know what would have become of me.

I will remember this
night, and I will remember his intrepid rescue with gratitude.

***

Mack anxiously waits
for the Manager at Taylor and Main Estate Agents to open the door. He taps the
glass with impatient knuckles and is greeted by a young blond lady wearing a
painted smile and high heels.

“Sorry to keep you
waiting,” she says, flipping round an open sign. “Come in and take a seat by my
desk.”

He follows her to one
of two desks by the display of rental properties, imagining Dan Rizler doing
the exact same thing not so long ago. As soon as he flashes his badge she goes
in search of the Manager, promising to be back “in a flash.”

To pass the time,
Mack eyes the properties on offer, matching monthly rent to square footage and
locality. He tears himself away when he hears voices approaching.

“Detective Inspector
Bowker, good morning. I’m Trisha Hargreaves, the Manager. I assume this is
about Elise?”

He nods. “Yes, it
is.”

“Please come into my
office.” She outstretches her right arm. “Can I get you a cup of coffee or
tea?”

“No thank you.” He’s
not one for coffee mornings.

The door closes and,
away from prying eyes and ears, Mack begins his subtle interrogation. “How long
had Elise Richards worked here?”

Trisha reaches for
her folder of ‘Employees,’ only stopping when she comes to the letter R. “Yes,
here it is.” She points at the document. “Elise has been working for us in one
capacity or another for ten years. She was a valued employee and a friend. I
will miss her. In fact, I can’t believe she’s gone. What a terrible way to go,
so …”

Before she gets into
her stride, Mack interrupts.  “Yes it was.”

“Have you arrested
the man who was driving the car? Was he drunk?”

Feeling the sting of
her questions Mack deflects. “No and no. We’re still investigating. In fact, we
believe it may have been a tragic accident.”

“You can say that
again,” she gushes. “We were only having a drink the night before.”

His lets her ramble
on.

“It was Marie’s 21st
birthday.” She points to the door and he assumes she means the blond on
reception. “We headed over to the wine bar down the road for a couple of
drinks. Usually Elise doesn’t bother, but this time she agreed to come along.
She said she could do with a drink.”

He interjects, “Did
she say why or what was wrong?”

“No, she tended to
keep herself to herself and we knew better than to pry. If she got wind that
you were showing an interest, she’d clam up. I’m not sure why.” She smiles
amicably.

“Was she seeing
someone?”

“Not seriously. She
had been out with one of our customers a couple of times but she wasn’t into
him, if you know what I mean. They were just friends.” She shrugs her
shoulders.

“Do you know his
name?” Mack has his pen poised.

“Dan Rizler. She
arranged for him to rent the third floor apartment at Elm Gardens. He was
having trouble with a flat mate or something and was in a hurry to move in. She
handled the paperwork and he bought her a drink. That’s how they became
friends.”

Mack puts down his
pen so he might give her his full attention. “How many times did she see him?”

“Two or three times,
I think. She didn’t tell me, but she brought a case to work so she could change
clothes; that’s how I knew.”

Mack prepares to
commend her on her vigilance. “That was very observant of you.”

She flicks her hair
back behind her ears and prepares to regale him with more observations. “I like
to keep my eyes open.” She smiles and he offers her one in return as
encouragement. “I do recall a funny thing that happened while we were having a
drink, though.”

“Funny how?” he asks,
giving her the opportunity to enlighten him.

“Not funny ha-ha, but
funny in a strange way.” She holds back, feeling a little embarrassed. “At
least I thought so.”

“Please … I’d love to
hear.” He sits back and folds his arms, signalling his interest.

As if about to tell a
story, she leans forward, places her elbows on the table and begins gesturing.
“It was about 9 o’clock and we’d had a couple of drinks. The guys from the
other branches had come over and there was about eight of us. We were having
such a laugh. Even Elise was beginning to thaw. She’d had a couple of glasses
of wine and well … you know …”

Mack nods.

“We were just messing
around when this young guy comes over. He had one of those containers, you
know, the ones they use to collect for the homeless or for the RSPCA? He was
collecting for the RSPCC. He came over to our table and Mike, from the
Kensington office, who’s a bit of a smart arse asked him what he was collecting
for.” She laughs at the memory. “The young guy said “for children” and Mike
said. “In that case you can bugger off. I won’t be having any …” She continues
laughing but noticing Mack’s disapproving look, clears her throat, straightens
her blouse and picks up where she left off.

“Anyway, Elise grabs
her bag and says she’s leaving. We all say goodbye, but on the way out I notice
she took £20 out of her purse, folded it into a small square like she’s doing
origami, and slipped it into the container. I jumped up and went over to her -
you know, to say goodbye properly, and I heard the young guy say, “Thank you.
You’re not like them.” And she answered, “No, I’m not. I’m much worse.” With
that she left; and that was the last time I saw her.”

Mack sits in quiet
contemplation; he bites his lip and looks her in the eye, hoping to extract
every minute detail. “How did she look when she said it?”

She shrugs her
shoulders. “Serious.”

“Okay.” He flips the
cover over his non-existent notes, stands and offers her his hand, checking her
name plate on her desk. “Thank you Miss. Hargreaves; you’ve been very helpful.”

“Is that all? I’m not
sure I have, but thank you. Elise was not much of a socialiser but she was
reliable and a hard worker. There was talk of her having her own branch in a
year or so and she was voted employee of the month twice last year.” She bows
her head and taps on her file. “She’ll be missed.”

Mack makes his way to
the door. “I’m sure she will. Goodbye.”

In the time he’s been
inside the noise on the high street has increased to a crescendo of urban
sounds. Speed-walking he makes it back to his car in record time and slumps
into the driver’s seat feeling stunned by what he’s heard. By her own admission
Elise was guilty of many shameful things. Now he strongly suspects that one of
them involved sanctioning the kidnapping and rape of Elizabeth Stone, by Mr.
Rizler.

November #6

“I love thee, I love but thee with a
love that shall not die.

Till the sun grows cold And the stars
grow old.”

William Shakespeare.

Saturday

While you’re checking
emails, I’m sipping coffee on the deck, trying to find my bearings. You chose
this villa for us knowing I would love it, and I do. I’ve been taking photos
all morning and here they are. There are a couple of us I set on the timer, but
most are pictures of this tropical haven.

Listening to Temper
Trap, I am singing along experiencing such a
Sweet Disposition
. I add
the collage of photos to the scrapbook page with a couple of captions. Each
photo has been lovingly taken, capturing the unique interior, the polished
flooring, the luxury furniture and accessories and especially the vaulted
ceiling. I include a couple of pictures of Ayden raising a mug of coffee and
looking utterly gorgeous as he climbs out of the pool, drenched and
glistening. 

I attach several
snapshots of the view from the deck, having recorded it through the lens of an
Olympus camera, but even it cannot capture the magnificence of this tropical
setting. No photo can adequately reproduce the way the sunlight streams through
the palm trees; the creaking of a hammock as it rocks to and fro in the warm
breeze. It can’t record the sound of birdsong, crickets and the sea as it laps
up against the shore. All this and more is Mother Nature’s dawn chorus lovingly
christening the start of each new day.  What a sight to behold. What an
experience to cherish, for ever.

You’ve made our
honeymoon simply wonderful, Ayden. I feel so blessed to have your love. Last
night when we made love in the ocean, it was as if the moon and stars came
together to create a magical backdrop. I love you more with every passing day.
This is just the beginning, baby. We are making memories to last a lifetime.

Yours, Beth. X

Hearing Ayden approaching
I remove my headphones, save and shut down. We’re going scuba diving today and
having not done it before, I’m apprehensive, particularly after last night’s
near catastrophe. My highly skilled companion assures me I will be perfectly
safe, and I believe him.

November #7

"I will have poetry in my life.
And adventure. And love. Love, above all....

Not the artful, postures of love, but
love that over-throws life.”

Shakespeare in Love.”

Sunday

Yesterday we went
scuba diving and saw coral of every imaginable colour. It’s hard to believe
that something so insignificant can become so impressive.  A line of surf rose
out of the ocean and we began our dive beneath the foam. There are countless
species of fish and I swear we saw every one of them. You were right to
persuade me to scuba dive, Ayden. You held my hand and we did it together. I’ve
never experienced anything like it. The fish were exquisitely beautiful. My
favourite were the angel fish, the manta rays, and that sea turtle we saw that
seemed to be smiling. (Laughing)

As you promised,
you’re getting me to experience everything, and for that I’m eternally
grateful. What adventures we are having! No one could be happier than me right
now and here’s the photo evidence to prove it.

I love you more than
life itself.

Yours, Beth X

Sunday begins with a
leisurely a walk through the rain forest; leaves are weighted down with dew,
and the much-needed moisture appears to be rising from the forest floor in a
transparent sheet of light. Our guide, Lucas, points out the birds and the
butterflies, plants and wildlife and I feel as if I have been transported to
another world. All this talk of adventures rings true; all I can do is take
hold of Ayden’s hand and look on, awestruck.

We join some other
guests for lunch but Ayden can’t keep his eyes or his hands off of me. He
offers me food from his fork, wipes away breadcrumbs from my lips and stops
mid-mouthful to stroke my hair. He smiles at me so adoringly it brings tears to
my eyes. I feel truly loved.

There are moments now
when I forget who he
really
is – I’ve become so caught up in this
charade. No man could love me more; I doubt even my husband could be more
consumed by our love affair.

November #8

“All days are nights to see till I see
thee,

And nights bright days when dreams do
show thee me.”

Shakespeare: Sonnet 43.

Monday

Yesterday was the
third day of our honeymoon and with every new day comes a new experience. We
rose with the sun and watched it cast its spell over the reef, then took a walk
through the rainforest. Lunch was spent with the other guests but we were
terrible company! As usual, we only had eyes for each other. You insisted I
wear a hat and apply plenty of sunscreen. You take such good care of me, baby.

Later on, you had the
owners organise a boat to take us over to our own, private island for a dinner
date like no other.  The turquoise sea was simply stunning and then there was
the sunset. The sky was ablaze with light; nature’s magical medley of colours
so bright I wished the day would never end. It was another perfect day, Ayden.
Thank you. You make
every
day so special. You’re the man of my dreams,
baby, and I love you more with every passing day. Enjoy the photos I have
included.

Yours, Beth X

The days have been
passing so quickly! I’ve been sending some photos to Charlie so she can share
this unforgettable experience with me. Yesterday we had a lazy day on the beach
and I snorkelled for the first time. I got to actually cook a meal and we spent
the evening curled up on the deck bed, watching the sun go down and sipping
champagne; listening to John Legend and getting
So High.
It was another
glorious day in paradise.

Today is Tuesday, our
last day here, I listen to Damien Rice singing Cannonball, while gathering bits
and pieces together to pack, anything I won’t need for the next 24 hours. 
Tomorrow we will take the helicopter to Cairns, and then the company jet home.
It would be so tempting to say ‘let’s stay here another couple of days,’ but
with each new day Ayden is being torn between business commitments and his
desire to please me. Even though I know he would not refuse me, I simply can’t
put him in a position where he has to decide. After all, he
is
Ayden
Stone.

Tonight we are going
somewhere special. Ayden won’t say where but I’m going to wear the stunning red
dress Jake bought for me in Hong Kong. I may never have a more fitting
occasion.

This week we have
been inseparable. I could not have asked for a more attentive husband. The
adventure he promised has been delivered tenfold. Accepting his presence was
difficult at first, but now telling the two men apart is virtually impossible.
Some mornings I wake up and imagine this has not happened; that Ayden has been
here all the time. Then, out of the blue, he demonstrates his unearthly powers
and we’re right back where we started. I know he suppresses them to appear
human and he is at home here surrounded on all sides by the elements. We have
basked in sunlight, dived into the ocean, walked through a rain forest,
captured the wind in our sails, and he has excelled in everything. While he has
circled the globe and Ayden had slept, I have relived the events of our
honeymoon in glorious colour through a digital scrapbook. But how long can this
continue?

With each passing
day, Ayden of old is fading like an old black and white photograph, so
overpowering is his stand-in. He doesn’t merely look the part, he possesses all
that is most endearing in my husband; his sense of humour, his memories, his
sexual prowess, his undying love for me. Loving him has not been an arduous
task.

I hear voices coming
from the next room. Ayden is sitting bare-chested, talking loudly and laughing;
that alone reassures me it isn’t a business call. I wander over and place my
hand on his shoulder, noticing Jake up close on the screen. They are using
Skype to catch up on business and personal news.

 I lean in within
camera range and smile happily. “Hello Jake. What’s the weather like in Hong
Kong?”

“Hello beautiful. I
wouldn’t know. I’m back in the UK and it’s pretty grim over here. I see your
tan’s coming along nicely.” He raises a roguish brow.

Realising I’m wearing
only my bikini I pull back, feeling a twinge of embarrassment or something more
pleasurable in response to his words.

Ayden offers a
retort, “Don’t you be worrying yourself with thoughts about my wife’s sun tan,
Jake. You can leave that to me, thank you.”

Jake roars with
laugher. “Yes, sir. And what about those awesome dresses?” Jake asks taking no
notice. “Are you getting to wear them, Beth?” He winks.

I sit across Ayden’s
knee and pull his arm over me to conceal a little more skin. “Actually I am.
There’s photo evidence.”

“Very pleased to hear
it. And what about the Reef? Been out on it much or has your husband locked you
away for a couple of days?”

“No he hasn’t. In
fact, we’re going out on a catamaran today, but we’ve snorkelled, and
scuba-dived, and been swimming in the sea. It’s simply wonderful; the villa,
the beach, the entire location couldn’t be more beautiful. It’s the perfect
honeymoon destination.”

“Awesome! I’ll let
you get back to the fish then.” He’s about to sign off. “Oh, by the way, I’ve
asked Charlie to come with me to some fund-raising event this week. I’m sure
she’ll give you the low-down.” He gives me a wink that hints at something
wicked.

I chuckle and roll my
eyes. “I’m sure she will. Just be nice Jake; I don’t want to come back to a
heartbroken friend.”

He shakes his head.
“Oh ye of little faith.” He sniggers and looks directly into the camera; I feel
myself blushing, knowing he’s inspecting my body.

Ayden has heard
enough. “Anything else we can help you with Jake?” he asks dismissively. “Maybe
a tour or the villa with Beth? “

“Nah, I’m not one for
tours. I’m more of an outdoorsy kinda guy, but thanks for the offer.”

Ayden pulls me close.
“In that case we’ll let you get back to your grim weather while we go and check
out the view. He turns his laptop and points it in the direction of the sea.
“Later, Jake.”

“Awesome! Later you
two.”

Still positioned
across his lap I turn to face my handsome husband. “Don’t get jealous and cause
a tidal wave, Ayden. He’s only teasing. He knows what you’re like.” I caress
his lips with mine.

“I realise that. But
I don’t like the way he looks at you, as if he would lick the sweat from your
body if you asked him to,” he says, becoming restless beneath me.

“That would never
happen, Ayden.” I take his face in my hands. “One, because I wouldn’t let him,
and two, because I don’t sweat, I perspire… and only when we’re making love.”

He grins at my reply.
“I stand corrected.”

“You do indeed.” All
this talk of perspiration and lovemaking is enough to disturb the peace. The
proximity of his body and the way his eyes are flickering with a kind of
frenzied excitement does something to me. I lick my lips and mail him my thoughts
first class, knowing they’ll reach their destination in seconds.

“You look at me like
that, Beth, and even I won’t be able to hold back,” he says, his face morphing
into a sensual smile. “All this sun and sea air has me feeling even more
alive.” His right hand tightens around my waist and edges upward; fingertips
caress flesh and an exploratory thumb slips beneath the thin triangle of blue
material covering my left breast. I move in to kiss him but he leans backwards
out of reach.

“No. You’ll have to
settle for my hands, darling. Our lips mustn’t touch. I want to see the way
your lips swell and your mouth opens to gasp when I make you come.”

Fuck!

His words excite me
further.

With eyes still
locked, he skilfully unties the bow at my nape, letting my bikini top slide
from my breasts and flip over onto my abdomen. In a single movement the
remaining bow beneath my shoulder blades is untangled and I am left in no more
than bikini bottoms, which are now sodden and uncomfortable.

A low-throated growl
announces his pleasure as he pumps and squeezes each breast in turn, his head
dipping to feed and suckle like a new-born. I knot my fingers into his hair and
yield to his sexual charisma, feeling the warmth of blossoming arousal, hearing
my own moans of pleasure.