The Heart Of Bali Page 4

  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 lo
vebirds. 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.

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