Truth of Touch (Templer Series 2) (8 page)

I press my body tight against Jake’s body, placing one hand on his chest and the other holding his cheek. I move his face down close towards mine, telling him to look directly into my eyes while I raise my mouth within a few millimetres from his lips. We appear to be ready to be locked in a passionate kiss.

“Take the shot!” I shout at Alex, hearing him fumble with the click of the camera.

“Wow….please one more!” Alex beckons, finding his inner Mario Testino.

“Yes, I’m enjoying this. Take one more Alex” Jake smirks. “But a different pose
this time”

I scowl harshly at Jake receiving a lop-sided grin in response. “One more then we’re done! I mean it!”

You want a shot, Jake Templer, I’ll give you a shot……and wipe that smirk off your face……….

I grab his arm and lead him to the waters’ edge where the waves are gently lapping across the sand. Alex follows us excitedly. I point to the damp sand and gesture to Jake. “Lie down there on your back with your legs slightly apart” He does as he is instructed, positioning his body in place.

“Are you doing one of those sexy rolling in the sand couples shots?” Alex eyes me, his jaw slack, not really believing his luck.

“Watch and see. Just be ready to take the shot.” I smile wickedly at him.

I step over to Jake who is smiling up at me. I lower my body gently sliding up the full length of his until I am fully on top of him, my legs between his, my breasts resting on his chest. I feel the jerk of his cock against my sex, a small groan catching in his throat. I lift both his hands and place them on my ass, hooking his thumbs into the edge of my bikini bottoms. I cup both my hands on each side of his face, looking intently into his eyes, my face an inch from his. He groans a whisper “Christ, Mia!”

“Get ready Alex!” I instruct.

And with that I lower my mouth onto Jake’s mouth, holding the pose, as water gently laps across our naked forms. I keep my mouth pressed against his, nibbling gently on his lower lip, as I hear the snap of the lens shutter. Jake’s cock springs erect against my thigh, another groan escaping his lips.

I lift my face away and look at Alex, smiling. “Happy with the shot?”

He nods, shifting uncomfortably, trying to disguise his own erection straining in his shorts.

“Good. That’s it!” I jump up quickly, freeing myself from Jake’s grasp. I make my exit heading for the path leading to the chalets, shouting backwards at Jake. “See you at seven forty five, Jake”

Play with me, Jake…..and I’ll only play harder…

Chapter Fourteen

The British High Commissioner to New Zealand serves as the Governor of Pitcairn and is assisted by the Pitcairn Islands Office in Auckland. The Pitcairn Islands Office is managed by a Commissioner appointed by the Governor. The Governor exercises legislative power, subject to the approval of the UK Foreign Secretary in certain fields. At i
sland level, the Island Council, elected annually, manages the internal affairs under the presidency of the Island Mayor.

All are in attendance at the dinner tonight. The formal dinner was expected to take place within the gardens of the Mayor’s residence but
instead has been hastily moved inside due to increasing winds which have grown over the last couple of hours. The sky has developed into moody shades of grey, and the threat of rain hangs heavy in the air.

The Mayor hands me a glass of champagne from the proffered silver tray
before taking a glass for him. He gestures to the outside. “I feel the warnings about a storm heading our way may be true” He sighs.

“I was assured we have nothing to fear. That it will quickly pass through” I respond, downplaying any inner concern I may still harbour.

“Indeed. And a storm will only keep you here a little longer” He winks cheekily at me. I laugh with him, playing along.

Jake joins our party, placing a light hand at the base of my back. He has forgiven me for
playing
him earlier although I am still aware I need to keep my wits about me in case of payback. The Mayor, Jake and the High Commissioner enter into a deep conversation regarding the proposed construction project. I listen intently as Jake sensitively discusses the emotive project. I notice a deep frown appear on the brow of the Mayor.

“I know I am the last to sign the full agreement. It’s no reflection on Templer Industries, and certainly not personally on you Jake. But I can’t help what my heart is telling me…….and that maybe it’s not too late to withdraw. It will mean such a huge change to the landscape of the Island….and to the lives of the Islanders. I’m still uncertain.”

I feel Jake struggle with tension, vibrating down to his very fingertips on my back. The progression of this project is being watched by the worlds’ building and construction media. I see him stifle a huge breath, instead trying to remain unaffected and calm. I feel a pull in my chest for his anxiety, and before I can reason it away, I open my mouth to speak.

“
Pitcairn's economy is essentially self-sufficient I believe, Mr. Mayor through the exchange of fish, horticulture and handicrafts. Equally, the sales of fruits, honey, postal stamps, in addition to the registration of Internet Domains play an important role in Pitcairn's economy? (Eco) tourism in Pitcairn has economic potential, I understand, however access to the territory would need to be improved. Do I recall reading that the Island Council would like to expand its potential to increase (Eco) tourism to support its traditional industries?”

Jake flashes a look at me. I can read the beginnings of panic in his eyes. The Mayor, however, bats away Jake’s anxiety with a wide smile. He gestures for me to continue.

“I’m listening. Please finish your point.” He nods gently in my direction.

“Templer Industries are highly sensitive to these issues.
They have as you may know won many international awards for conservation and green developments. The proposed Complex is not intended to be a blot on the beautiful landscape, instead, it is hoped to be the instigator of starting the (Eco) tourism for the Islands. The build will be entirely co-produced with the population of Pitcairn drawing on the knowledge and needs of the Island. In addition, to support this, Templer Industries will be required to increase the essential access that the Island will need to enable this potential.” I smile shyly at the Mayor, hoping I have not completely blown the project apart. I sneak a glance at Jake who is wide eyed and open mouthed.

The Mayor grins broadly at Jake, before reaching forward to grasp my hand. He studies my face for a moment before speaking. The momentary silence is heavy in the air.

“I think, Jake, it was a very smart move on your part to have Mia at this dinner tonight. I’ll see that the papers get signed first thing in the morning. Now that you have convinced me, Mia, shall I escort you to your seat at the dinner table?” The Mayor offers his arm and I accept with a playful curtsey. 

***

Nearly three hours later, with full stomachs and heads giddy with alcohol, Jake and I make our leave of the Mayors residence. The winds have increased considerably and you can hear the waves building and crashing thunderously in the sea. He grabs my hand, in haste, pulling me along the path that winds towards our chalet compound. There are the beginnings of the heavy pitter patter of raindrops falling on our shoulders as we hunch together gathering our pace before the rains set in.

He halts abruptly sending me almost crashing into his back. Turning quickly, he sweeps me into his arms, holding me against him tightly. “You were incredible this evening, Mia. I don’t know how to express it any other way. Thank you.” He tilts his head, kissing my forehead and my cheeks. His eyes stare hard into mine. “I desperately want to kiss you properly.” And just as quickly, he heads off again along the path, pulling me along behind him.

A shock of lightening followed quickly by a roar of thunder cracks directly above our heads causing us both to jump. And within seconds, the rains descend upon us, lashing on our skin. We pick up the pace running through the long grasses that overhang the path. We still have a ten minute dash before we make it into our respective chalets. Before many minutes have passed, we are drenched, our light clothing clinging to our bodies, our hair stuck to our faces. Jake throws a look in my direction as another crack of thunder ricochets through the air. He is stunned to find me laughing.

He stops briefly seeking the answer to my laughter. “What’s so funny?” He shouts above the noise of the rain and thunder, a smile also beginning to play on his own lips.

“I don’t know why I’m laughing.” I shout back, laughing tears down my face. “This is surreal….like some movie or something!”

“Fuck…..you are the most beautiful drowned rat I have ever seen!” He beams broadly at me, his own tears of laughter springing at his eyes.

We laugh goofily together, looking at our bodies with clothes stuck to our skins. We make to run again before Jake falls in the now sloppy mud pathway, taking me along with him. Our legs are now heavy with laughter making the last remaining few metres more of a struggle. Finally, we reach the edge of the encampment, noticing most of the chalets are in darkness apart from the flickers of candle light.

“I think the electricity must be out because of the storm” Jake shouts. “Will you be ok?”

“Sure. I’ll peel this lot off, dry off and head straight into bed. Night Night” I plant a small kiss on his cheek before rushing into the darkness of my own chalet. I hear Jake stumble into his chalet next door.

***

It is pitch black. The rain is pounding down on the roof and as I search about in the darkness for a towel, I begin to wonder if I will actually get any sleep tonight from the noise.

I feel my way across the wooden walls reaching the small en-suite bathroom and start to peel the sodden clothes from my body. I fumble for a large bath towel, wrapping it around my body.

I have nearly reached my bed when suddenly an arm reaches around my throat, jerking me roughly onto the bed. I cry out but the scream gurgles in my closed throat. The attacker’s body falls on top of mine, heavy and sweaty. I lash out with my hands and legs as hot breath reaches my neck. Again I cry out, louder this time, the scream reaching past my throat. A large hand grabs for my breast, pulling at my towel in desperation. The stench of alcohol and sweat fills my nostrils, wet lips biting at my neck. I kick out with all my strength, pushing against the weight of the body on top of me.

“STOP! HELP!” I scream out of my lungs with all my might, the words burning in my throat. Tears of panic sting at my eyes as I scratch and fight against my attacker.

The door of my chalet bursts open, and I catch a glimpse of two figures cast in torchlight before I throw myself off the bed and crawl into the safety of the corner of the room. I wrap my arms tight around my bent legs, sobs and screams raking through my body.

“You fucking bastard…..I’ll fucking kill you!” I hear Jake’s roar as he lunges at the
man trying to flee in the darkness. The other figure lunges too trapping the attacker against the door frame. I hide my eyes as I hear the sounds of fists hitting flesh and as quickly silence comes.

I sit shaking and rocking in the corner, listening to the commotion of someone being dragged away from my chalet. I am paralyzed with fear pinning me to the corner, unable to move. A torch
light enters the room and a hand reaches to touch my shoulder.

“Get away from me!” I scream out again, lashing out.

“Mia, it’s me. Jake. He’s gone. You’re safe now.” He tries again to touch my shoulder with his hand.

I lash out again with both my arms and legs. “Get away! Get away….you’re all the same…. Get away from me!” I scream out in ang
er and fear.

I continue to punch out with my fists as he pulls me into him tightly, wrapping himself around me. He takes my blows one after another as I sob and fight against him. He silently rocks me back and forth “Shh now, it’s okay. Let it out” He whispers tenderly in my ear as I continue to rain punches against his body.

Chapter Fifteen

I have no idea how much time has passed. But as I pull my swollen, tear savaged eyes open, there is a faint light shining through the windows of my chalet. I guess dawn must be about to break. I cannot hear the rain on the roof as assume the storm as now ceased. I am still on the floor with Jake wrapped tightly around me. As I stir, he brushes soft lips across my forehead.

“Hey” He whispers in my ear.

I don’t know when I fell asleep but memories of last night begin to flood my brain. And I remember, before exhaustion hit me, raining punch after punch on his body. He did not flinch. He let me fight my demons until I could fight no more.

I turn my head into his chest as another sob reaches my throat. This time the tears are for what I put him through.
He deserves to know why I reacted like that but where do I begin….

“I’m sorry Jake” I mumble as I bury my face tighter into his body.

“Baby, you don’t need to say sorry.” He lifts my face to look in my eyes.

“But I hurt you….hit you…..you were trying to help me, comfort me” I can feel the tears starting to choke in my throat. I don’t want to cry. I want to tell him the truth.