Chapter 6

“Britt, when you clock off I need to see you. I’d like a word.”

Britt turned around to Delilah. Her face looked a little guilty, like she had been caught out at something she shouldn’t be doing.

“Sure thing, boss. Um, everything okay?”

Delilah arched one elegant eyebrow.

“Should it not be?”

Britt smiled weakly. Kendra piped up, looking uncharacteristically unsure of herself.

“Britt was going to spend some time with us now she’s finished work.”

“Oh?”

Kendra nodded. She blushed a little at standing so close to Delilah. To Adam’s eye, it seemed as though the older woman leant in even closer to the blonde girl. Kendra laughed nervously, glancing towards Adam and Holly.

“Yeah. We were going to, um, hang out?”

Delilah looks from the girls to Adam, her expression curious. Gauging.

“Britt doesn’t make a habit of socialising with guests. I guess you three have your own unique ... appeal.”

Although Delilah wasn’t looking directly at him, Adam could feel the pressure of her regard. He looked at Delilah, considering, as she smiled at Holly and Kendra.

“You might have to postpone your little get to gather for another night.”

Holly frowned, looking uncertain.

“What, why? Is Britt in trouble?”

Delilah smiled easily.

“Trouble, why would she be in trouble?”

Adam saw Britt flinch before Delilah continued.

“No no. It’s just I need her assistance on a certain matter. It shouldn’t take too long, but these things happen. I wouldn’t want you to be waiting for her and holding up the rest of your night. Much better to just reschedule.”

Britt walked around to their side of the bar with her bag in hand. She still looks a little nervous. But to Adam’s eye she also seemed ... eager? Britt flashed an apologetic look at Adam and the two young women.

“Sorry guys, boss comes first. Adam, double rain check?”

“ ... sure, Britt. Don’t worry about it.”

Britt smiled at them again and then followed Delilah, the older woman ushering her along. Britt was glancing up at Delilah, her expression oddly shy. Adam saw her blush lightly as Delilah put her hand at the small of Britt’s back, guiding her gently along. They were walking very close together.

Holly let out a long explosive breath.

“What the hell just happened?”

“I don’t know, Hols. Sorry, Adam. I guess the mission failed.”

Adam glanced at Kendra and her disappointed expression. He didn’t think that was what Holly meant exactly.

“Uh, that’s okay, Kendra. It’s not like it’s a big thing. Did you guys still want to do something tonight?”

Adam glanced at the bar. He thought about ordering another cocktail, or perhaps see if he could negotiate for something stronger. Kendra and Holly looked like the alcohol had affected them, but Adam felt almost completely sober. He guessed it was just because he was bigger than them.

Holly and Kendra exchanged a glance. The brunette looked slightly uncomfortable as she answered him.

“Actually, Adam, I think we might call it a day. I really need a shower! All the sun and then the drinks ... I might hit the sack early tonight.”

Kendra perked up. She glanced at Holly and then bit her lip. She looked at Adam as though she felt guilty.

“I mean, we could stay a bit longer?”

Adam regarded them. He didn’t want them to feel guilty about leaving. Not when they had just spent the whole day with him. Besides, Adam was feeling a bit tired himself. No, weary. His mind felt overfull and he suddenly found he was craving some time to himself.

“It’s okay, Kendra. I wouldn’t mind a shower actually. I might see you at dinner?”

Holly smiled.

“Sure, Adam. We’ll probably see you there. If not we’ll come find you tomorrow. Promise.”

Adam smiled at the two young women and then they parted ways. He walked back towards his bungalow, feeling a bit empty. There was something wrong, but he couldn’t quite put his finger on it. There were a few of the Retreat’s guests trickling their way towards the restaurant even though it wasn’t fully dark yet.

When Adam reached his room, he was thankful that Emily wasn’t there. The thought of her presence didn’t make him feel anxious anymore, but he still didn’t want to have to deal with her either. Adam took his shirt off and placed it carefully on the bed - he may as well put it back on when he went to dinner - and then undressed fully and got into the shower.

Adam stood under the water, letting it cascade over him. He wasn’t washing, just standing there. Thinking. There was a vague feeling of anxiety in the back of his mind. He knew there was something going on, but there was so much happening that he didn’t know what to think or feel. The entirety of the last year had been one long nightmare of work and study with barely a moment put aside for himself. He wasn’t even enjoying what he was studying. A business degree didn’t interest him - it was something his father had picked. Adam wondered at that. It wasn’t something that he had ever really questioned before, his father arranging his life. Now though ... now Adam wondered at why he had simply gone along with it. It was as though a veil was being lifted and suddenly he was re-evaluating all the things he had just accepted.

Adam’s mind wandered further. Drifting as he stood under the water. He was vaguely aware that he was probably using up all the hot water, but it didn’t strike him as something worth worrying about. If Emily complained, she complained. Adam considered the events that had occurred at the bar. There was something going on with Delilah. Something ... undefined. Looks aside, she was pleasant enough. And helpful. Adam wouldn’t soon forget how kind she had been when he had first met her. But. There had been something off when she had swooped in and absconded with Britt.

On the surface it seemed like it could be innocent enough. If Adam ran a place like Serenity Falls he probably wouldn’t want staff sharing old stories of its unsavoury past. But the timing of it ... how had Delilah known? Was it just a coincidence and Adam was overthinking it? Britt hadn’t seemed all that worried though, just nervous. Adam wasn’t even all that upset that he wasn’t spending time with the pretty bartender tonight, no matter what Kendra had been whispering with her. It was hard to get excited for something as ... mundane as that when he considered what had gone on during the day.

Adam’s mind drifted back further. He absently rubbed at his arms, aiding the cascading water in stripping the salt from his skin. What exactly had gone on today? It seemed as though every consecutive moment had outstripped the one before. When they had been floating around with the inflatable ring, Adam had been so excited when he had just been inadvertently touching Kendra’s leg. Like it had been a thrilling taboo with Holly right there. But then they had gone back onto shore...

Adam turned his hand and stared down at his palm. He had been cupping Holly’s ass only a few hours before. How the hell had that happened? Adam hadn’t meant to at first, but once it had happened it just felt right. Exciting, but the most natural thing in the world. And that look in Holly’s eyes ... Adam couldn’t decipher it even now, but that expression she wore was burned into his mind.

And embracing Holly, holding her tight ass, was only the icing on the cake for the day. Adam would never forget the moment that Kendra had boldly rolled over, uncaring that her bare breasts were on display to him. In retrospect it had been the action that had started everything snowballing. Kendra had then talked Holly into taking off her own top and Adam had found himself on the beach with two very attractive, topless women. Seriously, how the hell had that happened?

Adam stuck his head under the water, grinning despite his worries. It was tempting to just not question it, to just enjoy it. Holly and Kendra had embraced him, their bare breasts pressed up against him. What had Kendra called it? An ‘Adam sandwich’? Somehow he just couldn’t explain it away as it just being how they were. In fact, in that brief vision Adam had had...

Adam froze, confusion welling up within him. The vision. The things he had seen ... what had he seen? Adam felt like he was on the verge of panicking, his breathing coming in huge gulps of air. The feeling that he’d had. Something had happened...? Had Adam done something to Kendra and Holly?

Before Adam could get too worked up, the strangest sensation flooded his mind. Adam could feel it. Feel his worry and growing anxiety suddenly flush away, being replaced with calm acceptance. This had happened before, he was sure of it. But, just like before, he just couldn’t find it within himself to be concerned about his sudden acceptance. It just was. It was right. Worrying about it wasn’t important. Focusing on what was possible was important.

Adam found himself remembering again all the things that had occurred between himself and the two young women he’d spent the day with. This time however, Adam was entirely focused on pure erotic nature of what had happened.

Adam pictured it all again, embracing Holly while Kendra hugged him from behind. It seemed starkly detailed in his mind, a perfect recall. It felt like he was there all over again. This time he wasn’t thinking in terms of what their motivations were or anything like that. Now Adam was focused on what was possible. Of what he would do next time.

He knew if he was in that situation again he wouldn’t hesitate. Face to face with Holly, his hands gripping her firm little ass ... Adam would kiss her. He knew that. He craved it. He would lower his mouth to hers and he just knew - as though it was an inexplicable fact of existence - that the attractive brunette would welcome his kiss. That she would go along with whatever he wanted.

That she would welcome it.

Adam reached down and took a hold of his achingly erect dick. He wrapped his fingers around it, for a moment wondering at just how hard it felt. Weightier than usual. And then he began to slowly stroke himself.

Adam closed his eyes, picturing what he would do differently. His brief fantasy of slipping Holly’s skimpy bikini bottoms off? Now, he knew he would simply do it - stripping the last remaining piece of clothing off the brunette woman so that she was completely nude in his arms. He couldn’t understand why he hadn’t done that. She had been right there, ready for him! Adam would have held the naked women tightly to him, ignoring the fact that her fiancé was right there with them. In fact, Adam pictured Kendra moving to join them, taking off her own bikini bottoms until he was standing there with two beautiful naked women.

Adam stroked himself faster. He could picture it so vividly it was like it was actually happening. It could happen. It would happen. Adam could see of no future where he didn’t make this a reality. He wasn’t questioning anything, it was simply a fact. His right. Adam was going to make Holly and Kendra his and they would thank him for it.

The young man panted, stoking himself faster and faster. He would lower Holly onto the towel and have her spread her thighs for him. No, he would have her turn around. Get on all fours so that he could fully appreciate her tight ass when he took her. Kendra would be right there with them. Holding onto Adam’s arm. Telling him to do it. To fuck her fiancé right there in front of her. Adam was going to do everything he had ever imagined with the two sexy women. Nothing was going to stop that from happening. It was simply a given.

Adam couldn’t even remember why he had even hesitated before.

With a long groan, Adam came. His seed splattered the tiled walls of the shower with long powerful spurts. Adam seemed to take forever in coming, far longer than usual. It was ... intense.

To Adam’s mild surprise, he found he was still semi-hard. Like he could go again and again. All he needed was a reason. He laughed lightly to himself. He couldn’t wait until he next saw Holly and Kendra. Adam decided that when he saw them at dinner he would go back to their bungalow with them. There was no point in waiting until tomorrow. Not anymore.

When Adam arrived at the restaurant it was about half full. He looked around for Holly and Kendra but couldn’t see either of them. He felt disappointed but didn’t let it overly affect him. It was still early. They would be here soon enough.

Adam spotted his family at a table already and sighed to himself. He may as well sit with them. It was easier than having to shut down any snarky comments of him avoiding them.

He walked over and realised there was only one spot free between his cousin and sister. Todd wasn’t here. Adam wondered if he was late or not coming tonight ... then decided he didn’t care which. He sat down between Fiona and Emily, idly wondering if his cousin knew yet that his sister was fucking her boyfriend.

Fiona gave him a dismissive glance, looking at him in mild surprise when he just gave her an easy grin. She turned away, hunching her shoulders while playing on her phone. It looked like she was sulking over something. Emily flat at glared at him when he sat down next to her. Her jaw dropped when he just rolled his eyes at her. He was in no mood for her petulant attitude.

Adam glanced over at the other side of the table, nodding at his parents. John was sitting with his wife, Erin, on one side, with his sister-in-law, Tessa, on the other. Adam’s father just grunted something noncommittal back at him. He appeared to still be nursing the remnants of a hangover. Adam supposed he was almost sixty, more than fifteen years older than the two women sitting with him. It was probably stupid of him to get drunk at his age.

Erin turned to her son. As usual, she had a glass of wine at hand, but seemed to be giving Adam more attention than she usually did. She was wearing a low cut almost-gown, far dressier than the casual attire most people were sporting in the restaurant. It was usual for her to pay close attention to her appearance so Adam gave it no more than a raised eyebrow.

“Adam. I wasn’t sure you were going to join us. Did you tire of your new little friends?”

Adam smiled easily at his mother. Its was truly unlike her to pay attention to anything about his life.

“No, I’ll see them later. Lucky there was a spare seat left though, since it would be a moot point otherwise. What, Todd not joining you all for dinner?”

Adam glanced mockingly to his left at Emily who narrowed her eyes at him. Fiona glared on his right, muttering.

“He’s not feeling well.”

Adam leant back in his chair.

“That’s a shame. Poor guy. So, get up to much today, mom?”

Erin eyed her son, her brow furrowed slightly. She took a long sip of her drink.

“There was a tour. Of the rainforest behind the retreat. It was entertaining enough, I suppose. Your father organised it, but unfortunately he and your aunt were a bit under the weather today. They weren’t able to enjoy it fully. Too much ‘celebrating’ the night before I’m afraid.”

Adam looked at his mother sardonically. She didn’t sound the least bit sympathetic that her husband and sister had been unwell. In fact, Adam got a sense she was spitefully enjoying their plight. Adam rolled his eyes to himself. That was just like his mother. The only time her eyes seemed to light up was when something untoward happened to her husband. Adam wasn’t the slightest fan of his father, but his mother had never really endeared herself to him either.

“Yeah, you sound real choked up about it.”

To Adam’s surprise, Emily suddenly elbowed him in the ribs. He looked at her in outrage, shocked that she would dare to strike him. Emily looked suddenly uneasy as she glanced at him. Adam was about to reprimand her properly when she quietly muttered to him.

“Shut up, twerp. Drop it.”

Adam frowned at his sister. He glanced at his mother, but Erin was studiously avoiding his gaze. She seemed very intent on draining her glass. She raised her hand and signalled to a waitress.

“I’d like another glass, same as before. Also, my son has joined us so add his order to the table please. It’s only been a few minutes since we ordered, so make sure his meal comes out at the same time.”

More consideration from his mother. Adam placed his order and then settled back in his seat. He glanced towards his father and his aunt. Neither of them was paying much attention towards him, seeming content to talk to each other. It always struck Adam as funny that his father seemed to get on better with his sister-in-law than his actual wife. Adam regarded them all dispassionately. His mother didn’t care for his father. Didn’t really care for any of them. Maybe Emily. Why did she stay and put up with it all if that was the case? Adam would have left years ago if it was him.

Erin cleared her throat and looked back at her son.

“So, Adam. What are the names of your two friends?”

“Oh. Kendra. And Holly.”

Adam’s father, John, glanced up at his son. He frowned, sounding surprised - and also slightly annoyed at talking to his son despite himself.

“Those are girl - Adam, you’ve made some ... new friends?”

“Something like that, Dad.”

Adam smiled confidently. Tessa looked at Adam, seeming annoyed at having her brother-in-law’s attention pulled from her. She took John by the arm as she sneered around him at Adam.

“They must be nice girls. If they indulge in charity.”

Fiona’s shoulders hunched as she suppressed a laugh. To Adam’s surprise, he saw his mother narrow her eyes at her sister. Adam wasn’t hurt by his aunt’s attempt at insulting him, although he dimly knew it would have affected him once. Instead he returned her sneer with interest.

“Bold of you to fling charity around like it’s an insult. Especially considering you’re the biggest charity case I know of.”

Tessa’s eyes bulged in disbelief. For a brief second Adam could have sworn he saw the corner of his mother’s lips twitch upwards as though she was surprising a smile. It wasn’t discussed, but was well known that Adam’s father took care of the vast majority of Tessa’s expenses. John’s brows furrowed into a scowl as he glared at his son.

A distraction arrived in the form of the waitress. She passed drinks around the table as well as a few entrees. Adam, unconcerned, took the chance to order his own drink. He smiled his thanks at the waitress, noting that she was pretty cute. All the women here seemed to be attractive.

Once the waitress had left, John got stuck into Adam.

“I won’t allow my son to disrespect his elders like that. That isn’t how you were raised.”

Adam smirked across the table. He raised his eyebrow at his aunt Tessa.

“I don’t remember much raising going on. You mostly left me to my own devices, dad. Still, I’ll play along. I guess if she’s an ‘elder’, that’s different. So sorry, auntie.”

Tessa’s face flamed and John got even angrier. He leaned across the table towards Adam, speaking through clenched teeth.

“Where do you get off with that fucking attitude. You want to be the one to actually pay for your room? Don’t think that there aren’t consequences for having a smart mouth.”

Adam tried not to laugh at the idea of being threatened at something like that. Everything about his family seemed so petty, so small. Even if his father backflipped on paying for the room it wasn’t as though Adam would be worse off. He would just be in the same position he had been in the day before. Before he could fire back at his father, his mother cleared her throat.

“Actually, dear. You’ve already been to the office and paid - Adam’s account was refunded, remember? It’s done.”

John’s face purpled. He turned to his wife and spoke in a dead-sounding voice, devoid of emotion.

“This doesn’t concern you, woman. Don’t interrupt when I’m speaking to my son.”

Erin rocked back slightly although didn’t react apart from that. Even Adam thought that was too harsh. Erin wouldn’t win mother of the year by any stretch of the imagination, but to tell her that her children didn’t concern her? Adam narrowed his eyes at his father, but kept a smile on his face.

“That’s a shame, dad. Delilah didn’t strike me as the sort of woman who’d get in the middle of a family squabble. If my payment has already been refunded, not a lot you can do, huh?”

John stared at Adam nonplussed as though he didn’t recognise who he was. Emily suddenly leant forward and took their father’s hand, simpering at him.

“I feel so much better that you’re covering the room, daddy. Thank you so much! I can always count on you.”

Emily placated their father, distracting him and defusing his anger. Soon he was back to pretending Adam didn’t exist, speaking only to Tessa and his daughter. Adam was actually annoyed at that. Part of him was looking forward to having it out with his father. He felt daring and unafraid. Like he could deal with anything that came up. In fact, the only reason that he held his tongue was that his mother looked uncharacteristically beaten down. It wasn’t the first time that her husband had snapped at her in front of them, but this time she just kept her head down, drinking quietly.