"Mmm." Michelle groaned as the alarm went off at 6am. She was lying face down, her head on Tony's chest, her arm around his waist and wearing nothing but the satin white bed sheet draped across the back of her shoulders. Tony reached over and hit the snooze button then stroked her hair before kissing her head. "Good morning."
"Morning." She mumbled as she lifted her head and tried to open her eyes. She was still feeling jet lagged and she could easily do with another twelve hours sleep.
"I'll be right back." He excused himself as he got out of bed and left the room. Michelle wrapped the sheet around her and sat up, the sky outside was starting to find its colour and she could hear birds chirping in the tree outside her window.
"Here." Tony said, returning with a cup of coffee.
She savoured her first sip, "You're a life saver." She said taking another sip, "What would I do without you?"
"This ring means 'm here to serve you for the rest of your life. Your every wish is my command."
"You spoil me."
"You deserve to be spoiled" He smiled as he went into the bathroom and started the hot water in the shower then lathered up his face ready to shave. Michelle followed him in, letting her sheet fall to the floor as she stepped inside the shower. Tony watched her for a moment then unfogged the mirror and began to shave.
Delton's office was uptown in a precinct run by large overseas companies. The buildings were more sophisticated and there were armed guards everywhere to deter loitering and unwanted solicitation. Their very own piece of America. Michelle looked stylish in her charcoal pencil skirt and jacket. Tony complimented her with his dark business suit and tie.
"Stop it." Michelle said as she straightened his tie for him.
"I can't help it. I hate ties, they always choke me."
"Be a good boy and I'll reward you later." She said, nodding at the guard as he opened the door for them to walk through. Inside was lavish with flowers and décor everywhere. The reception desk was over five meters long and the receptionist behind it looked like she was going to a cocktail party rather than working nine to five.
"We're here to see Mr Delton." Tony told her.
"Yes he's expecting you Mr…"
"Almeida and this is Ms Dessler."
"Go right in fourth floor."
"Thank you." Tony took a good look around as they headed for the elevator just out of site and stepped inside. The elevator was empty except for a well dressed man reading a newspaper in the corner. The ride was short and as the elevator came to a stop Tony and Michelle stood up straighter, ready to meet their client.
The fourth floor was even more luxurious than the reception area Tony noted. "Hmm." Tony scoffed as he looked around the room. "Is it any wonder that men like this get targeted?"
"Tony." Michelle hit him, always trying to remain diplomatic. "Don't start again." Tony dealt with these kind of men all too often, materialistic and power hungry caring more about what others thought of them and nothing for those close to them. It went against everything he stood for.
"Mr Almeida, Ms Dessler." Delton greeted them with open arms as he approached them, two body guards in close behind.
"Mr Delton I presume." Tony extended his hand.
"Jeremiah please." He insisted. He was about the same height as Tony, and carried himself like a Texas oil rancher complete with cowboy boots and hat too match.
"Jeremiah." Michelle greeted him back as he approached and kissed her on the cheek. Tony stood back, watching the situation carefully, a little jealous.
"Glad to meet you Michelle. And Tony" he said extending a hand for Tony to shake. "Was the house to your liking?"
"It was perfect. Thank you." Knowing he was going to propose to Michelle, Tony had asked for more suitable accommodation than just a hotel when he'd called Delton back to confirm their flight.
"You have a very lovely operation here." Michelle told him, trying to start the meeting.
"We try our best, but the area is just so primitive most of what you see here has to be flown in from overseas." Tony shot Michelle a look that said I told you so. "Apricot?" He asked pointing to a large bowl of fresh fruit sitting on the receptionists counter. "They're fresh from Argentina."
"No. Thank you." Michelle passed.
"Where would you like to set up?" Tony asked, motioning to the briefcase full of the projects details.
"Straight to the point. I heard that about you, that's why I chose you." He pointed to a conference room down the hall with glass walls and a large empty whiteboard in the corner. "Right this way."
"Thank you." Michelle said as Delton kept pace and escorted her to the room.
"After you." Tony added giving her a quick look that said watch out for yourself. Tony didn't like the guy. He thought he was pompous and arrogant and now he added a sleaze to that list. Clearly this man never took no for an answer. But a job was a job and they couldn't afford to turn down such a well paying gig. Besides, the vacation that went along with it was going very well so far. Tony put the briefcase down on the table and stepped aside allowing Michelle to open up the laptop.
"May I?" She asked reaching out to connect the projector.
"Of course." Delton poured a glass of water and sat down in the seat by the door ready to be impressed. Tony sifted through some paperwork then when Michelle nodded that she was set up Tony began.
"We've looked over your company profile and the other documents you sent to us and we have a few suggestions."
"You outlined several concerns, including a number of death threats so we focused on finding out where your employees were most vulnerable." Michelle pulled up a map on the projector of the local area. A purple line appeared.
"This is the most common route your employees take to get to work." Tony explained. Michelle clicked the button again and several read circles appeared on the map. "And these indicate where there is heavy congestion and delays." Then three more green arrows joined them, "And where the terrain provides ample cover for an ambush."
"You've done your homework." Delton congratulated them.
"Our first suggestion would be to consolidate your efforts. At present your employees drive in on their own vehicles causing them a lot of stress and loss of productivity not to mention the cost of those who have been kidnapped and killed. The medical bills alone could feed a small country."
"What do you suggest?"
"Convoying them in under armed guard. With an outlay of around two million you could purchase to troop carriers each carrying around thirty personal. And if you follow the route we've outlined." Tony pointed to the paper in Delton's hand as Michelle overlayed the data on the screen. "We believe that you could save around twice that much a year."
"Impressive."
"Of course these are merely suggestions and we would have to take a look at the ground site ourselves to confirm our data."
"That can be arranged."
"We also have several other suggestions as outlined in the report. They should help with information management and plugging potential leaks."
"I'll take them under advisement."
"Then there's your security."
"Mine. I have nothing to fear."
"You have received several personal death threats."
"Rest assured I am well protected. I have my armed guards with me twenty four hours a day."
"If you insist…"
"I do. Now. I hate to cut this short after you've come so far but I have another meeting to get to. I'll look over your proposal and we can meet again tomorrow afternoon. I'll have my secretary arrange a time with you."
"Thank you for your time."
"You're welcome." Delton said, grabbing Michelle's hand and kissing it. "In the meantime feel free to make the most of your accommodations. I trust they are to your liking."
"They're beautiful."
"My wife decorated it. It's a hobby of hers."
"She has wonderful taste."
"I'll tell her you said so." Delton walked out the door and his bodyguards followed.
"That went well." Michelle reflected as she shut down the laptop and disconnected the projector.
"He seems to like you."
"Jealous?'
"Should I be?"
"Hmm." Michelle scoffed, "You're cute when your jealous." She smiled closing the briefcase lid before Tony picked it up off the table. As her reached down to grab the handle his hand brushed against her wrist. Michelle closed her eyes as he traced his fingers up and down her arm. "Not here."
"Why not? It could be exciting."
"Tony." She tried to protest but he leaned in and spun her around, pressing her up against the whiteboard before grabbing her head in his hands and kissing her passionately. Michelle felt light headed from the kiss, her breath momentarily stolen. "You fight dirty." She grinned.
"I wasn't aware there was a contest." Tony chuckled as Michelle looked down the corridor and noticed that a few of the office workers had noticed their interaction. She kissed Tony back and straightened his tie.
"Don't look now but we're being watched."
"This isn't over." Tony warned her. Then grabbed the briefcase and held the door open for Michelle before following her to the front desk. They made an appointment to see Delton at 8am the next day then made their way back to their apartment.
Tony and Michelle decided to take a walk along the centre of town. Walking hand in hand and stopping to look at the local merchandise as they passed the tiny market stalls carrying hand made handbags, clothes, and baskets. Tony watched as Michelle used her linguistic skills to haggle with an old woman over an old camera. Michelle remained polite though Tony could tell that the woman had no idea how persuasive she could be. Eventually Michelle agreed to pay two thirds of the asking price.
"Remind me never to argue with you again."
"You better believe it." She said eyeing off her new prize, placing it over her head so that the strap sat securely over her right shoulder.
"Are you hungry?"
"What did you have in mind?"
"I think I saw an eatery just ahead."
"Sounds good." She said, grabbing his hand and pulling in close as they walked side by side down the laneway. As they made their way down the street a little girl no more than seven or eight approached them with a basket full of flowers.
"Flower for the lady?" She asked Tony. Michelle noted her dirty clothes and her bare feet. This child should have been at school, not out working.
"Sure honey." Tony reached into his pocket and pulled out some change. The girl beamed, he'd given her way too much. The little girl held out a flower, which he bent down and took then placed it behind Michelle's ear. The exchange was so sweet. The girl went to hand Tony back his change. "No honey, you can keep it."
"Thank you sir." The girl blushed then moved onto her next customer.
"It makes you think, doesn't it." Tony scoffed, watching her work the crowd. "It's so easy to forget how lucky we are."
"I know what you mean." Michelle hugged his arm tight. She rarely saw him interact with children, he was so gentle with her.
The eatery was little more than a mud storage room with a few seats and open air windows to help cool it down. They sat opposite each other in their booth at the front of the cantina, eating something Tony had ordered, a cultural delicacy according to the waitress. Michelle wasn't sure what was in it, something that look like lamb or maybe even goat, salad greens, a few peppers and spices and something else that she couldn't recognise. Normally she would be wary about eating something she didn't know about but she was starving. Tony watched in awe as she had mouthful after mouthful.
"Clearly I'm not feeding you enough." He joked.
"It's good. I'm not sure what it is, but it's good."
"It's not bad." Tony wasn't sure if he should be impressed or worried.
"It's hot though, I could do with a drink." Tony motioned for the waiter who came over,
"Can we please get two glasses of water and your finest Champagne."
"Tony."
"What, we can always take it back with us." He smiled, then returned his attention back to the waitress, "That will be all, thank you."
"It's so beautiful here. It's hard to believe that something so untainted, so pure can yield so much violence." Michelle theorised as she looked around, taking it all in.
"That's why were here, to try and make it safer." Tony reminded her.
"I wonder if this place will ever be free of such primitive violence?" She asked as Tony reached over and took her hands in his.
"If you've taught me anything these past few years it's that anything is possible." He smiled.
"Your drinks sir." The waitress interrupted placing them on the table.
"Thank you." Tony acknowledged her, then Michelle looked sideways and scoffed trying to relax the mood a little.
"Do you sweet talk all the girls like this or is it just me?"
"Oh honey, you know I only have eyes for you." Tony slyly replied pouring the wine into the glasses and handing one to her. "To us."
"To us." She agreed and took a sip. It was stronger than she was use to but she didn't complain. They sat there for a moment, sipping on their drinks and staring at each other.
"Come on." Tony smiled,
"What?" Michelle didn't know what he was up to. Tony stood up, left some money on the counter and grabbed her arm to lead her away.
"Trust me." He said.
Tony waved down a taxi then gave the driver an address she didn't recognise.
"Sir." The young man handed him the yellow envelope that was left at the desk. Delton opened it, knowing what was inside. He pulled out the piece of paper and read the scrawled handwriting carefully. "Damn it." He cursed as a small gold ring fell onto the floor.
"Should I inform Mr Almeida?" The assistant asked.
"No. I'll handle this. Tell Jenkins to step up the patrols at the plant."
"Yes sir."
"And Lindsey."
"Sir?"
"Not a word to anyone. You here."
"Understood sir." The young man left to make the arrangements as Delton poured another glass of whiskey. This was getting way out of control.
"Where are we going?" Michelle asked as they drove further out of town.
"You'll see." Tony just smiled as he watched her look at the landmarks trying to guess where they were going. When they started to leave the boundaries of the main town and head past the more third world neighbourhoods Michelle started to panic a little. He squeezed her hand and smiled, trying to put her at ease. It wasn't long before they drove down a narrow dirt track shadowed by thick brush on either side. It was only a short drive down the track before they came to a complete stop.
"Where are we?" Michelle was starting to worry.
"It's a surprise." Tony handed the driver a wad of money,
"Stay here." He told the driver, showing him another pile of bills that would be his if he complied. The driver just smiled and settled into his seat for a mid afternoon nap. "Come on." Tony said grabbing his jacket and Michelle's hand. He led her through the rest bush. As the bush cleared, Michelle found herself staring up at the most beautiful sight in the world. There in the middle of the dense scrub, hidden from the rest of the world, was an idealic lake with clear blue waters complete with sunbathing slabs of rock and greenery littered around the edges like something out of the garden of Eden.
"But… how?" She asked looking at him for answers.
"I asked around." Tony shrugged, pleased with her reaction.
"Are we safe here?"
"Do you think the cab driver would have driven out here if we weren't?"
"Well." Michelle raised her eyebrow and cocked her head. "What did you have in mind?"
"Let me show you." He said, taking the camera she'd brought from the market off of her shoulder and carefully slipping the strap past her elbow and over her hand.
"But I didn't bring my swimsuit."
"Neither did I." He smiled. Tony took off his shirt and his pants down to his boxers and wadded into the water.
"What about the water, there could be…"
"Michelle. Trust me." He said holding out a hand.
"Aggh." Michelle grunted fighting the urge to run away. She took off her shirt, slipped off her skirt and wadded in to join him. The water was invitingly warm as she dunked her head under and immersed herself within it. As she resurfaced, he reached out for her, his arms closing around her. His right hand cupped itself around the back of her head as he pulled her closer and kissed her. She kissed him back, her hands wrapping around his neck as he held her up with his hand around her waist. They bobbed up and down in the water as they caressed each other gently. The air was warm and his kisses were so cool. Every touch was like butterflies landing on her skin. He worked his way down her neck, over her chest and down below to her waist. Michelle arched her head back as she was whisked away by the ecstasy of it all then wrapped her head around his neck as she drew herself in closer moving up and down with his natural rhythm as he pulsated inside of her. Cradled in his arms like a new born child he held her delicately, making sure she was comfortable as they moved in unison with each other. As the intensity grew Tony propped her up against a moss covered rock, gently using the leverage to penetrate her deeper and deeper. Pushing down on his shoulders as he pressed up inside of her it was more intense than anything they had experienced before. As it dissipated Tony started to kiss her sparkling skin working his way back up to her lips. Michelle twisted her fingers through his hair as she kissed him back. "I love you." She whispered.
"You mean everything to me Michelle. You know that."
"I know."
As the sun started to go down they remained their, sitting on the rocks, Michelle in Tony's arms watching the sky change from blue to orange to pink. "This is beautiful, Thank you." She said turning around to kiss him.
"I'm glad you liked it." In the far off distance Michelle heard the noise of a large animal moving through the jungle.
"Maybe we should head back."
"Wait." Tony said helping her up and grabbing her camera. He held it out in front of them and pushed the button, "Okay, Let's go. After you." He gestured. They walked back to the cab, hand in hand. "Many Thanks." Tony told the cab driver, waking him up as the rolled up pile of bills landed in his lap.
"How much did you pay him?"
"More than enough." Tony grinned then opened the rear door for Michelle to climb inside.
"You'll send us broke if you keep throwing money around like that."
"It was worth it."