Beth - Couples' Retreat

Third and final story in the Beth series.

I've loved exploring this character - she's totally wild! - so if you liked this one, please go back and read the others as they're all connected.

As ever, all feedback is appreciated so please leave comments / ratings!

Thank you!

1.

"Majorca!" Jake said, "Bloody hell!"

It was past 10 o'clock, the kids were in bed, dinner was finished and Jake had finally shut down his laptop after clearing a backlog of emails.

Beth had turned his attention to the hand-written envelope, leaning on the windowsill that had been glaring at her all evening but had somehow gone unnoticed to him.

"Open it."

"What is it?"

"Just open it!" Beth insisted as she uncorked a bottle of Pinot Noir and poured two large glasses.

It had arrived earlier that day. Standing out amongst all the usual junk mail and fast-food flyers that littered their doormat most mornings, Beth leant down to pick it up.

The envelope was a thick, heavy stock. On the front, their names were inked in black fountain pen that soaked satisfying into the little crevices of the paper. On the reverse was an embossed thyrsus crest: the symbol of prosperity, fertility and hedonism associated with the Greek god Dionysus.

Beth recognized it immediately.

It had been a few months since Beth had spent that crazy night at the club in London, but she'd remained in contact with Andrea, the charismatic owner. According to her, Beth perfectly fitted the profile of their VIP guests - in her words, "attractive, respectful, open-minded and adventurous" - and she was intent on having her and Jake join one of their exclusive, couples-only retreats.

All Beth had to do was convince her husband.

So, when the envelope arrived - addressed to them both - Beth knew it would need to be opened by them both, considered by them both and either accepted, or declined, by them both.

This time would be different, she thought.

This time, they would be in it together, from the start.

"You never drink during the week" Jake said suspiciously as he tore open the envelope.

"Think we're going to need it, don't you?" replied Beth knowingly, a mischievous glint sparkling in her eyes.

Jake pulled out a single white card. 'Beth and Jake' had been hand-written at the top, but the rest of the copy was laid out in a clean Helvetica font.

'Dionysus requests the pleasure of your company and invite you to enjoy the pleasure of ours. 16-19 May. Majorca. Strictly by invitation only. RSVP'

"Majorca!" Jake exclaimed again, clearly taken aback, "for four days?!"

"It's a retreat."

"Who's going to look after the kids?"

"We'll figure it out."

It was clear Jake was going to need some convincing. Even though he'd been the one who'd initiated their first threesome, it was Beth - in a quest to recapture some part of her lost youth - whose voracious appetite for sex inspired these new adventures.

"Look, forget about the logistics for a minute" said Beth calmly "and let's talk about whether we want to do this together. As a couple."

Jake took a slug of red wine, furrowing his brow anxiously. "The truth is, I don't know" he said with a shrug, "this feels like a big step up from anything we've done before. Sure, we've had a little fun around the edges but a weekend orgy with people we've never met before?"

"It's not an orgy, it's a retreat" Beth insisted, playfully punching him on the arm. "And yes, it

is

a bit step. And I'm nervous as hell too. But I really want us to do this together" said Beth pleadingly, "I think it'll be good for us."

The conversation would go on well into the night - and well beyond one bottle of Pinot Noir - as they weighed up whether the invitation was, to use Beth's carefully chosen word, an 'opportunity' they wished to pursue.

Reading the card again, Beth smiled to herself at the neat little play-on-words she hadn't fully appreciated before. Then she imagined how warm it would be in Majorca at the end of May.

"At the very least" Beth suggested coyly, "it's a weekend away together in the sun. How bad can that be?"

2.

The taxi turned off the main highway, down a single-lane road that swept through the open countryside.

Either side was a patchwork of terraced olive groves behind which stood the dramatic mountain range of the island. As the road began to climb, the strong scent of pine trees filled the air. Further and further into the mountains they drove, around winding bends until finally the taxi driver slowed down, indicating left to turn into a driveway.

Such was the secrecy surrounding these retreats, Beth and Jake had been given no information about their ultimate destination. All they'd received - via WhatsApp - was a message that read 'Villa Verde.' Then, when they exited the airport in Palma, they were met by a driver holding up a board that read 'Villa Verde' who led them outside to his black Mercedes S-Class taxi. No names, no conversation, all very discreet and mysterious.

Now, as the taxi turned off the road and passed through a set of old, wrought iron gates, Beth and Jake squeezed each other's hands with trepidation. Until now, their secret escape had been just that: a secret between the two of them. But as they cruised up the tree-lined driveway to the hotel entrance, it dawned on them they were about meet the other people they'd be sharing their secret with.

They both took a deep breath.

Waiting at the door to greet them was the friendly face of Andrea. Spotting Beth through the window she yelped with excitement and rushed over.

"No going back now" Beth said.

"Hello welcome!" Andrea chirped, practically pulling Beth out of the car and giving her a big hug. "I am so glad you are here" she gushed excitedly giving Jake a warm hug too. "Of all the couples I wanted to come, you guys were top of the list" she enthused as she walked them inside. "Now check yourself in then get yourself down to the pool for a glass of fizz and a swim" she said excitedly, "your weekend in heaven has begun."

Villa Verde was a magnificent old country house perched in the verdant hills that overlooked the Bay of Pollenca. The original manor house was arranged around a pretty, colonnaded courtyard covered in ivy and dotted with tables and chairs.

As soon as they checked in at the desk, they were led up a sweeping, mahogany staircase with walls crammed full of old master portraits. Upstairs the corridors were decorated with antiques, Andalusian rugs and hanging tapestries giving the place a lovely familial atmosphere.

Safely encamped in their room, Jake hid behind the heavy wooden shutters, peering out across the open veranda towards the swimming pool. He could only see a small corner of the azure water and a few people lying on sunbeds, but he could hear many more voices and laughter, suggesting most of the party had arrived already.

"Can't we just stay in here for the whole weekend?" he pondered nervously, "get room service, watch box sets..."

"And live happily ever after..." said Beth, wrapping her arms around him.

"Seriously babe, I don't think I can go down there."

"I know it feels so weird" Beth agreed, "but we'll be fine when we get down there, I promise,"

In truth, she was feeling the same: full of nerves and not a clue what to expect of this weekend either. It was so daunting knowing they were going to spend an entire weekend with a group of people. They barely did that with their own friends let alone people they'd never met before. And never mind the common reason they were all there in the first place.

Jake took a seat in one of the large armchairs flanking the fireplace.

Their room was beyond luxurious. With its high ceilings, marble fireplace, ornate features and the centre-piece four-poster bed scattered with plump cushions, it was a wonderfully elegant space.

"Like we always said" Beth added, feeling like she ought to be the brave one, "it's a weekend away in the sun, let's just enjoy it for what it is."

"Yea, and what about that lot?" Jake interjected motioning towards the pool.

"Them too" Beth rationalized, "everyone is here for a holiday. Whatever happens after dark will happen. But let's not think about that yet. For now, while the sun is out, let's just be normal, head down to the pool for a drink, a swim and a sunbathe. And see how the day pans out."

Put like that, Jake felt a tiny bit calmer. "Ok fuck it" he said pulling himself together "let's do this."

They changed out of their travelling clothes and got dressed for a day by the pool. Beth chose a modest green all-in-one swimming costume over which she wore a loose cotton kaftan. Jake wore a pair of swimming shorts and a scruffy cotton shirt.

"One thing though before we go," said Jake.

"What's that?"

He opened the door of the mini bar. "Drink?"

"Absolutely!" said Beth "Gin and tonic. And make it a strong one."

3.

The walk down to the pool was beautiful. Stone steps descended through terraces of fruit trees while colourful spring flowers basked in the warm, afternoon sun.

Turning a corner, the full expanse of the magnificent infinity pool opened up before them. Chairs and sun-loungers were arranged in pairs beneath rustic wicker parasols. A table had been set up on the adjoining sun terrace where a barman was serving glasses of champagne.

There were twenty or so people in total. One large group of about ten - the group from where most of the noise was coming - were stood chatting in a circle near the bar. The others were by the pool. Two couples had pulled their sun-loungers together and were sat in conversation. Beside them another bronze couple were quietly soaking up the rays whilst the rest were bathing in the cool water of the pool.

As soon as Beth and Jake came into view, the noise evidently dropped as everyone turned in their direction. In truth, it was probably only a second, but it felt like an eternity. Beth squeezed Jake's hand, willing herself to disappear into the ground in mortifying embarrassment. Jake squeezed back. But a moment later, everyone was back to what they were doing: the talkers were talking, the swimmers were swimming and the sun bathers were sun-bathing.

Beth exhaled in relief, and they continued down the steps.

Andrea broke free from the large group near the bar and welcomed them for a second time.

"Where have you been?" she said, "I nearly sent out a search party."

"Just taking our time" replied Beth.

"Bit nervous to be honest" added Jake.

"Jake!" Beth glared at her husband, pinching him on the back of his thigh.

"It's OK" reassured Andrea, "it's your first time, ofcourse you're going to be nervous. Let's get you a drink and get you settled."

Taking a seat on the terrace, Jake and Beth could really appreciate how special the setting of the hotel was. Looking out across the surface of the infinity pool, they could see the bay shimmering in the distance and beyond stretched the wide-open sea. Above them, the sky was immense and blue.

"Here we go" said Andrea, setting down two glasses of champagne. "First things first: welcome to paradise! Isn't this place just stunning?" Beth and Jake nodded in agreement. "So, make sure you appreciate it" Andrea insisted, "this is

your

weekend away. Make time for each other. Go for a walk in the grounds. Read a book in the library. Have a sleep. Do whatever you want to do."

Jake let out a big smile. "Really? That's allowed?"

"Allowed?" bellowed Andrea. "This isn't bootcamp, my love. Ofcourse it's allowed."

"What I mean is... encouraged. Is it encouraged?" Jake asked. "I just assumed the whole point of being here was to mix with the other guests, not spend time alone."

"Yes, you're right" admitted Andrea in her sing-song Italian accent, "but this is a retreat. And on a retreat, the most important thing is for you, as a couple, to be happy. So, during the day, we want you to relax and do what you want." Jake's shoulders seemed to visibly unwind; it was the most relaxed Beth had seen him all day. "However..." Andrea continued "our evenings are a little more structured. We expect all our guests to have dinner together on the terrace. And we do organize a few fun games to break the ice." Beth and Jake looked at each other anxiously. "Honestly don't worry. Everyone here is super nice. Believe me, once the drinks are flowing, it's great fun, you'll see."

Andrea was just getting up to circulate with the other guests when Beth stopped her. "How many people are coming?" she asked.

"This hotel only has twelve rooms" Andrea replied. "It's why we love it so much. Twelve rooms. Twelve couples. Just twenty-four people. And me." She winked before peeling into laughter. "It makes for a really intimate weekend where you can properly get to know everyone."

Beth wasn't sure what definition of 'intimate' she meant, but she guessed it was probably both.

"Any first-timers like us?" Jake asked.

"Yes, two couples actually" Andrea confirmed. "Seb and Maeve have been to the club a few times but, like you, it's their first weekend away. Their flight from Dublin has been delayed so they've not arrived yet. Then Isaac and his girlfriend, Rosa, from Barcelona.

"So not just British people, then?"

"No, not at all" Andrea said. "We have the club in London, but we have members all over Europe. "This weekend, we have two couples flying in from Italy, the couple from Barcelona, a couple from Copenhagen, then yourself and maybe five or six other couples from the UK: from London, Dublin, Glasgow, Manchester, you name it! Then there's Doug and Sally who live in Dubai. They've been regulars for years." Andrea was scanning the terrace to check she hadn't forgotten anyone. "Yes, I think that's everyone."

With that, Andrea was back on her feet and circulating amongst the other guests, doing her best to make everyone feel welcome.

"Time for another drink? said Jake.

"Yes please."

While Jake went to the bar, Beth had a moment to herself. Leaning back into the chair, her eyes hidden behind her white Gucci sunglasses, she observed the other guests closely for the first time. Undoubtedly, there was a high bar of attractiveness: everyone seemed stylishly dressed and well presented. All around her, there were warm introductions, polite conversation and lots of laughter that created the kind of normal, friendly atmosphere you'd expect from a holiday hotel in the Med.

Sure, the nights were going to be a bit wild - that she was fully expecting - but the early signs suggested it wouldn't be the relentless orgy Jake had feared.

As soon as he returned with more champagne, there was nothing left to do but soak up the sun and let the afternoon unfold in front of them.

4.

It was dinner on the first night.

Four tables of six were set up in the open air of the veranda, overlooking the bay. As a couple, Beth and Jake had been to countless dinners, weddings and birthday parties where they'd been seated on different tables.

But this felt different.

As Beth sat down with a man either side of her, and Jake took his place with a woman either side of him, they were experiencing the first obvious and deliberate attempt to mix the couples.

On Beth's left was Seb: smooth shaven, chestnut haired with kind, green eyes. Him and his wife, Maeve, an unmissable red head from Kerry sat on the table opposite, were the fellow first timers Andrea had mentioned.

On her right was Lucas, a scruffy haired, slightly dishevelled, yet effortlessly stylish man from Copenhagen who was charming and - Beth had to admit - extremely handsome.

The remaining places were taken by Annabel, slightly older, maybe late forties, dark brown hair, thicker set but with a lovely round face and a wickedly naughty laugh which got louder and louder as she recounted stories in her thick Glaswegian accent of other similar parties she'd attended. Then there was Leon, from Manchester, whose partner Ashley, a stunning Indian girl, had swum a hundred lengths of the pool earlier that afternoon. Beside Leon was another firecracker of a character, Zia, who Beth instantly warmed to. She was a lawyer in Geneva who worked long hours, travelling all over the world for some seriously high-profile clients. These weekends, she explained, were a bit of escapism for her: a chance to forget herself and indulge.

"I used to do spa breaks" she said in her continental accent, "but got so fucking bored. I'd long for the guy giving me a massage to turn me over and fuck me. But they never did. The only fun I ever had was with my vibrator!"

On Jake's table, he had Rosa, the other first timer from Barcelona, on one side of him and a bubbly blonde called Nikki on the other. They'd met Nikki and Mark earlier that afternoon beside the pool. They were about as typical an Essex couple as you could get. Mark was toned, well-groomed and had clearly booked in for a spray tan before he came out. Nikki was a curvy, big-boobed blonde with bright red lipstick and blow-dried hair who was never without a glass of fizz.

As the wine flowed and darkness descended, the atmosphere crackled with excitement.

Both Seb and Lucas were leaning into Beth, flirting and flattering her with more confidence. Seb was especially tactile, touching her arm and brushing his shoulder against hers. When she looked across to Jake, she could see he was hitting his stride too, talking animatedly to Nikki and joining in the laughter whenever it erupted.

As soon as the plates were cleared away and coffee was served, Andrea arrived to address the group.

"Hello everyone" she started. "I hope you're feeling well settled now and you're getting to know each other a bit better." Jake and Beth caught each other's eye and smiled. "We're going to move inside now and get to know each other even more with a little party game."

The excitable chatter that rippled through the group was two-parts fun and one-part fear.

"The game" she continued "is called Kiss-and-Tell. So, grab a glass and follow me through."

As everyone moved inside, Beth and Jake manoeuvred themselves beside each other for a quick chat.

"You ready for this?" Beth asked.

"No!" replied Jake nervously.

"Me neither. How was dinner?" What Beth really meant was how were Nikki and Rosa. It was impossible not to wonder how your partner was feeling about the other guests.

"Good. You?"

"Yea good. Flirty." Beth replied. "Not me, them!" she added with a smile.

"Yea right!"

It was only a brief exchange because as soon as they were inside, they were separated again.

The women were ushered to one side of the room, the men to the other. In the centre of the floor were four sets of three chairs. The men were divided into groups of three, blindfolded, then seated on a chair. The women were then divided into corresponding groups.

The game was simple: the three women would kiss each man in turn. Once all three women had kissed all three men, the men could remove their blindfolds and guess whose kiss was whose.

Beth watched as Jake's blindfold was bound tightly around his eyes and he was seated onto one of the chairs.

"Liberating isn't it." It was Nikki. "Look at my Mark over there" she continued in her thick Essex accent, pointing to her man who, like Jake, had been blindfolded, seated and was waiting for the game to begin. "He gets so jealous. We come to these parties together, but he's always much more interested in what I'm doing, who I'm talking to, who I'm shagging - than himself! I tell him to fucking relax and enjoy himself, but he can't" she laughed. "He'll be hating this. Hating that he can't see me. But I love it. I love it because he

can't

see me!"

By now all the men were in position and the twelve women took their places in front of them. Twelve beautiful women in shimmering evening dresses and heels towering over the seated, blindfolded men - it was a powerful sight.