Charles knelt in front of her.
'Did I hurt you?'
'Not at all. I kind of… I liked what you did. I like how you did it,' her eyes were lowered.
Voicing her sexual desires aloud was not something she did often. Charles kissed her.
'I liked it to. I don't normally do this, but…'
She looked confused and insecure; fearful she'd ruined things with Charles.
'But you're beautiful. Inside and out. Lust got the better of me. Animal instincts and all that.'
Juliet relaxed, her face displaying relief and comfort.
'I certainly wasn't expecting a day like this when I invited my baby sister to visit.'
'Nor was I. I'm glad I took her up on the offer.'
'I'm glad you took her up on the offer.'
Charles went to the pool and returned with their clothes. After changing into them, he escorted her back to the apartment.
'I'd invite you to share my bed, but I'm not sure how well my sister would receive the concept of you and I having sex.'
'Of course. I totally get that,' Juliet said good naturedly.
'But I'd love to wake up with you next to me,' he concluded, kissing her long and hard on the mouth before retiring to his bedroom.
***
'Where have you been?'
Pam's voice was stern.
'Taking in Marrakesh by night,' Juliet whispered.
'Are you pissed off at me?'
'What on earth for? What have I to be pissed off about?'
'Because I got drunk on the plane and pretty much wasted an entire day in Morocco by sleeping.'
'Don't be silly Pam. These things happen. I'm fine. I've had a lovely day.'
'You have?'
'It would've been better if you'd been there,' lied Juliet.
'I'm glad. I thought you liked Charles. He can be a real dick.'
'That's what older brothers do. Mine does anyway. Charles was sweet though.'
'You like him?'
'He seems pleasant,' said Juliet vaguely.
'Pleasant? He'd be gutted if he heard that description.'
'Why?' Juliet asked, feigning disinterest.
'Physically you're his type. I thought he'd have lured you to the swimming pool. That's what he's done with the last two friends I brought to visit him. Ultimate betrayal. I'm certainly not friends with them now. Charles would be horrified to think he didn't stand a chance with you.'
'What makes you think he doesn't?'
'You do like him?' asked Pam slyly.
'Not in that way, but I'd hate you to think I gauge a potential boyfriend solely on appearance. Plus I'm not keen on you dictating who I should or shouldn't go out with.'
'Don't be over-sensitive,' said Pam turning on her side, 'I was only playing. It'd be nice if I had one friend that could resist Charles' charms. He shouldn't always get everything.'
The conversation had a sense of the foreboding, but energetic sex combined with trekking round the markets had Juliet asleep within minutes of her head touching the pillow. She slept soundly till the morning. When she awoke there was no sign of her best friend in the room.
'Pam,' she called out.
'Oh hey,' said Charles winking at her.
'Hey yourself, do you know where your sister is?'
'I do indeed.'
'And that would be?'
'The toilet.'
'Okay. Well I guess she'll be out in a second.'
'I very much doubt it.'
'How come?' asked Juliet concerned.
'Turns out the fare from the markets last night didn't agree with Pam. She's been on the loo all night.'
'Both ends?'
Charles nodded, wincing in sympathy for his sister.
'Should I go to the chemist and grab something for her?' she suggested.
He shook his head.
'I think she's over the worst now. There can't be much left in her system. Think she's going to need the day in bed though to relax,' he concluded.
'We should stay and keep an eye on her.'
'I offered but she was determined you enjoy your break. She practically ordered me to take you sight-seeing today.'
Juliet was torn. She'd had a lovely day with Charles yesterday and wanted to spend more time with him but felt obligated to her friend. Especially after last night's revelations. If Pam found out she'd slept with Charles' there'd be hell to pay. If Pam felt that Juliet preferred Charles' company, she would risk injuring her friend's feelings.
'I don't know. I hate the thought of her being sick and alone.'
'You know Pam, if she needed us she'd have said.'
'That is true,' said Juliet.
'You'll come out then?'
'Of course. I can't think of anything better. Let me check on Pam and I'll grab my stuff.'
Having examined and quizzed her friend, she realised Charles' assessment had been correct. She definitely wanted Juliet out of the house to explore Morocco and was convincing in the improvement of her health. Although pale and drawn, Pam had a spark to her. Juliet was confident she'd manage without them. Rest for the day was possibly the best thing for her. If Juliet insisted on staying, Pam would then feel inclined to entertain her for the day which wouldn't help improve her condition.
Charles delivered the perfect cheesy sight-seeing day by taking her on a motorcycle to thoroughly investigate the old city and new European modern district. She got a feel for Marrakesh, preferring the Medina to the modern district. The intricate passageways, shops with an abundance of character, historical sights and main square filled with musicians, sooth sayers and acrobats appealed to her dreamy nature.
After a romantic dinner in the old city, Charles took her home in the damp, balmy winter air. The day had enabled her to get to know Charles better. She was as smitten with him as he was with her.
Entering the flat they found Pam asleep on the couch. Putting a finger to his lips, Charles dragged Juliet to his bedroom. Lost in his kisses, she lost sense of time.
Charles' hands roamed her inner thighs with a light touch. When his hands slipped under the elastic of her panties she whimpered. They continued kissing as Charles let his fingers explore her perfectly groomed pussy. He rubbed her lips between thumb and forefinger, moaning at how wet she was. He slipped one finger, then a second and third into her slit. As he moved them deep inside her, he spread the fingers to stretch her. The more she relaxed the more he thrust them in, turning his wrist to vary the sensations she experienced.
'Charles?' she whispered.
'Mmm.'
'Do you always take Pam's friends to the pool?'
'What?'
Charles sat up startled, removing his hand from Juliet.
'Last night, Pam said you tried it on with all her friends. The pool being your seductive location for stealing hearts.'
'Pam's ridiculous. Years ago at high school, I slept with her best friend. When we broke up, it sort of ruined their friendship. Whenever I've met her friends on my travels she's fallen out with them. Accusing them of betraying her by sleeping with me; totally paranoid. The crazy part is, I've not bedded any of her friends since high school. I probably shouldn't have with you, but you're in a league of your own Juliet. I don't want this as a dirty weekend or holiday fling. I can't pass up the chance to get to know you because it might offend or upset my spoilt brat of a sister. That she'd say something so poisonous to you, demonstrates how immature she is. It was ten years ago. Don't let her ruin this.'
Juliet studied his eyes for what seemed like hours, but was more like minutes. Taking a leap of faith she trusted him. She loved Pam, but Charles seemed genuine. Juliet didn't want to disregard him on account of spiteful gossip.
'I'd really like it if you took me in every way tonight,' she said, emphasizing the 'every'; hoping he'd understand what she was alluding to.
'Are you sure?' he asked.
'I'm sure.'
Charles licked his individual fingers; sucking on them as he looked deep into her hazel eyes. He unbuckled his belt to get out of his jeans.