Sirocco
Errol woke where all was quiet, especially Lem sleeping soundly. There wasn't a door between the bedroom and the kitchen while kitchen curtains didn't block streetlights particularly well, illuminating his bedroom and especially his bed, perpetually rumpled. Errol never thought he would get exhausted by sex, but he was heading that way. Lem's appetite was insatiable, and she had a way of asking where it was impossible to deny her.
More than this, Errol had to make something of himself. Then, in the light, he noticed Lem's jewellery sparking, worth so much. It seemed wrong, it was wrong, but it would get him to England and the beginning of the rest of his life, and they would be insured so there was no harm. Alex bought those jewels so they couldn't report this theft to the police which would be far from discreet – my wife was sleeping with her lover when her jewellery was stolen. Errol knew what would work – he would pretend his front door lock wasn't great so someone broke in, and while they slept, exhausted after days of sex, a thief stole the jewellery.
Errol wondered where to hide it, and then remembered his shaving brush had a hollow handle for carrying small items when travelling, secured by a screw-on cap. Errol eased out of bed while Lem still slept soundly, sex and orgasms often made women as tired as men when the time came to sleep, so Errol was safe as he grabbed the necklace and earrings, crept out of his room into the kitchen, and from there to the bathroom where he took his shaving brush and did it. With the brush back on the shelf in the bathroom, Errol crossed to the front door and released the lock.
Back in bed, Errol hoped he would sleep. Besides, that jewellery was insured and Lem would have new gold and diamonds in no time and at no cost.
* * *
Errol, naked, sat at his table sipping coffee while Lem, naked, cooked the eggs she scrambled, and Pikis lay at Errol's feet. Never had Errol imagined that he would wish for something like this to be over, but the thought of hours of sex was almost too much to contemplate. He sipped and then thought, when this was over, he would miss Lem; her voracious desire and all.
Lem brought the two plates to the table where Errol picked up the knife and fork to eat – delicious. Nothing better for breakfast than a couple of eggs, toast and coffee.
"You seem distracted," Lem said.
"No, well, these few days have been a lot."
"Not too much, I hope."
Errol smiled. "Then I thought I won't forget you."
"I won't forget you and I won't regret this, despite us not being destined for more than a short time together, and you shouldn't either, although that's your philosophy for life."
Errol laughed at that.
"It's true, though, and worthy." She looked into his eyes. "What's your Zodiac sign?"
"What do you mean?"
"What's your birthday?"
"June 20."
"Gemini – I should have known! Curious, charming, talkative, restless, both outgoing and introverted and easily bored. I'm a Sagittarius – we're a good match in many ways, especially sexually, although we bring out the worst in each other." She ate more egg and sipped coffee. "Do any of these things resonate with you?"
They did actually. "Is this because of June 20?"
Lem smiled. "You are a classic Gemini, especially being so charming towards someone who interests you."
Errol didn't think so as he finished his eggs and toast and drank the last of his coffee. It was a coincidence, and he had to admit Lem, despite coming from a different world, seemed like his perfect other, if she was available.
Errol was curious. "What do you mean by the worst in each other?"
"We're both restless and easily bored, which isn't good for the long term. This is why we're good together sexually, as you might have noticed. Whatever I do differently, you relish, and me with you."
Errol had noticed this – interesting.
"What's the best part of sex?" Lem asked.
"Kissing."
Lem laughed. "Oh yes! Let's make love but first we must kiss, and if you want to go down on me, feel free."
Errol liked the sound of that as he followed Lem's cute bottom to his bedroom, and Pikis had the good sense to stay in the kitchen.
* * *
Errol lay in his ruined bed, watching Lem dress while waiting for the inevitable – her bra and knickers, garter belt, stockings, slip, dress and shoes and then –
"Errol, my jewels aren't here!"
Errol closed on the table while Lem knelt to look under the table and then under the bed. She turned the light on and reached under the bed while Errol felt heavy inside. Lem put her head up.
"They aren't here."
"Maybe someone broke in when we were asleep."
"Oh yes!" Lem crossed to the front door and turned the handle. "It's unlocked – it must have been forced in some way. Oh, what am I to do? I can't tell my husband."
"Surely they're insured?"
"Yes they are, in Alex's name, and he doesn't know I'm here." Lem turned around to face Errol. "I told Alex I was staying with my cousin."
That put a different perspective on things, but it was too late now. "Maybe you can tell your husband."
"Oh no, I can't! A whole weekend; that's not part of our agreement."
"Does he...?"
"No."
"I'm sorry."
"It's not your fault, dear boy, for renting a flat with a broken lock." Lem shrugged her shoulders. "Don't worry; I'll think of something." She closed on Errol to kiss his lips. "Don't worry."
Lem took her bag and left with Errol's heart feeling heavy. When he got an acting job, the first money he earned he would use to replace Lem's jewellery. He wished he hadn't done it but he would make it right.
