Sunlight filtered through the curtains. I watched Chas sleep as I had done for over an hour. When she woke up, we needed to talk. All my careful planning was gone.

How could I possibly have thought that a few days here, with no outside influences and unlimited sex, would cure this need, this hunger for her?

A few hours in her company, plus amazing sex, had sealed my downfall. I had to face reality, no matter how it stung. She was another man’s wife. She was not free.

She murmured in her sleep, “Malcolm.” With a smile, she curled closer to my body, which was aching again for her. She had not called her husband’s name, but mine.

I stroked her face and her hair and gently kissed her awake. My hands made their way down her body, to those voluptuous, round breasts, totally unexpected with her slim body, but what a bonus. I felt her nipples harden, and her breathing changed. She was no longer sleeping and was as aroused as I was. Our mouths explored each other, tongues probing, searching. My hands continued to caress those amazing breasts, as her hands moved lower down my body. She found my erect, damp shaft and massaged and teased with a knowledge that she knew exactly what she was doing to me. She then eased out of my arms and took me in her mouth. Her tongue was sure and firm, licking my length, probing my tip. Her teeth caught and nibbled me tantalizingly.

She moved to sit astride me. I was hypnotised. Her breasts swung freely, her body already showing tan lines from her day in the Italian sun.

She raised herself and then, with those skilful hands, she moved me inside her. I hadn't needed to touch her, and she was wet and ready for me. I grabbed her buttocks as she rode me. Her body arched back, eyes closed, her face a mix of emotions. Then, with a cry, she came and spilled over me. I climaxed seconds later.

That was two hours ago. After showering, again, we were now sitting on the terrace having breakfast.

“I know I am here because you gave me no choice. I also followed all your instructions. But what has happened is my choice also. It is what I have wanted for months. If I hadn't, I wouldn't be here. No matter what the consequences were. Also, when I return to Aberdeen, I will not be returning to my life with Tony. I do not know if you want me in your life, but that won't alter my decision.”

My heart leapt. I took her in my arms and kissed her. There was no doubt that we were going to be together. Tony was no longer an obstacle.

Later that morning, I returned Chas’s phone to her.

How could I possibly have made those demands on her? It was akin to kidnapping.

We sat by the pool, listening to the neighbouring Cockerel crowing to his adoring females. Chas laughed and said she had a tale about a Cockerel to tell me. She switched on her phone, still laughing.

The smile vanished to be replaced by a look of worry.

“It's a message from Beth. Sent yesterday.”

Chas then told me a different story, not about the Cockerel, but about Beth’s marriage and what they had found out about her husband. She had no hesitation in trusting me.

I, of course, knew of David Beattie. He was a well-known figure in Aberdeen society and beyond.

Wealthy, good-looking, charming, successful and in my opinion, a snake. I'd had dealings with him, of course, but never, ever got close to him. I kept him at arm’s length. I'd heard rumours about his lifestyle and sexual proclivities, his business deals were shrouded in secrecy. I had been concerned because I knew of the special friendship between Chas and Beth, that Chas would have contact with this dubious man.

Everything Chas told me confirmed my opinion. She said they had a sketchy plan, but in reality, a better one was needed. Without hesitation, I told her to phone Beth. I made to leave, but she wanted me to stay.

Beth answered immediately. Chas went pale, and her eyes filled with tears. She told Beth she was in Italy with me. She had to speak to me, and then she would call back.

I hated to see Chas distressed, but she calmly told me the conversation. David had called. A veiled threat was implied. His return was in a few weeks. The plan would need to be good.

Immediately, my business head kicked in.

First. Beth would pack a few things and get on the first plane to Italy. We would both meet her at Naples airport and bring her to La Solara.

Second. A foolproof plan would be made. The three of us were smart with different talents. David Beattie would be no match for us!

Third. Putting the plan into action.

Part 3 could wait. The first two couldn't.

While Chas called Beth, I arranged the next flight out from Aberdeen, which was in 3 hours. A bit tight, but doable. Beth was at home. I then arranged transport to the airport for Beth. I wrote all the information down and passed it to Chas.

Chas ended the call and flung her arms round me.

“Thank you.”

I went to find Louisa to inform her we were expecting a friend. Could she please prepare a room and arrange dinner for three?

Chas and I wasted no time getting in the car and heading to the airport. The twisting, narrow cliff road of the Amalfi Coast is often packed with cars. We were taking no chances.

All went smoothly. Beth and Chas hugged each other warmly, only shedding a few years, then Beth hugged me and echoed her friend’s words. “Thank you.”

At La Solara, the two of them caught up. I took the flash drive and studied “Ebony and Ivory”, not all of it. While the contents were undoubtedly erotic and hot and an absolute turn-on for many men, it left me cold and disgusted. Oh yes, the women were willing participants, but the overriding impression was arrogance, power and cruelty. No warmth or feeling. I had seen enough. The business dealings, however, did interest me. At the end, there was a synopsis compiled by Chas. A short plan was outlined. It was good. We would work from there.

I had contacts. I was scrupulous in my dealings, strictly legit. What I was going to do was shady, with only one victim. Beth’s husband.

Our plan was simple. Remove David Beattie from Beth’s life and Aberdeen.

His company had branches worldwide. He would apply for a transfer, with the stipulation that he was no longer available to travel the globe, conducting business. He was seeking a new challenge after the breakup of his marriage. No return, after finalising everything in Aberdeen, to the UK.

I made a few phone calls, called in a few favours and discovered that Beattie’s company had been trying unsuccessfully to recruit a director of operations in their branch in the Tyumen Region, Western Siberia. Perfect.

With Chas’s pc skills, she completed the necessary forms and CV.

With Beth’s legal skills, she completed the contract outlining the conditions of acceptance.

My skills were communicating with the personnel involved, persuading them to keep the new and frankly bizarre appointment under wraps till I gave the nod.

We perfected the plan over the next two days. Beth and Chas spent time together, de-stressing and enjoying the Italian sun.

At night, though, I had Chas to myself. We made love with passion and feeling, and abandon.

On our last day in Italy, at lunch on the terrace, Beth announced that she had a story to tell us both. It would be the means to the final part of the plan. We listened in silence as her tale unfolded.

“I had a very exciting evening at The Strutting Cockerel. Chas, you will hear the details. Malcolm, you will hear it from Chas, not me. I made some new friends, people whom I trust. They are different and unconventional. They lead a life that is free of the norms of society, but they have strong ethics of right and wrong. The word for them is swingers, but there is more to their life than just shagging their friends’ husbands and wives, more than orgies and sex-filled parties. There’s love and trust and decency. Oh yes, there is sex too, and yes, Chas, I have indulged.”

At this point, Beth’s face lit up with a mischievous grin. Chas was speechless. I laughed.

“David has heard of their group and has tried to get involved. Steph and Steve have politely but firmly denied him access. However, when he returns to Aberdeen, an invitation to a social evening at a private, exclusive golf club will be waiting for him. Along with the invitation will be a pair of scarlet, crotchless panties!”

She refused to answer Chas’s barrage of questions, and after a few drinks, she said good night.

It was our last night in Italy, on this trip. Chas whispered that she wanted to go skinny dipping in the pool. Luisa and Guido had gone home, so no chance of shocking them.

There were a few lights at the pool, but it was mainly lit by the light of the moon. The air was still warm, but I knew the water would be cold.

Sorry Chas, no chance of an aquatic shag tonight!

We both stripped off and entered the water.

Fuck! I was right, it was cold. Any chance of an erection was gone. That didn't stop Chas. She swam over to me, wrapped her legs around my waist and started kissing me hungrily, her breasts pressed against my chest. Despite the chill, feelings of arousal were stirring within me. It was not going to happen in the pool, though.

I lifted her off me, reluctantly, and sat her on the edge. I followed her out. Beside the loungers was a small building with rugs and towels. I got towels and we dried each other, before placing them on the grass and lying down. Our chilled bodies found each other, and gradually the heat began to build. Hot, demanding kisses, whispered words, and hands exploring with a fervour that felt like it was the first time. My fingers were inside her; she was warm and wet and eager. We were both so aroused.

Was it the culmination of the plan being done?

Or was it the image of a pair of red crotchless panties?

Whatever it was, the result was explosive. We both came together, shuddering and shaking. Nothing to do with the cold. We sat side by side, wrapped only in towels, listening to the night sounds, enjoying this moment before our return to Aberdeen and the task ahead.

I then became aware of another sound. It was muffled. It was Chas’s phone, underneath her hastily discarded clothing. Sighing, she rummaged till she found it.

Who was calling at this late hour?

“It’s my mother-in-law!” gasped a shocked Chas.