Читать книгу The Player - Akhona Bota - Страница 6

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The game ranger took them around the reserve later that morning. It was so beautiful outside in the wild that it felt to Hlobo as if she was discovering a whole new world that she had only known in pictures and on TV.

“Quick, take a photo!” Sizwe said, giving Hlobo his camera. The ranger’s truck was driving slowly through the reserve. Hlobo took the camera and looked at where Sizwe was pointing. She saw the pride of lions he was pointing at.

“Take a shot,” Sizwe encouraged her.

“Okay then,” she replied, nodding. She took a deep breath and focused on the lions through the camera, zooming in on them. It was a stunning pride, especially the cubs, playing happily with each other. She finally captured the moment, freezing it forever!

“Wow, how beautiful,” she remarked, showing Sizwe the picture she had just taken on the small screen at the back of the camera.

“Yeah, awesome.”

Hlobo’s most memorable experience that day was when the game ranger offered to help her up onto an elephant.

“Her name is Khanyisa. It means ‘light up’,” the man explained.

What an ironic name, Hlobo thought. The elephant probably weighed more than two tons. “I can’t do it,” she said, backing away, extremely afraid.

Her innocence and honesty amused Sizwe. Hlobo eyed him laughing at her gently.

“Oh, come on, babes. You can do it,” he encouraged her.

“I can’t do it, Sizwe. Look at this thing, it’s huge!” Hlo­bo protested. She really couldn’t climb onto that elephant. The thought of falling down from it and breaking her bones made her go into a panic.

“Okay, I’ll hop on with you. What do you say?” Sizwe offered, putting his arm around her for assurance. That sounded much better than being up there alone. Hlobo nodded, agreeing tacitly.

“All right then,” said the ranger. He skilfully made the elephant bend down and Sizwe was the first to get on. He was wearing cargo shorts and a golf shirt. The clothes might have looked ordinary on any other man, but not on him. They fitted him tightly, revealing his manly physique.

Hlobo eyed his firm legs and bum as he mounted the elephant. The thought of seeing him without clothes again like last night aroused all her senses. She wondered what it would be like to pour massage oil on his body and run her hands over it.

Her dirty thoughts were interrupted by the game ranger. “It’s your turn now.”

Hlobo nodded her head and the man helped her up. Once she was settled on the back of the elephant, she exhaled. She was sitting in front of Sizwe and he put his hands around her waist, sending a sharp, tantalising feeling through her veins. Now she wasn’t sure it was such a good idea to be on top of this elephant with him.

Her body was now aware of his hot and sizzling presence right behind her. Their thighs were already in close contact, creating a melting effect, as if she was helplessly turning from ice to water. Hlobo tried to tell herself that it was probably the hot sun above them, but she knew that wasn’t the case.

Fortunately her attention was shifted when the elephant started to get up. It was probably the scariest moment of her life. She thought she was going to fall as the great creature rose to its full height.

Hlobo shuddered and uttered a cry of terror.

“Relax, you’ll be fine,” Sizwe whispered in her ear.

She felt dizzy; the ground was so far below. Sizwe tightened his grasp on her, but she still felt petrified.

The gigantic elephant began to walk, slowly treading forward. Hlobo didn’t know how to describe what she was feeling as Khanyisa continued to move. Her eyes were shut tightly as she held her breath. But gradually she found out there was nothing to be afraid of. The elephant simply carried them forward step by step.

Hlobo started to relax more and more. It felt like walking on clouds. She was actually beginning to enjoy this.

Sizwe tossed the game ranger the camera. He took a perfect photo of the couple on the elephant, capturing a very special moment of togetherness.

* * *

That evening the lodge had a feast. A huge fire was roaring outside and everyone was out there except for Hlobo and Sizwe. They were still in their room.

“Hurry up, we’re missing out already,” Sizwe said, tugging on his jeans in a hurry. He had just taken a shower and now it was her turn.

Hlobo emerged from the bathroom with a small towel wrapped around her. She went pink when he stopped and stared at her. His eyes were filled with wickedness as they scanned every inch of her slender feminine body. Her long legs were completely exposed, since the towel only covered the essentials.

“I thought you said we should hurry,” she said, smirking at him.

For a moment he didn’t move his eyes from hers, as if challenging her. But then he zipped up his jeans.

“Yes, we’re late already,” he said. “Now hurry.”

Hlobo didn’t take as long as Sizwe had anticipated. She slipped on a simple flowery dress, perfect for the warm summer evening.

They arrived outside and joined in the celebration. People were standing in a circle around a big bonfire and young Zulu girls were doing a traditional dance. Everyone was clapping their hands to the rhythm of the drum.

“You didn’t bring your camera,” Hlobo whispered when she noticed someone else taking photos.

“Don’t worry about that. I have a feeling this will be a memorable night anyway,” he replied with a smile.

Hlobo’s suspicions returned. He was definitely hiding something from her. “What do you mean?” she asked, fishing for the truth.

Sizwe didn’t say anything. He just went back to clapping his hands for the dancing Zulu girls.

“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to our feast,” said the lodge’s manager when the dancing stopped. She was holding a microphone. “It’s always good to come out into the night and inhale the cool air. That’s why every month we have this feast here at Ekhaya Lodge. So please enjoy!”

Everyone applauded.

“Tonight is a very special night,” continued the manager. “Where’s Sizwe Bala?” Her eyes looked around before they found him.

Hlobo frowned and looked at Sizwe. What would the manager want with him?

He seemed thrilled, though, and not a bit surprised as he flashed his engaging smile.

“Come on,” Sizwe said, tugging her by the hand. They went over to the manager near the fire and all eyes were on them.

Hlobo looked around a little shyly. She adjusted her glasses while wishing the earth would open up and swallow her. She hoped Sizwe wasn’t going to do something to embarrass her.

“For those of you who don’t know, this is the rugby player Sizwe Bala, a valued member of the Bulls,” the manager explained to the crowd. She seemed as thrilled as he was. Hlobo got the feeling that whatever Sizwe was about to do, they were in cahoots. This frustrated her. Not knowing what was going on always annoyed her. Who liked to be in the dark and be the last one to know things?

During the time she had been with Sizwe, she had noticed that he enjoyed being the centre of attention. After all, he was a celebrity, something she had never aspired to. The idea of having your private life made public all the time just didn’t sit well with her. Already, tabloids had snapped pictures of her and Sizwe out on a date and published them with headlines like:

Rugby player Sizwe’s new girlfriend! Sexy Sizwe dates an accountant!

Fortunately nothing major had been published about their relationship yet.

“Here with Sizwe is his girlfriend, Hlobo Sondlo,” continued the manager.

At the mention of her name Hlobo squeezed Sizwe’s hand.

“And now, everyone, our rugby star has an announcement to make.”

Hlobo was getting really annoyed. What would Sizwe be announcing? Her head couldn’t find any answers, so she just stood there like any other woman would in her position. She watched as Sizwe let go of her hand, leaving her alone with everyone’s eyes on her. She felt her chest heaving heavily and there was an acidic feeling in her stomach.

He took the microphone from Ekhaya’s manager, who backed away, leaving only the couple in the spotlight.

“What is going on?” Hlobo whispered, her heart beating faster and faster.

“You’ll soon see,” Sizwe said.

She held her breath as he took a small box from his pocket. It looked like a ring box, and sure enough, it was!

Sizwe went down on one knee, opening the box. The most dazzling diamond ring Hlobo had ever seen sparkled under the silver moonlight. It outshone even the brilliant stars spread across the dark sky.

“Hlobo, will you do me the honour of becoming my wife?” Sizwe asked in a hoarse voice.

Oh, this moment was so perfect. She wouldn’t change anything about it. The longing in his face melted her heart. She couldn’t hold back her tears. The moment completely blotted out her surroundings. The people encircling them no longer existed. It was just the two of them: Hlobo and Sizwe. How could she refuse his offer?

As Sizwe held out the ring towards Hlobo, he was praying to God that she would accept it. He might be dubbed South Africa’s sexiest man, but he still feared that she might turn him down. Hlobo was quite unlike any other woman he had ever met. She had a mind of her own and she loved him for who he was. Her beauty had held him spellbound from the minute he met her and the way she made his blood rush rapidly had convinced him that this was true love.

“Yes,” she breathed, barely audible.

“Huh?” he enquired, turning his head to hear.

This time Hlobo raised her voice. “Yes, I will be your wife!”

Sizwe slipped the beautiful ring on her finger. Ululations erupted and the Zulu girls danced to the rhythm of the drum. Everyone applauded.

After splashing a kiss that felt hot as fire on Hlobo’s mouth, Sizwe said, “Thank you.”

It was then that she realised she had opened a new door in her life: the door of marriage! But it didn’t scare her at all. In fact, it felt absolutely right to her. Being Mrs Sizwe Bala would be a gift from heaven. She couldn’t have chosen a better man as her husband. Sizwe was incredibly hot, but better still, he was a caring gentleman! What woman in her right mind wouldn’t want such qualities in a man?

When they were back in their room after much dancing and celebration, Hlobo couldn’t stop admiring her ring. Even under the dimmed electric lights it shone brightly, and it fitted perfectly on her finger.

“Don’t worry, it won’t go anywhere,” Sizwe joked as he came in from the bathroom.

From where she was sitting on the bed, Hlobo eyed him. He was standing there like a mighty warrior, his arms folded over his vast chest.

“I knew there was something you were hiding from me. I just didn’t know it was this,” she said, glancing at her ring again.

“So you were genuinely surprised?” he asked, looking pleased.

She nodded her head. She had only realised he was going to propose when he went down on one knee.

“It was a most wonderful surprise,” Hlobo said. She got up and walked to him. She softly placed her lips on his mouth. He didn’t react at first, allowing her to play with his lips. Then he responded to her gentle kiss by increasing its intensity. She was stripped of her last bit of control when he put his arms around her and held her tightly.

Hlobo surprised even herself when she abruptly broke the sweet, delicious kiss.

“I want us to make love, Sizwe.” Her voice was soft but full of desire. This was something huge for her. Sex had always made her a little nervous. Thinking of her and him doing it had made her feel even more uneasy, although that was what she had wanted all along.

Sizwe looked into her eyes and could see that she was sure. There was no need to check with her whether it was okay. So he took control once more.

He possessed her by cupping her face in his hands and kissing her again. She had always found his kisses heavenly, but there was something unique about this one. It was spicier and more possessive. His strength enveloped her as he drew her hard against his body yet again. She knew she was safe with him.

His kiss burnt her mouth, his tongue explored it and went to all the right places. Then his hands crept up her legs, running over her smooth and delicate skin, higher and higher until they disappeared under her dress. Hlobo took a startled breath but he kept on kissing her.

In no time Sizwe’s hands came back, pulling her panties down from under her dress. Cool air hit her exposed private parts, already hot and full, swelling with ecstasy. A sizzling sensation ran up and down her spine like electricity buzzing inside her.

Next to go was her dress, followed by her bra.

Soon she stood there naked, her nipples springing up.

“My God, what have I done to deserve you?” Sizwe gasped, staring at her.

“You tell me,” she said confidently.

“Better yet, I’ll show you what I’ve got,” he replied with a naughty wink.

But before he could deliver on his promise, Hlobo took the lead. She pulled off his golf shirt and stared at his dark upper body. His shoulders were immense, his arms all muscle and his abs chiselled. She ran her fingertips over them and they bumped up and down like a car on a rocky path.

Sizwe scooped her up as if she was a mere feather. He took possession of Hlobo’s mouth again while carrying her to the bed. He gently put her down on it. Then he tugged off his jeans and underwear. She gasped as his long and erect penis hovered above her. Like the rest of his body, it was truly amazing.

He carefully positioned himself between her legs and started to kiss her again. She closed her eyes as he began to press against her without entering her temple. Sizwe took his time. He let the tension build until they could bear it no longer. They simply had to become one.

Simultaneously they opened their eyes and then he raised himself slightly. While looking deep into her eyes, her very soul, he gently lowered himself into her.

Hlobo’s head reeled and her body arched. She wanted all of him. And that was exactly what he gave her. He filled her up and asked, “Are you comfortable?”

She nodded and he slowly started to move up and down in her, gently rocking her body. Each slow thrust caused him to gasp with exhilaration. His face soon shimmered with perspiration under the dim glow of the lights.

Sizwe felt an overwhelming desire to be with Hlobo for­ever. He had fallen really hard for her. While making love to her, he actually felt quite emotional. How could he be so close to anyone? It was as if she had cast a spell on him.

For a moment Hlobo thought she saw tears in his dark eyes, but then the rhythm he so expertly created filled her with even more waves of ecstasy. She encircled his waist with her legs, writhing and holding on for dear life. Sizwe transported her to the stars and across the galaxy in a discovery of intense pleasure. Erupting in an amazing spill of orgasm, she finally returned to earth and reality. He felt her shudder and shake as he released his seed.