Chapter 10

The beach was transformed.

Tiki torches lined the dark sand, their flames dancing in the ocean breeze. A massive bonfire burned at the center of the beach, sending sparks spiraling into the night sky. Djembe drummers sat in a circle near the fire, their rhythms pulsing through the sand and into my bones. The full moon hung low over the water, so bright it cast shadows.

And everywhere, people were celebrating.

Some danced, some drank, some fucked. There was no distinction between the activities, no separation. It was all one fluid, hedonistic celebration of pleasure and freedom. The air smelled of salt, fire, coconut oil, and sex.

Sipho and I walked into the party hand in hand, taking it all in. A waiter appeared with a tray of cocktails, and we each took one, drinking in the scene as much as the rum.

"There you are!" Zanele appeared out of nowhere, naked and glowing, her skin slick with oil. She threw her arms around both of us. "I've been looking for you two everywhere!"

"We just got here," Sipho said, catching her.

"Well, you're late. The party started hours ago." She grabbed my hand and pulled me forward. "Come on, Mandla's by the fire. And there's someone I want you to meet."

We followed her through the crowd, past couples in various states of undress and entanglement. A woman was bent over a log, being taken from behind by a man while she sucked off another. Two men were kissing passionately while a third knelt between them, taking turns sucking each of their cocks. It was chaos, beautiful chaos.