Santa Apolonia

By Christopher Galveston

The chic and exclusive coastal town of Santa Apolonia in Portugal is home to some of the richest and most famous celebrities in the world. Behind the perfect homes straight out of a magazine, there is a secret world of illicit sex, drugs and murder.

Julian McCandless and his husband Rui have started a new life in Santa Apolonia. Before long, Julian is captivated by their mysterious neighbour, the devastatingly handsome Cayetano Obregon. As Julian is drawn into a world of sexual obsession, Rui also finds himself obsessed with chubby Indian gardener Ari, so sexually unlike his normal partners, but so thrillingly fulfilling.

Violette de Castellane is a doyenne of French industry addicted to sex in hotel rooms and orgies with her gay friends. Her sexual vagrancy masks a lifelong affair with Balthazar Sandstrom, one of the world's richest men. His lonely wife Barbara will herself become embroiled in a secret sex cult that blows Santa Apolonia apart.

Violette's grandson Aurelien is coming to terms with his sexuality and his unrequited passion for Balthazar's grandson Scooter. As the boys fall victim to a sexual predator, they will become embroiled in shocking murder that makes headlines round the world.

Tex Rhinelander, handsome New York icon and world-famous fashion designer, and his husband, the former black supermodel Milo Santo Domingo are the Kings of Santa Apollonia. Tex and his bitchy younger husband's marriage is fracturing in drugs, booze and Milo's penchant for young boys.

During a fatal night in a cave on Santa Apolonia beach, a storm will rage outside. By the end of the night, a lurid tale of rape and murder will make Santa Apolonia the most famous town in the world.

From the bedrooms of glittering mansions in Santa Apolonia, to the squalid gay bars on the edge of town; from the beauty of the Highlands of Scotland to the seedy sand dunes of the Atlantic coast, the glamorous, debauched and sexy lives of the global elite are laid bare as they race to a chilling and unexpected climax.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christopher Galveston
• Release date: Jan 21, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224019465

Christopher Galveston

Christopher Galveston lives in Portugal with my husband and two dogs.

Book preview

SANTA APOLONIA

BY

CHRISTOPHER GALVESTON

PRELUDE

In the heart of Santa Apolonia, a picturesque coastal town nestled on the Atlantic shore of Portugal, favoured by an exclusive clique of global jet set, an imposing storm swept through the tranquil night. Dark clouds obscured the moon's gentle glow, as gusts of wind howled through the narrow streets, rattling windows and rustling the fronds of the palm trees and the bougainvillea climbing up the exclusive walls. The town, typically known for its serene ambiance and luxurious villas, now found itself caught in the throes of nature's wrath. The rice paddies on the edge of town that supplied Portugal with the famous Santa Apolonia rice, rose with the rising storm surge breaching the system of dikes that protected them from the raging sea.

Within the confines of this boujis enclave, where opulent houses stood as symbols of prestige and privilege, an unsettling disturbance disrupted the usual calm. Raised voices punctuated the air, carried by the forceful winds that whipped through the pine trees on the edge of the sand dunes and surrounded the aldeia. Shouts reverberated, mingling with the sound of crashing waves and the distant rumble of thunder.

Amidst the chaos, a piercing scream shattered the night, its echo etching a chilling presence in the storm-laden air. The sudden silence that followed was palpable, as if the tempest itself held its breath, waiting to unveil the aftermath of what had transpired.

Behind closed doors and drawn shades, the residents of Santa Apolonia held their collective breath, their hearts burdened with a mix of curiosity, concern, and trepidation. Whispers spread through the town like wildfire, carried by the wind, as neighbours peered out from behind their quintas and compounds along the coast.

The storm raged on, relentless in its fury, as if mirroring the turmoil that had engulfed the town. The glamour and charm that usually defined Santa Apolonia seemed a distant memory, overshadowed by the unsettling events that had unfolded under the cover of the storm.

Unbeknownst to the residents, this tumultuous night would mark the beginning of a series of events that would unravel the carefully constructed lives of Santa Apolonia's elite. Secrets, passions, and hidden desires would be unearthed, thrust into the unforgiving light of day.

As the storm raged on, its ferocity unabated, it seemed as though the tempest itself had become a harbinger of change, an omen that would disrupt the carefully curated facade of Santa Apolonia's entitled inhabitants.

In the wake of the storm, the lives of the residents would be forever altered, their destinies intertwined in a dance of love, betrayal, and redemption. And as the winds finally subsided and the clouds dispersed, the true nature of Santa Apolonia would be laid bare.  And so, with bated breath, the town awaited the turning of the next page, eager to immerse themselves in the sordid story that would soon unfold.

BEFORE THE STORM

JULIAN & RUI

THE GENTLE BREEZE DANCED through the cork and pine trees surrounding Julian McCandless' beautiful house, perched elegantly on the outskirts of the town of Santa Apolonia in the sun kissed Alentejo region of Portugal. Nestled amidst the rolling hills, their abode exuded an air of exquisite taste and restrained opulence.

Within those walls, Julian shared his life with his dashing lover, Rui Pinheiro, a Portuguese charmer who was Ying to Julian’s yang in terms of looks and sexual charisma. Julian and Rui were not only beautiful in appearance but also in their unwavering affection for one another.

Their home, a testament to simplicity and refinement, boasted clean lines, minimalist aesthetics, and an effortless fusion of contemporary design and cool minimalism. It was a sanctuary of understated elegance, complete with a jade green living pool reflecting the cloudless Portuguese sky, and meticulously cultivated gardens brimming with grasses, succulents and architectural planting. A famous garden designer from the UK had flown over to design the garden, which had already appeared in Gardens Illustrated and Gardenista. Concrete floors, glass walls and sho sugi ban woods were set off by the stunning mid-century modern pieces that Julian liked to collect and the contemporary classics that Rui bought. Julian lounged on Rochebobois bubble sofa in dark grey and admired the vintage Danish credenza they had just bought. Rui lit a cigarette in the house sitting on a Gubi pacha armchair and dropping his vintage Tiffany cigarette case on a marble coffee table that Julian had bought because it looked just like the one Halston had at his 70s pad. Everywhere in the house was faultless taste.

Heh! No smoking in the house Julian’s eyes laughing despite the stern tone.

With all the doors slid open its literally like outside. The wind is blowing it away! responded Rui.

Julian looked at Rui’s handsome face God I love this man.

Rui, standing beside Julian, possessed a unique allure that captivated those who took the time to truly see him. Though shorter in stature than Julian, his presence emanated an undeniable magnetism, drawing others into his orbit. His features painted a portrait of both strength and vulnerability. Rui's olive skin spoke of his Portuguese heritage, hinting at the warmth and passion that coursed through his veins. Framing his eyes were long, expressive lashes that whispered tales of emotions unspoken, a window to his soul. Rui’s smooth chest, devoid of hair, concealed a powerful muscularity that belied his compact frame. It was a testament to his dedication to physical fitness and the strength that resided within him. Like a skilled boxer, his muscles rippled with controlled grace, a reflection of the discipline and determination that he poured into sculpting his body.

In the realm of intimacy, Rui and Julian's connection blazed with an intensity that defied the boundaries of passion. Their sexual encounters were a testament to their deep desire for one another, a fire that burned with insatiable yearning. Rui craved Julian's touch, his love, and the electric connection they shared, a magnetic force that drew them together time and time again.

Yet, beneath the surface of their perfect union, Rui carried within him a complex desire for experiences that deviated from the idyllic realm they shared. The allure of degradation and the raw intensity of encounters with strangers, particularly those considered less conventionally attractive, held a unique fascination for him. It was a complex duality that existed within his being, a longing for both perfection and the exploration of the taboo. This he had kept hidden, even from Julian. Rui had never strayed in the 5 years that they had been together, and he knew that Julian never had either. And so, he pushed his baser urges to the back of his mind, but they kept coming to the surface when he saw a topless pot-bellied scaffolder on a building site or a middle-aged Asian sweating behind the counter of a corner shop near their London flat... A big hairy builder’s crack was his nirvana...His desires for those society deemed not attractive being something he is embarrassed to admit.

In Rui's pursuit of pleasure, he acknowledged the contradictions and complexities that resided within him. It was a part of his essence, a reflection of the intricacies that made him human—a beautifully flawed individual whose desires were as diverse as the colours of the world. It was within the intimate confines of their relationship that Julian and Rui navigated the depths of their desires, striving to understand and honour the multifaceted nature of their passions. Together, they embraced both the perfection they shared and the uncharted territories that lay beyond, forging a bond that defied convention and embraced the intricacies of their individuality.

BEYOND THEIR PICTURESQUE façade, Julian and Rui's connection was profound. Their love radiated through stolen glances, tender touches, and the magnetic energy that enveloped them whenever they were together. Their passionate and intimate moments were an expression of their enduring desire, a fire that burned brightly, defying the norms of gay marriage where 5 years together that they had just celebrated was the gay equivalent of 20 years.

To the outside world, Julian and Rui appeared as an idyllic couple, the epitome of blissful married companionship. Their effortless chemistry and mutual adoration seemed almost too perfect, almost annoying to the outsider looking for chinks in the perfection.

Yet, behind closed doors, their relationship was not just a façade. It was a love story written in the depths of their hearts, bound by an unyielding commitment to understanding, trust, and vulnerability. Their conversations, intimate and profound, painted an intricate tapestry of shared dreams, aspirations, and fears. Ever since they had met 5 years before on a sweaty dancefloor in Vauxhall, tops off, high on molly and vodka, they had been inseparable.

That night, Rui had taken one look at Julian and felt the blood rush to his head, and it wasn’t the drugs or the 6 vodka tonics he had taken either. Julian McCandless was 6"3 with wavy golden-brown hair that occasionally flopped over topaz blue eyes, complementing his full lips and high cheekbones. His perfectly toned chest had a brown golden fur in all the right places, broad shoulders and his skin tight jeans were so tight it left nothing to the imagination. A slight stubble added a slightly seedy quality that turned Rui on. This man is an adonis! Fuck me, he is so hot, it’s insane. What would I give for 5 minutes with him? Everything I have!! As soon as he spoke Julian’s slight Scottish brogue made Rui swoon.

Now it’s getting ridiculous! Stop! Stop! Too perfect...

Unfortunately, at the time that they were both with other people. They never saw either of them again after that night... Their sexual hunger for each other was so strong that it was consummated less than 30 mins later in a seedy toilet cubicle that was close to collapse by the time they were finished. Rui moved into Julian’s Garden flat in West London’s leafy Brook Green a week later.

The harmony of their lives was further amplified by their harmonious connection to the surrounding nature. As Julian and Rui explored the lush landscapes hand in hand, they discovered the secrets whispered by ancient cork and pine forests and indulged in the rich Portuguese of flavours offered by the region's bountiful vineyards and olive groves.

In this paradise they had created, Julian and Rui had cultivated not only their love but also their individual passions. Julian, an artist with a penchant for capturing the people’s souls on canvas, found inspiration in the changing hues of the Alentejo skies. He came from a wealthy Scottish family, traditionally landowners but now ensconced in a New Town house in the Edinburgh. Once Julian graduated from Goldsmith’s in London he decided to stay and party hard, until he finally settled down with Rui.

Rui, an architect with an eye for detail, crafted spaces that seamlessly merged contemporary design with rich architectural heritage. Hailing from Lisbon, his family had a small house in Santa Apolonia that had been left to him to inherit as an orphan, his parents dying in a car crash when he was at university in London. He had torn the house down the previous year to build a dream home for himself and Julian as they decided to escape the stress of London and the disaster of Brexit.

Santa Apolonia was the best kept secret in Europe. A small town that resisted development and admitted only the chic and wealthy. Eurotrash could stick to St Tropez and Marbella. Only aristocracy, titans of industry and A list Hollywood had residences in the Hamptons of Portugal. Deserted beaches along the coast of the Costa Alentajana and beautiful homes nestling in the pine groves defied the ugly modernity of the Algarve. Rui was grateful that he had inherited ancient land there as they would never have been able to afford it otherwise. But coming to Santa Apolonia every summer of his childhood, the town was part of his soul and he loved it. Even though some of the new inhabitants were not always so friendly. They had only been in their new home a few months and they were starting from scratch in Santa Apolonia society, all the families that Rui had known in his childhood having one by one sold their homes for record prices to the incoming elite.

Together, they embarked on a journey of exploration, not only within themselves but also within the world that surrounded them. Their love was a beacon, illuminating the path they traversed, unafraid to wander through the labyrinth of life, hand in hand. Though the universe held no certainties, and challenges were bound to arise, Julian and Rui faced each twist and turn with a tenacity born of the love they shared. Their lives were an embodiment of the belief that, even amidst the chaos of existence, the power of love could create an oasis of serenity and harmony.

Little did they know that their enchanting haven would soon be visited by unexpected storms and trials, testing the very foundations upon which their love was built. But for now, in this idyllic chapter of their story, Julian and Rui revelled in the radiance of their perfect life, basking in the warmth of their love and the embrace of their shared paradise.

THE NEXT DAY JULIAN and Rui went into town shopping. As Rui haggled over the price of carabineiro prawns he was buying for that evening’s BBQ, Julian looked out into the car park of the Santa Apolonia Market and saw a man getting into his dark green Land Rover Defender.

Julian couldn't tear his eyes away from the mysterious man as he effortlessly exuded a magnetic allure. Time seemed to stand still for a moment, encapsulating Julian's gaze within the realm of pure admiration. The man's sculpted features and striking presence were a captivating sight, leaving Julian's heart pounding with a mixture of fascination and curiosity. Tall, olive skinned and dressed head to toe in black including shiny leather riding boots, for a minute Julian thought it was the Spanish bullfighter Jose Maria Manzanares, who he had read about in Vanity Fair Espana. His triceps were barely contained by his cotton shirt and his trousers were fitted perfectly, the crack of his ass on display so his tight bubble butt was almost begging you to stare.

Rui noticed Julian's distraction and followed his gaze to the enigmatic stranger. He couldn't deny the allure that emanated from the man's presence, his own curiosity piqued.

As they continued with their grocery shopping, Julian's mind remained consumed by the image of the beautiful stranger. Thoughts swirled in his head, wondering who he was, what his story might be, and whether their paths would cross again. The encounter had left a mark on Julian's heart, stirring emotions that had lain dormant for far too long. And the thought of the man’s tight butt stirred his loins in a way that Rui hadn’t done for many months now.

Julian had taught himself fluent Portuguese after meeting Rui, to add to his Spanish and French, and so he understood when the chuckling fish lady said to Rui I see you both like the look of Senor Cayetano Obregon. He is your neighbour from the other side of the hill from you. He has staff so doesn’t do food shopping himself! He was a trader in New York and moved here a few years ago. My god is he a handsome man, for a bastard Spaniard! Who doesn’t prefer a good Portuguese man any day She laughs looking at Rui who blushes slightly.

Julian laughed, not only that the shopkeeper knew everyone and exactly where they lived but that like all Portuguese, they seemed to hate the Spanish"

So, he is Spanish. Too tall for Portuguese as I thought...

Interesting thought Rui So that’s our mysterious neighbour Cayetano Obregon. I had no idea he was so good looking

BACK AT THEIR VILLA, as they prepared for the evening BBQ, Julian couldn't help but steal glances at Rui. The man who had been his rock, his pillar of strength, and his lover for half a decade. Yet, the encounter with the captivating stranger had awakened a spark within Julian, a flicker of desire that he hadn't felt in years.

Get a grip he thought to himself I don’t even know the guy and he is probably straight anyway

As the sun set and the aroma of sizzling prawns filled the air, Julian couldn't help but wonder if fate had something in store for him. His heart yearned for connection, for the intoxicating rush of new romance. But as he looked at Rui, his partner, his soulmate, a surge of conflicting emotions coursed through his veins.

In the depths of his being, Julian knew that the journey ahead would be filled with both excitement and uncertainty. The beautiful stranger had stirred something within him, a longing for the unknown, but he couldn't ignore the profound love he shared with Rui.

As they sat down to enjoy their meal, laughter and conversation filled the air, temporarily pushing thoughts of the mysterious man to the periphery. But Julian couldn't help but wonder if their paths would cross again, and what that encounter might mean for the future of his relationship with Rui.

The winds of change whispered softly, promising an adventure that Julian never expected. With a mixture of trepidation and anticipation, he braced himself for what lay ahead, uncertain of where his heart would lead him in this intricate dance of fate, desire, and the pursuit of true happiness.

Weeks passed and Julian forgot about the handsome Spaniard. He had a major exhibition in London and spent hours in his beautiful glass studio looking out over the hills of Alentejo.

It’s so beautiful here. I am inspired by the campo of Portugal. But at the same time my gallery is expecting 5 of my usual seedy nudes of drug addled men and women. Easily attained in London but a challenge in Santa Apolonia where everybody is beautiful, and drugs are snorted on expensive coffee tables and not in Soho toilets.

Julian decided to take a walk. He can see Rui working in his office on a zoom call with his company in London and the offices in Zurich and Tokyo.

He walks for 10 minutes and realises he has probably strayed on to the land of Cayetano Obregon his mysterious neighbour. There is no fence dividing the properties and he only roughly knows where his and Rui’s estate ends. He finds a clearing in the forest with a small pond that gets the sun coming through the broken canopy of cork and pine trees. Julian stands in the peaceful clearing, surrounded by the serene beauty of nature.

As he glanced across the landscape, his eyes landed on the imposing estate of Cayetano Obregon, his neighbour having a much larger complex that comprised several buildings for staff and stables, but a similar minimalistic aesthetic as Julian’s and Rui’s house. He could see the grandeur of the property, the sprawling gardens that were meticulously maintained. As the cool breeze swept through the clearing, Julian closed his eyes, taking a deep breath to ground himself in the present moment.

As he turned to leave the clearing, Julian heard laughter and a rustling coming from the direction of the Quinta Obregon. Suddenly there burst into the clearing the entirely naked body of Cayetano Obregon, running at full speed it launched itself into the pool and disappeared under the water.

Behind him came running a shorter but equally handsome man pale and blonde with a Nordic beauty that made him look like the older brother of Tadzio from Death in Venice. He also launched himself into the pool and disappeared submerged.

Cayetano Obregon appeared first at the other end of the pond where a deck had been built and pulled himself out, followed 10 seconds later by the blonde man.

They hadn’t seen Julian who was crouched behind a tree and an adjoining strawberry tree bush. He was so close to them that he could hear every breath but was so terrified of being discovered that he could barely breath himself.

Julian marvelled at Cayetano Obregon’s body as he lay in the sunlight drying off. His skin was a dark olive, a thick panel of hair ran in a diamond shape from navel to his collarbone. His hair was jet black and thickly slicked back. His eyes were deep jet-black pools so large they seemed to take up an abnormally large portion of his face. His lips were full and his nose slightly too large but gave him an imperfect virility. His body was so muscled that Julian swore that it was actually an 8 pack. Cayetano rose and as he did Julian could see he had buttocks like muscled rocks with the large cock dangling well down his leg when seen from behind, revealing it substantial length. Julian blushed Good luck to anybody who can get that in them. I could but that would break many men! Julian was transfixed That is the most beautiful perfect man I have ever seen. He should be a movie star. He makes Jamie Dornan look like a dog.

Julian marvelled at the strong feet planted on the decking, also freakishly large. What was it about men’s feet that turned him on. He imagined rubbing his cock against the soles of the Spaniard’s feet and started to get erect. He groaned and then suddenly stopped.

Escuchaste algo? Did you hear something? said Cayetano Obregon to his companion

No me parece I don’t think so said the Nordic beauty in perfect Spanish

Bueno porque necesito follarte ahora Good because I need to fuck you now said `Cayetano grabbing the smaller blonde and lifting him off his feet he marched him over to the tree next to where Julian was hiding behind.

Julian held his breath They are literally metres from me. Fuck how did I get into this situation!

He could see clearly and hoped they could not see him. Cayetano lifted the other man up and impaled his ass on his angry megadick, plunging him onto it. The Nordic bitch groaned and wrapped his legs froglike around the gorgeous Spaniard. Pressing him against the tree Cayetano lifts him up and down sliding him down his pole, the blond slut helping by holding onto Cayetano’s shoulders and scraping himself up and down the tree, red cuts appearing on his back but the young man not seeming to notice and care, so carried away with lust.

This seemed to go on forever, both men grunting and panting, Julian once again felt his erection grow. Pulling his proud Scottish cock out of the shorts he was wearing he started to tug furiously.

Eventually the two men seemed to come and the cum face of the Spaniard made Julian cum too, firing his jizz across the obliging bush.

The two men said something else in Spanish and then Cayetano raced off back towards his Quinta, the younger man following him, red angry back on display.

That was so hot. Cayetano Obregon is quite the swordsman. I will be whacking off to that for weeks. Why has Rui never wanted to fuck me against a tree? Julian tucked his tool away and now knowing it was safe to stand up, let the blood flow