by Fawn Bailey
While my men were working on finding Astor, I had another task in mind. Something I should have done a long time ago.
That morning, I left Ginger sleeping peacefully in our bed and unlocked the safe behind the Caravaggio in my office.
I took out the diamonds and stared at the Cursed Beauty like I had so many times before.
I didn't believe in curses, but for the longest time, I'd let this stone rule my life. Now it was time for me to put my theories to rest. La Bellezza Maledetta deserved better than to be put away in an impenetrable safe. It deserved to be admired by everyone.
I took the stone with me and, after a short boat ride, found myself standing in front of the prestigious jeweler, Salvatori.
I walked inside, a discreet bell announcing my arrival.
"L'Imperatore!"
Ignazio Salvatori, the owner of the shop, came to me with his arms outstretched and his smile wider than ever.
"It's been a long time," he said in Italian, and I replied that it indeed had.
But I hadn't felt the need to buy jewelry for a woman since I'd lost Ginger. I'd never given Astor anything but cash. Besides, she didn't strike me as the type who'd appreciate the finer things; she was all business, not much play.
Ignazio led me into the store, where a security guard stepped aside to let us pass. It was home to some of the most expensive rings, necklaces and earrings on the planet. They even had a tiara section, one I hoped Ginger would peruse when we got married. But there was something I had to take care of first.
After all, I couldn't propose to my treasure without a ring.
"You said you brought a stone with you?" Ignazio asked, his eyes sparkling with the thought of priceless jewels he hadn't seen yet. "Can you show it to me?"
"Of course," I replied, taking the stones out of my briefcase.
He cleared the counter, and I retrieved The Cursed Beauty from its velvet pouch. When Ignazio saw it, his eyes found mine with evident fear in his gaze.
"La Bellezza Maledetta," he whispered. "You're… you have it."
"I do. I wanted it back in my family, where it belongs. I'm done with the superstition surrounding it. I want to use it as a family heirloom. I want a ring made just for this stone."
"An… engagement ring?" Ignazio asked, and his hesitation from before was briefly replaced by excitement. "Well, Signore Marino, I thought the time would never come."
"Neither did I," I replied with a grin. "But the girl is meant to be mine. I just hope she says yes."
"How could she not! What is her name? Not that assistant of yours, is it?"
"No, It's Ginger Adley. I'm proposing as soon as the ring is done."
"Did you have anything in mind?" Ignazio asked while he examined the diamond. "This is an enormous stone. It will look beautiful on her. What does she look like?"
"Pale, blonde. Small. Pretty. The most gorgeous woman alive."
"Sounds like my cup of tea."
We both turned toward the sound of the voice, and I groaned inwardly when Ignazio's son, Luca, came through the doors leading into the house behind the shop.
He was much younger than me, and he annoyed the hell out of me. He was one of those cocky little assholes who thought he owned the world when he'd barely experienced it yet.
"Luca," I replied, trying to keep my voice cordial. "What a pleasant surprise."
He didn't say anything, just smirked at me and came to stand in front of the counter as if he owned the fucking place. Luca may have been Ignazio's son, but his father was still alive and well. He wouldn't get the shop until his father was gone, and even then…. Ignazio had two sons, after all. Not that I'd ever seen much of the other one.
"La Bellezza Maledetta," he said. "What are you doing with this thing, Marino?"
"Luca," his father warned.
I glanced at Ignazio. His gaze was apologetic but he didn't reprimand his son further. Ever since the kids' mother died, he was especially protective of his children—primarily Luca, the younger boy.
"He's using it for an engagement ring," Ignazio said after an uncomfortable silence.
I sure as hell wasn't going to fill Luca in on what I was doing. Why should he care anyway? We'd never been friends, only business associates.
"A cursed stone?" Luca raised his eyebrows and laughed out loud. "Yeah, I'm sure every bride wants to receive a cursed heirloom as an engagement ring."
"Luca, that's enough," Ignazio hissed before offering me an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry, L'Imperatore. He's a little rough around the edges."
I looked at the smug bastard and fought the urge to knock that smirk off his face. I always thought that, in another world, we might be friends, but Luca seemed intent on this nemesis thing we had going on.
We were the two largest black market dealers on the Venetian market, and we both dealt in the same luxuries: jewelry and art. But I wasn't going to step down from my throne. Luca would have to make a name for himself, and if he kept being such an insufferable little asshole, he was never going to get ahead.
"I'm glad you brought the diamond here," Ignazio went on with a friendly smile. "I appreciate your loyalty, Ryker."
I offered a stiff smile in return.
Of course, I knew exactly what he was talking about.
There were two jeweler families in Venice. Salvatori business had been in the family for centuries. They could trace their roots and orders back to Versailles, and they had a lot of family history and tradition.
Then there was Casa di Quadri, a newer establishment by the Ricci family. They'd only gotten into business a couple of decades ago, and the two jewelers were fiercely competitive.
As a businessman in Venice, I had to make a decision and go with either one of the companies. I was a fan of Salvatori, as they had more traditional pieces, though Casa di Quadri continued to impress me with bold, innovative designs. I'd pledged allegiance to Salvatori by coming to Ignazio's shop. I hoped I'd be able to keep things civil with the Ricci family, though knowing their histories, there might be a grudge.
Luca's presence was almost making me wish I'd gone with the Riccis, and Ignazio seemed to sense my hostility, quickly ushering his son out of the room.
He returned alone, full of apologies, wringing his hands together to convince me things were back to normal.
"What kind of band did you want?" he asked.
"Platinum. And you can put a few diamonds around the stone. I want a unique design, something that will last centuries. I want this stone to be passed down from generation to generation."
"Perfetto." He grinned. "I will have some sketches by tomorrow morning. I can have them couriered over to you the second they're done."
"That would be great," I replied with a genuine smile. "When do you think the ring will be done?"
"How soon do you need it?"
I thought of my sweet Ginger, still asleep in the bed we now shared. Of her sister chasing her and the future that remained unexplored in front of us.
"As soon as possible.”
"Great." Ignazio smiled wide. "I will keep the stone for now. Rest assured it will be safe with me."
The curse was well-known around these parts; no one would dare attract such horrible misfortune to themselves and their family by stealing it. I knew the diamond would be safe.
"I'll see you soon." I nodded. "Please keep me updated."
Ignazio wished me a warm goodbye, and I left the shop with my head full of thoughts of Ginger wearing nothing but expensive diamonds.
I stopped at a nearby bakery to pick up some food for breakfast, a special gesture I thought Ginger might appreciate. I also bought roses from a street vendor, a pretty girl in a tattered dress.
Around that time, I started to realize I was being followed.
The hairs on the back of my neck stood on end as I turned around slowly. I was half-expecting Astor to jump out of the shadows and attack me, but instead, I came face-to-face with Luca.
"L’Imperatore," he said. He looked almo
st sheepish.
"What's going on?" I asked, glancing around the street. "Did I forget something in the shop?"
"No," he replied stiffly. "I… I was hoping I could ask for your help."
"Help with what?" I raised my eyebrows. I didn't have time for his games. I wanted to get back to my Ginger.
"There's a girl. A girl I like."
"And?"
"Someone I shouldn't like." His gaze flitted nervously from my eyes to Salvatori behind us. "My father can't know about it. I just wanted your advice. I don't know what to do."
"Your father doesn't approve?" I asked, and he shook his head vehemently.
"He would never. He might even disown me if he found out."
"And you love this girl?"
He just stared at me, which made me laugh out loud.
"Look, Luca, I may be the wrong man to give you advice on this. Honestly, when I want something, I just fucking take it. I don't give a shit what's in my way. Family, another man—I don't care. What's mine is mine."
"Interesting," he replied, a sparkle in his eye. "Thank you, Marino. You've been more helpful than I thought."
I rolled my eyes, letting him walk past me back to his father's shop.
I had an inkling who he was interested in, but I wasn't going to say a word about it. I knew how to keep a secret;. I'd been keeping plenty of them my whole life.
17
Ginger
"I'm going to tie you up," he told me, and my breath hitched in my throat as he unbuckled his belt.
He took a step toward me, intent making his eyes darker than ever.
"Get on your knees, tesoro," he growled.
I did as he told me without protesting. My eyes fluttered closed and open again as I sank to my knees, my palms on my thighs and my eyes on Ryker's, drinking him in.
"Open your mouth."
His voice was rough, but his actions were gentle. He pulled the belt from his trousers and approached me in slow, measured steps. My heart hammered against my chest at what was to come.
He hooked his finger in the side of my mouth, and I let out a breathy, hoarse moan as he stared me down.
"You know what my favorite thing about you is?" he asked softly, and I shook my head.
My eyes were glued to his, watching, begging for any kind of reaction. I wanted him to take me. To have me. To own me. I longed for a collar around my neck, for the sense of being truly owned, like a piece of property.
Ryker Marino was the only man I'd be willing to do that for, and I think he knew it.
"W-what?"
"Ask properly," he growled.
"What, Daddy?"
My voice was shaky and the insides of my thighs were wet. I wanted him badly, my pussy dripping at the sight of him and coating my legs in my arousal.
"That you know your place," he said, stroking my hair with his free hand. "That you know you're my little treasure, my woman, my fucking girl. But you also know you belong right here,. on your knees, sucking my dick. On your back, watching me take you. You know what you are, don't you, Ginger?"
My bottom lip was trembling as I nodded.
"Words," he reminded me. "Use your words."
"Yes, Daddy," I whispered.
His touch was scalding and ice cold at the same time, and my body reacted explosively. I needed him closer, needed him inside me. Just like always, I was a mess for him, needing every inch of my skin to be covered in his touch, his cum, his spit. I wanted him to take me.
"Tell me, then. Tell me what you are, tesoro. Tell me what you are to me."
"I'm…." I swallowed thickly, his gaze imploring me to go on. "Yours, Daddy. Your whore, your slut, your toy. Your treasure."
"Good girl," he muttered, kneeling next to me.
My breath caught when he leaned closer, covering my mouth with his. His kiss was sweet, but his fingers were needy.
He touched my pussy from below, and I moaned when he coated his fingers in me.
"Goddamn, always so fucking wet," he muttered in my ear. "You want me to help your poor little pussy, tesoro? You want me to make it feel all better?"
"Yeah," I managed on a whisper.
"Words. Don't make me punish you. We've barely started."
"Yes, Daddy. Make it better, please," I begged shamelessly.
"Very well," he replied in a low, hoarse voice.
He got up, wrapping his fingers in my hair. I yelped when he forced me to my knees.
"Sit on the bed," he said, guiding me over. "Wait while I get something to tie you up with."
So he'd been serious. He really wanted me fucking helpless, tied into a position he liked best and ready to be abused.
He left the room and I waited, shaking on the edge of the bed.
A moment later he was back, holding thick ribbons of red satin and smirking at me when I blushed.
"Shy all of a sudden?" he asked. "Don't kid yourself, tesoro. We both know you're slutty as can be when I'm around."
I giggled and we shared a special moment of warmth before he came forward, grabbing my feet and wrapping them with the satin, which he attached to the bed frame. My wrists followed, and he tied the ribbon to the bedpost tightly. I was stretched open, my body brazenly on display.
Ryker seemed pleased by that, smirking before digging in the toy drawer.
"Don't," I begged him. "I need you to fuck me. I can't take it anymore."
"Not yet," he replied, joining me by the bed.
When I saw what he was holding, I moaned in protest, but we both knew I wanted it. I couldn't even make myself ask him to stop.
He pressed the wand to my pussy, using more of the satin to tie it firmly to my leg, the head probing my clit.
I begged with my eyes that time, but he was adamant. He was going to do this.
He turned the wand on and I saw stars, moans ripping themselves from my mouth as the toy began its torture.
"Oh, poor little treasure," Ryker chuckled darkly. "It's only on the lowest speed. Maybe we should let you enjoy this for a while. Or do you want more already?"
"M-more," I stuttered, my eyes on his with a desperation I was no longer ashamed of. "Please, Daddy, I need more."
He increased the speed and my body tried to bend around the toy, but I was tied too firmly in place. It was exhausting, unbearable and intensely enjoyable at the same time. My body shivered, my teeth chattering as the wand continued its assault.
Ryker began stripping next to me until he was naked, his thick cock in his strong hands making my mouth water.
"Watch," he growled, and my gaze bounced between his dick and his eyes while he stroked himself.
He pleasured his cock with jerky strokes that made me want to break through the ties more than ever. I wanted him, needed him, craved his touch with every stroke of his cock and every vibration from the insistent toy between my legs. My orgasm was building, threatening to wash over me any second. I needed him to stop this, to finally fuck me and fill me with the cum I so desperately needed.
"Please, Ryker!" I called out.
He turned the toy to the highest setting, glaring down at me. His cock was dripping, a tear of precum building on the tip and slowly sliding down the shaft.
"What did you call me?"
"Ry-Ryker," I whispered. "I'm sorry, Daddy."
"You better be," he growled. "Or I'll make you call me Daddy everywhere we go. Would you like that, my little treasure? You want Daddy to humiliate you so people stare?"
"No," I cried.
My orgasm was inevitable, the pleasure already ripping through my body while I moaned for him to go on.
He wrapped his fingers softly around my throat, his other hand pumping his cock while we watched one another.
"You want to call me Daddy everywhere? In restaurants? During business meetings? You want people wandering why you're doing it? Realizing you're just a dirty little slut who'd do anything for me?"
"No," I begged, closing my eyes tightly.
"Look at me!" he roared, and I
opened them again, a whimper escaping my lips as I stared at him. "Good fucking girl. That's better, isn't it? Are you going to drink my cum?"
"No," I whispered. "I want it inside me. Please, I want it in my pussy."
"You can forget about that," he grunted. "Bad girls don't get it in their pussy. Be grateful I'm letting you fucking lick it up."
"Daddy," I said, and he offered me a half smile.
"That's right. Open up, tesoro. Let me fill that throat up."
My lips parted and he jerked his cock right over them while the toy continued its assault. Soon enough, he grunted and his cock spurted thick, creamy cum all over my tits, chin and mouth.
I was eager to clean it up, my tongue going out as far as it possibly could, moaning when I tasted his saltiness.
Ryker growled as he watched me.
"I need more," he said, and my heart skipped a beat. "It's not enough. I need more of you. I need all of you. Are you going to let me have it?"
"Yes," I whimpered. "Anything you want, I'll let you have anything you have."
"Good girl."
He untied me, his cock still hard and throbbing between his legs, then tied the satin ribbons in bows around my arms and feet.
"Get on your hands and knees," he ordered, and I obeyed, my limbs shaking in anticipation. "Good girl. Now take the wand and hold it on your clit."
I did as he said, my body sagging against the wand as I played with it. Ryker climbed on the bed behind me, his thick hardness against my ass.
"Please, Daddy," I begged him. "I need you to fuck me. I'll do anything for it. For your cock. For your cum. Please, Daddy. Oh God! Daddy!"
He'd pushed his cock inside me, in my ass. I panted, but he grabbed the hand holding the wand and pressed down harder. I moaned, my ass pushing back greedily against his cock when I came.
The orgasm crashed over me in waves, and I was barely aware of the wand, focusing only on Ryker and his cock in my ass. He kept pushing in as far as it would go, then spitting down on my crack. His cock made a wet sound as it entered me and I shivered. I wanted him. Needed him.
"You like that?" he asked hoarsely. "You like having Daddy's cock in that tight little ass, tesoro?"
