CHAPTER 3

INTERLUDE

Innocence lost

I WAS EIGHTEEN when she found me, still young enough to be captivated by her cruel beauty. It was the Feast of San Giovanni Battiste and the streets of Genoa were alive with revelers. I was following the parade with my usual companions, Francesco and Gianni, sharing a bottle of wine and looking for entertainment that didn't involve landing our necks in a noose when I spotted a dark-eyed youth watching me with more than random curiosity. He was slight, thin and pale, though dressed well, as though he came from one of the better houses. I dismissed him at first, but when he continued to observe me a few blocks later, my own curiosity was piqued. I excused myself from my friends and walked over to him.

"Is there something I can help you with?" I asked him .

He looked down, avoiding my eyes, and spoke in a halting voice barely audible above the chaos of the street. "Not me, sir, but my mistress is very much interested in you."

I glanced around; I didn't see anyone else near him. I was hoping to spot a young maiden too shy to approach, though most of the girls of high station here were either accompanied by family or chaperones. Not that I was being picky; I'd take a servant girl or a prostitute tonight. Anything to while away the hours before dawn.

"And who is this mistress of yours?" I asked.

"The Contessa Anastacia."

A Contessa? "What does she want with me?" I wondered aloud. Had I somehow offended this woman? She couldn't possibly be interested in me as a companion. While I knew my way around a bedroom, that was mostly with girls my own age. On occasion I had been told I was handsome, but I was still in my youth.

The boy continued to avoid my gaze. "I am not privy to my mistress's reasons, only that she asked me to fetch you to her."

Why not? I was looking for adventure tonight, and this sounded just interesting enough to qualify. "Let me tell my companions–"

"You cannot say anything about the Contessa," he was quick to interrupt.

I stared at him, curiosity momentarily supplanted by caution. "Unless she has a couple of ladies for my companions, I will have to take my leave of them."

The boy nodded, understanding dawning in his eyes. "Of course. I will wait for you over by the fountain."

He ducked into the crowd while I made my way back to my friends, who I noted with amusement hadn't even noticed my absence, so intent were they on watching a group of beauties gathered outside one of the shops.

I explained that I had an invitation from a lady, leaving out her title. That brought a round of questions I couldn't answer.

"Think of us when you're tangled in the sheets," Gianni called with a lewd grin as I took my leave of them. I shouldered my way through the crowded street for the two blocks to the fountain. There, standing next to a glossy black carriage was the youth who had spoken to me. He spotted me and waved me over, seeming less reserved now that I had agreed to accompany him. I looked around for his mysterious Contessa and surmised she must be inside the carriage.

When I reached him, he opened the door and stepped inside, indicating for me to follow. I shrugged and climbed into the coach, barely lowering myself to the black velveteen seat beside him before the door slammed shut and the carriage lurched forward.

I looked around; the interior was lit by a single lantern shaded with cut crimson glass, throwing lurid shadows around the well-appointed space. The seat across from me was occupied by a woman in a sumptuous red satin gown. A black lace veil fell to her shoulders from a red velveteen top hat, concealing her face, but I could feel her eyes upon me, an impression that was almost palpable, as though the air was charged with her presence. Her gloved hands were clasped around a single black rose on her lap, the stem of which she rolled between her fingers, heedless of the wicked thorns that jutted from its length. I bit back the questions swirling in my mind.

"What is your name?" she asked after a moment.

Her voice seemed to brush against my ear with a husky sensuality that promised dark pleasures. I had never had a woman's voice affect me like that, and I tried not to stammer when I replied.

"Julianus."

She nodded toward me, and I got the impression of a smile from behind her veil. "Perfect."

She sat back in the seat and continued to fiddle with the rose, but she didn't speak again, despite the fact that I wanted more than anything to hear her do so. Not wishing to stare, I focused my attention outside the window, watching the revelers whisk by as the driver maneuvered the carriage through the crowded streets. Eventually the revelers fell behind and I noticed we were climbing, likely headed to the foothills on the outskirts of the city.

The ride lasted a good half hour, during which we rose at an ever-steepening pace. Having left the main city behind, the only light outside the window was supplied by the moon, full this night and casting a silvery sheen over the countryside. Eventually we came to a stop and when I looked out, I could see a wide iron gate stretched across the road. A man in a dark uniform scurried out of a small hut to swing open the barrier and the carriage continued past, winding its way up the narrow drive. The high walls and towers of a manor house rose up in the moonlight before us, lights flickering in many of the windows. We pulled into a courtyard ending in a wide columned portico and came to a stop, then the weight shifted as the coachman jumped down and rounded the carriage to open the door.

"Contessa."

The woman rose off the seat and accepted his outstretched hand to help her down the steps. She straightened and turned toward me as I followed her out and looked around. The boy who had fetched me tumbled out behind me and hurried off across the stone-paved ground to a narrow door to the left of the main entrance.

Torches lit the outside of the massive structure, revealing weathered gray stone that soared several stories to disappear into the night sky. The evening breeze carried the heady scent of jasmine and roses, and I noticed what looked like an expansive garden off to my left where bloom-laden vines spilled over the high walls.

"Will you be needing me any more tonight, Contessa?" the driver asked.

"No, Giovanni, that will be all."

There was that voice again. I sucked in a breath, determined not to react to it, but my body had other ideas. Without a word to me, she turned and headed toward the carved wooden doors of the entrance. Seeing no alternative, I followed behind her, stopping to look up as we entered an expansive greeting hall.

The ceiling soared to at least forty feet here and was painted with frescoes depicting nymphs and other mythological creatures. The hall was lit by three massive red crystal chandeliers with well over a hundred candles in each. Ropes draped from the tops and tied off on iron hooks on the wall gave testament to how each was raised and lowered for lighting. The floors were the same stone as the walkway outside, and colorful tapestries of lush woodland scenes lined the plaster walls.

An older woman in a severe black dress approached from a side hallway as the Contessa removed her gloves and hat. She handed them to the woman, who nodded in deference.

"Anything else, Signora?"

"Not at this time, Lucia. I believe I have everything I need for now. "

"As you wish, Signora." She started to turn to head back in the direction from which she'd come, but not before her eyes skirted back to me, and I swear for that brief second I saw pity reflected in them.

There was no time to wonder at it as the Contessa finally turned and faced me for the first time without her veil, and I felt as though the floor was tilting beneath my feet.

She was stunning. A face that could have been sculpted by the gods themselves featured a small aristocratic nose, full rosy lips, and dark, long-lashed eyes that seemed to both reflect and drink in the light. Her complexion was as smooth as fine alabaster, the paleness set off by the deep crimson of her dress. And that dress was something to behold, plunging to a low V in front and tight in all the right places to hint at a body that could drive a man to fight wars in her name.

Her lips curled up in a knowing grin, as though she could read my thoughts. "Are you ready?" she asked, and while I had no idea what I was supposed to be ready for, I nodded eagerly, savoring the sound of her voice.

"Come."

She turned and led me across the expansive room to a wide, marble-tiled hallway where a massive curved staircase spilled onto the floor. Holding up her skirts, she started to ascend the stairs, a graceful movement that gave the impression of floating above the floor. I followed her, my own footsteps seeming clumsy in comparison. When we reached the landing, she turned and headed down another high-ceilinged hallway lit by crystal sconces and candelabras arranged on the various sideboards along the wall. Above them were more tapestries, and I was struck by the absence of the gilt-framed paintings of ancestors one would normally see in such a fine home .

I was no stranger to luxury myself. My father was a banker at the Banco San Giorgio and as such, lived a life of wealth and privilege. But while our palazzo in the city was indeed fine, it was not on the scale of the Contessa's manor, and I wondered just who exactly she was. Was there a jealous husband somewhere who would take umbrage to my presence, or was she a wealthy, titled widow?

Naturally I didn't give voice to my questions, hoping all would be revealed in time. I still wasn't sure what she wanted with me or even how she had found me. I think I would have noticed a woman of her beauty on the streets tonight.

The hallway we were in was lined with doors, all closed to the rooms beyond, all tall and glossy white with gold leaf embellishments that included curling vines and roses. We finally arrived at our destination toward the end of the hallway. She reached for the handle and glanced back at me over her shoulder, an enigmatic smile playing on her lips.

"Are you ready to become a man, Julianus?"

I sucked in a breath; her voice speaking my name had an electric effect on me. She threw open the door and swept into the room. Before following, I stood back in the doorway to take it all in, from the sumptuous upholstery and draperies in deep shades of maroon and gold to the thick vibrant rugs underfoot. The room was ablaze with dozens of candles and colored glass lanterns, and yet it still felt moody and intimate.

This was the boudoir of a queen, a cornucopia for the senses. The air was redolent with the spicy scent of incense and I noticed several smoking brass censors stationed around the perimeter. A red velveteen settee and two side chairs were arranged in front of the fireplace and a massive carved armoire dominated one wall, but the star of the show was the bed. Surely four could have slept comfortably atop its luxurious landscape. It was piled with rich velour throws, thick furs, and dozens of pillows and held pride of place in the center of the spacious room, its gleaming gold frame draped in gossamer silks and thickly corded tassels.

I was awestruck; there was almost too much to look at. The Contessa watched me, her dark eyes gleaming in the candlelight. "Are you just going to stand there?" she finally asked.

I swallowed, forcibly calming myself, and stepped inside, closing the door behind me. She toed off her pianelle and glided over to me, reaching out and running her fingers along my arm, sending delicious shivers pulsating through me from her touch.

"Do you know why I brought you here?" she asked, her voice a sultry whisper.

I shook my head, unable to form the words in my head. She slipped a finger inside my collar and traced it down my neck and I felt my heart trip over itself. Up close her eyes were a universe of dancing shadows and light, and I was drowning in their depths. Her fingers found their way down to the buttons of my cioppa, deftly loosening each until it fell open. I bit back a gasp as they moved inside my shurt, brushing lightly against my chest as she opened it.

She smiled up at me knowingly then raised up on her toes and brushed her lips across mine, sending shockwaves through me. My cock hardened, straining against the codpiece in my breeches while my heartbeat thundered in my ears. Instinct took over and I slid my hands up her arms, crushing the full sleeves of her dress beneath my grip.

I wanted her more than I had ever wanted anything in my life, and I intended to have her. I leaned into her, pressing my lips against hers again, testing with my tongue. When she didn't resist, I plunged it inside her mouth, wanting to devour her. She ran her hands inside my shurt then ripped it open, popping the buttons and pushing it off my shoulders while my own hands were busy with the fastenings of her dress. Her skin beneath my hands was cool and smooth, and I had to force myself not to follow her example and tear the bodice away from her, so impatient was I to have her.

When I finally got her dress loose, I roughly pushed the chemise aside to get to her ample breasts. She pulled her mouth away from mine and threw her head back, a husky laugh erupting from her. The sound ignited my hunger even more. I crushed her against me while shoving the skirts of her dress down over her hips, my hands finding their way back to her plump ass. I felt her lips smile against mine as her hands slid down to my breeches, loosening then pushing them down over my hose.

"Do you find we wear too many clothes?" she whispered against my lips. I growled in agreement, my arms encircling her finally nude body. If I had my way, she'd never wear anything again. From what I could feel, because I was too consumed by the universe of her mouth to look, her body was worthy of being worshipped.

She pushed away from me and stepped back, kicking her pooled dress and undergarments away from her to stand before me in all her naked glory. My breath caught; she was a goddess, and I had all I could do not to throw her on the bed and fuck her senseless. As if sensing my thoughts, she moved languorously to the bed and folded herself onto it, reclining back with one leg bent, exposing her sex, which I could see was damp with need.

"I believe you are still partially dressed," she breathed.

I quickly bent over and pulled off my shoes and rolled my hose and breeches down my legs before straightening and approaching her. My cock was standing at attention, painfully hard and aching for her. She reached out and wrapped her cool fingers around it, pulling me toward her.

"Tell me, Julianus, have you ever been tied up?"

It took me a minute to focus past the feel of her hand on my straining cock to realize what she was asking me. "Tied up?"

She smiled shrewdly. "Yes, I think you're going to enjoy this."

She pulled me onto the bed and pushed me down, flipping around to straddle me, her warm center positioned on my belly. I could feel the moist heat against my flesh and had all I could do not to force her back and take my pleasure, but she leaned over, her pendulous breasts in my face, and forced my arms above my head.

"Like this," she murmured. "Helpless. While I do whatever I please to you." My brain was hesitant, but my cock jumped at her words, slapping against her ass. She chuckled. "I think I have my answer."

She reached across me to the left post of the bed and grabbed the end of a length of silken cord that was secured there. "Move up," she ordered, raising herself above me. I glanced up at the head of the bed, trying to figure out what she was up to, and scooted myself up on the bed. She reached for my left arm, lashing my outstretched wrist tight before locating a similar cord on the opposite post and doing the same to my other wrist.

I struggled against the restraints; I was trapped, unable to move, and while part of me was a little panicked by that thought, the hungry look in her eyes quickly changed any hesitation I had to lust. I didn't know what kind of game she was playing, but if it got me what I wanted, I was all for it .

"Now I'm going to have my way with you."

She then proceeded to tease me to the limits of my patience, running her fingers lightly down my arms, across my chest, up my thighs, and under my balls. Everywhere but where I wanted them to go; on my cock. She followed her fingers with her tongue, tracing lazy circles around my nipples and down my belly, her silky hair brushing my straining cock as she sucked my balls into her mouth.

I squirmed against the restraints, desperate to have her, and the harder I struggled, the more attention her mouth lavished on my aching balls while her hands roamed over my flesh, her nails digging furrows that left traces of blood in their wake. Just when I thought I couldn't stand any more, her mouth released my balls and her tongue reached out, lapping up the underside of my cock. I nearly came on the spot.

She smiled up at me and nipped lightly at the head, causing my body to stiffen. By now my chest was crisscrossed with the evidence of her nails, as though she had branded me, and I worried if she meant to do the same to my cock. She drew me into her mouth and I felt her teeth once again nibble at the sensitive skin and sucked in a breath.

"Are you frightened?" she asked in that sultry voice, and my traitorous body immediately responded.

"No," I lied.

She offered a lazy smile. "You should be."

She raised herself and crawled up my body, her tongue sliding across all the bloody trails her nails had left. She placed her hands against my chest then lifted her hips and lowered herself slowly onto my cock.

She was tight and wet and I had to bite my lip to maintain control.

"Let me do all the work," she breathed .

It went against all my instincts not to be in control, but as she raised then lowered herself excruciatingly slowly over my cock, I soon forgot my misgivings. I arched my back, pushing with my hips when she would pause just above me, her sensuous laughter sending threads of desire coursing through me. I wanted more than anything to touch her, and I struggled to break the bonds that captured my hands, but her knots held.

I could feel myself nearing climax, and just when I thought I couldn't hold out any longer, she leaned over and breathed into my ear.

"Cum for me now."

I felt like I was going to explode. I lost all sense of myself, but somewhere in it I felt her teeth bite down on my neck, and the combination of the two sensations was enough to give me the most powerful orgasm I had ever experienced.