:Disclaimer: Gorgeous Carat belongs to You Higuri:
"Tell Laila I want the healing ointments as well as her special blends - the ones in the blue bottles." Ray looked up from studying the unconscious man at his feet and added, "I'll need a bath prepared in the next room."
Jacques murmured a quick acknowledgment and fled the room, having seen more than enough of his master in this mood. Jacques had a particular dislike for the "next room" and the things that were likely to happen to the poor man he'd just whipped into unconsciousness.
"He wants your healing potions," Jacques told Laila, after nearly colliding with her. She'd been pacing near the stairs to the basement, knowing Ray would want her potions, but not knowing which ones.
"It's quiet," she said in as mild a voice as she could manage as she led Jacques to the cabinet that held her vials and jars. She occupied herself selecting the best salves and ointments for whip marks. "Is he...?"
"He wants the blue jars. And the tub."
Laila exhaled shakily and gripped the edge of the cupboard. She had been afraid it would come to this - ever since Ray returned from that party speaking of nothing but amethysts. She hadn't understood at the time that it had been more than just a party for the social elite. It wasn't until the next day that Ray returned home triumphant with his "Amethyst" in tow that she realized the party had been nothing but an excuse for Madame Rochefort to display her prized possession - her son - to those most likely to pay a princely sum to own him.
Ray had laughed at her naiveté, reminding her that nobles had never had a problem with selling off their children just like any other piece of property. According to Ray, the man had not even known his mother's intentions until she'd presented him to Count Ray Balzac Courland, his distant relative, and ordered him to strip. The man, Florian, had refused of course, and his mother had struck him for his disobedience. From what Ray told her, it was only Ray's intervention that saved Florian from further harm at his mother's hands, and the deal had been closed soon after.
Upon arriving home, Ray had taken the pale, ill-looking man directly upstairs to an unused bedroom, telling Laila only that the newcomer was now living with them. Florian had been in the house only two days, during which he'd ignored everyone, when he'd finally managed to anger Ray enough to bring about the current situation.
Laila slowly took down four small blue glass vials - ointments specially made at Ray's request, and one larger blue glass jar of a special cream. With great reluctance she added them to a small tray with the healing ointments and handed it to Jacques.
"I'd better prepare more healing salve. I have a feeling it will be needed."
Jacques nodded solemnly and carried the tray downstairs.
XXXXX
Florian woke slowly, confused by the conflicting sensations of soothing warmth and burning pain. He felt as if he were floating and wondered if it was just his mind refusing to accept what was happening to his body. He remembered the whip, and the knife, and the devil's emerald eyes. Even with his eyes closed he could still feel those eyes watching him.
"Wake up," a voice insisted, but Florian tried to ignore it, keeping his eyes closed despite the insistent patting on his cheek. He shifted a little to try to get away but he bumped into something warm and solid.
"My arm's falling asleep." The voice complained, but there was humor, not anger in the tone and Florian smiled a little as he slowly opened his eyes.
"Finally awake, little lord?" Ray teased as he dipped his cloth into the warm water and glided it lightly over one of the wounds on Florian's chest. The blond was submerged in a large tub of bathwater with only his head and the tops of his shoulders angled out of the water, held by Ray's arm and shoulder. The warmth of the water, Ray's strong presence and the gentle movement of the cloth over his skin combined to make him uncomfortably aware of his state of undress. Florian gasped and tried to pull back but there was nowhere for him to go.
"What are you doing?" He demanded, eyeing his "owner" warily. He still couldn't accept that his mother had sold him rather than the family's precious diamond in order to pay off their debts. He thought of the way she'd looked at him, the tears in her eyes that didn't match the hardness of her expression.
He'd been raised to expect that his future would be arranged to benefit his family, but he'd thought it would be through marriage. He'd never expected his fate to be that of so many daughters of nobility – sold off to the highest bidder to become a rich man's plaything.
He'd pitied the poor girls he'd heard about, but he'd never really understood what a life like that would mean – even when he'd heard rumors of abuse and saw once-beautiful girls grown into frail and pitiful women.
He gasped as Ray rinsed off one of the lash wounds. Florian realized that he'd become one of the pitiful ones himself.
"Why are you crying?" Ray demanded, stilling the cloth for a moment. "Did I hurt you?"
"No," Florian whispered, closing his eyes, unable to look at those emerald eyes when he lied.
"Stand up then. I'll dry you off."
Florian opened his eyes but he kept his head down as he climbed slowly to his feet, his body protesting every movement. He felt as weak as a kitten and nearly fell over when Ray flung the towel over his shoulders.
"Steady," Ray instructed as he helped Florian climb out of the deep tub. Ray wrapped a large towel around him and patted it. Florian stood motionless and let Ray tend him, not sure what Ray's motives were or what Ray expected of him. Could it really be… ?
Florian's life was a rather sheltered one thanks to his protective mother but he wasn't completely naive about why one person might want to own another. It bothered him that he couldn't read this man the way he could read so many people. Florian had always been sensitive to other's people's moods and had been able to relate to them using that as a guide. But Ray… everything about him seemed to be a contradiction.
"Lie down on your stomach and I'll put ointment on those wounds."
"Are you angry with me?" Florian asked meekly as he laid down, turning his face away from Ray. He flinched as cold, wet ointment was spread on his back.
"I was."
"I'm sorry." Florian said, then cried out as the ointment burned a particularly bad lash wound.
"Shhh…," Ray soothed, changing his touch into an almost-caress as he continued to treat Florian's wounds. After several moments of silence, Ray had worked his way down to the last of the injuries on the small of Florian's back. He poured more ointment onto the skin and worked it in, his hands straying downwards to brush against Florian's exposed but injury-free backside.
"Ahh." Florian gasped in protest and shifted uneasily, the relaxation of the last few minutes, fleeing instantly.
"Relax," Ray chided. "I'm just trying to help you. Here, turn over."
Florian blushed, feeling foolish for reacting so strongly when this man was just trying to help him. He turned on the wide bed, wondering idly why something like that and the tub and other bathroom fixtures were in what was obviously the cellar. "Is this my new room?" he asked tentatively, afraid his bit of foolish defiance had earned him this windowless room. He refused to even think of it as a cell, although it did somewhat resemble one.
"Your room is upstairs but you'll be staying here for a little while, while you recover."
"Why is there a bed and a tub in the cellar?"
"Some people earn much longer stays down here than you have." Ray offered a smile with his answer and Florian felt a flutter of nervousness and perhaps something else that he couldn't quite define. What was it about this man that unsettled him so?
"There, now all of the wounds have been treated. Rest a moment while I get Laila's special ointment."
"What's that for?" Florian asked, frowning as the ointment burned a little on his chest then started to tingle.
"I have to find the treatment that works best." He held up a second blue vial and tilted it so a small amount of pale yellow cream ran out onto his finger. With a smile he rubbed it gently onto a bare patch on Florian's chest. Florian shivered at the unexpected cold. It wasn't just that the ointment wasn't skin temperature, it actually seemed to be burning cold into his skin. It wasn't really an unpleasant sensation – just an intense one.
The process was repeated with a different ointment and this time the ointment felt slippery, making Ray's fingers glide across his skin. The last made him laugh – it was almost like being tickled – a light feather sensation that made something in his stomach flutter as if he'd swallowed butterflies.
It wasn't just the intensity of the different sensations caused by the ointments, it was the scents as well. One was a woodsy scent, the other reminded him of the ocean. The third was a clean, airy scent almost like sun-dried laundry, but the last was the most intense – a crisp almost-peppermint fragrance that seemed to make him confusingly hyper-aware of everything. It seemed to intensify the feel of the ointments, the drag of his injuries, thankfully lessened by the application of the healing ointments and it even made him more aware of Ray.
With a gasp, he realized how unfortunate that awareness could be, when he became all too aware of his body and its reaction to all of these sensations.
Damnit! What was wrong with him?
"Don't try to fight it," Ray said casually as he leaned over Florian and smiled wolfishly. Laila's special ointments are designed to have exactly that effect. Of course, I don't usually use all four at the same time so I suspect you are feeling a rather confusing mix of things right now." Ray pulled back and then stood. "Rest here and let it work while I call for fresh bathwater – I like it heated on the stove to make it just the right temperature. When I return, we'll have a talk. I have a few questions still in need of answers."
Florian whimpered and shifted restlessly on the bed but before he could turn away from his owner, Florian's wrists were caught and pulled up over his head. It was no surprise to feel cold metal close around his wrists, but he didn't expect the shackles that closed around his ankles a few moments later. He wasn't stretched uncomfortably but he was miserable just the same – so helpless and exposed with hot/cold/slick/tickles running riot and his body reacting in the most humiliating way possible.
It wasn't the first time he'd had an erection, but it had never happened when someone else could witness his shame. Fresh, hot tears trailed from his eyes and his skin felt as if it would melt from the combination of the ointments and his blushing.
He was so wrapped up in his misery, he barely noticed the sound of Ray walking away and then, after a few minutes, returning.
"Beautiful," Ray murmured after staring for a long moment. He let his fingers trail lightly down Florian's thigh, smiling when Florian reacted strongly to his touch.
"Untouched" he whispered, confirming his suspicions that Florian was still a virgin. It made this task easier, but he'd have to be careful. After all, he wanted Florian to succumb, not to be broken. No, he much preferred his Amethyst with a bit of fire.
"There are two ways to get information," Ray said conversationally as he sat on the edge of the bed facing Florian. "You've withstood the first type – pain of the flesh – but can you withstand pleasure?"
"I knew you were no better than those who keep the brothels in business. Why else would you buy another human being?" Florian jerked at his chains and looked as if he'd like to spit. Ray put a stop to that by moving swiftly to stand and then straddle the angry blond.
"You may have meant to insult me, dear Florian, but you've just called yourself a whore. I won't have anyone talking that way about someone in my employ even if they're describing themselves."
"What else could you want?" Florian half-shouted in his frustration. He was sure he'd never met anyone so confusing and so damned compelling. He hadn't thought it possible but he felt himself grow even harder in reaction to Ray's body pressing down on his legs.
"Don't you remember what I asked you when I did this?" Ray traced the thin cut that ran the length of Florian's chest, from neck to navel.
"The family treasure," Florian breathed the words, almost as if he was afraid to name the 120-carat diamond that had been his family's treasure for generations. His expression hardened at the memory of being sacrificed to save that miserable rock.
"Why should I give it to you?"
"Why shouldn't you? You were sold to keep the thing safe. Wouldn't the best revenge be to give it to the man who bought you? Your mother has more than enough money now."
"You don't know my mother," Florian said, a bit sullenly. He thought of the many things they'd done without in order to fund those lavish parties she'd insisted on throwing, all to keep up the illusion that the family was still strong when the reality was that they were deeply in debt and sinking fast. Her damnable pride had caused her to turn away any offer of help and caused her to forbid her only son from seeking employment.
Still, even as Ray shifted above him and Florian's body reacted, he couldn't find it in him to hate his mother. No matter what happened, no matter how little was left of him after tonight, he still wouldn't be able to hate her.
The jewel , however…
"What if I were to sell it myself and pay off my debt?"
"Ah, but you can't, my dear little lord. Your mother didn't read the contract we signed. It says that any and all assets that you acquire at any time while in my debt become mine. So even if you took the jewel, according to the contract it would be mine."
"You bastard!" Florian yanked hard at his chains desperately wishing he could strike Ray. His anger was so intense he didn't care what punishment he suffered for such an action.
"I'm as legitimate as you, Florian. And it's not wise to speak that way to your master." Ray leaned down, fully aware that he'd brush against Florian's angry erection as he did. The blond's helpless cry was like music and Ray decided then he wanted more of it.
He lowered his head and exhaled on the patch of skin where he'd spread the special cooling ointment. Florian's reaction was instantaneous and quite gratifying as his whole body arched up against Ray's.
"I thought you'd like that." Ray said mildly as he moved to another of the places where he'd spread the special ointments. This time he leaned in ever closer and slowly ran the tip of his tongue across the one was hot and tingled. Florian arched up again, but less this time, his whole body tensed as he tried to fight the sensations. He could feel his erection throbbing and cast up a desperate plea that he would not humiliate himself any more than he already had.
"You shouldn't frown like that," Ray chided. "You'll wrinkle prematurely." Ray ran the tip of one finger lightly down Florian's forehead to try and smooth the worry lines. But he didn't stop there, instead the finger continued its path downwards, skirting the shallow knife wound and down even more until it circled the base of Florian's cock and finally, slowly trailed upwards, skipped feather-light across the head and down the other side to proceed even further down, lifting for the briefest moment to gather up some of Laila's special slick ointment before returning to its path just above Florian's entrance. The blond gave a wordless cry and twisted hard, but the chains and Ray's hand on Florian's hip kept Florian in place as the finger circled the intimate entrance, then pressed ever so lightly against the opening.
"No," Florian cried, half demanding, half begging. "Don't. Please." The word was a desperate plea and Ray answered it, pulling his finger away from Florian and standing up. He wiped his hand on a cloth as he looked down at the frightened, angry, aroused man.
"I'll check on the water," he said calmly and patted Florian's thigh before throwing a blanket over him and leaving the room. He pretended not to hear Florian's gasping sob.
XXXXX
"Ray?" Laila reached out tentatively to the man she served with all of her heart. She rarely questioned him or his actions but this time she couldn't remain silent. "Don't push him too hard. Please?" She added the last in a voice that was barely above a whisper, knowing he wouldn't punish her but afraid that she'd overstepped none the less.
"He's stronger than you think, Laila." Ray assured her and there was a hint of pride in his voice along with something she couldn't identify. "Besides," he added with a grin, "I would never damage a beautiful jewel."
Laila nodded, not completely comforted by Ray's response. She remembered all too well his vow to make his Amethyst succumb. At the time she hadn't realized that this is was whatRay meant. But now, as she hurried downstairs to oversee the changing of the bathwater, she realized how foolish she'd been.
Seeing the blond chained to the bed, his body and face turned as far away as possible, Laila felt a surge of sympathy for him. Ray had covered him with a blanket, but it didn't completely disguise his condition – especially not for someone who knew the effect of those special ointments.
"Florian?" she said quietly, holding out the glass of water she'd poured for him from the pitcher on the sink. Behind her the servants hurried to drain the dirty water from the tub and refill it with very warm clean water. Laila kept her body between them and Florian to help preserve some of his dignity at least. The man was going to have to live in this house after all, it wouldn't do to humiliate him completely.
Florian turned his head a bit to look at her, flinching away, as if afraid she would touch him. His eyes glittered and his skin was flushed making him even more beautiful than he usually was. His lips were red and the bottom one a little swollen from where he'd been biting it. Laila decided he was either very sensitive to her concoctions or Ray had used too much. The poor blond looked as if he might spontaneously combust.
"Drink the water," she urged. "It will help a little. There. Slowly now." She held the cup, careful to let only a small stream of liquid flow into his mouth so he wouldn't choke. She'd only poured a third of a glass knowing it wouldn't be good for him to have too much of the tepid water on an empty stomach. "That's good. Just rest. The bath is ready and Ray will be back soon, but you have a few minutes to rest now."
"Thank you," Florian said quietly, although he couldn't quite manage a smile. He closed his eyes and turned his head away again and Laila stepped back, watching him a moment before turning and walking away, setting the glass back in the proper place on her way out.
She nodded to Ray as she passed him and continued on into the kitchen where she had a brief discussion with the cook to arrange light meals for Florian. Then she proceeded to the workroom where she made her potions and ointments. She needed to make more healing ointments, and increase the supply of tea blend that helped soothe unquiet minds. She'd be using a lot of it in the next few days.
XXXXX
"Into the tub," Ray urged as he released the last of the shackles that had been restraining Florian. He took Florian's elbow and gripped it to steady the man even though it was clear from Florian's expression that he didn't want the contact.
"Don't be like that. I'm simply helping you to the bath." Ray stopped Florian for a moment and put both hands on the blond's shoulders, leaning in close so Florian couldn't avoid looking into Ray's intense emerald eyes. "I am not a rapist, Florian. I won't force you." He waited for Florian's tension to ease but it didn't happen. Instead the blond looked wary and uncertain.
"I'm not saying I won't pleasure you, but only by touching, and perhaps some kissing. Anything more than that and you will have to ask." He offered a smirk. "I'm quite skilled in initiating virgins."
Florian recoiled at that and his hand came up, ready to deliver a solid punch, but Ray caught the fist and held it, leaning down to give it a kiss before releasing it.
"If you so much as think of striking me, I'll slather you with those ointments and leave you chained until you lose your senses, since whipping doesn't seem to deter you." Ray's tone was mild but there was danger in those eyes and Florian dropped his eyes, nodding his understanding. He would have risked a whipping but not the other punishment. Even now it was difficult to walk as his erection still hadn't subsided.
Ray helped him into the tub and sat down on a small stool beside it, clearly preparing to do the washing again.
"I do know how to take a bath. By myself." Florian said rather sullenly. And indeed, the bath was where he usually took care of embarrassing conditions like the one he was currently wishing would go away. Unfortunately, the warm water seemed to be reviving it.
"I'm not leaving until you tell me where the diamond is. And since you've already refused, even while being whipped and threatened with a knife, I suppose I'll have to use other methods of persuasion." Ray reached over and selected the cooling ointment and poured a small amount onto his fingertips. He set the vial down, then put one hand on Florian's shoulder and placed a dab of the ointment just above Florian's right nipple. He wiped the rest of the ointment just above Florian's left nipple.
"Now, this may be a bit cold."
Florian gasped as Ray used both hands to cover both nipples with the ointment, alternating hands and using slow and deliberate movements to make sure every bit of the sensitive skin was covered.
Florian's full arousal returned immediately and painfully, making the blond reach for it desperately. He had to…
"None of that," Ray chided. "You'll come by my hand little lord, or not at all."
"Then I chose not at all!" Florian said defiantly, but he was panting and shifting uncomfortably.
This wouldn't take long at all, Ray decided. He leaned over Florian holding one of the vials and asked, "Will you tell me about the diamond?"
Florian shook his head and managed to look even more miserable. In his eyes was a spark of defiance, but it was dimmer than it had been and Ray was sure he'd have what he wanted before the hour was out – probably much sooner.
"Stand up," he commanded, standing up himself and pushing the stool aside. When Florian didn't obey quickly enough he leaned down, grabbed a thin arm and hauled the blond to his feet.
Without warning, he continued to pull Florian closer and suddenly lowered his head and closed his lips around Florian's erect right nipple. Florian cried out and his hands gripped Ray's shoulders as Ray's tongue dragged roughly across the sensitized flesh. At the same time, Ray reached up and pinched the left nipple hard.
Florian wailed and arched up against Ray, his hands gripping the fabric of Ray's robe so hard Ray wondered if it would tear.
Pleased by his success, Ray switched sides and repeated his actions, keeping one hand on Florian, prepared to catch him if his knees gave out.
"The diamond!" Ray demanded before biting lightly at the left nipple while giving the right another pinch. Fully aware of his actions, he shifted his arm slightly and felt the cloth of his robe brush against something, Florian's response was most gratifying.
"Why?" Florian countered, surprising Ray. He'd expected a defiant "no" or "never".
Ray released both nipples and sat back a little, one hand reaching for the vial of slick ointment while the other traced little patterns on Florian's back to distract him. Trying not to move to quickly, Ray moved the ointment-slick hand down behind Florian, aiming for that bit of skin behind his balls. He was a little off but moved his hand quickly and slid the ointment up and back until he was teasing Florian's entrance, just circling it but not trying to press inward.
"No!" Florian sobbed, pressing as far forward as he can, his erection trapped between him and Ray. Without letting go, Ray stood so they were pressed together, his mouth poised over Florian's neck.
"Please, no," Florian begged, sobbing openly even while he rocked back and forth slightly, his body seeking the twin points of stimulation.
"Give me what I want," Ray countered, finally pressing one finger directly against Florian's opening. Florian gasped and went rigid, fighting against his desperation with everything he had.
"I can't."
Ray studied him for a long moment, not moving, then slowly pulled his hand away and stepped back, making sure Florian was holding onto the edge of the tub and wouldn't fall. He wiped his hand and straightened his robe, taking a moment to try and tame his own erection before turning back to Florian.
"Do what you need to and clean up then take a nap. I'll send Laila down to wake you later." Ray walked away ignoring Florian's confusion and his own, intent on getting upstairs and taking care of something himself.
Florian stood in the tub until he heard Ray ascend the steps and close the door at the top. Only then did he sink back into the tub, shaken, confused and embarrassed. He took care of his arousal quickly and without any real pleasure before washing off and getting out of the tepid water. He wrapped himself in the blanket and curled up on the bed, still confused and quite miserable.
XXXXX
"Can you walk?" Laila asked softly as she neared the bed. She looked down at the bundle of blanket-wrapped misery and sighed. She hoped Ray had gotten what he'd wanted at least. "If you can't, Jacques can carry you upstairs to your room."
Florian shook his head but didn't look up at her.
"I can't let you go up all those stairs by yourself. So, can you walk?"
Florian nodded but still didn't uncurl from his spot on the bed.
"Good. Here's a robe to put on - it's soft material and will be easier on your wounds. It's old so don't worry about getting it dirty." She blinked, surprised by Florian's sudden, violent blushing. What had she said? Dirty…. Oh… She touched his face very lightly, urging him to look up at her. "Florian, you have nothing to be ashamed of. No one here is judging you. Just come upstairs with me and I'll give you something to help you sleep."
Florian blinked at her, his eyes searching hers as if seeking something. After a long minute, he shifted and uncurled slowly. The bare flesh of his shoulder was revealed before he quickly covered it and Laila finally understood part of the problem.
"Get dressed while I go check the pantry for more jam. Cook thinks we're out but I'm sure there's at least one more jar down here." Laila kept talking as she walked, trying to soothe Florian's nervousness with a little distraction. She made plenty of noise in the pantry, shifting things around and talking before she returned triumphantly with the jar of strawberry jam.
"Ready?" she asked, careful to keep her tone cheerful and not let her eyes stray from Florian's face. The blond was as skittish as a colt, and just as unsteady on his legs. "Take the railing there, watch the hem." She kept chattering at him to fill the silence, as if the force of her voice could propel him along from the basement to the second floor and down the hall to Florian's little room. She'd opened the window earlier to air it out and there was a pleasant breeze. The late afternoon sun provided plenty of light, but not so much that he might not be able to sleep. She didn't really want to close the curtains just yet – Florian would probably appreciate the fresh air after being in the basement for almost two days.
"They've brought the tea already, and some toast. Good thing I forgot to set down the jam then, you might want it." Laila fussed, giving Florian a moment as he stood gazing sadly out the window as if he were a bird with a broken wing.
"Your tea," Laila carried the dainty cup over to Florian and watched as he sipped at her special blend. She'd sweetened it for him and he liked it enough to drain the cup.
"You should sleep a little if you can." She urged, knowing the tea would make sure he did. When he didn't move or look away from the window, she turned to leave.
"Thank you, Laila." He offered softly finally looking away from the window. She gave him a smile in return and left, feeling as if she were closing the door of a gilded cage.
:end part 1: