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17

SADIE

When I come out of the bathroom, I have on the black satin gown Matteo chose for me. The front is low cut, but classy, only giving off a hint of cleavage. The straps are thin and crisscross over my back down to my waist where they tie in a simple bow. The black material flows out at the waist and down to my ankles. My hair is pulled half up, away from my face. It’s the perfect complement to the natural looking make-up. The perfect combination of sweet and innocent. The entire outfit is beautiful, elegant, something I’d wear to a school dance and nothing I would expect to see worn in a kink club.

Matteo threads my arm through his, looking ever the handsome underboss in his standard suit and tie. “Shall we, Dolcezza.” I nod and follow his lead. Grateful I wore the wide heels as opposed to the stilettos Matteo had left out for me. If I’m going to be on my feet for hours at a time, I want to be comfortable. Sore feet would put me in a sour mood in the morning which would only have Sergio up my ass again during training.

He’s such a pain in the ass.

I internally roll my eyes.

The elevator doors open on the first floor into the lobby where several couples are seated, deep in discussion. When Matteo ushers me to sit at one of the tables, the conversations around the room seem to go quiet. Everyone is staring at us. Or maybe they’re staring at the three good looking men in suits approaching us.

Holy shitballs Batman. This place is crawling with beautiful men.

The older of the three looks to be closer in age to Matteo. He has short dark hair with some hints of gray in the front. His eyes are a light olive green, striking against his olive skin. His sharp features look like he could’ve been hand sculpted. Not to mention his build. All of their builds.

The two younger men look similar to the first, without the graying hair and there’s a more mischievous way about them. All three are tall, six feet or better, with strong, lean builds and tailored suits that show it of well.

Where’s Jayde when I need her? A wing woman in this atmosphere is a must.

These three alone could be the reason so many hormones are running ramped in this place. I’m so enamored by them, I don’t hear Matteo introduce me the first two times.

“S-sorry, what?” I stutter like an idiot and all three pairs of olive eyes are on me.

Oh help.

“Good evening, Dolcezza.” The older man says, taking my hand in his and kissing it. The way he says Dolcezza is similar to the way Mateo does. It gives me a sense of warmth and comfort. Like I’m precious to them even though they know nothing about me. “You look beautiful tonight. I hope my cousin is smart enough to keep you close or else one of my sons may swoop in and steal you away for the evening.”

Matteo grunts eliciting a laugh from the gentlemen.

“Forgive me. Where are my manners.” He stands to his full height, taking a step back and adjusting his suit coat. “My name Marcello Venatti, and these are my sons, Nazario to my left, and Mauro on my right. We hope you two will enjoy your evening. Nazario, why don’t you two sit with Miss…?”

“Sadie.” I reply, my voice sounding unsure even to my own ears. I’ve been around hot guys my entire life, but there’s something to be said about a made man in an expensive suit and an air of danger about him.

I wonder if either of them will be giving a demonstration tonight.

Suddenly the idea of watching people as they get undressed and demonstrate their kinky ways has merit.

The two men flank me on either side and take their seats. I take mine in the middle and wait for Matteo’s instructions feeling completely out of my element at the moment.

Could have something to do with the images you’ve conjured up in your head about being sandwiched by these two in a compromising position.

A girl can dream.

“Dolcezza.” Matteo’s low timber immediately snaps me out of my indecent fantasies. When I meet his eyes, his brow is raised as if he knows exactly what I was thinking. Matteo hands me a form and a pen then instructs, “Read over these forms and answer the questions accordingly. I’ll be back in a few minutes. Do not leave this table. If you need the restroom Nazario or Mauro will go with you. You are to speak to no one else. Do you understand?”

I clear my throat and answer, “Yes, Sir.” Matteo smiles giving a curt nod before walking away with Marcello.

“So, you and our cousin, huh?” Mauro asks. “I don’t see it.”

I know he’s trying to goad me. Again, living with a bunch of nosy, opinionated assholes my entire life has prepared me for so many things in life.

“Did anyone ask your opinion? I don’t recall that I have.”

Nazario chuckles beside me. “You’re got some fire to you. That’s good. You’ll need it in our world.”

“Not sure what your world is or if I want to be a part of it. I’m here with Matteo to explore some new options in our relationship. You know what they say, variety is the spice of life.” I turn my attention to the contract in front of me and feel my cheeks heat as I read through the questions.

“Jesus.”

The two assholes next to me chuckle. Nazario leans in close to my ear and whispers, “We know this isn’t real for you. You don’t have to actually fill anything out. This is all for show, sweetheart.”

I glance at him and can’t help the irritation that bubbles up inside me. “And if it isn’t pretend for me and I am genuinely interested in a kinky relationship and having a Dom of my own to meet my every waking need so I can be the super submissive, sometimes bratty, sexually invigorating sub of his dreams. Then would I need to fill one of these out? Id it like placing your order online and then you wait for someone else to deliver exactly what you’re looking for? Is that how you two found your special submissive someone?” I know I’m being sarcastic but these two are acting like smug little assholes and I’m not finding myself amused.

Mauro cackles at that. “Oh, you’re good. But if we wanted a sub, we don’t have to order anything.” He gestures with his arms wide. “Look around. As a Venatti we have our pick of the litter, but a special one? Fuck that. I’m not ready to settle down and my brother over there is next in line and will have his wife selected for him soon enough.”

“So, wait.” I point to Nazario. “Your wife or partner, whatever, will be handpicked for you while your brother here gets to fuck the whole female population of Texas? How is that fair?” It reminds me of the world me and Avery witnessed in Baron’s Edge. It’s fucking asinine.

Nazario shrugs. “It’s how things work in our world. Marriages breed alliances and all that other bullshit. But your time will come soon enough, brother.” Nazario directs his comment to Mauro who shakes his head.

“Not if you become Don and change the laws, it won’t.” Mauro rebuts.

“I’m not going to be Don for a while, Mo. Pop’s not going to just give up his seat any time soon. You know that. They’ll be expecting you to marry not long after me asshole. So, you better live it up while you can. Your days are numbered, same as mine.” Nazario teases.

“Nah, Naz. They expect you to marry and have kids right away. You’re the first-born heir to the throne. The rest of us can fuck around for a little while longer. It’s our consolation prize for being born after you.”

I listen to them banter, but don’t pay them too much mind as I read through the limits and specifics of the relationship dynamics listed on the contract. I know this isn’t real between me and Matteo, but damn if this doesn’t intrigue me even more after reading some of these options.

“Dolcezza.” Matteo calls, reaching his hand out for me to take. I do without hesitation. He pulls me close to his chest and kisses the top my forehead. “Did these two idiots frighten you while I was away?”

I stifle a grin. “No, sir. They were the perfect hosts.” I know by the way his brow is raised. Matteo sees right through my bullshit answer. He must more about them than they let on.

Of course he does. They’re family.

“Shall we go on that tour now?” Matteo threads my hand through his arm and after a short goodbye and dismissal of his cousins, guides me through the main entrance which leads into a bar and a dance floor. It looks like any other nightclub I’ve been to. It’s not as opulent as the Velvet Pearl, but then again, this isn’t the same kind of crowd as the Pearl either. Here they actually take it all off and then some and you don’t have to pay for the extra services in the back rooms because the people are already doing said services for free with their partners out front.

Matteo offers me a drink, but I forgo the option. I want to see what all of the fuss is about so we can go home and I can get on my computer to figure a way to help Hawk and the guys out of there predicament.

“Through this door is the Dungeon, the party room where multiple couples may plan specific themed gatherings, and upstairs are the private members only rooms.” He leans in close and says, “Hold onto my arm at all times. Do not pull away or attempt to go off on your own., Once we are beyond that door, if you are found wandering people will assume you are a beginner looking for a partner for the night. Remember, I can only keep you safe so long as you obey my commands. Understood?”

“Yes, sir. I understand.” I’m gifted another kiss to the temple. To others it looks like praise and intimacy, and though I know it’s all for show, I have to admit it soothes my nerves a bit to know Matteo is pleased with me.

As soon as we pass through the doors, the sound of something smacking against what I can only assume is flesh catches my attention and fills me with alarm. It sounds the same as when the guys spar at Ethan’s gym, only instead of grunts and curses, I hear soft mewls and moans.

A large man in all black- a black button-up shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, black jeans, and black boots- is standing beside a woman who’s leaning over a leather covered bench with her hands and ankles strapped to the base and her bare ass on display. The man holds what looks to be a leather covered paddle with several holes, like a wiffle ball, through the middle. He leans down to say something into the woman’s ear and she nods earning herself another slap to the ass with a paddle. My own ass clenches at the sight and sounds. I don’t know how to feel about it all. To some respect I feel like we’re all intruding on an intimate conversation but then again, I find myself wanting to be nosy as hell and watch as it all plays out.

Holy fucking shit. What’s wrong with me?

He’s not a small man so I can’t imagine those are light taps on her ass. When she doesn’t respond again, he swings the paddle again. Then the room fills with her now sobbing voice as she replies, “Yes, Sir. I’m sorry, Sir. I’ll do better, Sir.” His response is to rub her ass with his hand, kneading and squeezing as he whispers in her ear again. We watch as her body falls limp over the bench, and he moves aside to place the paddle in a black duffle bag on the floor near her head.

My heart is racing, my breath caught in my throat. I’m not sure how to feel about what I’m seeing. I have so many questions. What did she do to earn such a spanking and why was it done in public? Id that going to blister her ass or will she only be slightly sore in the morning?

What surprises me the most is when the man unlocks her restraints, sits her up then lifts her into his arms cradled against his chest. He holds her close whispering where only she can hear him. Her eyes are red and puffy, her cheeks covered in tears, but she doesn’t seem upset, she seems…calm, relaxed even. I watch on as he lifts his duffle bag then moves to a wide chair in the corner placing the woman on his lap. He reaches into his bag and pulls out what looks like a soft, fluffy blanket and wraps it over her shoulders tucking it in behind his back cocooning her to him.

Another man sidles up to Matteo and begins speaking with him in Italian. With him busy and not paying me any mind, I continue to stare over at the couple.

The woman is squirming in the man’s lap, her head thrown back, mouth open as her voice becomes a little louder. Holy shit I think he’s finger fucking her right here in the middle of the room where everyone just watches him bust her ass, literally. The same people are now watching him pleasure her while she sits in his lap, and for some reason I find it hot as hell.

He’s still talking low, only to her, and she nods. He must not approve because he moves his right arm out from the blanket and she lets out a loud, “No. I’m sorry. I-I need this. Please, sir.”

Light chuckles fill the room.

He kisses her, hard. It makes me think of the way Hawk kissed me the night he claimed me as his. This man doesn’t care who sees them. He wants people to know she’s his.

What I wouldn’t give to have that for real. And the way he cares for her. I want that.

Jealousy and remorse tangle together and cloud my mind. I fight to hold the tears at bay.

Another barking sound drags my attention away from them to the other side of the room where I notice a woman in nothing but a pink thong and a matching collar kneeling on the floor beside a man fully dressed in a suit and tie holding a leash I can now see is attached to her collar.

What the actual fuck?

I’m not shaming the woman, I just don’t understand. I’ve never seen such a thing in real life. I’ve read about it in books, but it was never of interest to me, so I chalked it up to romance fiction thing. The woman scoots away from the man earning her a hard yank to her collar and a swat to her nose. He literally took his hand and swatted her on the nose for all to see. It’s degrading and humiliating in my opinion, but it’s not my relationship so I keep my strong opinions to myself.

But as I watch the way he praises her when she does as she’s asked. The way he pets her head, and she leans into his touch, I feel flush of warmth rush through me. Whatever her needs are, he’s meeting them, and she seems genuinely content with him.

“Ready to move on, Dolcezza?” Matteo’s friend has finally moved on and his attention has returned to me.

“Yes, sir.” I was hesitant when we first arrived, but now, oddly enough I’m finding myself more and more fascinated by the second.