Just me, alone with my thoughts in this hedonistic paradise.
I rose from the bed and padded naked across the cool tile floor to the bathroom. The mirror reflected a version of myself I rarely saw. Hair tousled from sleep, face relaxed without my noble mask. I looked younger, a little less burdened.
The shower was an indulgence—multiple jets pulsing hot water against my skin. I closed my eyes, letting the steam envelop me as I considered how I’d spend my day. The Ranch offered countless diversions: pools, spa treatments, scenic hiking trails, equestrian facilities, and the enticing company of exceptionally attractive staff.
Yet no matter how alluring the distractions, my thoughts returned to that young man.
Theo.
Upon my arrival the previous day, Vincent had given me a tour, but I had been too consumed by the eroticism surrounding me to truly appreciate my surroundings. Now I made my way from my villa down the pebbled path towards the main resort, I noted some of the other unique elements of the resort—the wildflower gardens, Spanish Colonial architecture, and tranquil fountains. Quite extraordinary.
As I drew closer, I noticed a group of men 'walking' their pets—naked men on leashes, on all fours. One man wore a dog mask and tail attached to his rear. I nodded in greeting, a grin spreading across my face. While I appreciated the display, this particular kink wasn't for me. No, I preferred to imagine using that leather leash to bind one of these men to my bed, experiencing our connection in privacy rather than parading him for onlookers.
With luck, I’d soon have that chance.
I approached the clubhouse for a late breakfast. Or was it an early lunch? The Americans had peculiar notions about mealtimes. But as I passed a small building, I glimpsed a man receiving a massage through a floor-to-ceiling window, and the idea appealed to me more than food.
The older man managing the spa that morning, who introduced himself as Graham, somehow recognized my status and proved very accommodating. “Let me get you some fruit right now, Your Grace, and place an order for lunch to be ready for you post-massage. Roman is finishing up with a client, so I'd recommend a few minutes in the steam room. You’ll feel loose and warm in time for his expert hands.”
“That sounds delightful.” I accepted a thick white robe and shower shoes, following Graham to a small locker room. I discarded my clothes and stepped into an atmosphere of warmth, humidity, and calming scents. “Ah, oui,” I sighed as the heat seeped into my muscles, the wooden bench beneath me offering a comforting perch. The air filled with the sharp yet refreshing aroma of eucalyptus, its scent a soothing balm to my racing thoughts.
I stepped out of the steam room reluctantly, feeling as if I had sweated out some of my anxieties. I pulled on my robe just as a dark-skinned man with broad shoulders entered the locker room. “Your Grace? I am Roman. I will be your masseuse today.” His appraising gaze swept over me, and he nodded. “We will work on those knots and get you feeling rejuvenated.”
“C'est exactement, oui.” I followed Roman into a small room housing a massage table, where I lay down and attempted to relax.
Roman applied oil to my shoulders, applying deep pressure to massage away the tightness. Each kneading motion sent shivers down my back, my body surrendering to his expert touch. He glided his hands deftly, finding each knot and applying concentrated pressure until it loosened. I gasped as his fingers dug into the small of my back.
“Mon Dieu, that's good,” I murmured, my body sinking deeper into relaxation as Roman moved down to my thighs. His muscular hands gripped the strained flesh, relieving any residual stress.
“You have an exceptional physique, Your Grace,” Roman observed.
As I reveled in the sensations, Roman’s touch shifted toward the erotic. His skilled fingers wrapped around my growing erection, causing me to gasp in surprise and pleasure. Waves of guilt washed over me for thinking of Theo that way, even as desire pulsed through me.
“Is this what Your Grace needs?” Roman whispered into my ear. My mind flashed back to Theo’s delicate hands wrapped around me, his breath warm as I tasted him.
“Please.” As he stroked me with practiced ease, images of Theo’s lips and the heat of his mouth enveloping me surged forth. “Merde,” I gasped, the memory pushing me closer to the edge. With a guttural moan, I spilled into Roman’s hand, my body shuddering as release coursed through me.
“Feeling better, Your Grace?” Roman asked, a knowing smile dancing across his lips.
“Oui, yes, very much.” I rolled to my side. “Thankyou, Roman.”
With my muscles relaxed but my thoughts unsettled, I cleaned up and prepared to face the world again. I headed toward the pool area, hoping its bustling atmosphere might distract me from my conflicted feelings.
The vibrant poolside was alive with laughter and activity. Sun-kissed bodies lounged on chaise lounges while others splashed in the water, their laughter harmonizing with the sounds of indulgence. Couples embraced, their hands exploring one another’s bodies without inhibition.
Leaning against a poolside railing, I watched a couple entwined in each other’s arms, their moans merging with the ambient noise.
This indeed was an extraordinary experience, like stepping into a parallel universe where pleasure was the only currency that mattered.
Sunbathing on a nearby chaise lounge was Julius, Baron von Königsberg, my old friend, his slicked-back silver hair and well-groomed beard giving him a distinguished air against the backdrop of rustic luxury. Wearing only designer sunglasses and swim trunks, a diamond-studded watch catching the sunlight at his wrist, Julius looked every bit the poster boy for European wealth and privilege.
“Ah, Julius.” I walked over to greet my friend. “Bonjour, mon ami. It’s been too long.”
“Viens t'asseoir avec moi,” Julius beckoned, motioning to the empty lounge chair beside him. “Didn't I tell you that you'd be right at home here?”
I laughed as I sat down, pulling off my shirt to soak up some sun. “I was thinking about how unreal this all is.”
“Ah, my boy, nothing compares to the pleasures found in this place.” He gestured broadly at the surroundings. “Vince and Ibrahimhave created an oasis in this cultural backwater. An amusement park for sexual freedom.”
