She wanted to make a snarky remark, reminding him why she didn’t like observers, but the time didn’t seem appropriate. They had both been oblivious to the risks posed by Modesto. Nobody knew his past or what he might be capable of doing. “What I don’t get is how he got into our room. I thought he didn’t have access?”
“Ah.” Jason gave his head a small shake and frowned. “It would seem Ted had a poor memory for numbers. He wrote the code down on a scrap of paper. Must have kept it someplace in his cabin. Modesto had been tasked with cleaning the room out. The paper was found in his trouser pocket. The police didn’t recognise its significance. Lubinsky did when he saw it. Let’s not dwell on this any longer. It’s done.”
Holding out her hands, she noted the amber henna had started to fade. Like their cruise, everything had to be brought to a suitable ending and life would return to normal.
Jason leant forward, bending slightly, so his face loomed closer to her own. “Kneel,” he said softly.
Gemma did so immediately, towel clutched in her hands.
“Look at me, babe.” He tilted her chin up. “You’re released, Mrs Lucas.”
He helped her to her feet. “Now, let me dry you. How is your bottom?”
“Not as bad as I thought it would be. I’m going to ask Maria for some of her magic potion to take with me. I really would like to be able to sit comfortably through an opera.”
“You could always use one of those rubber rings, the kind old dears sit on.” He rubbed down her legs with the towel.
“Jason! Make everyone think I have piles. No way. I will grin and bear it.” She cheerfully took delight in calling her husband by his name. It re-enforced their return to the vanilla world.
“Good. I’m sure you will be fine. Now, let’s go up to the sundeck and enjoy the view. Esteban can send up breakfast for you there.”
By the time the yacht berthed in one of Venice’s many marinas, they had seen plenty of Venice. The Yacht had sailed past Lido and Giudecca into the lagoon. Gemma waved vigorously at the passing ferries and launches. Jason stood next to her with his arm about her waist, pointing out the different sights. He had been to Venice before.
They said their first good-byes to Enrique and Maria in private. The luggage had been packed and sorted according to Gemma’s wishes. She only required two days of clothing, and the rest would be sent direct to the airport for stowing on the jet, including all of Jason’s toy collection. Nothing kinky would go with them to the hotel, except the ubiquitous lubricant tubes.
“I really should take out shares in the company that makes this stuff.” Jason tossed another empty tube in the waste bin. She had laughed, listening to him muttering under his breath.
Gemma shook Enrique’s hand, and he enveloped hers in both of his. “Thank you. I’ve not always been gracious to you. I hope you will send us your drawings when you have finished them. I would love to see them.”
He released his grasp, putting a hand to his chest. “You will, señora. They are my gift to you and your husband. They never were for publishing.” He gave her a small bow and backed away.
Jason approached from behind, kissing her earlobe and whispering, “Another collection of images to be locked away in my safe, Gemma.”
She knew what lay in the strongbox already. “I can imagine the safe is going to get full of erotica by the time we’re old.”
Gemma bid farewell to Maria as the little woman braided her hair one last time. “You’ve been so supportive of me. I couldn’t have managed without you. You know how demanding Jason is as a Dominant.”
Maria gave her a knowing smile in the mirror.
“I especially want to thank you for helping me with finding my versatile side. A new discovery, and you were so patient with me.” She tilted her head back towards Maria. “Great orgasms, too. Don’t tell Jason. Don’t want to make him jealous!” The two women sniggered.
“So, now you are not his submissive, señora. Does he really change for you?”
“Change? No, he is as he always is—the unceasing Dominant in my life, and I am his submissive, striving to please him. The big difference is he has to wait for me, accept I can deny giving him pleasure, and I don’t have to ask permission for my own. I am, though, his loving wife. That is an unending requirement. I am happy to be that person, always.”
“He does treat you differently. I believe he has always had great respect for his submissives. He knows they gift him their submission. With you, he found romance and love. His need to protect you is enduring. I am pleased for you both.”
Maria kissed her on the lips, not a passionate kiss or sexual, but a kiss of friendship. Gemma gave her a big hug and wiped a tear away. She would miss her Mexican friend.
***
The crew had lined up in the main salon for the obligatory handshakes and displays of gratitude as Gemma descended the stairs one last time, hand in hand with Jason. She had removed the collar necklace and its padlock pendant. Its significance may have never been understood by the crew, but she missed it. She kissed Gaspar’s cheek and thanked him for his dancing lessons. Reminded Kevin his stories would make a great novel and applauded the toothy Dario for his delicious food. Each crew member received a personal comment regardless of their status or role. Her vivacious demeanour contrasted with her husband’s quieter one. He let her take the lead down the line, stepping back with his hands tucked behind his back.
Reaching Esteban and McKenzie last, Gemma said good-bye to them, offering them her most charming smile and a long shake of her hand.
“I’m sure there have been less stressful cruises for you two. I’ve had an amazing time. For Jason and I, it has been quite sublime.” She spoke softly so only the two men could hear. “A kinky girl’s paradise.”
Ruled by Him