Chapter 1 — Ripe Flesh (Part 1) (1)

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are the product of the author's imagination. All characters are adults aged 18 or over.

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Julia offered the guest an opal ring.

"Such a mysterious color," he murmured.

"Opals are unique in that they aren't a single hue. Their beauty lies in the complex layers of shifting colors—this one can shimmer with up to seven different tones. That intricate play of light is something only opals possess. No other gemstone can offer such beauty."

"It seems rather expensive for a wedding present," he said quietly, almost to himself.

"Your daughter was born in October, wasn't she? The opal is the birthstone for October. It's said to help overcome sorrow and impatience, bringing happiness in return."

The guest was David Suinaga, a board member at a prestigious university in Tochko City. He lived alone with his adopted daughter, Sarah, who was of marriageable age. His wife had long since left him. This was Julia's third visit to his estate.

The first time, no one had answered the door. On the second, Suinaga hadn't been home—only a housekeeper over fifty had appeared."Please tell Mr. Suinaga that I came by from Eihodo in Ginza," she'd said before leaving. Today was her third attempt.

Today, Suinaga seemed in good spirits—perhaps swayed by her persistence. He greeted her warmly, appearing in person.

"Come in, come in. My daughter and the maid are out, so I'm afraid I can't offer tea, but please, make yourself comfortable."

He led her to the parlor and sat across from her at the table.

"You've made quite the effort coming all this way. I suppose I owe you at least a purchase. Especially since you were introduced by young Domishima."

Domishima—Eric Domishima, owner of Eihodo, the jewelry store where Julia worked.

"But if I buy this opal for my daughter… perhaps there should be something in return for you?"

He lifted his gaze from the jewel case, smiling faintly. His tone sounded playful, but his eyes remained cold.

"Don't say such things."

Julia flushed slightly.

"I'm serious. You're nearly thirty now, aren't you? Old enough to understand adult matters."

"You want to see my body?"

"Yes. Is that so unpleasant?"

She lowered her eyes, hesitating. She had anticipated requests like this. Selling a nearly five-million-yen jewel wasn't something done without cost. If it ended with just exposing her body, she could consider herself fortunate. Besides, he was nearly sixty—an old man. Showing herself naked to someone like him wasn't especially humiliating.

"So you'll buy the opal?"

"Of course."

"I can't trust mere words. I believe you, but if you back out later, I'll be ruined."

She gave a coquettish smile, lips curling sweetly. He responded with a dry chuckle.

"Just wait a moment."

He stood, returned with a checkbook, wrote the amount, signed it, and tore out the slip, handing it to her.

"Thank you. I'll send the appraisal certificate later."

"Now it's your turn to show me everything."

"Right now?"

"Yes. Here, in front of me."

He rose again and closed the parlor curtains facing the front garden.

Julia stood and began to undress.

Shame coursed through her limbs. Though she felt nothing romantic toward this aging man, he was still a man—undeniably male. This was nothing like stripping in a bathhouse among women.

She removed her blouse, then let her skirt fall. Now dressed only in her negligee, she slid the thin straps off her shoulders and let the garment slide down her legs.

Only her bra and small triangle panties remained.

"I'd like you to remove those too. And the bra, naturally."

"My panties as well?"

"Yes."

His voice carried a slight tremor—excitement. He was aroused.

At twenty-eight, Julia was a widow with no children. Her figure was slightly plump, yet every curve spoke of a woman fully ripened. Hesitant, she unclasped her bra. Her breasts sprang free, taut and full.

Then she slipped off her panties.

At the center of her thighs rose a soft mound, covered with dark, tightly curled pubic hair fanned like a delicate fan.

Julia instinctively brought both hands to cover herself.

"No. Stand straight. Hands behind your head."

"Like this?"

As she obeyed, shame flooded her—but beneath it, a strange sweetness spread through her body. Seeing his face flush with excitement, she suddenly wanted to display herself more boldly. She was proud of her body. Supple, glowing faintly with a moist sheen, always warm to the touch.

"Skin ready to receive a man—always damp, always yielding."

That was what her late husband had once said.

Now Suinaga stared at her naked form as if dazzled. He gazed at every secret part—the hidden folds, the dark curls—as if memorizing them. Even she felt a flicker of arousal at her own exhibitionism.

"Beautiful body," he breathed, inhaling deeply.

"You said you were a widow. Is that true?"

"Did the boss tell you about me?"

"He bragged about your beauty. How long has it been since your husband died?"

"One year."

"One year… and how have you spent it? Women have desires too, don't they?"

"Do I have to answer that?"

"Don't be angry. Though… your angry face is charming."

"Isn't this enough?"

She bent to pick up her panties.

"Wait."

He stopped her with a sharp word.

"I envy your dead husband… possessing such a beautiful body…"

From the moment he saw her flawless, smooth, milky-white nudity, something primal stirred within him. He circled the table and lunged at her, grabbing her arms as she tried to shield her chest with the panties.

"No! Stop!"

She crouched like a frightened cat, but he snatched the garment away and pulled her down onto the parlor floor.

Though aged, his strength was unmistakable. He pinned her shoulders, straddling her hips—she couldn't move.

"T-that's… cowardly..."
she gasped.

"Cowardly? Fine. Call me whatever you want. I don't care. Right now, I want you. That's all."

His tongue traced the soft skin under her arm, and her body convulsed.

"So sensitive..."

He held both her wrists with one hand while the other roamed—stroking her armpits, tracing the dip of her waist, sliding down to her thighs. He touched her as if she were a treasured porcelain piece, adored and fragile.

Then he took her nipple into her mouth