by Faith Ryan
The Masked Prince
The Dirty Heroes Collection
Faith Ryan
Contents
The Dirty Heroes Collection
Playlist
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Epilogue
Hunted - Sneak Peek
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Find Faith Online
Also by Faith Ryan
Copyright © 2020 by Faith Ryan
Editor: Ally Vance
Formatting: Raven Designs
Cover Design: Simply Defined Art
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems without written permission from the author, except for the brief use of quotations in a book review.
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or locales is completely coincidental.
Created with Vellum
Once upon a time, a scorned Queen opened a box, unleashing horrible evil on the world's heroes.
Instead of gallantry and chivalry, they now possessed much more perverse traits. They’ve fallen victim to their darkest and most deviant desires.
This is one of their stories...
Playlist
Available to listen on Spotify
King for a Day – Pierce the Veil
Emperor’s New Clothes – Panic! At the Disco
Wonderland – Natalia Kills
A Whole New World – Boyce Avenue
Speechless – Jason Chen
Prince Ali – Angelo Bissanti
Friend Like Me – Ne-Yo
Beautiful Soul – Jesse McCartney
A Kiss – The Driver Era
Favorite Liar – The Wrecks
The Drug in Me is You – Falling in Reverse
18 – Anarbor
I’m Not the one – 3OH!3
Just Like You – Falling in Reverse
Bad Liar – Selena Gomez
We Don’t Have to Dance – Andy Black
Lying is the Most Fun a Girl Can Have Without Taking Her Clothes Off – Panic! At the Disco
Glad You Came – We Came as Romans
Blurb
A thief recruited by a malicious assistant to steal a valuable heirloom.
An heir in disguise along with their bodyguard.
And a man granting their wishes... with a twist.
One night. One job. Nothing more.
Alek is a homeless thief searching for a bed for the night when he runs into the assistant to one of society’s most influential men.
After a chance meeting, Rafe spies an opportunity to gain possession of a valuable heirloom from the home of Kassem Salib, and he swiftly recruits Alek to steal it.
As Salib’s only heir, Jess’ life is under constant scrutiny. Jess wears a permanent disguise that only few know the truth of. When Alek and Jess encounter each other during the heist, things quickly spiral beyond their control.
Nothing is what it seems in this retelling of a centuries old classic.
**This is a MM retelling with multiple POVs. It is downright hot and dirty with some dark elements.
1
Alek
My stomach growls, and I swear I hear it echo off the bricks of this dark alley. The small piece of bread I scavenged from the dumpster behind the bakery earlier in the day has long since become calories burned. I don’t have time to scrounge for more food; I need to pick a mark and claim a bounty before the inn is full for the night.
I scan and dismiss near a dozen possibilities before catching sight of a man in the elegant suit and tall top hat. Rings adorn his fingers and an expensive-looking pocket watch dangles carelessly from his coat. It’s the kind of job that will guarantee room and board for a week.
I wait until the man is passing the mouth of the alley, then I step out and right into him. I quickly snatch his watch, shoving it into the pocket of my loose slacks. Grabbing his arm, I pretend to steady myself and mutter apologies. My hand slides down his coat sleeve and along the fingers of his left hand, rolling two rings into my palm.
“So sorry, sir,” I say and hurry away down another alley.
I make it to Joe’s pawn with seconds to spare. I toss my new wares onto the counter and wait for him to name a price. Joe’s is filthy and under better circumstances I wouldn’t be caught dead here. But beggars can’t be choosers and all that. We all pay our dues at some point, I guess now is my time.
For the most part the items Joe buys and sells are illegally obtained. He doesn’t bother keeping up pretenses with cleaning and maintenance for the few honest citizens lucky enough to walk through his doors. Most items are repurchased by their owners for an exorbitant amount within a day or two anyway, so there’s no need for him to pretend he’s selling honorably. The glass display cases showcase common pawn items: cheap rings and musical instruments. All of which are covered in a layer of dirt and dust.
“I’ll give you two-fifty, kid.”
“What? The rings are worth a lot more than two fifty themselves. Including the watch, it should be at least a thousand.”
“Whatever, boy. Two-fifty. Take it or leave it.”
I consider the benefits of taking the low-ball offer versus convincing Joe to give me what they’re worth. Before I can tell Joe my decision, the bell above the front door rings out a warning of an approaching customer. Most likely another thief come to collect his earnings for the night.
“I’ll take it.”
Joe hands me some crumpled bills, and I hurry back out to the streets. Two-fifty won’t last as long as I need. I’ll need to make some more cash soon, but for the night I’m well off, as long as I can make it to the inn before they’re full.
I run down familiar alleys, taking every short cut I know. The Sultan’s Consort rents out the cheapest rooms in town, by the night and by the hour. It’s almost midnight, which means if the street walkers haven’t already rented a room, they’ll be flocking to the inn to secure one for their next client… or clients.
I reach the wooden doors and find them closed and locked. A sign declaring no vacancy hangs from a rusted hook above the frame.
Upset at my poor circumstances, I kick at the door before slamming a fist into the hard wood blocking my way. The sound of laughter reaches my ears, deep and sultry. Spinning toward the sound, I see the shadow of a man at the corner of the building near the alleyway.
“What’s so funny?” I snarl the words.
“I’m sorry. But your tantrum was rather comical.” His voice is as rich as his laughter.
“Well, I’m glad my misfortune can provide you some entertainment for the night.” The sarcasm in my words is unmistakable. The man stays away from the streetlight, and his face is obscured by shadows.
“I may have a solution to your problem. A long-term solution.”
I’m not sure what he thinks my problem is, but anything that will get me off the streets tonight is something I’m willing to hear. “Go on.”
“I’m in need of someone with your particular talents. I’m looking to acquire a rather valuable a
rtifact, and I’m willing to pay handsomely for your help.”
He wants me to steal something for him? Sounds too easy.
“You want me to steal something? That’s it?”
“Yes. Tomorrow.”
I knew it. “Yeah, well, I need something tonight. Catch me tomorrow and I may be interested.”
I turn away, prepared to find an empty alley where I can rest for the night.
“One thousand dollars,” he shouts at my retreating back.
“What?” I look back at him over my shoulder.
“I’ll give you one thousand dollars for the night.”
“And what would you want in return?”
The man finally steps into the light. He is handsome, but his looks are more dark and sinister. His black hair is slicked back, and his brows arch in a villainous tableau. His body, which hints at being tone and fit, is covered in clothes much too elegant for the likes of the streets in front of The Sultan’s Consort. But it’s the sly curve of his smile that sends a shiver of warning through me. Whatever he wants from me tonight, it won’t be anything good.
“Nothing much my dear boy, just the pleasure of your body.”
“I’m not a whore.” I may be a thief, but I’ve never sold my body for coin. I’ve had countless offers from both men and women, and I’ve considered a few, but sex is an intimate act, one I won’t sully with greed, no matter how empty my pockets and belly.
“You mistake my words. The thousand is to secure your services in the morning. The pleasure of your body will be a bonus because we both want it.”
I don’t trust he’s telling the truth, but the promise of a bed and money is destroying my resolve. A glance back at the closed doors of the Sultan’s Consort and the thought of sleeping in the street shatters it completely.
“Okay, but I don’t want you, and I don’t think I’ll change my mind before the sun comes up.”
“Challenge accepted.”
2
Alek
We made brief introductions on our way to secure a room. I should’ve known a man of Rafe’s status would have less than reputable ways of getting what he wanted. The high class are more dishonest than a thief such as myself could ever be.
We’re staying in an exorbitantly decorated room outside the city proper. As soon as we entered the room, I went straight into the shower. Washing the grime from the past week away, I luxuriate in the feeling of being clean again. When I come out, there is a note informing me that Rafe had an urgent errand to attend to and I should rest. I gratefully spread out on the silky sheets, forgoing clothes and quickly succumb to slumber.
Sleep fogs my mind while delicious sensations pull me to wakefulness. The wet swipe of a tongue followed by gentle sucking at the tip of my cock feels incredible. I moan and reach my hands down to tangle in the hair of the talented dick sucker.
The same laughter from the night before brings me fully awake. My eyes drift down my naked body to see Rafe with my length in his mouth and a wicked gleam in his eyes. He pulls off me, a string of saliva the only thing keeping us connected.
“Oops. I forgot. You don’t want this.”
My cock jerks in the absence of his touch and the denial of release. What is he talking about? Why is he talking? I grip myself and stroke, but it’s not the same and my body is calling me on it, refusing to enjoy the feel of my calloused hand. Fuck.
I let go and meet Rafe’s dark eyes. “Please,” I beg.
“You want it? You want me?”
I nod in answer, hating myself for caving so easily to his ministrations.
“Just remember you asked for it,” he tells me before engulfing my dick fully with his mouth. He takes me to the back of his throat, then sucks his way slowly up to the tip, over and over again. When he holds me in his throat and swallows, I lose it, emptying my balls to the last drop down his gullet.
Rafe licks me clean, but then his playful smile turns serious. “We have business to discuss.”
“Huh? What about—,” I wave at his obviously hard length.
“Don’t worry, there will be plenty of time… later. For now, let me tell you what I need you to do.”
I listen to him tell me about the items he needs me to retrieve for him, a lamp and a ring in the possession of Kassem Salib which are being guarded by his most trusted advisors.
“Does it have to be these specific items, or just a lamp and a ring? Because I’m not really in the mood for death if I get caught.”
“You will not be caught. I’ll ensure it. I need these items specifically; they are of significant importance to my later plans.”
I briefly consider whether it’s too late to back out. I could use the money, but how much am I willing to risk for this high-class stranger?
“I should let you know, Alek,” it’s the first time he’s said my name and the cold detachment in his voice sends a shock of fear through me. “I’ve taken precautions to guarantee your cooperation.”
His meaning is clear. If I refuse to do this, he’ll tell the world about me getting off in a man’s mouth, while no doubt leaving out the fact it was him who gave me such pleasure. I mean, who will people believe; the homeless thief or the highly revered gentleman? It’s obvious to me he has some sway with the court, even if he is not himself a member. The law is simple, same-sex relations are forbidden. The punishment is life imprisonment, or worse, unless of course you are someone of Rafe’s caliber. I’m fucked if I do, and royally fucked if I don’t. Looks like I’m going to be pulling off the heist of my life, all for a lamp and a ring.
“How will I get into the house? I don’t exactly blend into that shallow circle of aristocratic citizens.”
“Leave the finer details to me. You just need to worry about finding the lamp and ring.” He runs a palm over his still hard length. “Now, where were we?”
I let him manhandle me into the position he wishes, gritting my teeth when he shoves his cock into my body with no preparation. I feel the skin tear and a trickle of warmth, and the blood slowly eases the way for his cock. He pounds into me harder with each thrust, making slight adjustments in his angle until he can peg my prostate, making me putty and pliant to his needs. After that he is relentless, and my body betrays me to the intense pleasure that the motion propels through me. I come hard with tears in my eyes.
It’s just one night, one job, then I’ll never have to see him again. Right?
“Clean up. We have an important lunch meeting.”
Rafe waves me off the bed. Eager to get the feel of him off me and wash away the shame of what I let him take from me, I don’t hesitate. I scour my skin under the spray of scalding water, but even after three rounds of scrubbing I can still feel him inside of me and on my skin.
I turn off the water and dry myself briskly. I wonder now if I will ever not feel him. I spent my entire life avoiding the temptation of men only to be tricked into being used. Rather than being with someone I cared about and it being a loving experience, my first time resulted in blood and servitude to a charming villain.
I wrap the overly large and fluffy towel around myself and exit the bathroom. Rafe is nowhere to be seen, but there are some expensive clothes folded on the bed, along with a pair of black dress shoes on the floor near the foot.
I shake my head and search for my ratty, loose clothing. It doesn’t take long to realize he’s taken them with him. He’s probably tossed them in a dumpster, or worse, into a fire. Resigned, I put on the uncomfortably tight trousers and shirt he left for me.
Rafe has taken almost everything I have in just a few hours. With my innocence and my identity in his possession, how much more do I have left for him to take? Will I even still be me at the end of the night?
3
Jess
“No! I don’t want to marry. This stupid matchmaking scheme you have developed is ludicrous. When I find a man I want to settle down with, I will. Until then, let me be.”
My father ignores my words, instead speaking over me. “Jes
s, these men are highly connected. They will add to your status and help secure your future. Besides, you need to marry soon, before you get much older and your feminine looks lose their appeal.”
“Firstly, I don’t need a man to secure my future. I have my inheritance coming, and not to mention I’m not a complete idiot. I could make my own way if I needed to. And secondly, marry before my feminine looks lose their appeal? Do you even hear yourself right now? There is not a predetermined expiration date on beauty. Even if there was, I don’t want to be married to a man who only wants me for my looks.”
My father’s face turns red at my words. “Enough. You are a Salib. There are expectations that must be met. You will be there tonight, and you will show these men your most charming self. Humiliate me and there will be consequences. Am I clear?”
I huff out an irritated breath. “Yes, sir.”
“Good. I’ve had some of the latest fashion in dresses delivered to your room. Please choose something acceptable.”
The implied unlike last time goes unsaid.
I stomp out of my father’s office, with my bodyguard Jairo following closely on my heels.
“When will he accept me for who I am and stop trying to make me into what he wants me to be?”
I don’t get an answer. There isn’t one I’d want to hear, because the truth is Kassem Salib will never stop trying to make me into someone he deems worthy of his bloodline. He’d probably withhold my inheritance if there was even a hint of another relative with potential to ascend the throne in my place. But as far as the world knows, I’m the only living descendant of the great Kassem Salib.