In Veritas Memento

Rating: NC 17

Disclaimer: I own nothing. All aspects of Spartacus: Gods of the Arena are owned by Steven De Knight and Starz. This is for pure entertainment value alone.

This story takes place after the episode Missio, yet it veers completely into an A/U after the events of that episode. I am a huge fan of the series Spartacus; however, my favorite character is Gannicus. This is his story.

Warnings: M for a reason. This story is much like the show. It contains bad words and smut! If that is not your cup of tea, turn back now. Although, if cussing and nude scenes offend, are you sure you're a fan of Spartacus?! ;) Hehehe. Kidding. Anyhow, you've been warned.

Pairings: There are multiple pairings, and Gannicus has more than one partner in this story, however, Gannicus/Melitta is endgame. If reading Gannicus with multiple pairings offends you, again, turn back now.

A/N: This story has been rewritten, so, do not be surprised if much has changed if you have already read this.

Chapter 12: radix malorum est cupiditas: The root of evils is desire.

The weeks before Cossutius's games passed with many changes in the House of Batiatus. Two days after The Vinalia, Titus collapsed with a fever and hacking cough. It appeared as if he might succumb, but the old man pulled through. However, he was put on bed rest and told he could be out of bed no more than an hour a day. The medicus said it was the arid heat of Capua that caused his lungs to seize; the cough had yet to abate, and while Quintus had tried to get him to return to Sicilia, the old man had refused, saying he had to ensure the ludus was on proper path first. Batiatus was genuinely concerned for his father as the man seemed to be wasting away in Capua, yet his worry did not overshadow the satisfaction of being in complete control of the ludus once more. Since Titus had taken to his bed, the day to day decisions regarding the ludus were again in Batiatus' hands; which meant talks of Gannicus' sale had ceased, and Quintus controlled who came and went within the villa; Tullius was not welcome, Batiatus made sure of that.

*8*

After his resounding victory at the Vinalia, interest in Gannicus was increasing daily. Requests for him at various games in upcoming months poured in, including one from the magistrate, Sextus, who made it known he wanted Gannicus to appear in the Primus of the opening games in the new arena at the end of the year. Furthermore, the blonde gladiator had become a bona-fide celebrity in Capua. The day Batiatus had him taken to town to be fitted for the armor he would wear at The Apollinares, the crowd that gathered around the armorer's shop became so large, Batiatus feared they would be trapped inside. All day, a mob of people followed as Batiatus, his champion and their escort strolled through the streets of Capua, getting larger as the day progressed. When they became cornered in an alley and surrounded, the mass of people pushed and shoved at one another, trying to get close to Gannicus, who graciously tried to shake everyone's hand until they started tugging on him, tearing his tunic in the process. Gannicus, who normally would defend himself in such an instance, was left defenseless because the worst offenders were the women in the crowd. They grabbed at him, ripping his clothes in their efforts to touch him. Batiatus began to fear for their safety, and sent Ashur off to find Lucretia, so her guards could be brought back as added escort to free their party from the horde of adoring fans. It had been an exhilarating, yet somewhat terrifying experience, one Gannicus would not soon forget.

Although he was riding a tremendous wave of success, it was a bitter sweet time for the gladiator. He was being hailed as Capua's Champion, the public loved him, and that filled something inside his heart; he reveled in the adoration given him, and yet his day to day life was a confusing mess of twisted emotions. Oenomaus was increasingly suspicious of his situation with Octavia because the Doctore would surreptitiously question him regarding the woman as if looking for Gannicus to slip and admit he was unhappy. It had become so difficult for the blonde gladiator to keep up the charade that (unless they were on the training yard) he had simply begun to avoid his oldest friend.

And then there was Melitta. She avoided him in the same fashion as he avoided Oenomaus. She refused to break words with him at all and whenever she met his gaze, she looked away immediately. Gannicus sincerely missed the friendship he used to share with them. It had turned to shit, and he mourned the loss. Then there were the feelings of jealousy that would plague him when he would hear Oenomaus mention Melitta as his 'loving wife'. It burned, and he did not want to feel what was in his heart, yet he did. He could not seem to let his feelings for her go, no matter how many times he vowed to forget her, he would catch a glimpse of her, and it would begin anew; a vicious circle with no end in sight!

Last on his list of grievances was Octavia. The Roman noble was like a child with a new toy. While he had encouraged her affections to a degree, she had become beyond infatuated with him; she was obsessed and her demands on his time grew daily. As promised, under the guise of visiting Gaia, Octavia would have him summoned so they could fuck in one of the cubiculums off the atrium. With Titus confined to his room, the worry of being caught was nonexistent, so she visited the villa at every opportunity. The woman was insatiable and Gannicus had begun to spend nearly as much time within the villa as he did upon the yard. It was causing some eyebrows to lift to be sure. She was needy and clingy, but she was also incredibly adventurous in bed, and once he was inside her, he owned her, and that made her visits more pleasurable. However, she was also possessed of a jealousy so mad, it was frightening. A thing he had become aware of recently in most terrible fashion.

He had been an unwilling witness to one of her jealous fits when the woman attacked her own body slave. He and Octavia had been in bed when Octavia had caught the girl watching them through the sheer curtains that surrounded the bed. He had been stunned when Octavia suddenly pushed him off her, leapt from the bed and assaulted the poor girl. She had accused Yadira of being aroused and had proven her point by forcing the poor girl to spread her legs while Octavia checked to see if the slave was wet. It had been a repulsive act, one that reminded him what a cruel bitch the Roman woman could be. What was worse, when Octavia had found the girl was indeed excited, she had, to Gannicus' horror, slapped the girl repeatedly, bloodying the girl's nose and mouth. And he had only made it worse when he had attempted to stop the onslaught. She had turned that rage on him, demanding to know if he wanted to fuck Yadira and threatening to have his "fucking cock severed" if she caught him putting in another woman besides her! It had turned into a most unpleasant visit, one he had not forgotten, and never would, most likely.

Since their arrangement had begun, Gannicus had observed the woman's many personalities. It boggled the mind! On one hand, she could be incredibly erotic and exciting, especially in bed. Gannicus had never met a woman who loved fucking as he did; Octavia often exceeded even his lust! At other times, she was sweet, almost loving, and then, in a split second the Roman cunt would make an appearance and do horrible things. It made his head spin. And then there were the gifts. She lavished coin on him as if she had a never-ending supply and the difference in his living conditions as opposed to the other gladiators was growing every day. He did not want to appear petulant and ungrateful, but it was causing a rift between himself and his brothers. He now had a table and chairs in his cell, as well as more furs for his bed. Because he had admired hers that one time at her villa, she had presented him with a long oval looking glass hanging upon the wall of his quarters to see his reflection in. He had scented bathing soaps, luxurious oils for the skin and more clothes than he could ever wear considering his limited social status. In truth, he had no clue what to do with most of the things he now possessed.

Auctus's teasing name of 'King Gannicus' had stuck and he knew most of the men called him that behind his back. It bothered that Octavia was drawing such monumental lines between himself and the men he called brother. He had even tried to share his bounty, yet Batiatus had refused, saying Octavia had given those items to him, not the rest of the men. He had sympathized with Gannicus' plight but Gannicus was not to give away her gifts unless she gave permission first. Gannicus decided perhaps he could get her to agree during one of her visits. He was certain if he asked during sex, she would give him anything he desired, except that is, what he truly desired; freedom from her and her relentless desire of him.

He just wanted to fight in the arena. To feel the rush of adrenaline as he faced worthy opponents and beat them. That was what he lived for, not social climbing through the games or sex. He wanted none of it, yet he was mired in the middle of it all, unable to break free.

How had his simple life become so fucking complicated? It was a question he asked himself continuously. He still had not come up with answer.

.

*8*

Unlike Gannicus, Quintus was more than pleased at the way things had progressed. With Titus' health in question, Batiatus had refused Tullius audience with his father, enraging the man, but effectively putting an end to all talks of selling Gannicus. As expected, Tullius continued to deny other gladiators from the House of Batiatus placement in the games held in Capua since the Vinalia, but with the Floralia soon upon them, Batiatus was setting sights to the future, not of Tullius and the past. In fact, if his plan succeeded he would see all his men free and clear of Tullius's influence; however, it all hedged on Octavia and her patronage of Gannicus. Keeping her happy was of the utmost of importance to him and, from what Quintus had observed, his Champion was upholding his end of their bargain. From Quintus' viewpoint, Gannicus had the woman eating from fucking palm of hand! Octavia was quite pleased and once Gannicus was Champion of Rome and Capua, the House of Batiatus could become the lanista to the Nobles of the Republic—Tullius would be sufficiently neutered and Batiatus would supply gladiators for upcoming muneras in both Rome and Capua.

It was a dream Batiatus held dear, and one that, through Gannicus, Quintus now realized was possible. He looked forward to the day with relish and eager anticipation. His only concern was still the possibility of losing Gannicus in Rome if he became as famous there as he was in Capua. And that, was something Batiatus had no doubt would happen. Gannicus was physically beautiful and a fierce gladiator, the people of Rome would adore him just as Capua's citizens did. It was a serious problem he had yet to answer but was determined to find solution and soon.

*8*

That evening, Melitta was being escorted down to the barracks of the ludus to see Oenomaus just as Gannicus was finishing his bath. When he saw her pass by the open doorway of the bath, he quickly wrapped his blue linen cloth around his hips in order to catch her. They had not spoken in nearly two weeks. He missed her and desired to mend relations with her.

"Melitta, a word," he called, hurrying after her.

She sped up her pace at the sound of his voice. "I have none to give," she said and continued her course towards the safe embrace of her husband. She was doing so well in resisting her urges towards him. She could not fail now. After nearly giving in to her desire the day she had heard him fucking that Roman woman, Melitta no longer trusted herself to be alone with him and had successfully managed to avoid him since their last conversation in that very bath chamber. Her feelings for him were so confusing, it was her intention to stay true to path and not allow either of them the opportunity to express those desires again.

However, he refused to let it go and jogged to catch up with her. "It is a matter of some importance," he said, coming upon her and forcing her to stop.

He was half naked and still wet from his bath and looked so fucking beautiful it stole breath. She wanted nothing more than to remove herself from such temptation, yet he had made a spectacle of them both. Running away now would only cause further awkwardness and suspicion, so she asked the guard for 'a moment' and moved several feet away to speak with him privately.

Now that he had her attention, Gannicus was unsure what to say, so he simply spoke what was in his heart. "You avoid me, refuse to have words and won't even meet my gaze. Is this truly what we have become?"

"Gannicus, we cannot continue to do this. It is for the best that we avoid one another. You know this," she said softly.

His eyes searched her face for a breathtaking moment. "My mind accepts your logic and I have given thought to what we spoke of before my match...your words…though painful, were honestly broken. I will submit to your decision," he said softly.

Surprised, she raised her gaze. "Gratitude," she said, relief blending with a twinge of sorrow. "You know it is our only option. We will continue as we have until perhaps…eventually we can be as friends again."

She went to move around him, but Gannicus side-stepped and blocked her path once again. "Melitta, what happened between us—?"

"Was not of our choosing," she interrupted. "We must turn it from thought and never give it voice."

"My tongue…it bends to such warning," he said, his gaze settling on her face and causing shivers to run up and down her body. "And yet if we do not speak, how will we ever move beyond this?"

"It is an unfortunate, yet unavoidable consequence due to present circumstance. Oenomaus must never know."

"Will he not notice if two friends no longer share words?"

"It is for the best until such time when we can share words or drink without uncomfortable feelings between us."

"What if that never happens?"

He looked so lost. Melitta wanted to tell him he was not alone. That she too felt adrift in the complicated emotions he stirred within her heart, but she kept those words behind her teeth, seeking instead to keep the distance between them. "The memory will fade with time, Gannicus, as do all things born of misfortune."

He nodded sadly. "Very well, we will avoid the other until enough time has passed, and we can forget…"

Melitta watched him take his leave and it was obvious by the set of his shoulders she had hurt him again, yet it did not cause her to change mind. She had to maintain proper separation between them or she was quite afraid it would be her to succumb to the hunger that bubbled just beneath her cool demeanor. She was weak where he was concerned and the idea of surrendering to Gannicus—allowing her feelings to seek light and grow was an enticing thought; it was also one she must never allow to bloom.

*8*

The next morning, Gannicus emerged from his cell on wobbly legs, his head throbbing with each step from too much wine the night before. After his conversation with Melitta, he had drowned himself in drink to absence her from mind, and thanks to Octavia, he now had more wine than he could drink. However, the alcohol had not helped him forget and he had finally fallen to his bed, drunk and still hopelessly yearning for what he could never have. The only thing the wine had aided in was removing inhibitions and fueling some of his more erotic desires for her. In fact, he had spent the better part of his night pleasuring himself to those taboo fantasies until he was finally able to achieve a modicum of relief from the physical ache Melitta caused within him. It was not his finest hour to be sure.

In that moment, he hated Batiatus for coercing him to lie with her—it had fucking ruined him!

"Gannicus," Oenomaus called as soon as he noticed the blonde gladiator, "pair with Barca."

Gannicus winced, Oenomaus's voice made head pound even harder. He gathered his swords and avoided the Doctore's gaze. He could not face the man—not after the erotic thoughts he had indulged in last night about the man's wife.

"I would prefer to work the palus in the shade," he said and without waiting for Oenomaus to agree, he stumbled his way to the wooden training post beside the water bucket.

Oenomaus scowled at Gannicus's refusal to follow command as well as his obvious over indulgence the night before. He should call him to task, but let it go rather than make an issue of it. He had asserted himself as Doctore with most of the men, but Gannicus either avoided him or outright defied him. He was disappointed in his old friend. He had hoped the bond of brotherhood would reassert itself once Gannicus became aware his circumstance was no longer secret he must hide. He had thought his dearest brother would once again seek out his counsel. It appeared he had been mistaken. He felt as far removed from Gannicus as ever, and it hurt; a painful realization for the proud Oenomaus.

He turned his attention to Crixus instead and was pleased when the newest brother followed his orders without question or complaint.

*8*

Later that night, inside Oenomaus's cell, Melitta lay within the warm embrace of her husband's arms. Her conversation with Gannicus the night previously replayed itself repeatedly, but she attempted to put such thoughts behind her and find the gentle comfort Oenomaus would offer.

Yet her husband had Gannicus on his mind as well…

"We were as brothers once," he said quietly. "Yet he seeks to distance himself from me." He sighed. "I thought we had reconciled the differences between us, yet today, he would not meet my gaze again and refuses to heed instruction."

"Gannicus heeds only his own desires…beyond all reason."

She had not meant to say such a thing aloud, but once voiced, she realized it was true. Gannicus had pursued her after their encounters and even as he told her he respected her decision to allow time and tender emotions to pass before resuming friendship, he waylaid her and pushed to have his desires met first. Melitta's worst fear was that Gannicus would truly set mind to purpose in winning her affections. An alarming thought, because there was a part of her that worried he would prove successful!

With that in mind, she set Oenomaus on path to demanding the men's respect—Gannicus's in particular.

"You must show him that you alone are in command and with firm hand, erase all doubt." She placed a hand on his cheek. "Show them all the man I have given my heart to," she whispered as she kissed her husband's lips, hoping to recapture the passion they had once shared so effortlessly. It had been weeks since they made love.

However, to her dismay, when Oenomaus started to touch her, kiss her, it was not her husband's handsome visage she saw in mind's eye. She could not stop herself. It was his face she saw, his body atop her, pressing inside and filling her. Melitta closed her eyes, clutching her husband's shoulders and willing the image away, but the fantasy only got stronger. It was his lips and hands on her flesh causing her to gasp in pleasure; worst of all, when she found her relief...it was not her husband's name that she wanted to give voice to.

Gannicus!

She barely kept the cry behind her teeth.

Later that night, Melitta wanted to sob with reproach for her traitorous mind and body. Her husband deserved better, yet she could not seem to find a way out of the treacherous waters of forbidden desire she felt herself drowning in. It was as if the Gods Mars and Venus were replaying their taboo affair through her and Gannicus, laughing as the humans failed to fight the attraction just as the Gods did!

She crept from Oenomaus' bed and left his quarters like a thief in the night, desperate for relief from the burden she carried, yet unable to see an end in sight.

*8*

Gannicus was leaning against the threshold of his cell the next morning not really interested in training when Oenomaus came onto the yard and told Gnaeus he would now be using the net and trident as his weapons. Gnaeus threw his shield down and complained about the switch to his weapons. Oenomaus's reaction was immediate and harsh. He lashed Gnaeus across the chest, and Gannicus, along with every other gladiator in the yard, was stunned when the new Doctore used the whip for something other than gaining their attention.

Gannicus grabbed up his own swords and marched out onto the yard. "You speak as Jupiter," he said pointing one sword towards the sky, "hurling bolts from the heavens."

"Raised there by words and touch of loving wife," Oenomaus said glancing up at the balcony to where Melitta stood.

He could not miss the meaning behind "touch of loving wife". Unreasonable jealousy seized Gannicus as he had a swift and brutal vision of Oenomaus and Melitta locked in an erotic embrace. He had no right to be jealous. Melitta was not his, yet it was there all the same, and his entire mood darkened.

"Now pair with Barca," Oenomaus was saying, "and remain far from the shade."

His eyes shot up to the balcony and he stared long and hard at her.

Melitta.

His inescapable feelings for her were tearing him apart and irrational anger flooded him, making his voice harsher than normal. "Barca," he snarled, storming across the yard. "Bring spear to fucking purpose!"

*8*

Later that day, Gannicus was in the yard sparring with Gnaeus and his new weapons of the retiarius. Gnaeus was utterly unfamiliar with the net and trident and Gannicus had not fought many who wielded them either, so the blonde gladiator took the opportunity to help a brother while familiarizing himself with the weapons as well. The Floralia was in a few days' time and he wanted to be as prepared as he could for his next contest.

After he had managed to snag the cumbersome net with his swords and toss it aside for what seemed the hundredth time in a row, he clapped Gnaeus on the shoulder and teased, "Come at me again brother when you've learned how to catch more than my swords!"

He was walking back towards the shade for a drink of water when a guard came out to the yard.

"Gannicus. You are summoned," the man said, standing at attention, waiting for Gannicus to present himself and be escorted to the villa.

Gannicus paused and frowned. He had spent an hour with Octavia the day prior, why was she here again so soon? It did not make sense, she was strict regarding keeping to one rule: she never visited him two days in a row. She said it was to maintain discretion, so rumors of her affair did not get back to her brother in Rome. Apparently, the man did not care for her fascination with gladiators. Gannicus smirked. In that, he and her brother agreed, Gannicus wished she were not so fascinated as well. He had not imagined her worry over issue, yet here she was, breaking her own rule by seeking him out the very next day after she had visited. It was strange, but Gannicus did not question it too deeply. Octavia was always eager to explore any desire he had, if she wanted to abandon discretion, what say did he have in the matter? Perhaps he would use this visit to ask her if he could share his gifts with his brothers.

He was bathed, scented and escorted to the villa as requested. Batiatus was awaiting him outside the triclinium and when Gannicus glanced inside the curtains of the room, he was surprised to see not only Octavia seated upon one of the three couches, but Lucretia, Gaia and the Roman noble whose games he was fighting in two days hence.

He studiously avoided looking at Melitta as she stood quietly behind Lucretia. His dirty thoughts of her made him more uncomfortable in her presence than normal.

He looked to his Dominus, a brow raised in question.

Batiatus smiled. "Good Cossutius has requested your presence."

He could not believe this was happening again. "For what purpose?" he asked, dread slithering insidiously into his limbs and making him feel weak as a newborn babe. Surely Octavia did not want to watch him fuck another woman. The blonde Roman had become ruthlessly attached to him and her jealousy was a terrible thing to behold. Gannicus could not fathom her desiring he put his cock anywhere but her noble cunt.

He sincerely fucking hoped he was not here for a third encounter with Melitta. He feared his heart would not survive it.

From his vantage point outside the curtains, Gannicus noticed Octavia sitting next to Gaia, and the two women had their heads together and were giggling. Gannicus then witnessed the brunette Roman sprinkle some powder into the others' wine, and a sick sense of foreboding assaulted him as he realized they were using opium, and in great quantity. Octavia had tremendous interest in the drug, in fact, Gannicus suspected she was a daily user of the narcotic. She had tried to convince him to have some with her on several occasions, but after his reaction to it when she had slipped it into his wine, he had refused each time it was offered. Thankfully, she had never drugged him again.

However, he knew the effects it had on a person, especially her. It lowered inhibitions and caused irrational behavior. The day Octavia attacked Yadira she had imbibed heavily, and he had tried to fuck Melita in the bathing chamber while on the drug, so he was well-aware of how it could make sense leave brain. Knowing the group was partaking made his stomach churn with nervous anxiety. She had treated him so well, he had almost forgotten his first few meetings with her and how she had humiliated him and made him take Melitta on hands and knees like two dogs rutting. Would she revert to the cruel bitch he had met upon that first day, forcing him to perform another deed that would cause him shame? Or worse, heartbreak?

Batiatus's next words dragged him from his thoughts. "He has scheduled a coena libera for you tomorrow after the noon day has past. His visit is to simply ensure you will be there to greet your public."

The coena libera was what they called the 'last meal' for a gladiator, should they fall in the arena. It was a huge affair with much food, wine and celebrating. It was also open to the public, so they could see their hero before his battle and wish him good fortune. He had not been given one for the Vinalia because he had seen the match returned to him at the last moment.

Batiatus's explanation did nothing to inform why he was summoned though. "And I needed to be bathed and oiled to hear this?"

Quintus' mood darkened abruptly. He indulged Gannicus due to his ever-rising popularity with the public and because Octavia was enamored with the man, but Batiatus did not like being questioned by his slaves, no matter their importance to the ludus. "If I desire to have you stripped naked to hear the news I could. You may be a champion, Gannicus, but you are still yet a slave. Mine to command. Do not forget that."

With Batiatus' recent overtures, Gannicus had forgotten how mercurial his moods were. He lowered his eyes. "Apologies, Dominus," he said softly.

Just as quickly as Batiatus was enraged, he was gregarious again. "Fuck! I overreact. Let us not waste words in anger. Your popularity with the people grows by the day, Gannicus. You are the beloved Champion of Capua! The entire city marvels at the sight of you! Cossutius's Floralia promises to be an even grander spectacle than The Vinalia, and it will win you and this house much glory. This is a time to fucking celebrate, not bicker over words spoken without thought!"

Gannicus nodded, yet he was still awaiting to hear the reason he was prepared and summoned. Batiatus could have made these arrangements without his presence. However, he knew better than to question Batiatus regarding matter yet again. The man had been kind to him in recent times but push him too far and Gannicus had no doubt the man would push back, in unpleasant ways. With that in mind, he sought to soothe his Dominus' ruffled feathers.

"If I spoke out of turn, Dominus, it was not my intent. I was merely surprised to see Octavia due to her rule of discretion."

Quintus rolled his eyes and smirked. "Discreet or not, it appears Octavia cannot be within a fucking mile of you without setting gaze upon you. Since she cannot summon you as she would desire with Cossutius in attendance…she maneuvered the man into requesting your presence for her." He put a hand on Gannicus's shoulder. "The woman is our key to fame and fortune in Rome, just make her happy. Stand there and let her set eyes upon you until we conclude our business."

Gannicus thought it ridiculous but did as commanded.

As the nobles sat upon the couches of the triclinium chatting among themselves, the opium flowed freely, and Gannicus began to fear another scene of debauchery would arise from the exorbitant amount of drug use. Octavia, Gaia and Lucretia were off to one side laughing like children, with their three body slaves behind them, while Cossutius and Batiatus talked about the upcoming games and the coena libera. Amidst them all was Gannicus, on display in the middle of the room for all their viewing pleasure. He could hear the Romans discussing him, but ignored all comments, keeping his eyes straight ahead and mind clear of the disgust he felt at their increasingly risqué and ribald comments about him or parts of his anatomy. Gaia and Octavia were the worst with their comments relating to his stamina and prowess, they attempted to appear as if they spoke of the arena, but it was obvious they were not speaking of his talents upon the sands at all. In fact, from Gaia's remarks, Gannicus was quite certain the woman wanted to have a threesome with him and Octavia. The entire affair was becoming increasingly more embarrassing for the gladiator the more opium they imbibed; especially with Melitta present and listening to their chatter.

Cossutius took a sip of his wine and waved a lethargic hand at Gannicus. "Your man is a beautiful specimen, Batiatus. A fucking Adonis. I imagine even the driest cunt would get wet at the sight of him." His heavy-lidded expression of drugged pleasure made him appear extremely relaxed, yet he still looked evil.

Gannicus kept the distaste off his face, but just barely.

Batiatus sipped his own opium laced wine, grinning from ear to ear as he said, "Aye. The whores of this ludus would pay him if he allowed them a ride on his cock."

It was then Cossutius caught sight of Diona making her way through the atrium and paused. "Speaking of a dry cunt…" He sat up, a cruel smirk spreading across his fleshy lips. "That slave…" He glanced to Batiatus, pointing Diona's way. "What is her name?"

Quintus turned to see who Cossutius was referring to and Gannicus's eyes flitted to the girl also. "You speak of Diona," Batiatus said.

"Yes, Diona," Cossutius said, he chuckled evilly. "I would have use of her again."

Diona had realized the Roman was signaling to her and Gannicus could not help but notice how the poor thing appeared to shrink against the pillar behind her, as if she were trying to make herself part of it to escape the man's gaze. He remembered seeing her the first time Octavia had come to the villa. Diona had been a flower untouched. A pretty thing who used to blush whenever he would smile at her, yet lately she looked through him as if men in general were vile creatures to be feared and loathed. He now understood why. Cossutius had been a guest here that day as well. For the first time since entering the triclinium, his eyes went to Melitta's and her expression spoke of the ways she too had borne witness to the girl's shame. It sickened him.

"Diona," Batiatus called out. "Present yourself."

Gannicus watched as she shuffled over to them, head bowed. She was visibly trembling and the utter terror on her face as she glanced at Cossutius told a tale Gannicus did not ever want to hear.

The girl had been rudely treated by that fucking animal and now he wanted to do so again.

His eyes went to Octavia, hoping she would stop this, but for once she was not focused on him. Instead, her gaze was focused on the scene before her with Diona and Cossutius, and she was licking her lips, as if in anticipation, obviously intoxicated. He was reminded again of the cold, callous Roman she could be, and this was obviously one of those times. There would be no reprieve coming for Diona from her. In fact, she was more likely to add to the girl's burden.

His fists clenched as Batiatus told Diona to remove her robes.

Melitta looked away as the girl's garment fluttered to the floor. Gannicus could see the tears in her eyes. The pain on her face made him physically ache. A small whimper caught his attention and Gannicus's gaze was drawn back to Diona. He winced as he observed Cossutius standing before the young girl, his hand between her thighs, obviously shoving his fingers inside her. His stomach tightened with revulsion for these fucking nobles who found pleasure in debasing another human being in such fashion.

"Still as dry as the sands of the arena," Cossutius said with a sneer as he removed his hand from between Diona's legs. The girl curled into herself as Cossutius dipped his hand into a bowl of lemon water as if to wash her off him. "It's a true shame that one so pretty would end up frigid."

Only the knowledge that he would be stopped long before he could lay hands on the man kept Gannicus from attacking the filthy Roman pig. He doubted Diona was frigid, more likely she had been ill-used and simply had no desire to be touched by a loathsome creature like Cossutius.

"What she needs is a good fucking," Octavia said, chuckling as she tipped more of the opium wine down her throat.

Gaia added her two cents. "A good hard fucking!" she said airily, leaning on Octavia, and giggling.

"With a giant horse cock!" Octavia finished, her laughter filling the air.

Gannicus kept eyes straight ahead, lest he allow his 'mistress' to see how infuriated and disgusted he was with her, her friend, and their suggestions. What Diona needed was someone to teach her the joy that could be found in fucking, not the horror of being raped!

"Indeed," Cossutius said, a slow diabolical sneer twisting his lips. "I believe Gaia and Octavia speak true. Perhaps that is exactly what she needs," he mused getting to his feet and staggering over to stand before Gannicus. "I have borne witness to your impressive talents, gladiator, both in and out of the arena, and I wonder..."

Gannicus took a deep, calming breath. He knew what the man was about to say, yet he hoped he was wrong. However, if not, he found it utterly ironic and even comical that Octavia herself, with all her jealousy, had set this event in motion with her very own comments.

He was proven correct when Cossutius asked, "Do you think your superior skills could get that arid cunt wet?"

In that moment, Lucretia arose from her chair with an empty amphora in hand. "Melitta," she said, handing it to her body slave, "fetch more wine from the pantry." The Domina pressed the container into Melitta's hands, and Gannicus heard the woman as she whispered, "and do not return until I summon you."

"Gratitude Domina," Melitta whispered, taking the amphora with trembling hands. Her gaze bounced back and forth from Gannicus to Diona for a moment before she hastily made her escape.

'Thank fucking Gods! Domina was finally protecting her,' Gannicus thought as he watched Melitta exit the room as if demons from the underworld were after her. Perhaps that is what this house had become, the fucking underworld with all its vices and sin. At least Melitta was safe and he would not be subjected to performing another showing with her. Despite his desire for her, he hated being forced to copulate with her on command. Moreover, each time he touched her, he became more infatuated and his guilt more burdensome; he feared he could not survive another "performance". At least with Diona there would be no betrayal attached to the act. In fact, the idea of fucking another woman because Octavia foolishly suggested it was rather appealing; she would have no one to blame but herself! The only flaw in that logic was he did not want to be another man to force himself upon this girl. It repulsed him.

"Well…what say you God of the Arena…are you up to the task?" Cossutius prompted, a brow raised.

Gannicus glanced towards Diona, saw the revulsion on her pretty face and sighed. Fuck the Gods…