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 13: nantes in gurgite vasto: Survivors in the immense sea.

Were these Romans never satisfied until they heaped shame and humiliation upon any creature weaker than they? Cossutius wanted Diona abused yet again. The idea was abhorrent to the blonde gladiator who had never physically abused a woman in his life.

The Roman cocked a brow, awaiting an answer.

Gannicus firmly believed he could make Diona desire him, he had spent countless hours exploring the mysteries of a woman's body, he probably knew her body better than Diona herself, however, the utter terror in her gaze made him inwardly cringe at the task. How she must have suffered to appear so distraught. No one should view an act as glorious as fucking with anything less than anticipation. Gannicus thought to refuse, yet Batiatus would either insist he perform the deed or simply get another gladiator to do it. Diona would be better handled by him.

He looked the man in the eye and nodded. "I could show her the act can be enjoyable…yes."

Cossutius turned to the rest of the group. "He says he can make the frigid bitch enjoy it!" He laughed, taking another sip of his drugged wine as his eyes went from Gannicus to Batiatus. "Your man is sure of himself. Is it hubris or is he truly a God outside of the arena as well as within?"

Batiatus chuckled, but his laughter was awkward and uncomfortable. "He is of a form, my Champion," he said, as his eyes darted to Octavia to see her reaction to this turn of events.

Gannicus almost smiled to see the frown that had suddenly made its way to his mistress' face. She did not look at all pleased with the repercussions of her thoughtless words. Batiatus might have wanted to stop the proceedings, but Cossutius was an important man, a man of Octavia's social status. Moreover, the woman herself had set to path present circumstance. Gannicus was not surprised Batiatus did nothing. It was out of his hands.

"That he is," Cossutius agreed as he sank back onto his couch and reclined on his side. He smirked at Gannicus as he waved an arm towards Diona "Well then, prove yourself to be the God they call you and make that cunt…which is the driest I have ever felt, wet and juicy." He plucked a slice of pear off a nearby platter and bit into the succulent fruit. "If you can do that, then I will truly call you a God among men," he said, finishing off the fruit and saluting Gannicus with his cup of tainted wine.

Gannicus's gaze went to his Dominus for confirmation. In turn, Batiatus sought out Octavia, who looked as if she truly wanted to stop the proceedings, yet if she did such a thing, Cossutius would raise questions she could not answer. Gannicus knew she would not interfere, especially when it was her own foolishness that had placed them in this predicament. Finally, she gave a slight nod, and in return, Batiatus gave the command for Gannicus to perform. The entire relay of information took seconds, but it was telling for the gladiator. Octavia's coin swayed Batiatus into seeking her approval. He tucked that knowledge away for future use. He might use her power for his own if given the chance.

Cossutius suggested they move the party to one of the cubiculums adjoining the atrium for more privacy. Gannicus noticed Diona's aversion and deduced it was where she had, more than likely, been abused previously. That would make the undertaking even more difficult, but it was still possible. He would have to treat Diona with the gentlest of hand if he wanted to relieve her of her fear and loathing of men. He stepped forward and took the girl's cold, clammy hand in his. She was shaking badly, and he wished he could put a halt to this but feared she would end up in worse circumstance should he fail. He drew her to the center of the room, next to the bed, and placed a hand on her cheek, tilting her face up so that she might meet his gaze. He tried to instill in his eyes all he wanted to say to her. That he was sorry. That she was safe and that he would not hurt her. However, she did not appear convinced and the antipathy in her expression had Gannicus's stomach knotting in revulsion. It was disturbing, the depths of depravity this once honorable house had fallen to.

"Place her on the bed, on hands and knees," Cossutius ordered, "and take her in her other hole!" He started to laugh uproariously, tipping sideways with intoxicated bad humor at his suggestion.

Diona shrank back, while Gannicus' stunned gaze shot towards the man. Was he fucking mad? How could he expect her to respond in such position? That kind of fucking could be exciting when two people engaged in the act consensually, but a woman had to be eased into allowing a man to go there. It was never the first destination; in this instance, it would be degrading and painful to the girl. Gannicus managed to keep his expression clear of the distaste he was feeling as he met the gaze of the Roman dictating this performance. He would not do that to her. His memory of Melitta was still raw and that had simply been straight sex on all fours. This was different. If Diona was forced to comply, she would be scarred for life. He knew he was taking a chance on being flogged, (or worse) yet if he was going to make Diona comfortable, Cossutius could not be in charge.

"Apologies. I seek not to offend, but you have set me to task in having the girl enjoy an act she obviously finds abhorrent presently." As he was speaking, Gannicus kept hold of Diona's hand, and gently rubbed his thumb along the back of her hand, soothing her. "In this…I cannot take orders. Let me handle her in my own way and you will have the results you are seeking."

Octavia chuckled wickedly. Cossutius' suggestion for Gannicus to fuck the slave had ruined what had been a very happy interlude for her and it served her ill temper to foil his plan, so she agreed with Gannicus out of sheer spite. "Yes. You have ruined the girl with your heavy hand, Cossutius. Obviously, a more delicate touch is needed. If you want him to mend what you have broken, you must allow him free reign to do so."

Cossutius seemed to ponder the matter for a moment. It was obvious the man did not want to relinquish control, but finally, he waved his hand and consented. "Very well," he said, "I bow to your expertise."

Ignoring the beast's presence, Gannicus leaned down, his lips right near Diona's ear as he whispered. "I have eliminated the animal from the affair. Let me show you not all men are the filthy pig that he is."

*8*

Melitta hurried down the stairs that led to the slave quarters, seeking her room and some much-needed privacy. The carnal waters this house had mired itself in was choking her. She prayed to the Gods nightly, yet there seemed no reprieve in sight. Poor Diona. The girl was terrified of men and rightfully so after what that vile animal had done to her on his last visit. At least the Gods had seen fit to make it Gannicus this time. Melitta knew he would treat the girl with gentleness; something she desperately needed. But would it make a difference when she was still being forced? Melitta did not know, but she did know this, if Diona blamed Gannicus after this incident, he would not soon forgive himself, and that made her as sick as what she imagined was happening upstairs…

*8*

Gannicus took Diona's hand and helped her on to the bed. She lay down and he noted her arms automatically went to shield her nudity. He hated being a party to this entire debauched event, but he would rather it be him to do this, than Rhaskos again. The man was a loyal brother, but he had no finesse when it came to women. His eyes never left Diona's face as he untied his subligaria and allowed it to drop to the floor, exposing his nude body to Diona, as well as the Romans watching the show. He got into the bed and lay down beside her, doing nothing more than lightly running his hands along her arms, shoulders and back. Cossutius and Batiatus observed the two slaves from a couch on one side of the bed, while Octavia, Gaia and Lucretia reclined upon another large couch on the other side.

Gannicus forced himself to ignore his audience, especially Octavia, whose expression fluctuated from rage to a perverse excitement. He struck it from thought and gave his attention to Diona, taking his time with the girl. He knew she needed a moment to settle herself, so he made no overtures more sexual than continuing to run his fingertips along her arms, her back and along the nape of her neck. Despite his gentle touches, she still quivered like a leaf and was unresponsive to him. That was not surprising considering her prior experience. She had been used roughly and it would take patience and finesse to stir her desire. Thankfully, he had both. His naked body shielded hers from Cossutius' prying eyes and when she glanced over his shoulder to look at the man watching, he turned her face back to him.

"Pay him no mind. He will not touch you," he told her, and as he stared down into her upturned face, for the first time, Gannicus noticed she had the prettiest green eyes. It saddened him that it had taken such ugliness to discover her beauty. He gave her an enigmatic smile, stroking her cheek with his thumb. "Focus on me, sweet beauty. I would not have him hurt you again."

*8*

Melitta sat on the edge of her cot, head in hands as she tried to avoid imagining the goings on in the villa above. However, try and she might, she could not seem to stop her mind from torturing her with images of Gannicus on top of Diona, fucking her and making the girl enjoy the act, just as he boasted. It was enough to make her go mad! Melitta suddenly hopped up from her bed and began to tidy her small room. Anything to busy her brain and not obsess over Gannicus inside Diona. To her horror, it was no use. No matter how busy she was, her imagination seemed intent on creating vivid imaginings of them together to torment mind and thoughts!

And worse, to her shame, she found herself envying Diona, even begrudging the girl for being with him.

She fell back to her bed with a soft cry of frustration. Why were the Gods failing her? She should be relieved it was not her upstairs having to perform, but, to her utter dismay, she was not. Why could she no longer control her emotions? She did not want to feel these things. She did not want to be jealous. Not of Diona. Not of the fucking Roman woman who was, at times, loud enough in her pleasure that Melitta heard her cries while Gannicus was with her. In those moments, Melitta hated that woman with a vengeance she had never believed herself capable of. She detested those feelings, but it was out of her hands, as was her emotions for Gannicus. She no longer had any control over her mind and heart apparently. Hot, burning tears trailed down her cheeks as she sat upon her bed and buried her face in her trembling hands. She could not continue like this. He had finally taken heed of her words and no longer sought her out with that longing in his gaze, yet paradoxically, she was not grateful for this. No. Instead, she found herself missing the way he focused attention upon her as if she was the most beautiful of all creatures. The realization was as alarming as her desire to hurt the Roman woman and her irrational jealousy of poor Diona.

"What is wrong with me?!" she cried softly.

But she knew.

Yes. Melitta knew what stirred in her breast. She had not chosen it, it had simply claimed her with its will, absent consent.

She was in love with Gannicus.

Alone and terrified of where her thoughts were taking her, Melitta curled up on her bed and cried. Her body heaved with the bitter tears she shed for herself, for Gannicus, but most of all for Oenomaus, because he deserved better than her for wife. He was a good man, but she simply could not deny it any longer. She wanted Gannicus and nothing was going to change it. Her feelings had been given light to grow despite her attempts to keep them in shadows and now they would all pay the price; especially her beloved husband who had only showed her love and tenderness.

Melitta tried to remember the first blush of love she had felt when she had married. She had not chosen Oenomaus, but she had eventually fallen in love with him and had been more than satisfied. On her wedding night, she had been untouched and had never known any man's hands. Oenomaus had been so tender with her and their lovemaking was beautiful and wonderful. She had never felt sex with her husband lacked in any way… and then Quintilius Varis had insisted Gannicus take her.

In that one terrible/wonderful instant her world changed forever.

In Gannicus' arms she discovered fiery passions unlike anything she had ever experienced. She despised the idea of comparing her husband to another man, but in moments such as this, she could not help it. Oenomaus was kind and caring and she loved him. She truly did, but Gannicus was wild and passionate…a force of nature that stirred a yearning within her that could not be extinguished. The memory of his lovemaking awoke erotic delights deep inside; carnal desires she had never known existed before him. It was as if her longing for the beautiful gladiator were a Pandora's Box—once opened, it could not be unopened. She simply could not put her passions back into that hidden corner of her heart where they had dwelled before being brought to light.

It was what she had most feared, and why she avoided the blonde gladiator as if he were a leper. She wanted him, and this time, it was her desires that were beyond all reason.

*8*

Lying on his side next to Diona, Gannicus caressed her face and along the side of her neck, up and down, back and forth, until he finally felt her body begin to relax. He grinned. "See? I swear I am not the devil you think I am," he teased in a whisper as he placed a nibbling kiss upon her lips, her cheek and then upon the tender shell of her ear. He was pleased when she gasped, and a shiver raced through her, one that had no foundation in fear.

"Diona, we are absent choice in this, but if you will trust me, I give word I will not hurt you. Can you trust me?" he asked, giving her his most engaging grin, the one that reached his eyes and crinkled the corners charmingly.

She gave a tiny nod and Gannicus felt relief flood him. Perhaps he could ease some of this beauty's burden today, rather than add to it.

Encouraged by her reply, he let his hands become more daring and began to gently touch her along her ribs and belly, just under her breasts, but never actually touching them. He did not want to overwhelm her, he wanted to soothe her fears with mellow touch. While he allowed Diona to become acquainted with how a man's hands could bring pleasure, he trailed hot, wet kisses down her neck and up again, over and over, using his tongue and lips to lure her into a state of pleasant sensual eroticism. As he felt her begin to melt in his arms, Gannicus playfully nipped at her ear lobe, before running his tongue along the tender spot just behind. Her hands clenched by her sides and she gasped, then moaned softly in response. His grin was instantaneous. It satisfied him to see she had not been so abused that she could not find pleasure in one of the most sensitive areas of her body.

He continued his pleasurable assault on her senses by placing tantalizing, wet kisses down the curve of her neck to her chest, tasting her with the appetite of a man who enjoyed a woman's body. He would pause whenever she stiffened and move back to her lips, using his many years of practice in the art of kissing to seduce her into letting go of her fear. Through sensual touch, Gannicus reassured Diona, telling her without words she would never receive pain from his hands. She relaxed again, and he slid his hands along her thighs, lifting one to hook around his hip as he began to tease her body into deeper arousal. He placed wet kisses along the curve of a breast and around her areola, using his hot breath to tantalize her nipples without tasting them. The sensations caused Diona to wriggle and writhe under him, confused at her own body's reaction. Recognizing her innocent response as the blush of first desire, he sought her lips again, kissing her deeply, while his hands moved down her body, easing her into her lust and erasing the ugliness Cossutius had left her with; he was determined to replace that repulsive memory with something spectacular.

"Let yourself breathe easy," he whispered, placing heated kisses along the dainty line of her collar bone. "Close eyes and just feel. It is confusing to feel breathless and excited, but heed words, it is natural and beautiful. Just breathe, Diona, and let me show you, I can make this pleasurable for you."

"I believe you," she said softly, speaking for the first time.

He raised his head in surprise. Diona's green eyes were becoming heavy lidded as her desire grew. She gave him the tiniest of smiles and Gannicus' answering one was wide and sexy. "Such a delicate beauty," he said and leaned down to kiss her again. "I would have you enjoy my touch."

She bit her lip. "I am," she whispered, her face flushing bright red as she said the words.

"Then we are doing this the way it should be done," he said with a grin and kissed her again. This time she returned his kiss and her naïve attempts to engage his tongue were a bit clumsy, but her lack of jaded experience delighted and inflamed him. How had she remained even a bit innocent after what she had obviously gone through? Gannicus became more invested in her teaching as his excitement level rose.

"Slow tongue, Diona, and move it gently along mine as such," he instructed, kissing her again with slow and thorough precision, teaching her how to receive the most enjoyment from kissing. She immediately followed his instruction and soon she was kissing him with a wide-eyed abandon that made Gannicus groan with pleasure.

As his tongue explored her mouth, Gannicus' hands explored her body. He palmed her breasts, using his thumbs to rub circles around her nipples, but avoided touching them right away. When her fingers clutched at his shoulders and she began to pant, Gannicus finally allowed his fingers to touch and tug gently at the hardened peaks, causing Diona to moan in ecstasy. When he felt she was ready for more, He trailed hot kisses down her neck and slid his tongue along her chest to her breasts. He took his time, kissing, licking and gently sucking the area around her nipples before he turned his attention to the perfect pink crests of her breasts. Diona's breath caught when he tasted first one and then the other, before settling his mouth firmly upon her breast and sucking at the hardened tip. She moaned softly, as Gannicus used his tongue to swirl around the distended peak, as his fingers went to work on the other, gently rolling it between fingers, while tugging at the taught nipple. Diona gave a muffled cry and her hands went to his head. For a moment, he feared she might try and push him away, but she buried her fingers in his hair instead and pressed him closer to her. Her moans and gasps grew increasingly loud as he began to suckle a bit harder, paying each of her pert, nicely rounded breasts homage, before finally allowing his hands to move south of her waist.

She went rigid in his arms. "You are expecting pain, sweet Diona," he said to her, placing a kiss upon her lips. "I will offer none. I gave you my word. Remember? I will go as slow as you like. Relax and breathe."

"I will try," she replied, her voice shaky.

When he slid his fingers between her trembling thighs, she again became anxious and he could see the fear upon her face, so he kept his approach easy, petting her with delicate touch while using the experience he had gained through a thousand hours of fucking to teach Diona not all men were monsters. Sooner than he expected, the fear faded from her eyes, her body melted, and her thighs opened of their own accord. He continued his assault on her senses by kissing her deeply as he pushed one, then two fingers into her wet heat and slowly moved them in and out, using his thumb to rub circles around the tiny nub just above her opening that held the true key to her release. She sighed into his mouth, relaxing into his touch by arching her back and lifting her hips, unconsciously seeking more of him.

He could have stopped then, she was dripping wet, but Gannicus wanted Diona to have a new memory of sex; one that did not include pain. With practiced ease he quickly had her writhing under him, breathing hard, hips lifting in time with his fingers as they awakened her body to the gratification that could be found between a man and a woman. Her nails dug into his shoulders and he heard her gasp his name in wonder as she climaxed for (what he was sure was) the first time ever. As much as he hated putting her through this, he hoped her discovery of the joys of sex would help rid mind of whatever image haunted the poor girl.

While Diona came down from her high, he turned to the Roman. "Have I satisfied your demands?" He held his breath, hoping the man would say yes, so Diona would be spared anything further, but it was not to be, and Gannicus was not surprised when the piece of filth instructed him to fuck her as well.

He did not argue. It would only draw out circumstance beyond control. Instead, he cupped her face in one hand, smiling at her a she blinked those big green eyes at him in wonderous surprise. "You enjoyed that, did you not?"

She gave a tiny nod, her eyes darting to where the Roman was. Gannicus brought her attention back to him. "Pay him no mind, it is you and me, no one else."

"That was not…unpleasant," she said, frowning, her expression relating her confusion at having enjoyed his touch when she had detested the last encounter with a man.

Despite being painfully hard, Gannicus ignored his own urges that dictated he enter her post haste and continued his gentle instruction instead. "I would show you now that having a man inside you can be a pleasurable experience as well."

She was still flushed with the rosy complexion of her release when a beauteous smile blossomed across her face—the first real one she had given since Cossutius's prior visit. "The other whores speak of your prowess…" she whispered to him, green eyes wide with awe.

Gannicus chuckled softly, but it disturbed him she'd said 'other whores'. As if she considered herself a whore because of what had been forced upon her. Gannicus did not see her in that light but now was not the time for that conversation. He reminded himself to bring it up at a more opportune time.

Presently, he wanted to keep their banter light and flirtatious. Keeping his voice low, he asked, "Do they now?"

She nodded. "They say you offer pleasure between the sheets as no other."

He did not laugh. It might embarrass her, and Gannicus did not want to hurt this girl, he was suddenly feeling very protective of her in fact. "I try," he said, still smiling as he stroked her rosy cheek with his thumb. "Especially if they are gorgeous young flowers with exotic green eyes."

She giggled. "You flatter when you do not have to. You already have me in bed with you."

He chuckled softly. He had done it. He had made this beautiful young thing comfortable enough in bed with him that she offered clever conversation. It made him even harder. He wanted her now, for his own purpose, not the fucking Roman's. "My words are true. You are most desirable, Diona," he told her, huskily. She moved under him, and he bit back a groan as his body became even more heated. "May I show you how incredible fucking can be?"

"Will it be as pleasant as what you have already given?"

Now his grin stretched wide and he leaned down to brush a kiss across her lips as he maneuvered his way between her legs. "It will be much better," he breathed against her mouth.

Diona's eyes widened. "How can that be? Earlier felt like I was on fire and falling off the cliff in the ludus all at once!" After her words, she stopped and blushed profusely. "Apologies."

"Never apologize for finding pleasure." He began kissing her again. "I would give you even more if you are willing?"

She nodded. "Yes," she said, relaxing in his arms.

Gannicus felt her unconscious tensing as his erection brushed against her center. He was more than ready to be inside her, but he did not want to press forward when she was stiff, so he did not enter her right away. Instead, he kissed her, a deep mating of the mouths that distracted her as he aligned himself with her opening. When she tilted her hips to receive him, he knew she was ready for him, only then, did he push forward into her. She was wet, her passage slick from her release, making his entry smooth, and with one thrust, he was seated deep inside her body.

Diona gave a short cry when he entered her. "Oh!" she said softly, hands gripping his shoulders as her knees instinctually widened and raised to cradle his hips. "I am so full."

"Are you in pain?" he asked, his breathing a bit ragged as he held his desires in check.

She shook her head. "Surprisingly, no. You are much larger than that other beast, but it does not hurt nearly as bad. It feels good."

Her naïve speech almost undid him. What a rare treasure this girl was, he thought.

"Then let us begin," he said and began to kiss her, giving short, shallow thrusts of his hips as he held himself back until he gathered his self-control. The girl was so fucking tight, his eyes nearly crossed with the sensation of her passage gripping and clenching around him so fiercely. When he felt like he would not cum straight away like an untrained youth, he began to move inside her with more force. Diona clung to him, moving with him, invested in the act now that she was finding pleasure in it. Gannicus could have ended the demonstration. He had achieved more than the fucking Roman desired. Diona was not only wet, she was willing. Yet he did not—could not. He was committed now. Excited to show Diona how truly blissful it could be when you just let go and fucked for the sheer ecstasy of it. The nobles fell away and it was just the two of them in bed as he thrust into her harder and harder, nipping at her neck and taking her mouth in deep, erotic kisses that tantalized and aroused.

It was not long before Diona's timid response gave way to clinging hands and whimpering cries as Gannicus moved faster and more forcefully within her, taking her higher and higher, until she was clutching at his shoulders, nails digging into flesh, heels pressing into his backside and crying out in ecstasy as she experienced her first taste of true carnal pleasure.

Gannicus growled in satisfaction when she achieved her orgasm and raked his back with her sharp little claws, her hot release flooding her passage and his cock. It was a mark of her climax and satisfaction, moreover, the look of wonder upon her face was priceless—that dawning surprise as pleasure first tingled its way through her body, and then bountiful joy as it burst within and she crested her peak. He loved being able to give her that.

Once she had regained sense, he flipped them over, so he was on his back but still buried deep within her. Riding him would give her more freedom. "Go at your own pace," he told her, granting her complete control, something he was certain she had never experienced before.

A light dawned in Diona's green eyes as she realized what he was giving her. She smiled. "I am not sure what to do," she whispered.

He put his hands behind his head and grinned. "Whatever feels good," he replied with a wink, bucking his hips suggestively.

She gasped at his movement and since it felt good when he was sliding in and out of her, Diona braced her hands on his chest and began moving up and down, slowly at first, until she found her rhythm. Once found, she rode him with wild abandon, bouncing on his lap, throwing her head back and losing all inhibitions as Gannicus used his hands, mouth and substantial experience to bring her to two more glorious climaxes before he finally allowed himself to abandon restraint and sought his own relief…

*8*

Afterwards, as the performers redressed, Cossutius applauded the blonde gladiator's performance to Batiatus. "The man proves himself a God indeed, Batiatus. Varis will be sadly disappointed he missed this showing. He is a fan of your man's impressive talents."

"Then we should not tell the man," Gaia said, taking Lucretia's arm in hers. "It would only sadden him to know he missed another glorious performance from Batiatus' champion."

"Yes, it would," Cossutius said as he turned gaze to Gannicus, watching him as he wrapped his cloth around his slim hips. "His commanding prowess and physical beauty will bring your house much recognition and coin when he appears in Rome, Batiatus. The way he made that girl come alive under his touch…" The man shook his head, confounded. "Truly remarkable. When word spreads among the Roman elite, every patrician cunt with an indulgent husband will want to experience what your slave has enjoyed. And they will piss coin to do so."

Batiatus nodded. He well knew it, relished it and feared it as well. Gannicus would be highly sought after in the capital. The more famous a gladiator was, the more they were pursued. A gladiator with Gannicus' charisma, exceptional looks and charm would achieve fame quickly. He would be viewed as a sexual object as well as a skilled fighter and that only added to the price a lanista could charge for services; Gannicus would command a hefty fee. Quintus had seen the promise in the man from the beginning, it was the main reason he tolerated the blonde gladiator's other, more lackadaisical qualities.

Cossutius glanced Octavia's way and added slyly. "I was just telling Batiatus, his man will have every noble cunt in the city emptying purse to experience his many talents. Don't you agree, dear Octavia?"

Octavia dragged her agitated gaze away from the scratches she could see marring the perfection of Gannicus' back to give Cossutius a forced a smile. "Coin well spent for such a sight," she said, maintaining the charade of nonchalance despite the churning in her stomach that made her want to throw up. Her giddy joy of the opium was long gone and in its place was drunken rage at being forced to watch her lover make another shout her pleasure to Olympus and back.

Cossutius chuckled evilly. "Very well spent," he said catching sight of Diona as she snuck past him and out of the room. "Apologies," he said to Octavia and Batiatus and followed the girl, grabbing her arm and halting her escape.

Batiatus turned away from Cossutius, to focus on Octavia, who was obviously upset. "Apologies. If I could have stopped this, I would have. It was out of my hands. I did not want to—"

Octavia waved off his further explanations. "I stand at fault. My words started this fucking disaster," she said, her eyes roaming Gannicus. "He fucking made love to her," she muttered softly, trembling and weaving on her feet.

Across the room, Cossutius had Diona cornered. "Tell me," he whispered into the pretty green-eyed slave's ear, "did you enjoy his cock inside you?" He gave a cruel laugh when she whimpered in pain from his cruel grip on her arm. "I know you did. You screamed your joy to the very rooftop!" His hand went under her robes and between her thighs. "So wet. What a little whore you are. How many men have been inside you since we first met?" Diona looked away, her body quaking in fear and Cossutius's grip tightened on her arm causing Diona to wince in pain. He brought the hand out that had been between her legs. "Do you recall how I told you with the divine there must be the grotesque?" He waved his fingers before her face. "Look at this. Soaked with your shame. How does it feel to be amongst the grotesque? Smelling of sweat and cum, nothing but a dirty whore!"

Diona whimpered and Cossutius laughed evilly, squeezing her arm painfully once more before letting her go.

Moving as far away from him as was allowed without asking permission to leave the room, Diona rubbed her arm where he had held her, trying to rid mind of his vile words, but it was no use. She suddenly felt dirty and disgusting again; the rosy blush Gannicus's attentions had brought to her cheeks faded, and Diona's eyes deadened once again. She turned to stare at the handsome gladiator who, for a moment in time, had made her feel special. Silent tears trailed down her cheeks and Diona looked away in shame.

Batiatus realized Octavia was intoxicated and upset. He had no desire to have her turn her temper on him, so he quickly excused himself and sought Cossutius where he excitedly began discussing the upcoming coena libera. High and happy himself, Cossutius was happy to discuss the event as well, and they exited the room, joining Gaia and Lucretia inside the atrium.

Once Cossutius was gone, Octavia eased up to where Gannicus was standing with a nonchalance that belied her true temper. She grabbed him by the waist of his wrap. "You seek to fucking torture me?!" she hissed softly, swaying a bit on her feet in her inebriated state.

"I performed as commanded," he returned, pulling away from her and re-tucking the end of his subligaria into his waist.

"You did more than that!" she bit out.

"I did as commanded," he reiterated. "At your suggestion," he added calmly.

A scowl marred her brow and her lips twisted in fury. "This was not my intent. You know I cannot abide sharing you!"

Gannicus was not taking responsibility for this debacle. "Then you should have stepped forth. Twice you had opportunity. A word from you would have stopped it, yet you held tongue."

She opened her mouth to retort, but Cossutius reentered the room at that moment asking her if she was joining them. She plastered a smile upon her face. "Of course, a moment." Cossutius nodded and went back to where Batiatus and the others waited. "If I could have stopped this, trust words, I would have." Octavia muttered as she turned him slightly to glare at his back. "And see to it those scratches are attended to by proper medicus, they are fucking unbecoming," she snapped, before drunkenly making her way from the room in a state of intense distress.

Gannicus barely managed not to laugh at her. Scratches, indeed. She was beside herself on wine, opium, jealousy and rage. Especially rage. Her words started the entire affair, she could have stopped it all with a simple shake of her head, and yet, she chose not to. He felt no remorse for going beyond what was asked of him regarding Diona. The girl needed to be treated with some tenderness and, if she marked him in her passion, good. He would bear her scratches with pride that he made her feel pleasure—not pain. They had fucked gloriously, and he felt no shame in how much pleasure he had found in the act as well. He sought her gaze, but she once again looked broken and tragic, with no trace of the smile she had given him just moments earlier. Instead, there were fresh tears upon cheeks and the creamy flesh of her upper arm was red and swollen from someone's brutal hold—a mark he had not fucking put there. Gannicus glanced to where Cossutius stood just outside the room and knew the monster was responsible for Diona's newest pain.

He cursed under his breath and decided to speak to Dominus about the girl. He could not save himself—but he would save Diona. After the nobles had left, Gannicus requested an audience with Batiatus.