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.

Chapter 39: natura nihil frustra facit: Nature does nothing in vain.

Gannicus' head throbbed as if kicked by a mule the next morning; even his eye brows hurt! He knew from experience there was only one way to avoid such a hangover… stay drunk! He crawled from bed, staggered to his wine and quickly guzzled several mouthfuls. Once he could open eyes without blinding pain assaulting brain, he splashed water on his face, rinsed his mouth out and picked up the container of wine again before making his way back to his bed. He would need far more drink before he could face the shit awaiting him on this fucking day.

One hour, and a half a jug of wine later, he felt able to arise without wanting to rip eyes from skull or tear head from body. He dressed for training and left his cell to have his morning meal. On habit, his eyes went to the balcony, and nearly lost footing when he saw her there at the rail, looking down at him. She gave him such a beautiful smile, his breath caught, and his chest felt tight. When she did not avert her gaze as normal, Gannicus finally tore his from her before he did something foolish and exposed them to the entire ludus!

As he made his way to the men's dining hall he could not help but wonder why she had smiled at him like that? He had made decision for her benefit, to save them all from agonized situation. Why was she making circumstance far more difficult by encouraging him in such an enticing manner? By the time he received his double rations and took a seat next to Barca and Duratius, Gannicus had concluded that, for all he knew about pleasing a woman physically, he was sadly inept when it came to matters of the heart or understanding how a woman's mind worked.

"Ah. Our champion has graced us with his presence at last!" Barca said loudly. He recognized Gannicus' bleary eyes, as well as the cause, and could not resist ribbing the blonde gladiator.

Gannicus winced at Barca's exuberance. "Must you shout?" he asked hoarsely.

Duratius grinned. "But he did not shout, brother…" He winked at Barca. "THIS IS SHOUTING!"

Gannicus glared at his ex-cell mate. "Gratitude, you fuck, now the little men with hammers are back pounding away in fucking skull." The blonde gladiator pushed his food aside, put his head in his hands and groaned softly.

"Apologies brother, but we were beginning to think you would miss breaking your fast." Barca noted Gannicus was not eating. "Or did you perhaps drink your morning meal?" the Beast teased, chuckling.

Gannicus raised his head, bloodshot eyes going from Barca to Duratius. "You two are a perfect pair kicking a brother when he is absent wit to spar."

"Fuck the Gods!" Duratius muttered, taking Gannicus' water glass. "I can see you will be in the shade whining about pounding skull if solution is not had."

"I do not whine, and my skull is pounding you ass!" Gannicus growled.

Duratius ignored his hung-over brother as he pulled a small square of cloth from where it was tucked into his subligaria at his waist and surreptitiously opened it, he then pinched a tiny amount of the white powder inside and sprinkled it into Gannicus' water.

"What the fuck are you doing?" Gannicus hissed.

"Helping you remove tiny men with hammers," He grinned as he swirled the water around in the cup a moment before handing it back to Gannicus. "This will help. Trust words."

Gannicus peered into the cup before he sniffed at it. "What is it?"

Gannicus had no desire to be drugged with opium again. That one time with Octavia was enough. He did not care for it.

Duratius rolled his eyes at Gannicus' distrustful gaze. "It's Seppukus' poppy powder, brother. He gave me some for injury…and when he left the room…I took a tad extra for myself when I am in such a state."

Gannicus nodded and drank the entire glass. Seppukus' poppy mixture was made for the gladiators, allowing them to train while taking the mixture. It did not pose the same danger as the powerful opium the Romans indulged, so he had no worries taking the remedy.

"Gratitude," he said to Duratius, sighing when, within a few minutes, his head started to feel much better.

Duratius cocked a brow. "What did you think I was offering you arrogant ass, something to get your cock hard?!"

"Perhaps…" Barca leaned in giving both Gannicus and Duratius an evil smirk. "You shared a cell when that crazy cunt Aurelia drugged us all, did you not?" Gannicus and Duratius stared at their brother, dual frowns beginning to dawn on their faces as Barca asked, "Did you two ever…?" He wriggled his brows.

Duratius and Gannicus shared a horrified glance. "No!" Both men erupted simultaneously.

"Her drug made us all crazed," Barca said, finishing off his porridge. "You would not be judged for seeking relief where you could." The beast's grin was wicked, as he leaned back and patted his full belly. "Auctus and I fucked like rabbits the entire time!"

Gannicus' frown turned into a full-fledged scowl. "Continue flapping that useless muscle you call a tongue, and the next thing filling your belly shall be the sand I make you eat when we next spar."

"My tongue is not useless. Pietros especially likes it when I—"

Duratius made a face, his spoon pausing mid-air. "Finish fucking statement and you will not have to worry about Gannicus serving you your next meal, as you will be wearing mine."

The three men shred a laugh over Duratius' comment. Barca did not take offense. He knew neither of his brothers judged him his preferences, even if they did not share them. Just as he judged them not for their vices. At that moment, Pietros approached the table hesitantly, unsure if he should sit with them; Barca quickly solved dilemma by calling him over. When the young slave sat next to him on the bench, Barca wrapped a hand behind the boy's neck and pulled him in for a quick kiss.

Gannicus smiled. Barca deserved happiness. He had mourned Auctus deeply.

"I was just telling my brothers how you like it when I—"

"Shut fucking mouth, Barca," Gannicus said, but he was grinning, especially when Pietros flushed a deep shade of red. "You make the boy blush like ripe apple."

Gannicus turned to Pietros. "Pay him no mind. He's a cunt until he's had his first taste of my swords. Which I shall provide in abundance as soon as he meets me upon the yard."

Barca laughed outright. "Big words for such a tiny man!"

That started another round of trading insults back and forth as the men finished their meal in good spirits. Afterwards, the three gladiators were discussing the upcoming trip to Rome. Batiatus had announced both Duratius and Barca were accompanying Gannicus on the excursion in the hopes they might find favor and receive position within the games. Both gladiators were excited at the prospect; at worst it was a chance to leave the ludus and see Rome.

Pietros tried to smile and be jovial, but it was obvious he was saddened by the prospect of Barca leaving.

Barca noticed the young man's expression. "See frown removed Pietros. I told you that fucking cunt wouldn't dare lay rough paw upon you."

Gannicus and Duratius both turned curious gazes to Barca. The Beast of Carthage explained how Gnaeus had been sniffing around Pietros, making the boy uncomfortable from his attentions.

"If he values cock attached to balls, he will not touch what is not his," Barca growled.

Gannicus shrugged. He was not as certain. "Gnaeus has neither forgiven nor forgotten how you bested him at the Vinalia. Do not look for him to use reason, brother, not when seizing opportunity to seek revenge," he said to Barca.

"If he places hand on Pietros, the only opportunity he will seize will be the one he narrowly avoided in the arena… a quick end at the tip of my spear," the Beast of Carthage snarled in reply.

"Does he sleep in your cell?" Gannicus asked and Barca nodded. "Then I would ask Rhaskos to give him shelter upon his floor until we return."

Gannicus leveled his gaze on the fresh face of Pietros. The boy was pretty. Gnaeus could achieve two ends in assaulting him—sexual gratification as well as striking out at Barca for his loss in the arena. Without Barca there to physically stop him, Gannicus could easily see Gnaeus attempting to harm the boy.

"Bruised flesh heals," Gannicus went on, turning back to Barca. "The spirit is not always so fortunate. Best to avoid situation entirely, if you ask me."

"Words of wisdom, brother," Barca said. "And well fucking received. I will speak to Rhaskos today."

"And stay close to Oenomaus," Gannicus said to Pietros. "Seek his advice if Gnaeus gives you trouble. He will see you well attended."

"I will," Pietros said softly, a shy smile curling his lips. "Your advice is greatly appreciated."

"Follow it and see mind eased for both you and Barca, here." Gannicus winked at Barca. "You know there is nothing I love more than wine and women, brother, and even I think your boy is pretty. Protect him," he said, getting to his feet. He clapped Barca on the shoulder. "I will have words with Gnaeus as well. He has called me friend upon occasion, perhaps he would listen to reason."

"Gratitude," Barca said, grabbing Gannicus' arm in salute.

"None required, brother, as I cannot promise he will listen."

"You may want to warn the man away from Diona as well, Gannicus," Duratius said.

Gannicus paused in gathering his dishes. "Why? Have you seen him having discourse with her?"

"No," Duratius admitted shaking his head. "But, you know the man. He exploits those weaker than he, especially those left unprotected."

Pietros turned to Gannicus. "Diona… she the dark-haired girl with the beautiful green eyes, is she not?"

Gannicus nodded. "That would be her. She is comely, and she is mine." Gannicus sighed. "Duratius has point, I would not have her harassed while I am away."

"I will keep eye on her, Gannicus. You have my word," Pietros said, drawing the blonde gladiator's attention. "And together she and I will watch out for each other as well."

Gannicus clasped the younger man on the shoulder. "If you would be there for her while I am away you would have my gratitude, Pietros." Gannicus glanced to Barca. "I will speak with Gnaeus. Ensure his brain seizes consequences to be had if he chooses not to leave Diona and Pietros alone while we are away."

Duratius stood as well. "And just think," he said, the beginning of a grin curling his lips, "if Gnaeus is foolish enough to defy such logic, we can throw him from yonder cliff upon return and be done with the Dacian once and for all."

They exited the dining hall with Barca laughing at Duratius' words, while Gannicus rolled his eyes at the idea of a brother throwing another brother from the cliff. Such a thing was not done, although he understood reasoning behind sentiment. The big Egyptian was not fond of Gnaeus since the rough Dacian gladiator nearly beat to death a whore Duratius had been partial to a few years back. Gannicus could sympathize, Gnaeus was brutal with his lovers, but he did not bear ill feelings for the man—yet. Barca would not be pleased if the man got hands on his boy, just as Gannicus would not be pleased if the man put hands upon Diona. Either event would pit brother against brother, a situation to be avoided for certain.

*8*

Later that afternoon, Gannicus and Barca were sparring. Gannicus, having not seen contest in the arena in nearly two months, asked his brother to come at him with serious purpose to keep his skills sharp. They traded jests back and forth as they battled. At one point, Gannicus swept Barca's leg out from under him and sent the bigger man to the ground. Barca barely escaped being pummeled by Gannicus' dual swords by rolling out of the way at the last minute. The Beast quickly leapt to his feet, his laughter ringing out. The thrill of decent match made both men gleefully happy, especially the anticipation of truly besting the other.

The match went on for several minutes with each gladiator taking an offensive and defensive role throughout. Barca was a gifted Hoplomachus, his skill with a spear unrivalled, but Gannicus had managed to get the Beast's weapon to ground when he forgot himself and glanced up at the balcony. Batiatus was there, enjoying the bout between his gladiators, as was Lucretia and her friend, Gaia. His gaze passed them by and focused on only one; Melitta. She was standing just behind Batiatus at the railing, as if waiting for his eyes to find her. For just a moment, their attentions caught and held, she smiled, and Gannicus was utterly distracted, lost in the dream of her and the sorrowful regret it would never come to pass.

It took Barca's shield landing upside his head with enough force to knock him momentarily senseless to bring him back to harsh reality. Blood spurted from his mouth and Gannicus went to the sand. Barca retrieved spear and made attempt to jab the blonde gladiator. Gannicus, on his back, narrowly avoided the attack by slapping aside Barca's spear with both of his swords. He rolled and jumped to his feet, fury engulfing him for being preoccupied during contest. Not only had Barca nearly taken his head off with that blow, he had managed to retrieve his weapon and almost end contest with it as well!

After spitting a mouthful of blood into the sand, Gannicus set mind to task, and attacked the larger man with an all-out assault. His two swords a blur of action as he backed Barca across the sands. When Barca tried to thrust his spear in Gannicus' face, the blonde gladiator knocked the spear aside with his sword and flipped over Barca's back, he then used his shoulder to shove Barca to the ground. Once he had him down, he grasped Barca's spear with both swords and wrenched it from the Beast's hand and tossed it aside. Barca raised his shield as protection and Gannicus hammered at it with both swords for several seconds before the Beast gave the missio, ending the contest.

Gannicus put out his hand to help his brother to his feet and Barca took it with a bloodied grin.

"I nearly had you," he said, smirking.

"Nearly," Gannicus agreed, and once again, his gaze went to her, the woman he loved but could not have. She nearly defeated him, not his brother. It was a disturbing thought.

*8*

Melitta watched him exit the yard; his eyes never leaving hers until he was no longer within view. Her heart raced from his narrow escape at being seriously injured; it troubled mind, as she was cause by drawing his attention at crucial moment. She imagined she was confusing him by her actions, in truth, she did not understand why she could not accept the sacrifice he was attempting for her well-being. It was beyond logic, and yet, despite the multitude of reasons she should stay away, she could not seem to stop herself from seeking him out. She no longer desired Gannicus to absent himself from her affections. The very thought brought pain, the likes of which she had never believed possible; it was far worse than the guilt she carried. She had prayed to her Gods just last night offering bargain: she would live with her guilt silently if they would return him to her arms. She could only hope they accepted terms.

Standing at the rail, Batiatus had witnessed Gannicus' momentary lack of concentration and near defeat as well. Why was he having difficulty keeping mind on task? What was troubling the man? They could not afford such things just before the Apolloinares; Batiatus became determined to get to the bottom of what bothered his champion.

*8*

Oenomaus followed behind Gannicus for a moment before calling him back. "Gannicus!"

Gannicus paused and turned to face the Doctore. "I would wash the blood off me, Oenomaus," the blonde gladiator said.

"What seized brain that you let Barca nearly defeat you?"

Gannicus sighed. "I was caught by a dream."

"Then wake from it, brother," Oenomaus said, coming up to place a hand on Gannicus' shoulder. "Losing focus like that could mean your life. You know this. Whatever is causing mind to stray, see it attended."

Gannicus nodded. "Your words are appreciated," the gladiator said, "as were the one you broke regarding Kleos. I will take them to heart."

"See that you do," Oenomaus said.

Gannicus started to leave, but Oenomaus once again halted him. "Pause a moment," the Doctore said. The big man took a deep breath before continuing. "I would like to break words...not as Doctore, but as brother. Do you have a moment?"

Gannicus noticed the frown marring Oenomaus' noble brow and nodded. "Of course," he replied. "What causes such concern?"

Gannicus heart nearly seized when Oenomaus spoke next. "It is Melitta... Have you noticed her acting odd of late?"

It took everything the blonde gladiator had not to avert his gaze. "I have not spoken to her much in recent past," Gannicus said, offering reply without actually answering question.

Oenomaus sighed and Gannicus could see it was difficult for the proud man to broach topic. The gladiator's guilt nearly swallowed him up in the moment.

"The other night…she expressed an unhappiness with her life," Oenomaus admitted. "I am unsure if she means with me or her lot here at this ludus."

"She broke those words, that she was unhappy?"

The Doctore nodded sadly. "Yet, she will not break head and spill thoughts on what causes her to feel this way."

Gannicus looked away, unable to meet Oenomaus' gaze. The gladiator could not help but wonder if he played a part in her melancholy, as well.

"She loves you…" Gannicus' eyes shot to the man's face in shock, "as a brother." The Doctore shrugged. "I was hoping perhaps she'd had words with you regarding what has her so troubled."

Gannicus shook his head. "She has not. Apologies," Gannicus added, feeling the need to apologize…and more. He had to get away before he spoke truth and eased burdened conscience.

Oenomaus clasped Gannicus' arm. "No apologies necessary. It will work itself out," he said, straightening his shoulders. "Gratitude for listening." The Doctore inclined his head toward the yard. "I had better return to the yard…Crixus may be after my position next."

"The man is ambitious," Gannicus agreed, his smile forced. "I am to the baths. We will speak later, brother."

Oenomaus nodded. "We shall."

*8*

Gannicus was sitting on his bed, alone in his cell, drinking wine and lost in his thoughts as he brooded over Melitta, Oenomaus, and the terrible circumstance they were trapped in.

He was staring off into space and did not see Diona arrive, so she was able to observe him for a moment. The pretty slave girl took one glance at his face and sighed, she knew the look well.

"I see we have Melitta face tonight," she teased from the doorway, causing his head to snap up at the sound of her voice.

He rolled his eyes at her comment, but Gannicus' spirits immediately perked up upon seeing her. He had asked for Diona's presence but had not held out hope since she had been unable to attend his request recently due to the continued illness of slaves within the villa.

"Finally, you are free to visit me!" he said with a pleased smile, waving her inside as he stood up on his bed to retrieve the wooden box that contained the Tali bones from a shelf above. "I am lost in fucking thoughts. Your rescue is greatly appreciated," he said quite seriously.

"I could see scowl from door. You appear as Atlas…carrying the world. What ails you?"

Gannicus shook his head. "Nothing to worry over. Come let us play and see troubled thoughts eased," he said as he retook his seat at the head of the bed and placed the box before him. "I have been rolling the bones each night in anticipation of finally besting you."

As Diona took a seat across from him at the foot of the bed, curling her legs up beside her, he poured her a cup of wine and handed it to her. "Gratitude," she murmured and took a sip of the delicious amber wine. Diona observed the rather large bruise on his jaw, marring his physical beauty. "Are you sure you feel up to being trounced by me tonight, you look rather beaten up already," she said, motioning to his face.

His smile faded, the memory of Barca's shield upside head not a pleasant one. "A momentary distraction," he said, shrugging it off.

"It is not the bruising of the flesh that causes concern. It is the bruising of the heart that leaves lasting wound."

He gave a single nod, silently agreeing with her words.

"Gannicus, what causes such concern? You know I would keep your confidence."

"I made decision relating to my circumstance with Melitta," he admitted finally.

"Is it this decision that has etched scowl upon brow?" Diona sighed. "As if I have not recognized expression." When he hesitated to reply, she smiled at him, and added. "You might as well loosen tongue and speak of it, you know I will eventually pry it from lips."

He chuckled. It was true. She would pester him until he gave in and spilled guts. He decided to forego interrogation. Perhaps talking about it with Diona would help garner him new perspective, or at least confirm he was doing the right thing.

He took a long drink of his wine before starting. "I have ended pursuit and let her go," he said softly.

Diona's eyes widened. "You what? When?"

"Two nights ago," he told her, briefly explaining his visit with Oenomaus and parts of the conversation he'd had with Melitta afterwards. "She appeared upset at my words, yet by her very own, my attachment to her has caused great difficulty. I would see discord ended."

Diona realized Melitta's recent lack of tolerance with the other slaves now held new meaning. "Ah, reason for ill disposition comes to light," she murmured.

Gannicus' brows shot up. "Explain words," he said, leaning forward intently. "Have you noticed difference in her? Is she aggrieved?"

Diona's eyes widened at the flood of concern he had just revealed. "She is not acting as herself," she said. "Melitta is kind and compassionate. Yet, in days past she has been short tempered and…" She paused, unsure if she should inform him of what Naevia had said to her earlier regarding Melitta. Diona had no wish to overburden shoulders already weary with sadness and guilt.

"And what, Diona?" he prompted. "If you have words of purpose, speak them."

"And today, Naevia found her crying in the pantry," Diona finally admitted. "Apologies," the girl said when Gannicus' expression became grief stricken. "Perhaps one has nothing to do with the other?"

Gannicus' eye roll echoed Diona's disbelief in her own words. She placed her hand on his. "Your actions were intended to ease suffering not for cruel purpose."

"Yet end result remains the same." He poured himself another glass of wine and drank half of it in one swallow. "Did I make wrong choice then?" he asked, shaking his head. "Perhaps I am causing her more pain by avoiding her? I am aware how it feels. I did not appreciate the effort when she treated me in like manner." He raked a hand through his hair, continuing to question his decision aloud. "Ah fuck! What is favored option? If I continue with Melitta, I break a brother's heart, yet I am breaking hers as we speak. I am fucked either way!" he growled.

"Gannicus, Melitta is capable of voicing her mind. Why do you remove choice from her hand? I know you did so to ease troubled conscience, but whose, yours or hers?"

As he absorbed her words, his eyes widened as realization dawned. He had tried to make himself feel better by easing Melitta's pain. "I have handled this badly," he said putting his head in his hands.

She chuckled. "As most men do when navigating affairs of the heart," she teased.

Her words made him smile. "Your words speak true. I find I am ill prepared for managing the tender emotions Melitta arouses within my breast. Affairs between the sheets I understand, but trials of the heart leave me feeling as inexperienced as I was at thirteen with my first woman!"

Diona had been taking a sip of her drink when he spoke and, at the mention of his age when he first had sex, she sputtered, nearly choking on her wine. "Thirteenth year!" she exclaimed. "You were but a boy!"

His grin was positively filthy. "That is not what she said," he replied, wriggling his brows at her.

Diona flushed bright red. "You have no shame," she muttered, but was pleased to see the morose expression removed from handsome face, even as his words caused heat to flood her insides.

He took note of her flushed cheeks and realized how flirtatious his words were. He had never had to watch what fell from mouth as he did with her. It was hard to curb old habits, he knew he had to try lest he bruise her feelings.

"Apologies, errant tongue outwits brain. I did not mean to embarrass you."

"I was not embarrassed. However, I appreciate attempt to salvage pride in the choosing of your words. I will keep that in mind and perhaps allow you to win one game tonight," she told him, the smile playing around her lips, happy and teasing.

Gannicus' eyes widened at her cheeky reply, and he chuckled, delighted with her increasing self-assuredness. "You threaten my ego! I am a gladiator. I do not like to lose. Be prepared for proper fucking game," he told her as he lifted the lid of the box and began to remove the pieces needed for Tali from it.

Diona poured herself another cup of wine. "Gannicus?" she said, happy to leave the topic of Melitta behind for now. She moved conversation to an event from earlier that had peaked her curiosity.

"Hmm?" he replied absently as he placed the knucklebones into the cup in which they were rolled and set them aside.

"As I was coming to your quarters, I happened upon the small Syrian gladiator…" She frowned. "What name does he go by?"

Interest sparked, Gannicus gave her his full attention. The man had been fucking warned. "Ashur," he said, handing Diona the scoring tablet, she usually divested him of it at some point during the game anyhow, he simply decided to allow her possession.

"Yes. Ashur," she said, taking the tablet and writing utensil with a small smile at his surrendering of them. "Curious thing happened when I accidentally bumped into the man. In the past, he would smile and offer clever words to draw out conversation, yet this night, he offered nothing but quick apologies and scurried away, as if I had Pluto at my back, ready to drag him to the underworld!"

He frowned. "Did you wish to break words with the man?"

"On the contrary," she replied with a shake of her head. "Ashur believes himself charming, but he is not. It was simply odd." She studied him for a moment, brow arched as if in question. "You would not have had anything to do with his sudden change, would you?"

Gannicus' grin was telling, however, he admitted nothing. "Perhaps," was all he said.

"And Rhaskos? He recently offered apologies to me. Was this nudged by your hand as well?"

"I merely advised my brother that his dealings with the fairer sex would be better served if he were less brutish."

"Gratitude," she said, heart swelling. "You are a good man, despite your belief otherwise."

"I would not see you harmed again," he told her seriously. When he was away, he wanted the men to know she was his and to leave her be.

As she surreptitiously admired his naked chest, Diona feared the most serious threat to her well-being was Gannicus himself when he broke her heart. However, she did not speak her thoughts, instead she nodded her head to the Tali board. "The only thing to be harmed this night will be your ego when I beat you, yet again!"

He grinned. "Boastful words," he said as he picked up the cup of bones. "Beware, sweet Diona, you have stirred the beast in me and I plan on putting you over knee and firmly spanking you this time!"

Diona's face flamed hot as an erotic image of herself naked and bent over his knee seized brain. She blinked rapidly to dispel the mental picture.

Her eyes glazed over at his comment and Gannicus recognized expression; he could practically scent her arousal. He cursed under his breath. "Tongue has once again escaped brain and gives voice to idiocy. Apologies, Diona, I will keep comments behind fucking teeth or sever foolish muscle!"

She shook her head. "No apologies required. While you are shameless flirt, it is my own thoughts that wander to inappropriate path," she said. "Strike it from concern and let us play the game." She smiled at him teasingly. "Which, despite your bragging, you will lose…as you have every other time."

Relieved she had not taken offense, his charming smile returned. "Hah! I was merely leading you into a false sense of security." He handed her the cup of bones. "Ladies first," he said, picking up his wine and smirking at her over the rim as Diona shook the cup and tossed the bones across the board.

Gannicus's smug expression fell from face as he stared down upon a Venus—and on her first roll. He groaned into his cup. "Jupiter fuck me! How do you do that?"

Diona merely shrugged and picked up the scoring pad to add her 100 points to her side. She put the bones back in the cup and handed them to him. Her grin far more confident than his was.

"And once again, you are trouncing my ass!" he said good naturedly.

Diona winked at him. "And I promise to be gentle when I put you over my knee and spank it as well!"

His choked on his wine at her risqué reply, coughing for a moment before he threw his head back and laughed. "As long as you are gentle…I bruise easily."

*8*

Gannicus was in the yard working the palus trying to alleviate his frustrations. He debated speaking with Melitta regarding the conversation he'd had with Oenomaus a few days ago, however, she had mentioned Oenomaus questioning her the night he ended things; she was well-aware the man concerned. In truth, there was no legitimate purpose for breaking words with Melitta. He simply wanted to. Which was precisely why he could not. Memories of big dark eyes, raven locks and luscious full lips, had tormented thoughts and mind each night since he'd broken off with her. Her image haunted him, keeping him from Morpheus' realm each night. It had been several days since Gannicus had slumbered through the night; he was exhausted.

And, Melitta was not helping matters. Each day, she made it impossible for him to ignore her. She no longer avoided eye contact, choosing instead to watch him with desire in her gaze. It seemed each time he looked at her, she was gazing back, examining his face and form with a boldness that was utterly unlike her. Just last night, they had nearly collided while he was exiting the bath. In recent past, she would have hurried away. No longer. Instead, she paused, her attention focusing on his body in a lusty manner that was both arousing and frustrating! He now understood how stressful his pursuit must have been for her as she was now returning unwelcome favor in kind.

She was driving him fucking mad!

As he worked the palus, he could feel her eyes upon him, burning a hole in his back as he attacked the structure with brutal precision, hacking it as if he wanted to kill the inanimate object. He barely resisted turning gaze to the balcony. She would be there, he knew it and he found it difficult to look away once she had captured his attention. He turned to attack the other side when he caught a flash of blue out of the corner of his eye; and despite fervent desire not to do so, his gaze strayed. When he found her, she was standing beside Domina, deliberately staring at him, observing his every move. He did not know what to make of this new brazenness of hers. She refused to retreat and when her eyes wandered over his body, slowly, as if visually caressing his flesh, he could not help the arousal that rushed through him in her wake.

It was too much. Her thorough perusal had Gannicus gritting his teeth and the aching erection her lingering gaze caused made subligaria uncomfortably tight. He was close to losing control when her eyes finally returned to his own. His flesh felt hot all over and he wanted nothing more than to scale that balcony, toss her over his shoulder and carry her back to his cell where he would spend hours teaching her, in many ways and many positions, why it was not wise to tease a gladiator with come hither smile!

"Fuck!" he growled beneath his breath and finally managed to tear sight from hers and return to training.

Batiatus noticed the exchange. Gannicus appeared disturbed as he gazed up at Melitta. Quintus heard the man utter a curse before the gladiator went back to working the palus, attacking it as if the structure personally offended. Yesterday, he had nearly lost to Barca through lack of attention. What the fuck was aggravating his champion!? Just weeks ago, the man had been full of hope, yet today, he was discontented, angry even. With Rome so close, Gannicus' change in attitude disturbed, and Batiatus would know cause. He turned to the woman he knew held his man's heart.

"Walk with me," he told Melitta. "I would have words."

Lucretia and Gaia exchanged glances, but Lucretia did not gainsay Quintus' command. She nodded at Melitta and the body slave quickly followed after Batiatus as he walked into his tablinum.

Melitta entered the room behind him and Batiatus paused a moment before asking her any questions. Instead, he let her stew, watching as she began to fidget when the silence lengthened. Her nervousness told him more than she desired. Something was amiss between her and his gladiator and Quintus would know what it was.

"What has happened between you and Gannicus that has changed the man's attitude in days passed?" Before Melitta answered, he cautioned, "and do not think to bear false tongue. I will not tolerate it again."

"His guilt over betraying Oenomaus tears heart," she explained. "He wishes us to avoid each other until feelings fade."

Batiatus frowned. Melitta was his hold on Gannicus. This news was not welcomed. "Is that what you desire as well?" he asked, trying to decide how to proceed.

"It was. Now, I am certain it is not," Melitta answered truthfully, afraid to be caught in a lie.

"He wishes to avoid you, yet he stares until distracted in match." Batiatus sighed. "Do you love Gannicus?"

Melitta swallowed. She had only admitted her feelings to Gannicus himself, but Batiatus was asking direct question…she could not answer falsely—not again. "I do," she admitted quietly.

He nodded. Batiatus had surmised as much by her actions the night he had caught them together. "If I were to dissolve your marriage. Would this be something you would want?"

Melitta's eyes widened and she shook her head vehemently at his suggestion. "No. Not even for Gannicus could I injure Oenomaus in such a manner," she replied. "I would rather he think I passed from this life than humiliate him."

Batiatus frowned. "Explain meaning."

"Dominus, Oenomaus is a proud, honorable man. Betrayal coupled with humiliation of having his wife choose dearest friend over himself is not a thing he would recover from. He would recover losing me to the afterlife with more ease. He is a strong man and would find purpose again despite his grief if I passed. He would not move forward easily if he discovered my love for Gannicus."

Tears came to her eyes and she wiped at them to keep them from spilling. "Please do not consider dissolving my marriage. Neither myself nor Gannicus would wish to see Oenomaus suffer such shame."

Batiatus cursed softly. "Nor would I. I grew up with the man, but the future of this ludus lies with Gannicus." Quintus started to pace. "I cannot have him distracted by heartbreak in Rome! If he loses at the Apolloinares, all other offers will wither and die like thin skinned whore." He paused and leveled his gaze on Melitta. "A thing I fucking will not allow to happen."

Unsure what he wanted from her, Melitta remained silent.

After a moment, he sighed. Batiatus had to think about how to solve this newest problem. "Very well. Gratitude Melitta, for honest words broken." He waved her off. "Return to your Domina."

Batiatus watched her leave. He knew Gannicus desired her above all else. He was counting on the man's love for her to keep him tied to this ludus, no matter what were to happen in Rome. He could not afford his gladiator's conscience causing a perfect plan to go awry. Quintus cared for Oenomaus. They had indeed grown up together, but the Doctore was secondary in his concern. Gannicus, and maintaining leverage over the man, was Batiatus' primary concern. He would simply arrange for his lusty gladiator to have some alone time with Melitta and allow their own natural desires to lead Gannicus back to the path chosen—the path Batiatus desired him to be on. He grinned craftily. Pleased with his solution and its ability to achieve desired results.

*8*

Thank you to each and every one of you who have left comments and feedback, they inspire me. Gratitude.