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.

A/N: Firstly, let me thank everyone for the support this story has received. :D It is incredible! I have sent out more in-depth PM's to the readers who have accounts here at FF, but if you do not have an account, I will take a moment now to thank you for your reviews, comments and feedback. Each and every comment inspires me, so I feel a need to let you, the reader, know how much I appreciate the support. I am excited about this chapter…it is quite frisky at the end.

Also, a special thank you to Jen, aka "Angel's blue eyed girl" for her help with this chapter. You truly are the Godmother of smut, my friend. I was stuck, and your input saved this chapter. Gratitude. :)

Chapter 48: ad libitum: Toward pleasure

Rome: Palatine Hill.

"Claudius!"

Claudius Aurelius was having a very pleasant dream when he was brutally ripped from Morpheus' arms by his wife screaming at him.

"Claudius awake this fucking instant!"

"Juno's cunt, Octavia!" He sat up in his lush bed, running a hand down his face as he blinked open weary eyes. "What in the name of Jupiter are you screeching about?"

Octavia waved a piece of parchment under his nose. "This!" she replied hotly. "This is what I am screeching about." She tossed it at him. "Explain why you did not bring this to me."

Yawning, Claudius picked up the parchment lying in his lap. "What is it?"

"It is a missive from Batiatus."

Claudius frowned. "From Batiatus? The lanista?"

Octavia gave a snort and rolled her eyes at her husband impatiently. "Is there another?"

Claudius ignored her words as he unrolled the letter and began to read. He frowned as the missive explained an exhibition match in which Gannicus nearly lost his life due to someone's treachery. By the time he was through reading, his frown had become a scowl.

"When did this arrive, Claudius?" she asked again. "I found it upon your desk unopened."

He shrugged. "I am unsure, Tavia," he answered. It took him a moment before he recalled Vorsutius' visit a few days' past. The man had brought a message with him as excuse for his visit, but Claudius had neglected to open it and had tossed it upon his desk unread. "This must be the missive I received the day I presented you with your arena, my love." He took her hand. "Apologies. I was excited to give you your gift and did not open it."

Octavia sighed. She was not angry with her husband and relaxed her pose. She had no desire to unwittingly take her rage out on him. "You are forgiven, of course, but this…" She snatched up the parchment, shaking it. "This affront cannot go unpunished."

Claudius nodded. "And it will not, my love. We know who is responsible for the attack."

In unison they both said, "Tullius."

"What are we going to do about it, Claudius?" Octavia demanded. "The fucking shit nearly had Gannicus killed!" She was shaking she was so angry. "That little cock sucker! I swear upon Jupiter's throne I'll have his balls severed and serve them to him as appetizer."

Claudius pulled her onto his bed to sit next to him. "Ease mind, love. Your gladiator turned the tables on the man."

"So, we are to simply forgive because Gannicus managed to save himself?"

Claudius chuckled. "Of course not," he said. "Tullius grows too bold for his position. We shall show him in painful manner that fortune does not always favor the bold."

Octavia's slow grin was decidedly wicked. Claudius was a good man but cross him and he could be a vicious adversary. Tullius had overstepped—an error that would cost him. "What did you have in mind?"

*8*

Batiatus Ludus:

The day before Gannicus and the Batiatus party were to depart for Rome was a day filled with chaos within the villa. Throughout the day, Gaia and Lucretia barked orders at the slaves, doling out lists of items that needed to be packed and then examining each crate or trunk to ensure every item arranged was done so with the utmost care. Batiatus wisely made himself scarce during this time by taking a last-minute trip into Capua. After witnessing their tirade towards all around them, he was afraid his wife or Gaia would bite his head off as well! Preparing for the trip to Rome was an exhausting procedure, one that took most of the day to complete.

At the end of the day, not only were the slaves drained from the day's activities, but Lucretia and Gaia were as well. Gaia had already retired for the night when Lucretia decided to do the same.

"Melitta," she said, "I would fall to my bed. I need you to direct the slaves preparing the wagons and ensure all trunks and crates are loaded properly. We leave at tomorrow's dawn."

"Yes Domina," Melitta said, a small smile on her face at Lucretia's nervousness. She sought to ease her burden. "Rest mind. I will see that everything is made ready for the trip."

Lucretia's face blossomed with a relieved smile. "Of course, you will," she said. "Gratitude, Melitta." She reached out and took hold of Melitta's hand. "When you complete your duties, see yourself to Oenomaus and take some much-needed time with your husband. I would see you well satisfied before we depart."

"Gratitude, Domina," Melitta said softly, although spending time with her husband of late was no longer the joyful reunion it once was.

Melitta's discontent must have shown on her face because Lucretia stopped her when she would have exited the room. "I know you have suffered these last months," the woman said, "perhaps even view some acts as betrayal…but I would not have it so. It is what we must give in return for so much. You will be rewarded for your sacrifice. I promise you this."

The dark-haired body slave bowed her head, unwilling to allow Lucretia to see how her words affected her. "Yes, Domina," she said meekly and turned to leave.

Rewarded indeed! Melitta thought as she exited Lucretia's and Quintus's room and moved through the villa towards the atrium. They had placed her in position to lose heart to her husband's dearest friend. How could Lucretia ever reward such a thing? If Gannicus won his freedom and Batiatus actually honored word and sold her papers to Gannicus, that would be reward to balance scale. However, Melitta had her doubts about such a thing ever taking place and she detested the idea of how it would break Gannicus' heart to be duped in that manner. Her troubled thoughts caused stomach to twist, but she had a task to complete and could not spend time lamenting on circumstances beyond her control. With supreme effort, she pushed aside her misgivings and embraced challenge at hand. She had to make a sweep of the villa to ensure Domina or her friend had not left items behind that needed to be packed. She also had to go through each wagon to be certain the cargo was loaded, and each vehicle was prepared to depart first thing tomorrow morning.

Melitta gathered up the house slaves needed to see task completed, most of which were traveling with Batiatus' party to Rome, and brought them to the training yard where the coaches were lined up, ready to be filled with the belongings of the Batiatus party. Naevia was present, but she noticed Diona conspicuously absent, and sighed, her eyes going to Gannicus' closed door. Recalling how her last interruption of their time had gone, she decided she could do without Diona's assistance for this task. There were four wagons total in the caravan. The largest of the wagons was a plaustrum. The oversized vehicle had no roof, but plenty of space. This was the wagon that would carry the bulk of the items and baggage needed for the four-day trip. There was a large raeda, which was nearly as big as the plaustrum, except it was equipped with benches inside. This vehicle was for the slaves to ride in with their belongings. Melitta explained that each slave making the journey would all be responsible to bring whatever they needed with them and it would be loaded into the wagon before they departed. The final two wagons were luxurious carpentums. These covered carriages were spacious inside and equipped with three large padded bench seats for travelers, as well as a curtained off sleeping area inside. Outside they had large iron shod wooden wheels and a wooden space at the back of the wagon for extra luggage. These could have the Roman's personal luggage loaded tonight, but much of what Domina and Gaia used each day could not be placed in carriage until the women were ready to depart, so the carpentums would remain mostly empty until morning.

In clear, concise directives, Melitta gave instruction to the other slaves regarding what needed to be done. She pointed to the various crates about the yard and ordered them packed into the plaustrum. She also sent some slaves into the villa to retrieve the Roman's belongings that could be loaded early. Tomorrow would be extremely busy, so Melitta wanted any item that could be packed this night loaded so it would not be a task for the next morning. It was an exhausting assignment, but Melitta handled the job with her usual efficiency as she set about ensuring that every item needed or desired to be taken upon their trip, was indeed on one of the four wagons.

She was half-way through task, when her eyes once again were drawn to his closed door, hoping it would open so she could see him. She worried over the unknown of Rome. Would she have any time to speak with Gannicus? Or would that fucking woman keep him tied to fucking bed for the entire trip? Melitta sighed at her bitter thoughts. Angry jealousy would solve naught, moreover, she did not want to cause Gannicus concern. She looked at his cell again, willing the door to open soon…

*8*

As it turned out, Diona was with Gannicus, having been sent to Gannicus' cell by Batiatus with instruction to help the handsome gladiator pack. However, when she arrived, Gannicus had much of his belongings set aside and ready to be placed in his luggage. He could easily be ready on the morrow with little time wasted.

"How did you get Dominus to relieve me of my duties early?" she asked him as she accepted his offered glass of wine. "And do not tell me it was to assist in your packing." She waved a hand. "Surprisingly, you appear quite adept at completing that on your own."

Gannicus shrugged. "I merely asked."

Diona's eyes widened. "But the entire villa is in an uproar with preparations for the trip tomorrow. I cannot believe he would indulge you in this."

"Since winning the Nobles favor, the man indulges my whims far more than he used to," he told her, a slow smile curling his lips.

Diona giggled and took a sip of her wine as Gannicus got the box that held the Tali game down from his shelf above his bed. "And playing knucklebones is your idea of helping you pack."

"It will certainly be more pleasing, will it not?" he returned, chuckling softly as he resumed his seat upon his bed and began setting up the board.

Diona rolled her eyes but took a seat opposite him at the foot of the bed. "For me. Not for you, as you are bound to lose once again," she teased.

His brow shot up at her cocky reply. "You have become a hustler, Diona. Someday, I will bring you to the gambling dens of Neapolis and you and I shall earn a fortune rolling dice!"

Diona's heart thudded in her chest at his casual mention of a someday for them. Did that mean he had plans to keep her in his life? It caused giddy pleasure to warm belly and cheeks, but she did not break words on the matter. Gannicus cared for her but Melitta had his love, she knew this; however, if she also had a small place his affections as well, Diona would be satisfied. Having a part of Gannicus' heart was far better than having none.

*8*

Two hours later, Melitta had the large plaustrum packed and readied when she noticed Gannicus' door finally open and Diona exit. The young slave girl stood in his doorway for a moment, the distance too great for Melitta to hear their conversation until Diona turned to leave and Melitta heard Gannicus call out to the girl from within his cell.

"You are a poor winner, Diona!" His deep baritone voice could be heard across the yard. "You rub victory in face without allowing opportunity to balance scales."

Diona's cheeky reply was just as clear. "You could not balance scales if I gave you ten opportunities," she said. "I seek only to save you further embarrassment, although I do appreciate the foot massage."

"I'll have you know, you have hustled your last foot massage from me, wench!"

"Ha! You still owe me three," was Diona's saucy reply.

"Be gone hustler before I am indentured to you for years to come," Gannicus retorted, but there was a humorous undertone to his voice.

"I shall take pity on you then and depart before you are indebted to me in the afterlife as well!" Diona told him before she turned and hurried across the yard to return to the villa, her giggles following behind her.

His boisterous laughter in response to her words carried into the night, causing Melita's tummy to flutter. His laugh was so infectious, she could not help smiling in return.

Standing there in the shadows, observing the bond between them, Melitta felt unwanted and unwarranted jealousy seize her. Gannicus insisted they were not fucking, yet they were so…intimate. Diona teased him as she once did. And he gave her messages? Granted, it was a foot message, but Melitta imagined those could be erotic, especially if given by a man as comely as Gannicus. The image of him with his hands on Diona's foot bothered her more than she cared to admit. Did his hands truly stop at her feet? Or did they travel higher, up her thighs and perhaps even further...? The thought made her stomach to cramp unpleasantly.

She pointed to the last trunk that needed to be loaded. The baggage contained Gaia's wigs and hair accessories. "See this placed in the back of the larger carpentum, but easily accessible in case she changes mind and decides to access the bag." Melitta offered the young man a smile. "Gratitude. You may return to the villa after task is complete. That will be all for the night."

The slave nodded, and Melitta, knowing she should not do so, began walking across the yard towards his cell. His door was still open from Diona's exit and Melitta could see a soft glow of candlelight coming from inside. Her heart thumped in her chest, the closer she got, but it did not stop her. She just wanted a peek inside his quarters…

Gannicus was sitting on his bed, when she stuck her head inside. He had a glass of wine in hand and a Tali board on the bed next to him, as he was concentrating on putting the game away and did not notice her in his doorway. She felt relief wash over her. They truly did play games together. Melitta felt like a fool. She should leave before he discovered her, but she knew she would not. She wanted to spend a moment in his company before they left.

"Am I interrupting?" she asked, making her presence known.

His head shot up and his eyes widened upon seeing her, but his surprise quickly turned to joy and a wide grin broke out upon hs handsome face. "Melitta! What are you doing here?"

In truth, she did not know. Coming to his cell was foolish beyond all reason, but she could not seem to stop herself. He was Mars to her Venus, an unstoppable forbidden love. Cupid's influence was especially strong this night and she could not stay away.

She shut his door.

His grin disappeared while his jaw fell open almost comically. "You are treading dangerous ground," he warned as she started across the room to where he sat on the bed, but the hungry look in his eyes belied his warning.

It was as if she was a stranger within herself. Her will gone. She lusted for him, and since she had given in to temptation that first time, in this very cell, she found herself unable to offer even a token of resistance whenever opportunity to have him presented itself.

"I would cover more of it," she told him, placing a hand on his naked chest.

Gannicus' eyes dropped to where she touched him, then traveled back up to meet her gaze. "Now it is you who risks discovery," he said gruffly, but Melitta could see the distinct rise in the blue wrap around his hips, tenting the material…it did little to hide his arousal.

She pushed him, and he landed flat on his back upon the bed. She quickly climbed atop him, straddling his lap, hovering over his erection, teasingly. "I would risk everything for you," she told him cupping his jaw in her hands.

Gannicus' hands went to her waist and he met her gaze hungrily from his position beneath her. "As would I," he said, and then he rose up and caught her lips with his, kissing her with a fiery passion that caused her to lose all sense of sanity; nothing mattered except the blissful feelings he inspired so effortlessly.

Melitta kissed him back with equal abandon, savoring the taste of him like a woman starved of drink.

Gannicus fell back onto the bed, bringing Melitta down with him. He buried his hands in her thick raven locks as he angled her head, taking possession of her mouth, his tongue mating with hers in a deliciously hot tangle of deep, wet kisses that caused head to spin.

In a quick move, he rolled them over and placed her under him while he settled himself between her legs. He brushed her hair back from her face, so he could gaze into her eyes. "When are you expected back to the villa?"

Melitta whimpered her pleasure as his heavy erection pressed against the apex of her thighs. "Domina gifted me with the rest of the night to myself," she replied, leaving off that the time was given for her to visit another cell—another man.

Gannicus knew where she was supposed to be, but left it unsaid as well. He would examine his guilt later. His most fervent desire to have her in his bed was coming to pass and he would sooner remove a limb than see her leave.

"Then let us make the most of such a boon," he murmured, taking her lips again, kissing her deeply, before trailing a fiery path down her neck with wet, sensual kisses. His hands slid down her body to tug her robes open and Melitta helped him by lifting her hips, so he could pull the offending garment from her body.

He paused a moment to admire her nude form. "Never have I set eyes upon more beautiful sight than you in my bed, wearing nothing but joyful smile." His grin was giddy in its happiness. "I would taste every inch of you." With a soft grumble of satisfaction, he lowered his mouth and set upon tender breast with hungry desire.

"Gods!" She arched her back as his hot, wet mouth enveloped her nipple. "Gannicus…yes!" she moaned, tangling her fingers in his blonde hair and pressing him closer while he used his considerable prowess to titillate her womanly curves.

Hearing his name on her lips in such delirious state caused his passion to soar. He growled deeply, cupping the perfect globes in both palms while fluttering his tongue expertly around one tender nub, licking and nibbling the pebbled nipple and raising it to full attention, before moving on to the other. He maneuvered his leg between hers, pressing his muscled thigh against the sensitive flesh there, and Melitta bucked her hips, gasping at the wonderful pressure upon the place between her legs that ached to be filled. Her nails scored his naked back as she grinded against his hard flesh, breathless moans escaping her as he paid homage to her breasts.

Gannicus took his time worshipping her body, his rough, harsh breathing upon the wet flesh of her tender breasts adding another layer of pleasure for Melitta as he bestowed generous attention to each perky mound. When it became too much, Melitta tugged at his hair, bringing his mouth back to hers for a deep, sensual kiss. He indulged her for several long, pleasurable moments, before returning to his primary goal further south of her breasts. His lips moved down her body, blazing a hot path along her concaved belly, nipping at the quivering flesh just under her belly button, before setting his sights upon the treasure he truly wanted to feast upon. Gannicus got to his knees and grabbed a pillow from his bed; his smile was lusty as he instructed Melitta to lift her hips for him. A small frown marred her brow, but she did as he asked and Gannicus placed the pillow under her hips.

"What are you doing?" she asked.

He licked his lips, his expression was one of pure satisfaction as he smoothed his palms up her inner thighs, spreading them wide for his viewing pleasure. "I have long desired such a moment," he told her, trailing his fingertips up and down her legs. "Mouth waters in anticipation of your taste. This will not be quick, I would have you comfortable as I dine on the delicate banquet set before me."

She flushed a becoming shade of dusky rose at his talk of eating her. "Are you never at a loss for words?"

"How can I not expound on such a treasure set before me?"

Melitta whimpered as his fingertips continued their soft exploration of her flesh. "Please…" she said, not truly sure what it was she was asking for. She simply knew she needed him to do something.

His grin was boyish yet lethally erotic. "Cock swells with might and purpose at having you upon my sheets, eager for my tongue," he growled. "I would see us both well satisfied." And with that, he moved further down the bed and lay down on his belly between her legs.

Melitta's knees raised, and her legs widened to accommodate his shoulders as he settled himself between them, dedicating himself to pleasing her in this manner. He gave a soft purr of anticipation before he bent his head and buried his face between her thighs, delighted to explore her hidden depths at his leisure, rather than at Roman command.

"Gannicus!" she exclaimed, hips rising as shock waves of pleasure raced along her nerve endings when his warm, talented mouth settled upon heated flesh.

"Ssshhh." He soothed her, placing a hand on her belly. "Relax," he said and ran his tongue along the delicate folds of her swollen sex, avoiding her most sensitive areas in favor of awakening her desires slowly. He relaxed his tongue and lapped at her gently, allowing him to taste her essence for the first time. She was soaking wet and delicious. His deep groan of satisfaction caused Melitta to mutter a plea for "more" and press herself closer to his experienced tongue. Heeding her desires, he gave her soft licks and slipped a finger inside her while his thumb encircled her clitoris, not quite touching it, just teasing it with subtle pressure designed to arouse passions, not satisfy them. Seeking even more from him, Melitta buried her hands in his hair and pulled, lifting her hips to press his mouth to her more firmly.

Gannicus resisted with a soft chuckle. "Patience, Melitta," he told her. He finally had her right where he wanted her, he would not squander opportunity by rushing the pleasure.

"Gannicus, please!" she cried, arching against his mouth, trying to force him to hasten his movements and her relief. "I desire you inside me."

He raised his head to meet her heated gaze. "That will come, but first, I have glorious purpose in mind," he murmured, adding another finger inside her. "An effort you will appreciate, trust words." He worked his fingers in a 'come hither' fashion, rubbing the spongy tissue inside her body that never failed to make a woman come undone. He used his thumb to pull back the small hood covering her secret bud and swirled the very tip of his tongue around the incredibly sensitive nerve endings there, taking her ever higher with every skillful stroke of his tongue, driving her near mad with heightened arousal.

"It is too much," she moaned, her head thrashing from side to side as the pressure within built to near painful degree. Her breathing became labored as her legs began to quiver and tremble. "I cannot! Gannicus, please, I cannot!"

"You can. Allow me to show you what your body is capable of," he whispered, blowing his hot breath over the engorged flesh as he added yet another finger, moving the three digits in and out while sweeping his thumb around her pleasure spot over and again. Melitta lifted her hips in time with his fingers and Gannicus smiled lustily, savoring her reaction. He nipped at her inner thigh, causing her to gasp.

"Let yourself feel it all, Melitta," he encouraged, wanting her to pause and savor the enjoyment.

When her body began to shudder uncontrollably, and she was on the verge of finding her release, he assaulted her tender, sensitive bud with soft but rapid flicks of his tongue while he worked her with his fingers, playing her body like a fine-tuned instrument.

"GaanniohhoohhGods!" she cried incoherently, her hands tightening in his hair and nearly yanking it from his skull as she convulsively pressed his mouth to her in heated desperation. "Please-please-please!" she panted, grinding herself against his face as she pleaded with him to end torment.

"You take fucking breath, you are so beautiful," he groaned, and sealed his lips over her swollen nub and suckled it hard into his mouth. He gave a soft, rumbling hum that added delicious vibration against delicate nerves, and pushed her towards rapid climax.

It was just what she needed. Melitta's mouth opened in silent scream as her entire body went rigid and she erupted against his mouth, exploding into violent orgasm. Her fingers grippd his hair painfully and she dug her heels into the mattress, thrusting her hips upwards, riding his face as the most intense and powerful waves of sheer bliss washed over her. It was beyond anything she had ever experienced and, so enthused was her response, she nearly bucked him from her body during the throes of ecstasy.

Hanging on determinedly as she writhed under him, Gannicus gripped her thighs and kept them spread for him as he lapped up the sweet honey flowing from within her. His deep rumbling growls were full of male gratification at making her cum so forcefully. When Melitta finally fell back to the bed, legs splayed and limp from exertion, Gannicus raised his head. His lips and chin were wet with the proof of her pleasure and he grinned, licking his lips exaggeratedly; his smirk was arrogantly pleased

"If I were to die tomorrow, I would go to the afterlife a happy man having tasted your nectar." His eyes returned to her throbbing mound and he licked his lips again, enjoying her taste. "I would savor every drop," he said, and before Melitta realized his intent, his mouth was upon her again.

Stunned he was asking for more of her, Melitta gave a sharp cry as his gifted hands and tongue immediately sent her spiraling right back into the chaotic abyss of sensual delights. His expertise was undeniable, and once again, her entire world became focused on the painful ache between her thighs where his glorious mouth conquered her flesh, bringing her to three more incredible orgasms in rapid succession that left Melitta near insensate by the time he finally let her rest, satisfied he had given her all he had to give.

*8*

Rome: Aventine Hill.

Tullius arrived at a small pub on Aventine Hill under the cover of night. He wore a full cloak that hid his face in shadow as he took a seat at a table in a darkened corner near the back of the establishment. He removed the hood of his cloak, confident he would not be recognized. His contact should arrive shortly, and he ordered a flask of wine and two glasses from a topless bar maid while he waited for the man to arrive.

Tullius had just finished his second glass when a tall, dark-haired man dressed in a blood red cloak, grey knee britches and a black tunic took a seat across from him.

Tullius poured the man a cup of wine. "Your late, Vorsutius," he said, pushing the cup across the table.

Damaius Vorsutius chuckled softly. "I move with caution," he replied. "Aurelius has made inquiries regarding your presence in Rome. More specifically, your presence here on the Aventine. He has let it be known he would not appreciate any aid shown you should you ask."

Outwardly, Tullius' calm expression did not change. However, inwardly he cringed and cursed his luck. Aurelius knew about the attack on Gannicus and was taking preventive steps to see him neutered and without help from old alliances. It was a most unpleasant turn of events.

"And why does the request of a patrician hold such sway in a pleb community?" Tullius asked, taking a sip from his wine.

Vorsutius shrugged. "Where does all power come from, Tullius?"

"Coin," the merchant answered. Tullius sighed. It was worse than he thought. "And you give pause because Aurelius contributes to your cause," he rightly surmised.

"You heard no such thing from my lips," Vorsutius said, neither confirming nor denying Tullius' assumption.

"I did not need to," Tullius said, knowing he would find no help from his old friends on the Aventine. Not if Aurelius was supplying them with coin. He stood better chance at producing Jupiter's cock in hand than he did matching the amount of coin Aurelius could provide to Vorsutius and his men.

Vorsutius finished off his wine. "We have known each other a long time, Tullius, since our time in the Republic's guard. I will offer you some advice. I know not of what you have done to set the man against you, nor do I care to know, but I would suggest you rectify the matter. Aurelius appears a soft, gentle noble, but make no mistake, he can be a brutal foe, especially where his wife is concerned. If you have offended him, or worse her, make fucking amends or create an escape plan because he can, and will, destroy you old friend."

With those parting words Vorsutius tossed a couple denarii on the table and exited, his cloak billowing behind him in his haste to distance himself.

"Fuck!" Tullius snarled softly.

He had not expected Aurelius to have connections upon the Aventine. The development utterly wrecked Tullius' plans, and for a moment, he sat at the table lamenting his position, his mind falling into despair as he imagined his business and reputation ruined and in tatters. He could even end up fucking destitute. The thought of Batiatus gloating over such an event made the merchant so enraged it took every bit of willpower he possessed not too upend the table and let loose his fury.

He was preparing to leave when a thought dawned on the merchant. Why was Aurelius contributing to a plebian cause? He was of the patrician class and a fucking consul to Rome! To what purpose was the man backing interests that may conflict with the popular vote within the Senate? And suddenly, things did not look so bleak. Perhaps he should be seeking help not in the pleb community but in the patrician. Tullius wondered what Claudius Aurelius' political rivals would think of the man's actions.

"Alea iacta est," he muttered softly (1). "The game is afoot. Let us see who plays it better."

*8*

Gannicus' Cell:

Gannicus kissed his way back up her body, pausing to study her beautiful face. She was panting for breath, pink cheeked and sweaty, her hair clinging to her forehead and temples. She looked utterly exhausted, and Gannicus ignored his own immediate desires to find relief inside her body. Instead, he climbed from his bed to retrieve a glass from his shelf. Upon his return he poured them each some wine from the amphora next to his bed. He sipped his drink as he sat next to her, hoping an offer of wine would help her regain sense. With a tender hand, he brushed her dampened hair back from her brow, a gentle smile tugging his lips at her ravished appearance. She looked thoroughly well loved. And she was, he admitted, leaning over to place a kiss upon her forehead, his heart overflowing with emotion for her.

"Melitta," he whispered huskily, running his knuckles along her cheek. "Would you care for some wine?"

Melitta blinked open her heavy-lidded gaze. Her smile was dreamy. "Mmm, yes." She sat up, breath catching as small tremors still assaulted her. He placed a pillow behind her back as she took the glass from him with a shaky hand. "Gratitude," she murmured, curling up on her side to face him as she leaned against the fluffy pillow. She combed her fingers through her damp, messy hair. "My brain feels numb," she said softly. "What did you do to me?"

Gannicus' grin was one of unabashed male pride and Melitta rolled her eyes at the cocky smirk she recognized quite well. "Oh, you are pleased with yourself, are you not?" she commented, but she was smiling too, because there was a deeper emotion within his eyes…a tenderness he did not share with anyone but her; it caused breathlessness to assail her.

"Not entirely," he said, wincing as he climbed up on the bed to recline next to her, his painfully hard erection making the wrap around his hips rise noticeably.

Unable to help herself, Melitta set about to tease him. She finished off her wine and set her empty cup upon the table next to the bed. "Gratitude for most pleasant interlude, but I must return to the villa," she said, attempting to keep a straight face when his eyes widened in shock.

Gannicus, seeing the grin she tried to hide, and playing along, gave a rumbling growl when she made move to leave the bed; he snaked a muscular around her waist, halting her escape. Melitta burst into giggles when he dragged her right back. "And where do you think you are going?" he asked, pulling her to him until her back was pressed against his chest and her delectable rear end was nearly sitting upon his cock.

"Apologies. I wish I could assist with your…"

"Massive problem?" he supplied, rubbing his beard stubbled cheek against her much softer one.

"Massive ego, more like," she returned, glancing at him over her shoulder. "But, alas even my patience would fade in the attempt."

Gannicus threw back his head in laughter. He loved her wit, even when, or perhaps, especially when it was aimed at himself. He scowled at her playfully. "You are a cruel woman, Melitta," he told her, his lower lip jutting, "to even suggest leaving me in such a state."

He took her hand and brought it down to where he was still rigid and erect with purpose. "All for you." He groaned when she palmed his shaft, her hand curling around his hard flesh. "Do you deflect offering to leave me absent joyful reunion between moistened thighs?"

"I would never dream of such a thing," Melitta said, taking control as she turned and straddled him. She let him go. "Remove subligaria," she demanded, arching a brow as she waited for him to submit to her command.

"Are we playing Roman mistress and slave?" he teased. The idea of playing such a game with her was an arousing one, and he quickly unknotted the blue cloth, unwrapping the garment from his hips. He sighed when his cock was freed from any confines at all. He licked his lips, his smile lusty. "What would you have me do, Mistress?"

Melitta paused. The game might have been more entertaining if he did not have a true Roman mistress who demanded his cock on regular basis. Some of her pleasure waned at the thought.

Gannicus noticed her change and immediately surmised the reason behind it. His hungry grin faded. "Do not think of it now," he whispered urgently. "I cannot bear to have precious moment with you stolen by thoughts of her. Please, Melitta." He cupped her face in his hands and brushed soft kisses upon her lips. "It is just you and I in this room. Let us keep it that way."

"I will turn it from thought in favor of more pleasurable pursuits," she said and leaned forward to return his kiss tenderly.

With firm purpose, she reached between them to wrap a hand around his girth and stroked him up and down several times. "I would have you inside me now."

Gannicus moaned softly and his head fell back against the wall of his cell. "I am in favor of this idea," he said with a breathless smile, gasping in pleasure when she guided him to her entrance and sat down upon him, taking his towering length within her body.

He groaned as her tight, wet heat surrounded him, eyes nearly crossing with pleasure at how drenched her passage was, how good she felt. His need for her was painfully intense and he begged for a moment to regain control, but Melitta was not having it. She placed her hands on his shoulders and began to move upon him, rising and falling in slow, sensual movements that were nearly his undoing. Gannicus was forced to grip her hips and keep her still lest their fun end far too early. He was a man well known for his stamina upon the sheets, and yet, Melitta would have him appear an untrained youth with his first woman, so fast was his seed ready to burst from his loins!

Her inner sheath clenched around him and her every movement milked a response from him; he nearly lost control. "Agghh…Gods Melitta…what you do to me," he told her, gritting his teeth to hold his instinctual urges at bay. "I am afraid you will be without pleasurable reward if we do not pause a moment."

Her palms slid along his chest, exploring the chiseled perfection of his golden body. "It pleases me to see you absent control," she whispered, placing a kiss to his chin. "To know I excite you so…" Her mouth trailed a sensual path to his neck, where she stopped and tasted the stubbled flesh there with tongue and teeth. "To watch as your vaunted prowess escapes you…" She kissed and licked her way up his neck, to his ear and he gasped, shuddering when she took a small bite of the fleshy lobe. "And to feel you tremble under my kiss," she breathed, "it causes heart to pound." She swirled her tongue along the shell of his ear, making him moan her name softly as shivers raced up his spine. Melitta gave an answering whimper. "Mmm, the way you say my name," She kissed the spot right behind his ear. "It arouses me to no end."

Gannicus sucked in a sharp breath, her words had his lust soaring even higher. "You are driving me mad!" he bit out torturously, his fingers spasming on her hips when she nibbled on his ear again.

She chuckled huskily and leaned back, cupping his face in her hands. "And now you can share sentiment I experienced a short while ago," she told him, brushing his lips with her own before biting down on his lower lip teasingly.

It was too much and Gannicus' control snapped. He took hold of her hips as he got to his knees upon the bed, keeping Melitta firmly in his lap, cock buried deep inside her. Their eyes met and held. "You play with fire," he growled, "stirring my arousal to such heights."

"Your fire burns with delicious intent," she breathlessly replied, her hands tightening on his shoulders. "I will accept consequence gladly."

Her answer spurred him into action. He tilted his hips and bucked them upwards as he brought her down his shaft, angling his thrusts to allow him deeper penetration and to stimulate the place inside her body that made a woman scream in pleasure. Gannicus' gaze dropped to where they were joined; the visual of his cock moving in and out of her adding to his enjoyment. It was an erotic sight burned upon brain and he tucked it away to recall later when she would be absent from his embrace with only his memories of her to keep him warm.

Melitta's head fell back and she gave a short, breathless cry as his cock continuously brushed against something within her body that caused the most intense waves of ecstasy, and as his pace increased, so did the pleasurable sensations until they were nearly impossible to endure, so overwhelming were they.

"Yes! Harder!" she gasped.

Gannicus obliged, slamming into her with relentless, powerful strokes, and her breathless pants filled the air as her body tightened around him. She clung to his muscular shoulders when the waves began to pulse through her in overwhelming tide; she was quickly on the verge of climax once again.

He pulled her head down, kissing her hungrily. When she lifted her head, their gazes locked, and his hands slid up her back, holding her while she glided up and down his length. Their naked bodies glistened with sweat and their harsh, panted breaths mingled as they moved in perfect rhythm together. They were beautiful, gazing into one another's eyes, never breaking that contact as they raced towards glorious completion. Moments later when the tide broke and she came, it was his name that burst from lips with a shrill cry. Gannicus let out a growl of satisfaction when her inner walls clamped down on his cock and pulsed around him, fluttering wildly as she came. It was almost painfully tight for a moment until a flood of hot liquid release washed over his shaft, giving proof of her orgasm. He quickly sought his own. Abandoning all control, Gannicus let himself go, pumping into her with single-minded purpose. Soft gasps fell from his lips as his climax rushed him in a mind-numbing explosion of ecstasy that robbed him of breath and sense. He wrapped his arms around her slender frame, clutching her to him as he buried his face in her neck, groaning her name while he came undone, losing himself within her body.

*XOXO*

Ok everyone, hope you all enjoyed that little smut fest! More to come. I will be posting again later this week. Thursday most likely. This chapter became so long, I had to split it into two parts. :) Oh well, that means two posts this week rather than one. That is a good thing, yes?

Thank you again to all of you who never fail to leave a comment and feed my muse. I love reading your thoughts. They sincerely make my day. :)

TJ

Footnotes:

1. alea iacta est translates to: the die is cast. This was supposedly said by Julius Caesar when he crossed the Rubicon in 49 BC, in the context of he was past the point of no return.