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 foul language and smut! If that is not your cup of tea, turn back now.

Pairings: There is multiple pairing in this story. Gannicus has more than one partner in this story. However, Gannicus/Melitta is my end game. If you are offended by multiple pairings of the characters, then this story is NOT for you.

If you are like me and just want Gannicus naked as often as possible, then read on. LOL

Chapter 62: nitimur in vetitum: we strive for the forbidden

Aurelius City Domus: Gladiator Lodgings:

After his performance, Gannicus was told to gather gear for return to Palatine Hill and the Aurelius compound. He was surprised he was leaving so soon, rather than waiting in one of the holding cells and returning with his brothers at the end of day. He was transported back to Palatine Hill and simply dropped off within the walls of Aurelius' home absent guards or instruction.

Since all the nobles were still at the Circus, and Claudius' relaxed environment for his slaves, and the freedom he afforded them, for the first time in more years than he could remember, Gannicus' time was entirely his own. He made haste to his room within the gladiator domus and gathered up his bathing supplies. The bath here was beyond enjoyable, and he was eager to get to the bathing chamber and wash the gold paint from his body. It had dried and was beginning to itch fiercely; and in places that should not be itching!

He entered the bathing quarters he and his brothers shared and tossed aside his soap and drying cloth. The chamber was vast with a sizeable rectangular sunken pool in the middle of the room, that required the bather to walk down steps to enter. The room was constructed of light grey marble with rivers of gold veining running through it. Far more opulent than anything any of the three gladiators had ever seen, and they marveled at how soft it was against skin; not rough stone like the baths at the ludus. Moreover, the bath was clean, the water refreshed often throughout the day, and there was a furnace in place under the pool to heat the water to keep it warm or it could be adjusted to make water hot, whatever was preferred. Octavia called it a hypocaust (1) and told him how all public baths throughout Rome and many private villas used this water heating system.

He had no knowledge of it, but it mattered not, he did not have to understand how it worked to thoroughly enjoyed the constant flow of hot water. Using the baths and soaking in the heated water had become a thing he looked forward to daily since arriving at Octavia's domus. To further the blessing of the bath, scented oils were placed within the water, ensuring the water was not only fresh and hot, but it also smelled good too. This was very much unlike the ludus baths where, if you were unlucky to be last gladiator to bathe, chances are you might leave your bath dirtier than when you entered! The hot baths here left one feeling clean, fresh, as well as soothing sore muscles. It was a marvelous thing, and in this, he did not mind being spoiled by the woman, not at all.

Eager to wash the hardened paint from his body, his hands went to his subligaria and began untying it. A soft clearing of a throat came from behind him and to the side, surprising him. He spun around towards the sound and was utterly stunned to see Melitta sitting upon the ledge of marble seating that ran along one wall of the bathing chamber for people to relax before or after the bath.

She giggled. "Close mouth or flies may take residence."

He laughed. "Melitta!" he said, running a hand through his hair. His joy at seeing her was obvious as his eyes lit up and his enchanting grin spread wide across face, making him look years younger than when he sported furrowed brow. "What are you doing here?"

Melitta took a moment to admire him up close. He was so handsome in his glittering golden paint and revealing white and gold subligaria. She especially liked the way he looked in his subligaria. It was a garment that drew attention to his groin area and displayed his hard muscled body to perfection. She licked her lips, her hunger for him must have become obvious because, as she watched, Gannicus' passion rose to the occasion before her very eyes, causing subligaria to bulge and lift as he became aroused.

"Melitta?" his baritone voice became even huskier as lust surged.

She got up from her perch and made her way across the white tiled floor to stand before him. "Domina told me to see myself bathed and presented to you," she told him, her lush lips curling upwards into enticing smile.

His brow shot up to his hairline. "I find that difficult to believe," he scoffed. "The woman barely tolerates sight of me, yet you say she gives permission for me to put hands upon you, her cherished slave."

"Not just hands," she murmured with a sensual smile.

Gannicus' desire increased tenfold. He was instantly hard as stone. "She wanted flesh stripped from back when she found out about us at the ludus... Now she says we can fuck?" He shook his head. "What game is she playing?"

"She is not playing." She shrugged. "Believe it or not, my words hold true. She gave permission for me to do with you whatever I wish..." She licked her lips as her eyes traveled over his enticing body. "What would you choose to do with such a boon?"

A deep rumbling growl came from within him at her words. His cock hardened to the point where it was painfully noticeable beneath his subligaria. "You are to be gift for me, truly?" His grin was so dirty, Melitta blushed.

"Domina gave instruction," she said, "perhaps you are being rewarded for stunt earlier today."

He wagged his brows at her. "In my tale, Apollo tore the head off Python." He shrugged, "Sounds better in the retelling of it."

She rolled her eyes. "And what end would story bear had you broken neck instead?"

He thought for a moment before he grinned yet again. "Then I would rewrite history, would I not?"

When it appeared Melitta might take him to task further, Gannicus pouted. "Am I to be punished or rewarded?"

"Do not think I am unaware of what you are doing?" she told him, but as usual, she found it difficult to resist him.

"Can we move on to the giving of my gift?" he asked, trying to capture her hand to pull her to him.

He reached for her again, and Melitta, who was agile as well, neatly avoided his grasp, teasing him. "I am to see myself bathed first." Her eyes roamed his beautiful golden body. "It appears you too could benefit from a bath."

He chuckled softly. "I could," he agreed, appearing relaxed, almost lackadaisical.

Melitta let her guard down and he took advantage. Without warning, he reached out and wrapped an arm around her waist, moving so fast, it shocked her. She let out a gasp of surprise when she found herself caught.

He tugged her to him for a kiss. "But first, I would see to other pleasures." He took her lips in a slow, almost lazy enjoyment of her luscious mouth. Their tongues mingled, tasting each other with unhurried delight, until passions started to spike, then their kiss became wilder, wet and frenzied as their hands roamed each other's body, eagerly reacquainting themselves with their lover's face, form and taste.

Finally, Gannicus pulled back, licking his lips hungrily as he gulped in deep breaths of much needed air. His eyes darkened with love, as well as pure, unadulterated lust. "I would see us save water and share bath."

Melitta was just as breathless, but she could not resist teasing him further. "Perhaps that would be best, Calia says Rome is currently experiencing a drought."

He laughed softly, until she tunneled her fingers in his soft blonde hair, her nails raking his scalp, causing him to catch breath and shudder dramatically. His hands tightened on her waist. "You cause knees to weaken," he admitted hoarsely. "Only you." He rested his forehead against hers. "Only you, Melitta."

"Gannicus," she murmured, her eyes filled with emotion. "I stand as same," she confessed. "Domina posed question to me earlier. She asked if given voice, who I would choose, you or Oenomaus?"

He swallowed thickly. "Will these words be pleasing to ear?" he asked, unable to help himself, she loved him, he believed her words, but she had ripped heart from chest previously as well.

She nodded. "I believe it so," she told him, stroking his stubbled chin with her thumb. "It is you, Gannicus." Her smile was, for once, serene, no conflict was present in her beautiful brown eyes. She was at peace with choice and Gannicus realized Melitta had finally come to terms with her love for him. "If given voice to choose, it would be you."

She was truly his.

Joy filled his heart, and his boisterous laughter filled the room as he wrapped his arms around her hips and lifted her in the air. Melitta braced her hands on his shoulders and gave a delighted little squeal when he spun her about dizzily. "The Gods have blessed me this day. I would not see gift squandered." He let her slide down his body, grinning when the golden paint he wore became smeared upon Melitta as well.

Melitta ran her palms along his well-defined pectoral muscles, loving the feel of his firm, hard flesh. His nipples hardened and she leaned forward and licked one, swirling her tongue around the hardened nub, unmindful of the gold paint. Gannicus growled. She gazed up at him under her lashes, her beautiful full lips bore a golden tint. "Shall we see ourselves cleansed?" Without waiting for reply, she unhooked her pale blue dress, meeting his eyes brazenly as she let it drop.

Gannicus' eyes followed the garment as it fluttered to the floor, landing in a puddle at her feet. His gaze then traveled back up her form, thoroughly enjoying her nude body; his smile widened, and he dropped his subligaria, allowing his sizeable erection to spring free of entanglement. "Fuck being clean," he growled, snatching her up in his strong arms, yet again.

"Gannicus!" Melitta shrieked, when he playfully tossed her over his shoulder like a sack of grain before making way to the large rectangular bathing pool. "Put me down!" she said giving him a smack to his firm backside.

"Momentarily," he replied and gave her well rounded ass a slap in return, bursting into laughter when Melitta let out a strangled cry and promised retribution for such rough treatment. When he got to the bathing pool, he sat down on the ledge within the pool and placed Melitta in his lap, straddling him. That engaging grin of his spread across his handsome face. "I have no desire to be clean," he murmured, running his hands along her thighs under the water, enjoying the feel of her naked flesh along his. "I would make you dirty. Very dirty," he said, bucking his hips suggestively, his eyes so dark with lust, they appeared black.

Melitta felt breath catch and blood boil. "Perhaps cleanliness is overrated."

"Very," he murmured, kissing her as he lifted her by the waist and guided her back down to sit upon his notable erection; they both moaned as he filled her.

Aurelius Domus: A guest cubiculum

Cecilia Severus was, like her older cousin, Octavia, a great beauty. She was petite and slender yet possessing the curves that made her very much a budding woman. In fact, she found her breasts overly large and had taken to binding them... anything to help keep Lucius' disgusting gaze from landing on her. She sat before the looking glass located in her opulent, yet borrowed bedroom, her gaze not drawn to reflection, instead she pondered how she came to be here, in this villa. She supposed it could be worse, at least her accommodations were lovely. The room was lavishly decorated in brilliant blues, purples and gold tones. The furnishings in her room were tasteful, yet decadent, which did not surprise, everything in Octavia's domus was beautiful, but she missed her old room, in her old villa, with her father...

She sighed as her loyal slave, Livia, the only thing left from her previous life, brushed her blonde hair until her natural curls shone with golden sheen.

Cecilia stifled a sob.

"Apologies," Livia said, thinking she had pulled her mistress' hair.

Cecilia hastened to reassure the girl. "No Livia, it was not you who has brought me to blubbering mess." The two girls had grown up together, played together as children surrounded by the loving embrace of Cecilia's indulgent father. She wiped a tear from her blue eyes, eyes that once beamed with happiness when her father yet lived, now stood empty and lifeless under the guardianship of her cousin Lucius.

"It is him," Livia hissed softly. "That filthy animal—"

"Sssshhh! Bite tongue," Cecilia warned in a harsh whisper. "I would not have you hurt if his ear were to catch such words as they fell from mouth." Tears flooded Cecilia's blue eyes again. "I could not bear it if I lost you too!" she cried, hugging the dark-haired Syrian girl who was her exact age of seventeen. "You stand more as sister to me than slave, Livia. I would do anything to save you. If he was to realize, he would use you to bend me even farther to his will."

The slender young Syrian returned her mistress' embrace. "I would never see such a thing. I have thought of taking his life..."

Cecilia gasped and her hand went to her breast as if her heart was about to leap from chest. "Livia! You must never speak of it again! He is a Roman Imperator." The young blonde shuddered. "He would have you crucified and force me to watch." She took Livia's hands in her own. "Please, promise you will never repeat such words. Not even when it is just us." She glanced around the room, as if reassuring herself they were indeed alone. "You must remember, where Lucius is, the walls may have ears as well as eyes."

Livia, seeing the genuine fear in Cecial's eyes relented. "Apologies Cala," she said, using the name Livia had given to her when they were but babes, and the Syrian had not yet had the ability to form Cecilia. Livia was the only one to call her that. "I will hold tongue, but you know I detest what he is doing to you."

Cecilia gave her another quick hug. "And I cherish you for it, but I cannot lose you, Livia. I fear I'd take blade to breast if I had to face days to come without you at my side to offer comfort in a world that has gone to shit since my father died."

Livia began to style Cecilia's long blonde locks. "Can you not turn to your cousin for aid? Her husband is the Consul of Rome. Surely that is a position of much power."

Cecilia sighed, unsure. She had thought of confiding in Octavia, but she had been such a mean-spirited little girl where Octavia was concerned. Scorning all efforts her older cousin had made to befriend her. In truth, Cecilia had acted badly due to petty jealousy towards her exquisite, glamorous cousin, who always appeared to dazzle no matter the event. She had been a spoiled, petulant child, who despised the one person she most wanted to emulate. Now, she feared past behaviors had alienated the one person who might have the power to save her.

"I know naught," she replied. "You remember how I was to her. I stood horrid little brat who repeatedly expressed my hatred for her." Cecilia's blonde bows drew down into a frown. "It would not surprise if she now returned words and gestures in kind."

Livia scoffed. "Surely, she will not hold the trespasses of a child against you," she said, twisting Cecilia's honey blond hair into latest fashion, adding jeweled pins, and clips to keep hair in place and to add glamourous sparkle to the style. "Especially once you break words regarding what her brother is forcing on you."

Cecilia made a face at the memories. "I suppose I should be grateful he hasn't forced cock inside me."

Livia gagged. "Cala! Now it is you that needs to bite tongue."

Cecilia made a face. "Well, he hasn't, thank the Gods!"

"No, he has not, and reason is well known. He hopes to see your virginity sold to the highest bidder." The Syrian slave's pretty face was distorted with hatred. "Vile pig!"

At those words, spoken so true by her beloved companion, Cecilia finally broke. She buried her face in her hands and sobbed. "He is going to auction me off to some decrepit old goat, forcing me into life of servitude to a man I do not favor and cannot love. Ugh! I cannot bear it. Ancient hands, like talons, pawing at me. Mind seizes at the thought." Cecial began to shake, her body wracked with shudders of disgust.

Livia wrapped arms around her and rocked her mistress until the young blonde's slender shoulders stopped shaking. "We must find a way to remove you from his guardianship," she said.

"But how?" Cecilia replied. "He is the Paterfamilias."

The girls sat for a moment until Cecilia's head snapped up, a smile lighting up her face. "Juno's cunt!" she gasped. "I know what must be done to absent interest."

Livia's eyes brightened. "Speak and see sour mood lifted."

"I must rid myself of my maidenhead," the young blonde said, nodding her head confidently and with purpose as if she had not just suggested ruining reputation and standing within her peers.

The young Syrian's dark eyes widened. "Cala no! You cannot."

Cecilia was already warming to the idea. "Oh yes, I can. In truth, I must Livia," she told the other girl. "It is the only way to liberate myself from Lucius' tyranny." Now that thought had taken form, Cecelia stood up and began to pace, her robes flowing behind her as she plotted how to go about seeing her plan bear fruit. "And I know just how I shall accomplish feat," she said, a grinning wickedly.

Intrigued and, as always, loyal to Cecelia, Livia asked, "How?"

"There are gladiators here from Capua for the Ludi Appolinare." She smiled brightly. "I shall have one of them seize coveted treasure. Once it has been disposed of, I shall stand worthless to him; a burden Lucius will hasten to be rid of."

Livia's face showed her worry. "And what if he kills you instead?"

Cecilia turned blue eyes to her very best friend in the world, the cerulean depths held sadness, but they also were firm of purpose. "Livia, I would rather die trying to escape fate Lucius has designed than blithely accept it and be forced to live in horrid captivity until I am called to the afterlife."

Livia nodded. "Then I will help you." She assisted Cecilia in dressing, before taking her mistress by the hand. "Come, I have heard the slaves here whispering about the Capuano Champion, Gannicus," she said as they made their way out of the villa, to the grounds leading to the gladiator's arena and lodgings.

"And what do they say?" Cecilia asked, eager to hear words of a potential suitor for her virtue.

"They say his beauty rivals Adonis himself and his cock is blessed by Priapus."

Cecilia's blue eyes widened, blushing furiously at the mention of the gladiator's cock. "Well now, he sounds promising, does he not?"

Livia shook her head. "No. He does not, Cala. He is Octavia's lover. I only mention his attributes to prepare you." They paused for a moment, and Livia was determined to have Cecilia understand. "I have heard it said he is truly a comely man, yet you must not be swayed by his physical attributes. Leave him be, Cala. He belongs to Octavia."

Cecilia looked crestfallen, and for a small moment, as she worried her bottom lip, it appeared she may care naught for Octavia's interest in the man. Until finally sighed, she was self-indulgent child no longer. Lucius had taught her the world was an ugly place at times. "You have valid point. I would not see Octavia further hurt by careless actions of a spoiled girl." She gave a brisk nod of her head. "I will choose another."

Relieved, Livia looped her arm through Cecilia's. "Good. Now let us inspect these Capuano gladiators and choose which of them shall be blessed to be your savior."

Cecila giggled. "I am breathless with anticipation..."

Capua: Batiatus Ludus:

Oenomaus sent Kleos to work the pallus, with Rhaskos giving instruction, as the Doctore listened intently to Pietros as the young man explained what he'd witnessed in the barracks.

"He grabbed her, Doctore. He told me I win, for today. Threat was plain. I fear he will try again another time."

The Doctore turned to Diona. Pietros was making serious claim. Oenomaus needed Diona to confirm the boy's account. She nodded. "Pietros speaks true," she said. "I was coming to get Kleos. Gnaeus stepped in front of me and blocked my path. When I told him I belonged to Gannicus, he told me Gannicus may fall in Rome. He reminded I would be absent protection if that were to happen." She took a breath and went on. "When I tried to move away from him, he grabbed my arm. Pietros thankfully intervened."

Oenomaus took note of the bruise already beginning to form on the pale flesh of Diona's arm, and his jaw hardened. "If Gannicus was here, I would be breaking up a fight between brothers due to Gnaeus' actions this day. It may still come to a brawl when he returns from Rome and hears tale."

The big Doctore was not happy. "I cannot have brother fighting brother over women." He glanced toward Diona. "Apologies. I meant no offense."

Diona nodded. "None taken. I understand." And she did, but she could not help but wonder if he would say that if he knew his own wife was in between himself and his brother. Diona banished that thought from brain and brought up Pietros' situation. "It was not just me Gnaeus threatened, Oenomaus," she said, her eyes going to the young man who saved her. "He as good as said he would get Pietros as well. I believe Barca would react badly to that, yes?"

"Jupiter's cock!" Oenomaus snapped. "Gratitude Diona. I will take care of Gnaeus, trust words."

Oenomaus was unsure what Gnaeus was thinking, but Diona was Gannicus' woman and Pietros belonged to Barca. The fucking Dacian would have brothers killing brothers if he weren't brought to heel. Oenomaus decided to tell the men of Dominus' decision. Diona was to be considered as wife to Gannicus as Melitta is to him. And Pietros was Barca's as well.

But first, he turned to the beautiful brunette. "Diona, perhaps it would be best if you took Kleos back to your quarters. I fear the boy would have words with Gnaeus if he heard the Dacian had touched you."

Diona suddenly chuckled softly. "Indeed, he would. Fierce he is," she told Oenomaus.

"Much like his father," Oenomaus said with a smile.

"Gratitude Oenomaus," she said.

"None required. You are to be Gannicus' wife. Gnaeus will know not to touch another man's woman."

It took all Diona's will not to cringe as he said those words considering Gannicus had more than touched Melitta, a woman who did not belong to him."Kleos," she called, ready to take the boy back to the villa and escape the troubling irony of her situation compared to Gannicus with Melitta.

Diona watched as Kleos handed Pietros his practice swords. He was fighting Dimachaerus, like his father. "He is so serious," she said, a small smile hovering over her lips.

"He stands gladiator now," Oenomaus said. "He has natural talent, and a love for the sport, much like Gannicus."

Kleos ran up to them. "Gratitude for my instruction Doctore," he said to Oenomaus.

The big man ruffled the boy's hair. "I shall see you on the morrow, Kleos."

"Yes Doctore," Kleos said before he took Diona's hand and began to regale her of his day as they headed back to the villa. "Diona," he said excitedly. "Rhaskos offered to spar with me today and I was able to draw blood on him!" The boy was practically dancing, so happy was he. "Crixus also offered instruction. He said I am improving quickly. I cannot wait to surprise tad when he returns, and I show him all I have learned while he was away!"

As they were leaving the Ludus area Diona heard the crack of a whip and then. "Gnaeus attend!"

She turned the frightening Dacian from thought and instead focused on Kleos. "You have had a very busy day," she told him with a loving smile to her charge. "And your father will be so very proud of you, Kleos." As they started up the stairs, Diona paused and gave him a conspiratorial grin. "Guess what I have in our room?"

"What?" he asked, wide eyed.

"Two honey cakes..." She suddenly took off running. "Winner gets them both!" she called over her shoulder, giggling.

Kleos gave a whoop and rushed after her. Their laughter could be heard throughout the villa as the boy flew past her and beat her back to their room. The pretty brunette was not surprised. Kleos loved his honey cakes like his father loved his wine.

Palatine Hill: Aurelius Domus: Gladiator Lodgings,

Scrubbed free of the golden paint, Gannicus stood within the waist deep waters of the bathing pool with Melitta lying upon a drying cloth next to the bath, her hips and upper body were outside the water, while her legs dangled over the edge of the pool into the water on either side of Gannicus' hips. She lay limp and spent, legs splayed in a decadent picture of orgasmic delights.

Gannicus braced himself above her as he gazed down at the sated body of his lover. "You are a goddess," he murmured, placing kisses up the side of her neck. He studied her for a moment. Her cheeks flushed a becoming pink, her full lips were ripe and luscious, while her long dark hair lay curled upon her naked breast, wet and clinging to her after their enjoyable romp within the bathing pool. Her breathing was yet labored after her climax.

A slow smile graced his features. "So beautiful..." he murmured, moving his lips downward to trail soft kisses along her breasts, to her belly and below... He breathed in her scent, bathed and fresh as a spring flower, with all traces of himself washed away. "I would die a happy man, to have the taste of your sweet nectar in my mouth once again." He licked his lips, ready to feast on the bounty offered this day. "The glory of you has been absent from tongue too long."

Melitta raised her head, smiling at him. "Such flowery words, honey drips from your tongue today," she teased.

"Your honey shall drip from tongue," he told her as he spread her thighs wide, allowing him a clear view of her swollen sex. "And I will have it now," he said, positioning her so that he could lift her hips to his mouth. Melitta squirmed a bit and he shook his head. "Do not move," he groaned, his mouth watering in anticipation as he scooped her bottom and thighs upon his hands and forearms and brought her to his lips and tongue. She was nirvana. "Dwi'n caru ti," he murmured, telling her again in his native tongue he loved her. "Only you, Melitta," he added. And with that he buried his face between her legs, purring with absolute satisfaction at glorious reunion with her taste.

Melitta recognized the words and in a voice breathless with desire, she repeated them back to him. "Doo-ween-carrie-tea," she told him, basking in the erotic bliss to be had from his mouth. "It would be you," she added, reminding him he was her choice. Further proof of her love.

Elation once again filled his breast at her words. For so long he desperately wanted her to return affections. Now she was his. He should feel guilt. He knew he should, yet he could not. He was simply too in love with her to feel anything other than wonder and euphoria at having her stand the same. He swirled the tip of his tongue around her clitoris and between the moistened folds of her sex, lazily probing her treasures with an expertise born of many hours spent exploring a woman's body.

Melitta took hold of his wet hair. "Mmmmm sweet Venus yes!" she panted, tugging at the dark golden locks, pressing him closer to her, as her toes curled with desire. "You are far too good at this!"

Gannicus was unsure if she were complimenting or complaining. "Yet you reap benefits," he reminded with a wicked chuckle.

She gave his hair another yank, harder this time, which had him grunting in pain. He paused and looked up at her, certain that last hair pull had been in retaliation for comment made about reaping of benefits. She gave him a sweet smile, too sweet. His brow shot up. "Has history ever depicted Apollo absent hair?" he queried amusedly.

She laughed softly. "I do not believe it so. Perhaps if Apollo set tongue to true purpose rather than boastful jest, he would not have to worry such a thing."

His laughter rang out. "You truly are the rarest of women," he said before he gave her a wink. "I fall to command." He licked his lips and returned to the purpose of bringing her to exquisite release at the tip of his tongue.

Gannicus set to task with great enjoyment. He had always savored bringing a woman to completion with his mouth, but nothing brought him fulfillment like watching Melitta awaken to the joys to be had from his tongue between her legs. Before they left Capua, he had spent much of their night together showing her how magnificent it could be. How the mouth and tongue was a wonderous thing, especially when offering reciprocal delights to be had. Memory of her mouth on him, taking him down her throat, while she sat astride his face still caused him to awaken, drenched in sweat, hard as steel and aching to have her in his arms and bed. He would make new memories this day.

"Gods!" she gasped, closing her eyes as tremors began to wrack her body. The one night they'd had together when he had been allowed to take his time and make love to her for hours had been remarkable. He was a generous lover who truly enjoyed giving pleasure as well as receiving it. Melitta relaxed and let him remind her of the wonders he could offer when given proper time. In moments, her body began to tremble as he brought her right to the edge. "Gannicus! Please... I need... you make me lose sense."

"I have not regained mine since Varis demanded I take you," he admitted huskily. "Nor do I wish to," he added with a soft growl as he dropped to his knees and placed her legs over his shoulders, so he could have free use of his hands to bring added pleasure. He parted her damp folds with his thumbs, giving him better access to that hidden jewel between her legs. "I shall make you sing for me," he crooned, and lowered his mouth to her again, thoroughly enjoying paying tribute to Melitta's womanhood

Melitta whimpered, cried out and shivered under his tutelage. "Sweet Venus!" she gasped, holding onto him as waves of ecstasy began to pulse through her.

"Come for me," he demanded, as he spread her thighs even wider, assaulting her clitoris with rapid flicks of his tongue, swirling that clever muscle around her swollen nub over and again, while using his fingers to move within her in a "come hither" fashion, stroking the spot inside her that would unleash floodgates of cum.

Melitta's fists clenched, tugging at his hair again, while her body tensed in preparation of her orgasm, and then it hit her, bolts of near intolerable pleasure ripped through her body. Gannicus began to hum softly, the added vibration heightening the level of pleasure she felt. Her legs locked around his head, "Gannicus!" she screamed so loud, he had to put his hand over her mouth lest guards come looking. She writhed under his efforts; her fingers tightening within his hair and pulling it so hard as she continued to climax, it was if she were to tear head from shoulders!

He grunted in pleasure, and a little pain, as she kept him where she needed him most, bucking against his mouth as she rode out her release, flooding his tongue with honeyed proof she had reached her pinnacle.

He would see her utterly spent and went back to feasting on her enticing gifts, coaxing yet another peak from her, he brought her to dizzying heights. Over and again, her entire body convulsed repeatedly as wave after wave of the most incredible orgasms erupted within her, one upon another upon another until it had her losing all sense.

"Fuck!" she cried, much to Gannicus' shock.

His head shot up. "I made you curse," he teased, but before she could form witty reply, his tongue thrust back inside her, moving in and out, again and again, mimicking the motions of his cock before swirling around that little bundle of nerve endings that made her shout her pleasure to Olympus itself!

Melitta did not know what she wanted. She was overwhelmed. One moment she was tugging him closer, the next she was shoving him away saying it was too much.

She cursed again. Finally, she just could not have another climax. "I cannot Gannicus," she whimpered, trying to pull him up with hands that trembled so violently, they had no strength. "Please I truly cannot."

When he lifted head and spied the look of sheer exhaustion on her face, he immediately set to soothing her. He pulled her into the warm water, cradling her trembling form to his chest. "Ssshhh," he told her, petting her damp hair back from her face, calming her. "You will be fine. It was only pleasure. I have you, Melitta." He held her, allowing her body to recover until she as able to form thought again.

In the aftermath, once tremors had faded and breathing returned to normal, Melitta moved to reposition herself on his lap and her thigh brushed his terribly hard cock. Gannicus sucked in a sharp breath and immediately got to his feet and set her down upon the ledge of the bath, placing her in position for yet another round.

"You were well-satisfied?" he teased, saying to her what she had, upon many occasions, asked him after a romp with the whores at the Ludus. He took hold of his cock, wincing slightly at how excruciating his erection felt. It was hard enough to drive nails into steel! But as he took note of Melitta's appearance, he could not help but grin. She looked well-loved for certain.

Melitta gazed up at him, a ridiculously happy smile upon her beautiful face. "I was." She took one look at him standing there ever erect with cocky grin and chuckled softly. He looked incredibly boyish, devastatingly handsome, and dreadfully arrogant. All at once, simultaneously. "Oh, you are so pleased with yourself, are you not?"

"I am," he agreed, moving to stand between her thighs, one hand on her knee, the other gripping himself, "but you are more so, I believe."

She snorted. "Choose words carefully, Gannicus." She looked purposefully toward his rather impressive, if not painful erection. "It would be a shame to see me leave this chamber with you absent reward."

His eyes widened. Cock would never be the same if she left him in present state! "You are not that cruel," he said, lower lip jutting in an expression Melitta was all too familiar with.

"Do not think for one second that your pout will sway mind," she told him. "I am aware how you use your charms to get your way with women in your life."

He recalled them lying in his bed, sharing their pasts and he had told her how his elder sister had been unable to punish him because he would charm her into letting him off with verbal warning at worst. "Words dropped after lovemaking should not be used against a man, Melitta," he said, pout even more pronounced.

She rolled her eyes. "I speak not of words broken in shared past, but from experience which..." She pointed out his lower lip, "you exhibit presently." She made a move to get up, but he stopped her.

"You would not dare," he said, but then he let go of her wrist, as if challenging her. His eyes and smile said clearly, he hoped she would take him up on it, his anticipation palpable.

Melitta was far more agile than he realized, and she rolled to the side, out of the pool and away from him far quicker than he would've believed possible. "You were saying?" she teased, her eyes tracking him as he began to move through the water towards the steps that would allow him to exit the pool.

"I will catch you," he told her, his smile was predatory. "Best you run now, while you have chance."

But she did not run, instead she walked slowly out of the bathing room, hips swaying as she moved. She paused in the doorway and glanced to him over her shoulder. His eyes were upon her, as she hoped. "I do not need to run for you to give chase," she told him boldly.

To Gannicus, she was wearing the most delicious smirk. Cocky almost and he laughed loudly; his eyes glued to her backside as she exited the room, until he could see her no longer. "No," he admitted, getting from the pool, and still chuckling as he followed her just as she predicted. "You do not."

He found her in the triclinium.

She was reclining upon one of the three blue dining couches within the room. "There you are. We have not yet enjoyed this room," she said, allowing her gaze to travel his naked body, taking note of the size of his cock. "It appears you have a rather large problem. Perhaps I shall help you with it, if you are deserving..."

Gannicus moved across the room with a strong sense of purpose. "I cannot promise deserving," he muttered, "but I am of need." Melitta saw him coming and she bit her lip, anticipating him. She allowed her legs to fall open as he climbed upon the couch with her. He moved into position between the cradle of her thighs, allowing his hand to slip between to test and ensure she was still wet for him.

"Perfect," he growled, when he found her still dripping after her numerous orgasms earlier. He buried his fingers into her hair and wrapped his hand around the nape of her neck, bringing her up to him for a kiss. He needed her, leaning forward, he kissed her deeply, sliding his tongue along hers in a dance as old as time. They kissed for several moments, before he trailed his lips up her neck, to her ear. "You have me where you want me," he whispered, his voice rough with lust. "Is there naught I can do for you to persuade you to see things my way?" He flashed that lethal grin at her. "Anything," he added, wriggling his brows at her.

His voice and hot breath sent chills up her spine, and she found herself wavering when he turned that sensual smirk of his upon her, teasing her while his hands started doing such delicious things to her yet again.

"Perhaps," she whispered, dismissing efforts to keep ego in check. After all, a gladiator should be bold. "I can think upon a few things I would desire from you."

His hands slid up her belly to her chest. "Speak of your desire, Melitta and it shall be yours," he promised gruffly, palming her breasts and squeezing them, while his thumbs swirled around her nipples.

She loved playing with him, but she was beyond games. She desired him desperately. "Gannicus," she moaned softly, reaching for him. "I would have you inside me..." She slid her hands along his slim waist to grab his perfectly sculpted buttocks, "now," she demanded, pulling him towards her.

"Tantalizing offer," he said, his eyes dark with desire. "Once again, I fall to command." He grabbed cock and assumed position, aligning himself with her entrance. Her legs wrapped around his waist pulling him in as he pressed forward, sliding into her inch by inch, until he was fully seated and growling at how "tight and wet" she was.

His eyes closed as his head fell back in pleasure, a truly blissful expression on his handsome face. "Fuck the Gods, Melitta, if the Gods were to take me now, I would welcome the afterlife if this were the memory I would die with."

"Mmmmm," she moaned softly, tightening her legs around him as if words would cause effect and absent him from between them. She moved her hands up his back to grip his shoulders, hugging him to her. "I would not see it so, perhaps after we have finished, you may seek the afterlife yet again."

The laughter in her voice was infectious and Gannicus joined in, chuckling. "You truly are unusual woman, Melitta. It warms heart that you combine laughter and fucking." He slowly pulled almost all the way out, "two of the few things in life I truly favor," and thrust back, hard and quick. "I would see us share more of it."

"As would I," she said, her words ending with a gasp as he hit that place inside that made body sing.

She leaned in to press heated kisses upon his neck, moving up to his ear, and nibbling on the flashy lobe, a thing he found especially enjoyable as it caused him to moan and shudder in pleasure.

"Fuck me... harder," she whispered, biting down on his ear in manner that, combined with her words, made Gannicus growl with lusty intent.

"I made you curse again," he murmured. "Hearing such words fall from your lips make cock swell," he confessed. "There is something to seeing reserved nature give way to wild woman within..." His eyes were near black with desire. "It makes me very fucking lustful."

Melitta scored his back with her nails, ignoring the welts she could already feel there. "Then by all means...fucking fuck me then," she said outrageously, giving a squeal of delight when he let out a mock roar and did just that, pounding into her hard and fast, driven to purpose by sensual lover and pressing need.

The domus was silent except for the sound of breathless cries and grunts of male pleasure that were matched by the seductive sounds of flesh meeting flesh; both were loud in the room as he drove them towards blissful ending to their passionate mating dance.

Palatine Hill: Aurelius Domus: Outside the gladiator's lodgings:

Livia and Cecilia were making way towards the arena when sounds coming from the small domus where the gladiators were staying caused them to halt progress.

Livia flushed bright red. As a slave, even a pampered one, she had encountered men and women involved in sexual exploits. Livia herself had never, but she knew what the sounds coming from within the gladiator's lodgings meant, and she tried to pull her young mistress along. "Let us hurry, Cala."

Cecilia, despite Lucius' efforts, was not entirely corrupted, and she was worried for the occupants within. "Someone is in distress, Livia," she replied, refusing to be pulled away. Instead, she began to pull Livia towards the domus and the people making the sounds within. "Can you not hear the woman? Come, we must give aid."

Livia dug her heels in, but her mistress was shockingly strong for one so slender and very quickly had them within the domus. "Cala, you must stop," the Syrian girl hissed, but Cecilia was already hurrying through the atrium and then she was out of sight. Livia remained frozen just inside the doorway of the ostium, holding breath. A bit longer than Livia would have liked, Cecilia came flying back towards her as if Pluto was nipping at heels from the Underworld.

The lovely dark-haired slave might have laughed at the expression on her mistress' face, if she was not in a hurry to flee before being caught. "Now you see why I tried to make you give pause?"

Cecilia's cheeks were the color of ripe berries. Bright red. "Sweet Venus!" she breathed. "I have never seen the like."

"Of course you have not," Livia said, scandalized she was seeing such a thing presently. "Let us vacate premises, Cala," she said, grabbing her young mistress' hand and turning about to leave the same way they had come.

Cecilia tugged her hand free. "No. I must have another look," she said, and before Livia could stop her, the young Roman was creeping quietly through the gladiator's domus towards the triclinium where she had come upon the glorious man and his equally beautiful lover.

*8*

Gladiator's Lodging: Triclinium

Inside the lavish triclinium, Gannicus had Melitta on hands and knees upon one of the vibrant blue couches in the room, he was kneeling behind her, his hands gripped her hips tightly as he thrust into her from behind. They had once been forced to fuck on command in similar fashion for Roman pleasure, Gannicus wanted to make new memory for their pleasure alone.

This was the third room they had christened within the domus. He wrapped a hand in her hair and tugged, making her gasp, and her muscles clamped around his cock, letting him know she liked that.

"Melitta," he growled deeply, pulling her head back, so that her slender pale throat was available to his mouth. "Cock is strong of purpose today," he told her, sliding his tongue along the flesh where her pulse throbbed at the base of her neck. "Perhaps I shall fuck you in every room in this villa." He chuckled as he brought her up to her knees, still inside her, never losing his rhythm as he cupped her mound, his fingers putting pressure on her clit from in front as he moved inside her from behind. "It shall provide memory to soothe mind when I am absent your touch."

Her arms came up the encircle him, her nails scratching the back of his neck, at his hairline, making him shiver now. "Gannicus!" Melitta panted, "Please, I cannot set mind to such things presently."

He turned her head and kissed her deeply. "Nor shall I." He wrapped an arm around her waist and allowed his hand to once again palm her sex. "Let us put time to better use," he murmured, picking up his pace, his hips slammed forward, and he began to fuck her hard and fast, racing them towards yet another spectacular climax.

*8*

Outside Triclinium:

As they watched the couple from the shadows, for a moment, Livia was as frozen as Cecilia. She had never seen such beauty as these two, moving as one. And then the woman called him Gannicus. That spurred her into action. Jupiter's cock, no! This time when Livia grabbed Cecilia's hand, it was with determination, and she quickly drug her recalcitrant mistress from the domus.

Once they were safely away from the gladiator's lodgings, Livia stopped and crossed her arms over her chest, giving Cecilia an exasperated glance. "You could have gotten us caught, Cala, and all for naught. You cannot have that one. That is Gannicus, Octavia's lover."

Cecilia had a look in her eye Livia did not like. "He does not act as Octavia's lover."

"Cala..." the girl warned, "you cannot do it."

"Do what?" the girl asked, fluttering her lashes far too innocently.

"That may have worked for your father, but you forget, I practiced that look with you before we used it on indulgent father."

Cecilia huffed. "Fine! But I still fail to see what you are going on about, Livia," Cecilia said, marching off towards the main villa.

Livia rushed and caught up with her mistress. "You cannot fool me, Cala," she whispered. "I can see you plotting! You want him to be the one, do you not?"

Cecilia's lip jutted. "And what if I do?" she asked. "Did you not see the man? He is the most glorious creature my eyes have ever beheld."

"But he is hers," Livia reminded.

"Which her would you be referring to?" Cecila retorted. "Melitta, he called her. She is presently receiving his cock, or do you refer to my cousin, who you say lays claim to his cock?" Cecilia shrugged. "It seems very confusing."

"You are making excuses, to fit your desires," Livia said, disappointment plain in her voice. "Whether he appeared as lover or not. Facts remain, he is Octavia's lover, and you cannot have him!"

Cecilia stomped her foot, falling back into old behavior when faced with something she wanted and being denied it. "But why can I not have a turn? He appears quite willing to share."

Livia was appalled and it showed "Listen to yourself!" she snorted. "He is not a horse to be ridden!"

They were in the gardens and Cecilia went to sit on the stone bench near the large fountain. "Apologies. You are right, I know not what I am saying." She took Livia's hand in hers and pulled her to sit next to her. "I am petrified at what I am set to doing, Livia," she admitted. "But that gladiator... Did you see the woman's face as he fucked her? Gods! Pure joy would be an understatement. If I am to be forced to sacrifice my maidenhead, is it so terrible of me to want the man who takes it to have ability to give me pleasure in the deed?"

"No, it is not," Livia agreed. "But he is not only man who can give pleasure, Cala."

"Perhaps," Cecilia said. After a moment the blonde Roman let out a small laugh and stood up. "No matter. You are right, Livia. Come, after witnessing such a thing, I feel I should be allowed a cup of wine." Her pale hand went to her neck. "Throat is quite parched."

Livia sighed as she got up from the bench to follow her young mistress into the domus. She knew that look in Cecilia's eyes, she would do as she wanted; she always had. The pretty Syrian felt her stomach tighten and knew this way would lead to bad. If it was not for that pig, Severus, need to lose virtue would not exist! Cecilia had been doing so well at her aunt's villa. She had been growing into a young woman of a generous nature and heart. And then Lucius was awarded her guardianship and had arrived a month past to insist Cecilia leave with him. She was a good person, but she was young and had been spoiled her entire life. Now Lucius Severus was "lupus in fabula", "the wolf in the story" and Cecilia was frantically searching for a way to escape his jaws.

Livia prayed Cala did not end up escaping a set of jaws only to end up torn apart by a set of claws! Octavia could be quite vicious. Livia had seen it personally, and the Syrian slave had no doubts, if that beautiful man was indeed fucking Octavia, the older woman would not appreciate Cala trying to settle virgin cunt on her lover's cock! Not at all.

(1) A Hypocaust was the heating system the Romans used to heat public baths as well as the private homes of the very wealthy. The water was heated by gas furnace situated directly under the bath.

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to let me know what you think about the story. I appreciate it.