Marius saw his struggle, his eyes welled with tears, pushing the answers out, wanting away from his memories, and he decided to stop, not wanting to torture him further. He sort of knew anyway what had happened to him, probably raped to exhaustion until he had given in, and then sold... He was also mildly irritated at himself for caring at all. He would leave anyway today and not see him again, sick to his stomach to leave him here with Lucius. Then again, the slave had been here for years, anyway...
Marius rose, not wanting to talk further. “Come and help me with my clothes and armor.”
The slave hurried to his side, slightly confused but quickly composing himself, and Marius watched his hands as he helped him dress and buckle his armor, his eyes shining with tears. Marius stopped him, his hand on his arm, and the slave lowered his head, waiting.
Marius sighed. “I did not touch you last night because I’m guessing you are used enough as it is... but your dominus should not know this, he would be upset. So, just tell him we had a great time.”
The slave nodded; his voice choked. “Yes, dominus.”
Marius pinched his lips.Damn it.He walked over and picked up the chain, reluctantly putting it back on the collar, gently sliding his fingers under it, grazing the slave’s chaffed skin. “Do you have this on all the time?”
The slave nodded, unable to talk, and Marius led him out of the room, grim, looking for Lucius.
He found him on his terrace, overlooking his estate, a slave boy fanning him.
Lucius looked at them, his eyes gleaming. “So, noble Marius, liked my treat?”
Marius pushed a wicked grin on his face, his hand roughly kneading the slave’s back, up and down. “Yes, you can say that. He is something...”
Lucius watched them carefully, the slave’s eyes welled with tears, and his eyes gleamed.He’d roughed him up good.He smiled, a cruel smile tugging at his lips, a sudden idea in his head, wanting to gain Marius’ favors, his mind plotting... “What would you say, my good Marius, if I gave him over to you? As a token of my gratitude for letting the emperor know how much I long to work in Rome.”
Marius’ lips parted, his mind racing...You sly bastard....But the chain warmed his hand, sensing that the slave was barely breathing now. He smiled. “You would do that? Give away your prized possession?”
Lucius looked at the slave and almost changed his mind, but his lust for power was stronger. “He is getting old... not that this means he’s not going to be good for you for a couple of more years... but I prefer them younger.” His hand caressed the young slave’s back next to him, the boy’s face impassive, and Marius shuddered.
“In that case, I’ll gladly accept your gift.”
Lucius beamed a large grin. “Let’s do the paperwork quickly. I don’t want to hold you back on your trip.”
He called his scribe, and the ownership papers were drawn up and sealed.
The men clasped their forearms, Marius grinning at Lucius. “I will not forget this favor.”
“The pleasure is all mine, my good friend.”
“Where are his belongings?”
Lucius just smiled. “On him.”
Marius swallowed and made sure he put an evil smile on his face. “I see... in that case, we’ll be going.”
“Farewell, my friend. I hope Kyle brings you just as much joy as he’s brought me in these past years.”
Marius smiled. “I sure hope he will. I’ll recommend you to the emperor.”
Lucius’ eyes gleamed, and he looked at Kyle. “Behave, Kyle. Do not disappoint.”
The slave answered, his voice soft. “Yes, dominus.”
Lucius watched them leave, vaguely regretting, but putting his hopes into this gesture to gain Marius’ support.
Marius walked the slave down to his army, stationed outside the villa’s walls, and his centurion’s face fell, his friend, Clavius, the older man’s face dubious. “What the hell is this?” He gestured at Kyle, vaguely disgusted, and Marius shrugged.
“My new slave.”
Clavius scoffed. “A fuck boy?”
Marius clenched his jaw. “He’s a gift from Lucius.”
