Kyle opened his eyes filled with fear. “No, dominus... it’s just...”
Marius’ lips curled into a mocking smile. “It’s just what?”
Kyle swallowed, trying to even his voice. “Nothing, dominus...”
Marius sneered. “Go, get my breakfast, and make it quick.”
Kyle turned around and all but rushed out of the room, his eyes burning.
He came back as fast as he could and lay the tray in front of Marius on the table, pouring a cup of orange juice, standing back, his hands behind his back.
Marius looked at him, his face a mask of anger. “Kneel!”
Kyle went to his knees next to him, his face downcast, hands on his thighs, and waited, his breathing quick but shallow. He waited but nothing happened. Marius ate, and his eyes drifted to the slave, his anger growing at his own emotions, at wanting to pull him up and kiss him, get lost in his embrace, taste his body...
Marius was trying to quench his feelings out for him by masking it with anger, trying to convince himself that they were just signs of his own weakness.And what did the slave feel?He thought he would hit him this morning, and last night they had been so intimate, he had almost lost it, had almost told him... He slammed his palm on the table, making the plates rattle, and Kyle startled a bit, his heart lurching in his throat.
Marius got up, his hands fisted at his side. “Help me dress, then you can clear this mess.”
Kyle scrambled to his feet and went to take his clothes out, handing them to him and Marius tugged them on, avoiding looking at the slave. He fed on his fear though, his anger growing, not even knowing why, and he looked at Kyle, standing, his eyes downcast.
Marius walked up to him, standing close, and grabbed his chin, yanking his head up, meeting his tortured grey eyes, his thumb on the wound he had torn last night on Kyle’s lower lip, digging into it, the soft flesh giving way under his strength.
“How many times do I have to tell you not to keep your fucking head lowered?” Marius hissed.
Kyle’s eyes welled up with tears. “I am sorry, dominus...”
“Don’t be always fucking sorry either...”
Kyle swallowed, feeling his lip tear under Marius’ thumb, the sharp pain, and the salty tinge of blood, not understanding Marius’ rage, this sudden anger. He struggled not to tremble and held his gaze, his blue eyes blazing under his furrowed brows.
Marius smiled a mocking smile. “Good, at least you can keep your eyes on me...”
He let him go and walked out, banging the door open, and Kyle let out a shaky breath, his heart torn. He wished he could hate him, but he couldn’t... and he went to gather the remains of the breakfast, leaving to the kitchen with a heavy heart, licking his bleeding lip.
Sixtus watched Marius storm out of the house, and slowly shook his head. He bumped into Kyle on his way to the kitchen and stopped the young man, eyeing his wound with concern. “You’re bleeding?”
Kyle waved it away, his eyes filled with sadness. “It’s nothing...”
He walked around the old man to go to the kitchen, but Sixtus followed him, pulling him aside, away from Melissa’s and Shayla’s prying glare. “Son, what’s going on?” Kyle’s face stayed a mask and Sixtus sighed. “Fine... not my business, I guess...”
The young man forced a small smile on his face. “Thank you for your concern, Sixtus. Don’t worry, I’m a big boy...”
The old man patted him on the shoulder when there was a knock on the main door and Kyle went to answer it.
Clavius strolled in with a beaming smile, his mood light. “Where’s your useless master, Kyle?” His words died when he looked at the young man, his bloodied lip, and Clavius’ face darkened. He stepped up to Kyle and brushed his thumb over the wound. “Where did you get this?”
Kyle looked away. “Dominus left this morning, master Clavius. He didn’t say where he was going.”
Clavius smiled. “I see... playing rough, is he?” Kyle’s face fell, and he lowered his eyes. Clavius turned towards the door. “Well, if he comes back, tell him I’ll drop by at dinner.”
The day passed quickly with mindless physical chores, but the mood was tense, a slight unease whilst they were waiting for Marius to come home.
Dusk crept in and the light dimmed, the sun slowly setting, enveloping the garden into shadows. Kyle lit the torches and lamps, his hands grazing the lush flowers. It was so peaceful here, only the soft gurgling of the fountain, the plopping sound of the goldfish feeding and snapping at the water.
He heard then Clavius’ voice, and the centurion walked into the garden, his face alight. “Hey, boy! Marius is still not home?”
Kyle shook his head. “No, master Clavius. Can I bring you something to drink?”
