His eyes misted over, his hand tracing Kyle’s thigh. “You’re a great fuck, Kyle.”
He just gave him a feeble smile, too tired with the adrenaline going, trying to slow his breath. Some men clapped and cheered, but the others were mostly busy with their slaves, so they looked around for their clothes, slipping their tunics on. Two large eunuchs came to collect them, grabbing their arms, and they had to follow to a room where they could wash. The water was cold in the basin, but it soothed their burning skin and Kyle felt instantly better, washing off the sweat and semen. He downed a large cup of cool water and made sure to rinse his mouth out, too. Some of the golden paint had come off, but it didn’t matter anymore. His head was clearing up, the drug weakened by their coupling, and his emotions coursed through him, his thoughts on Marius. He put his tunic back on and checked his face in the small mirror. Apart from the black kohl smeared a bit, his make-up seemed fine, so they walked back to the room.
Kyle walked up to their couch, his grey eyes on Marius, and the Roman fought the urge to pull him into his arms. Instead, he acted indifferent, turning to Titus whilst Kyle sank to his knees next to him, his head bowed, trying to even his breathing. The emperor walked down to them after a while and they rose to talk to him, Marius sensing this would be the opportune moment to get out.
The old man patted his shoulder, swaying on his feet a bit. “Well, well... I didn’t regret asking you to bring your nimble pet...”
Marius grinned. “My pleasure, uncle... but we need to get going.”
“So soon? You could not even enjoy him yet.”
Marius shrugged, trying to sound casual. “It doesn’t matter... I’ll deal with him at home.Please, please let us get the fuck out of here...
The old man watched him carefully but then shrugged, his mind fogged by the drugged wine. “Suit yourself... I do hope you’ll come next time, though.” His eyes drifted to the kneeling slave. “Maybe you could then lend him to me for a private session?”
Marius paled but held his mask, his voice straight. “Of course, uncle.”
“Great! I’ll see you soon then. And Marius, get married fast, I have plans for you.”
“Plans?”
The old man waved him off. “Not now... Come to the palace in two days and I’ll fill you in.”
Marius bowed and the old man left.
Clavius sounded grim. “He will send you away.”
“I know...” Marius sighed and turned to Titus. “We’re going... it was a pleasure... again.”
“Likewise! Maybe next time you can come to my house for dinner? Bring your pet too... we could have a small party of our own.”
He winked and Marius just smiled thinly. “Yes, why not... See you soon.”
Clavius followed them outside, the night chilly under the stars and Kyle shivered, his body and mind drained. Still, Marius could not hold him, his uncle’s spies being everywhere, and they traveled home in silence, the trip seeming painfully slow.
Finally, after what had seemed an eternity, they arrived, and Sixtus let them in. Marius wordlessly took Kyle’s hand, feeling the slave shiver, and took him straight to the bath, stripping off their clothes. He pulled him into the hot water and took a sponge and some soap to scrub him clean, making sure he got all the paint off, running the soaked sponge on his face, his jaw. His hands washed away the kohl around his eyes, Kyle silent, letting him rub his skin raw.
Their eyes locked and Marius’ feelings collided inside of him, anger, guilt, jealousy, disgust, mingling with his raging love for Kyle. He dropped the sponge and laced his arms around Kyle, pulling him close, but Marius could not kiss him, the images of that other slave fucking him still too vivid.
Kyle sensed this, and his heart sank. A sharp pain coursing through him made him moan and double over slightly.
Marius pushed him away, concerned. “You’re hurt?”
He just nodded, slowly inhaling, trying to breathe through it, steadying himself on Marius’ thick forearms. The Roman cursed softly and led him out of the water, gently drying him and leading him to their room. They had to walk slowly, Kyle’s abused body sending jolts of pain with each step, like knife stabs.
At last, their bed. Kyle collapsed on it, curling up, his knees against his chest, biting his fist. Marius lay behind him, wrapping an arm around his waist, spreading his palm on his belly, warming it.
Kyle let his tears flow silently and Marius pulled the covers on top of them, holding him tighter, his body warming Kyle's back. “I’m so sorry...” His voice a mere breath against his neck, Kyle turned around in his arms to face him, Marius’ face a grey mask in the dim moonlight.
His mouth was so close, tempting, but Kyle stayed put, not daring to kiss him, not after all that had happened. “It’s not your fault...”
Marius sighed, his voice choking. “You have no idea what it felt like... to watch it... you...”
Kyle stroked his bruised face, and searched the Roman’s eyes in the milky glow. “What happened there... it didn’t mean anything to me, you know that, right? Nothing...”
He fell silent before desperation could creep into his voice and Marius’ angry whisper tore into the night. “He was hurting you!”
Kyle swallowed, bitter. “Yes, but he had no choice... that’s what they wanted...” His large grey eyes shone sadly, pleading. “It could have been worse... much worse…” He choked on his words, his memories tearing at him, and he had to close his eyes, shying away into the darkness from his handsome face and clenched jaw.
