Skaia (55 page)

While Thaddeus twisted and pinched at one of the tender pieces of flesh with his fingers, he bit hard at the other. He knew that Skaia was feeling pain, and he started to pull away. But Skaia still wanted the contact, and pushed himself tighter against Thaddeus, making soft, whimpering sounds of pleasure.

Moving his other hand to Skaia’s groin, Thaddeus felt at the boy’s slender erection. He himself was hard and needy now, and he raised his head to whisper into Skaia’s ear. “Turn over, and open yourself for me.”

Skaia groaned at losing the pleasurable pain from his nipples, but he obeyed immediately, putting his face flat on the pillow and raising his hips, holding the rounded flesh of his buttocks open wide. Thaddeus was quick, pushing some lubricant into the puckered opening, and smearing more on his own hardened length. Then, he positioned himself at that beautiful flower, and shoved inside.

Hearing Skaia gasp in pain, Thaddeus immediately reached around to the boy’s sagging erection, and held it tightly, stroking boldly.

Soon the sounds of pain turned to pleasure once more, as Thaddeus hit his rhythm, pumping harder and further into the pliant body beneath him. Skaia’s breath was ragged when his slender cock began to throb, and his muscles began to tighten around Thaddeus.

Just a few more seconds,
Thaddeus thought. And indeed, the boy’s muscles around his aching flesh tightened even further as Skaia climaxed.

Thaddeus followed quickly. He could hardly believe how tightly the boy could squeeze him. Almost to the point of pain. Or past it. To pleasurable pain. Like he provided for Skaia.

Gods,
Thaddeus thought,
no man, once he had experienced such pleasure, could ever willingly give it up again.

Skaia fell into place behind Thaddeus as they left the domus. Their destination was the small bathhouse that had been Thaddeus’ favorite before his father became ill. Antius was already there when they arrived, and Flavius was expected at any time.

Once Thaddeus and Skaia had undressed and donned the coverings provided by the bathhouse, they joined Antius in the outside exercise area to await Flavius’ arrival.

Antius looked at Skaia appraisingly, wrapped only in the brief towel. “Are you still training him?”

Thaddeus shrugged. “I seem to have lapsed.”

“
Understandable with all that’s happened. But please know your friends are always willing to help.” Antius was smiling broadly, and Thaddeus smiled, too. But Skaia was trembling and had flushed deep red. Thaddeus remembered the night he had forced Skaia to service his friends. It was expected, and he should probably offer the boy again. But he knew he would regret it. Skaia had become very dear to him.
And I promised the boy…

He tore his eyes from the slave, and looked towards the entrance. “Are you sure Flavius is coming?”

“
Of course, Thaddeus. We were both looking forward to seeing you again.”

Within a few minutes, Flavius arrived, and he and Thaddeus embraced warmly. The three men began a game where they kicked a large ball back and forth between them. Thaddeus lacked practice since he hadn’t been here for so long. He missed the ball occasionally—and when he did, Skaia would run to catch it, and roll it back to him.

When the men were ready to head to the oiling and scraping chamber, Thaddeus embraced Skaia quickly before turning to leave with Antius and Flavius. “You’re very good to put up with me,” he whispered. “Thank you.”

Skaia said nothing. But he wondered if Thaddeus was trying to make him feel better because of what Antius had said. 

Following his master into the room, Skaia tried to make himself invisible as soon as he entered. Bathhouse attendants went to oil each man, but Thaddeus called for Skaia. When he walked forward, both Antius and Flavius turned to look at him.

“
Why was your father so fond of him?” Flavius asked.

Thaddeus touched the boy’s bright curls, and Skaia looked up. “He gardened with my father. The boy is very talented.” His two friends exchanged leering glances, and Thaddeus quickly made an effort to change the subject. “How is the marriage search going for your sons?”  They already knew that Glaucus would align Thaddeus’ family with the Galliani.

At this point, Antius and Flavius took over most of the talking, which was what Thaddeus had intended. Their sons were always their favorite topic of conversation.

“
Trestus will align our clan with the Scipios,” Flavius announced first. “The Senator’s oldest daughter, a widow. Older than Trestus—but proven to be fertile. She already has a son.”

Antius laughed. “Do you really think Trestus can live up to her expectations?  Her husband was an older man with vast experience.”

Flavius frowned and smacked at Antius’ rear.

“
I think she is a good match,” Thaddeus contributed. “Fara is still beautiful, and she has an excellent reputation.”

“
As if the Senator couldn’t buy that,” Antius laughed.

“
And what of you, Antius?” Flavius asked with a grin. “Have you found anyone willing to marry Bessus?”

“
A few.” Antius smiled. “I admit it hasn’t been as easy as I originally thought. I’m leaning toward the younger daughter of a wealthy landowner. Her dowry would be a large plot of land near my agricultural holdings in Thuria.”

Flavius and Thaddeus exchanged glances. Antius was being very honest, but to admit marrying his son off for money was considered shameful. Neither of them knew what to say.

This time, it was Flavius who changed the subject. “Trestus has already received an offer of a commission in Anthony’s third cohort.”

On this subject, Antius had at least somewhat better news. “Bessus still hopes for a post in the Senatorial guard. I’ve spoken with several magistrates, and I think it is almost sure now.”

“
What is this I hear about Glaucus being an emissary for the Senate?” Flavius asked. “You surely know he will almost never be home, Thaddeus.”

“
I had little say in it,” Thaddeus shrugged. “Glaucus made clear his own desires, and his uncle is attempting to make the arrangements. He’ll be safe enough. He’ll always travel with government troops.”

Antius laughed. “In Bessus’ last letter, he said Glaucus hated traveling more than the others.”

Thaddeus smiled in agreement. “Yes, but as an official of the government, he’ll travel with servants who will do all the work of packing and unpacking. That’s the part he hates the most.”

Antius spoke up again. “I understand it was Glaucus who most wanted to buy that Greek slave boy.”

Before he could elaborate further, the scraping was done and it was time for them to move to the tepidarium, and the conversation came to a stop until they were all in the water. Skaia was not invited to join them, so he stood back and clutched at his towel.

“
Glaucus didn’t tell me anything about a slave boy,” Thaddeus said quietly. “What else do you know?”

Antius was the only one who had been told and he re-counted the information his son had given him. “His name is Nicea. He’s blond, good-looking and very talented with his mouth, according to Bessus. The boys all use him… for everything.”

Thaddeus glanced across at Skaia. “Did Bessus say what they intended to do with him, when they come home?”

Antius shrugged. “I suppose they’ll sell him,” he said. “Bessus didn’t say any of them actually wanted to keep him. He said Glaucus still thinks of that one.” He nodded towards Skaia in the background.

Thaddeus frowned, and glanced again at Skaia. The boy was standing far enough away that it was unlikely he’d heard anything. But Thaddeus thought the information could be helpful if used properly. Whether or not Glaucus actually cared for the new slave.

Eventually, Thaddeus called Skaia to wash his shoulders, so the slave could use the bath waters as well. Skaia’s wariness of the other men was obvious, and although Thaddeus felt slightly foolish, he took care that Skaia did not have to be too close to them.

He found himself thinking he had indeed lapsed in this part of his plan to make Skaia a loathsome whore in his son’s eyes. But perhaps it was not necessary now. As his father had explained to him so well… perhaps having the boy submit to him so easily was enough. He pushed the thoughts away—he had promised Skaia, and could not bear to think of hurting him.

When they were all clothed again and in the lounge area, they sat with another group of men who were all anxious to express their condolences to Thaddeus. Skaia stood stiffly apart from them and Thaddeus was content to let him be, calling on the bathhouse slaves for whatever he needed.

After plans were made for a dinner at Flavius’ domus in three days, Thaddeus took his leave, feeling he had been as social as he could be for the moment. He had fulfilled his obligation to re-enter the social structure. Had been seen and greeted by as many well-wishers as he could stand. He thought his father would approve.

For a moment, he was tempted to hire a litter to carry him home, but then thought the exercise of walking would be good, and he called Skaia to him. They took a less direct route home, and passed through the forum. Thaddeus stopped to look at jewelry, and, on a whim, selected a necklace for Thaddia.

When he was almost ready to leave, he spied earrings, and stopped to handle them as well. He called Skaia over, and held a small silver loop with a blue stone to his ear. Speaking to the jeweler, he asked if it could be attached today.

“
Of course, sir.” The man turned to face Skaia. “Sit on the stool, boy,” he instructed curtly.

Skaia fidgeted as the man handled his ear, and Thaddeus smiled at his nervousness. “The pain will be over quickly, and you’ll sport the sign of a favored slave. Be still.”

“
Then, it’s not a punishment, sir?”

Thaddeus arched a brow. “Have you done something I should punish you for?”

“
I don’t know, sir.” Skaia winced as something sharp pierced his earlobe.