Page 51 of Enslaved
“And?” Kell pressed relentlessly.
“And he wishes you to remove all the male slaves from this part of the villa. That, of course, includes you, Briton!”
Kell heaved an exaggerated sigh of relief. “The gods are with me tonight. I will have no trouble obeying my orders, while you, dearest Nola, are faced with an insurmountable task.”
When he left, Nola said, “Just once I would like to wipe the smug look from his superior male face.”
“You didn’t tell Marcus,” Diana accused.
“He has made a great concession to make you feel more comfortable,” Nola pointed out.
“Still, he expects me to wear this thing! Have you seen it? It is a lewd and scandalous garment.”
“Scant perhaps, but not scandalous. Romans honor and worship the body. There is nothing more beautiful than the naked female form. To think there is lewdness connected with it is an obscenity in itself. Try on the garment and you will see for yourself that it only adds to your beauty.”
Reluctantly, Diana removed her stola and allowed Nola to drape the crimson loin dress over her hips. It dipped down at the front all the way to her pubic bone, where Nola fastened it with a huge pearl brooch. When Diana looked in the mirror, all she could think was that if Prudence saw her, her aunt would die from shock!
A deep voice from the doorway said, “You have admired yourself long enough, now it is my turn.”
“Marcus!” Diana gasped. “I cannot walk about like this.”
“Then I shall carry you,” he said implacably. He picked her up as if she were thistledown and, completely ignoring all her protests, carried her down to the triclinium. Diana turned into his body so that only her back would be exposed should any eyes be spying on her. This, however, was not without its consequences. The tips of her breasts brushed against his chest with every step he took. She could feel the heat from his body and smell the male scent of his dark skin.
She expected him to take her before the mirror again, but instead, he set her down upon her own couch in a reclining position and tucked a small gold cushion beneath her elbow. Then he crossed to his own couch and let his eyes roam over her at his leisure.
Diana had stopped protesting. Marcus Magnus’ will would always prevail. He was the ultimate dominant male and no force on earth would ever alter him. She had a choice: Either she accepted him or she rejected him, and she knew it would be in her own best interests to accept him. Also, deep down at her core, she did not really want him any other way. If she admitted her true feelings, she was inordinately flattered that he found her irresistible.
They were highly attracted to each other, and the anticipation of seeing and touching and tasting was like a fire in the blood. They tempted each other so much that they were in a constant state of arousal. Diana knew it was inevitable that he would make love to her and the thought of it made her want to scream with excitement.
Nola followed them into the triclinium. “Will I serve you separately?” she asked, knowing full well that Marcus wanted Diana on his couch, reclining with him.
“You may serve the main courses separately and then you may withdraw, Nola.”
There were huge prawns, small shrimp, and baby scallops in a sauce of lemon butter, followed by a larded and crisped goose, stuffed with chestnuts. The salad had chick peas, cucumber, and beetroot with a tangy honey and aniseed dressing. Diana had never had anything at the Roman’s table that was not delicious. The Prince of Wales would have been green with envy had he been able to dine here.
“Do you forgive me for falling asleep last night?”
“The fault was mine. I obviously bored you.”
“Nay, I was highly entertained. You have a fertile imagination.”
“I didn’t imagine it, Marcus. It really happened.”
“I want you to continue your story. I want you to tell me everything—after.”
Diana found it difficult to breathe. “After?”
“Yes, after. Not only tonight, but every night I would enjoy being entertained by your stories.”
“After what?” she whispered, her throat suddenly dry, her voice husky.
“After the needs of our bodies are satisfied. After we have eaten and quenched our thirst, and after we are sated with lovemaking. Then we will talk.”
Diana lowered her lashes to her cheeks. If Nola didn’t leave them alone soon, she would die of longing. It was highly erotic and titillating to recline before this virile Roman general clad only in a garment that covered her loins. And its purpose was clearly designed to do more than cover, it was designed to emphasize her pubis, which was adorned with the great pearl. Finally, Nola cleared away the first courses and brought in a tray of desserts and fruits, then she withdrew.
Marcus’ black eyes glittered. He held out his hand to her and said, “Come over here and see if there is aught that tempts you.” The sexual tension in the room was so tangible, he could taste it and smell it.
Diana slid from her couch and came to him slowly and sinuously. When she was close by his couch, she gave him a sideways glance and said provocatively, “I see much that tempts me. Choose your dessert and I will serve it to you.”
