Passions of New Pompeii Read online

  “How did it happen? Were you born a slave or—”

  “I was taken in battle, defending my people against the cursed Romans.”

  She pushed off the wall and moved to an angle where the torchlight illuminated his face. “But Mikko referred to you as ‘the Roman’. He said it more than once.”

  “I was trained in Rome.” His gaze narrowed and his lips tensed. He obviously had no intention of saying more, but he’d piqued Elaina’s curiosity.

  “Then what were you doing in Pompeii during the evacuation?”

  He moved to the railing and stared out into the night, firelight dancing on the masculine planes of his fierce features. “I had been sold to a new master three weeks before the evacuation.”

  “You would have preferred to remain in Rome?”

  He shot her an impatient glare and said only, “Yes.”

  “Why were you sold?”

  Turning his back to the night, he leaned against the railing and crossed his arms over his chest. “How will the events of my past help convince you to discontinue your campaign against our city?”

  It was obvious he didn’t want to tell her, which made her more determined to know. “I thought direct exposure to one of the city’s inhabitants might temper my resistance to what goes on here.”

  “You never answered my question. Why are you so resistant to the things that happen in this city?”

  She thought for a moment before she answered. Did stating an opinion violate the noninterference clause? She was simply telling him how she felt. Surely there was no harm in that. “I think slavery is wrong.”

  “There have always been slaves and there will always be slaves. Why are you focused on New Pompeii?”

  Her heart thudded and she rubbed her upper arms. Did Mikko honestly think the threat of prosecution would keep her from speaking her mind? He had to have suspected she would say something controversial to his champion, and yet he’d allowed this meeting. Was he using some bizarre backward logic to manipulate her?

  No, Laetif had been the one who talked Mikko into allowing this meeting. Was Laetif an abolitionist? She knew Mikko and Laetif lived separate lives, but was it possible their lives were that different?

  It didn’t matter how the opportunity had come about, Elaina would not waste it. If she sowed the seeds of discontent, it might well spread like a virus. She’d tried destroying this abomination from the outside and failed. Would she accomplish more working from within?

  “What is the purpose of the energy barrier?”

  Theos stared at her for a long, silent moment then he said, “I know you don’t believe in the gods. Your brother told me. So if the barrier is not meant to conceal us from Vulcan, why is it there?”

  It was all so clever and so calculative. According to the founders, Venus and her husband Vulcan fought over the people in Pompeii. Vulcan felt that she was giving them too much attention, so he stoked the fire within the volcano and destroyed the city. Venus, in all her benevolent beauty, sent her agents to snatch her people out of the path of death and bring them safely to this new world. She knew her husband would be furious that she had thwarted his plan, so she constructed a mystical barrier around the entire city, hiding her followers from her vengeful mate. Of course the barrier also trapped them inside the city like zoological specimens inside a complex habitat.

  “The barrier is there to keep you trapped in the past, to insulate you from the wonders of Fedoros.”

  He glanced into the distance then searched her gaze. “If Venus has kept us from these wonders, we must not be ready to experience them.”

  “There are no slaves beyond the barrier.” She’d done it now. There was no turning back. She’d abandoned the noninterference clause. “Its true purpose is to keep you from dreaming of freedom.”

  Freedom? Theos stared at the strange, beautiful woman his master had instructed him to seduce. Her taste had been sweet, her response hesitant, like a smoldering fire waiting to consume him. Why would she say these things if they weren’t true? What did she gain by lying?

  “Every slave dreams of freedom,” he told her. “No barrier could smother my dreams.”

  “But you’ve never seriously considered doing more than dreaming because this life is Venus’ will.”

  “Do not mock the gods,” he cautioned. “You might not believe in their power, but I have seen them at work.”

  Her golden brows arched and challenge lit her emerald gaze. “Really? You’ve seen one of the gods?”

  “I’ve seen happenings that could be explained no other way.” He spread his arms in a sweeping motion. “How do you explain my existence if Venus did not send your brother to rescue me?”

  She nibbled on her lower lip, clearly considering something outrageous. “How were you brought to Fedoros?”

  “Why are you asking me? Surely you know the answer already.”

  Pausing, she soothed her lower lip with the tip of her tongue. Gods, he wanted to feel that tongue sliding across his chest and licking a warm trail down along his belly. “I want to hear what you know, or what you believe you know.”

  He dragged his gaze away from her mouth and took a deep breath, determined to rein in his rampaging lust. “I know how I was brought here. Venus sent her fleet of skyships.”

  “You saw the skyships?” She sounded surprised. “How much do you remember of the actual evacuation?”

  “Not much. I was training, as I do each day. I remember the sounds. Roaring and…such sounds. Only the gods are capable of creating those noises.” He took a deep breath. Even now his gut clenched as he remembered the terror, the utter helplessness. “The ground shook and great clouds of blackness blocked out the sun. We all thought the world was ending. Everything faded, and then I woke up on the skyship and an agent of Venus explained what had taken place.”

  “A volcano erupted and your city was destroyed.”

  “I know.” Did she think him an imbecile?

  “It had nothing to do with Vulcan and Venus.”

  He laughed. “Vulcan commanded fire to spew up out of the earth. Are you saying the mountain created fire all by itself?”

  “Yes.”

  “That is foolish. Mountains are constructed of rock. They are not capable of changing the nature of their existence.” She was the most interesting woman he’d ever encountered. It was unfortunate that she was mad.

  “Would you like to see what’s beyond the barrier?”

  He clasped his hands behind his back and took a deep breath. Why was she tormenting him? “Shortly after we arrived, I disregarded the warnings and touched the barrier. My fingers were blistered for weeks.”

  “I live beyond the barrier. I obviously know a way through.”

  “Even if that is true, if I step beyond the barrier, I die.”

  “Do you honestly believe Vulcan will strike you dead if you step beyond the barrier?” She moved closer, placing her hand on his arm. “Isn’t it possible that my brother made up that story to keep you passive and make you easier to control?”

  “This is a test.” He shifted his gaze away from her lovely face. “Venus sent you to tempt me, but I will not be swayed.” She sighed and started to withdraw her hand. He caught her wrist and drew her closer.

  “I can take you beyond the barrier, but I need to make preparations. You will need clothes and identification. I’ll have to…”

  He wrapped his arms around her and inhaled her tantalizing scent. “You do not need to pretend any longer. I understand why you are here.”

  Tilting her head back, she met his gaze. “Do you? Well, explain it to me.”

  “You want to feel alive again. You want to know passion, but you are unwilling to risk betrayal.”

  Her hands came up between them and she shoved against his chest. The sudden pressure caused his stitches to burn. “He told you about… I’m going to kill him!” She struggled frantically, twisting and heaving like a captured bird.

  He tightened his hold, pulling her in slo
wly until she was immobilized against his chest. “Calm. Be still. I will not hurt you.” Her arms separated their torsos, but their legs were entwined. The heat of her cunnus pressed against his thigh, assuring him she was every bit as attracted to him as he was to her.

  “Let me go.”

  “I do not want to. I want to carry you to that bed and bury myself inside you.”

  A harsh tremor racked her body and she shook her head. “I didn’t have you summoned so I could fuck you. I wouldn’t do that to you.”

  “But I want to fuck you.” The guards were fond of that word. Theos had never realized it could sound so appealing. “I want to fuck you every way I know how to fuck.”

  She stilled, her long-lashed gaze searching his. “If I give you what you want, will you give me what I want?”

  “We want the same thing. Do you still deny it?”

  “I don’t deny wanting this night with you, but I want you to experience freedom.”

  He stilled, heart thundering in his chest. “What are you suggesting?”

  “If we indulge our passions tonight, will you come through the barrier with me?”

  Chapter Three

  Elaina held her breath as she waited for Theos to reply. She’d never wanted anything as much as she wanted him. She wanted to explore the possibilities arcing between them, but even more importantly, she wanted to introduce him to reality. He was smart and ambitious. It was tragic he’d been condemned to a life of brutality and pain.

  “You do not know what you ask.” His arm loosened and his hands came to rest on her hips. “I am to risk death for one night in your bed?”

  She pressed her lips together, determined not to smile. His fears were real to him. He honestly believed in the gods. “Do I seem like the type of person who would sacrifice another in the name of pleasure? I would not do that to anyone, much less someone who…”

  “Who what?” He caught her chin and tilted her face up. “Are you going to claim some grand affection for me now?”

  His challenge forced her to look inward. What did she feel for this fantasy come to life? “You intrigue me. You’re so different from anyone I’ve ever known.”

  “As are you.” They stayed like that for a moment, searching each other’s eyes, his hand lightly holding her chin. “Before your husband died, did he—”

  “No.” She placed her fingertips against his lips. “If we’re going to do this, it will be just you and me. No past and no future. I’m Elaina, a visitor to your city, and you are Theos, Champion of New Pompeii. We will celebrate your victory with our bodies and have no thoughts beyond this room.”

  “I would be happy to participate in such a celebration, but you proposed something quite different. Once this night is over and our celebration is through, you expect me to follow you to my death.”

  She framed his face with her hands and pressed a soft kiss to his lips. “No harm will come to you. I promise.”

  He turned his head and nipped the heel of her hand. “If I am to trust you with my life, I want you to trust me with your body.”

  Dread cascaded through her, cold and unrelenting. Trust was the one thing she couldn’t offer him. The last time she’d trusted a man, he’d ground her into the pavement like a bug. “What do you mean?” she evaded.

  “You do exactly what I tell you without question or hesitation.”

  “But—”

  “No.” He placed his fingers against her lips as she had done to him moments before. “If I am to offer you my life, you must offer me your body.”

  “You are in no danger.”

  “Neither are you.”

  And they each had only each other’s word to go on. She insisted his fundamental belief was wrong and he was challenging her deepest fear. It was an equal conflict, a fair exchange. “I’m not sure I can.”

  “You will know only pleasure in my arms, but I will accept nothing less than surrender.”

  “I’m frightened.”

  Leaning in close, he whispered, “So am I.” Her gaze flew back to his, but his features revealed only longing and determination. “Are we agreed?”

  She swallowed past the lump in her throat and turned loose of her inhibitions. “Yes.”

  He swept her into his arms and carried her toward the bed. “Do you welcome my seed or must I pull out when release is upon me?”

  The dread in his tone made her smile and snuggle close against his chest. Her last contraceptive injection had yet to expire and Mikko routinely screened his gladiators for communicable diseases or infections. “You can’t get me pregnant. I welcome your seed.”

  He paused beside the bed with her still cradled in his arms. “You are barren?”

  “No. My people are able to control such things.”

  “Only the gods have the power over life and death.” His arm released her legs and she slid down the length of his body. “Many have supposed that Fedorans are demigods. Did this place give birth to Jupiter? Are you some distant relation?”

  She raised her hands to his shoulders, hungry for the feel of his strong body. “I didn’t mean direct control. My people have medicines that allow us to prevent a man’s seed from taking root. In this way we decide when and with whom we have children.”

  “Such potions are known to us.” Displeasure knitted in brow, but concern warmed his gaze. “They are dangerous and not always effective. I will allow nothing to harm you. I will pull out.”

  His determination pleased her. She hadn’t expected nobility from someone so…primitive. “Our potions are safe and effective. I want nothing to distract from our pleasure.”

  One of his dark brows arched and he wrapped his arm around her waist. “Remember those words. I will hold you to them.” His lips brushed over hers, teasing, awakening her senses for the coming onslaught. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed against him. His chest was wide and warm, his torso narrowing dramatically from shoulder to hip.

  Releasing her mouth for a moment, he ripped his tunic off over his head. Her fingers slid over his ribs and up his broad back, mesmerized by the contrasting textures. His skin was supple, yet the muscles beneath rippled and flexed as he moved.

  He carefully released the pins from her hair and spread the thick mass over her shoulders. “Lovely. A hint of fire streaming through a field of gold.” The poetic description was so unexpected she felt heat blossom across her cheeks. He touched the crest of her cheek with the back of his knuckles. “Do my words not please you? Most females enjoy hearing about their beauty.”

  She tensed at the word. Her connection to the royal family was what attracted people to her. She was no one’s idea of beauty. “You don’t need to flatter me. I’m more interested in how we’ll make each other feel.”

  Accepting her request with a stiff nod, he unfastened the broaches holding her stola, and the loose outer garment slipped to her ankles. She took advantage of his distraction to visually devour his sculpted body. His hands bushed across her breasts, teasing without pausing to explore.

  “Raise your arms.” His tone deepened and his gaze shone with unmistakable hunger.

  She lifted her arms and he pulled her tunic off over her head. He’d been barefoot when the guards escorted him to her bedroom, but sandals still adorned her feet. She kicked them aside then returned her gaze to his face.

  “What manner of garment is this?” He ran his index finger along the waistband of her lace-edged panties.

  “They’re fashionable beyond the barrier.” Every person entering New Pompeii had to dress in indigenous clothing. She hadn’t expected to undress during her visit, so she’d indulged in a small disobedience. “Even with all the layers expected for women, I feel naked without underwear.”

  “There are no laces, no…” He eased his index finger beneath the waistband and pulled it away from her body. “How is this done?” He released the waistband and it snapped back into place.

  “It’s called elastic.” She slipped the panties off and handed them to him.r />
  He pulled and twisted, mangling the delicate garment beyond recognition. But his fascination quickly waned and he tossed the panties aside, turning his attention back to her nakedness. “Is it flattery to say that I find you pleasing?” Rotating his finger in the air, he prompted her to turn around. “Your skin gleams like alabaster and I ache to possess you.” His tone deepened and his gaze shone, confirming the claim.

  Something deep within Elaina stirred, stretching and yawning as she faced him again. This was supposed to be fun, a few hours’ diversion, an escape from reality. She had to keep that fact firmly in mind. And keep her heart distanced from the pleasure promised in his dark eyes.

  He brought her hand to his mouth and pressed a kiss into the center of her palm. “If you want to touch me, touch me now. Once I begin, I will not allow it.”

  Without hesitation or demure, she ran her hands over his shoulders and down his arms then up his torso, hesitating at the stitches that marred his chest. “Does this hurt?”

  “It is nothing, a scratch earned by my carelessness.”

  She wasn’t fooled by his bravado. Adrenaline might have ushered him past the pain in the arena, but it must have hurt like hell when the wound was stitched. There were no anesthetics in New Pompeii.

  Dismissing the tangent with a soft sigh, she moved on to his tapered back and tight, round ass. He stood still and let her explore, following her with his gaze. She marveled at the corded muscle beneath his satin-smooth skin.

  “Does my body please you?” The hoarse catch in his voice surprised her. Was he fishing for compliments or fighting for control?

  She pressed her breasts against his back and wrapped her arms around his lean waist. “Looking at you makes me tingle. How do you think touching you is affecting me?”

  “I am about to find out, so you better finish your exploration.”

  Easing her hand lower and lower, she wrapped her fingers around his cock. “Oh my. Now this requires a closer inspection.” She slipped around his side and faced him, biting her lower lip as she gazed at her prize. “Very nice.” He was hard and long and thick. Her hand pumped him with slow, steady strokes as she imagined him moving deep inside her. He would stretch her inner walls until she groaned and fill her more completely than she’d ever been filled before.