Secrets of New Pompeii Read online

  He pulled back and gazed into her eyes. “Are you sure you want this? I cannot fathom why—”

  She placed her fingertips against his lips, silencing his argument. At the time, she’d thought he was being gallant, but now she saw the uncertainty buried beneath the smoldering desire. He hadn’t been sure he wanted to go any further. Was Bertrom right? Had her nights with Max only made his existence more miserable?

  Wrapping her arms around his neck, she pressed her breasts against his chest. “I want this. As long as you want this too, there is nothing more to talk about.”

  His fingers curved around the back of her neck as his mouth returned to hers. She caressed his back and shoulders while she rubbed against his lower body. His tongue swept across her lower lip then pushed into her mouth and she shivered.

  “Do your people not kiss like this?” he whispered against her damp lips.

  It wasn’t that she’d disliked the sensation. It had just caught her by surprise. She couldn’t admit that she had no idea how her people kissed without admitting to her complete lack of experience. She was never allowed to be alone with a man, never given the opportunity to misbehave.

  Rather than explain her reaction, she pushed to the balls of her feet and kissed him, using his technique as a pattern. She passed her tongue across his lip then delved into his mouth. His lips closed on her tongue and gently sucked. With a startled gasp, she jerked away.

  He chuckled. “You really are as innocent as you appear. Aren’t you?”

  She licked her lips and pulled his mouth down to hers, determined to divert his attention away from her lack of skill. His taste was new and dark and intriguing. Everything about him was new and intriguing.

  One of his hands held the back of her head while the other grasped her ass and pulled her closer. He adjusted the angle of her hips but couldn’t seem to create the alignment he craved. With a muffled curse, he picked her up and placed her on his cot, moving her arms over her head as he came down on top of her.

  For just a moment his big body trapped her against the bed, making her feel helpless and threatened, then he eased his knees between her legs and lifted his weight off her. His hips settled into the cradle of her thighs and his cock pressed against her crease. She pushed up against him, needing pressure on her clit. He rocked, rotating his hips just enough to slide his shaft against her swollen nub.

  She closed her eyes and gloried in the simple freedom of touching and being touched. Her life was so restrictive, so bound by protocol and expectation.

  His gaze darkened, burning with ravenous hunger, then his mouth returned to hers. The kiss was deep and drugged and endless. He held her hair with one hand and stroked her body with the other. She reached for him and he pushed her hands back against the bed.

  “Do not touch me,” he growled. “It has been too long.”

  He bunched her slip under her arms, unwilling to move long enough to undress her properly. She squirmed beneath his bold stare, but it was much too late for regrets. His hand cupped one breast as he kissed his way down to the other. Her skin tingled and her nipples tightened long before his lips closed around the tender peaks. He suckled her with strong pulls, lashing the tip with his tongue. She felt restless and achy, unable to lie still.

  Rocking back onto his feet, he pushed her legs farther apart and paused to look at her sex. Doubtlessly she was flushed and swollen. Could he tell how wet she’d become?

  He traced her crease with his fingertips and closed his eyes. “So hot. So very soft.” His fingers delved deeper, gently searching for the entrance to her body. “You are not…” He parted her folds with one hand and shook his head. “What are you doing here? You are untouched!”

  She reared up and grabbed his arm before he moved off her. “My father is…” she scrambled for a feasible lie. If she told him the truth, he would never finish this. “He’s going to sell me to a breeder. Just once I want to give my body to a man I have chosen.”

  “And what will happen when the breeder discovers you are no longer a virgin?”

  “It will be too late for him to do anything.”

  “No. He will beat you or worse.”

  He needed a stronger motivation, something more sinister. “It is said that he likes to sample each woman before she goes into the breeding pens. I will not give my virginity to that vile bastard! I want you. I chose to give this gift to you.”

  “Oh Vanda, if they find out I did this, they will kill me.”

  “No one will know,” she insisted. “I promise. No one will ever find out.”

  “I must be mad.” He positioned himself between her legs then moved his hands to her hips. “Grasp my shoulders, love, and don’t pull away. It will be better for you if this is done quickly.”

  His mouth settled over hers, distracting her and soothing her. Then he drove his cock inward as he pulled her hips up. The combined force sharpened the sting but decreased the duration. She gasped into his mouth then slowly exhaled. Her inner muscles stretched tight around him, making her feel incredibly full.

  Carefully keeping his weight on his knees, he caressed her breasts and arms and hips. When she finally relaxed, he eased his hand lower and found her clit with his thumb. Each careful circle made her insides quiver. She knew what he was trying to do, had rubbed herself to climax before, but this was different. The unavoidable thickness of his cock was a serious distraction.

  “I don’t think I can come like this,” she whispered.

  “Come? What…where do you wish to—come?”

  “No, I mean have an orgasm, find release. What do your people call it?”

  He shifted his weight and the pressure inside her increased, making her moan. “There are many descriptions for the pinnacle of pleasure, and that is what I need from you. Until your body releases more fluid, I will not be able to move without hurting you.”

  “Then don’t look at me.”

  A slow, sexy smile parted his lips and his thumb altered its pattern. “I like looking at you. Your face captivates me and your body is beyond pleasing.”

  The unexpected praise eased her anxiety. She’d started this. It wasn’t fair to turn all blushing schoolgirl on him now. His gaze locked with hers and she pictured herself through his eyes, breasts heaving, legs spread, pussy tightly clasping his cock.

  Heat gathered low in her belly, directed by the steady stroking of his thumb. She absorbed the fullness and savored the connection. He was inside her, part of her, waiting only for her liquid welcome. His patience pleased her, allowed her to trust. She moved her hips, adjusting the pressure against her clit, working together until they found the combination that pleased her best.

  His gaze bore into hers as her inner muscles began to ripple. “That’s right,” he coaxed. “Let the pleasure come.”

  Her pussy contracted around him and her back arched. Pleasure burst within her and she tightly closed her eyes. Her core melted all around him, easing the friction and allowing him to slowly pull back. He arched over her, driving deep as he caught one of her nipples between his teeth. His sharp nip sent another blast of pleasure echoing through her body.

  She raised her legs against his sides and opened her eyes as he filled her again and again. His firm, steady rhythm soon had her panting and straining into each firm stroke. This was her moment, her night, and she had chosen to share it with him, only him.

  His eyes glistened, so unique and beautiful. It was not just the color but the tenderness so obvious in their shimmering depths. He kissed her and pressed her against him then rocked back onto his knees so he could thrust more forcefully.

  Another orgasm gripped her body and she dragged his mouth back to hers. She wanted his tongue in her mouth, completing the circle while she surrendered to the pulsating spasms. He grasped her hips and shuddered, riding the surge right alongside her.

  “Was this the only time you made love?” Bertrom’s gentle voice was still intrusive.

  “No,” she admitted as the images faded back in
to memory. “After that night, I couldn’t stay away. Our passion was like an addiction.”

  “Who found out about the affair, or did you intentionally tell your father?”

  “It was more complicated than either of those.” She shook her head. “I don’t see how this helps me prepare for tomorrow. All it’s doing is dragging my regrets to the surface.”

  “If you acknowledge your feelings and learn from your mistakes, these events can make you stronger.”

  “Max was not a mistake. Loving him was…” The words echoed in her ears, shocking and profound. Never before had she spoken the phrase out loud. She’d never allowed herself to consider the possibility.

  “Of course you loved him. Why does this surprise you?”

  “It doesn’t, not really. It’s just hard to hear after all this time.”

  “Why?”

  “Because of the way it ended.” She sighed, reluctantly drawing her emotional defenses back up around her heart. “And how much I miss him,” she whispered.

  Bertrum paused, his pastel gaze searching her eyes. “He was unable to come to you. He is still locked in the gladiator barracks. Why have you never gone to see him?”

  “There’s no point in it!” She stood so suddenly her chair toppled. “There is no point in any of it.”

  His smile made it clear he didn’t believe her. “Your paths intersect again tomorrow. You might want to spend tonight making sure that statement is true.”

  Chapter Three

  Naloni carefully eased her finger beneath her blonde wig and scratched her scalp. Her disguise was more of a precaution than a necessity. Her brother wouldn’t be surprised by her attendance even if someone recognized her. She just preferred to move about without drawing the sort of attention that invariably followed a member of the royal family.

  The rented villa was crowded, people spilling out onto the patio and filling the center courtyard. Once the upper level was opened, the attendees would be more evenly dispersed, but the festival had not yet officially begun.

  Lamplight cast a wavering glow over crisp tunics and elaborately draped togas. Knowing the night would be hot and humid, Naloni had chosen a simple tunic of lightweight linen. Already the material was clinging to the small of her back and the baby curls at her temples had begun to droop.

  Lavish buffet tables lined the wall between the archways leading out to the garden and armored guards stood sentinel at every exit.

  “If this is nothing more than an orgy, I’ll take it out on your lovely hide.” Stevon Poliantus leaned down and whispered the semi-playful threat into her ear. For years Stevon had hinted that there were all sorts of things he’d like to do to her hide, but Naloni refused to respond to his advances. She liked him, considered him a friend, but she felt no romantic attraction to him.

  “Has there ever been this sort of security for one of Tarhee’s orgies?” Their invitations had been authenticated by a computer and they had been subjected to full body scans before being allowed to enter the villa.

  With a noncommittal shrug, Stevon sipped his wine and looked out over the sea of faces. Stevon had seen the prophet potential in Gladiator Games and became one of the first investors in the fledgling endeavor. His financial support over the years motivated the founders to offer his media conglomerate exclusive broadcast rights to every event in New Pompeii. He’d jumped at the opportunity and everyone had been pleased with the result. Still, his loyalty to the founders didn’t extend to becoming an accessory to their crimes.

  “Speaking of security,” Naloni drew his attention back to her. “How were your people able to smuggle their equipment past security?”

  He smiled, the expression rolling ten years off his appearance. He had been classically handsome in his prime, but the passage of time had left him with character and debonair appeal. “Do you think this is the first event we’ve stealthily recorded? My people are pros. They do this sort of thing all the time.”

  Anticipation rose within her. This was really happening. Tonight they would pull back the curtains on New Pompeii and expose all their carefully guarded secrets. “Where are they? How many teams did you bring?”

  “It’s better if you don’t know.” The silver threaded through his dark hair glistened as he turned his head and met her gaze. “I don’t want you inadvertently drawing attention to them. You asked that the entire villa be fully covered and that’s what I’ve done.”

  She touched his upper arm and smiled. “Thank you. I know this undertaking isn’t without risk.”

  He took her hand and pulled her closer, dark eyes warm and caressing. “I don’t want your appreciation, Naloni. I want you to give me a chance. Accept one of my invitations and let’s see if we can create some sparks.”

  “Sparks should just happen. They shouldn’t have to be created.” She lowered her gaze, uncomfortable with the open longing in his eyes.

  “It doesn’t always work that way. Sometimes people have to—”

  A sudden escalation in the surrounding conversations drowned out the rest of his plea. Naloni slipped her hand from his and turned to see what had caused the disruption. Tarhee and Mikko Xyell had just entered the room. A small procession of mostly naked people followed in their wake. The crowd parted, allowing them to pass and offering the visitors a better view of the entertainers.

  Mikko climbed onto a small dais while Tarhee remained on the floor. Mikko enjoyed the attention of public spectacles while her brother preferred small, intimate gatherings. Naloni fiddled with the end of her braided golden belt as she strained to hear Mikko’s words. Part of her hoped she had wasted Stevon’s time. If this was all exaggerated gossip, then people were not being hurt and her brother was not a monster. Unfortunately, a larger, more realistic part understood that outcome was highly unlikely.

  “Welcome!” Mikko called, signaling the visitors to quiet. “Welcome to the first annual Festival of Venus.” The crowd responded with a polite round of applause, still a bit unsure of what to expect. “As each of you know, this event is invitation only to ensure only the best and most discreet customers are included in the festivities.” The second round of applause was louder, more enthusiastic. “In the true spirit of the original city, we are going to offer Venus worship without reserve. Our pleasure and passion will be so uninhibited and sincere she will descend from Mount Olympus and walk among us!”

  “That should be interesting,” Stevon said into her ear.

  Mikko was obviously not finished, so Naloni didn’t reply.

  “The activities on the main floor are meant to be enjoyed by everyone. There are no rules here. Nothing is shameful, nothing forbidden!” A burst of raucous calls and whistles followed this statement. “Each room upstairs will feature a different fantasy. If you want to share your indulgence with others, simply leave the door unlocked. If you prefer a private session, lock the door. But please remember, there are likely others with the same fantasy. We can make other arrangements if you want to take your time and savor the experience. If you have any questions or if your fantasy is not offered in the rooms above, Prince Tarhee and I are here to negotiate custom fantasies. Enjoy the festival!”

  When Stevon turned to her again, all playfulness had vanished from his face. “I’ll dispatch a team to each of the rooms above. I want you to leave now. If anyone realizes what we’re doing, things could get ugly quick.”

  “Not a chance.” She squared her shoulders and met his gaze. “I brought this to you. I need to see it through to the end.”

  He looked around the crowded room. She had no idea what he was hoping to find. Then he made a disgruntled sound and said, “At least stay on the main floor.”

  “Agreed. I suspect I don’t want to know what’s going on up there. Are you sure it’s safe for your people?”

  “They’re working in teams and most are ex-military.”

  “Rather than pampered princesses?”

  “I didn’t say that.” But his smile made it obvious he agreed with the sentiment.r />
  “I’ll mill about and try to be inconspicuous.”

  “I’m directing the others, so I’m going to try to find somewhere relatively quiet.”

  She nodded. “If I need you or decide to leave, I’ll find you first.”

  He nodded and moved off through the crowd. A live tableau had been set up in one corner of the room. Three naked couples assumed sexual positions then froze, making sure everyone had plenty of time to admire each detail before they shifted into a new position. Their expressions were convincing, their positions creative, but as they moved from one pose to the next, it was obvious they were not really fucking.

  Discontented murmurs spread through the onlookers. The men switched from one woman to another, but the “action” remained vanilla.

  “This is boring,” someone muttered. “I’m glad I didn’t pay for this.”

  Hearing the criticism, the combinations became more daring. Two of the women pleasured one man while two men pleasured one woman.

  “His cock’s not even hard,” another onlooker complained. “Put him in your mouth, sweetheart. You can’t fake that.”

  “Better yet, give us real penetration,” another demanded. “Enough of this pretend shit!”

  Tarhee moved up beside the performers and explained his displeasure with one scathing look. Cocks were immediately buried inside pussies and one of the women frantically sucked until the last man was hard. “If you would like to see specific positions,” Tarhee told the crowd, “they will respond to your suggestions.”

  The performers exchanged mutinous glances, but none broke character.

  “I want that one to lick her pussy while that one sucks his cock.” The man directed to suck cock looked decidedly uncomfortable. The third man attempted to take his place, but the onlooker insisted he wanted the first man.

  Naloni had seen enough. She had no idea what the founders had promised these people, or what they were holding against them, but it was obvious they were being required to do far more than they had expected. Was one of Stevon’s teams recording this display? She moved around slowly, trying to spot anyone with a suspicious-looking piece of jewelry or… Or what? She had no idea how such things were done.