Titus Norbanus Nepos had held his suspicions that he might lose his most formidable warrior, but had quietly hoped the businessman Marcus Octavius Paulus would have a different arrangement in mind. To have his fears realised was not a surprise but it was a body blow. Nimr was more than just another gladiator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNimr\u2026\u201d He had to look away from Paulus\u2019 piercing eyes. \u201cHe was my father\u2019s first recruit. On his first day in the arena he took on three opponents and killed two of them within seconds. His name is bound to the Ludus of Nepos in the eyes of nearly every Roman.\u201d He looked back at the older man, his eyes burning with frustration and fury. \u201cAnd Nimr has always been proud to represent the house of Nepos.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paulus\u2019 smile grew malevolent. \u201cThat may be, but if your ludus is to survive, you must be prepared to move past sentiment and consider more pragmatic choices. My client is prepared to give you time- but do not test his patience, nor mine. You have three days to make your decision. Once you have, send message to this place and we shall arrange further meeting. I would suggest you think of your future.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nepos struggled to resist the desire to bash Paulus\u2019 head in with one of the statues. It was very tempting, even if the problem wouldn\u2019t go away if he did.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThree days.\u201d He said. \u201cVery well. I will send message in three days. Now, if you will excuse me, I have pressing business to attend to.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOf course. Good day, young Titus.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nepos suppressed a shudder. The way Paulus used his first name was, somehow, sinister. He nodded, and passed back through the door, off to consider the fate of his ludus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paulus watched him go. \u201cA nice boy, in many ways. Certainly driven, and passionate.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As he spoke, a side-door, concealed by deep purple curtains, swung open. Out stepped one of the most beautiful women in the Empire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Petillia Crispina, with shoulder-length blonde hair, dressed in a figure-hugging one-piece ensemble of red and pink that seemed to enhance her already-impressive attributes, was a sight to behold. Dark brown eyes always seemed to twinkle with mischief. Her nails were always painted red (even her toenails), and she always walked with a saunter in her step. She grinned, and her smile sent a shiver down Paulus\u2019 spine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Behind her, a man, naked, save for a leather collar around his neck, followed, carrying a tray with two cups on it. He looked contrite- probably a new slave-in-training. He certainly looked as though he had all<\/em> the requirements to be a good servant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAh Marcus. He is certainly passionate. It\u2019s a shame he\u2019s loyal to his wife. That sort of passion would be most welcome here.\u201d She sat down on the bed, patting the space next to her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Paulus sat this time. The servant offered up the two cups, which they both took.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSome morning fortification. Wine generously donated by one of my more eager clients. Apparently it\u2019s the finest wine money can buy this time of year.\u201d Crispina grinned again as she took a sip. \u201cBut then, several of my clients have boasted this already. What do you think of my latest purchase?\u201d She ran her nails over her servant\u2019s stomach. The slave did his best not to shudder but it was clearly an effort, especially when her nails slipped over his right thigh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cA fine-looking specimen. Muscular without being too imposing. What is his role to be here?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOh, I\u2019m not too sure yet. I\u2019m reliably informed that young Stigr enjoys men as much as women.\u201d Her hand now caressed his thigh gently, and Stigr\u2019s body was definitely<\/em> reacting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHe\u2019s not shy either. He rises to the occasion with little prompting.\u201d She purred, and wrapped her hand around the young man\u2019s length. Paulus felt the temperature in the room go up a level. He wished business could simply be business, but Crispina always enjoyed her little games, and even at his relatively old age, he found himself struggling to focus on anything other than what Crispina was up to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSo, do you believe Nepos will agree to my terms?\u201d He turned to face Crispina, trying to ignore what she was doing to poor Stigr.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOh Paulus. I believe he might, under great protest.\u201d Her hand took a firmer grip of Stigr\u2019s cock, holding it upright whilst her right hand cupped his balls. \u201cHe\u2019s stubborn, but not stupid. His ludus won\u2019t survive without new blood.\u201d Stigr let out a soft gasp. \u201cHe\u2019s rather like this young man. Determined to hold on.\u201d She laughed, and pumped her hand faster. \u201cI suspect Nepos will resent coming to you for some time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Paulus swallowed. \u201cI\u2019m sure he will. It is for the best for all concerned however. He gets what he needs, my client gets what he wants, and everyone wins.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMmmm, I\u2019m sure. What do you<\/em> get out of it?\u201d Stigr groaned softly. \u201cMy, good stamina\u2026\u201d She winked at her slave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI get a share of the initial purchase, plus a share of the winnings Nimr will bring. A mutually beneficial arrangement.\u201d Replied Paulus carefully. \u201cand of course, you<\/em> receive a share as well, for allowing me to use your venue.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhat if Nimr should fall in the arena?\u201d Crispina slowed her pace a little, rubbing her palm over the underside of Stigr\u2019s shaft. \u201cImagine if he fell in his first fight!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Paulus snorted. \u201cNimr is the best there is. He has no equal in the arena. Hence why my client wants him.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI see. Well, let us hope that he is as good as they claim.\u201d Her hand started to pump more vigorously once again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIndeed. Now\u2026\u201d Paulus pushed himself up off the bed. \u201cI must be going. I have other business to attend to, and you<\/em> are clearly attending to some right now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Crispina laughed. \u201cOh Paulus, perhaps one day you will let me take care of your<\/em> business.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Paulus smiled politely. \u201cAnother time, perhaps. I bid you good day.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAnd to you as well.\u201d Crispina eased her pace once more, as Paulus left. \u201cSo Stigr, you have impressed me thus far. I have known men to spill their seed at my barest touch. One even before<\/em> I touched him, though perhaps that is more due to my teasing than them\u2026 still, you have done well.\u201d She let go of his cock, and Stigr sighed. \u201cNow, let us put you to proper test\u2026\u201d She eased her outfit off, and let it drop to the floor, before laying upon the bed. \u201cShow me what you can do.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n