from the lady Flacilla’s care, Father. He should not remain in her house any longer,” Ardiburius said.
“Why?” The word was sharp.
“She has a very evil lover, Father. A man of wealth and great family. He has, I have it on the most reliable authority, debauched children as young as eight. Patricius is almost ten, and grows more beautiful every day. He is a charming child, as you know, and always eager to please. Your wife’s lover has not yet violated him, but he has of late shown an interest in Patricius that is not healthy. My source is totally reliable, Father. My little brother must be protected.”
“You and Zoe must take him, then,” Aspar said. “Sophia is not used to little boys, and he lacks respect for her. Patricius adores you, Ardiburius, and your wife knows well how to deal with rambunctious little boys. I will tell Flacilla that Patricius needs the company of other children, and as there are none in her house, I have decided to give him to you and Zoe. It will not seem like a criticism if I handle it that way. Hopefully her new interest will keep her amused, so she will not take offense. You know I cannot bring Patricius to Villa Mare. Cailin, of course, would adore it. She is meant to be a mother, but it would cause the very reaction I seek to avoid—a scandal. You understand, my son?”
“Yes, Father,” Ardiburius said. “Will you take Patricius today? It should be done as quickly as possible. I have already discussed the possibility of his coming to us with my family. Your grandson, David, is delighted to have his uncle join us. Being the eldest with two sisters after him, and his brother just a baby, it is hard for him.”
“You spoil him,” Aspar growled, “but he seems a good lad despite it. He is six now, is he not? He and Patricius will get on quite well.” He sighed gustily. “As much as I detest having to meet with Flacilla, I shall go now and fetch Patricius from her. Go home, Ardiburius, and tell Zoe that he will be coming to you by nightfall.”
The general left the senate and, mounting his horse, rode unescorted through the streets of the city to his wife’s home. He needed no guard to keep him safe, and many recognized him, calling out to him, wishing him well. The gatekeeper at Flacilla’s mansion greeted him pleasantly, and the majordomo, after hurrying forward to welcome him, sent a slave to his mistress to announce her husband’s arrival.
Flacilla Strabo was a beautiful woman. Small and delicate, she possessed gorgeous blond hair and sea-green eyes. She had been entertaining her lover when news of her husband’s sudden and totally unexpected visit was brought to her. “Damn him!” she said irritably. “How like Aspar to come without any forewarning. My God! What if he has heard about us? He threatened to put me in St. Barbara’s if I caused any new scandal, and my family will support him if he does!”
Justin Gabras smiled lazily at her from the couch where he was reclining. A single black curl fell directly in the center of his forehead. He was tall and lean, and had dark eyes that seemed fathomless. “I would very much regret losing you, Flacilla,” he drawled.
“You must leave now!” she said fearfully as the silent slave stood waiting for her instructions to take back to the majordomo.
Reaching out, Justin Gabras yanked Flacilla down into his lap, pulled the neckline of her chiton as low as he could, and lifting a plump breast out, began to fondle it vigorously. “Have your husband come in, Flacilla. I am very much looking forward to meeting him. His fame as the empire’s general precedes him. I do not believe I have ever really met a truly brave man, but Aspar is said to be one.”
She struggled to escape him. “Are you mad?” she gasped as he lowered his head and he began to suckle strongly on her nipple. In answer, Justin Gabras bit sharply down on Flacilla’s tingling breast, causing her to cry out. His eyes met hers, and Flacilla said weakly to the slave, “Have my husband join us here on the terrace, Marco.” Then she gasped again as her lover slipped a hand beneath her gown, slid it quickly up her leg and began to tease at her little jewel. She moaned desperately, knowing that he would not cease until she