Aurelia's Gladiator

In case you missed the tag: [FF]

The villa has its own Lanista. He is a grumpy old man, but he has known me since I was little. With Camilla and Leo following closely behind, I walked toward Nero's quarters, which could be found near the servants' rooms. As I suspected, he was getting ready to start his day, no doubt to train the new troops in before the next round of games would start. He walked around his room with some effort, his body not moving in the way I remembered in childhood.

I gave his door a few taps with my knuckles and watched his shadow through the window as he approached us. The barrier swung open wide, and his smile faded when he noticed my company.

"What do you think you're doing?"

I walked into his room, and he begrudgingly moved aside. His personal space was larger than the gladiators' rooms, but still smaller than my own.

I turned and stared at him indignantly. "I want to know what I need to do to win the games." I motioned to the young man next to me. "This is my gladiator, Leo."

Nero looked over to Leo briefly and then turned back to me, his words an angry hiss, "Are you out of your mind? If your father knew that you were removing recruits from the barracks, he would have my head. Not yours, mind you, but mine!" He moved away and slumped down in a chair before palming his face.

I did feel slightly guilty. Nero had often been the spectator of my childhood mischief and, more often than not, the one who had to stick up for me. Sneaking off to spend more time with Tiberius, for example. I walked over to him and wrapped my arms around his shoulders from behind, leaning into him like I used to during his piggyback rides.

"Father doesn't know. And I promise to return him as soon as we're done. But I need to know. What's wrong this this one?" I looked up at Leo while his eyes narrowed at me. "Father wouldn't give me a man he was confident in. Only one he could afford to throw away."

Nero sighed and brought a hand up to wrap his fingers around my wrist, his thumb caressing the underside. "And this really couldn't have waited until I got down to the training grounds today?"

I smiled and pressed a kiss to his scruffy cheek. "Nope." I grinned and stood, pleased at his groan of disdain.

"Very well. Let's have a look at you, boy. And fucking cooperate. I can't be late."

Leo stood in the middle of the room. He didn't seem willing to put himself on display, but Nero got up and circled him, nonetheless. Nero grunted a few times, reaching out a hand to touch one of Leo's limbs. I watched as he ran his hand confidently down the hard sinew of an arm, following the dips and curves of definition. I couldn't help but wet my bottom lip as I studied all of the areas Nero focused on.

My mind wandered to an image of Leo's muscles tight with the tension of pleasure. Being pleasured, to be exact. Would he lay there and take it? Or would he take charge? What would his face look like once he came? The thoughts were enticing, and I realized I saw Leo in a completely different light than I did others. He wasn't just a gladiator or a recruit, he was a very attractive and available man.

Once Nero had circled Leo twice, he squared up in front of him and grabbed his face to peer into his eyes. Leo didn't falter and stared straight into Nero's aged blues, unblinking and intense.

"Hmm. There's fight in this one." He turned Leo's head. "Fueled by something." He turned Leo's face in the other direction, despite Leo's growing scowl. "Anger? No, vengeance."

Leo's right eye twitched ever so slightly and his chest slowly began to heave. His nostrils flared with each breath, and he jerked away from Nero.

Nero only hummed, unfazed by the small show of aggression. "I'm not your enemy, boy. I think you'll find quite the contrary." He grunted once more before turning to me. "Something I've been stressing to your father for years is the maintenance of gladiators. They're people, too, and far from deserving of the animalistic treatment that Julian employs." He looked over at Leo and then back to me. "They need regular baths, adequate bedding, and lots of food. They need the energy." He ran a gruff hand through his salt and pepper hair. "Bathe him when you can. Make sure he has comfortable bedding. Feed him more than what he gets in the mess hall. If you can do all of that, then I'll do the rest."

I looked over to Camilla. She had been silent since we retrieved Leo. She shrugged when I caught her eye.

"I'm sure we can handle that." I gave Nero a solemn nod.

I could definitely take care of those needs. However, I found myself more concerned about other needs; Needs that were soon becoming blurred as my own. I began to wonder how satisfying that part of him would influence his performance. Maybe it wouldn't even affect him. After all, gladiators were often commissioned out to 'accompany' important political figures and their wives. I wasn't stupid. I knew what happened when the women were left alone with their escorts. I vaguely wondered if I were to get Leo alone. Would he obey my orders? I was dying to find out.

I left Leo with Nero before walking to the bath. Nero insisted that he return Leo to the training grounds instead of me. I could see his logic. Father would be furious if he had found out what I had done. But, honestly, part of me wanted him to know. Part of me wanted him to be upset just as much as I was with him.

Camilla watched me with different eyes as I stripped, and I knew she was watching my face as I slipped into the warmth of the water. I moaned as the soft ripples caressed my skin. The subtle scent of roses wafting up to my face as I sank lower into the crystal-clear depths. Water surrounded me, lapping gently at my skin until my head was almost fully submerged. I had wanted to bring Leo along for a bath, but Nero insisted that he couldn't miss training this morning. Not to mention the trouble I supposedly would get into for bringing Leo to our bath instead of making him bathe with the other gladiators. I was eager to see his naked form again. I taunted myself with the idea of his tanned skin and the idea of his hardened cock. Blanketed with arousal, I ran my hands over my skin, washing away the gooseflesh that betrayed my inner secret.

"Aura?" Camilla was sitting above the bath next to me, her bottom perched on her heels on the tiled floor.

"Yes?" I continued rubbing my skin, aware that she was following my movements.

"Why are you trying to upset your father?"

I looked up at her. She very seldom joined me in the water. I consistently offered, but she was too afraid of getting into trouble. I stood and started to remove her clothing. She resisted, but eventually allowed me to pull her tunic over her head.

"Because of what he's making you do. Because of these strange thoughts I keep having about it all. I don't feel like it's right." Once she was naked, I gave her a gentle tug and she followed me into the pool. "And above all I hate that I want it."

"Want what?"

I started moving my hands over her skin, helping her bathe, reversing our roles. Her shoulders tensed as I worked. I knew she was scared that we'd get caught. But my argument was always that she was mine to do with as I pleased. That included caring for her.

"The things you do to me. It feels really good, and I hate that you're being forced to do it."

"If I wasn't your slave, if I hadn't been assigned to you, would you feel differently about it?"

I looked down into the water. I hadn't considered that. "I think I would feel differently about it. I mean, if you were willing and not manipulated into it, then yes."

She chased my hands with her own and held them to her chest once she caught them. Her breasts were larger than mine and my palms were nestled sweetly in her cleavage.

"I want to bring you pleasure, Aura. I've wanted to for a while."

I forced a smile and gave a small shake of my head. "Please don't lie to me. I promise that no harm will come to you as long as I have anything to do with it. You can be honest with me."

She looked into my eyes, pleading for understanding. "I promise it's what I want. I love you. I want to please you. It brings me pleasure in return."

I swallowed as I recognized her sincerity. Camilla rarely spoke of her wants and needs. It was easy to mistake her proclamation as something less than what she insisted. But the way she held herself, her gaze unwavering, I knew she was serious. She meant what she said. I licked my lips and stared at her mouth, contemplating my next words.

I cleared my throat, and my lips moved a few times, but the words wouldn't come. I looked away.

"What is it?"

"It doesn't feel right."

"What we're doing doesn't feel right?"

"No." I chewed my bottom lip. "What I want to ask of you doesn't feel right. Even with your confession."

Gentle hands cupped my face and beckoned me to look into her eyes. "It's okay. Just tell me what you want."

I swallowed and nodded ever so slightly. "Well, tonight will you use your mouth? I really want to know what your tongue feels like."

She didn't break eye contact as she nodded with enthusiasm. "Of course. Anything for you, Aura. I will use my mouth and tongue every night so long as it is what you wish."

A breath escaped as my pussy clenched at her words. If we weren't in the bath, I would have mounted her face at this very moment. I was so eager to have her taste me.

Instead, I swallowed and nodded, unable to hide my smile. "Tonight, then."

She brought my knuckles to her lips, pressing a sweet kiss to me before we resumed our bath.

LEO

Nero was harder on me than I expected. He assigned a Doctore whose training was intense, and I found myself struggling to keep up with the others. I chalked it up to being out of shape. Before arriving to Ectorius Villa, I had been on the move with the military, securing homes at the border. There were days of travel followed by many days of rest as we made camp. Other soldiers were made to scout whereas I remained at camp to help others train. Regardless, my fighting skills were in that of the military. I was trained to kill and show no mercy. Nero, on the other hand, had an ulterior motive. Now that we had finished our second meal of the day, he had called us to gather on the grounds once more.

"The point of the Gladiator games is to give the audience a show. Contrary to belief and gossip, our aim isn't to kill our opponent or expect to be killed. So, when you're out in the arena you will be expected to exercise restraint and control, but with enough grace to make it look like you're not."

I stood among the other new recruits, not having found a place with the others just yet. Nero walked along our line, assessing each of us with his hands clasped behind his back.

"There is an exception to this unspoken rule, and that is the purpose for criminals. Some of you have been convicted and will be serving to repent for your misgivings. If it is decided that the entertainment of your death is more lucrative than allowing you to continue in the arena, you can expect to meet your end."

He glared at a couple of men to my left as he passed them, then settled in front of me. "If you seem to show potential, you can find yourself at the receiving end of a very promising contract. Some of you are here on a probationary commitment. However, if you earn favor by the crowds and prove your profitable worth, you may find yourself in the position to negotiate your renewal."

"A question, Lanista."

He looked at me and nodded. "Speak."

"Might there be a consequence if a gladiator were to accidentally kill his opponent?"

His brows pulled together, and he tilted his head back, looking down his nose at me. "He might. It really depends." He narrowed his eyes and me and studied me up and down. "Why do you ask?"

"Just curious." I continued looking forward, satisfied enough with his answer.

Although the day had been difficult, it still felt successful. I was seated in the same spot I had this morning in the mess hall, a watery kind of porridge and, what appeared to be pork, as my dinner. I brought the bowl to my lips and tipped it back, draining it all in one sitting. Tasteless, but it was food. I picked at the meat and ate it slowly, a shadow coming over me as a man approached from behind.

"What's your deal with Aurelia?"

"Aurelia?"

"Ectorius' daughter."

I turned and recognized the man who had escorted miss princess to the exit today. So, they did know each other well after all.

I shrugged and turned back to my food. "Her father assigned me to her. Nothing more."

"It would seem to me that there is a great deal more. You mean to tell me that she retrieved you for almost an hour just to assert her authority?"

"It would seem so."

His fist slammed down on the table. "Bullshit."

I could feel my heartrate pick up, but only because he almost ruined my food. Regardless of Nero's advice, there was no guarantee that she would follow it. There was no telling whether she would be willing, or even be authorized, to get extra food to me.

"Careful, friend. I'm not your enemy."

He swiped my plate away, knocking the rest of my meat to the floor. "Anyone who has anything to do with Aurelia is my enemy."

I stood and squared up with him. He was only slightly bigger than me, heavily laden with muscles of labor rather than fighting. I wanted to shove him. Get him out of my face. But I needed this guy. The others left him alone, so I needed him on my side. He watched me, expectant, as I stood silent and unmoving.

"I care about her."

He leaned in closer and snarled in my face. "Don't fucking mess with me."

"Well, I do. I've seen her before. At the games in the box with her father? He always seems so doting. So... overbearing."

"What of it?"

I stuck my chin up. "Doesn't set well with me."

He didn't believe me; It was apparent on his face. "And what of your intentions? Are you making plans to bed her?" His face closed in on mine, our noses touching and his bad hot breath fanning my nostrils.

"No. That is not my plan. I simply wish to be her friend."

He scoffed and turned away for a moment, seeming lost in thought. When he gathered himself, he looked to me once again. "If you lay a finger on her, whether an abusive or lustful one, I will make sure that you meet your demise."

I shrugged. "Fair enough." I backed up a step. "But I must ask, what is she to you? Why do you protect her so?"

He grinned and made to move away. His smile faded as quickly as it had come before he deadpanned, "None of your damn business."

I gave a solemn grunt and turned to pick up the remaining food off the ground. It had since been trampled and full of dirt. I could eat it, but I really didn't want to grind sand between my teeth.

I began to pile the pieces onto my plate, but a voice called from the other end of the room, "Leave it."

Over by the doorway was Aurelia, her slave at her right. She smirked at me as I noticed her, and I stood to make my way over to her.

When I was within ear shot, she curled a finger beckoning me forward. "Come with me."

AURELIA

I led Leo back to my room, certain that no one would realize I had taken him. Tiberius was once again displeased, but he did nothing to stop me this time. Didn't even pull me aside to scold me. I had known him since I was small. He was a young man back then, not quite the seasoned and aged gladiator he was today. Mother always took kindly to him, and he was often free to roam around and play pretend fighting with me. He was the one who taught me how to fight with a sword and shield whenever father was away. He was like the big brother I never had, ruffling my hair when he walked by, and throwing a wink my way when he noticed me watching.

When we got to my room, I opened the door before Camilla had a chance to. I didn't care if Leo witnessed me restricting her slave duties. He was mine to do with as I pleased anyhow.

I motioned to the small table at the other end of the room, where I had the kitchen staff bring me an assortment of dried and fresh fruits, cheese, and meats. "Your sustenance."

He stared at me for a moment, then nodded before he went to take his seat at the table. From where he was sitting, I knew he would have a perfect view of my bed. I had sat there only a few minutes earlier to ensure his line of sight was where I wanted it to be. He began to pick through the food, oblivious to the fact that I was standing close to my resting place. I began to remove my clothing, ignoring whether he was watching or not.

"Aura, what are you doing?!" Camilla's whisper was a hiss in my ear, but she received my gown and laid it over the back of a chair. A breeze blew the curtains into the room, and I could feel Leo's eyes on me now as my nipples began to harden in the chilled air. Resisting the urge to glance at him, I took Camilla's hand and pulled her after me as I made to lay on the bed. She was nervous and her movements were shakier than this morning. I relaxed onto the plush surface and spread my legs for her, my hand coming down to rub at the arousal that began to grow.

"Are you sure?" she asked before lowering herself to her stomach before me.

I glanced over at Leo, grinning at the fact that he had stopped eating and was shamelessly watching. I pulled her face down to me and felt her tongue pull up through my slit for the first time. I threw my head back, holding her to me. "I'm sure."