The Forgotten Legion

while Fabiola sat alone in one corner. Although no one had been unkind, Fabiola missed Pompeia keenly. The redhead was engaged with a well-paying regular, a middle-aged senator who liked dressing up in her underclothes.

When clients arrived and let the madam know their preferences, Jovina called out the names of suitable girls. The chosen prostitutes would walk out to be appraised and then selected by whoever took their fancy.

Fabiola was the only virgin in the Lupanar. Her wait had been a lonely one. But she had managed to remain calm, planning her future.

'Get out here!'

'Be quick,' hissed the Nubian. 'Don't put off the customer or Jovina will get angry.'

'Coming!'

'Good luck! Remember what Pompeia has taught you.'

'Tease him until he begs for more,' said another woman.

Grateful for the encouragement, Fabiola stood, smoothing down her dress. It was the fine white linen one with a purple hem that Pompeia had selected a few days before. Fabiola walked to the open door, out on to the colourful mosaic floor. Her heart was pounding. She forced herself to breathe in calmly as Pompeia had shown her, letting the air out very slowly.

'You look amazing!' Jovina stood waiting, head cocked to one side. There was an encouraging smile on her painted, wrinkled face.

Beside the madam was a man in his twenties with a tanned, pleasant appearance. Fabiola had never seen him before. He was of average build, clean shaven, with short brown hair. A simple, well-cut tunic was belted at the waist, which marked him as a soldier. The jewelled hilt of a dagger protruded from the narrow belt.

'Closer!'

Fabiola obeyed, gazing demurely at her soft white leather sandals. At least he's not old.

'Look at me.' The man's voice was calm and deep.

Fabiola lifted her head and stared into his clear blue eyes.

'Quite a beauty, aren't you?'

She glanced back at the floor, unable to hold his gaze.

'Fifteen thousand sestertii?'

'A trifle for the virginity of such a girl.' Jovina's voice was wheedling.

'That's a lot of money.'

'When have my girls ever not been worth the price, Decimus Brutus?'

He smiled. 'Turn around.'

Fabiola revolved slowly under the intense scrutiny. From the corner of her eye, she could see Benignus standing unobtrusively in shadows by the front door. It lent a feeling of safety to the inspection.

'Very well.'

Fabiola felt her stomach turn over. The moment had come.

'If you'll just sign a chit first, Master.' Jovina scuttled to her desk, deftly unrolling a parchment. She added a few quick details, in the manner of someone who had done the task before.

'You know I am good for it.'

'Of course, Master. But when Fabiola has finished, you will be in no state to even sign your name,' said Jovina with a cackle.

Brutus laughed, taking the stylus. He scrutinised the parchment before adding his signature to the bottom.

The madam immediately picked up a lighted candle, tipping it so a circle of wax pooled beside Brutus' mark.

'Your seal as well?'

'By all the gods! You'd make a great quartermaster in the legions, Jovina. Never happy until the paperwork's complete!' Brutus pressed his signet ring into the hot liquid.

Jovina grinned from ear to ear. 'You know where to go, child.'

Unable to speak, Fabiola nodded. Taking Brutus by the hand, she led him down the dimly lit corridor. The soldier followed but did not speak, which added to her nerves. Torches flickered from brackets in the walls, lighting up alcoves filled with statues of the gods and the small offerings to them. As they passed the figure of Aphrodite, she offered up a prayer.

Fabiola led Brutus into the first bedroom and closed the door. The chamber was tastefully furnished with a wide bed and marble washbasin. Heavy fabric drapes hung from the walls. Small oil burners provided light and a thick smell of incense hung in the air. Tables laden with food and wine stood on one side.

'You never know. He might want to eat between courses,' Pompeia had joked as she explained what to do earlier. Her instructions had been quite clear. 'Make sure the customer's satisfied. That's all that matters!'

Fabiola turned to face Brutus, who was studying her closely.

'Would the master like me to wash him?'

'I've just been to the baths.'

Slightly relieved, Fabiola moved closer, running long fingertips down one muscled arm. Brutus was in good physical shape, making the task much easier. 'Let me undress you,' she said with a confidence that surprised her. She beckoned seductively and led him over to the bed. Rose petals covered the silk embroidered spread. Docilosa was proud of her job.

Fabiola tugged at the belt buckle, undoing it with difficulty. She found herself hurrying but remembered Pompeia's advice to take everything slowly. Soon the belt had opened and she 'd lowered it to the floor. Fabiola lifted Brutus' tunic off, pushing him gently backwards until he fell on to the covers.

The noble lay back, enjoying the experience.

She knelt to unlace the leather straps of his caligae. The sandals' soles were covered with metal studs — standard military issue, a sure sign Brutus was no reluctant soldier. 'You serve in the army, Master?'

'I am a senior staff officer of Caesar's,' Brutus said proudly. 'Home on leave from Gaul. Two months at least, thank the gods.' He rubbed a hand across his eyes. 'It's good to be back in civilisation.'

Fabiola clambered on to the bed and began caressing him from head to toe. He sighed with pleasure as tight muscles were kneaded and squeezed into relaxation.

'Close your eyes. Rest, Master.'

Brutus seemed glad to obey.

She changed tempo, moving both hands very slowly in gentle circles around his chest and belly and the tops of his thighs. According to Pompeia, this was one of the most important parts of the seduction. After a while, Fabiola strayed across his licium, the linen loincloth all nobles wore. Gradually this was included with every circuit as she continued to rub the officer all over. The ministrations succeeded and soon Brutus' excitement was evident through the licium. He moaned as Fabiola began to pay more attention to his stiff member. The young prostitute did not rush. Soon Brutus was writhing around, small sounds escaping his lips.

At last she freed his erection from the underclothes. As she rubbed up and down with one hand, Fabiola looked carefully at Brutus. His eyes were still closed, but by his response, things were going according to plan. Concentrating on Pompeia's advice rather than what she was actually doing, Fabiola took him into her mouth.

She made the experience last a long time, just as the redhead had drummed into her. At the end, unable to take any more teasing, he held Fabiola's head in place, thrusting in a frenzy of lust.

Afterwards Brutus slept deeply and she lay watching his chest rise and fall. The officer was quite handsome in his own way. Fabiola was glad that he wasn't a horrible, fat man like Gemellus. A first sexual experience with someone like that would have been too like the suffering endured by her mother. She was also pleased that Brutus was an associate of Julius Caesar's. Like everyone in Rome, Fabiola knew of the ambitious former consul who had decamped to Gaul, determined to win new territory for the Republic and a name for himself. Ensuring that Brutus became a regular customer might be a good start.

When Brutus awoke, he found Fabiola observing him.

'That was very good, girl.'