Bee Among the Clover Read Online Free PDF Page A

He ran the cloth over the strong planes of Aron’s stomach and the hard columns of his thighs. He had such a beautifully made body. Wulfgar would be pleased. Why that thought gave him so much sorrow, he didn’t know. It was none of his concern.
Aron looked down at Roman kneeling beside the tub. It was like watching someone else being bathed. He felt foolish. He was a grown man and could bathe himself, but he hadn’t the strength or will to push Roman away. He predicted he had far more important things to worry about than washing himself.
He sat back down when Roman urged him to, watching in bemusement as the soap rinsed off his skin, then looked over at the slave, who was scrubbing gently along one arm.
“Why do you do it? Why don’t you run? Does Wulfgar hold your family over you as well?”
Roman hesitated, then met Aron’s eyes. Sighing, he shook his head. “No, Aron, he does not. I did run, once. It did me no good, and… I learned my lesson.” There was a shadow in his dark eyes that had Aron wanting to press him further, but then Roman seemed to shake it off and gave him a small, tight smile as he resumed washing him, this time moving on to his hair.
“I submit because it’s in my nature to do so. You need not submit as I do, Aron, but you will obey, and in a year, this will all be but a memory for you. Take comfort in that.” Roman rinsed the soap from Aron’s hair, laying his hand on his brow to keep the soapy water from stinging his eyes. “Life can still be sweet, even as a captive.”
“I just want to go home,” Aron muttered. He wanted to pretend this was all some kind of strange, horrible dream. If he were at his own hearthside now, he’d be falling asleep, perhaps with one of the thrall women he’d charmed into sharing his blankets with him. Instead, he was faced with the prospect of warming the thane’s bed instead.
“Yes. I can appreciate that sentiment.” Aron glanced at the slave and caught the momentary anguish on his delicate features before it vanished. “Come,” Roman continued, climbing to his feet and handing him a soft cloth. “You can dry off before the fire.”
Aron was curious about his companion, but there was an air of reserve about Roman that kept him from asking. Normally that wouldn’t stop him, but at the moment he was too dazed to poke and prod. He stepped out of the tub and dried off, handing the damp cloths to Roman when he held his hand out for them. He sank down in front of the fire, staring into the crackling flames. How much longer would it be before the thane came looking for him?
It was not as if he was virginal. He knew what to expect. He had just never fathomed that he would be in this position. Was it very different with a man? His pride rebelled at the idea of being used for any other’s pleasure, be it a man or a woman, but he knew he was well and truly trapped. He would not go back on his word. At least he still had that much pride.
As if sensing his thoughts, the slave knelt behind him and started working a comb through his thick, unruly hair. Aron almost told him not to bother. It was rather uncontrollable, but Roman’s touch was gentle and soothing, so he kept his mouth shut.
“You’ll learn to find pleasure in it, Aron,” he said in a quiet voice. “Wulfgar can be a fine lover when he isn’t angered. Don’t anger him, and he won’t hurt you.”
Aron gave him an incredulous look over his shoulder, and Roman chuckled.
“You don’t believe me? It’s no different than when you first were with a woman. It was awkward and unfamiliar, wasn’t it? But you still enjoyed it. I realize it’s not the same because this isn’t your choice, but there is much pleasure to be had, I promise you that.” He ran his slender fingers through Aron’s hair and sighed, sitting back on his heels to look at him.
“I know it’s little consolation and you would trade whatever pleasure you find to not have to be here at all, but there are much worse masters to