The Patrician Read Online Free PDF

his gaze away from the rigid line of Damon’s back, he braced himself for the onslaught that was his uncle.
    Gideon ben Judah did not walk when marching was so much more intimidating. He did so now, crossing the storage room like Hannibal taking Rome, trailed by a retinue of slaves each with a designated purpose such as mopping his brow or straightening the hem of his garment. An important task given the expense of his gray linen tunic, belted with a girdle of interlocking silver chains. Gideon was a prosperous merchant and all who cast their gaze on him would know it.
    No one knew more about the merchant business of Alexandria than Gideon, and he would be the first to inform you of it. The most current trade pacts, tariffs, laws—not one aspect of business escaped his uncle’s expertise. How, without the benefit of his advice, could Jared have thought to start his own merchant house? Jared’s jaw tightened.
    But he had.
    And had done it well.
    Within a year he’d established new trade routes through the land of the Persians, where exotic spices were abundant and the prices inexpensive. Valuable contacts were established in a half dozen new ports, including a large share of the tin trade from Britannia. By the end of the fourth year, Jared’s own personal fleet had grown from two leaking vessels to ten finely crafted ships—three more than his uncle. He’d labored night and day, focused on nothing but his venture. By the end of the fifth year he was renowned as the most successful merchant prince in Alexandria. He had accomplished it all on his own merits.
    And still, the void in his heart remained.
    Jared schooled his features into bland unconcern. “News travels fast, Uncle.”
    His cousin Elizabeth glided out from behind Gideon. Jared’s gaze softened as he looked at her. She had grown into a beauty, luxurious dark hair, unblemished skin and expressive, mahogany eyes. Her talents at soothing Gideon’s blustering ways had gained her Jared’s lifelong gratitude and he breathed a sigh of relief as she employed them now. “You know Uncle Gideon, Jared. He has the keen ear of a bat and the wits of a jackal. How can he not know?”
    Gideon gave his niece an indulgent smile at her teasing then turned his attention to his nephew. He tilted his head back since he was a good five hands shorter, and met Jared’s gaze. “Was there nothing the scoundrels missed?”
    Damon stepped out of the shadows, bowing to Elizabeth, who blushed prettily at his attention. “Actually, we thought to bake a loaf of bread with the wheat they managed to overlook. Would you care to join us?”
    The effect Damon had on Gideon was immediate. His eyes went cold, his expression hardened. Jared could swear the temperature in the room plummeted. The two had always been at odds, which—given Gideon’s disapproval of Damon’s freedom—Jared understood. But he had never fully grasped the depths of the animosity he was seeing now.
    “Have the amusements of Rome been exhausted so soon, that our humble province is graced with a visit?” Gideon inquired of Damon icily.
    “Ah, well, Master Gideon, it is a fact that the diversions of the eternal city are vast, plentiful enough to fill a lifetime. Recognizing that I am but one man, I reached the conclusion that I must pace myself, lest I become depleted in my prime.” Damon’s gray eyes sharpened to flint. “I had family matters to attend to.”
    Gideon’s smile turned serpentine and did not reach his eyes. “Ah yes, and how is your dear mother? I trust her business prospers.” He looked at his nails. “A brothel of quality is rare indeed.”
    Damon curled his hands into fists. Jared slid between them
    and sent his friend a warning look.
    Damon flashed him a tight smile before backing down. He inclined his head to Gideon. “It is good to know that some things remain the same.” Damon grasped Jared’s forearm. “I will come back around tomorrow. We will talk, catch up on old