The Perfect Concubine Read Online Free PDF Page A

over the Aventine before the night watchmen called curfew.
    On the couches the guests shifted restlessly, their attention wandering from the discussion about whether or not Strabo the Cyrenian’s new tiro Valens was actually the best gladiator of his generation or simply a ladies’ favourite because of his legs.
    He had begun to rise, when his steward banged a heavy stick on the floor.
    â€˜The next dish is served for your delectation.’
    Piso raised a brow. He had not ordered the next course to be served. Everyone was waiting for Valeria. But he had no wish for the cook’s food to go waste. Valeria would learn. Next course she would appear, or he would drag her from her lair. In her under-tunic if need be.
    He nodded towards the steward and signalled for the dish to be served.
    Four of his strongest servants came in carrying what looked to be a table with his largest pot covering it. He frowned, trying to think what the cook was doing. The meal was supposed to be a simple one.
    The servant lifted the cover. An audible gasp echoed through the dining room. Piso ground his teeth.
    Valeria reclined on the platter. The near translucent cloth of her tunic clung to her thighs and back, covering her but at the same time promising untold delight. She held a large bunch of grapes in one hand.
    â€˜The next course,’ she said, gracefully rising and advancing towards him with smiling painted red lips. Piso watched, transfixed by the way her loose hair curled about her shoulders.
    â€˜Would you like one?’ A dimple appeared in the corner of her mouth. ‘Shall I play the taster?’
    With a lazy insolence, her tongue curled around a grape, sucking it before popping it into her mouth.
    â€˜They’re absolutely delicious. Care for one?’
    Piso stared at her, blood pounding through his brain. All he could think about was how her lips had felt against his and how much he desired her…had always desired her.
    A variety of lewd remarks and cheers brought him to his senses. Valeria playing the concubine was one thing, but not here and not in front of other men. A jealous rage surged through him. She belonged to him, no one else.
    He rose to his feet, slung her over his shoulder and strode out of the room. With quick steps, he marched to the bathing complex. The marble-lined chamber still bore the faint heat from the bath he’d enjoyed earlier. He placed Valeria down on the ground with a thump and then closed the door with a distinct click.
    â€˜There was no need to do that!’ she said, looking at him with accusatory eyes as she scrambled to her feet.
    â€˜There was every need.’ Piso gave a long, slow smile. ‘I’m greedy and refuse to share the dish on offer. I do my tasting in private.’
    â€˜I was merely trying to behave like any good concubine would.’ Her long lashes swept down, hiding her eyes, and she adopted a falsely contrite expression. She tried to peer around him at the firmly closed door. ‘We can return to the dinner party now. I promise to be good. Your guests will be wondering where we are.’
    He controlled his temper. She would pay, slowly and sweetly for her defiance. She’d learn. Such games remained private. His women were not teases for other men. ‘They’re adults. They’ll know.’
    â€˜But…but…’ Her tongue flicked over her painted lips.
    He moved closer and lifted her chin, so her green eyes were staring directly into his. ‘Understand two things, Valeria and we’ll get on. First I require my grapes washed. Second my women unpainted.’
    Her eyes flashed fury and she tried to hit him.
    â€˜My kitten has claws,’ he said, laughing, capturing her hands. He nodded towards the basin that stood in front of the cold room. ‘Wash and we can begin the feast…properly.’
    â€˜No.’
    â€˜Very well, the die is cast.’ With one hand he undid her belt. The soft folds of