Her Roman's Hand

by Catherine Chernow

  She gritted her teeth.

  “Now, for the last, but not least. You will view yourself getting the chastisement you deserve.”

  He clapped his hands twice. Slaves hauled in two highly polished, tall metal mirrors. They placed one before her, the other, in back.

  Lyla saw her reflection in both mirrors. She lay across the bench, her ass, and pussy on display for her eyes, as well as his and their assembled audience.

  “You will ask for your punishment in Latin so that everyone will understand.”

  “Yes, Master.” She kept her voice as steady as she could.

  “Repeat these words. Ego deprecor ultio ultionis ego mereo mereor.”

  She said in a loud voice, ”Ego deprecor ultio ultionis ego mereo mereor.”

  “You have just asked for the punishment you deserve. If you’re not up to the challenge, say so now.”

  “The hell I will.”

  He nodded, pride lining his face. “Very well then, we will commence with your chastisement.”

  He moved behind her. Standing to the side, he raised the paddle high. A whistling sound made its way to her ears, then the paddle’s sting landed on her ‘sweet spot’, where her ass and thighs met.

  The table shook when Marcus struck her bottom. She gripped the chains on her wrists and ankles, instinctively yanking them upward. The dildo pushed into her cunt, vibrating against her clit. Her eyes nearly rolled back in her head from the exquisite, sweet torture it wrought on her.

  She heard the air whiz through the holes on the paddle. Then he smacked her again.

  The next swat brought tears to her eyes, and a pink blush to her bottom cheeks. In the mirror she saw the reflection of everyone watching. Some slaves smirked, while others, like Eisha and Corinne, stood by, anxiety making their beautiful faces taut.

  Appia inclined her head, but not before Lyla noticed her wink. It filled her with the strength to carry on. It also made her wonder if Appia truly enjoyed punishment, as well.

  The next smack came without warning, the paddle’s sting worse than before. The heat in her bottom, combined with the vibrating dildo made her want to come right there.

  He raised the paddle higher. She shut her eyes tightly, knowing it would hurt like the very devil.

  “Do you require more?”

  “Yes, Master!” She gritted her teeth as pain, humiliation and pleasure mingled together within her body.

  Her body shook. So did the dildo. She couldn’t come, not yet, damn it.

  Her reflection in the mirror showed a cherry-red backside. She wiggled it, her brazen display telling Marcus, and the world, that she could take more.

  He bent and whispered in her ear, “Remember your safe word. Use it if you have to.”

  “Not on your life.”

  He spanked her backside three more times. The last swat did her in. The dildo pulsated against her pussy, making her want to slip into a deep abyss filled with sexual gratification. Pinpricks of light danced before her eyes while her cunt let go, her release so deep it consumed her.

  Marcus tossed the paddle aside and unchained her, but she couldn’t move. He lifted her from the bench, sliding her down his body to stand before him.

  Lyla’s knees gave out. He lifted her in his arms, cradling her stinging backside against his muscled forearm.

  “You’re disappointed?”

  “No,” he told her, his voice deep. “I’m filled with pride for your first time on that spanking bench. I didn’t think you could hold out as long as you did, but you surprised me.”

  She gave him a little smile and tightened her hold around his neck. Nuzzling her face into the warm skin of his throat, she said, “Then we both were swept off our feet.”

  He slid his bedchamber door open and deposited her on the bed, easing her down onto the mattress. She sat on her stinging butt cheeks, enjoying the heated sensation. She suddenly wanted something very badly.

  His cock in her ass. It would be the ultimate humiliation and pleasure.

  She lowered her eyes and begged, “Please, Master, I want, no, I need, your cock in my ass.”

  “Are you positive that’s what you want?”

  “Yes, Master.”

  Marcus stripped his clothes. He turned her onto her belly and patted her hip. “On your knees, my sweet.”

  She did as he bade.

  He reached over for a small ewer, allowing her to sniff the fragrant oil inside. “I use this to soothe my muscles after I exercise. I believe it will help your bottom.” He smoothed his oiled hands across her flesh. “It will make your back channel slippery, too.” He eased his pinkie into her bottom hole, but stopped near the first joint on his finger.

  She wiggled her bottom, allowing the full feeling to engulf her. “More,” she breathed. “Give me more.”

  He pushed his narrow finger all the way in.

  She pressed against the delicious invasion of her backside.

  Marcus reached around to cup her breasts with his other hand, massaging them to bring her nipples to life with his fingertips. Then his hand slipped to her cunt. He fingered her clit, making her juices flow. “Stay like that.” He patted her hip.

  She heard a crinkling noise behind her. She smiled to herself, knowing he placed a condom on his penis.

  He resumed his position behind her. “Grab the head board,” he commanded. “And hold on tight.”

  First, she bucked, but then, as she grew accustomed to him, she moved her hips to match his rhythm. The slow movement of his cock in her back channel drove her wild.

  He reached between her legs and rubbed her clit again, bringing on a release so powerful, she almost passed out.

  She collapsed on the bed. Marcus pulled out slowly, but the absence of his cock made her feel bereft.

  He slid next to her, taking her in his arms, cradling her hip against his so she would not lie directly on her bottom.

  His lips sought her temple. He brushed them across her skin.

  “My sweet,” he murmured. “My precious one.”

  Tears welled in her eyes, but they were not from pain…they were from joy.

  * * * *

  That evening, Lyla cuddled against Marcus, her bottom nestled in his groin. Darkness settled over his bedroom, the light coming from the full moon outside.

  Lyla heard animals roaming on Marcus’ vast acreage. An elephant’s roar heralded a hyena’s laugh. A parrot screeched, while a monkey’s shrill cry echoed through the night.

  She lay awake next to him, enjoying the animals’ calls and Marcus’ warmth. His cock buffeted her backside, his penis rubbing against her left butt cheek. It made her giggle.

  “Why do you laugh?” he whispered in her ear. Then he nipped her lobe with his teeth.

  “You’re hard again.”

  “Lyla.” His tone filled with exasperation but he smiled just the same. “I’ve been hard for you ever since I saw you in that bookstore.”

  “I never imagined making love could be like this.”

  He took her hand, lifting it so he could place a gentle kiss on her wrist. “Why is that, my sweet?”

  “Ever since I got my first spanking by the nuns in school, I’ve been fascinated with it. I was eighteen at that time, and just about to graduate from high school. There are times when I just couldn’t stop thinking about it. How my ass would feel afterwards.”

  He grinned wickedly. “I had a feeling you were a hellion. You have that look of pure mischief in your eyes.”

  She fluttered her lashes. “Why thank you.”

  “Wicked, wicked girl.” He laughed, running his fingers through the hair lining her cunt.

  She shivered pleasurably, enjoying the tickling sensation.

  “You are a treasure, Lyla, and you did well today. You took your punishment like the brave woman that you truly are.”

  She stretched her hands and arms over her head.

  Marcus leant down and suckled her nipples, stroking her between her legs.

  “Suck my cunt.�
�

  He raised a brow.

  “Master,” she moaned when he ran his index finger along her damp pussy. “Please suck my cunt.”

  He held his finger by his nose and inhaled. “Your essence is fragrant.” Marcus placed that finger by her nose, too. The sweet, musky odour drifted by her nostrils.

  He rubbed his index finger against his middle one. “You’re so wet. So responsive.” He licked each digit. “And you taste like the sweetest nectar.”

  He bent his head to suckle her clit. He drew it into his mouth, holding it there between his lips. Then he released it, gliding his tongue along her sensitive skin.

  “Oh. My. God.” She ground her ass into the mattress. It hurt, but the pain intensified the glorious ecstasy building inside her. Her belly fluttered. Then a sweet ache started in her groin.

  He drove his tongue inside her, mimicking what his penis would do.

  Her body shook. That made everything more intense. “I’m going to come,” she moaned.

  “Not yet. I want to try something. Are you game, Lyla?”

  Was she! Anticipation filled her body. It made her want to come even more, but she held back, wondering what he’d do.

  “Arch your back, my sweet, and close your eyes.”

  She did as he bade, until her breasts were near his mouth. Something hot and spicy touched her lips.

  “Open your eyes.”

  She looked down. A cherry pepper!

  The burn entered her mouth, enflaming her tongue and throat. Distracted by the pepper’s spicy, hot taste, she gasped when her right nipple stung, too. The burning sensation made her clit pound.

  She saw a drop of liquid kiss her nipple. She glanced at the small dish Marcus held in his hand. Filled with diced hot pepper, the juices mingled with tiny yellow seeds. Dipping his pinkie finger into the mixture, he placed another fiery liquid drop on the turgid nipple.

  Lyla’s mouth opened in surprise. He captured it with his own, kissing her hard, then he did the same thing to her left breast, bringing that lovely burning sensation there, too. It travelled down to her pussy, making it throb even more.

  He took his other hand and rubbed her clit. The engorged little bud filled while Marcus dripped the peppers’ hot juice on her nipples.

  She could not stop her release. A slow smile spread across her face. “Master, I’m coming.”

  He shook his head. “I thought you could hold out. It looks like I’ll have to punish you, for I did not command you to come.”

  She lowered her lashes. Oh, how she loved this play of domination and submission. Blood totally filled the little fleshy bit between her legs. Her cunt pounded with it. She shuddered from it.

  Marcus tucked her against his side, holding her close. His lips grazed her temple. “You’re going to get another paddling.”

  “I know.” She yawned.

  “But not now. You’re too sore.”

  “I could take it.”

  His lips settled in her hair. “I’ll decide when you’re ready.”

  “Yes, Master.” She lowered her lashes in subservience, not daring to look at him, but inside, she soared high on wings of sexual freedom.

  “You won’t know when your punishment will occur. It will happen when you least expect it.”

  She cracked one eye open and smiled.

  Chapter Thirteen

  A little while later, Lyla woke to a rustling noise. When her eyes adjusted to the darkness, she noticed the ancient book lying open on Marcus’ writing table. Slowly, the pages turned by themselves.

  She rose from the bed, padding over to the book that held her mind and body captive. Her curiosity piqued despite her belief that it was all nonsense.

  The book’s pages unfurled, fluttering through the air, then they stopped.

  Would there be another message? She rounded the corner of the table until she stood over the book. She sucked in a breath and read.

  Your journey is complete,

  For you’ve got what you seek.

  You may now go home,

  To the land where you belong.

  She remembered him saying that he couldn’t possibly write in the book. Lyla picked up a stylus and tried to scratch over the writing, but some unseen force held her hand above the book and wouldn’t let her write.

  Slowly, she lowered her hand. It shook.

  Her watch sat on the table next to the book. The hands turned clockwise then they spun around the watch face, their breakneck speed making her dizzy. She viewed their frenzied turning, her heart pounding.

  The hands slowed, eventually coming to a complete stop. Three o’clock.

  It was the same time she had started her perilous journey from the bookstore through that portal.

  She sensed Marcus’ presence behind her. When she turned to look at him, the moon’s soft glow outlined his magnificent form. Her loins stirred.

  “Will you go back now?” he asked.

  To the land where I belong.

  All the things she missed—her creature comforts, her home, her car, electricity, and the sound of modern music suddenly seemed… Foreign.

  “I-I should go,” she murmured, running a hand over the book’s cover. She avoided that bright orange stone.

  “Touch the gemma, Lyla. Stroke it upwards. You’ll be propelled forward.”

  “To my own time?”

  “Yes.”

  She raised her eyes to his. “How can you be sure?”

  “The message was clear, wasn’t it?” His tone was clipped, but his face looked sad.

  Clear, yes, but instead of experiencing joy, her heart broke.

  I can go home.

  Now.

  All I have to do is rub that stone.

  She pursed lips that turned dry when she thought about going back.

  “Don’t be afraid, Lyla. I will go with you.”

  Her eyes widened. “You would really come with me?”

  “Yes.”

  “And leave your home?”

  “This would not be home, not without you.”

  A huge lump filled her throat. “I-I couldn’t ask you to do that. To go with me.”

  “I would go back to the bookstore. Thanks to you and that seminar, I discovered how much I enjoy it.”

  “Oh, Marcus.” Tears formed around that lump in her throat.

  “I believe it is what I was meant to do.”

  She sighed. “But what would happen to everyone here? Decimus said that you’re always careful not to mess up the fabric of time. If you left your people—your household—what would happen to them? Wouldn’t it alter the time’s pattern?”

  His face clouded for just a second. “My father left me and my mother, but we managed just fine.”

  She walked around the table to stand before him. “Did you?” She raised a brow. “I believe that you never forgave your father for travelling to some other era.”

  “He’s happier…wherever he went, that’s why he didn’t come back.”

  She thought for a second. “Marcus, did you start time travelling to find him?”

  Several seconds went by then he nodded.

  “Can you honestly say that you feel good about what he did?”

  “I forgave him a long time ago for not coming back.”

  “But you can’t erase the huge hole his disappearance made in your life. Your people couldn’t possibly excuse your defection if you came with me. They are your family, especially Decimus. He’s been more like a father to you than your own.” She reached out and grabbed his hand. “If you abandoned Decimus, he’d be sold to some evil man, like Corvus.” She ran a finger along Marcus’ chest. “Decimus said you’re a good man, because you acquired knowledge when you travelled to the future.” She lifted her eyes to his. “Stay here and try to make things better. Besides, running away with me won’t erase the pain your father caused you.”

  He lifted a brow. “When did you become so smart?”

  She stood on her tiptoes and kissed him. “Everything I ever k
new or learnt came from my very handsome, very brilliant, master.”

  “You’re impertinent.” He patted her left butt cheek.

  “I’m also right.”

  A corner of his mouth curved upwards.

  “And it’s all the more reason that I should stay here, with you,” she told him.

  “Why is that?”

  “To keep an eye on things.” She tried to sound flippant.

  He didn’t say a word, didn’t insist that she stay.

  Her heart crumbled.

  Silence stretched between them.

  He cupped her shoulders between his hands and squeezed gently.

  “Lyla, you have to realise by now that ancient Rome is fraught with dangers. I can protect you from men like Corvus and my cousin, but the diseases that have been eradicated in your time are present here. You could become sick and die if you were to remain with me.”

  “That could happen to me back home. There’s still plenty that could kill me there.”

  He scowled, crossing his arms over his wide chest. How she adored those fine, dark hairs that lined the olive-toned skin on his forearms.

  “It can happen a lot faster here. There’s typhus and cholera and—”

  She placed a finger over his lips.

  He captured her hand in his. “There would be no modern doctors or medicine to cure you.”

  “It’s my choice to stay, isn’t it? You said I wasn’t a prisoner.”

  “You’d become one, because eventually, you’d hate it here. It is better if you return home now.”

  “Ancient Rome feels more like home to me than my time.”

  “Lyla,” he moaned. He brought her into his arms and kissed her. “I want you to stay. Truly. But for your own sake, you must go back.”

  She stepped away from him. “No. I won’t go.”

  He flexed his hand by his side. She looked at it and smirked. “Plan on using that on me?”

  His hand stilled. “I should paddle you, since talking sense doesn’t work.”

  “I’ve made up my mind.” She angled her chin. “Besides, a puny spanking by your hand wouldn’t mean anything to me.” She reconsidered her flippant statement when she saw the look on his face. She backed up towards the door, but immediately moved away when her back felt as if it were singed.