by J. P. Bowie
I smiled my thanks at his words and poured a cup of wine for him. He took it and drank it down in one long swallow. He stood, the water coursing from his magnificent body in streaming rivulets. I could not take my eyes from him. The very sight of him, so close to me again, fired my blood with desire. Put those thoughts aside for the moment, I told myself. He is weary. He must eat and rest. I gave him a towel, and watched as he carefully dried himself.
“Do you have something I can wear?” he asked, wrapping the towel about his hips.
“It will be a tight fit.” I fetched a tunic from my bed chest. “Before you dress, I have brought some salve for your wound.” He stood quietly while I applied it to the cut on his lower back. As I finished, I could not resist letting my hands stray over the curve of his muscular buttocks.
He chuckled from the depths of his chest. “Is that part of the treatment, Doctor Lucius?” he asked, turning to face me, an expression of mock reproof on his finely chiseled face. He already looked ten times better than when I had first seen him in the stable.
“It could be,” I replied cheekily, letting myself be pulled into his arms. I opened my robe to feel his nakedness against my own bare skin, and the sensation was almost overpowering in its intensity. I clung to him, then remembered my well-intentioned resolution to care for him first, before inflicting my carnal desire upon him.
“You must be starving.”
“It has been some time since last I ate.”
I took his hand and led him to where I had left the tray of food. “Come now, eat and have some more wine.”
Smiling, he sat by me and pulled a hunk of bread from the loaf I had brought. This he devoured quickly, along with the cheese and olives. I poured some wine for him and myself, and was happy to watch him eat, letting him enjoy what must have been his first meal in several days.
“How did you know where to find me?” I asked him finally.
“Your slave, Rollus, gave me the directions.”
“Rollus. Is he well? Where is he?”
“He is well. He was with me at the end. One of the few not captured by the Romans. He went back to his family. I hope you don’t mind that I did not bring him back to you.”
“No…no, of course not. I’m just happy he survived.” I bit my lip as his eyes clouded. “How terrible was it?”
“It was a terrible mistake, Lucius.” His expressive face revealed the pain at the memory of it. “Spartacus seemed to have lost direction in the last few months of his life. We should have crossed into Gaul after we defeated Cassius Longinus at Mutina, but so many of the men wanted more plunder, more spoils, and there was so much to take from the rich estates. I tried to reason with some of them, but they would not listen, and Spartacus bowed to the majority.
“I was so tempted to leave, as others had done, but he had lost his closest friend, and I felt it would have been a betrayal to leave him at that moment. I know he was grateful for my decision, and I suppose all would have been well if the men who had offered him passage to Sicily had not reneged on their promise. Instead of ships to save us, the gods sent legions to destroy us. I think we were no longer in their favor. I also think that Spartacus had given up the fight. His leadership at that point was uninspired; his battle decisions faulty. I tried to steer him on the right course, but he would not listen. We fought well, Lucius, but this time we were simply overwhelmed.”
I took his hand in mine. “I am just grateful that the gods spared your life.”
“The gods have the power to pick and choose, I suppose,” he said, with some bitterness. “But there are times when I question their fairness in matters of life and death. It seems as if they smiled on us for a while, then when they grew bored, decided to end the game, taking away all that we had fought so hard for.”
“The gods can be cruel. All this time I thought you were dead. For months now, I have mourned you, but I am ready to exalt them once more, now that they have brought you back to me.”
“Lucius, our troubles are far from over.”
“I know. There are things we have yet to overcome.”
“Mainly, how do you explain my presence to your mother?”
“You are an old friend.”
“That she has never seen before? Come now, she must know all your friends.”
“You are a friend of my friend Cassius—that’s it. He’ll go along with it, I’m sure.”
“Lucius…” He raised my hand to his lips, and kissed it gently. “You know I must leave. It would only be a matter of time before word spread that you are harboring a runaway slave—and more than that, a fugitive from the servile army. You know the punishment for that is death. I cannot endanger you and your family.”
In the flickering light of my bedside lamp, his skin and hair had taken on a golden glow, and my heart ached at the sight of his beauty. Of course, I knew that what he said was correct, and in truth, I would not willfully endanger my family either. My dilemma was that I could not bear to lose him again.
“Then I must go with you,” I said.
“No!” His reply was curt. “There is too much danger involved, Lucius. We would be hunted across all Italia.”
“I cannot let you go, Callistus.” I threw myself into his arms. “Don’t you know how much I love you? I cannot live without you now. Not after finding that you are still alive. Please, take me with you!”
He held me pressed tightly against his hard chest. “Lucius,” he murmured into my hair. “You must understand—”
I felt an anger bubble up inside me as I choked back my tears. I pushed him away and glared into his face. “Then why,” I demanded, “why did you come here? To torment me by showing me that you still live, only to leave me again? Why did you do this? Why did you not just keep going, until you reached where you really want to be?”
“Because I love you, Lucius.” He held my face between his hands, and gazed into my eyes as he spoke the words I had wanted to hear since the first day we met. “I love you,” he said, again. “And I could not go, without seeing you once more. Without telling you what has been in my heart for so long.”
I fell into his arms, holding him until I thought my heart would burst. My mind exulted to the echo of his words. I love you, Lucius. Never had words that are more beautiful been spoken to me.
“Then take me with you.”
“Your family—”
“They will understand.” But even as I said those words, I knew that I lied. I sagged in his arms, and he held me tighter.
“You see, Lucius? You and I, it is impossible. We are from different worlds, and even our love cannot change that.”
But, why not? Why can we not go on together…live our lives together? Why must we be bound by society’s mores? Even as I asked myself these questions, questions that I am sure have been asked by lovers down the ages, I knew the answers. You must take control of your senses, I told myself. He will leave you, regardless of how much you beg. Show him that you too have the strength to do what is right. Let him see that your love is strong enough to make the ultimate sacrifice.
I kissed his chest, then lifted my head and looked at him with what I prayed was sincerity. “I know you are right,” I said, hoping the gods would forgive my lie. “But know this, Callistus, the one man who has stirred my selfish heart to encompass something that is real and meaningful—I will never forget you, nor stop loving you. Wherever our lives take us, you will remain in my heart, forever.”
“As you will in mine, my sweet Lucius.”
His lips captured mine in a kiss that made my senses reel. He stood, lifting me into his arms, and I clung to him, encircling his hips with my legs, his neck with my arms. I rejoiced in the feel of his hard, throbbing manhood that wedged itself between my buttocks. He took a moment to spit on his fingers, then probe my opening with their moistened length. Our eyes locked upon one another. He shifted so that the head of his cock pushed past my unresisting sphincter, and I bore down on him, driving that hard flesh inside me, gasping
at the pain, but enraptured by the thrill and ecstasy of our mutual passion. He held me like this, his hands supporting me as I moved to an erotic rhythm, up and down on his pulsing shaft. I covered his face with my kisses, saying his name over and over, telling him how much I loved him, and how the memory of this moment would live with me forever.
Still deep within me, he lowered me onto my bed, his lips searing the flesh on my chest with his kisses, his arms enfolding me, crushing me to his body as if he would never let me go. And oh, how I prayed that he would not. Through my ecstasy at being in his arms once more, I sensed that this would be but a swift and bittersweet reunion. Those thoughts were momentarily brushed aside as he buried his face in my chest, his lips and tongue worrying at my nipples, causing me to moan aloud at the sensations he aroused in me. Grasping his hair in my hands I forced his face to mine. Our kiss was long and deep. Locked within the strength of his arms, I inhaled his smell, and his taste.
“Lucius, my sweet Lucius,” he murmured, his lips never leaving mine.
My hands stroked and caressed the smooth skin that covered his muscular back, then reached to cup his buttocks, and pull him ever deeper inside me. I heard him growl with pleasure. His thrusts became longer and faster. He grasped my erection in his hand, propelling me toward my orgasm. My breath quickened in my chest as I felt liquid fire spread through my loins. I clung to him, gasping his name as I lost control. His mouth closed over mine as every muscle in his body stiffened with the onslaught of his own orgasm. I could feel his hot seed erupt inside me, filling me with his love. Never had I been more complete.
We lay still and quiet afterwards, his lips on my brow, his fingertips gently caressing my chest. I knew that in my lifetime I would never feel as happy, nor as sad, again.
× × × × ×
When I awoke in the morning, he was gone. I did not grieve, for I had foreseen it. Even as we made love for the last time, I knew in my heart that when I awoke, I would be alone.
Rising, and pulling my robe about me, I walked outside to the stables, already filled with the knowledge of what I would find—an empty stall, Belenus gone. I pictured them in my mind, galloping across the open countryside, stretching out the distance between them and myself.
Pinned to the wall of the stall was a note. With a trembling hand I pulled it free, and read his words:
My Lucius, one day I will return him to you. Until then, know that you will live in my heart, forever.
Your own, Callistus.
That note, stained with my tears, remains locked away in my room—and will, until he comes back to claim me.
× × × × ×
The further adventures of Lucius and Callistus are to be found in the sequel,
WARRIOR PRINCE BY J. P BOWIE
Published by MLR Press in print and ebook. For more details go to www.jpbowie.com
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
J.P. BOWIE was born and raised in Aberdeen, Scotland. He wrote his first (unpublished) novel at the age of 14 - a science fiction tale of brawny men and brawnier women that made him a little suspect in the eyes of his family for a while.
J.P. wrote his first gay mystery in 2000, and after having it rejected by every publisher in the universe, he opted to put his money where his mouth is and self published A Portrait of Phillip. Now several books, short stories and novellas later, he is writing m/m erotica almost exclusively. J.P.’s favorite singer is Ella Fitzgerald, and his favorite man is Phil, his partner of 17 years. Visit J.P. on the internet at http://www.jpbowie.com.
MLR PRESS AUTHORS
Featuring a roll call of some of the best writers of gay erotica and mysteries today!
Derek Adams
Z. Allora
Maura Anderson
Victor J. Banis
Jeanne Barrack
Laura Baumbach
Ally Blue
J.P. Bowie
Barry Brennessel
Michael Breyette
Nowell Briscoe
P.A. Brown
Jade Buchanan
James Buchanan
Charlie Cochrane
Karenna Colcroft
Jamie Craig
Kirby Crow
Ethan Day
Diana DeRicci
Jason Edding
Theo Fenraven
Angela Fiddler
S.J. Frost
Kimberly Gardner
Michael Gouda
Roland Graeme
Storm Grant
Amber Green
LB Gregg
Kaje Harper
Jan Irving
David Juhren
Kiernan Kelly
M. King
Matthew Lang
J.L. Langley
Josh Lanyon
Anna Lee
Elizabeth Lister
Clare London
William Maltese
Z.A. Maxfield
Timothy McGivney
Lloyd A. Meeker
Patric Michael
AKM Miles
Reiko Morgan
Jet Mykles
William Neale
Cherie Noel
Willa Okati
Neil S. Plakcy
Jordan Castillo Price
Luisa Prieto
Rick R. Reed
A.M. Riley
George Seaton
Jardonn Smith
Caro Soles
JoAnne Soper-Cook
Richard Stevenson
Liz Strange
Marshall Thornton
Lex Valentine
Maggie Veness
Haley Walsh
Missy Welsh
Stevie Woods
Lance Zarimba
Check out titles, both available and forthcoming, at www.mlrpress.com
THE TREVOR PROJECT
The Trevor Project operates the only nationwide, around-the-clock crisis and suicide prevention helpline for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth. Every day, The Trevor Project saves lives though its free and confidential helpline, its website and its educational services. If you or a friend are feeling lost or alone call The Trevor Helpline. If you or a friend are feeling lost, alone, confused or in crisis, please call The Trevor Helpline. You’ll be able to speak confidentially with a trained counselor 24/7.
The Trevor Helpline: 866-488-7386
On the Web: http://www.thetrevorproject.org/
THE GAY MEN’S DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROJECT
Founded in 1994, The Gay Men’s Domestic Violence Project is a grassroots, non-profit organization founded by a gay male survivor of domestic violence and developed through the strength, contributions and participation of the community. The Gay Men’s Domestic Violence Project supports victims and survivors through education, advocacy and direct services. Understanding that the serious public health issue of domestic violence is not gender specific, we serve men in relationships with men, regardless of how they identify, and stand ready to assist them in navigating through abusive relationships.
GMDVP Helpline: 800.832.1901
On the Web: http://gmdvp.org/
THE GAY & LESBIAN ALLIANCE AGAINST DEFAMATION/GLAAD EN ESPAÑOL
The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) is dedicated to promoting and ensuring fair, accurate and inclusive representation of people and events in the media as a means of eliminating homophobia and discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation.
On the Web: http://www.glaad.org/
GLAAD en español: http://www.glaad.org/espanol/bienvenido.php
SERVICEMEMBERS LEGAL DEFENSE NETWORK
Servicemembers Legal Defense Network is a nonpartisan, nonprofit, legal services, watchdog and policy organization dedicated to ending discrimination against and harassment of military personnel affected by "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT).The SLDN provides free, confidential legal services to all those impacted by DADT and related discrimination. Since 1993, its inhouse legal team has responded to more than 9,000 requests for assistance
. In Congress, it leads the fight to repeal DADT and replace it with a law that ensures equal treatment for every servicemember, regardless of sexual orientation. In the courts, it works to challenge the constitutionality of DADT.
SLDNCall: (202) 328-3244
PO Box 65301or (202) 328-FAIR
Washington DC 20035-5301 e-mail: [email protected]
On the Web: http://sldn.org/
THE GLBT NATIONAL HELP CENTER
The GLBT National Help Center is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization that is dedicated to meeting the needs of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community and those questioning their sexual orientation and gender identity. It is an outgrowth of the Gay & Lesbian National Hotline, which began in 1996 and now is a primary program of The GLBT National Help Center. It offers several different programs including two national hotlines that help members of the GLBT community talk about the important issues that they are facing in their lives. It helps end the isolation that many people feel, by providing a safe environment on the phone or via the internet to discuss issues that people can’t talk about anywhere else. The GLBT National Help Center also helps other organizations build the infrastructure they need to provide strong support to our community at the local level.
National Hotline: 1-888-THE-GLNH (1-888-843-4564)
National Youth Talkline 1-800-246-PRIDE (1-800-246-7743)
On the Web: http://www.glnh.org/
e-mail: [email protected]
If you’re a GLBT and questioning student heading off to university, should know that there are resources on campus for you. Here’s just a sample:
US LOCAL GLBT COLLEGE CAMPUS ORGANIZATIONS
http://dv-8.com/resources/us/local/campus.html
GLBT Scholarship Resourceshttp://tinyurl.com/6fx9v6
Syracuse Universityhttp://lgbt.syr.edu/
Texas A&Mhttp://glbt.tamu.edu/
Tulane Universityhttp://www.oma.tulane.edu/LGBT/Default.htm
University of Alaskahttp://www.uaf.edu/agla/
University of California, Davishttp://lgbtrc.ucdavis.edu/
University of California, San Franciscohttp://lgbt.ucsf.edu/
University of Coloradohttp://www.colorado.edu/glbtrc/