Skaia by Ayden Sadari Page A

you’re right.” He stretched a little. “And I am tired.”
    Thaddeus smiled, glad his son was finally being reasonable. “Yes, bed is a good idea for both of us. Just say goodnight to your grandfather first. He promised to stay up for it.”
    They left the atrium together, talking easily again.

V

    When Thaddeus entered his own chamber, he stopped to glance down at Skaia. The slave was sleeping and Thaddeus kicked him awake. “What did Castor say? Are you better?”
    Skaia looked up at him with sleep-laden eyes. “Yes, Master. I… I have stopped bleeding.”
    “ Good,” Thaddeus snapped. “Then I can get some work out of you tomorrow.”
    “ Yes, Master.” Skaia watched as Thaddeus walked to his bedroom, wondering what he’d done wrong this time. But regardless of what it was, there was nothing he could do about it. Not tonight. He put his head down and went back to sleep.
    Thaddeus pulled off his clothes and climbed into bed. He hoped Glaucus slept well—his own mind still raced. It was Skaia’s fault, he told himself. Somehow, the little barbarian had bewitched his son, making him forget his responsibilities to his family and to his country. Thaddeus calmed somewhat as he determined the cause of the problem and formulated his plan. He would destroy the slave’s hold on his son. By the time Glaucus returned, having feelings for the little bastard would be untenable.
    Easy enough, he thought. Glaucus had convinced himself that Skaia was pure and innocent, and somehow special. Just destroy that fantasy. Destroy the boy’s appeal. Turn him into a common slave. Like Meera, available to anyone who wanted him. Make him so foul that no decent Roman would want him for anything but fucking and scrubbing floors. And if, in the process, Thaddeus himself should sully the slave’s body, so much the better. There was certainly no way Glaucus would want the brat when he learned that his father, and his friends’ fathers, had used him.
    Convinced that his plan would succeed, Thaddeus finally felt his nerves begin to settle. He reached for his cock, stroking himself hard, and his release from the earlier tension was complete when he brought himself to climax. He sighed deeply, rolled to his side and slept.

    Castor entered early the next morning, before dawn, and went directly to Thaddeus’ bed, although his entry woke Skaia as well. The boy pretended to be asleep until Castor left again. Rising quickly, he pulled on his tunic and went to Thaddeus, hoping against hope he could be useful and deflect the man’s simmering anger. “May I help you, Master?” he asked softly, his head respectfully lowered.
    Thaddeus looked him up and down, despising him. But he was here; he could work. “Go to the kitchen and get me hot water to wash with.”
    “ Yes Master.” Skaia bowed and left quietly. Thaddeus watched him walk. His movement was stiff, but his limp was less pronounced and he didn’t hesitate. No doubt much better. Thaddeus sat back on the bed to wait for his water, and thought about the slave. His feelings had not changed. He was still determined to destroy the boy… but he could admit the slave’s appeal. His body was that of an adolescent now—the perfect stage between a boy and a man. And his face was more than acceptable. Large, deep blue eyes. Soft, auburn curls. Well-shaped lips. Thaddeus felt the familiar morning stirrings in his groin and smiled at the prospects his plan presented for his own enjoyment.
    But not now. Glaucus was leaving. His friends would be waiting at the front gate.
    Skaia returned as quickly as he could, and prepared the bowl of fresh hot water on the wash stand. He stood to the side, a towel draped over his arm, and waited for instruction from Thaddeus. He even glanced at him occasionally, without raising his head, and hoped for some sign of approval.
    There was none, of course. Thaddeus walked past him as if he wasn’t there, washed his face and his cock, and roughly pulled the