The Perfect Concubine Read Online Free Page A

wearing a toga. A whole new world beckons.’
    â€˜A concubine is not a prostitute.’ He moved closer and allowed his hand to trail down her warm skin. ‘You belong to me, Valeria, not to the world of men. And yes, I think a wardrobe can be arranged. I’ll arrange for a merchant to call.’
    â€˜I am a free woman. I can visit him.’ She shrugged a shoulder. Her tunic slipped slightly, revealing more of her creamy skin. A calculated move? Regardless, it was one that sent his senses reeling. His fingers itched to unwrap the layers and reveal the woman.
    Then Piso narrowed his eyes. Valeria was up to something. Why would she want to leave the compound to visit a shop? All of his mistresses had preferred the prestige of having the shopkeeper visit but Valeria wanted to go out. If she intended to cross him, she’d regret it. But he’d play along for now and wait for her to make a mistake.
    â€˜No one asked you to wager with me, Valeria.’
    All pretence of seduction vanished and her cat eyes spat emerald. ‘I knew the consequences of my actions.’
    â€˜And the sudden desire for a toga?’
    She ducked her head and rearranged the folds of her shawl. ‘I’m no longer respectable, and who knows what I will do after you tire of me. Discarded women face an uncertain future.’
    There was a catch in her throat when she said the words that struck Piso straight to his core. The murmurings of what happened to the many women Ofellius bedded had flooded the wharves and docks of Rome. He hardened his heart. Valeria had chosen her destiny of her own free will. She had looked radiant during the bridal procession.
    He cupped her head and looked down into her delicate features. ‘Shall we leave predicting the future to soothsayers?’
    Her eyes became the colour of a meadow on a spring morning. Piso drew her against his body. He kissed her delicate skin. As in his memory, she tasted of sweet summer wine. She lifted her mouth to his, parted her lips and allowed him to drink his fill. He wanted to carry her to his room and slake his hunger deep within her.
    With an inhuman effort, he drew back and regained control of his protesting body. He ran a finger down her face. She would learn her lesson first. He would demonstrate to her what he had become and the power he now commanded. Where her place in his life would be—an ornament to be enjoyed, rather than as his life’s partner.
    â€˜Not here, not now. We have things to do.’
    â€˜Things to do?’ She allowed the shawl to drop from her shoulders. ‘Aren’t we going to spend time getting to know each other?’
    â€˜We knew each other years ago.’
    â€˜I’ve changed. You have.’
    â€˜Maybe I wish to show off my latest acquisition.’ He rearranged the shawl so that the hollow at the base of her throat was covered. ‘I’m throwing a dinner party. Business associates. Men who appreciate the way Rome works but are also men of integrity.’
    â€˜Business associates?’ She gave a scornful look. ‘You mean merchants, men of the street and adventurers.’
    â€˜Do not mock my guests. I expect you to be there. At my side. There is bound to be a gap-sleeve tunic or two in the clothes press as this tunic is far too coarse. It chafes your skin. Chose a colour that suits.’
    She opened and closed her mouth. He waited for the protest that Roman matrons did not dine with men. But tonight would not be about the party proclaiming the acquisition of his new concubine, rather what happened afterwards. Would the reality match the memory?
    She bowed her head. Piso wondered for an instant if he had pushed her too far and she’d storm out.
    â€˜I’ll be delighted to join you,’ she said with a little wave of her hand. ‘Will I be seated or reclining?’
    â€˜Reclining is always the best position for a concubine.’
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    Being careful to remain hidden