Palatine Pretense: The Ravishing Romans

By Jacinta Carey

Rome, 40 AD
Aurora, a virginal young noblewoman, goes to Emperor Caligula's new brothel on the Palatine Hill in order to be 'ruined' so she doesn't have to go through with the awful arranged marriage her father is trying to force her into. She's certain she can find a kind man willing to rescue her from her dire fate by playing along with her pretense.

Quintus is sick of of his lonely life. His secrets prevent him from ever winning his heart's desire: A woman who loves him for himself, not just his important family and vast wealth. He goes to the Palatine brothel hoping to find a woman with enough compassion to understand his sensual nature and aching need.

The meeting between innocent Aurora and world-weary Quintus is earth-shattering for both on every level. The physical and mental connection between them is so erotic, Aurora starts to think the unthinkable: To not just pretend to be ruined, but to become Quin's lover in every way.

 

As their pretense moves from role-play to reality, their love grows with every kiss and caress. But soon their enemies begin to plot against Aurora to separate the young lovers forever.

 

Aurora discovers the shocking truth about the real reasons for the arranged marriage. As the net closes around Aurora, can Quin save the love of his life before it's too late?
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Sensuality Rating
This romance novel contains multiple explicit love scenes between the hero and heroine. It is for mature audiences only.
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Word Count=70,124
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About the Author
Jacinta Carey is the author of the popular Starbuck Saga series of historical romances, The Ravishing Romans series, The Wild Heart series, and The Gordons of Gretna series.  She majored in English, History and Classics at college. She loved to cook for her huge family, and adores cats.

A Note from the Author
One of the best things about writing this book and series as a whole was just how similar our own modern world actually is to the ancient Roman one in many respects.  Falling in love is universal, no matter the time, place, and culture. Almost all of our Western traditions related to marriage actually come from Ancient Rome! So escape from streaming and social media, to the sensuality of Roman baths, luxurious foods and fabrics, and the vivid connection between two lovers who never have to text each other....

Fun Fact
The Palatine Hill was the richest and most exclusive area to live in Ancient Rome. It's where we get the word 'palace' from.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Eternal Spiral Books
• Release date: Jan 5, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201607388

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

ROME, JULY, 40 AD

Quintus strode towards the Palatine Palace brothel feeling as though his world had come to an end. He shuddered at the thought of what he was about to do. But what other choice did he have? He'd had enough. He was truly at the end of his patience. Tired of the crushing disappointment. Exhausted by the ever-growing need.

If he was going to do it, he might as well do it here. At least there would be a better class of women at the brothel. Someone who might even understand his need. Take pity on his heartsick soul.

When he arrived, his friend Lucian was shooing a shapely young woman down the hall with Felix the servant. Quintus noticed something odd about her appearance, but couldn't quite figure out what it was. She certainly didn't look like she belonged here. But then, neither did he, not really.

People would do all sorts of desperate things when they were at the end of their tether. His was about to snap if he didn't get some relief.

What are you doing here, lad? Lucian asked in surprise.

Drusilla said no, he declared without preamble.

Oh, lad, I'm sorry.

Barely let me get the words out, refused me, and shoved me out the door like a pile of rubbish.

That's difficult, I know.

Quintus ran his fingers through his thick brown hair. What's wrong with me? he asked, his eyes dark with pain.

Nothing.

Am I repulsive? An idiot? He flung one arm wide in a gesture that could only be read as despair.

Lucian shook his head, trying to find the right words for his distraught young friend. No, of course not. You're a young Apollo, with more brains than you deserve, he said truthfully.

Then WHY—

Lucian asked patiently, What did she give as her reason why?

Quintus rolled his dark brown eyes. "You know. The usual one. The same as Celia, Priscilla, and Tatiana. I court them. I'm kind and considerate, but it’s the same every time. I'm not good enough for her and her family. They make inquiries into my background, and come to a dead end. They can never allow their daughter to marry a 'nobody', and that's that.

Which is bad enough, but not a single one of them was even fond enough of me to put up any sort of fight. Just, 'thanks, but no thanks', and 'go away, you peasant'. He felt as though someone were squeezing his heart and ripping it out of his chest.

Lucian sighed and shook his head. Hard luck, lad. Drusilla and the others are idiots, not you. Those type of women are so blinded by greed, or the desire for a so-called excellent connection, that they overlook the treasure right in front of them.

Quintus snorted. Why Lucian, I didn't know you cared.

Of course I care, lad, or else we wouldn't be having this conversation. Thank you for confiding in me.

Thanks for listening. He sighed. After a time he said, But I'm here for more than fatherly advice from one of my oldest army friends. I need, well— He could hardly say the words.

The services of this brothel? Lucian asked in surprise.

Yes. No... Maybe. Oh gods, I don't know! He began to pace in front of the table where Lucian had been collecting taxes at the brothel for Caligula, or 'acting like a pimp', as Lucian had complained in the past.

I need, well—

His friend smiled. It's not wrong to need that, as long as you're prepared to accept the consequences of it. The women here are not exactly chaste, now are they? After months of this insanity, we're starting to see more and more disease.

Quintus's eyes widened. Oh gods. How terrible for them. But I'm not here for that.

Oh? Lucian said, his dark brows raising, blue eyes twinkling.

It's not the intercourse. I just, well, all I want is the warmth of some human touch. Just an embrace. A simple hug. To feel like I matter, ME, for once, not my family name or possessions.

Lucian laughed, earning himself a withering look from Quintus.

Fine, mock me— He would have stormed off, but Lucian grabbed him by the arm and drew him off to one side, into the shadowy corridor to his right.

I'm not laughing at that. I'm laughing because YOU have the power to end this. You have one of the noblest family names in Rome. Possessions, my gods, don't even get me started.

I'm never going back, do you hear me, NEVER! Quintus shouted.

"I think the entire brothel just heard you. And I understand, I really do. It's just that your stubbornness has gotten you into this predicament, and, well, you just keep choosing the wrong women. Snobs, the lot of them.

Anyone who really loved you would get past the supposed ordinary family name and lack of fortune. Anyone who, er, desired you as a woman should certainly put up more of a fight to be with you, not just shove you out the door.

Quintus nodded. "Exactly. I mean, we didn't share much physically, just a bit of hand holding in the house when no one was around to see. It wasn't earth-shattering or anything, but it was pleasant enough. I took the little touches as a sign she liked me a bit. That my attentions weren't unwelcome.

But Drusilla was so cold to me as she pushed me out the door, you would have thought I was no better than a stranger on the street. It made me feel so, well, completely rejected on every level it's possible to be rejected as a man, he confessed in a low tone.

She looked as though she despised me. It made me sick to my stomach. All my hopes felt crushed as she told me she had no more time to waste on 'someone like me', and slammed the door in my face.

Lucian nodded. I understand. It must have been like a kick in the teeth, or lower down. But coming here like this might crush your hopes even more. This place is full of those types of mercenary women, only out for what they can get, companionship, cash, c—

Yes, thank you, I get the idea, Quintus said, rubbing his forehead as though it ached.

You might get a few hours of, well, the warmth of a human embrace, but you might also end up with a harpy who digs her claws into you and makes you miserable. You deserve better.

Quintus sighed raggedly. I've been trying to find better, but no one will have me. I feel like I'm about to crawl out of my skin if I don't get, well, a hug, a kiss. I'm not some deviant out to roger every woman in sight. I just want to, well, be held, and hold. To find some peace from this endless misery of discovering that despite all my care, attention, and kindness, not one woman gives a damn about me.

The older man sighed. They don't KNOW you. And many here on the Palatine Hill are only looking for one thing. Let's be fair, a lot of men are too. Money, power, status. Or they want sex, chasing a woman just to get their leg over. You could do that with these women, surely, but as I said, I'm afraid you'd end up in a worse situation.

By now they were halfway down the corridor. So, I have an issue you can help me with, and which might help you.

Oh? Despite himself, his heart gave a little leap. Hadn't he just seen a young woman being led down this way?

I can't rescue every woman in Rome with, er, shall we say, relationship issues, but this young lady just gave me her confidence. I think if you hear her out, and you're honest about your own situation, you might both get what you need. Or think you need. I trust you to do the right thing by her, and I think she will for you too.

I see. Well, at this point, how bad can it be? I mean, unless she's hideous or...

Lucian grinned. You can still hug them even if they're hideous. Just keep your eyes closed. The main point is that the woman be a kind person, not a harpy. This lady is no harpy, trust me. So off you go. Felix will bring wine and food a moment, he said, as the young servant stepped out of the room and into the corridor.

Yes, sir, just give me a moment. I'll be right back.

Just try to calm down, and relax, and you'll get that hug for sure. And maybe more if you end up liking each other well enough.

Quintus suddenly felt nervous. Could he really reveal his woes to a total stranger? She might think him a complete fool...

Now that he was in the doorway, Quintus paused again. His own needs started to fade away at the thought that he might be taking advantage of some unhappy woman in a desperate plight. But before he had a chance to back away, Lucian pushed him in through the portal, and swung the door closed behind him.

Quintus's mouth fell open. Sitting in front of him was the most spectacular woman he had ever seen in his life. A heavy fall of dark, glossy hair, so black as to almost look blue in a certain light, thickly-lashed eyes of sapphire, milk white skin. It was as though someone had just gripped his manhood and squeezed. No, there had to be a mistake...

As his gaze traveled downwards, his heart lurched in shock. THAT was what he had noticed was wrong when he had seen her stride down the corridor. She was wearing a young woman's long, belted tunic and a cloak, not a matron's palla and stola. Her head was uncovered, unthinkable if she were a married woman. The drapery of her tunic was simple, not the pleats required in a married woman's gown. And she was all in white.

Ye gods, the girl was unmarried. A virgin.... What on earth was she doing HERE?

Good health to you, miss, he stammered out when he realized he was still staring at her like a goggle-eyed cretin. My friend Lucian at the front desk told me you have something you need help with? I'm at your service. He winced at the last word, but he couldn't take it back, even if he wished to.

As she gazed up at him from where she sat frozen in her chair, he could feel his manhood leap so hard he was sure he could hear it smack his abdomen.

Thank you, it's nice to meet you. You're very kind to try to help. Aurora couldn't help but stare. He was remarkable, a schoolgirl fantasy brought to life. He was tall, muscular, handsome, young... Not young like a boy, but certainly not old the way she had been dreading.

Wavy brown hair, dark brown eyes, finely-chiseled cheekbones and nose, he might as well be up on a pedestal in the Forum. Light-brown skin, firm lips, a slight dent in the chin, and a dimple that peeked out when he spoke. He was gorgeous, there was no denying it. But even better, he appeared to be kind enough to be willing to hear her out as she confided her situation to him. Did she dare?

A tap at the door heralded Felix with their repast. He set it down on the table, gave a long, pining stare at the girl, then winked at Quintus and left.

Quintus reached for the flagon and poured her a glass, then one for himself. He resisted the urge to down his in one, conscious of her watchful blue eyes on him as though she had just seen something miraculous.

He knew he was staring himself, but just couldn't help it. Delicate nose, Cupid's bow lips, a throat of snowy alabaster, breasts like... He had all to do to tear his eyes away. He desperately shifted his gaze to look around the room.

It was pretty tawdry, with a lumpy-looking bed, candles, chamber pot, a jug and basin, and some rickety tables. He would have thought to find better in a palace, but recalled that the place hadn't been used much since the Divine Augustus had built it around twenty years before and then passed away.

He looked back at the girl, who was still staring at him intently. He was so addled, his real name was on the tip of his tongue, but he managed to stammer out, Quintus Gaius Marcus. He bowed. And you are?

Aurora Vita Curi. Pleased to meet you.

His brows raised slightly. She came from a very good family, though he had heard rumors recently that their finances had not been going too well....

So what brings you here this evening, miss? How can I help?

There was no longer any way to avoid the truth. Aurora took a deep breath, and plunged. I want to be ruined.

Quintus was sure there was something wrong with his hearing. R-r-ruined? he gasped.

She could see how shocked he was, which boded well. It meant he wasn't the type of man who just pounced on every woman who crossed his path.

Yes, ruined, she repeated. Made unmarriageable so I don't have to wed the complete buffoon my father has betrothed me to.

He was staring, he knew, but he just couldn't help himself. Why, most of Rome would be lining up for a chance with her. Why come here?

I see. And the buffoon in question is?

Gnaeus Lucius Piso.

Ah, yes, I understand now. He tried to suppress a smile. One would be hard pressed to find a more idiotic noble in Rome. Marcus and Julia had once seen him trying to eat a spoon at a banquet rather than a capon leg.

And have you told your father how you feel—

She nodded miserably. I've begged him not to do this to me, until I've just about lost my voice. But it's getting closer and closer to the wedding day, and I'm desperate.

I see.

My friends all laugh and think it a great joke, she revealed, but they don't have to be married to the great lump.

Quintus gazed at her dazzling eyes, made brighter by unshed tears.

They say I would be rich, well-connected, have everything I could ever possibly want. Oh aye, except a husband who loves me. Someone who could admire and respect me, and one I could share happiness with. Share, well, joy in bed with, she admitted in a low whisper.

She knew it wasn't proper for a young Roman maiden of her class to even think such a thing, let alone say it, but Quintus was looking at her in such stunned surprise already, she thought he deserved the whole truth.

She didn't want him to think she was running away from the marriage because she was a prude, or a snob, but rather, a woman who wanted to make love, love-making, and romance amongst her top priorities in her marital considerations, not coin or connections.

He was stunned. He'd gotten to know quite a few young women in his quest for a bride. None of them had ever included joy in bed on their list of priorities for marriage. Most of the women he had courted had pretty much put it LAST on their list, as far as he could tell. Unless they were the greatest hypocrites on earth, most of them acted as though they couldn't bear to be touched. Several had mentioned the duty of begetting children, but could barely hide their revulsion at the very thought.

And none of this er, joy, is possible with Gnaeus—

She gave a short, braying laugh. I would vomit.

He restrained a smile. I understand.

My friends say I could take lovers behind his back and no one would ever know, but, well, I would know, wouldn't I, that I was committing wrong-doing.

He had been shocked by her initial statement, but as she continued to explain her reasons for what she was trying to do, he felt himself warming to her more and more. She wasn't revolted by the thought of sharing with a man. She was setting high standards to match her expectations. She wasn't just out to indulge her curiosity, though it was clear she was open to love when the right man came along. She was desperately trying to break free of the cage her father was trying to cram her into. And she was actually desperate enough to come here to move forward with her plan of escape.

When and if I ever do marry, I want to love and cherish a husband, not betray them, Aurora said. Be someone they can be proud of, not ashamed of. But our fathers just treat me like, well, an amphora the man's seed is to be poured into, so babies can come out. As if I'm a mere possession, not a person.

His heart went out to her. And more than that. He tried to ignore the tempest in the loins so he could actually help the poor girl.

It is a difficult situation, Aurora, but your decision isn't exactly an easy one either, is it?

She looked at him curiously, fiddling with the belt of her tunic. What do you mean?

"Ruination may seem simple, but have you thought it through? I mean, half of Rome would love to deflower you, but what next? The scandal, your father casting you off, you getting a certain reputation? You might even end up with that baby in your amphora you just spoke of.

Or worse, venereal disease. Lucian tells me the clap and so on are spreading in this brothel. So you might solve one problem, only to end up with an even worse one.

Then why are you here? she asked, staring at him suspiciously. If it's all so terrible, why did you come?

He swallowed back the whole truth and said, Lucian is a friend. We do business together.

And?

My, she didn't miss much.

I came because I was feeling pretty miserable.

Oh? Is it something you think you can tell me about? She gazed at him intently now, giving him her full attention.

He took a sip of wine and admitted, I asked a girl if she was willing to be betrothed to me, and she said no. Slammed the door in my face like I was vermin.

Her eyes widened. Was the woman MAD? Oh, I'm sorry, I'm sure that was painful for you, she said quietly.

He searched her face for any kind of mockery, but found none. So I came to tell Lucian the news. Then he said he had a young lady who needed help, and would I please come speak with her. You, as it turns out. That's all, just about.

Her blue eyes narrowed. Just about? she repeated.

Quintus blew out a shaky breath. All right, I came here to be with a woman, he admitted, but NOT the way you think.

Her elegant brows raised. What else am I supposed to think? It's a brothel.

The words felt as though they were being torn from him. I just want an embrace. That's all. A simple hug. Being held in someone's arms for a short time, so that for once in my life, I feel like I matter...

She was surprised at his words, and searched his face for any sign that he was lying. All she was were two shadowy brown pools of abject misery and a handsome face taut with anguish. Aurora would love to have met the witch who had made him so wretched. She'd have given her a good slap.

She nodded. I see. Yes, I see exactly. She took a sip of wine. I want that too. To be embraced, kissed, not paraded around like some sort of trophy. Caressed, not groped, petted, not pawed, I'd even settle for holding hands at this point with someone who wouldn't drool on it.

Quintus laughed at that. He's not that bad, is he?

Well, I suppose not, she conceded with a small smile. But I was there the night he tried to eat his spoon. Everyone was talking about it. I was so mortified. Everyone was shaking their head and saying how much they pitied me. It's like, now that I'm betrothed to him, everything about him has to do with me. As if I'm not even a person in my own right, but his possession, praised if I do something good, reviled and blamed for HIS actions as well as my own. It's so unfair.

She pouted so