Palatine Passion: The Ravishing Romans

By Jacinta Carey

Rome, 40 AD
Julia, a virtuous young Roman noblewoman, is forced to attend Emperor Caligula's new brothel on the Palatine Hill. She's horrified at the thought of servicing the patrons, but has little choice if she wishes to protect her mother and sisters, and move forward with her secret agenda.

Marcus, a prominent senator, goes to the brothel on opening night to see for himself if Caligula really has carried out his appalling plan. Marcus is stunned to see Julia, the woman he loved but lost five years ago, standing in the middle of the mayhem. Marcus is determined to save Julia from her dire situation, but his decision sets off a series of events that place them both in the greatest danger.

Julia can't resist her budding intimacy with Marcus. She loved him once. Her passion for him now lays all her secrets bare, with shocking consequences. Marcus's desire to protect her becomes a powerful passion that threatens to tear both their worlds apart. He vows to make Julia HIS, no matter what the cost, no matter who tries to stand in his way.

Marcus's passion leaves Julia almost mindless with need, forcing her to choose: Continue with the bargain from Hades she's made, or surrender to Marcus's love before it's too late.

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=87,536
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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.
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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: Dec 25, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201120443

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Rome, Ianuarius 40 AD

Marcus Gaius Angrivarian lounged in the entryway behind his friend Lucian Augustus Lentulus, who had just become the new organizer for the brothel the Emperor Caligula had insisted be opened. Instead of common prostitutes, Caligula had decreed that the new palace brothel was to be serviced by the upper-class married women who lived on the Palatine Hill in Rome.

Marcus had scarcely believed the rumor. But here it was, the opening night of Caligula's latest drama, in all its tawdry glory.

Marcus had wondered how many would show up because they were so terrified of their young emperor that the nobles were even willing to prostitute their own wives for the sake of saving their miserable skins.

Marcus saw the usual boot-kissers and belly-crawlers. No surprises there. Their wives ranged in appearance from eager to terrified.

Lucian, seated at the table with quill and ink, put the wives' names down on one list. If the men were staying as clients, they would have to pay for their pleasure. Their names and the amounts paid were placed on a second list. It was a bizarre and truly depraved way to raise taxes yet again. Caligula was nothing if not a mad spendthrift.

But the brothel was more than a chance to bilk the nobles once more. It was a complete and utter debasement of the upper crust of Rome.

Marcus, as a self-made unmarried man, had merely come for the spectacle. He clapped Lucian on the shoulder and was about to say he was leaving, disgusted with the whole business, when in walked the most spectacular woman he had ever laid eyes on.

The sheer pale blue veil barely disguised her identity. JULIA. Panic rose within him. By the gods, he had to stop her before anyone else she knew saw her. Or any of the revelers tried to lay a finger on her....

He knew exactly what lay under the veil. Red-gold hair, dark blue eyes like the storm-tossed ocean, skin as white as the snow he'd seen the first time he'd ever crossed the Alps. She was clad in nothing more than a pale blue palla and a plain white stola, a sheer light blue veil, and her wedding ring. She wore no finery as compared with the other women eager to join in the debauchery. Barely an inch of flesh was showing.

But Julia was so striking, if anyone took a closer look at her, she would be lost. My God, what was her husband Tertius thinking...?

She was alone, but several of the clients in the process of paying their fees to Lucian were about to make sure she didn't remain so for long.

With a quick sharp look at Lucian, Marcus gripped Julia lightly around her upper arm in a clear gesture of intent. How nice to see you again. It's been some time. Please, come this way.

As he did so, Marcus caught a fleeting glimpse of Tertius's back as he hurried away out the front door. Damn the bastard, Marcus thought to himself. He's just thrown her to the wolves and scurried off like a rat.

He looked down to give his new companion his full attention. He could see through the sheer fabric that she was staring up at him with a mixture of shock, disgust, and something like relief.

Marcus's mind reeled. What had he done? What must she think of him, finding him there, and approaching her like that? Grabbing her in such a manner? He got the most sinking feeling of dread.

But he dreaded even more what might happen if he let Julia go. The men at the table who had already paid were practically licking their lips at the prospect of getting to bed such a shapely goddess. If they found out who she was, their triumph would be complete, as would her ruin.

He shot a pleading look to his friend at the table. Lucian bobbed his head to the right.

This way, my dear, please, he urged, trying to lead her down the shadowy corridor, hoping she would play along, not give him a tongue-lashing or jerk away in panic or fury.

She hesitated for only a few moments. The crowd of men surrounding her was getting too close for comfort. Gods above, I never imagined this....

She struggled to stay calm. Tertius had abandoned her to her fate. But now Marcus was here. He would know what to do....

Come, my dear, we can have some wine and food if you wish.

Lucian waved to a servant to attend to the couple.

The young man, who introduced himself as Felix, showed them to a room at the end of the long corridor, where thus far no other revelers had intruded.

My lord, my lady, I believe you wish wine?

And some food, please, if there's anything warm. And some fruit for the lady, perhaps? Marcus ordered, then looked at her with a kind smile.

She nodded, unable to find her voice. Her head swam at her lucky escape from the lascivious bucks and rogues at the front table. Now here was Marcus, of all people, treating her with every courtesy.

She wasn't sure what she had expected when he'd brought her down the hall—to be tossed on the bed and ravished, perhaps?

But no, this was Marcus Gaius Angrivarian, one of the wealthiest men in Rome, and a senator as well, she reminded herself. He certainly didn't have to pay for female companionship. So what in the name of Jupiter was he doing HERE?

He sensed the unspoken question as he led her to a chair to sit. She looked as though she might faint. He would have answered her question, but his own was too pressing, his feelings too strong, to hold back any longer.

He pulled back her veil so it draped over her shoulders, and glared. His face was inches from her own. His warm brown eyes, slightly hawkish nose, and full lips, the deep cleft in his chin... Gods, he was handsome.

Then he spoke. What the hell was Tertius thinking, bringing you here!

W-w-well, she stammered, the emperor decreed...

Decree be damned, he hissed. If you were MY wife, I would have moved heaven and earth to protect you. Not drop you off at the front door of a whorehouse like a parcel of laundry.

Julia winced at the truth of his words, and the comparison. It was unreasonable of her to be offended, she knew, when Marcus was clearly only trying to protect her virtue. But she had her own important, personal, not to say desperate, reasons for agreeing to come, and the parcel remark stung. Was she nothing more than a piece of baggage to men, a burden, or an object to be passed around when it suited?

She struggled to follow his furious outburst. "And does he have any idea what this could mean to you if Caligula decides to turn all of this on its head? You would be declared an adulteress and lose everything. Money, status, your good name, all gone forever in the blink of an eye. The best thing you could hope for in that case would be to set up as a professional prostitute so you didn't starve on the streets.

Your poor mother, your younger sisters, they would all be tainted by the disgrace. He sighed and shook his head. You are decent and virtuous to the core of your being, Julia Augusta Neri, er, Tertia, he corrected, remembering he was supposed to be using her married name. You would never survive becoming a meretrix.

Once again, Julia was at a loss for words. He remembered her family? It had been years. And why was he being so complimentary about her? They had spent some time with each other several years before due to her father befriending Marcus.

But then she had married Tertius Claudius Drusus. Since then, she had only ever met Marcus in passing, mainly in the context of him being one of her husband's business partners.

Yet he was speaking of her now as if he knew her well. As if she were a friend. Or even more surprisingly, as someone he cared about and was concerned for.

At last Marcus had run out of steam, and she found her voice. I thank you, sir, for being so worried about my standing in the world. Suffice it to say that Tertius and I both have our reasons for this, but you were kind to try to help.

He looked at her, mouth open with shock. What 'reasons' could they possibly be? he gasped. Money? A threat from Caligula directly? Tell me. I can help.

She shook her head quickly. I could not prevail upon you in such a way. You already do a great deal for Tertius, who as we know does not have much of a head for business. You've been honest and kind, and far more scrupulous than perhaps he deserves.

He waved away the sentiment. Nonsense. I count my blessings every day. If I can help others, I will. Just as you do, Julia. I believe the last time I saw you was in the marketplace two weeks ago, when you were serving soup to those who had lost their homes to a fire.

She recalled the meeting at once with a warm smile. I remember. You carried heavy pots for me everywhere without a word of complaint, and chopped carrots until your arms almost fell off.

Any labor of Hercules for my lady, he said with a short bow.

She laughed then, glad the tension had finally eased between them.

A tap at the door announced the arrival of Felix with their meal. He placed it on the table and would have poured the wine, but Julia declined. That's fine, thank you. Most kind. But I'm sure you have other duties. We can take care of ourselves.

Thank you, my lady. I'll come back for the plates and so on, er, well, once you've vacated the room. Farewell.

Another hot blush suffused her cheeks. She and Marcus both looked at each other, and he let out a short laugh.

Well, you can't fault the boy. It's pretty clear what this looks like.

Mm, yes, it looks like a rather tasty repast.

My dear Lady Julia, I believe you've made a joke, he said, smiling.

Please sit. I'll pour the wine and serve the food. I was too nervous to eat before, but now I'm feeling famished.

Marcus nodded. I've eaten nothing since midday. I came here straight from my warehouse to witness the huge prank Caligula was playing on the patricians. Except it wasn't a joke, was it.

She shook her head as she dished out a bowl of fish stew for each of them. No, I didn't think it was. We've heard rumors for a while now. You're not married, and not a true patrician compared with the people living up here on the Palatine Hill. No offense.

He waved the words away with his spoon before he tucked into the stew, and made a noise of approval. No offense taken, my lady. I make no attempt to disguise how I rose through society thanks to the auspices of the Roman army, and my own ability to spot a bargain and make the most of it, but without cutting someone else's throat.

That being the case, you're a rare man in Rome indeed. You're also unmarried. So you would have had no cause to worry about all the rumors as we've done, and then had to decide what to do for the best. It's shocking to see, truly, now that it's actually come to this. Sadly, it's not a surprise. Caligula wants to raise taxes and humiliate us all at the same time.

By now she had filled both goblets, and also placed a portion of bread, cheese, sliced meat, and olives in front of him.

Thank you, my dear, he said as he accepted the plate, and another ladle of the stew. But you still haven't answered my question.

Oh? she said, with a tilt of her head, as if she couldn't recall what he had asked her.

Julia desperately tried to stall for time. She knew only too well why she had come. But it wasn't something she could blurt out now, to Marcus of all people. It would have been one thing if she'd been rogered by a stranger. She would have had the chance to achieve her goal, and the roisterer need not have been any the wiser.

With Marcus, however, she couldn't tell him the truth, but nor could she lie. Gods above, what on earth would he think of her if he knew the whole sad tale? The thought of him pitying her was more than Julia could bear. The delicious fresh bread she was eating now turned to sawdust in her mouth.

Marcus watched the warring emotions on her face as he chewed his food. Whatever it was, it had to be pretty bad for her to be so silent and secretive.

He swallowed, took a sip of wine, and repeated, more softly this time, What 'reasons' could there possibly be for Tertius to bring you here, except the obvious, fear of serious harm from Caligula?

She shrugged one shoulder. We all live in fear of that. He's changed so much recently. Everyone comments on it. And of course, he's so different compared with his younger days in the army camps with his father Germanicus.

Ah, Germanicus. A great man. I served with him at the battle of the Weser River in Germania.

Her eyes widened eagerly. Really?

He nodded.

Was it as bloody as they say?

He sighed. Worse. And then we were counter-attacked. It was a nightmare. He visibly shook himself.

She could see this was something he didn't want to talk about, any more than she wanted to discuss her reasons for being there. She tried to change the subject slightly.

And there was a shipwreck, was there not, as you were coming home? she asked, fascinated to think Marcus had witnessed with his own eyes things she had only ever read about in books.

Marcus ran his hands through his thick black hair and shuddered. There was indeed. You certainly know your history.

It's a wonderful subject, with so much to learn, she said sincerely. So you actually met the great Germanicus?

Aye, I met him, got to know him somewhat, though that's more than twenty years ago now. I was very low status in those days, but he was kind enough to see my potential and grant me promotion.

He finished his stew and saw her looking at him expectantly. So yes, I rose through the ranks thanks to his kindness. But please, let's change the subject. You're making me feel old.

Nonsense, you don't look a day over seventy.

He let out a belly laugh at that. Teasing minx.

But no, seriously, how old were you when you joined the army? she asked, finally venturing a mouthful of stew, which was excellent. As she ate, she watch his handsome face light up at the memories.

The truth is that I lied about my age. I was an orphan with no other prospects. I was only fifteen, but could pass for the enlistment age of seventeen, so they took me on.

And you knew Caligula as a young man?

He tore off some bread as he nodded. I did indeed. He was sort of a mascot to the army in those days. Caligula, 'little boots'. His full name is of course Gaius Caesar Augustus Germanicus.

She nodded.

He was so young and full of promise back then. I'm afraid losing his father Germanicus set him on a terrible course.

Well, that and Emperor Tiberius.

Marcus's mouth set in a thin line. Indeed. The only education he gave his heir was in debauchery.

I hear that the most shocking things went on in Capri, where Caligula was raised, Julia said in a low tone.

Sad but true. I was never there myself, but knew some people who had been.

And what of the shipwreck? she asked, eager to change the subject. The last thing she wanted to recall was that she was in a brothel with the handsome Marcus.

He took a huge gulp of wine, draining his glass. We lost a lot of good men and horses. I can still remember the screams.

For a moment, he looked as though he didn't even know she was in the room. His dark brown eyes were shadowed with remembered horror. Then he shook his head. For me, it was two days in the water bobbing up and down like a cork, clinging to some wreckage. I was finally saved, and never went to sea again. So much for this brave Roman soldier.

Or perhaps you didn't have to go to sea again? she teased, trying to lighten the mood, before rising to re-fill his bowl and goblet. She was sorry she had asked such a personal question, and again tried to change the subject as fast as she could.

True enough, actually. They sent me back to invade Chatti territory, and I returned home the way I had come, over the Alps.

Her eyes lit up, And are they so very large, the way they're reported?

He nodded. Tall, and cold if you have to cross in winter. Which I only ever had to do once, I'm happy to say. Though I must admit, seeing snow up in the mountains like that, so pure and sparkling, is rather lovely.

Her heart gave a little leap of excitement again. Why had they never spoken of these fascinating things before?

I can't imagine mountains, she said, her eyes glowing, But I did see snow once when I was a little girl. Just flakes in the air, like a shower of stars.

He refrained from saying she was still like a little girl as she sat there drinking in his every word. If he didn't know better, he would have said she was only listening to his old war stories just to flatter him. But that wasn't the way she had been raised. Nor had he ever seen her behave like that with him or anyone else.

The first time I ever crossed the Alps, the snow was a vast carpet of white, as far as the eye could see. He traced a horizon with his hand.

Oh my. I should love to see that for myself one day, she said wistfully.

He looked at the undisguised longing in her eyes, heard the yearning in her voice. Perhaps you will. After all, the Alps have got to be better for you than being dragged to a brothel here at the Palatine.

The breath rushed from her lungs. She had been enjoying her conversation so much with Marcus that she had forgotten where she was, and what she had intended to do. It was as though he had just thrown her into an icy river.

She blushed hotly. Oh, well, yes, there are many better places, but sometimes we have to accept what the Fates dictate. Or try to change them in some way if we can.

So again, my dear, I have to ask, how have the Fates, or your attempts to change your destiny, caused Tertius to bring you here? We're in business together, and I would like to think he and I are friends. If I can help, I will.

She sighed heavily and put down her goblet. I'm sorry, Marcus. You've been very kind, and I have no wish to offend. But the truth is, while you might be friends with Tertius, you're not a friend of mine in whom I feel I can confide at this time. The reasons are ours to tell, or withhold as we see fit. My apologies, but there it is. It's really not something I can just blurt out to anyone. She caught herself before she said, Least of all you.

For the truth was, she had always admired the tall, handsome, intelligent Marcus. And it had not been all that long ago that she'd felt sure she might have had a chance to be his wife. In the end, what had seemed so promising had come to a shockingly sudden end....

Have I offended you in some way, my lady? he demanded, his brows drawing down darkly.

Nay, please, don't think that, ever. It's, well, personal. I mean, the relations between a husband and wife should be that, personal.

Marcus slammed down his spoon. Except if he's expecting you to whore yourself for the sake of his social status, Julia, as you damned well know. If you were my wife, wild horses wouldn't have dragged me to bring you here.

There was that phrase again, If you were my wife.... It hung in the air like a cloud over what had been a lovely if unconventional and rather peculiar time spent together alone in each other's company. Julia wondered if he recalled what had happened, or seemed to be happening, between them five years ago.

But it had all come to nothing. Marcus was a man who knew what he wanted, and went for it. If he had not offered for her hand, it was because he hadn't wished to. There was no sense in her pining like a schoolgirl for what might have been, when it NEVER would have been, that was clear.

I truly am sorry. Please, let's not quarrel. We were having such a nice time, I thought, despite the, well, circumstances.

She waved her hand around the room, indicating the rather gaudy red curtains that had been hung up crookedly, the cheap wash basin and jug, and candlesticks, the cracked chamber pot peeking out from under the bed.

The room reeked of animal fat from the tallow candles, which gave off a dim light. She would have lit more than the two in the room had it not been for their noxious odor. She said so now.

He nodded. Hmm, indeed, I take your point. It is grim in here, to be sure, but there have been some compensations. It's been nice not needing to eat alone, and to have a stimulating conversation about something other than the grape or olive harvests.

And I didn't mean to rake up old memories of the past, or any difficult subjects. It's just, well, you're a man—

Indeed, he laughed. Kind of you to notice.

Hot color flooded her cheeks. And you've lived such a different life to mine. Seen things, places, people, that a woman like me can only guess at.

He gave her a long, level look with his all-seeing brown eyes. And as I recall, you had a far more sheltered upbringing than most Roman ladies of your class.

She nodded. It's true, I was raised very strictly in some ways, and strangely in others. I thought I was destined to be a Vestal virgin. But as the years went passed with no son for my parents, only more daughters, my father's plans for me changed. The family finances did as well. I like to think my father was proud of my abilities—

Of course he was, Marcus replied without hesitation. He never would have let you start the business otherwise.

She spoke in a low tone, You're not supposed to know that.

He looked amused. Why ever not?

Because according to some, patrician families on the Palatine are never supposed to engage in business, even if they have barely an ounce of flour in the house.

He laughed at that. So they're just supposed to what, starve genteelly?

She shrugged. Aye, or marry well, for money and for connections. Personal feelings have very little, if anything, to do with it.

He looked surprised at that. Surely not in your case? Tertius seemed so determined to make you his wife. The way he spoke of you, well, let's just say he boasted so much, we all thought you were the goddess Minerva gracing us with her presence.

Julia took another sip of wine. The truth was so close to the tip of her tongue, she had to drink in order to stop herself from blurting it out.

But as I gather, you were the one who refused to starve genteelly. You not only started the business, you turned it into a thriving concern. One I benefit from greatly, thank you.

It was easily done in the end, she said modestly. Everyone needs pottery and amphorae to ship wine, olive oil, and so on, all over the Empire. I merely organized the potters to work the clay, and set a price everyone found fair, with no cutthroat competition.

A business which if I may say, certainly helped Tertius gain considerably in cash as well as status. If such things concern a person.

They don't concern you? she said with a smile.

He shook his head. Not at all. I have everything I need, and more. And I'm certainly never going to tie myself for life to a woman I can't admire and respect.

Julia felt the air leave her lungs. So THAT was it. She was noble, but tainted by her commercial dealings. It was so unfair. It was true, she had done the unthinkable and gone into business to stop her siblings from starving, or being forced into loveless marriages. The trouble was, SHE had been paying the price ever since....

Her back stiffened. It was a price she had grown tired of paying. Which had led her to go there that evening. She had been so close to her goal....

Only to encounter an indomitable brick wall in the form of the tall, muscular man sitting before her.

Damn him, why did he have to be so, well, larger than life? Every ripple of his muscles seem to set his tunic and toga in danger of shredding. She had lost him five