Palatine Pleasure: The Ravishing Romans

By Jacinta Carey

Rome, Summer, 40 AD

Florentina, a virtuous Roman noblewoman, is sent to Caligula's brothel on the Palatine Hill by her new husband Paulinus. He tells Florentina she needs to learn how to please him in bed like a 'real woman' or prostitute, or else he'll divorce and abandon her.

 

Flora is horrified at the thought of servicing the patrons, but she also wonders what it would be like to have the kind of sexual power other women seem to possess. She longs to bring every man to his knees at her feet. Eager to not be cast off by Paulinus because she's desperate to have a child of her own, she admits why she's there to the 'pimp', and asks for lessons on how to become an alluring seductress.

 

Lucian, the tax collector at the brothel, is heartily sick of the place. He sees himself as little better than a pimp, helping Caligula humiliate the Roman nobles and their wives. He soon learns Flora's whole sorry tale, and takes pity on her. He offers to help her become one of the most desired women in Rome, and all without laying a finger on her.

 

What starts out as a game soon becomes an erotic torment for Lucian. All of his good intentions begin to crumble as he starts to fall in love with the lovely Flora. How can he claim to want to help empower her so she can live on her own terms, when all he wants to do is possess her body and soul?

 

The pleasure they share leaves them both almost mindless with need, forcing them to choose: to obey the strict conventions of Roman society, or give into the passion and pleasure they share before they're torn away from each other forever.

 

Sensuality Rating

This romance novel contains multiple explicit love scenes between the hero and heroine. It is for mature audiences only.

 

About the Author

Jacinta Carey is author of a number of popular historical romance series, including The Starbuck Saga, The Ravishing Romans series, The WIld Heart Series, and The Gordons of Gretna.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Eternal Spiral Books
• Release date: Jan 14, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201717315

Book preview

PALATINE PLEASURE

BOOK 3

THE RAVISHING ROMANS SERIES

JACINTA CAREY

HERSTORY BOOKS

COPYRIGHT 2022 by the author.

All rights reserved.

Published by HerStory Books

New York, NY 10011

Please visit HerStory Books, https://herstorybooks.eternalspiralbooks.com/ for the latest titles, free books, and more.

Dedication: To all my family. And to all my readers. Thank you!

Author's note: The historical details are as accurate as possible. The characters are pure fiction.

CHAPTER 1

Rome, June 40 AD

Florentina had been circling around the Palatine palace brothel for over an hour. She had chewed her lower lip almost raw as she worried at it, trying to decide what to do for the best. She was terrified to go in, terrified to go home.

She thought she had steeled herself to do what her husband termed her 'duty' to him as a wife who needed to be obedient in all things, but she didn't want to be seen by a large number of people. She waited until things seem to have quieted down at the entrance, and squared her shoulders. If she was going to do it, now was the time.

Damn Paulinus for ever asking this of her. But she would be damned if she didn't.

She tiptoed up to the door, ready to turn and flee if need be. But she had guessed rightly. The brightly lit entrance hall was empty save for a handsome man with black hair and the bluest eyes she had ever seen, who was sitting doing paperwork at a large table.

She went up to him and whispered, Are you the pimp?

Pardon?

I said, are you the pimp?

Er, well, yes, I am, rather, Lucian said with a twinge of disgust.

He had joked about it with his friends often enough. An ordinary tax collector suddenly forced to collect the wages of sin, as Christians put it, from the noble elite who attended Caligula's brothel on the Palatine Hill.

In that case, my husband told me to say, you need to teach me how to be, well, a woman, she whispered.

She was glad of her veil. Her cheeks were so heated, she was surprised she hadn't burst into flames.

Lucian was sure this had to be some sort of joke. A prank being played on him by one of his old army buddies.

Well, things were quiet at the moment. Why not take a break and play along?

Felix, can you show the lady to the room at the end of the corridor, please?

Yes, sir.

And the usual, for two this time. He stood up and waved his arm. This way, my lady. I'll join you shortly.

He finished his tallies and bagged up the coins. He brought them into the small tax office they had set up across from the table and put the leather pouches down on the desk for his assistant to check and then deposit in the treasury.

Tonight's takings so far. It's a slow night. Can you check my sums, Philo?

Surely.

And can you sit up front for a while? I'm going to take a break and have something to eat.

Certainly, sir. Take your time.

When he stepped out of the office, Felix was just coming back into the entry hall with the tray. He followed him, then said, Let me.

He tapped on the door and then opened it.

When he opened the door, the woman looked so scared, he was sure she was about to run.

It was a grim room, right enough, even though his friend Marcus had been using it for some time in his quest to woo his love Julia. They were living together now, so the room was available once more. The pale yellow curtains and pillows on the bed and the beeswax candles cheered up the place somewhat, but it was still rather dark and dank.

The woman's posture indicated terror, not a light-hearted prank. He would hear her out, and see if he could help.

Here we are, Madam. Felix set the tray down on the table near the door.

Will there be anything else, sir?

Would you like some wine? Lucian asked.

Oh, no, thank you. Honey water is fine.

Very good. So, nothing more right now, Felix. But we'll call if we need anything.

Very good, sir. Madam. He bowed and left.

Lucian poured honey water for them both, then began to lay out two plates of cheese, bread and fruit.

Please, make yourself comfortable. No one can see you now, so it's safe to take off your veil.

Oh, er, yes, sorry.

As she raised it, he was sure he had to be seeing things. She was exquisite. She was a natural beauty, with little of the augmentation so many Roman noblewomen went in for. Her hair, peeking out from her brown palla, was a rich blonde. Her eyes were an astonishing hazel, looking brown one moment, green the next.

Her brows were her own, not plucked to a thin line and drawn back on. Her lashes were the longest and thickest he had ever seen, and matched her hair and brows. No dyes here. Her nose was dainty, her lips a lovely pink he could see had not come out of a pot. Her skin was a warm light brown that reminded him of the finest honey. What the hell was she doing HERE, of all places?

I'm Lucian Augustus Lentulus. Lucian. Or Luc, if you prefer. Pleased to meet you.

I'm Florentina Agrippina Sabina.

He knew the name. It was one of the most respectable in Rome. What on earth was she doing in a brothel asking for help from the 'pimp'?

So, please eat, and tell me why you're here, Florentina.

As I said outside, my husband instructed me to come and ask the pimp to teach me how to be a woman.

He couldn't resist pointing out, I think your garments might be a clear indication that you already ARE a woman, would they not?

She blushed prettily. Well, yes.

And you do seem to have the necessary attributes, from what I can see under your palla and stola, do you not?

Yes, she said, blushing even more hotly. I am indeed female, but my husband has sent me to, well, become more desirable.

Lucian wasn't sure he had heard correctly. It she were any more desirable, and unmarried, she'd be flat on her back in the bed and he'd be overjoyed to show her just how much he yearned for her.

Desirable? he repeated.

Yes, er, well... She colored and bit her lip.

It's all right. You can tell me. I'm a former soldier, so I promise, nothing you say will shock me.

He wants me to be more, er, f- She whispered the last word, turning even redder than she had already been.

Lucian snorted in disbelief. Petal, if you were any more, er, that word, you'd never be out of your bed!

Her hazel eyes stared up at him in shock. Oh, now you're just laughing at me.

No, truly. You're a wonder. Have you never seen your own reflection in a mirror?

Well, I haven't ever had much time for such things. After Mother died, well, I had my brothers to raise.

Your father's a very prominent man. He never wanted to remarry and give you more freedom?

She shook her head. No. He loved her. We said we would be happy to have a step-mama, but, well, it just wasn't right for him.

But he let you make such sacrifices—

Florentina shrugged. They're my family. What else could I do?

He frowned. Then why did he let you marry?

She shrugged one shoulder. The boys are just about grown now. And it seemed a wonderful opportunity for us all. A good match, as the phrase goes. My husband Paulinus was back from the provinces and in need of a wife. And I'm certainly not getting any younger. I'm nearly 27, she revealed.

Ah, an alluring lady NEVER tells her age, he said with a smile.

Oh, well, it's true. Why should I lie about it? She sniffed. Except my mother-in-law says I look like an old boot, and—

Lucian couldn't help but burst out laughing at that one. Gods, is the woman BLIND?

"She says my nose is too fat, my skin is too browned from the sun, my eyes are strange, and my hair looks like a bird's nest. I'm scrawny, lacking in, er, the necessary large female parts that would make a man desire me.

So Paulinus sent me here, to learn how to be a woman. He says he'll be back from his business trip in two months, and if I don't manage to, er, perform to his satisfaction, he'll divorce me, and send me back to my father in disgrace.

Lucian's brows knit. He had a sudden urge to hit something. I see. And what would your father say? Does he know any of this?

Her eyes rounded. Gods no! I couldn't bear it. I already feel like such a failure. I would hate him to be disappointed in me. He had such high hopes for this match and—

Would he not want you to be happy in your choice of partner in life, as he appears to have been in his?

She considered the question for a time. Well, yes, I suppose. Except that most women my age here on the Palatine Hill would think Paulinus to be quite a catch. I mean, he is young, after all, my age, not some decrepit old man.

Lucian tried not to wince. The age difference between himself and Florentina was painfully clear. Over a dozen years. Which is why you should just get up and shoo her away, he berated himself.

A good family, money, nice provincial properties. But well, there are some issues. He likes his food too much, but isn't overly fond of bathing. He thinks most women fools. But then he can't stand it if I talk of literature, music, plays. He, er, he likes the company of women, um, lower class women, and from what I understand, that's how he's spent most of his free time prior to our marriage.

I see.

As he's said himself, he wouldn't have gotten married at all if his mother hadn't been widowed. She insisted he come home and make a good match so she could have grandchildren.

I understand. So he wants you to be like the, er, lower women. He wants you to act like a prostitute, and sent you here to learn how? Lucian asked, disbelief etched in every line of his face.

She nodded miserably. It'll loosen me up, he said. Make me stop acting like a mouse, or a prude. That he wants a wife he can be proud of, not one who embarrasses him. He wants a wife like, well, Julia Augusta Marci, a woman who can walk into a room and make all heads turn.

Lucian started at the name of his best friend Marcus's dearest love. I see. I do know her somewhat. It is true, she's impressive to look at. But she's the LAST woman you could ever accuse of acting like a prostitute, isn't she?

No, I know, I didn't mean—I just meant, so confident, like a goddess striding into the room. I would like every man to look at me the way they do her. But I need to learn to flirt, be, er, pleasing—

Have you ever seen Julia flirt? he demanded.

She blinked. Well, no, now that you mention it.

So men still desire her even though she does nothing to inflame it?

Florentina nodded. Now that you put it like that, it does seem rather strange.

So might it be the MAN who is at fault here, rather than the lady? That he's a man who only wants to see one thing, a wench to bed, not a wife to woo?

Woo? she said in confusion. Why would he woo me? He already has me. And doesn't want me. She sniffed, looking more wretched than ever.

His heart went out to her in spite of himself. Which is part of the problem. That he already has you. Lucian said patiently. Since he's already married you, he's got his prize. He doesn't even have to bother to try.

Her eyes started to fill with tears. But he expects ME to try?

Lucian nodded. Pretty unfair, isn't it.

Her predicament was dawning on her with every word, he could see. Well, yes, yes, it is. But I want a family of my own more than anything. A child. If I can't, well, inflame him, I'll never get that. He'll divorce me, tell everyone why, and then, well, no one will want me after that.

He smiled at her with what he hoped was a kind expression rather than a leering one. No one? I hardly think that's true. You don't give yourself much credit, now do you? he said, shaking his head. There are MANY men who would be proud to have you on their arm, I assure you. And in their bed....

You're mocking me again. She covered her eyes with one hand.

Lucian insisted, No, I'm not. You're taking me into your confidence. I wouldn't dream of mocking you.

She peeped up through her fingers. At last, her gaze became less watchful. She finally took a sip of honey water and a bite of cheese.

It's good of you to try to be an obedient wife, but I don't think you've thought things through fully. Even if he got exactly what he wanted, who's to say things would get any better between you?

Well, they can't be much worse.

He sighed. Trust me, they can. Instead of a wife to share things with, he sees a whore, a, well, a body he can use. Anyone who truly cared about you would see you as a person. A fellow human being with their own thoughts, needs and desires. Someone who wasn't just there to use for his own selfish pleasure, but someone he could bestow pleasure upon.

Do women even feel pleasure doing THAT? she whispered. I mean, it's so, well, unpleasant. Degrading....

Lucian sighed. I promise you, there can be a great deal of pleasure, even fun, with the right person.

And you. Have you met the right person? she asked curiously.

He shook his head. I was in the army for many years, so I met a few nice people. I thought I might even have met the right person once, but she, well, it was impossible, he admitted, wondering why on earth he was confiding in her.

I see. And was it fun?

He smiled. Yes, while it lasted. Then she told me I wasn't good enough. And of course, no one likes to be told that, do they? So I understand at least something of your plight.

She nodded. She stared at him for a time, wondering what fool had ever let this magnificent man go. His jet black hair was sleek, glossy, and full, unlike Paulinus's, which was mouse-brown and thinning up top already.

Lucian's eyes were as blue as the sea, his cheekbones and chin like hewn marble. Yet what should have been hard, unyielding, like a statue, was made more human by his handsome mouth and the dimples in his cheeks that appeared when he spoke or ate.

You said things could actually get worse. What did you mean?

"I know you want to have a child, but it's a lot to do on your own if your husband is more interested in his own selfish pursuits. Let's start with the practicalities of nine months of zero consideration for you. Then, when the child is born, no warmth, regard, affection.

My friend Quintus had parents who were so rigid, you would have thought they'd been made of marble. It's made him into a man so desperate for love, affection, that he chooses the wrong women every time. Women who are actually incapable of giving it. I don't think you're that type of woman, but it will be hard to have to do everything on your own.

Well, I would have servants to help.

But not the, er, emotional support of someone who is, um, thrilled to be sharing something so special, so, ah, sacred with you, he replied, repeating his friend Marcus's words about what it had felt like when he'd first discovered Julia was pregnant and he was going to be a father.

Florentina couldn't believe what she was hearing. Sharing... Sacred... Paulinus had told her to just pop out the sprogs to make his mother happy, and get on with things without a fuss. Even worse, when she'd pointed out that lessons at the brothel might include her falling pregnant, he had said not to worry. That they could always sell it as a slave. Particularly if it was a boy. He certainly wasn't going to have another man's bastard as his heir.

She said as much to Lucian now.

He visibly winced. "Well, there are ways to try to prevent a baby, some harmless, some not so harmless. But again, I'm shocked that he would know you're mainly doing this so you can save your marriage and have a child of your own, and yet he would say that to you.

The child may mean nothing to him, but it would clearly mean everything to you. You can't carry it within you for all those months and not be, well, moved by it, he said, remembering Julia's face the times he had seen her absentmindedly touching her rounding belly.

Oh gods, I really am so ignorant, she said with a sigh.

A common state amongst patrician females, sadly, Lucian said with a shake of his head. Don't tell them the truth, or what they need to know, or they would run the other way from the cage they're supposed to be crammed into. From the cage of daughterly duty, to the one of wifely duty. With perhaps a couple of little chicks in the nest as the only possible compensation.

She nodded. That's it, that's it exactly. From one cage to another. I wish I could do something in my life without being accountable to someone else. What I spend money on, not that I spend a lot, but I do love books. How I wear my hair. It's like I've exchanged one, well, person running my life for another, but a worse one because he acts as if he despises me. And expects me to do THAT, she added in a low whisper.

Gods, she was gorgeous. If he had the chance to do THAT with her, he would worship her from head to toe, not treat her like... an old boot.

He nodded sympathetically. "Yes, I see. But as I said, some people find it wonderful. If they're in love, then it's a physical expression of that love, that closeness. I mean, we don't just go around doing it with everyone as we would a hand clasp, now would we?

Which shows it's supposed to be special, and not paid for. The pleasure can be immense with the right person. Someone who wants to share. With a prostitute, the bargain is all one way, with no sharing.

As the silence lengthened, she knew she had to say something. She folded her hands quietly in her lap and said, So tell me more about this pleasure.

He's sent you here to learn how to be a whore, but he has no clue how to make you happy. It's rather hypocritical, if I may say so. A woman's pleasure is different for a man's for a start, so if you as a man don't take that into account, and, er, train yourself for it, you're going to lose right from the outset for sure.

Her brows raised in surprise. How, different?

Men can, er, climax and finish pretty much any time unless they focus and concentrate on holding back. They would only hold back if they cared about the woman's pleasure. Women, on the other hand, take a good while to, um, getting going to the point where they might climax, or come, to use the common expression.

I see. But she didn't really, she was so shocked. Was Lucian joking, making fun of her, or actually telling her the truth?

Some women are more responsive than others. And some can have multiple climaxes if you um, stimulate them long enough. There's a lot of pleasure to be had in one night, or a day, even, hours of it, if you're willing to be patient and concentrate on the lovemaking as something special. Sadly, men like Paulinus seem to think it's the equivalent of taking a piss, I'm sorry to say, only in this case it's semen to be spewed into a convenient hole.

Lucian could see her wide eyes gazing at him with something like glazed-over horror. Anyway, I hope this has helped you feel less ignorant about the subject. I'm sorry if you think me rude. I'm an old army man. We tell it like it is.

Lucian couldn't believe he was sitting in a brothel giving marital advice to one of the most gorgeous women he'd ever seen. But it wasn't her fault she was married to a selfish twit.

Lucian's words echoed in her head. Night. Day? HOURS? People really do it for hours? she asked in a tiny whisper.

He nodded. It's perfectly possible as long as you make sure no one gets tired or sore. But of course, sore doesn't have to be an issue if you do other things to keep up the pleasure.

Her blank stare of incomprehension told him he was going to have to explain. For example, caressing, stroking, massaging. And then of course, there is oral sex. Me kissing you down there, you kissing me down there.

She stood up stiffly. Now I KNOW you're mocking me!

He put his hands up in protest. "No, I swear. If you love someone, you want to kiss them all over. And I hate to say it, but for men in Rome, it's what they want most from a woman. I've worked in this brothel long enough to hear how many of them want to get sucked off while they lay there and literally do nothing.

It's nice for the man of course. The trouble is, there's nothing for the woman apart from making the man happy. But most women are only going to want to engage in all of the sexual activities available if THEY are happy. Otherwise, they, um, shut down. Don't want to be touched, or poked. And who can blame them?

My husband, apparently, she said, sitting back down in her seat with a thud.

"Yes, and I'm sorry for it. And just so you know, it takes a while for a man to be at the ready again after they've come. So if you orally pleasure them, they're going to be pretty useless to you for some time until they, um, revive.

So unless they're willing to do the other things I just mentioned, and don't just fall asleep after they come, like many men do, you're going to be left high and dry. Go off the boil, as it were, even assuming you were on it to begin with.

The boil? she repeated blankly.

Er, feeling desire. Being eager for sex because of all the pleasures it brings. Feeling hot is what my friends and I would call it.

I see. So men talk about these things?

He grinned. I'm sure women do too, even on the Palatine, but it's not going to be brought up in the middle of most social visits. Could you imagine having this conversation with your mother-in-law?

No chance. Florentina laughed until her sides were sore at the very thought. Really, he was so fascinating.... A little wicked too, she added with an inward smile. She was beginning to think lessons from him would be as fun and pleasurable as he had been talking about.

Lucian gazed at her as she