'Well. Nothing else we can do now,' the magistrate sighed, swinging his athletic torso into a sitting position so he could reach a tripod table and pour us wine. 'May as well enjoy ourselves-'
He was not the type I choose for a companion and I wanted to leave, but writing reports gives me a strong urge to get drunk. Especially at a senator's expense.
I almost suggested we went out to the baths together, but some lucky fluke stopped me. I hooked myself upright, stretched, and hopped over to fetch my wine; once in possession I condescended to sit on his couch to facilitate clinking cups like the cronies we weren't. Aemilius Rufus favoured me with his relaxed, golden smile. I buried myself gratefully in his Falernian, which was immaculate.
He said, 'I'm sorry I never saw much of you when you were tutoring my sister. I have been hoping to put that right-'
Then I felt his right hand fondling my thigh, while he told me what beautiful eyes I had.
I have only one reaction to approaches like that. But before I could crump my fist against his handsome Delphic jawbone he removed his hand. Someone he could not be expecting came into the room.
'Didius Falco, I'm so glad I caught you!' Bright eyes, clear skin, and a swift, light step: Helena Justina, the darling of my heart. 'Rufus, excuse me, I came to see Fausta but I gather she is dining out… Falco, it's much later than I expected, so if you are going back to the villa,' she suggested serenely, 'may I travel under your protection? If that suits your own plans, and is not too much trouble-'
Since the magistrate's wine was the very best Falernian, I drained my cup before I spoke.
'Nothing is too much trouble for a lady,' I replied.