'Virgins like her are hard to come by,' Jovina replied sarcastically. 'Noble customers pay well for the first time with such a beauty.'
Gemellus was purple with rage.
'Come back in a few weeks and the price will only be three or four thousand.' Jovina's lips twitched. 'Per hour, of course.'
'Old whore!' the merchant yelled, bunching his fists.
'Benignus!'
An enormous slave with thick gold bands round both wrists emerged from a side room. Gemellus took in the bulging muscles and metal-studded club.
'This gentleman is leaving.' Jovina pointed. 'Escort him to the door.'
Benignus towered over Gemellus. There was no doubt who was in authority here.
He paused, even now reluctant to obey a slave.
'Master.' The hulk had taken Gemellus' right arm in a grip of iron and he felt himself being propelled towards the entrance. A powerful shove landed the merchant in the dirt outside, at the feet of two of his waiting slaves. Quickly they helped him up, their faces studiously blank.
Benignus loomed over him like a Greek colossus. 'Next time, Madam will require evidence that you have sufficient funds to enter.'
The passers-by laughed at the carefully worded insult. They'd seen many people ejected from the arched doorway for the same reason.
Gemellus angrily brushed away the dirt and stalked off, his leather purse gripped tightly in one hand. It would keep the moneylenders at bay for a while.
Jovina knocked just once as she opened the door, startling Fabiola. The madam took in her reddened eyes at a glance. Many girls like this had entered the brothel. She walked in, still appraising her new purchase.
Fabiola met the look, chin trembling faintly.
'Forget the past, my dear,' Jovina said in a friendly but firm manner. 'Coming here saved you from Gemellus' advances at least. Life here can be good. It's simple. Learn how to work the customers well and satisfy them every time. Many powerful men visit the Lupanar. Senators, magistrates, tribunes. We 've even had consuls in here before.'
Fabiola nodded. It was important she learn quickly and make friends with the old woman.
Jovina paused for a moment. 'Is the fat man your father?'
'Gemellus?' Fabiola stared at the floor. 'No, Madam.'
Jovina did not hesitate. 'One of his other slaves then?'
She shook her head. Velvinna had always been adamant about their parentage. 'A woman knows these things,' she would mutter darkly. 'Mother was raped by a noble one evening as she came back from the Forum Olitorium.'
Jovina was unsurprised. 'And did Gemellus often lie with her?'
'Nearly every night.' Fabiola felt anger deep in her belly. Revenge on Gemellus would give a purpose to life in the brothel. That and trying to rescue her mother and Romulus. Best of all would be to discover the rapist's identity.
If it was possible.
Something to plan, while she pleasured men. Something to dilute the horror of her situation.
'See much of what happened?'
'No, though I did see him naked once when he was excited.' She recoiled at the memory of the merchant's erection.
'You've watched dogs in the street mating?'
'Yes.'
'Heard other slaves talking about sex?'
'Many times.'
'It's much the same as with animals, although you must know more positions.' Jovina quickly described those that most men preferred.
Fabiola struggled to control her surprise at the more outlandish ones. Gemellus knew only one.
'Make lots of noise. The customer must always think you are in ecstasy.'
'Yes, Madam,' she replied quickly.
'The first time a man penetrates you, it will really hurt. Probably be a fair amount of blood too. That's normal. After that, it often feels good.' She cackled. 'There is more for you to learn, but the others will instruct you. Make absolutely sure that you can give oral pleasure.'
Fabiola forced a smile, relieved that the lesson seemed to be over.
'The room is yours to do with as you will.' Jovina grinned, and the wrinkles on her whitened face became more pronounced. 'But no men are allowed back here. The chambers where customers are entertained lie at the front of the building. The doormen, Benignus and Vettius, are always nearby. Scream if you need them.'
'When do I start?'
'Tomorrow. I just paid out eight thousand sestertii so you've got to start earning. But I'll let you settle in today. Find your way about the place.'
Fabiola kept her voice calm. 'What about food?'
'Some more meat on those bones won't hurt business.' Jovina laughed at her own joke and gestured at the slave who had been standing behind, unseen. 'Docilosa will show you round. The clothes room is worth seeing. It's got a better selection than any bazaar in Rome.'
Fabiola's mouth opened.
'And make sure you dress seductively.'
A smile flitted across Docilosa's face.
'Yes, Madam.'
'Good. You will do well.' Jovina turned and was gone, leaving a strong smell of perfume.
Fabiola glanced at Docilosa, who was a similar age to her mother. Short, plain and clad in a simple smock, she had a kind face.
'Can I have something to eat?'