His lip twitched. “Which one made that offer?"
"Aeneas."
"I will have to watch him more carefully then. I would not want him getting hurt when you show you mean no."
"Why do you make no such attempts? The same parents raised you. Weeks your brothers have pushed, but never you."
Orestes slid his hand around her neck, his thumb caressing gently just behind her ear and pulled her nearer his mouth. “When a woman comes to my bed, I do not want her there because I have begged so often she just wants to shut me up."
Kybele closed her eyes, wishing Orestes would just touch his lips to her neck, so close already. “Does it work?"
"The boys beg trying to keep up."
Kybele raised an eyebrow. “You have had that many?"
"They think I have. That is all that matters."
Slowly opening her eyes Orestes still held her close, but only by the hair. They touched in no other way. Maddeningly, so close and yet so far, she spoke quietly. “What do you think?"
"I think you are doing a very good job of living up to the Amazon ideal. Courageous and bold. Never cruel, or cowardly. Brave, daring, fearless combatant."
She opened her mouth and then started shaking her head. “If I was fearless, I never would have been captured. You confuse me with those women, told of in stories, who live without men. I watched my father cut down on one side of me, my brother on the other. In the moment they were gone, I stopped fighting long enough to allow the Romans to overtake me. Too much in shock even to fight back."
"I am sorry for that."
Kybele lowered her eyes far enough to see the scars that marred his chest and arms. “You've survived fighting as well?"
"I have been given the chance to peruse yours. Should I strip so you can see all of mine?"
"Don't tempt me."
His grin returned. “Too bad. I came to tell you Mother wants to see you."
* * * *
Orestes knew he was being watched as he practiced swords with Melasandros. Years as a soldier kept him alert even there on the mountaintop. Couldn't Melasandros sense someone just out of sight? However, the younger man would not even give Orestes enough of a breather to see who watched them, but he suspected it to be Kybele. Back and forth, they pushed until finally Orestes saw an opening and thrust. The blade stopped an inch from Melasandros’ sternum and the defeated man froze.
"Go wash up. I think I saw your neighbor girl hanging around.” Orestes grinned at his deception as Melasandros ran off without a word. “I suppose you have a suggestion on my technique,” he said to the empty courtyard.
A second later, Kybele peered around the corner. She eyed him cautiously for a second before speaking. “Have you told them all?"
"No, I have said nothing. I'm surprised Melasandros has not noticed. He spent almost as much time as I did in the army. He has never mentioned he noticed anything other than your tight little ass."
Orestes held both swords and in an instant, Kybele took one. The sword fit well in her hand. Kybele held it tightly as memories flooded back. Her breathing shortened and her eyes shut to the visions bombarding her. Father! her mind screamed. The clang of the swords ripped her eyes open. Orestes reacted when she pulled the sword from his hand. Her attack stopped. Instinctive reaction caused the first clash, but now he paused.
The vision of her father disappeared and now a very gorgeous man stared at her. She challenged him with her words, wanting to let off some steam. “Is that why you do not come panting like a bull around a cow in heat like the rest? Are you afraid I might beat you if we fought?"
Orestes grinned. “So let's see what you have."
She rounded him swinging her sword but he caught the attack easily. Setting her jaw in determination, her blows came quickly. Each one Orestes blocked but he moved closer to the wall behind him. She drove him back. Once more, she attacked. He caught her arm as she brought her sword around. Kybele pinned him to the wall, her arm against his throat. Breathing heavily, Kybele suddenly knew he had her just where he wanted her. How could she not when the corner of his mouth curled up almost as if in invitation.
"You held back.” She hissed. “Do not."
"Are we still talking about swords?"
Her eyes narrowed. “You have never looked at me like a lust filled bull. Now you talk of such as we fight. You are a strange one, Orestes."
He pulled his head forward, bringing it closer. His scent filled the hot air. Then he attacked his lips covering hers, no holding back this time. Kybele offered no resistance, soon he pinned her to the wall. Kybele's sword hit the ground only to be replaced as she grabbed another hard length.
Orestes growled in her ear only making her grip him tighter. His tongue explored her lips, cheek, and one ear, then he stopped the sound of footsteps clear on the rocky ground. Stepping back, he picked up the swords and put them away only a moment before Melasandros walked in the courtyard.
"I did not see her anywhere.” Melasandros announced after looking for the girl next door he had gone in search of.
"Must have been confused.” Orestes answered with a wink only Kybele saw.
Why did Orestes make her heart pound? Five brothers all invited her to bed but only one did not make her feel like a slave bid to do a task. Walking past the two brothers, she tried not to let the breath escape too loudly.
* * * *
The sound in his room instantly woke Orestes. When he opened his eyes, the moon was so full there was enough light to see Kybele's chiton fall to the floor. Even having seen her naked once before the fact she was naked in his room amazed him even more. Before he could say a word, she lifted the covers and moved over him. On all fours, she rubbed against his quickly rising cock. She was so wet there was no resistance as she slid onto him. Shuddering so hard as his length filled her, she felt almost like she'd already come.
"Don't hold back this time,” she whispered.
"So all Amazon women sneak in to men's rooms and take what they want?"
"Only when the lack of it is driving us crazy. You could have stopped me."
"If it had been up to me, I would have gotten you here the day I bought you. I have been waiting for you to show up. You think I'm going to stop you?"
Kybele lifted her body enough to look into his eyes. “What made you so sure I would choose you?"
There was no denying the glint in Orestes eyes as he caressed the bottom of her breasts. The sigh she let out spoke far more than she did. Then he found her nipples. His grin grew at the strangled moan escaping her lips and he rolled, pressing her to the bed. Orestes slowly moved his hips as he got to know the body that had been given to him. Each muscle and rib was traced with gentle fingertips showing special attention to the scars he found.
"The strongest Spartan soldier gets the most beautiful woman so their children will be the strongest, fairest, around.” His grin filled his face. “It was inevitable you would make this choice."
"What an ass."
As his hands moved lower, he brushed against her stomach and Kybele started giggling at the sensation. “I never would have guessed that."
Her hands found his sides, but he did not give a twitch. “Are you not ticklish?"
"I will not I promise. Most undignified for an Amazon. Now why, when you came to me, do you keep distracting me?” Kybele let out a sigh as Orestes started to slide in and out once more. “Now that noise I think I will just have to make you repeat.” Orestes slid out.
"No, please.” Kybele groaned.
"Please what?” Orestes asked as his tongue found a nipple. The groan cut off any answer she might have had, she heard him speak lowly. “I want to taste you."
Her other breast was not neglected as he squeezed the nipple gently. The smell of her want grew stronger.
"Ilias said he is older now than you were your first time.” Kybele whispered.
"I was already off to the army though. Thought it would make me more of a man, messed it up endlessly of course. The wom
an at the bathhouse felt so sorry for me, she did not even charge me. Ilias thinks of nothing but the age.” Kybele started to laugh. “I have improved since then.” His voice seemed muffled, she forced her eyes open.
The flats of his thumbs still teased her nipples but his mouth settled on her stomach covering every inch. She had no words as he pulled his hands along her torso. He inhaled deeply of the scent he found between her legs. Orestes did not have to search for the wetness he could smell. It dripped from her. Kybele bit off a cry as his finger ran over her mound.
Kybele was beyond answering though. Without breaking his rhythm, Orestes moved along side her. The moment she saw that he was there she took hold of his mouth. Tongues fenced as if they were swords swirling around each other until she was out of breath. Orestes still nipped at her bottom lip when she spoke.
"I came to seduce you because you are the first man I have ever wanted.” Her kiss was slow this time, just as slow as his fingers were below. Every movement he made she echoed with her tongue until it was Orestes that moaned. He pulled himself away, the finger drifting faintly in the folds but no longer deeply.
"If I ever say anything so thoughtless again, make sure I make it up to you.” He whispered in her ear before he made his way back down the length of her. His fingers spread the folds wide and at first, his tongue touched only lightly. At the whimper from deep in her belly, he demanded entry and she was unable to speak for all the noise she made. Unable to deny her any longer he sought out the nub and pulled it into his mouth. Kybele started bucking almost immediately, gripping his head with her thighs as she rode wave after wave of her climax and still Orestes did not let up. Even after the first one passed, while she laid there, he gently lapped more. Kybele twitched as each new spasm overtook her, only when those subsided did he remove himself.
"I think I could get used to any comment you made if that was the repayment but next time take longer."
"You said not to hold back. Just following orders. Orestes grinned into her thigh. “Are you asking for more repayment right now?"
"No, I have a lot to pay off. I'll be around awhile."
Crawling back up, Orestes stopped just at her opening as he kissed her. “Do you still want slow? Or could I get you to change your mind?"
Kybele lay there lazily while Orestes ran a finger along her bottom lip. How she could have ever doubted how he felt. There was no denying it in his eyes as he gazed down at her. “If it would feel like that again, I will give up slow."
"Well, I will not get cocky and promise but I will try my damnedest."
"Then move your cock and show me what you can do.” Kybele thrust her hips under him and even knowing she slid on to him with ease earlier, he pushed in only a bit at first enjoying the feel of just how wet she was. Each thrust he moved in a little more, each thrust he felt a little more of himself get lost in her. When he hit her womb, Kybele grimaced but then she grabbed hold of his ass and pulled him closer. That was the end of his being gentle. Orestes picked up speed and, Kybele's fingernails scraped hard down his back. Orestes heard her panting, already moaning his name, and it only drove him harder.
As hard as he thrust, he managed to hold himself until he felt her tightening around him. Only then did he think of his own climax and flooded her with his seed. Orestes grunted but he knew he would be drowned out by her cries echoing off the stone walls. He lay over her lightly supported on his elbows as he got his breath back. His forehead rested on hers. Kybele knew why she fell for Orestes and not one of his brothers. They may have all been gorgeous, all well built from work and sun, all with that dark hair and eyes. Of the five, Orestes was the one with a head to guess her past and a heart not to do the wrong thing every time.
* * * *
Kybele's eyes flew open at a deep tug of desire deep in her belly. Orestes grinned even as he suckled a nipple. A moan ripped through her hard as he pulled it even further in his mouth and bit lightly. Then he stopped abruptly.
"You should get back to your own room. If you do not want to have me fighting my brothers over you, we should probably keep this quiet."
"You think I am just going to be able to go back to my room after you did that to me? Besides, we both know no one in this family but you gets up till late.” Her hand shot under his chiton and grabbed hold of the very thick, very hard cock she found. “I do not think you want me to leave even if you say the words."
"I do not remember saying it had to be immediately."
A pounding on the door made them both spin in its direction. “Orestes, Kybele's not answering her door. I could use her help. Do you know where she is?” Sofi called.
"I sent her up to the north field to check on the grapes. I was just headed to go help her.” He leaned near her ear. “I will meet you at the mountain top and we can finish what we started. I will make sure she does not see you leave.” Orestes headed for the door giving Kybele a view of his back.
"Orestes, pull the top of your chiton up.” She hissed before his hand reached the latch.
"Why?"
She held up her hand. “I seem to have left my mark."
Orestes looked over his shoulder with a grin. “So you have.” Flipping up the ends, Orestes tied them over his shoulders hiding the marks of her passion. “Cover your head, you in my bed is just as telling as those.” Kybele barely covered herself before he ripped the door open.
"For Olympus sake, Orestes, we have got to find you boys some women! What will anyone think if they saw you going around like that when they arrived?” Sofi chided.
"Maybe if you had a husband, you would not be noticing your brothers,” Orestes said shutting the door behind him as Sofi's gasp filled the air.
Kybele bit her hand to stifle a laugh.
Part Two
Kybele had been there for just over a year. Several men came to the house while the men were down the coast selling that year's wine production. Walking back from the fields Kybele saw them harassing young Marina. For a moment, Kybele froze not sure what to do. It had been a long time since she
'd to deal with such things. The house on the mountain kept the world at bay, for the most part. Then Marina screamed and it broke Kybele's silence and her misgivings about what action to take.
"Marina, go inside now.” She called loudly as she came up behind them. The men let go of Marina, and turned to see who spoke. Kybele watched Marina slip away and make it to the house easily. She was not far.
"So, what is it I can do for you?” Kybele asked the men..
"Look what we have here, men. One that knows how to play. Slaves are always fun,” one replied and chaos erupted.
Helene and Sofi reached the door to see what was going on, Marina on their heels. When they looked out, it was all over.
* * * *
Helene came down to meet her sons even before they'd finished putting the horses in the stable. Busily unloading the supplies purchased with the proceeds of the sale of the wine.
"Orestes, could you come talk to Kybele? She has been in her room for the last week and will not talk to anyone. She has not even eaten. You are the one she trusts most."
"Lucky man.” Aeneas replied nudging him in the ribs.
Orestes thought of Kybele's behavior, not his brothers. “What happened? She would not do this unless something was wrong."
Her mother hung her head down. “A week ago some men came to the house. I do not know what they would have done to Marina if Kybele had not been here. She gave Marina the chance to escape to the safety of the house."
"Are you praising her for sacrificing herself to rape for Marina's sake?” Orestes demanded.
"No, No, they did nothing to Kybele, Son.” A long pause followed. “She killed all three of those men.” She paused again, “with their own weapons."
Orestes watched his four brothers stare at their mother with their mouths hanging open.
"Go, Brother, we will finish up here.” Melasandros finally announced.
* * * *
W
hen Orestes knocked on the door, there was no answer and none a second time either. He pushed the door open slowly to find Kybele sitting on the windowsill, blankly staring out the window. She wore a long chiton of finely woven linen in the Spartan style that hung open on the sides. It hung unbound since she had not finished dressing, her hair hung past her waist in soft curls. Sometime anyway, she planned on going to dinner.
"Kybele?” She did not even acknowledge he was there. When Orestes walked over to her, she did not even look up until he laid a hand on her arm.
"I told myself I would never kill again, not after Thessius,” she whispered.
"You were at the battle of Thessius?” He remembered hearing the news of the battle, slaughter on both sides. The Phrygians fought to keep the Romans out of their lands. Even as far out as they lived, the news reached them quickly.
"It was when I was taken prisoner. My family was killed, my friends dead. I saw the killing, the slaughter, I caused it myself to save my life. I have no regrets since it saved Marina and most likely all of us, but it still hurts, too many have died.” She sat silently for a moment and then the tears began to fall down her cheeks. “I was carrying your child. I did not even know until the bleeding started. They struck me in the stomach. I would have loved to be the mother of your child. I am falling in love with you.” Resting a hand on her cheek, Kybele leaned into his touch and asked, “I admit love and it does not bother you."
When he could hold her face in his hands, only then did he speak. “Fall as hard as you want. I will catch you.” Orestes sat next to her, leaning back against the wall, rested her head to his chest. It hid his tears at the loss of the child.
"New business came up. I have to sail next week. I am not going to leave you here alone, not after this. Have you ever been to Tyre?"
"Does this make me your mistress? I have not forgotten about my debt."
"Forget your damn debt. You are the one that continues bringing that debt up. You are free. I would have told them of us long before, if you would allow it.” To Kybele, she would owe them a debt until the day the last Drachma was paid, many years hence. Kybele pulled away from him but could not speak. The look on her face worried him. “You are well after losing the child? Do we need to send for the physician?"
Romp Fantasy Digest Page 14
