Fortune Favors

Chapter 12

Nico lay on his back, looking at the ceiling of his new house and listening to the sound of the rain, and wondered if the house was indeed cursed. Whatever malevolent spirits were left had a sense of humor, because Nico was in bed with the most beautiful young man he had ever seen but touching that man might destroy the trade deal he had come to Rome to negotiate.

Moreover, having been to the baths with Sam, Nico now suspected why the superstitious Hadius family would have kept the son of a barbarian in the house, and it wasn't just out of kindness. Sam was heavily favored by fortune, having a large, impressive cock, the kind of cock that the Romans believed brought good luck to a household. It was no wonder the Hadiuses had welcomed him into their household so fully.

Now, that luck was in Nico's house. Maybe the deal would go his way now that Sam was blessing his house and not the Hadiuses. Nico certainly hoped so.

Nico loved his family, and his recent behavior had caused him to fall from grace in their eyes. He was not ashamed of what he had done or what he had felt for the young slave he had freed, but he didn't want to lose his family's love over it. So, he wanted to do well in these negotiations and show he was as shrewd a trader as his father and grandfather. For that, he would have to be aggressive in matters of business. He had to show them he wasn't a weak-willed fool.

Perhaps if he found a more socially appropriate lover, that would help as well. Of course, socially appropriate meant a concubine who did not chafe against the role and wouldn't complain when Nico took a wife. It certainly didn't mean a social equal from another prominent family.

Nico looked over at Sam, who was on his stomach clutching at a pillow and sleeping soundly, as though he had no cares at all. Ever since they had gone to the baths, Nico had sought some sign that Sam would be agreeable to his advances, but Sam was merely friendly and courteous. On the other hand, Sam's beauty and something in his manner gave Nico hope. He preferred his lovers to want to be with him, and so he had learned the signs that a young man might prefer the company of other young men in his bed. Sam had a few of them, but he also had a wife and appeared to buy into Augustus's peculiar campaign to make Rome more chaste.

It was a puzzle and one that was made more frustrating by the fact that Nico's body was tormented by the proximity of Sam's body. He knew there must be places where he could find relief, and he knew they wouldn't be that far away. Sam could probably help him find them, but Nico's heart had been struck by an arrow when he saw Sam. He had no inclination to rise from his bed, as long as Sam was in it, even if it was a kind of torture.

There was a loud thunderclap, and Sam stirred and turned toward Nico. To Nico's surprise, Sam cuddled up against him and went back to sleep. Nico put his arm around Sam, and he cursed the gods for giving him this temptation. Then, he smiled to himself and thanked them. He kissed the top of Sam's head and then attempted to sleep himself.

The attempt failed, but after some time Sam awoke and smiled at him. "I'm used to being in bed with my wife, I hope you don't mind."

Nico looked Sam in the eyes. "I'm happy to be a substitute," he said suggestively.

Sam looked at him, then he looked away. The light was too low to determine if Sam was blushing, but Nico had a sense that he was.

"I didn't mean...never mind," said Nico who moved to disentangle himself from Sam.

To Nico's shock, Sam resisted and pulled him gently closer. Nico became achingly aware of their bare skin touching and shifted a bit hoping Sam wouldn't notice how hard his cock was.

Sam said nothing, and he didn't move to do anything either. It was a most peculiar turn of events, and Nico had no idea how to respond. So, he didn't respond at all as Sam fell back to sleep.