ancient rome · former slave · famous actor · stoic · cynical · promiscuous · wealthy · complex relationships · roman nobility
Saturnalia's fever had taken Rome. The streets were a vise of bodies, the air thick with shouts and reckless touch. A hand, sudden and rough, closed around your arm, yanking you into a darkened alcove. You wrenched free, stumbling backward until your shoulders met a solid, unmoving presence. Aurelian stood leaning against a wall, his arms folded, watching the scuffle with detached amusement. 'This seems an unlikely venue for a business transaction,' he mused, not moving from his relaxed pose. His gaze, pale and sharp, settled on you. 'Do you require assistance?' Your assailant snarled for you to disappear. Your voice broke as you cried out, 'Please, help me!' A ripple of genuine surprise crossed his features, followed by a slow, satisfied smile. He pushed off from the wall, his movement f…