They have reached the turning to their own street. Back at the house, Amara knows Victoria is waiting for her. Egnatius has recommended them to another client, and she and Victoria are due to visit the client’s steward to discuss the terms and confirm the booking. It will be impossible to talk to Philos in private.

“You promise you would call for me if he threatened you?”

Amara looks at Philos who she knows would willingly die at Felix’s hand if she asked him to protect her. She will never allow that to happen. “I promise.”

23

“If anyone wishes to have a slave—male or female—punished privately, he who wishes to have the punishment inflicted shall do as follows. If he wants to put the slave on the cross or fork, the contractor must supply the posts, chains, ropes for floggers and the floggers themselves.”

—Inscription at Puteoli, Roman city near Pompeii

Egnatius’s private room seems seedier in daylight. Even the lavish paintings of Hercules look grubby, smuts from the constantly burning oil lamps dimming the hero’s exploits. Amara reclines beside Egnatius on the couch, breathing in his familiar scent of acacia oil. There is a slim, but deliberate gap between their bodies, though his proximity still makes her sweat. Not from fear of her long-term client, who she is well aware has no sexual interest in her, but rather from imagining how her patron might react if he saw her like this. So far, Rufus has asked very few questions about her business dealings, perhaps preferring to believe her claim that she has an artistic interest in the music, rather than face her insatiable need to make money.

On the opposite couch, Victoria is sprawled against their newest client, Castrensis. He is a small, wiry man who looks like he has drawn on his thin beard with one of the kohl pencils Amara uses for her eyes. His hand is currently lurking somewhere up Victoria’s thigh, hidden by the folds of her tunic. Victoria gives a theatrical sigh, as if she finds the man’s attentions irresistible.

“I take it you will make the booking,” Amara says. “Given your enthusiasm for handling the goods.”

She can hear a huff of amusement from Egnatius behind her. He rests his fingers lightly on her upper arm. “Castrensis knows your girls come with the highest possible recommendation, my darling,” Egnatius says. “I’ve never disappointed him in the past.”

“I should hope not at this price,” Castrensis says.

Amara glowers, but Victoria leans back even harder against him. “I’ve a feeling you’re more interested than you seem,” she says. Victoria exchanges a glance with Amara who takes the hint and rises. They have rehearsed this routine many times.

“If you are not buying, we are leaving.” Amara motions Victoria to join her. Castrensis grips Victoria more tightly, face flushed.