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fool to change her.” He was breathing quickly, his eyes slightly unfocused. Olivia recognized the signs and steeled herself for another onslaught. “That Gallic soldier,” Justus whispered. “You wanted him. You helped him mount you."
    This accusation was not new, and it was with weariness that Olivia reminded him, “You told me to help him, Justus. You thought that he might not want a woman. You said I should urge him.” She was not horrified at this memory now, with almost a year of other, increasingly degrading nights.
    "You remember him.” Justus moved closer to her, leaning over her as he grabbed for her arms.
    "I remember all of it, Justus,” she said, her shadowed eyes bright with loathing.
    He pushed her back against the pillows. “Thinking of vengeance, Olivia?” He tugged his robe open. “Don't forget you father and brothers. And your sisters. So long as you please me, they are safe.” Brutally he forced her knees open.
    Outrage rose afresh in Olivia's heart, and though she knew it would anger her husband even more, she struggled against him, striking out with her tightened fists and twisting as his weight came down on her.
    When he had finished, he did not at once move away from her. “Do you want me to bring the Tingitanian in from the stables again?"
    Of everything she had endured, the Tingitanian had been the worst. The thought of that relentless, cruel body that smelled of rancid oil, dung, and something more, something gaggingly sweet, almost made Olivia choke.
    "Reluctant, wife?” Justus asked as he got off her. “A stable slave is not to your taste? If I sent you to the lupanar, you'd have doings with worse than stable slaves.” He read the revulsion in her face, though she tried to mask it. “It could come to that. Unless you can find someone who will do as I require. Think of that while you make your selection.” He was tightening his robe once more. “I wonder how you would look in a yellow wig?” he added wickedly.
    "Only whores wear them,” she objected. “I am a wife, not a whore.” Her anger increased, shutting out her fear. “You have used me intolerably, Justus. If you did not hold such power over my family, I would denounce you in court, and obtain maintenance and a divorce. You may coerce me and threaten me, but I am still your wife, and I will not be made a harlot to the world. Bring any filth you want into this house, but I tell you now, that if you force me to submit anywhere but here, I will kill myself, and I will say why I kill myself.” She spoke softly, so as not to disturb the secutor, but there was an earnestness in her words that made them a vow.
    "I'm sure your father will applaud such heroism from his prison. If he ever learns about it.” Justus was on his feet, looming over Olivia once more. “I'll have Sibinus remove the secutor,” he said in a different voice. “What a brute he is."
    "You'll allow that?” Olivia said, almost laughing in disbelief.
    "Certainly. I'm growing tired of such men. You must find another sort of lover.” He folded his thick arms over his chest. “I want to see you overcome, not beaten."
    Olivia had taken one of the pillows and held it now close to her body, finding comfort in having it between her and her husband. “I will keep your wishes in mind, my husband.” There was just enough sarcasm in her tone to make Justus turn to her one last time.
    "See that you do, Olivia. I admit that it amuses me to have you defy me, provided that you do not make the mistake of thinking that it will give you any power whatever.” He touched the fine linen hanging that could be pulled around the bed. “What becomes of your family is entirely in your hands. It would be most unwise of you to have me for your enemy."
    "You are already,” she responded hotly.
    "You think so? How innocent you are.” Justus chuckled. “One day you will see how I deal with my enemies, and then you will understand how fortunate you are.” He bent down and