An Echo in the Darkness(40)
But for now, he pretended remorse at causing her to feel vulnerable. He raised his hand. “I’m sorry I said that,” he said with feigned regret, content he had accomplished part of his purpose. “Why do we argue so much, beloved? It comes to nothing. You must grow up, Julia. Accept what you are. You’ve drunk from the same well I have, and you’ve done it so long you can’t go back. I’m the only friend you have left.”
“If you’ll excuse me,” she said with acid sweetness and turned away.
“As you please, my dear. I suppose I’ll save my news for another time,” he said smoothly, laughing silently. “Something I overheard at Fulvius’ feast last night. About Marcus.”
She turned to face him, her eyes narrowing. “What is it this time?”
“Never mind,” he said with a wave of his hand. Let her sweat. Let her stomach twist and turn. Let her hope. “It can wait until another time when you’re more amenable.”
“What foul gossip did you hear this time, Primus?”
“Gossip? Concerning your brother? He’s become rather dull from all accounts. No women. No men.” He laughed in derision, aware he had her full attention. “Poor Marcus. He doesn’t know how to enjoy life anymore, does he? He works, goes to the baths, goes home. Day after day after day. His greatest passion is hating you, and he does that so very well, doesn’t he? Such resolve. Such dedication.”
Julia’s face was stony, giving no hint to the anguish his words caused. She knew all too well Primus enjoyed his petty cruelties. The only way to defend herself was to pretend she felt nothing at all, but her stomach tightened with the effort, and her heart pounded.
She hated him so much a metallic taste filled her mouth. It would give her the greatest pleasure to plunge a knife into his fat belly and hear him scream. She would kill him if it didn’t mean her own death in the process. But then, maybe it would be worth it. After all, what did she have to live for now anyway? Why had she ever been born in the first place?
Her mouth twisted bitterly. “You heard nothing, did you? Nothing of any import. You hate Marcus because he’s twice the man you are or ever could be. He’s admired. He’s respected. And what of you? You’re nothing but an insect that thrives on lies and slander about those better than you.”
His eyes glittered. “Have I not kept all your secrets, Julia, beloved?” he said softly. “How your first husband died because of you, how you murdered your second. And what of your children? Do they yet cry out upon the rocks? How many others did you have torn from your womb before you cast away Atretes’ seed?” He saw her face go even paler and smiled. “I have kept your secrets locked away, haven’t I?” He put his fingers to his lips and puckered, blowing her a kiss.
She was shaking. How had he known these things? No one knew she had poisoned her second husband . . . no one, of course, but Calabah. Calabah, her trusted lover and friend, must have told him.
Primus shifted his bulk on the cushions, moving closer to the laden food tray. “I did hear something of great import that has given me cause to think. The question is, should I share this newfound information with you, oh most ungrateful of women.”
She controlled her fury. He was baiting her again, but she dared not leave, afraid he might really know something. She wanted to order him out of her villa, but knew in doing so she would open herself to his cunningly malicious tongue. He would expose her deeds to everyone. Worse, he would expose the foulness of the disease that feasted on her secret flesh.
“Very well, Primus.” Spew your venom, you miserable snake. Someday, someone will cut the head from the body. “I’m listening. What have you to tell me about my brother?”
“Marcus is leaving Ephesus. That should cheer you, my dear.” His mouth curved as what little color she had left drained from her face. “Think of the advantages. You’ll no longer have to find plausible excuses when others ask you why your highly esteemed, much sought-after brother refuses invitations to any gathering where you might be present.”
She tilted her chin, pretending his words had no effect on her. “So he’s returning to Rome. So what?”
“Rumor has it he’s sailing on one of his own ships. But not to Rome.”
Clenching her hands, she watched Primus select another cow’s teat and devour it with disgusting relish. He sucked the grease from his fingers and reached for another while she waited.
Primus felt her impatience radiating across the room. He relished it almost as much as the feast he was eating. He possessed her full attention, and that’s what he wanted. He could almost hear the heavy beat of her heart tolling in dread. He fingered the rich foods, caressing them, selecting another tidbit.