Sacrifice

Space Year 96 Desirous stood in the locker room and unwound the bloodied wraps from his hands. Sweat trickled down his face, making the cut on his cheek sting, but he didn't care. His heart was no longer in his training and the other gladiators knew it. Some seemed to enjoy working him over during practice. It didn't matter to them that he scarcely fought back. His partner was dead--killed in the arena during their last match. Nothing mattered anymore. Not winning. Not earning enough to buy his way off Amazurn. In a way his life was over too. He glanced up and saw his reflection in the glass partition between the changing area and the showers. His long blond hair clung wetly to his muscular neck and broad shoulders. His blue eyes, once gleaming with passion, looked dull. Tall and powerfully built, he had once been a warrior without compare. Now he was nothing more than a gladiator broken in spirit. If he didn't leave the arena, he'd be broken in body as well. Maybe his next fight would end in his death. The door opened and a tall, buxom woman with long black hair and cold blue eyes entered the locker room. Two security guards followed her. Her gaze fixed on Desirous and a smile tugged at her red painted lips. "That's him." She pointed at Desirous and said, "You, come here." He didn't move a muscle, except to curl his upper lip in disgust. Nipplonia. She was rich, powerful and a blood licker--a woman who relished gladiators' suffering in the arena.

His partner was dead because women like her enjoyed seeing men destroy each other. "Stubborn, aren't you?" she purred and walked toward him. Her gaze swept him from head to toe and she circled him with a predatory look in her eyes. "So exquisite. A perfect alpha male specimen, except for those ugly scars. We can fix those with the proper medical attention." "What do you want?" he demanded. "I want you, of course, Desirous. I've heard you'll be retiring from the arena." "Where did you hear that?" "Isn't it true? You've lost your edge, but you're still beautiful. You'll be a lovely addition to my harem." "Never." "Really? I also heard you gave most of your savings to your partner's family, so unless you want to end up as a maid to some rich woman--" "And what do you want me for?" he interrupted. Another evil grin tugged at her lips. "If you're smart and obedient, you'll have more than you ever dreamed of working for me." She placed a hand on his broad chest and caressed the hot, damp flesh. Desirous resisted the urge to flinch. "Good boy," she murmured, her gaze fixed on his well-defined pecs. "I promise you'll be well cared for, Desirous. I'll even send funds to your partner's family. They'll never want for anything as long as you're in my employment. I know he'd want you to look after them now that he's gone. What do you say, my lovely? Would you like to come home with me?" Desirous sighed and closed his eyes for a moment. What more did he have to lose? "All right," he said. "We'll talk." "Good. Clean up and meet me outside."

Less than an hour later, they had struck a bargain. When they arrived at Nipplonia's mansion, they stood in the vast foyer. She ordered him to undress then and there. Desirous did as she asked, his heart colder than the marble floor on which he stood. Once he'd stripped, Nipplonia reached into her velvet purse and tugged out handcuffs. He didn't protest as she snapped them on his wrists. "Come now," she said and reached around to caressed his taut bottom. "I'll show you to your suite. You'll find life in my harem can be heaven or hell. Which one it turns out to be is completely up to you. Do you understand?" "Yes," he said, then added in a strained voice, "My lady." Nipplonia smirked and walked toward the staircase ahead. She paused, glanced over her shoulder and beckoned him with a crook of her finger. Staring blankly ahead, Desirous followed her. End