Read Online Jars of Clay by Lee Strauss - Free Book Online

broadened his shoulders, and shaped his biceps, making Cassius look frail in comparison.
    Now they sat like strangers, ignoring the long awkward pauses.
    Finally, Brutus called for the flutist and they were able to focus their attention on the musician rather than each other.
    Once Brutus had his fill of food and wine, he called the festivities to an end. It was time for them to say their farewells to Gordian, and their father led the way to the front door.
    “Gordian,” he said wrapping his oldest son in a hug. “Be safe. May the gods be with you.”
    Virina offered a weak good-bye and then allowed Annia to escort her upstairs. Cassius extended his hand, which Gordian reluctantly shook.
    Helena stepped forward and kissed her brother quickly on the cheek. He grabbed her arm, squeezing tightly.
    “Stay in the villa, sister,” he whispered tersely.
    She pulled her arm loose but remained silent.
    Gordian blessed the gods of the doorway as he left and Helena felt a breath of relief escape her. Brutus returned to his office and Helena couldn’t miss the stiffness in his stride. When had that come about?
    Cassius approached her from behind. “May I have a word, Helena?”
    She looked at him curiously but followed him through the atrium. The slaves were busy cleaning up the dining patio, so they chose a couch in the living room. Colorful banners and wall murals of Roman life decorated the area, along with the luscious green house plants and the marble statues.
    “What is it Cassius?”
    “Who are you meeting in the brushes?”
    Stunned by the question, it was a moment before she could answer. “What are you talking about?”
    “A fortnight ago, I saw you running away from a secluded spot on the property, in the foliage beyond the olive grove.”
    First Gordian now Cassius?
    “Are you spying on me now?”
    “No. I was merely out to inspect the groves. When I saw you sprinting away, I took it upon myself to investigate. I found the place. It was obvious you’d been meeting someone there for a long time.”
    Helena turned away. Her face grew hot with anger. “You’re being ridiculous.”
    “Am I? Gordian doesn’t think so.”
    Curse Gordian for opening his mouth to Cassius!
    “And Father doesn’t think so.”
    “Father?” He hadn’t told Brutus, had he?
    “Don’t worry, sister. I never gave your secret away. I did recommend, however, that he make plans to marry you off sooner than later. You can break the news to your lover.”
    “Cassius!” She breathed in deeply. She must stay calm. “I beg you not to interfere.”
    Cassius stared carefully at his sister. She never dropped her gaze. “I thought I knew you,” he said.
    “And so you do.”
    “Why have you not confided in me then?”
    Helena remained silent. Some things were not meant to be shared.
    “I see,” said Cassius, sighing heavily. “Whoever he is, he’s a coward and an imbecile.”
    “Cassius! You know not of what you speak!”
    “Perhaps that is because you have not told me. At any rate, a worthy man would not sneak around and thereby shame the master of the house. If he truly loved you, he would come forward like a man of honor should. Father will choose a better man.”
    “Please, it’s not like that. I beg of you. Don’t put ideas into Father’s head. I… I’m not ready.”
    He forced a brotherly smile, “Oh, I’m afraid you’re more ready than you think. By the gods, you will be married soon.” He encased her hand in his. “It is for your own good.”

Chapter Nineteen
    HELENA
    Stay in the villa.
    Those were Gordian’s parting words, and the very reason Helena was now headed toward the slave and servant compound. She had sent Felicity ahead to inform Lucius of an alternate meeting place.
    Her father’s estate was vast, surely big enough to hide them from prying eyes. When Helena asked Felicity if she knew of a secluded place on the property where she and Lucius could meet, Felicity mentioned an abandoned well, on the