The year is 2029, and Marco has been working on a time travel machine. His friend Derek suggests they try it out, but even as he programs the machine for ancient Rome, he doesn't think it'll work.<br><br>The next thing he knows, he’s picked up by a slave trader and taken to a marketplace in ancient Rome. Potential buyers poke and prod him, examining the merchandise from every angle, yet bidding is slow. After the auctioneer, who is keen for a sale, announces that Derek is a virgin, hands shoot into the air. All Derek can do is watch and pray whoever buys him is kind and halfway good-looking.<br><br>His prayers are soon answered, though he is informed on the way back to his new master’s villa that he is to be put to work that very night. Far from home and alone in a strange, ancient world, he does the best he can. Neither he nor his friends had talked about getting him home to 2029 again.

When in Rome

The man who stepped forward with a small purse of silver coins was six-foot and broad shouldered. His hair was jet black and glistened in the sunlight. His smile was confident as he navigated his way through the throng of men still discussing the fair-skinned boy from the west. As the winning bidder handed the auctioneer the leather purse, Derek watched the man’s bicep swell beneath his olive skin. He noticed the muscular, moderately haired forearm and the large gold bracelet he wore that accentuated his bronzed skin. 


“Come with me,” said the man, gesturing with a sweep of his hand for Derek to step down from the podium.


The auctioneer cut the rope binding Derek’s ankle and he stepped onto the powdery dirt of the market place. 


“My name is Gaius. I will be a fair master if you’re obedient. I’m having a small gathering tonight. Very informal. And the perfect opportunity for you to prove your worth.”


Chapter 2