Roman Brothel

He went to the same brothel and asked for the same consort, again. Her name was Aelia, and her hair was naturally blonde. She did not have to wear the blond wigs the other courtesans were required to wear to show they were prostitutes. She was germanic, captured in a northern campaign and brought back as a slave to Rome. He knew that being attracted to a prostitute was a foolish whim, yet the heart wants what it wants. He thought about her constantly and had no interest in other women. He had evaded the inquiries of close friends and family by visiting alone, at different times, careful not to establish a clear pattern. He made the show of visiting other brothels with his friends to throw off any suspicion.

Yet the madam of the brothel could clearly see an attraction when it was so plainly visible. His consistent choice, the disappointment when she was busy with another client, his waiting for her rather than taking another, and paying for the entire evening alone with her betrayed his secret. The matron approached him as he was paying dropping subtle hints to let him know that she knew. When he confronted her she offered to keep his secret as he was a very good client and Aelia had been a good money maker. She could even be useful to  blunt any inquiries if they could come to an arrangement, which he was prepared to do.