All My Desires

All My Desires
By Misha

Disclaimer- Not mine.
Author’s Notes- Another Portia and Antony fic. I am obsessed with this pairing. This will probably end up not being canon compliant, but it popped into my head and I couldn’t resist. I love the dynamic between these two and I couldn’t resist writing out this exchange. This is set at some point in the future and implies an established sexual relationship.
Pairing- Marc Antony/MC
Rating- PG-13
Summary- Marc Antony makes Portia a tempting offer, one that could bring her closer to her goal and put her further in his debt.
Words- 1079

I ducked into the shadows, taking a moment for myself, from the party I was working. My attention had been distracted all evening by the presence of Tribune Rufus, though I was careful to keep my distance, my eyes kept straying to him, which is why I was taking this moment. To gather my thoughts and focus on keeping the cool, disinterested facade.

“What is it about the Tribune that interests you so?”

I tried to startle at the sound of Antony’s voice in my ear, his breath warm against my neck, his arms circling my waist.

“You are not my patron tonight,” I reminded him, avoiding his question.

“When has that ever stopped either of us?” Antony questioned, but he took a step back. He raised an eyebrow. “You never answered my question, what is it about Tribune Rufus that keeps drawing your attention? Your eyes have lingered on him several times tonight.”

My surprise must have shown on my face because Antony laughed. “When a woman piques a man’s interest, he is always aware of where her attention lies,” he told me, his hand brushing my face. “Particularly when it is not on him.”
“Have my eyes not lingered on you enough?” I asked coyly, placing my hand on his bicep.

“It could never be enough,” Antony told me, “I am a selfish man, Portia, I want all of your attention. However, again, I believe you are avoiding my question.” His eyes scanned the room. “So what is is about Tribune Rufus that captures your attention? I doubt it is his looks and I’ve spent enough time in his company to be certain it is not his personality, so it has to be something else…” His eyes narrowed and then a small smile played on his lips. “Something to do with Gaul perhaps? He was under Aquila’s command there, was he not?”

“He was,” I admitted tersely. “It is a hard thing to forget.”

“I suspect it is,” Antony agreed, “especially when you desire revenge.” He said it so casually and I startled, my eyes shooting up to look at him. He laughed. “You play your role well, Portia, but there is a part that you can’t hide, at least from me.”

I stayed silent, knowing that neither lies or truth would help me. Antony had warned me once not to play games with him and it was a threat I took seriously, but I had learned not to give away more information than necessary.

“I can help you, you know,” Antony told me, leaning in closer, his voice low enough so only I could hear, “I can give you what you want.”

“Is that so?” I asked, “and what price would you demand?”

Antony smirked, his eyes scanning my body before returning to my face. “Not your body, if that is what you are thinking,” he told me, “I want that to be freely given. What happens between us in my bed is between us,” he reminded me, a rough note to his voice, “it is separate from everything else.”

His words sent a heat through me, along with the memory of his body against mine. “Then what price are you asking?” I questioned, trying to gain control of myself.

“The same thing you give Cassius,” Antony answered, “information. I know Cassius has you using your charm and pretty face to catch the others off-guard, to hear things not meant for your ears, which you then pass along to him. I want that information.”

“If, as you say, I am passing information on to Cassius, why would I give it to you?” I countered, not confirming it, or denying it.

“Because I can give you what you want and he can’t,” Antony reminded me.

“Tribune Rufus is loyal to Caesar,” I reminded him, confused as to what he was offering and why.

“He is,” Antony agreed, “and to Aquila.” There was distaste there. He shrugged carelessly, a gesture at odds with the dangerous smile playing on his face. “Just because someone’s loyalty aligns with yours, it does not mean you are allies.” His eyes met mine, his hand reaching out for me again. “Just like having conflicting loyalties does not mean you have to be enemies.”

“What are you offering?” I asked, trying not to give anything away. I did not trust Antony. I could not. No matter how much I enjoyed his company or how my body reacted to his touch.

Antony smirked. “Nothing. I am just pointing out I have access to the Tribune and the ability to turn a blind eye and offer protection, if necessary.” Protection that would put me further in his debt.

“Even from Caesar?” I questioned, raising an eyebrow, knowing that Antony would not be offering to go against his mentor. Antony’s loyalty to Caesar was unwavering, because Caesar was his path to power.

“I am worth more to Caesar than Tribue Rufus or his father,” Antony declared arrogantly. “You would do well to remember just how valuable I am, especially when considering who’s patronage is more helpful.” His eyes scanned the room, but instead of searching for Tribune Rufus, they landed on Cassius, silently emphasizing his point.

“I will keep that in mind,” I said lightly and I would. I knew what he was offering. He’d never tell me to kill Rufus, or even help me do it, but he could offer me access and protection… He was promising me a shot at revenge. Now the question was, did I risk taking it?

Antony nodded and stepped back. “How long does the Senator’s patronage last?” He asked instead. “Is it merely for the evening or…” He trailed off, his expression darkening slightly.

“I am very selective about who’s patronage I allow to extend past an evening,” I reminded him. Of all my patrons, only Cassius and Antony were given those kinds of privileges.

“Then consider your later hours spoken for,” Antony told me, his hand gliding over my back briefly, his touch intimate and possessive. Then he was gone, back to join the conversation. I followed him with my eyes for a moment before doing the same, the memory of his touch lingering, along with the weight of his words.

I had much to think about, including whether I dared accept his offer, but that would have to wait because for now, I had a role to play. I had come to far to get careless now. Not when I was finally so close.

• End