The Defiant Ones

by Anna Keraleigh

  “The sun rises to a new world.” Her voice was weak but audible. She pulled herself up against the wall behind the bed. Cassia still looked like she’d been through the bowels of the underworld. “I am free, that shit dominus is dead, and my queen lies with a Roman.”

  Larina hissed. “He is not a Roman. He was the champion of Rome. A former gladiator who saved my life. He’s a Gaul and our ways have long passed. There are but two Amazons left in this world. Us.”

  “You slept with a fucking Gaul?” Cassia coughed and she pushed hair out of her face with a wince.

  “Stop berating. Let us see you washed and wounds covered.” Larina went to the task of helping Cassia to her feet and bringing her to the pool. Brennus’s clothing still lay scattered about. She felt the blush rise on her cheeks and tried to focus on Cassia. She was covered in bruises, ones that made Larina cringe. Her skin was filthy and by the time the wash was finished the water was near black. She helped her friend upward and eased her back into the bed of her former dominus. “I have asked a favor on your behalf. A friend of Brennus’s will arrive to take you to the shore. A ship waits, one unlike you’ve ever seen. The captain is called Sorcha. She will see you properly attended.”

  Cassia grabbed her arm. “I would see myself by your side.”

  “Your body betrays your words and the fire in your eyes.” Larina settled the thin blanket over her friend. “This fight is mine alone and I would see you to safety rather than at my back.”

  Cassia nodded, her hand loosening and falling to the bed. “The Gods have cursed the Amazons.”

  “They yet take pity on us. We live and shall continue to do so with the memory of those fallen in our hearts.” Larina squeezed Cassia’s hand and the woman quickly fell into a sound sleep. She stood with a kink in her back and stared down. Even so beaten, Cassia was willing to fight by her side. That spoke volumes to her leadership and those she lost.

  “I woke alone.” Brennus’s deep voice broke through her thoughts.

  Larina turned to find her champion standing against the doorframe in his lower leg armor. His chest was bare, the wounds from her nails still raw on his shoulders along with a bite mark. His shoulder-length black hair was a mess and she longed to run her fingers through it. She wished to do many things to this man, most of them naked. “The day started.”

  “I fear it will be a long, troublesome day.” He sighed. “I sent one of the female slaves to get Titus.”

  “She is free?” Larina smacked him on the chest. “Stupid fool, she will tell the Romans of our actions!”

  “I tire of being called fool. She will not. I have seen her properly scared into serving us and give her reward of freedom after the words are spoken.”

  Larina frowned.

  “Now cease words and kiss me.” Brennus grabbed her by the hips and tugged her forward. Their bodies pressed tightly together as his lips found hers. Larina was swept away by the tenacity in his touch. Her tongue battled his until they were both breathless. “I want to spread your warm thighs and sink my cock into bliss.”

  Larina grinned. She wanted it, too.

  “However, matters come to light that prevent such pleasure.” Brennus pulled away. “Titus is here with cart and horses. He will take your Amazon to the shore.”

  Larina fought the tears that welled in her eyes. “This is a favor I will never be able to repay.” She turned to wake up Cassia.

  “You have already paid it, by showing me love.”

  Larina didn’t answer and ignored his gaze as she tended to Cassia. How could she answer? Did she feel the stirring of love? Possibly. Did he truly love her or just the lust between them? Too many questions remained unanswered.

  * * * *

  Once Cassia was on the wagon, Brennus watched as Titus carted them off. He stood beside the wall, his eyes shifting to Larina. Last night had been incredible and it had opened his eyes to his heart. Today, however, would be the test of skill, strength, and true love. “Do you wish to hear the foolish plan?”

  Larina smiled. It made her face light up with a brightness he’d not seen before. “I’ve heard the others, haven’t I?”

  He grinned, her words igniting his hope.

  “Proceed with details.”

  “That is all I have for now. We must see how heavy the fighting will be if we make an attempt.”

  She walked past him, a swing in her hips. “We’ve not come this far to return with empty hands.”

  Brennus wanted to kiss her and lay between the warmth of her thighs for hours. He glanced at the sky. They had several such hours before the lesser games of the arena would pass and then the Champion would fight. He grinned and rushed into the villa, lust his intent. He waited for her to turn the corner before he came behind her. His hands wrapped around her waist and he brought her body to his.

  “We have no time. The arena will begin fights with the sun.”

  “And the Primus with the Champion of Rome will be the last. It will not even start until after the sun has passed overhead.” He kissed her neck. “We have time. I am still determined to make you say you are my woman.”

  Larina snorted. “I am no such thing.”

  Was she truthful or ignoring this intensity between them? He kissed further down her neck, his hands easing up her rib cage to her mounds. He held her breasts, weighing them, rubbing the nipples against his palms. “I would have you now. If I should fall, I want my last memories to be of your wet thighs.”

  Larina turned in his arms.

  Their lips met in a fury of unspoken words and his back hit the wall. She tore at his leg armor until it clattered to the stone floor and his erection was revealed. Just touching her had brought his cock to a stand and her smaller hand touched the head. It made him groan and his hips jerk. “I have yet to place my lips on a man’s cock.” Larina spoke as she kissed his neck. Her contact was delicate to his hardened flesh. “It is forbidden, as an Amazon never kneels at a man’s feet.”

  “It could be done without kneeling…” he suggested, excited by the idea of her pretty lips around him.

  Larina rolled her eyes. “Your foolish plans have proved successful. When we make it back to the ship I shall break long-forgotten Amazon tradition.” She stroked his length. “And my knees shall hit ground while my mouth meets your cock.”

  “Then we will be successful, even if I have to tear down Rome with my bare hands.” He growled, then spun her so she was now against the wall. Her back was to him. He tugged on her armor, making fast work of getting her naked. Once free of clothes he stood back and stared. She was a woman unlike any other. Her body was delicate curves. Her arms held muscles, her back a few scattered scars. His hand cupped her ass cheek and squeezed. “Your scars show you are not an ordinary woman.”

  She looked over her shoulder. “Years of being a warrior have their toll.”

  “One that tells of your skill.” He traced a long scar with his fingers and then kissed Larina’s shoulder. “Your beauty would rival Aphrodite herself.”

  Larina laughed, hearty and loud. “You flatter. I do not wish it so. I rather have your hands upon me.”

  Brennus nodded his head. “Anything for the great queen. I am but a humble slave…” He lowered behind her, kissing the ass cheek that now bore a light print of his hand. He held her globes apart, the skin soft as his lips caressed and dipped into her body. Larina gasped, withering against the wall. His tongue found her rear entrance and he kissed the delicate flesh before easing a finger inside. His body wanted to just surge forward and sink into her heat but he did not want to hurt her. She was too important to give in to his base instincts and thrust wildly until pleasure consumed him.

  When she was pushing against his fingers, moaning, he stood. His mouth found her shoulder and laved a small scar there while his hands moved lower. He pushed her ass cheeks apart and eased his cock toward a warm destination. His head pushed into her ass and Brennus sighed. She was ready for him and yet he hesitated. He wanted to savor the moment. Brenn
us eased forward, his hands moving to hold her hips. His cock was embraced by her opening and it felt fucking amazing.

  He pushed forward harder, his hands caressing her sides, and then he grabbed her breasts. Brennus thrust home and held the position. His cock was buried inside Larina and it felt like he was in the Elysian Fields. Angels sang, warmth embraced his body and the light around them seemed to brighten. His body hummed with satisfaction as his fingers pinched her nipples. “You are a Goddess.” He hissed the words, unable to speak with a normal voice. Brennus began thrusting in and out. He worked his shaft in Larina’s ass until the sweat began to mist his back. His hands played with her nipples until they were both squirming in needed release.

  He had but a few strokes left before he would explode inside her. Brennus let one nipple free and slid that hand down to the apex of her thighs. He found her clit, wet from her juices. The little bud was extended and he rubbed passionately.

  The moaning woman turned into a wild creature of the night. She cried out his name, her hips met his and turned into heavy, violent thrusts. The zeal spun out of control as their bodies flew to new heights. Larina came, and she gasped and sputtered as her desire dripped from her body.

  Brennus kept thrusting, the pace near brutal as his wet fingers found her mouth. He pressed them inside, savoring the way her tongue licked his digits clean of her own desire. Then his cock pulsed and shivered. His balls emptied, and the creamy liquid that needed release jetted from his cock and into her ass. Words could not describe the amount of satisfaction that swarmed his body. He was breathless, his legs trembling, and even his hands were shaky. Brennus held onto the wall beside Larina’s head until his balls hung empty. He pulled out slowly, not wanting to leave her but having no will to fuck her further. “A Goddess,” he whispered, and pulled away.

  Larina turned, leaning heavily against the wall. She smiled as her breasts heaved. “Damn right I am.”

  Chapter Eight

  Larina had not seen the outside of the arena last time. She had worked in the very bowels of this horrid place. Seeing it from the outside was terrifying and amazing. This structure was huge, with arched windows made of pristine stone. Life-sized statues were in some of the arches but they were too high for her to make out. She pulled the hood of her clothes further over her auburn hair. They had borrowed this from the slaves at the villa. Brennus was at her side, dressed in similar fashion. The sounds of swords clashing echoed and she quickened her step. They needed to see Demus, take stock of the guards, and get out before the crowd. They could not afford to be tangled up in the exit, lest they be noticed.

  She was as stunned by the massive crowd as she had been the first time they’d opened the gates and ushered her onto the sands. The seats were filled to capacity. Thousands of people were clamoring for blood. What did that say about the Roman society? Life was precious, not to be taken for sport. Even a man in her women-only tribe was given options to extend his life. Here, it was murder, cheered on by the crowd.

  “Your mind does not rest.”

  “It does not. Memories assault it.” She glanced at Brennus and he nodded. They walked beneath the arches, catching sight of two guards directing Roman citizens to the stands. Larina remained quiet, keeping her head down as her eyes might catch someone’s attention. She had fought off many guards while in chains here. They moved down the path, far from the guards, and the arena opened up before her. The sight made her shiver, as did the cold stone she sat upon. A battle waged upon the sands. The pulvinus box, where the important Romans sat, was filled. She glanced at it quickly then back to the slaughter below.

  “There are two guards at the other entrance,” Brennus spoke quietly.

  “And two more in the box, along with Roman shits that carry swords.” She watched the men below, fighting for their lives. The sun was out, glinting off their armor as blood sprayed the sand.

  “It seems my plan was foolish.” He hunched closer.

  His proximity made Larina shiver in an entirely different way. His body radiated warmth and thoughts of the fight were replaced with his naked body. He was skilled with a sword but when it came to pleasing a woman, he was a fucking master. She bit her bottom lip and it drew his eye.

  “Do your thoughts roam to my cock?” Brennus winked.

  “Hard to control when your hand lays upon my back.” He had moved it there when they sat down but she hadn’t felt it with the clothes they wore. Now, it pressed into her, pushing her closer. She opened her lips but the woman beside her stole her voice. The brunette screamed and raged as the battle below came to an end. Her breasts bounced rapidly and slipped from her dress. Larina lifted a brow and glanced at Brennus. “If your eyes stray to such a sight I will be forced to pitch you over the wall.”

  Brennus laughed. It was hearty, considering their location and circumstance. “I would not dare to look at another. My eyes only stray toward you.”

  Larina grinned. “Your tongue is as skilled as your sword arm.”

  “Then part your thighs and let me prove such talents.”

  Larina slapped him on the arm. Her body betrayed her, the core he spoke of licking creaming at the thought.

  “Welcome, good citizens of Rome! Those about to die salute the Gods!”

  The words made Larina’s passion ebb and her anger rise. She glanced at the man that stood so high above the citizens. His robes were white and red and he had a smile on his face. She hissed then quieted when Brennus placed his hand on her thigh.

  “Today we celebrate life in Rome and honor the gods that see fit to keep us in their graces.”

  The crowd cheered. It was another sound that Larina had grown to hate.

  “We pray to them to keep our fair city from plague, drought, famine, and the dirty barbarians of the north. Today we give the Gods blood!” Another cheer. “We have four of those barbarians captured. They will face the only man who could send them to the underworld. Citizens of Rome, I give you the champion of Rome, the man the underworld refuses, the slayer of all before him…Demus!”

  The gates to their left opened and Larina saw Brennus sit forward. He blocked her sight but she did not stir him. It wasn’t long before she too saw his nephew, a great bull of a man that looked a lot like his uncle. He was all tanned skin, flexing muscles, and scars. The crowd was on their feet, cheering for the young man. He looked to be near twenty-five years. His face was still free of lines but not scars. His black hair was shorn short to his scalp. The armor he wore donned a roaring lion and etched abs.

  Brennus gripped the bench beneath and his knuckles began to turn white. “He is forced to fight, to face every day knowing death as I did.”

  “He is gladiator, champion, as you were,” Larina whispered. “He will survive this battle and live so that we may free him.”

  Brennus did not listen. He just watched as the barbarians began to circle his nephew.

  Larina placed her hand atop his. “We should leave for your sanity and to think on a new plan. There is no chance of taking the arena by force.” She grabbed his wrist.

  Brennus stilled a moment and then nodded. “In this, you are correct.” Brennus stood and walked away. His face held such pain.

  Larina heard the sounds of swords clashing and the crowd cheering the name of its champion, his nephew, the great Demus. They walked past the guards without haste and when the corner blocked their view, they moved faster. The trek was silent as they made their way from the arena and toward the house of Titus. There they would rethink and plan anew. “We cannot find success in a direct assault.”

  Brennus remained silent. He walked down a narrow alley with his fists clenched.

  Men! They knew not when to cover rage for another battle. “Brennus.” She stopped.

  He turned, his lips pressed together.

  “Do not dwell on what we cannot control. Think ahead to how we can free him. Perhaps his gladiatorial school.”

  “They keep them in chains with extra guards. That is a fool’s plan, one th
at should not have fallen from your lips.”

  Larina’s patience could only go so far, just like her tolerance of boorish men. “Pull head from ass, you simple fuck. Think beyond your emotions or see us to ruin.”

  “Simple fuck?” He leaned closer. “I did not ask for your assistance.”

  “And yet without me you would be leaping the wall and jumping onto the sands to meet your death.” Larina punched him in the arm.

  Brennus moved closer, pushing his way into her personal space until she was pressed against the stone wall. “Do not speak down to me as you would a slave.”

  “Then do not act as irrational as one.” Larina felt her body soften as his pressed against hers. “We can rescue him if we find the right path. Perhaps we could…” She went quiet, thoughts forming a new, better plan. “Perhaps we could do the impossible.” She smiled. “We let ourselves be captured. Who would they get to fight the only two who escaped the arena but the champion of Rome?”

  He stilled. “Fight him?”

  “Pretend to fight. Stall, long enough for him to find out who we are…and why we have returned.”

  Brennus placed his hands on the wall beside her head. “Three against all of Rome is still not enough.”

  “To defeat them, no, but to forge a path to the same escape we used. The tunnel will be guarded, but what are the chances they remember our success?” Since Spartacus’s break out, all the guards were focused on people not escaping the arena, not on those going inside. “I can find a way into the tunnels and attack from the other side as you and Demus flee.” The plan began to take shape in her head.

  Brennus leaned even closer, his breath across her cheek. “We would trap them between us.”

  “My plan is less foolish than yours.” Larina grinned.

  “It also puts you in great danger. If we are unable to reach you, you’d have to fight the guards alone.”