Domitian addressed Marcus.
All Lyla understood was the word Corvus.
Domitian pinched the bridge of his nose, his face contorted by sorrow. “Pardus exuro pessum.”
A collective gasp rose from the crowd.
“What’s he saying, Marcus?” She looked around. “Why is everyone so upset?”
“The Pantheon has been burned to the ground, Lyla.”
“Oh, my!” She placed a shaking hand over her lips.
Domitian spoke again, his voice raised and angry, “Corvus ero punitor!”
“If Corvus caused this, then he will be punished,” Marcus translated.
“Corvus.” She balled her hand into a fist at her side. “He should be punished if he caused this fire.”
“He wanted revenge, to burn my home with me in it, but he set the entire city on fire.”
Her shoulders slumped when she took in all the destruction.
Domitian spoke to Marcus again and extended a hand towards him. Marcus kissed Domitian’s ring. Then Domitian did the same with Cletus. Cletus knelt and kissed Domitian’s ring, too.
Marcus and Cletus bowed their heads and said, “Dominus et deus.”
Domitian raised a haughty brow then left with his soldiers in tow.
“Appia,” Lyla gripped her hand. “What did Domitian say?”
“He called Marcus and Cletus ‘Sons of Rome’.” Her voice filled with excitement. “He credits them with slaying Corvus’ men, the ones who kidnapped you, Eisha and Corinne. They are heroes in Domitian’s eyes.”
“Wow.” Lyla shook her head.
“He also wants Corvus found and punished. Domitian will crucify him.”
Lyla shuddered at the thought, but knew Corvus deserved it. He had destroyed the beautiful city.
Slowly, Lyla, Marcus, and their friends made their way to what remained of Marcus’ home.
He shook his head. “There’s nothing left.”
Cletus placed a hand on Marcus’ shoulder and spoke to him in a quiet voice.
Appia took Lyla’s hand. “Cletus just told Marcus that you are all welcome to come with us to Greece. My family would welcome you with open arms.”
“You could rebuild your home, Marcus.” Lyla threaded her arm through his. “I’ll help you.”
Marcus drew Lyla away from his friends. “Listen to me, my sweet. It will be a very difficult existence.” He sighed. “I wish I could send you back to your time, at least I would know you’d be safe there.”
“You wish to…” She furrowed a brow. “What are you saying, Marcus? That you don’t want me?” Her eyes filled with tears.
He grabbed her shoulders. “Lyla, I want you more than my own life.”
Her heart soared.
“But the book with the magic stone is gone. There is no way now for you to get home to your time.”
Her eyes widened. “So what you’re saying is, I’m stuck here forever. Is that it?”
“Yes. Trapped here, in this time, with me.”
She hugged him tight. “Oh, Marcus, that’s wonderful!”
He shook his head, wonder lining his handsome countenance. “After all you’ve been through. You still want to be with me?”
She stroked her finger across his jaw and grinned. “Yes, Master, I do.”
He took her face in his hands and kissed her on the lips. Then he released her, frowning all the while. “You should have remained in that alleyway with Cletus. He told me you disobeyed him.”
Oh, how she adored his commanding tone! “When do I ever do as I’m told?”
“You need a good spanking.” He grinned, his lips spreading against her temple. Then he sobered, his face tight with anxiety. “Will you really stay here? With me? You could go with Cletus and Appia to Greece. You’d have a better chance surviving there.”
“When I thought I had lost you, it occurred to me that if I didn’t have you, it wouldn’t matter where I was.” Her lips trembled. “If I can’t be with you, then time has no meaning, in fact, nothing does.” She shook her head, her chin at a defiant angle. “I have no intention of going to Greece, and you can’t make me.”
“Lyla,” he breathed her name. “Lyla. Lyla.” He hugged her tightly to his chest.
“I love you, Marcus.”
“You don’t know how I’ve longed to hear you say that.” He captured her face between his hands. Drawing her towards him, he pressed a kiss to her forehead. “I adore you, my sweet, precious one. You are my love, too.” His voice deepened. “But you’re going to learn to do as I say.” He gave her a look filled with dominating, sensual allure.
He loved her!
“I should still spank you.”
She couldn’t resist getting in the last word. “I’d rather stay here and feel my Roman’s hand than be anywhere else.” She grinned.
Marcus picked her up and twirled her around, his shout of joy and laughter, echoing through Rome…and time.
About the Author
I sank my writing teeth into my first romance novel after years of reading my favourite authors…Linda Howard, Karen Robards, Kat Martin (just to name a few!) Those ladies inspired me to write my own romances and now, it’s my passion.
I’m fascinated by the paranormal…I love to be scared. Ghost stories are my favourite. As a child I read ‘The Haunting of Hill House’ by Shirley Jackson (it was made into a movie a couple of times…a good one to watch with your favourite honey…and cuddle up to when it gets real scary!) That book made me want to write ghost stories and heightened my interest in the paranormal. I also enjoy writing spicy, sensual, modern-day romance with an added twist of suspense.
Born in the land of the ‘Midnight Sun’ ( Fairbanks, Alaska ), I’m an ‘army brat.’ When my mother’s plane landed at Ladd Air Force Base in Fairbanks (no army base…they had to share with the air force back then!) she didn’t want to get off—she and my sister were decked out in heavy winter coats and boots—my mother figured it was always icy cold & snowy in Alaska. Meanwhile, it was summer—and 100 degrees! My father stood there waiting for her on the tarmac in a short-sleeve shirt, shorts & sunglasses. She never forgot the experience—and neither did my father. That summer, my mother said the sun never set—there was 24 hours of daylight. Soon we moved on, and at the tender age of three, my family and I settled on Long Island, where I’ve resided ever since. Long Island’s NorthShore ‘Gold Coast’ is where many of my books & stories take place—it’s beautiful! Cliffs that look out over the Long Island Sound…a rocky, sandy coastline where pirates once smuggled in contraband…and fabulous old mansions from ‘old money’ families abound.
When the hubby and I are not on the go, we’re spending time with our two terrific children (now grown) and…our two cats.
Email: [email protected]
Catherine loves to hear from readers. You can find her contact information, website and author biography at http://www.total-e-bound.com.
Also by Catherine Chernow
Diary of a Mad Escort
Cougar and Cubs: Lucky in Love
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