"Oh, Marcus.” She couldn't. Her heart longed to tell him, but she couldn't. What if she woke up back in her own time? Somehow, saying those words would make it harder if she lost him. That was something she didn't even want to think about.
"Love me, please.” He begged as he teased her nipples taut with his thumbs. It was very hard to resist that kind of sensual assault.
"I can't, Marcus. I just can't right now.” Tears welled up in her closed eyes. Looking at him only made it more painful.
"Why? What is keeping your heart from me?” He stopped and just stared down into her face. Those ice blue eyes bore into her soul.
"I can't tell you. I'm not even sure of it all myself, Marcus. It's all so confusing.” Now, that was an understatement.
He shot off of her and strode across the room to pick up his discarded tunic. What a body—all hard muscle and not an ounce of flab. He slipped the cloth over his naked body, and she moaned. Not even clothes could hide his magnificent masculinity. But his shift in mood and the obvious scowl told her he was not only angry, but disappointed. He wanted to hear her confess her love. Actions spoke louder than words, but he seemed to need to hear it anyway.
"I'm sorry, Marcus. Please don't be angry."
He turned to her and the anger melted away. He crossed the room to the foot of the bed. “You will say it to me one day. I have no doubt. You will learn to confide in me and tell me the secrets that keep your heart closed.” He held out a hand to her and said with a smile, “Now come and meet Senator Gaius."
She slipped out of bed and padded across the room to dress. With each movement she was aware of his eyes devouring her. Once she put on a sheath dress, he quickly fixed her hair, brushing it out to fall about her shoulders in soft waves. Simple, yet elegant.
"You are food for the gods, Julia.” He brushed a kiss to her temple.
What a man. He was everything she could ever hope for. If only she was sure of her future—her future in the past. Did Lady Julia even have a life?
What about her life back in the future? What happened to her body during this episode? What of her family and friends? Where they worried?
Her brother Theo would be frantic if something had happened to her. The only thing she could think of was that she had left her physical body behind and her soul had traveled back. Maybe she was lying in a hospital in a coma? She could almost picture Theo at her bedside. Then again, maybe not, his unit had been deployed to Iraq two months ago. So there was no one other than a few acquaintances or neighbors who might not notice she was gone for at least a week—or more.
Once it was eventually discovered she was missing, they'd probably call Steven, her on again, off again boyfriend. He wasn't anything like Marcus. Steven had certainly never aroused her body and soul with a mere look. He wasn't even that great in bed. She was usually left finishing the job after he came. Her battery operated lover had more moves than Steven on a good night. If she was laid up in a hospital bed, she wondered if he would notice the coma or not.
And what about Caesar? How close was it to March? She knew Cleopatra visited Rome in the last days, so it wasn't too far off.
She followed Marcus out of their chamber and into a grand atrium. Grand was the best way to describe it. The colorful mosaic floor depicted a charioteer and his team in the height of a race. Odd that a charioteer actually now lived there. It was only one indication of the popularity of the circus races.
The marble walls were covered in fine linens draped softly to give the hardness a more subdued appearance. The furniture was equally fine—gilded chairs with rich red cushions and tables topped with bowls of assorted fruits and refreshments. Aelia had done a very nice job in making the Senator feel welcome.
"Ah, Marcus, so glad to see you, my friend.” Gaius smiled widely and approached them with a contagious warmth. Julia immediately liked the man. He was of similar height to Marcus, but his figure was more generous, indicating his rich lifestyle.
"Good to see you, Senator.” Marcus embraced the other man in a friendly greeting, then he turned to Julia and introduced her. “I'd like you to meet Lady Julia, Caesar's niece."
"Yes, Lady Julia's beauty is well known. Nice to finally meet you in a more intimate setting. You may remember me at a few dinners at Caesar's in the past."
"Ah, yes, of course.” She had no clue, but she could bluff her way through it—she hoped.
"I gather you know why I am here, Marcus?"
"Actually, I'm not sure."
"I came here to see if the rumors were true. Last night, you defied Caesar. You were one of his Gladiators at the beginning of the evening, but walked away belonging to Lady Julia. I have to say, I was surprised to hear of this, but then, here you are."
Marcus nodded as he squeezed Julia's shaking hand. She felt a small amount of comfort, but she dreaded the rest of the story.
"It's true. I now belong to Julia.” He gazed over to her and she felt her heart melt.
"Then perhaps this is the reason for the upcoming race."
"What race?” she asked, nervousness touching her voice. Here it comes.
"Caesar has called for a race in two weeks time. The greatest teams are being gathered together for the largest exhibition of horsemanship and racing the Roman world has ever known. A total of eight teams from everywhere—from Athens, Florence, Thebes and Rome are going to meet on the track. And Caesar has especially extended the invitation to my team, but only to be driven by you, Marcus."
A shutter ran through her body, touching each nerve ending with an evil dread. Caesar planned to murder Marcus in a very public spectacle.
"Sounds as if Julius has invited me to my own death.” Marcus seemed actually amused by his own statement.
"So it would seem.” Gaius’ gaze slid from Marcus to Julia.
She sat in stunned shock. She had known this was coming, but to have it become so real was just unthinkable. “Is it possible that the other drivers will be paid off by Caesar to ensure his plan?” she asked.
"Possible, although the race is dangerous enough. I'd say if Julius wanted Marcus dead in a very public way, this was a good way to do it. Having a man face off with Marcus is a risky undertaking. Marcus is too well trained to be easily defeated."
"And a chariot race would even the odds some. It is sometimes certain death within the first few minutes of the race as each team bolts out of the gates and heads for the spina, the center divider of Circus Maximus. That inside position is the most wanted and many races end in a pile up."
"Okay, that isn't very reassuring,” she said as she lay a hand upon Marcus’ arm.
"Marcus can handle the odds. I'm sure there may be one team that will try to give him a hard time, but my horses will get him to the finish unscathed.” Gaius took a deep breath, then added, “There's more, though it pains me to be the one to breathe it to you, milady."
"What is it?” Her heart raced within her to a pounding beat.
"To the victor goes the hand in marriage of Caesar's niece. You, milady."
"What?” Marcus bellowed in anger.
"Apparently, he figures to divide you two in one way or another. If Marcus doesn't win, even if he survives, Caesar ensured to break you two apart. No doubt he expects death to end his trouble."
Marcus drew her into his arms, trying to ease the uncontrolled shaking wracking her. How could she live with another man? How could Caesar hatch such a plot without consulting her?
The answer was clear. Julius was Rome; Caesar was the power. Defying his will spelled death.
"I am assuming that there is something beyond the normal slave and mistress relationship here. It is a very dangerous game you both play. And it may mean your deaths."
"To love Julia as a man is worth any price."
God, Marcus knew how to make her melt.
Marcus and Gaius continued on to discuss a rigorous training plan for the next two weeks. But, she was still uncertain of the time of year. How much time until Caesar's assassination? Could
they avoid this whole thing?
"Excuse me, but, what day is today?"
The two men looked at her oddly and Gaius answered, “It is March first, milady."
Two weeks until the chariot race. Then the next day was the Ides of March. Damn. If only the race had been the next day.
Even if Marcus won the race, what was their future? Would she remain in the past after Caesar died? She knew she couldn't interfere with history, least of all the assassination. Caesar's cruel judgment of her fate made her least interested in warning him of the danger ahead. Unfortunately, he had been warned of his fate and he ignored it. What was one more warning?
"Come, join my camp outside Rome. We are training the horses now and could use Marcus there.” Gaius offered.
"But, you risk your life in getting involved, Senator,” she said as she lay a hand upon his forearm.
"Yes, my friend, you invite danger in showing us your hospitality.” Marcus grasped her shoulders, as though he silently gave her strength.
"Caesar's crimes shall come to be his death,” Gaius said in a solemn voice.
Julia instantly knew his meaning. The plot of Caesar's death had begun.
* * * *
Marcus feared for Julia. He had known they had gambled dearly by defying Caesar, but the plot that was hatched was unexpected. If he survived but didn't win the race, it would still be a loss. Julia would be married off to the winner, granting her husband rank as a Roman citizen and freedom. Even if he survived the race, he was sure Caesar would have him killed some other way. Anything to make sure Marcus was dead.
How could all that hate be due to his attraction to Julia? Could there be some other reason behind this whole plot—to kill a slave?
"What is it, Marcus?” she asked as they settled in their tent at Gaius’ encampment located just outside the city. The enclosure was more to his liking, simply furnished but still elegantly comfortable. The smaller room was more to his liking, simply decorated, but still elegant.
"I was just wondering why Caesar hates me so much to go through so much trouble to kill me. Why not send an assassin to stab me in my sleep?"
"Don't talk that way. There is a chance you'll win the race."
He couldn't help but laugh. “In the arena behind a powerful team of horses right along with seven other teams, the chances are very slim. Julius knew those odds and purposely chose a race to cleanly get rid of me without making me a martyr."
"I don't like you talking this way. You sound as if you think you're going to die."
"Chances of my surviving are very low, dear Julia.” He sighed then crossed the room to her. She was just so beautiful. He could still hardly believe he was her lover. Taking her by the shoulders, he said firmly, “Know this, I can die a happy man knowing I had my last days with the woman of my dreams. Make these days worth every minute, Julia. For us, for me. Chances are, if I live beyond the race, Caesar will have me killed. Since I am the hero of the arena at the moment, only a famous death would do. If I lost the race, I'd no longer be the mob favorite, and Caesar can do as he pleases."
He could see the internal battle over her emotions in her face. She seemed more sensitive than the normal Roman citizen. Most Romans were blood thirsty beasts. Julia, however, was not. Why was she so different? There was a change in her he couldn't quite name. She had grown up with the games around her and had attended as usual. Yet, she seemed less thick-skinned than he would expect.
Later, Julia laid down to rest in their tent, he took her into his arms, relishing her soft, feminine curves against him. All the while, Marcus was left wondering about her. This upcoming race would spell the fate of all of them, and he feared that there was no way he'd survive the race. Perhaps, he could think of an alternate plan to get them out of Rome, escaping north to Germania. They were enemies of Caesar and might give them refuge.
Life had really taken quite a few twists throughout his four and thirty years. He had been born to a rich family, but then his father had lost favor in the aristocracy. The reason was unknown to him even to this day.
At nineteen, he had joined the Roman army and was trained to fight. On the battlegrounds, he was fierce and his abilities had gained him favor in the ranks. He was eventually promoted then offered the chance to become a Royal bodyguard to Caesar. Little did he know then that Julius would take an instant dislike to him. Still, Caesar had seemed to tolerate him, that is, until that fateful day three years ago.
Caesar had returned from a Gaul campaign and Julia had been invited to the palace. He had escorted her as her personal bodyguard. She had only passed a few words with him in the past, always keeping to herself. At the palace, he stood nearby, ready to assist her in a moment's notice. Julius must have recognized the passion that Marcus thought he hid from the world. He should have known that nothing could be kept from her closest relative. And whatever the reason Julius disliked Marcus had come to a head. He was taken into custody that night and accused of insubordination, condemning him to the life of a slave. And due to his battle skill, his life was best served in entertaining the Roman mob. Actually, he thought Julius had planned on his early death, never expecting him to survive for years as a Gladiator.
In thinking upon his past as he lay next to Julia, sleeping within his arms, he wondered what kept her from confessing her love. He sensed she loved him, yet she refused to tell him. Why? Her defiance of Caesar ensured how she felt by risking everything to save him. Julia had not only given him the strength to defeat Melik, it had given him hope of happiness. Even if he lived these two weeks to only meet his death beneath some chariot's wheels, he loved the woman of his heart.
She stirred and he held her tighter, wishing he could prolong their time together. He had to make these next two weeks fill a lifetime. For he knew, he would surely die.
Breathing deeply, he inhaled her intoxicating scent of jasmine. Their bed, a mattress stuffed with goose feathers and covered in rich silk, was a haven for the gods. Having her close, filling his senses with her presence, he wondered if he'd died back in the arena and this was Elysium.
Julia's resistance to revealing her secrets troubled him. He was a man of action, words meant little in his world, but somehow, he needed to hear her declare her heart.
Aelia silently entered the tent. “Milord, I am sorry to disturb you, but the Senator wishes to speak with you."
He rose naked from the bed, snatching his tunic from a nearby chair and shoved it on. “Any idea what for?"
She stood startled, staring at him.
"Aelia?"
"Oh, sorry, milord. I do not know."
He glanced back at Julia. She looked so peaceful in his bed. He would find out what troubled her, the secret keeping her from opening to him. He refused to believe she only wanted him for sex. That was not all there was between them.
As he followed Aelia out of the tent, Marcus swore he would make sure Julia would survive this ordeal.
Chapter Six
Julia awoke and Marcus was gone from bed. She took advantage of the moments alone to relieve herself and freshen up. By the time he returned to their tent, Julia felt able to handle the next hurtle. Judging by the look on his face, the news was grim.
"What is it, Marcus?"
He sat on a few pillows that were thrown upon a rug as a portable seating area. “One of the horses is dead. Two others are ill."
She gasped. “What do you think happened?"
He just pierced her with those icy eyes. “Poisoned. Caesar is determined to reduce the chances of our win."
"Deplorable."
He made a grunt of agreement. “Gaius is devastated. His horses are his wealth, his family. He lives for them. He never thought revenge would be sought through his animals."
"Maybe we should leave Rome?"
Marcus sighed heavily. “Caesar has posted his personal guards to ensure we stay. They are outside the camp, their presence is silent yet sure."
"What are we going to do?"
"Gaius has sen
t for more horses, fine young Barbs. They are our only hope. However, they are untrained. I worry if we can accomplish that in the little time we have."
"But what if they are poisoned, too?” She asked, sitting next to him on the pillows.
"They would be under close guard. I doubt another attempt will be made on the horses.” He turned to her and said, “Gaius thinks this was just a warning."
A few days ago, she had had another life. In a matter of days, her new existence seemed to be crumbling about her. Tears burned her eyes. Part of her wanted to return to her time and escape the death and fighting, but then it would mean losing Marcus. She could never endure the loss.
"Do not worry, my love. We have a plan. You will be safe from Caesar's vengeance."
"How?"
"During the race, he will use the commotion to sneak you out of Rome."
"You expect me to leave when you are in the arena racing against death? I'm not going anywhere,” she announced.
Anger creased his brow and he leaned forward to her. “By the gods, you will do as you are told. You will leave with Gaius while the mob cheers on the race."
"No. You are not my master, and you will not tell me what to do. I am staying."
He grabbed her upper arms and tried to rein his temper. “Can't you see that if you stay, you will be pawned off to another man?"
"You could win."
He jolted her in his hands. “No. I will be dead."
"But—"
"Don't you see, my death is the only thing that will satisfy Caesar?” His voice was harsh, commanding.
"Why does he hate you so much?"
He released her and rose to his feet. Pacing the rug floor of their tent, he worked out some of his anger.
"Marcus,” she said softly. “Why does he want to destroy you?"
He stopped and sighed. “Because he could not bear the thought of a slave loving his niece. It is why I am a Gladiator.” He faced her. “Caesar discovered my secret and condemned me, sending me to Gladiatorial school the next day."
"There has to be more to this than that."
The Gladiator Page 5