The damn wine, Naevia thought struggling against the arm that tried to hold her.
If it hadn't been for the damn wine she wouldn't be in this situation.
She tried to scream but nothing came out, his arm was gripping too tight against her throat.
She couldn't even see what gladiator in training was holding her. She had bent down to snatch the wine from the bottom shelf when suddenly an arm snaked its way around her throat.
Naevia wanted to see which bastard held her, she wanted to punch and kick, she wanted to scream. But as her eyes darkened she realized that was all the least of her worries.
Then suddenly, she was slumped to the floor and air was back in her lungs, she was gasping and getting air. She turns her head and sees Crixus.
She lifts a hand to her neck, eyes still locked on Crixus. He was beating the man. She watched as his arms buried themselves into the other man's face, again and again, a never ending painful game.
She could hear the man who had grabbed her screaming in pain, in forgiveness, and Crixus unforgiving beatings.
Seconds later the man was unconscious on the floor and everything was spinning.
Naevia turned and laid her head against the bars, "Are you alright?" she heard Crixus's rough voice ask.
She sighed, "Fine," she managed, her throat aching.
He knelt behind her and rested a massive hand on her slender shoulder. "Naevia, look at me,"
She turned her head unwillingly.
"Are you well? How badly did he hurt you?" Crixus growled.
Naevia smiled, "I'm fine….what did he think he was doing?"
Crixus rolled his eyes, "I don't know, these new recruits are dogs."
Naevia sighed, and lifted a hand to rub her sore neck.
Softly and without warning she felt Crixus's hand softly needing her neck. Naevia flinched, held her muscles tight, but as he continually kneed away, she relaxed and fell into his hold. She closed her eyes and leaned against the bars, "Thank you," she whispered.
"It will never happen again," Crixus muttered, his eyes hardening…"I'll make sure of it,"
Naevia flinched ,something in his voice frightened her. She pulled out of his grasp and turned back, a frown on her face.
He gave a faint smile, "I'll protect you with every ounce of strength in my body,"
Naevia heard her name screamed in the distance. "I…I better go," she stumbled out.
Crixus stood, then nodded his eyes locked on her, "Stay safe."