{((I would like to apologize to all the fans of this story and to all who have been waiting so long for another chapter. This past year was interesting to say the least but my mind has always been on this story. Thank you to all who reviewed and added it to their favorites and alerts. I promise to develop this story much more often and I hope you like what's to come. One more thing, I would like to change the character Gaius to look exactly like Chris Hemsworth who played Thor. He suits this story perfectly in my eyes. Hope you dont mind too much.))}
'Yes?' Gaius asked severely.
'The emperor ordered I take over your shift.' the guard said confidently. Gaius was amused at how audacious this man was. He knew immediately that this man wasn't a guard anywhere in Rome let alone the palace because he knew every single guard and trained most of them. He studied this man and saw that he was about the same height as himself, less muscular and noticed prominent bruises on his arm. He hesitated for a moment before finally letting him in, leaving the door opened behind him. The guard stopped as he saw Victoria in the bed, giving her a malicious smile. Once she saw him her eyes grew wide and was about to scream out who he was until she saw Gaius put his finger to his lips. She trusted him to do what he was asking and she was silent but the fear was overwhelming her.
The man saw her calm slightly and he realized Gaius knew who he was and reached for his sword. He pulled it out quickly and clumsily swung it at him but missed by just inches as Gaius struck his face as hard as he could, sending the man falling to the floor. He was unconscious from one hit. Victoria could just stare at Gaius with a stunned look on her face and her heart beating fast. She had never seen such impressive strength and power before...and it was for her safety.
'Guards! Guards! Get him out of here and ask Commodus to come immediately.'
They obeyed and Gaius then turned his attention to her.
'I am sorry if I frightened you at all' he said softly as he walked toward her. She still couldn't speak, she just lightly shook her head and kept her strong gaze on him. She couldn't believe someone would risk themselves for her. They were alone once again and he sat next to her on the bed.
'I am sorry you had to see him again' he said softly as he put his hand to her cheek. She loved his touch but then remembered that this was the hand he struck him with. Victoria took his hand and brought it close so she can see damage.
'Did it hurt?' She whispered.
'Not at all darling. Its only a little red, might be sore in the...' He stopped when she lightly kissed his hand to sooth it. He remained still, mesmerized by her beauty and his overwhelming desire to kiss her.
She finally noticed that he stopped talking and looked up at him into his piercing blue eyes. 'Thank you' she whispered. Her eyes were sparkling in the dim light, despite the slight darkness underneath them. He brought his hand to her angelic face, gently caressing her cheek, enjoying her loving gaze. This feeling of wanting to protect her, to hold her, to spend his every waking moment with her was almost overwhelming. A life without her is now impossible. At that moment he remembered his promise to her and Commodus, he cant risk their trust no matter how he felt about her. Her heart nearly skipped a beat when he smiled and then wrapped his strong arms around her and held her as close as he can. She held onto him partly in thanks for everything he has done for her, but also because she wanted to feel him again. Neither wanted this moment to ever end.
After a few moments, Gaius heard someone coming down the long corridor and reluctantly let Victoria go. He lovingly kissed her on the forehead and she gave him a smile in return as he stood and walked toward the door. Commodus came into the large room quickly and, after giving a nod to Gaius, headed straight for Victoria. She was delighted to see him, even after the intimate contact with Gaius just moments before. Her heart seem to have the same reaction to both men. He knelt down in front of her.
'Are you alright?' he asked softly yet urgently, taking her hands in his.
'Yes' she smiled. She had never received attention and care like this before in her life, she loved it but still needed to get used to it.
'Thank the gods you're safe.' Commodus kissed her hands. Gaius didn't care to see any more loving gestures so he turned his attention to some scrolls on the large desk next to him. He wanted to be the one kissing her delicate hands. He wanted to be the one gazing into her beautiful eyes.
'Your thanks should go to Gaius; He was the one to protect me.' She glanced over to Gaius and couldn't help but feel guilty for everything that happened between them. Commodus stood and walked over to him.
'Thank you my brother, you will be rewarded generously for your service.' Commodus whispered with a smile.
'No need, your thanks is enough'. Commodus placed his hand on Gaius' shoulder and they laughed.
Victoria loved how they both joked and laughed with each other. She hasn't seen much joy in her life and to see such a friendship was very refreshing. Commodus went closer to Gaius and whispered very quickly so only he could hear.
'We only have one of the men, the other is still free, I do not want her to know. We must keep her here tonight and make sure she is safe and tomorrow she can give a description for the guards.'
Gaius nodded as Commodus walked back to Victoria who was still sitting on the comfortable bed.
'How did you sleep?' he asked her as he removed his armor.
'I slept well, thank you.' she said quickly with a smile.
'She only had about an hours sleep, she awoke quite distressed from a nightmare.' Gaius said to Commodus, wanting her to finally get the rest she needed. Victoria looked down slightly embarrassed at her small lie. Commodus leaned in close to her and whispered 'Is that true?' She nodded
'I didn't want you to worry.' He had a feeling that he would always be worrying about her.
'I am so sorry I wasn't here when you awoke. What was it about?' He asked
Victoria didn't answer, she didn't want to say, she didn't want her old life to have any part in this promising new life.
'She wouldn't tell me much. She only said it was about the place she ran away from a few days ago.' Gaius said quietly, walking over to them. 'She was very frightened.'
'Were you a slave?' Commodus asked. She softly shook her head.
'Who did you live with?'
'I was told they were distant family' She whispered so softly that they barely heard her.
'What did they do to you?' he whispered, almost in shock at how afraid she was of this place. Hundreds of awful memories flooded her mind. She wanted to tell them everything, she wanted to tell anyone she can about everything that happened to her. But she couldn't, she has tried too hard to pretend none of it happened. She didn't even want to think of it. She looked down and tried to prevent the tears from falling, but she couldn't. She quickly put her hands over her face and Commodus pulled her into his arms at once. She buried her face in his chest but they could still hear her sobs. It took everything Gaius had in him not to hold her too. He knelt by her and softly placed his hands on her thigh to comfort her.
'You will never have to go back, I promise.' Commodus whispered as he held her tighter. It was a strange feeling to have them care about her. She was embarrassed to be so scared and helpless. But, she was relieved that she might never have to be in the position she was before.
They all stayed in that position for what seemed like forever.
'She feels cold again and it has been a long day for her.' Gaius said quietly. Commodus nodded in agreement and soften his hold and gently lifted her chin so he can look into her eyes. Victoria calmed only slightly but was still visibly upset. Glittering tears were falling down past her pink flushed cheeks.
'You are so beautiful.' he whispered in awe of her, as he slowly caressed her hair. She gave a small smile, still not completely used to compliments but loving them anyway. His smile made her so comfortable and at ease, yet she still couldn't completely forget about the horrible thoughts. She buried her face into him again, not wanting to be let go. Commodus tried to hold back a laugh as he held her tighter. He wanted to get her into bed so she could finally rest. But he couldn't let her go, she needed to be held right now. Gaius saw his opportunity to have her in his arms again, and without saying anything, he stood and offered to take her for a moment. Commodus removed his grip on her and Gaius pulled her towards him. She was kneeling on the edge of the bed wrapped in his strong arms. He loved having her so close to him, he loved holding and comforting her when she needs it most. Commodus quickly started preparing the bed for her as she savored Gaius' embrace. She looked up at Gaius and the guilt overwhelmed her.
'I'm sorry.' She whispered so lightly that he could not hear her, but he knew what she said. She couldn't help but start to cry again. He saw all of her guilt and pain in her gorgeous eyes. He couldn't bare to be the cause of it.
'It's not your fault my darling.' He said softly so that only she could hear. He pulled her into him again and held her tightly against his chest. 'You did nothing wrong.' He whispered to her. Commodus finished preparing for bed and laid down underneath the covers and motioned for Victoria. Gaius reluctantly placed her next to him and covered her with the fine furs and blankets. She cuddled up to Commodus, still upset but very tired. Gaius bowed to Commodus and started to leave.
'Please stay.' Victoria said, turning to Gaius. He immediately looked to Commodus who didn't seem to mind her wish. She looked at Commodus 'Please?' He smiled and nodded. Gaius got into bed next to her and even though she was turned toward Commodus, she took Gaius' arm and placed it around her waist. Everything is perfect at this moment. She has never felt more happy and loved then she did right now. Every horrible thought seem to vanish instantly, and she was at peace for the first time in her life.