Unable to sleep, Cassia decides to get an early start to her morning and pads her way down to the medicus. Across the hall Medicus' loud snores are unmistakable. She wonders how any of the patients can ever sleep with such racket. Upon entering the room, Cassia discovers Duro still asleep. She gently pulls back the thin blanket to reveal that Medicus had removed Duro's bandages, the wound was no longer bleeding and she bargained that he'd likely be released by evening. As she pulled up the thin muslin Duro's hand forcefully grabs her wrist. His eyes widen in surprise obviously startled awake by the woman. He lets go of Cassia's wrist once he realizes she is grimacing in pain.
"I didn't mean to startle you." She softly speaks.
Propping himself up on his elbows, Duro shakes his head. "I should be the one apologizing. Are you okay?" He questions with genuine concern.
"It's nothing I can't handle."
Sitting up the rest of way Duro reaches for her hand and draws her wrist upward, placing small kisses along her red skin; internally cursing himself knowing it would likely bruise.
A small smile graces Cassia as she watches Duro affectionately kiss her injury.
"I'm no medicus but that should do." He says with a grin. Cassia places a chaste kiss on his cheek.
"Have you attempted to walk? You'll likely be sore considering the location of the wound."
"I will if you go with me?" Cassia nods in approval as the two of them move toward the door, Duro stumbles. Cassia grabs his bicep and places her other hand on his chest in an attempt to steady the man. A smirk appears on Duro's face as he backs Cassia against the wall. Her mouth drops with the realization.
"I have been outwitted," Cassia teases.
She can feel him smiling against the skin of her neck. Slowly, Cassia runs her hands up his arms and wraps them around his neck. Duro pulls back and looks her in the eye.
"I think this is a much better idea."
"I'm sure you do." Cassia smirks.
Duro cups her chin while running his thumb along her bottom lip.
"You are beautiful," He emits, always shameless in his attempt to court the woman.
Sliding her hands from his neck, Cassia's fingers fall down the plane of his chest only to stop at the waistband with a sigh before conceding, "And you are injured."
Duro flings his head back in unspoken frustration. He's been patiently waiting for Cassia to let him do anything beyond kissing. There always seemed to be something stopping or interrupting them.
"I'm likely to be released." He pouts.
Momentarily mulling over his words, Cassia tugs at his waistband pulling him closer and grazes the fabric over his erection. Pressing her lips to his neck, Duro looks down at her green eyes brimming with desire.
Nibbling at his jawline up, she stops at his ear with a whisper, "You have to be quiet or I'll stop."
Duro nods in understanding as he follows her movements. Cassia spits on her hand before dipping into his loincloth, Duro suppresses a groan clenching his eyes shut as her hand moves from the base of his cock up the shaft. He can't help panting as Cassia picks up speed, using her thumb to spread the pre cum around his sensitive head. Duro presses against Cassia, kissing along her shoulder and clavicle. Her movements feel amazing but Duro pines for more. He tugs at her wrist; he begins walking backwards with Cassia warily following his lead. Duro sits on the bed pulling her between his legs.
Delivering a passionate kiss, starting off hard and then slow. Cassia slides onto his lap in an attempt to move closer to him. Duro smiles against her lips before parting.
"Do you have any idea how much I want you?" He quietly asks.
"Duro…"
"I know what you are going to say. Grant me this." Duro slides his hand up her back and Cassia shivers in response. "Let me pleasure you while you pleasure me?"
Duro slides further back on the bed to make room for the woman. Glancing into the hallway in trepidation, Cassia moves her hand up his thigh and positions herself next to him. Licking the tip of his cock and teasingly wrapping her mouth around the head before pulling out to run her tongue along the length. Duro pulls up her dress, exposing her small round bottom. He forcefully grabs a cheek as Cassia takes him fully into her mouth. In appreciation, Duro slaps her extremity before fingering her wet core. Panting fills the room, each lost in pleasure. The temptation coupled with the risk of being caught and desire effortlessly overrules any rationale; Cassia positions herself over Duro. The ache is nearly unbearable. His eyes widen in surprise as he tightly grips her hips. She takes a moment to adjust before gently rocking her hips. Duro bites his lip as he watches, mesmerized by her movements which are now fast and hard. Duro lowers his hand to tease eliciting a breathy, "Yes."
Cassia's nails dig into Duro's chest as she attempts to remain balanced while nearing her orgasm. Duro thrusts hard upward hitting the right spot and Cassia quickly unravels, her walls clenching around his cock. The sensation brings forth Duro's own release. Cassia collapses on Duro as both catch their breath. He idly plays with her hair as he reflects upon their actions. Cassia presses a soft kiss to Duro's chest.
"You were worth the wait." He speaks with conviction but Cassia only smiles in return. A nagging feeling pools in the pit of her stomach.
The party in honor of Numerius was underway as guests were intermingling and happily feasting. Cassia strolls through the crowd wishing she could have stayed with Duro in the medicus. As far as the compound was concerned, his wounds still had not healed but Naevia insisted Cassia was more valuable upstairs at the party. It hadn't taken her long to spot Varro and Spartacus out of the corner of her eye. The two men appeared to be laughing and chatting as they stood among the other gladiators. Marina wiggles her eyebrows as she passes behind the men. Cassia stifles a laugh at her friend's brazen behavior.
Batiatus addresses the party guests, announcing the exhibition match in honor of Numerius' birthday. As he calls Spartacus and Crixus forward, Numerius interrupts.
"Crixus has seen his better days pass. I would have Varro fight in his place." Numerius insists.
Batiatus looks surprised as does Varro. Cassia's forehead creases in confusion; she thought Spartacus and Varro were set to fight. She'd have to ask Marina when given the chance.
Stepping forward Varro asks his friend, "Did you have a hand in my elevation?"
Spartacus glances around the room before replying, "The boy's change comes as a surprise." The two men take swords and shields handed to them. Batiatus' voice cuts through the excitement of the crowd.
"Come Numerius! These men. These titans of the arena await your command."
Turning to Varro, Spartacus asserts, "Let us give them a show." Varro simply smirks in response.
Numerius drops his hand with a huge smile as he yells, "Begin!"
Spartacus wastes no time attacking Varro who is quick to deflect the advances with his shield. In return, Varro wields his sword but Spartacus hits it away.
Cassia tentatively watches Spartacus and Varro circle each other. The sound of metal clanging as swords and shields meet. With a spin, Varro swings his sword as Spartacus ducks and thrusts his sword forward blocking the attempt. Varro briskly slams his shield down causing Spartacus to tuck and roll away.
The crowd is awed by the quickness of the men. Varro smiles before cockily sticking his tongue out at Spartacus who looks amused by the gesture.
Varro frequently lunges at Spartacus who successfully defects each attempt. Varro doesn't let Spartacus' alertness hinder his determination. Varro promptly distracts Spartacus by swinging the shield forward, Spartacus reacts by holding up both swords which allows Varro to swing his sword, connecting to Spartacus' side and drawing blood.
The crowd is surprised by the action but the two gladiators only smile, clearly having fun.
Soon Spartacus and Varro are going head to head again. Successfully ducking advances and swinging swords in a stalemate. Varro eventually tires and Spartacus notices the weakness by drawing Varro to over extend himself. Varro swings wide attempting to make contact and Spartacus moves out of the way but elbows Varro in the back of the head.
Rubbing his head, Varro playfully scowls at his friend before proceeding. With a quick jab to the back of the knee by using the handle of the weapon, Varro falls to the ground. The men continue battle with Varro on the floor. As Varro attempts to get up, Spartacus draws his sword to Varro's neck. Varro laughs in defeat and the crowd cheers.
Seizing the moment, Batiatus announces, "Spartacus still the champion of Capua! And Varro, a very formidable opponent and one to watch closely in the future. Come Numerius, pass judgement on our fallen warrior."
The gladiators and the crowd watch as Numerius lifts his hand in a fist with the thumb out. The boy slowly lowers it signaling a thumb down or death verdict.
The crowd awes at the decision. Varro shoots Spartacus look of confusion.
Batiatus quickly jumps in, "Apologies Magistrate but it was agreed that this was just an exhibition match not a fight to the death."
The Magistrate nods in understanding yet Numerius begs, "Father."
Spartacus looks down at Varro with worry and Cassia helplessly watches fear spread across Varro's eyes. Her own body numb with shock.
The Magistrate rubs his chin in contemplation, "Numerius has reached his decision but I think the excitement of the day has driven him mad. Thank you, Batiatus for the game and your kind generosity for hosting the event."
Batiatus and Lucretia laugh in unison as relief flashes across faces.
Varro stands up as Cassia is ushered into his cell.
A small smile turns at the corner of his lip and Cassia feels her blood boil.
"Thank you, Albus." Varro calls to the guard.
Cassia never gives Varro a chance to greet her, "I'm a prize?"
"Did you not wish for an evening in my arms?"
"Drunk fools say many things."
"Well that may be the case but you are here now."
"As if I had a choice! So that means I should be grateful for being summoned to your cell for pleasure? Please forgive my ungrateful attitude." Cassia barks, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
Varro humorlessly chuckles to himself, rolling his eyes to the side. "Wine might have been a better request."
"Let's get this over with." Cassia reaches up to the straps of her dress. Varro darts over, immediately clasping his hands over hers. His brows are pinched as he surveys her face.
"I'd never lie with you unwillingly."
Her heart jumps into her throat knowing Varro was sincere. Varro takes a step back and sits on the bed, once again unsure where he stands with the woman. Varro felt as if she were becoming his new vice, constantly craving her presence. At least with gambling there was a possible gain and it could benefit his family. He couldn't figure out what there was to gain from her.
Cassia moves to sit opposite of Varro, both staring at the other. Varro clenches his jaw and breaks eye contact, nervously biting his lip before breaking the silence.
"Since you are stuck here like a caged animal for the foreseeable future, please sit on the bed instead of the floor."
Without a word, Cassia moves to sit on the far end of the bed. Her stubbornness preventing conversation, even if she was vexed by the man the floor of the dungeon was the last place she wanted to be. Attempting to leave would mean punishment or death. Gladiators were held in a higher accord than a medicus house slave. Cassia was stuck in more ways than one. Tears threatened to spill at her currently reality.
Wiping her eyes as she coldly asks, "Was getting to know me merely a ploy?"
Varro scrunches his face and spits out, "No! Despite your conviction I have listened, providing space when asked and surrendering at your will. How have you not realized I will say and do whatever you tell me to do because I have no pride when it comes to you?"
Cassia freezes upon hearing his words. Her own pride preventing her from speaking yet a flurry of emotion swelled within. Peeling herself from the end of the bed, she moves to a straddling position on Varro's lap. He instinctively clutches her, and crashes his lips onto hers. Parting her mouth with his tongue as they fight for dominance before Varro pulls away. He pulls away the fabric covering her breast and greedily licks Cassia's nipple. She can feel Varro's erection as her hips instinctively rock against his. Cassia hisses as Varro tugs her nipple between his teeth, moving to kiss and bite at the flesh of her breast. Cassia feels Varro's hand move between them, not wanting to lose contact or friction she grips his shoulders. Varro begins teasing her wet folds with his finger, moving up and along her opening. A slight moan escapes Cassia when he enters her core and begins pumping. Working his fingers and teasing her breasts. Cassia relishes in the pleasure from Varro's thick fingers. Moving his free hand to her hip and tightening the grip with each teasing thrust and moan. Recognizing the familiar pull in her abdomen as she nears climax, Cassia moves against his hands and Varro smirks against her neck knowingly. Her head flings back as she rides out her orgasm.
Lifting her off of his lap, Varro sets her down and kneels before her. Speaking against her thigh between kisses, "Cassia, I think about you all the time. Wishing for another kiss, to touch your flesh, and to hear you moan my name. Deny it all you will but I know you feel it too."
Cassia lets out a silent cry and clenches a fistful of hair when he starts running his tongue along her lips. Varro's tongue gingerly licks her wet folds, grazing over her already sensitive nub. Varro growls whenever her fingers dig into his scalp. Varro inserts the tip of his tongue before running up her core and flicking it over her clit.
"Varro..." Cassia breathily cries as she writhes in pleasure.
Varro kisses the inside of her thigh and Cassia props herself up with an elbow. Releasing his hair and tracing her fingers down his jaw.
"I need to feel you." With his eyes training on her vibrant green eyes, Varro stands dropping his loincloth. Cassia bites her lip as he crawls over her, kissing her body on the way.
Against her neck Varro orders, "Say it again."
His erection now torturously rubbing her inner thigh as she bucks her hips in protest before pleading, "Varro, take me."
Cassia's back arches and she moans as his hips dig into her.
Cassia's vision is blurry as her eyes slowly open to find her head on Varro's chest and his arm wrapped around her waist. Craning her neck, small beams of light are creeping down the corridor. In his sleep, Varro releases a sigh and turns his head away as she carefully removes his arm. Slipping out of bed Cassia quickly dresses knowing she needs to get out before the other gladiators wake. Approaching the cell door she motions for the guard to release her.
"Not even a goodbye kiss?" Her back stiffens.
Without turning around Cassia responds, "I'm sorry if I woke you." Just as the guard unlocks the cell and she steps out, Varro spins Cassia around. He searches her face as his thumb runs over her cheek.
"I meant everything I said."
Nodding as she admits, "I know." Varro leans down with a gentle kiss. Cassia turns and notices movement near another cell door. Her heart drops when she realizes it's Duro. He looks completely stunned to see Cassia leaving Varro's cell. The guard's keys rattle as he unlocks the main exit. The two remain staring until the guard nudges her forward. Climbing the stairs, a loud shout and the rattling of a cell makes her skin crawl. Cassia quickly wipes away a tear, knowing it was Duro making the racket