Cassia gasps as her eyes shoot open. Frantically looking around, she realizes she's in the medicus, Varro rushes to sit on the edge of the bed, pain searing through her body as she struggles to breathe.
Varro grabs a rag, placing the cool cloth to her head and then reaches for a bowl.
"Chew," he politely urges Cassia while placing the herb into her mouth. Her breathing starts to steady and he gently strokes her jaw.
"You were having the dream." Varro expresses with concern. Cassia squeezes her eyes shut and nods, forcefully swallowing as she reopens them and meets his gaze.
"You've been having them every night, whimpering in your sleep." Varro stands, sliding his arm underneath her back to lift her upright while he offers water. Cassia greedily gulps down the water, licking the few droplets that have managed to escape.
"Thank you," she replies in a coarse voice. He lays her back down and Cassia turns her head asking out of curiosity, "Why are you here?"
"Someone needed to stay with you. Marina's been here during the daylight hours until I'm done with training and then I stay overnight," Varro explains.
"What of Duro?"
Varro flinches at the name and looks at his hands, "He's in the dungeon."
Before Cassia can react to sit upright, Varro already has his hands on her shoulders.
"Rest...there's nothing you can do. Duro hit Doctore, among a few others."
"Why?" Cassia questions trying to make sense of the events.
Recounting the story Ashur told the villa, Cassia pinches her brows together wondering if it were true. He had been threatening and insisted she lie in regards to his whereabouts. She certainly didn't trust him but had no proof. Cassia's status within the ludis has risen, but she couldn't just throw accusations at the master's personal servant.
"Aurelia recognized you and screamed for assistance. Thankfully Ashur was still close, hearing the cries, he grabbed a guard, and they brought you back. Duro immediately lost control seeing you like that," Varro explains. Cassia feels a tinge, imagining how hard it must have been for Duro.
"How long have I been out?" she asks.
"Nearly three days."
Cassia's eyes travel to the floor with her next question, "Did he...was I?"
Varro grabs her hand and she meets his gaze. He gently rubs his thumb along the back of her hand and gives her a small reassuring smile before simply replying with a soft, "No."
Cassia releases a small sigh; the woman hadn't realized she was even holding her breath.
"I suppose I owe Aurelia," Cassia chews on the words, never expecting them to ever be something to leave her mouth.
Varro shifts uneasily next to her, dropping her hand to scratch the back of his neck.
"I don't think that's necessary."
Scrunching her face in confusion, "I'd never say anything if that's your concern."
"No, it wasn't," Varro shakes his head before admitting, "but I did."
"I'm the one that was attacked and yet everyone appears to have gone mad!" she cries in disbelief shifting on the bed.
Varro points his finger at the agitated woman and commands, "Don't you dare get up!"
"How could you be so foolish?!"
"I was left with no choice. She questioned why I rushed to your side instead of hers." Varro clenched his jaw with hesitation. He knew Cassia wouldn't like what else he had to say. "I confessed that I was no longer in love with her, but I'd still honor my obligation to support her and our son."
"Get out," Cassia snaps.
Slowly backing away from the bed Varro speaks, "It's almost time for training. Marina should be here soon."
Cassia releases a frustrated scream after Varro leaves. Of course he'd find a way to complicate her happiness.
Marina excitedly filled Cassia in on Solonius's apparent attempts to lure Ashur and her attack.
Cassia would occasionally smile, not having the heart to tell her friend that Varro previously recalled the events for her.
The one thing her and Varro hadn't covered was the extent of her injuries.
"Well I'm sure you can feel the pain in your left side," Marina assures noticing Cassia wincing as she attempts to adjust her position on the bed. Marina hurriedly aides her friend as she continues, "it's because you have a few bruised ribs."
"Remind me to thank Juno," Cassia jests dryly.
Marina couldn't hold back her grin at the oft joke. The two women would frequently thank the deity whenever something went awry.
"You have a small stab wound in your left upper thigh. We think that's when Aurelia arrived and scared him away." Marina's voice lowered as she thought about where he might have stabbed her friend if not interrupted.
Cassia pulls up the gown to reveal the wound. The pain in her side was enough to distract from the injury.
As Cassia examines the cut, Marina adds, "And there's bruising on your cheek accompanied by a black eye."
Lowering her dress Cassia inquires, "Is that all?"
With a giggle Marina replies, "Isn't that enough?"
"How is Duro? Has he been informed of my condition?" Marina sees Cassia's concern.
"As best as we can. It's hard for any of us slaves to get down there. Agron was only able to see him yesterday, I'm sure he told Duro." Cassia nods, truly appreciating the efforts of her friends.
"So he doesn't know I'm awake," Cassia utters.
Marina swiftly covers Cassia's hand with her own, "I'm afraid it's unlikely, but we'll keep trying."
The morning and afternoon flew by as the women caught up. Marina was seeing one of the guards, the happiness on Marina's face as she spoke about him made Cassia's heart swell with happiness for her friend.
Varro hesitantly stepped into the room, unsure what to expect from the woman after this morning. He was pleasantly surprised to find her smiling and laughing.
"Well, my glamorous life of servitude awaits!" Maria raises a palm to her forehead in an exaggerated motion.
Cassia simply giggles; Marina quickly stands and pats her friends arm, "I'll see you in the morning."
Watching her friend leave, Cassia turns to the gladiator still awkwardly standing to the side. She picks lint off her dress before reluctantly admitting, "Perhaps it's not my place to tell you how to live your life."
"That's a terrible apology," Varro retorts.
Cassia smiles before countering, "Because it wasn't."
Varro emits a hearty laugh answering, "Well, I should expect nothing less from you."
One of the kitchen slaves abruptly enters the medicus, placing two bowls down before scurrying away. Varro hands Cassia her food and takes his own, the two remaining silent as they eat their meal. Using bread to sop up the last bit of juices from the bowl, Varro quickly finishes and gathers the dishes to place them aside.
"Now that our bellies are full, are you comfortable? Is there anything I can get for you?" Varro questions as he studies her face.
"A bath would be nice," Cassia jokes not expecting Varro's response.
With a shrug Varro replies, "Okay."
"What?" Her brows are raised in surprise, Cassia hadn't expected Varro to agree.
"The baths were drained and refilled today. It's late enough that it should be warm. I can make sure it's cleared out," Varro rises to his feet and extends his hand.
Hesitantly gripping his forearm and pushing off the bed with her hand, Cassia cautiously rises to her feet. Marina had walked her around earlier in the afternoon, but she still felt wobbly. Varro seemed content to let her hold onto him as they made their way to the bath.
Peeking in, he gave it the all clear and guided her to the dressing areas.
"Will you be able to lift your arm?" he asks, Cassia shakes her head no and he nods in understanding. Keeping his gaze above her shoulders, he prudently slips the straps of her dress down her arms and pulls the fabric over her hips until it cascades to the floor. He then proceeds to drop his loincloth. Cassia's eyes slightly trail down his chest, tempted to look but she quickly glances away as she already regrets making the joke in the first place.
Varro offers his arm and escorts her near the tub, stopping at the bench with the exfoliation supplies.
"Sit and do as much as you can," he asserts while handing her some olive oil. She places the vat of liquid next to her and judiciously rubs it on her skin. Varro slightly turns his body away as he does the same. Cassia finds herself sneaking glances at him, his chest and arms shining from the oil. Detecting her, Varro glances over and she drops her head.
"Stand up and I'll get your back." He says helping Cassia stand, turning her around to face the wall with her right hand as support. Varro rubs the oil along her shoulders and down her back. Cassia's head flings back, his fingers feeling good along her sore and tense body. Varro tries to ignore the appreciative moan Cassia gives but his cock has other plans.
He immediately turns around, calling over his shoulder, "Do you mind?" Cassia focuses on his chiseled ass as she approaches Varro, barely resisting the urge to touch his when she starts at his lower back, spreading the oil upwards through the grooves and crevasses of his muscles.
Varro hands her the strigil so she can scrape the oil off. While he only intended for her to scrape his back, Cassia takes the opportunity to boldly run the tool over his ass and down his legs. Whimpering when she attempts to stand, Varro forgets about his erection and hooks his hands in her underarms dragging her up. Cassia doesn't miss Varro's erection during the rescue from the floor.
Instead, she chooses to quietly thank him. He takes the second strigil to gently scrape her backside before handing it over so he can finish himself.
Cassia keeps her back to Varro, afraid to look at him. Both of them seemingly regretting the decision as they can barely make eye contact. The feeling of the strigil feels good on her body, with each swipe another layer of oil and grime ridden from her body. Cassia feels lighter as the residue from the attack is erased. Upon finishing, Cassia spins and Varro is slightly turned with his hand out ready to lead her into the warm bath water.
Cassia sighs, the warm water lapping around her body as she is lowered with assistance to the bench. Varro quickly turns and walks away, trying not to focus on the fact she's naked and mere inches away from him.
Cassia watches Varro cup water with his hands and toss it down his back, the droplets navigating the contours of his muscles and her mind travels back to the oil covering his body.
"You've been nothing but an ass these past few weeks. I can't figure out why you're being nice," she blurts out, not realizing he's twisted to face her.
Varro purses his lips before lifting her leg and rubbing soap from her knee to her foot, "It was the only way to ensure my distance from you."
With a playful smirk Cassia asks, "How's that working out for you?"
Varro poorly suppresses a laugh, looking up at her, Cassia's eyes twinkling under the lamps and the light reflecting off the water flitting along her exposed skin.
"As I said, you've helped me numerous times and it's a privilege to return the favor," he speaks with honesty.
Cassia pauses before pondering, "Why must you continue to harass Duro?"
"He's told you?"
"You didn't answer my question," Cassia points out, "Not everything I'm sure, which is likely for your protection, but yes, we have a relationship and we talk about things."
"Oh, really? Are you going to tell him about this, because I'd love to be there for that." Varro can't help the satisfied smile and Cassia gives him an icy glare.
Varro pauses distantly staring off into the tub before replying, "He pisses me off."
Cassia pulls her leg away and Varro huffs.
"You forfeited your right to an opinion regarding my personal life." Cassia's look was stern, and Varro wanted nothing more than to kiss it off her face. Instead, Varro opts to dunk himself completely underwater.
Cassia narrows her eyes, knowing he's avoiding whatever it is he wants to say. Reemerging, Varro slicks back his hair.
"You think I was some drunk fool the other night but I remember," Varro alludes.
"I think you should have just pretended otherwise," Cassia fires back.
"I don't think you understand. I heard it all." Varro slowly speaks the words.
Cassia's heart thumps loudly in her chest. She feels frozen in place as Varro draws near.
A soft, "Oh," is all she can say, her tongue feeling heavy and sticky in her mouth.
Snorting, Varro replies, "Yeah. Let's get this over with." The bitter tone of his voice doesn't go unnoticed by Cassia, gone is the gentleness he previously possessed while aiding her to stand. Cassia remains silent, stunned by his admission, as Varro runs the soap over her body and then his own. She feels foolish and guilty for saying it at all, especially since she was with another man. Still, Cassia couldn't ignore the feeling of his hands on her flesh, longing for each touch and loathing herself for feeling that way.
Cassia's eyes were closed, but his remained on her, every inch of her. Varro bit his lip as he washed her, there was no hiding his desire. It wasn't until he was washing her breasts, a finger gently grazing a nipple causing it to pebble and Cassia's shaky inhale, that he realizes this was equally as difficult for her. Varro wonders if she is wet for him as he continues to move around her body.
Cassia's eyes shoot open when she feels Varro's cock pushing against her butt cheek. She briefly contemplates tilting her hips and giving into the desire burning between her legs.
Leaning forward to her ear, Varro asks, "Do you wish to be shaved?"
Cassia cranes her neck towards him and nods yes. Varro reaches for the blade and swallows as he lowers himself to a squat. His breath is heavy as he places a hand on her thigh.
Cassia grips his head to steady herself. Varro closes his eyes, the familiar sensation of her fingers in his hair and his proximity to her sex overwhelming. Varro's hand is shaking as he brings it towards her pubic bone. Cassia quickly covers it with a free hand, which instantly calms him.
"Thank you," he whispers as he begins the task of shaving his former lover with long and careful strokes. Cassia releases her grip on his hand and dutifully stares ahead as Varro works, her nails digging into his scalp when he gets close to her lips. Occasionally, Cassia feels a stray finger stroke her entrance but she also fears that desire has driven her mad.
The two spend the remainder of the evening in a daze, lost in their thoughts and replaying moments from the bath, separately contemplating what it would have been like to lose control and give into the primal urges that were beckoning.
"Would you like some wine? I would," Varro asks while striding to the table.
"Please," Cassia responds, hoping the wine will calm her nerves. Soon Varro hands her a cup as he positions himself next to her on the bed. Cassia relishes the first sip, already feeling the tension slowly melting and her body relaxing with each drink.
Focusing on Cassia, a slow smile spreads across Varro's face before he starts laughing.
"Today has been..." Varro says between gaps and Cassia quickly replies with, "Yeah." Varro drains the contents of his cup, silently grateful to have his mind at ease and the confirmation from Cassia that it was just as difficult for her.
A small dribble of wine spills out of the corner of Cassia's mouth. She quickly sets the empty cup down to wipe but Varro has already pulled up her chin, wiping away the stray drop with his thumb. As he moves slowly along her bottom lip, Cassia slightly opens her mouth so her tongue can taste his thumb. Varro deeply inhales with the gesture and Cassia curls her tongue back, sensually dragging his thumb into her mouth as she gently sucks.
Cassia's eyes widen with the realization of her actions. Varro opens and closes his mouth as he attempts to gather a cohesive thought. Varro slowly pulls his thumb away and stands before the woman. She spreads her legs so he can position himself between them. With his forehead against hers, Varro slowly runs his hands up her thighs and firmly grips her hips. A small whimper of surprise leaves Cassia. She can only focus on his proximity and his hot breath on her face, she slightly tilts her head so their lips are scarcely touching.
Varro whispers, "Bed. We should go to bed. Separately."
Cassia responds, "How do you expect me to sleep?" Varro grunts, knowing she's right and they'll both be up. Cassia's tongue darts out trailing along his bottom lip before biting and slowly releasing it from her teeth, causing Varro to growl. Cassia pulls away, her pupils blown with lust. Unable to wait for him to make a move, Cassia holds his hand bringing it to her core.
"You're wet," Varro gasps at the revelation and throws his head back struggling for an ounce of self-control. Cassia spatters his chin and jaw with slow kisses.
Varro's finger continues to tease her entrance, fighting the urge to fuck her right then and if she weren't injured he might consider it.
Withdrawing his hand Varro asserts, "No. You're injured."
Cassia rubs his loincloth and Varro suppresses a moan, clenching his jaw.
"I need all of you, Cassia, and your body isn't ready. Give yourself time to heal," Varro stamps out the words with reluctance.
"Suck Jupiter's cock!" Cassia yells in frustration as she turns to stomp out, Varro immediately grabs her arm and spins her, placing her against the wall before she even realizes it, kneeling down and draping her right leg over his shoulder. Cassia grips his curls as he begins trailing kisses from her knee to her thigh asking, "What do want me to do Cassia? Would you like me to use my fingers or my tongue?" His tongue teases close to her folds before he continues, "You're the one that has to look him in the eye, not me."
Cassia immediately pulls his hair, thus jerking his head, while dropping her leg before hurrying to her quarters.
Varro peers at her over his shoulder, slumping forward and pressing his back to the cold wall.
Cassia was grateful that Varro slipped out early in the morning. She felt embarrassed by her actions and didn't want to face him.
It was around midday when Duro showed up in the medicus. Marina excused herself with a wink, allowing the couple some privacy.
Duro immediately engulfs Cassia and peppers her face with kisses.
"I feared the worst," Duro's heart nearly beating out of his chest at the thought.
Cassia smiled against his chest as his fingers played with her hair.
Pulling away, Duro's brows lower, "I didn't even know you were awake," tucking a strand of auburn hair behind Cassia's ear.
She smiles at him, with a reassuring voice, "I'm here. I assure you people were trying to update you."
A small smile graces his lips before Doctore enters the room and the two become quiet as the man glares.
"There you are," he pauses looking between the two, "I hope you haven't gotten too comfortable."
Duro warily shakes his head at the trainer.
"Good. Since you've seemed to have forgotten your true purpose here at the ludis, I think it's time for a reminder. You've let your personal affairs interfere twice, and thus I summon you to two days in the pit."
Knowing he's without a choice, Duro trails behind Doctore and Cassia hobbles behind with her cane. Marina darts after her friend, stopping her before she gets too far. Cassia helplessly watches Duro being lowered into the filth. Once he's out of sight, she sorely looks around, spotting Varro with an amused expression on his face. His eyes flick to hers and the smile fades.
"Come on." Marina urges, Cassia reluctantly follows as the knot in her stomach grows. Another evening alone with Varro she thinks, before bending at her hips and throwing up the contents of her stomach.