A lazy smile graces Cassia's face, afraid last night was just a dream, but waking to find herself shrouded in Varro's arms immediately calms her fears. His face is peaceful as he sleeps next to her, and she can't help but touch him, the need to feel him burning a hole in her being. Cassia gently traced her hand down his defined jawline, slowly moving from his embrace to position herself over him. Cassia's hips grind into Varro's as she leans forward, placing slow deliberate kisses on his neck. Varro slightly stirs and lets out a soft groan, his hand traveling up Cassia's thigh, giving a subtle squeeze. Cassia rolls back to discover Varro's awake, his blue eyes mischievous. Cassia draws her nails down his chest in encouragement, and Varro gently flips the two of them over causing a giggle to leave Cassia.
"Are you trying to wake me for anything in particular?" Varro teases, Cassia biting her lip as she shakes her head.
"Mmmm," is all Varro says(,) before one of his large hands moves to cradle her head and he captures her lips with slow and deliberate kisses. Cassia's burgeoning need fuels her impatience as she seductively bites Varro's bottom lip. He pulls away only to feel her squirm beneath him.
"Do you plan on teasing me all morning?" Cassia questions, and Varro smirks at her blatant desperation.
"Was the three times last night not enough?" He murmurs in a low voice into her neck, scattering kisses.
Cassia's nails dig into his curly locks and back as her voice pleads, "Varro." He pulls away much to her dismay, a large frustrated whine escaping her. Varro sits upright and motions Cassia over. She swiftly climbs onto his lap, wrapping her legs around his torso and arms draped across his neck. Cassia eagerly kisses him, and he laughs.
"Are you trying to kill me?" Varro asks. Cassia replies with sensual kisses along his jaw up to his ear lobe, which she bites.
"You have arena tomorrow and won't be visiting me tonight," she utters while grinding her hips.
"Just say you'll miss me." Varro insists, Cassia looks him in the eye as she positions herself over his erection, the tip teasing her entrance.
"I'll miss you," she says as she slowly slides herself down his shaft and with a roll of her hips, "Oh, I'll miss you." Cassia's head flings back in pleasure as Varro thrusts upwards, wrapping his arms around her waist and exploring the flesh of her back. Cassia crosses her ankles behind his back in an attempt to get closer. She places her hands on his shoulders for leverage as she moves up and down, the feeling of Varro's large hands moving up her back yet anchoring her down at the same time turning her on more.
The next time she lowers herself, Cassia slightly digs her hip before rising and both moan in pleasure. Varro's hot mouth attacks her collarbone and neck. Cassia slows the pace, switching to a more sensual grind and he groans in her ear before clutching a fistful of hair and kissing her. His tongue parting her lips for entrance and caressing hers, relishing in the taste of her. Varro's arms fall down around Cassia, pulling and holding her tightly against him, the feeling of her hot skin pressing against his and her mouth overwhelming his senses. Cassia begins forcefully rolling her hips as she grinds and pressure in her core quickly builds. Varro breaks their kiss for a breath and Cassia places her forehead against his, weaving fingers into his hair and splaying her other hand between his shoulder blades.
"Mmmm...there," she breathily cries when Varro counters the thrust of her hips, each picking up the pace, their bodies still molded into one by touch and rhythm. Cassia's core starts to tighten around Varro's cock, her head drops to the crook of his neck as Varro hits her sweet spot, resulting in her coming undone. Varro briefly slows the pace, allowing her to enjoy the euphoria of her climax before he sensually bites her neck as his thrusts become harder. Cassia's soft moans only encourages him, it doesn't take long for his breathing to become erratic as his orgasm hits.
Cassia slowly milks him with her walls as he unloads. Varro once again tastes her lips, taking his time devouring her before resting his head.
"I love you, Cassia," breaking away to gaze into her eyes as he softly speaks.
Cassia smiles as she cups his cheek, "And I love you."
Cassia was on edge, worry about tomorrow's arena keeping her awake. Giving into insomnia, she shrugged on her cloak and went to the ledge to calm her wandering mind. It's not that she didn't trust Varro's capabilities, she knew he was powerful and fast, his skill greatly improving by working with Spartacus,but the stakes were higher now. Bloodthirsty gladiators always wanted to take down the better opponent for the victory, and that meant them attempting to kill the man she loved. The man she'd willingly opened her heart to after deny her feelings for far too long.
"May I join you?" Spartacus politely asks, as Cassia nearly jumps out of her skin with a small yelp.
"You are stealthy," Cassia points out while clutching her racing heart.
Spartacus sports a crooked smile, "I couldn't sleep. I assume the same of you?"
"No." she confesses while stealing a glance.
Spartacus asks, "Any particular reason?"
Cassia head drops as she studies her hands, "Worry about what tomorrow brings."
"I assure you, he will move mountains to return to you." Spartacus freely speaks. Cassia studies his face.
"You don't care for me." she blurts out.
"I don't understand. I've never been in his position, but Varro is my friend, so I will support him and his decision," Spartacus admits to Cassia. Her insides twist thinking about Varro as she wonders if there will ever be a day he didn't make her sick with love and worry.
"There is something I've been meaning to ask," Spartacus curiously treads, noticing the hesitation on Cassia's face. "Was there anything unusual about Ashur's behavior during your trips to the market?"
Cassia tightens her cloak as a shiver shoots down her spine. She nervously bites her lip, contemplating whether she could trust Spartacus. Ashur was very adamant about her remaining silent about their market trips, "I want you to meet Aurelia again while I take care of other interests. I also want you to pretend we're always together during our excursions. Is that clear?"
Cassia slowly shakes her head as Ashur's threat rings in her ear, and the feeling of his bruising grip on her arm sears her skin.
Spartacus's eyes wander over the night sky, and sensing Cassia is withholding information, he attempts another angle.
"I fear this ludus isn't as honorable as they'd like for us to believe. There are things that have happened and the explanations don't correlate with the actions." Spartacus pauses, feeling Cassia's eyes on him as he pressed forward. "Quintus made a promise to me, and it was broken. If a man doesn't have his word, then what does he have?"
"Forgive me, Spartacus, but I'm not interested in getting involved in a game of revenge," Cassia quickly dismisses his claims. Spartacus tilts his head while rubbing his neck.
"It's more than that, Cassia. My wife was murdered," he softly replies. Cassia's face drops at the news. Spartacus looks at her, "I was promised she'd be brought to me and she was, but the price was too high. Quintus and Lucretia will stop at nothing to get what they want."
"I don't understand what Ashur has to do with this?" Cassia questions as Spartacus turns to glance around, ensuring they're alone.
Spartacus' voice was gruff but matter-of-fact as he speaks, "Ashur enjoys power. He'll do anything to remain within it's grasp. I know for a fact the Glabber's do not wish to endorse Quintus, but I don't know why they are. Ashur is one of the few people that are allowed to freely leave the ludis." Cassia's mouth opens in shock, a soft sound of disbelief exits before she closes it.
"I don't know where he was going. He suggested, with hostility, that I acted as if we remained together while out," Cassia confesses with tears welling in her eyes. She quickly presses her palms to wipe them away, willing their disappearance. Spartacus stands and extends his hand out; Cassia takes it still feeling dismay over the information swirling in her head.
Placing a hand on her shoulder and gently rubbing, Spartacus promises with a whisper, "I'll figure it out. Just be careful, Cassia. This place has eyes and ears in the form of rats."
Awaiting the return from arena felt exceptionally slow for Cassia, the medicus was ready for their return; part of the thrill was determining how busy she'd be upon the gladiators' arrival. If they'd fared well, she may just have a few cuts or gashes to mend. Now, thoughts of Varro consume her mind with concern. Seeking a distraction, she joined Marina near the well as she completed chores.
"You seem nervous." Marina states, side eyeing Cassia while scrubbing table linens.
Cassia warily looks at her friend, "Arena days mean more than they used to."
"Duro will be fine," Marina places her hand on Cassia's with a light squeeze, "Agron will seek to it or die ensuring it's truth."
Cassia freezes upon hearing Duro's name. With a long sigh, she offers an apologetic smile. Marina immediately narrows her eyes, "What?"
"Duro and I are no longer..." before Cassia can continue Marina, drops the wash and rushes over to hug Cassia.
"That doesn't mean you stop caring." She whispers into her friend's hair. Cassia shakes herself loose from Marina's grip.
"We're no longer together because there's someone else. I'm seeing someone else."
Marina places a hand on her hip and with a raised brow asserts, "Duro is sweet and really cares about you. I can't think of anyone better."
Cassia's hand nervously shoots through her hair, tugging at the knots while she searches for the right words, "It's...I..."
Getting annoyed, Marina pushes, "Just spit it out already!" Her hands dramatically waving in the air with dramatic exhibition.
"Varro. I'm with Varro," she spits out, and watches the confusion spread on Marina's face. Marina instantly slouches down to ground in shock and Cassia joins her.
"Teach me your secrets," Marina half jokes, still perplexed from the news. Cassia giggles as she pushes her friend.
"It just happened. I tried to fight it, but the lure was much too strong," Cassia quietly recalls the past few months.
"Well, Duro is great, but Varro…," Marina sighs, "If you ruin that, then there is something wrong with you." Marina jokes, and Cassia covers her eyes while a large cackle booms from her mouth.
"I apologize for not telling you sooner." Cassia conveys with sincerity.
Marina waves it off with a grin, "You are clearly a busy woman, in more ways than one." Marina wiggles her brows and the women erupt in laughter again.
The guard announces, "The warriors have returned to the House of Batiatus!" and Cassia can feel her chest constrict as she abruptly stands and slowly ventures towards the medicus, leaning against a pillar as Quintus and Lucretia step out of the carriage, walking into villa. As the carriage moves out of the way, the gladiators parade into sight, led by Doctore, the men that didn't see battle first, with the weak and battered champions following behind. Men severely injured in battle were wheeled on a cart, luckily, today the cart was empty.
Cassia watches with bated breath, as the men straggle in, scanning for any sign of Varro. He appears near the end of the pack, and she lets out a sigh of relief. Varro appears worn, stumbling in the gates and collapsing onto his knees in the courtyard. Cassia's grip tightens on the column as the scene unfolds before her eyes, fighting back the urge to run to him as Spartacus's earlier warning echoes in the back of her mind. Her eyes flit up to meet Ashur's, a slow leer playing on his lips, clearly enjoying her conflict. Cassia looks away to see Spartacus helping Varro stand, flinging one of Varro's arms around his shoulder as he places one around his waist for support and leads him into their quarters.
Cassia quickly scans the men, concluding they were merely tired but unharmed, before she turns to the medicus to begin patching up the injuries acquired in battle.
Spartacus briefly stopped by the medicus to let Cassia know Varro was fine. He was sleeping, but would be by later for his assessment. Cassia couldn't help but grin; Varro knew her worry and stubbornness wouldn't allow her to relax until she had examined him.
She methodically cleaned and straightened the room before sitting down to write up her notes. Lost in her evaluations, she never heard Ashur's footsteps.
"You take your position seriously," he purrs, his smug voice sending shivers down her spine. Ashur moves closer, propping himself on the edge of her table. Cassia closes the book as she faces the man.
"It helps me be a better physician." Cassia curtly responds, hoping his visit is brief. Ashur gently touches the binding of the journal.
"Well as much as I'd like to visit with you, Cassia, I'm here on business." His eyes dance with mirth causing a knot to form in her stomach.
Cassia stands to place some distance between her and the man. She tries to steady her breath, even though the room feels as if it's slowly closing in on her.
Ashur strokes his chin as he stands, "You have a visitor at the gate." Cassia is aghast by his words, having no inkling who would be here for her. Ashur motions her forward in annoyance as she hesitantly moves, thankful that Ashur isn't following her. Cassia's feet feel heavy as she approaches the gate; the guards stepping aside to make room for her but her feet suddenly stop. Unable to move, she stares in disbelief.
"Cassia!" Cassian cries, reaching his hand through the bars at her. Cassia vehemently shakes her head.
"No...no...no," she softly mutters to herself, dread bubbling from within as her world slowly crashes to a halt around her.