"You don't have much time. It would be a shame to squander this opportunity," Ashur purrs behind the frozen woman. Cassia twists to find him staring at his nails and giving a smug smile.
She's barely able to bite back her tongue as he saunters off. With a deep inhale, she stomps forward to the gate with rage and contempt in her eyes.
"I knew that was you at the festival," Cassian smiles.
Unwilling to give him the satisfaction of forgiveness or acceptance, Cassia spits, "How did you find me?"
"I was invited to view matches at the Arena. I instantly recognized the gladiator you were with in the square. Varro? Yes that's it." Cassian looks pleased with himself for recalling the name.
"That's not what I meant…"
"Well it wasn't hard after they announced which house he was fighting for. I just asked a few questions and was directed towards Ashur."
Cassian nods his head and Cassia's gaze follows. Ashur is playing with his bracelet as he watches the pair interact.
Whipping her head back around Cassia orders, "You've seen me now leave."
Hurt flashes across Cassian's eyes but Cassia doesn't notice as she eyes Ashur.
"I had to come see you. I wouldn't have forgiven myself…"
"Save it. If you truly cared you wouldn't have sold your daughter." Cassia's words are cold, much like her eyes.
Reaching through the gate, Cassian attempts to touch Cassia but she steps backwards. Cassian lowers his hand in defeat. "Believe me, there was no other way…."
Cassia laughs at his emission, "No way? You could have married me off! I was old enough but instead you chose this life for me."
Cassian shakes his head, "Cassia, you were too good for any of those men."
"You are unbelievable," Cassia utters as tears of rage fill her eyes.
"I don't expect you to understand or forgive me any time soon but I swear I tried to do what was best."
Slowly backing away Cassia speaks nonchalantly, "Goodbye."
Cassian grips the gate with frustration and sadness. He nods, "I'll be in touch. Your friend Ashur told me I could send letters through him."
Her eyes flicker to Ashur who is still watching with crossed arms and wearing a Cheshire grin before looking back to her dad. A small humorless laugh escapes, "You are clueless if you think he's anyone's friend."
Varro enters Cassia's room to find her sitting on the floor, back to the wall and downing wine from a jug. She's lost in thought as she pulls her fingers through her messy hair.
"What's wrong?" Varro asks with concern, kneeling on the floor before her.
Her eyes travel up to him, appearing taken aback by his presence. Varro pries the jug from her fingers, placing it off to the side before enveloping both of her hands in his.
"Ashur can eat shit."
Varro smiles at her emission, jutting out his lower lip as if he were thinking about it. "Do you plan on kissing me with that filthy mouth?"
Cassia bites her lip to refrain from laughing, "Only if you wish me to." She places her hands on Varro's thigh.
"There are many things I wish to experience with you but first, what's gotten you so upset?"
"Ashur brought my father here."
Varro's brow rises in surprise, "Why? I mean how did he know?"
Cassia uses his thighs as leverage to stand up and Varro follows suit, his hand holding her forearm as if he's afraid she'll slip away.
"I'm not sure. Cassian said he recognized you from the Arena and then found Ashur," Cassia recounts and Varro chews his lip in thought.
"Do you think he's telling the truth?"
"I don't know what to believe," she says shaking her head. "I certainly don't trust either."
Varro pulls her close for an embrace, placing a soft kiss in her hair and running his hand down her back in a soothing motion.
"I fully support that decision." Cassia pulls back to look at his face. His blue eyes sparkle at her and she can't help but smile in return.
"Thank you," she whispers.
Varro's lips curl into a crooked grin, "I'd do anything for you."
"Anything?" Cassia cocks her brow in challenge and Varro nods. "Can I have my wine back?" she asks and this time Varro playfully cocks his brow.
"Yes, or you could have me." Varro leans down, pulling at her bottom lip with his teeth and slips his tongue past her lips when she gasps, his tongue sensually stroking hers as he pulls her closer with each kiss. Parting, Varro mumbles against her lips, "I'd actually prefer a bath with you but this will have to do," he jokes and she playfully slaps his arm. He reluctantly releases her, already missing her touch.
"Is that what you really want?" she can't help but tease as her fingers trail over his collarbone, down his chest, and around his torso to his back as she circles around him. Varro looks down with hooded eyes, his long arm wrapping around her waist as she completes her rotation and exam. Varro immediately claims her lips in another passionate kiss, gently guiding her backwards to her bed and stopping when her thighs hit the edge. Cassia's fingers trace the muscles in his back as he starts moving down her neck.
"Touch me," she whispers and Varro smiles against her skin. With an arm still secured around her waist, he eyes Cassia as he traces fingers down her neck, collar, and between her breasts, his lips nipping at her earlobe as he teases her nipples through the fabric of her dress. Her breathing hitches before a soft moan leaves her lungs. Varro's other hand drops from her waist, grabbing a handful of her ample posterior. Her nails dig into his shoulder when Varro pinches her nipple as he bites into the flesh at the crook of her neck. She squirms against his erection pressed against her belly. Varro's lower hand starts pulling up the hem of her dress, fingers burning her skin with each teasing curl as he gathers the fabric.
A loud rapping sound of wood hitting wood erupts in the room, startling both of them from their bliss. Looking up, they see Ashur standing before them with a priggish expression and his cane across the frame of the doorway, he doesn't lower the object until both sets of eyes are secured on him.
Varro takes a large step backwards away from Cassia as Ashur enters the room, stopping near the threshold. Cassia scornfully adjusts her dress.
"I'm sorry if I interrupted," Ashur conveys with mock sincerity.
"I was just completing Varro's exam," Cassia informs as she walks over to her table for water, placing distance between herself and the men.
"In your personal quarters? Perhaps I should look into one of those exams," Ashur replies, noting Varro's tight jaw and clenched fists. Cassia nervously watches the men exchanging silent but meaningful expressions.
Taking a step forward, Ashur asserts, "As you know it's late but I needed to speak with Varro about his earnings."
Varro's shoulders drop as he moves to close the gap, hesitantly looking over his shoulder at Cassia. She looks back with curiosity, even though she feels uncomfortable being present for such a personal matter.
Ashur eyes the woman while asking Varro, "How do you wish to distribute the coin?"
Cassia looks down at her cup, straining her ears to hear the men but Varro is speaking in a low tight voice.
"As discussed the other day, half to Aurelia and the other half split between my debts and her freedom."
Feigning a look of surprise, Ashur glances over to Cassia who's quietly sipping her water. Ashur doesn't attempt to lower his voice when he replies, "I was just making sure you hadn't changed your mind. As you wish the coin will be distributed between your wife, debt, and purchasing Cassia's freedom."
Cassia chokes on her water upon hearing those words. Varro gives Ashur a deadly look before whipping his head around to her. Cassia's head is down as she attempts to regain her breath.
"Well since that's settled, I'll leave you two to finish whatever it is you've started here. Good night," he says with a tight smile and venom in his voice as he slips out the door.
Varro swiftly makes his way over to the table; Cassia's hands are gripping the edge as she blankly stares at the wall. Varro reaches for Cassia's arm but she shakes his hand away, facing the wall and refusing to turn around.
"Cassia...please," Varro softly begs but she shuns his plea.
With her back still to him, Cassia questions, "How long have you been planning this?"
"The moment I knew you were in love with me," he confesses. Cassia scoffs and twists around, hands still clenching the table as she leans back.
"And I don't get a say in any of it?" she probes and Varro defiantly looks back at her.
"You can't possibly be upset that I wish to purchase your freedom."
"Varro! You have debts to pay and a family to support. Coin should go to those obligations," she cries out in frustration.
"And it is!" Varro roars, taken aback by her stubbornness regarding the matter. He shakes his head in disbelief.
"What of your own freedom?" Cassia questions while crossing her arms.
"It means nothing if you're still here." Cassia's face softens at his affirmation, uncrossing her arms and nervously playing with her fingers.
"I shouldn't have learned of it from Ashur," she utters while sheepishly looking at him. Varro cups her face, stroking her cheek with his thumb as he smiles searching her eyes.
"That's true but you need to remember we're on the same side here. I love you and want nothing more than to be together for the rest of our lives."
Cassia laughs as a few tears fall from her eyes. Varro gently wipes them away before kissing each cheek.
"You are a stubborn woman," he whispers, placing his forehead to Cassia's.
Her hands reach up to grip onto his which are holding her face, "It's a good thing you're a strong man."