Page 19 of Thawed Gladiator: Cassius

Diana

I’m floating, dreamy, but more alive than ever before. Everything hits me at once—touch, sound, scent—like I’m drowning in sensation.

His lips feel soft but his kisses are firm, owning my mouth as he groans deep, consuming me like I’m a banquet. He tastes clean and earthy, smelling of sun and hay, filling the air around us.

I grab his shoulders, pulling back just enough to nibble down his stubbled jaw, thrilled at how he responds to my touch.

“You taste so good,” I whisper against his ear. “I want to lick you everywhere.”

He grabs me tighter, shuddering as he grinds his hips into mine. His hard cock presses against me, promising more to come. He lifts me like I weigh nothing, and I wrap my legs around his waist, desperate to get closer. Oh! His cock hits that perfect spot, teasing me through our clothes.

He waltzes with me until my back is tight against the wall. This position allows me to rub against him, feeling like I might explode from wanting him. He trails kisses from my mouth to my ear, biting just enough to make me gasp.

Desire drowns out all thought, leaving me lost in pure need. I’m soaked with wanting him, every nerve ending screaming for more as he pours Latin into my ear.

“I’ve imagined this a thousand times since we met.”

His pressure keeps me pinned as his hands slide up, thumbs brushing my breasts, teasing closer and closer to my aching nipples.

“I fist myself to sleep at night, thinking of you.”

Years ago, arrogance like this might have pissed me off, but right now it just makes me hotter—like throwing gas on the fire burning through my veins.

He leans closer, whispering into my other ear—the one without the translator—spilling what sounds like sweet filth in Latin.

“Tu umidus es?”*

His thumbs hover just shy of my nipples, driving me crazy with need.

“Potesne me ducere?”

I don’t understand the words, but his voice tells me everything—he wants me, craves me, needs me as badly as I need him.

I tip my head back, giving him full access to my neck. Feeling bold, I arch against him, chasing that sweet friction. His breath catches, and I feel his muscles flex under my exploring fingers as I map out his shoulders and spine. Each hard line of muscle is a secret I’m uncovering, lighting fires under my skin.

“Non possum exspectare te gustare.”

Is he asking if I want him? Promising how good he’ll make me feel? The air crackles between us, thick with everything unsaid. His heat pulls me in like gravity, impossible to resist.

“Yes.” The word comes out breathless, heavy with need. Honestly, I don’t care what he’s asking—what he’s offering. I can almost taste how good this will be, anticipation swelling inside me like a storm surge. I’ll say yes to everything—every whispered promise, every heated look, every brush of skin on skin.

As he leans even closer, I feel his breath on my cheek, teasing me, making promises I can’t wait for him to keep. My heart races thinking about his lips hovering just a heartbeat away. Time stretches out, every second making me want him more, leaving me gasping for air. The world outside disappears, leaving just us and this electric moment.

His hand slides behind my waist, fingers trailing just above my hip, setting my skin on fire. I lean into him, begging him to close that last bit of space, to finally take this farther. My senses go crazy—his scent, now musky, fills my lungs, making everything more intense.

“Diana,” he murmurs, his voice dropping to a growl that shoots straight down my spine. Just hearing my name like we’re about to plunge into the deep end together.

Desire builds dangerously swamping me with need. My mind races with thoughts of his naked skin on mine, our bodies melting together like we were made for this. His gaze locks onto mine, challenging and hungry. There’s something fierce and primal there, and I want nothing more than to lose myself in it.

“Show me,” I breathe, barely recognizing my voice over my thundering heart. I want him to take control, to let me drown in his rhythm, to light up every ounce of desire inside me.

His lips curve into a wicked grin that sends shockwaves through me. He pulls back so the translator picks up his words. “You should know what you’re asking.” His teasing tone drips with promises wrapped in mystery, making me burn hotter. He grips my waist, pulling me closer, like he wants me wrapped around him like ivy, tangled up and never letting go.

“Then show meeverything,” I whisper back, feeling brave.

With lightning speed, he captures my mouth again,devouringme with his kiss. His hands mold my body to his, cradling my curves, urging me to take everything he’s offering.

I surrender to the kiss, our mouths dancing together—hungry, desperate, completely alive. Every sensation builds to a crescendo; his hands explore with soft insistence, promising pleasures I’ve only glimpsed in dreams.

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