Page 21 of Thawed Gladiator: Cassius

We sit in silence for a moment, which is the perfect move. He’s showing me by his actions that he accepts not only what I want, but respects who I am.

“I’ll be honest, Diana. Staying in your cabin is going to be hard on me after that kiss, but I don’t want the night to end.” He pauses, then asks, “Would you like to sit on the porch and talk? Or just listen to the leaves rustle in the wind?”

Relief washes over me, and I feel a rush of affection for this man. How can a man who fought in gladiator arenas be so sensitive? “I’d like that. A lot.”

As we make our way to the porch, I feel lighter, as if sharing even this small part of my past has lifted a weight from my shoulders. Sitting beside Cassius on the swing, watching the stars come out, I know I’ve made the right decision.

This is exactly what I need—a chance to build something real.

*Translation

“Tu umidus es?”— “Are you wet?”

“Potesne me ducere?”— “Can you take me?”

“Non possum exspectare te gustare.”— “I can’t wait to taste you.”

Chapter Sixteen

Cassius

Today’s our first session with the at-risk youth. Diana and I gave a presentation to the staff at the Oak Hill treatment home a few weeks ago. Well, Diana gave the presentation, I just stood there. We figured they needed to see the two-thousand-year-old gladiator who was going to be involved.

Diana says there’s a saying, “Better the devil you know than the devil you don’t.” She thought theideaof what I am is scarier than meeting me in person.

Guess she was right. They agreed to start with a trial of two teens, a boy and a girl.

My stomach is churning. Am I nervous about teaching two children? It makes me wonder if I really was a gladiator beforeI boarded theFortuna. I haven’t had any more memories about my past, and questions about my true self plague me daily.

Diana stands beside me, and I can tell she’s anxious. She calls this program her “baby.” When she does something, she puts her heart and soul into it. It’s one of the things that draws me to her.

Our eyes meet, and I’m transported back to that night on her porch, talking for hours under the stars. Since then, we’ve been taking things slowly, but the tension between us crackles like static in the air. I may not know who I am, but I know what I want—Diana.

“Ready for this?” Diana asks, her smile bright but tight around the edges.

I nod, trying to soothe her nerves. “It’s going to work out.”

The crunch of tires on gravel announces the van’s arrival. Two teenagers step out, followed by one of the Oak Hill staff. My breath catches as I recognize the boy—the same one I saw in shackles at the clinic. He stands with his arms crossed tightly over his chest, chin thrust up in defiance.

The girl bounces out behind him, her purple curls catching the sunlight. Despite her energetic entrance, I notice how her eyes dart around, assessing every detail of her surroundings—I imagine it’s much like a gladiator sizing up an arena.

Diana steps forward, her voice warm and welcoming. “Hi! I’m Diana, and this is Cassius. Welcome toSecundo Casu—Second Chance.”

The name feels right, I realize. As much for them as it is for us.

The boy grunts something that might be “Jason.” The girl throws her shoulders back in a show of false confidence. “I’m Bailey. Are those the horses we’re going to ride?”

Diana guides them toward the corral after helping them put on translation devices. I hang back, watching Jason trail behind, his gaze fixed angrily on the ground. Bailey peppers Diana with questions about the horses, her enthusiasm bubbling over even as she tries to contain it.

Diana begins with basic safety instructions. Jason looks bored, but I catch his eyes widening slightly when Buddy approaches the fence. Bailey listens intently, hanging on Diana’s every word.

“Now,” Diana says, “who wants to try grooming?”

Bailey’s hand shoots up while Jason shrugs, as though he’d rather be anywhere than here.

Diana hands each of them a brush, demonstrating proper technique. “Nice long strokes,” she instructs. “Horses find it soothing, just like when someone gently rubs your back.”

As they begin currying, something shifts in their demeanor. Bailey’s rapid-fire questions slow as she relaxes into the task. And Jason, to my surprise, seems to soften slightly as he works.

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