Page 27 of Thawed Gladiator: Cassius

Varro steps forward. “Ms. Hobson has been very helpful to Second Chance. Her contacts have smoothed the way for permits, purchases, and privacy, among a thousand other things. Need I remind you that she’s been instrumental in helping us search for Victor?”

“Any word?” Lucien asks, his expression eager. Over the time I’ve been here, I’ve come to know the albino well enough to learn he and Victor were close.

“Nothing,” Varro says, not hiding the sadness on his face. “I’m hoping we’ll get a full report from Miss Hobson tomorrow. She’s in touch with Interpol and a private security firm she works closely with. I know we’re all still hoping to recover our lost brother.”

The men look pained. They’ve lost one of their own—stolen right out from under their watch when they were all in Switzerland.

“I’m sure I don’t need to remind you, but it would be best if we’re all on our best behavior tomorrow.”

As Varro and Laura describe what “best behavior” means to a group of men born two thousand years ago, Cassius and I fall into each other’s gaze.

Just this look, filled with affection, is panty-melting. How long will I hold off before I do what we’ve both been yearning for since shortly after we met?

The next day, I stand with the others as Dara Hobson’s helicopter noisily descends into the corral. My jaw drops as I watch her step out, perfectly balanced on stilettos that look more like weapons than shoes. Who wears heels to a rural compound?

She’s stunning in a designer suit that hugs all the right places, fire-engine red lipstick, and a sleek black bob. But there’s something calculating in her eyes that sets me on edge.

At dinner, Dara eases herself down next to Cassius, so close their thighs must be touching. I’m across from them, with a front-row seat to the show I desperately don’t want to watch.

“So, Cassius,” Dara purrs, her voice low and sultry. “Tell me more about your training. I’ve always been fascinated by the… physical prowess of gladiators.”

Cassius looks startled for a moment, but then he smiles—that warm, charming smile that usually makes my knees weak. “I wouldn’t know. I’ve lost most of my memory. Perhaps one of the other men can tell you.”

Dara leans closer, resting her hand on his arm. “Oh, but surely your body remembers. I’d love to see you in action sometime.”

He gently removes her hand, his tone cool. “Perhaps you’d like to speak with Sulla? He trained almost all of us.”

Dara falters but quickly recovers. “Of course. But call me Dara. I’d love to hear about your recovery process. It must be so challenging, waking up in a new world.”

As Cassius speaks about his therapy, he keeps glancing my way, sending little sparks of warmth through me. Each time our eyes meet, the chemistry between us feels undeniable.

Dara leans in again. “You know, Cassius, I have contacts in the medical field. Perhaps we could discuss alternative treatments over drinks later?”

Cassius’s discomfort is obvious. “Thank you, Ms. Hobson, but I’m quite satisfied with my current plan. Diana has been instrumental in my recovery.” He turns to me, his gaze warm. “I couldn’t ask for a better teacher or… friend.”

Pleasure surges through me at his words. Dara studies me, her calculating gaze assessing and clearly finding me lacking. Her forced smile betrays her frustration.

By dessert, Dara’s attempts to engage Cassius have dwindled. She redirects her attention to Rurik, who happily regales her with tales of his Viking ancestry. Cassius catches my eye, his secret smile sending my heart racing.

When Dara excuses herself, a weight lifts.

In a moment of clarity, I decide there’s no reason not to act on my attraction to this man. What else do I need to see in his behavior to trust him? The way he turned down Dara is the final evidence I need to act on what’s been simmering between us since shortly after we met. Haven’t we waited long enough? I have an implant. There’s no reason not to follow my passion.

Cassius turns to me, his eyes twinkling. “How about an early morning ride tomorrow? I promise to take it easy this time.”

I laugh. “Sure, but no wild gallops across the countryside.”

As we leave the dining hall, I pause, grip his forearm, and murmur, “Maybe a midnight ride instead? Something with a… slower tempo?”

Chapter Twenty-Two

Cassius

For a moment, I wondered if Diana was referring to a horseback ride, but between the searing heat in her eyes and the speed with which she’s pulling me toward her cabin, her meaning is abundantly clear.

After Diana leads me inside, shutting the door behind us with a decisive click, I catch her by the waist, and gently pull her to me. Her eyes, gleaming with intensity, meet mine. I need to be sure, to know she’s ready.

“Diana,” I murmur, my voice rough with desire. “Are you certain? We don’t have to… I can wait as long as you need.”

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