A groan nagged at her throat and she swallowed it back. She wouldn’t give them the satisfaction. But by the Gods, this wasn’t the life she’d wanted. Not really. She would settle for a tiny dwelling, farm her own land with Gaius and, Gods be willing, have their children at their side. She had no need for the trappings of Roman life.
She fell back against the bed and lay there still, her ears straining for the approaching sound of horses.
Would he even come back?
Or would a messenger be sent telling her of an extended absence?
Her tummy twisted and she wrapped her arms around her middle, rolling away from her prying bystanders to stare at the wall. Before, she had been used to his absence, the fear of losing him in battle, but now, now they were so close to their dream, the pain was different.
She clenched her eyes shut––he’ll be back soon, he promised he would be…
How long she lay there, she had no idea, but hooves sounded on the rough ground outside, their hurried pace sparking a well-learned flutter in her gut. It was the sound of battle, of approaching danger and it didn’t matter that her life had moved on, she couldn’t quash the instinctive fear that came with it.
She raised herself up on her palm and looked to the doorway listening for the first sound of voices––please let it be Gaius.
She was rewarded with his distinctive gravel-like tone resounding through the atrium and excitement quashed the fear, her body coming alive as she rose from the bed and patted down her hair and robe.
His approaching footfall had her pulse rocketing and she clasped her hands at her front, her robe tightening as her chest swelled on a baited breath.
He swept into the room, his tall imposing frame filling her vision and the air rushed from her lungs, her swelling heart forcing it out.
‘Aurelia.’ He opened his arms to her and she faltered. The raw edge to his voice, the emotion blazing in the blue of his eyes, something wasn’t right. Fear ran like ice down her spine––what was wrong?
‘Come.’ His hands gestured, and she re-found her limbs, flinging herself forward and welcoming the crushing ferocity of his arms as they closed around her. He cupped her head against his chest, his breath brushing over her hair.
‘I was so worried,’ she whispered, the warmth of his body heating her cheek but doing nothing to ease the coldness spreading within.
‘Don’t be,’ he whispered against her. ‘I’m here now.’
‘Then why did he send for you?’
He released his hold; his hand moving to cup her chin and force her eye to his. ‘Let’s not talk on that now.’
‘But––’
‘I have missed you,’ he rasped, his heated gaze falling to her lips, their searing intent pushing back the chill.
‘I need to know.’
‘And I need you,’ he stressed, his thumb coming up to brush against her lips and sending a rush of excitement through her, drowning out her worry. ‘I think I win…for now.’
His head lowered on the tail-end of his words, his mouth drawing on her bottom lip and her tongue flicked out to greet him on instinct.
‘Better,’ he said approvingly. ‘I was beginning to think I’d have to force your silence.’
‘And how might my lord do that?’ Both words and look made her provocation clear.
‘Are you teasing me?’
‘No.’ She stroked her hands up his chest, her confidence growing. ‘I wouldn’t dare.’
And then she broke away, stepping back to gesture to Livia. ‘Undress me.’
The petite bronze girl lowered her gaze and walked forward, coming to rest behind her.
Aurelia barely understood the custom of having a slave perform this duty, but she knew it pleased Gaius when she did as they would. And the more she relaxed into the ritual and accepted it, the more she became aware of an excitement swelling within as she was stripped at the hand of another while her man watched on.
‘And you, dear husband?’ Her breath caught as Livia brushed over her breasts, her fingers working the robe apart. ‘Will you do me the honour?’