Warrior

Author’s Note:  The idea for this dark tale popped into my head and wouldn’t let go.  I’ve used the standard Main Character name of Arin for this story, completely separate from my beloved Lucia. I hope you enjoy and welcome your feedback.

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The air was warm and still as I stood on the terrace, the heat of the day still seeping from the earth as I watched the last hint of the sun’s beams dip below the horizon.  According to Locusta, tonight the moon would be full in the sky and I could already feel the spirits awakening around me at the promise. It was as if the sun and moon had orchestrated this day as the culmination of their timid dance, the night when the light and dark was mingled as one.   I could sense the gods smiling upon me tonight, blessing this union that I had waited so patiently for.

I heard the soft thuds of footsteps behind me, casting a coy gaze over my shoulder to find him watching me from the doorway.  The thin gauze drapes covering the door hid his features to me, but I could make out his silhouette against the dim light radiating from his private chambers.  Tall frame with broad shoulders, his body trim and muscular resulting from years of battle and marching. I recalled the first time I’d seen him, and how I knew at that moment that I would never forget this man.  And I never did.

“Ah, Arin, I see you’ve already made yourself at home.”  He mumbled softly as he sauntered towards me, gesturing towards the goblet of wine I had set atop the railing.  

“I guessed you would want me to get comfortable, Domine.”  My voice came out a raspy whisper, laced with seduction. I picked up the second goblet beside me and handed it to him, my eyes peering up at him from beneath my lashes.  “And I wanted to be prepared for you.” I allowed my fingertips to graze the inside of his wrist as I pulled away, not missing the sudden spark in his eyes at my touch.

“You are a clever girl.”  His lips curled wickedly as he studied me.  He allowed his gaze to trail down my face to my neck to the curve of my breasts, resting there for a moment before rising back up to meet my stare.  “And tell me, are you comfortable?” His eyes were dark and hungry, igniting my own desire.

I leaned up on my tip toes, allowing my hands to slide up the smooth linen of his toga until I was able to grip his shoulders firmly.  I stopped just shy of my target, my lips only inches away from his and I felt his sharp exhale of breath against my cheek when I paused there.  “I believe you can help me get much more comfortable, Domine.”

One whisper was all it took to unleash the beast within him.  He kissed me with such fervor, a low grunt rumbling in the back of his throat as his mouth conquered mine, the taste of wine and lust on his lips.  I felt him caving to his physical desires, his hands roughly gripping my hips and my breasts through the silken fabric of my dress. I felt myself soaring in his arms, finally so close to this man that I had been yearning for so long.

When I finally pulled away we were both breathless, and I could feel the night air against the bare skin of my thigh where he’d pulled at my gown.  The firm pressure of his arousal against my hip excited me further, igniting the fire deep within soul. It was time.

I stepped away, my eyes never leaving his gaze as I walked slowly back towards his chambers.  I saw his eyes widen when I reached for the ties at my shoulders, undoing them with deft fingers and allowing my dress to pool at my feet.  I paused in the doorway with a brow quirked in challenge, the featherlight gauze tickling against my flesh with the breeze, waiting …

In two broad steps he was upon me again, grabbing me tightly to his body as we stumbled indoors.  I wasted no more time, unfastening his robes then his toga and allowing my hands to explore the bare skin of his chest and his shoulders.  At this close distance there was no denying he was a warrior, the hardened muscle and smooth scars peppering his skin evidence of such. He even kissed me as a warrior would, quick and deliberate and claiming what was his.  

Once he shrugged the remainder of his clothes from his body I halted his roaming hands, clasping them within one of mine while my other stroked him firmly in my palm.  He allowed me to be in control at that moment, teasing him slowly as I guided him to lie down against the plush covers of his bed. He remained silent beside the occasional moan, but as I moved to straddle him on the bed his eyes flickered open to watch and he couldn’t suppress the praise dripping from his lips.  “You look like a goddess, Arin.” His voice was thick with desire, his eyes wide with wonder.

I smiled demurely upon him, rolling my hips into him to let him feel the wetness pooling between my legs.  “I assure you, I am only flesh and blood … same as you.” He groaned and bucked in response, the tip of his prick begging for entrance.  I tilted my hips just so, allowing him access to my sex as he stretched and filled me. “Legate …” the word rolled off my tongue like a prayer.  And it was, a prayer of vengeance that was finally being answered.

I moved my hips with his, bringing him such pleasure that his head rolled back and his eyes jammed shut.  I felt so powerful riding him, placing my hands along either side of his head as if to brace myself. Shifting my stance slightly, the tips of my fingers reached the cold metal hilt of the dagger situated right under the pillow below his very head.  So lost was he in the motion of my body against his own that he had let his guard down … a mistake that would be his last.

The light of the full moon gleamed off the blade as I gripped it firmly in my hand, readying myself to strike.  For tonight I was not the prize, I was the warrior … and Legate Aquila had fallen prey to my wiles.

END