The Defiant Ones Read online

  “You stare as if possessed.”

  “I am but savoring the moment of his death,” she lied. “What news did you yield?”

  “Troubling.” Brennus moved from the room.

  Larina glanced at Cassia, who slept peacefully. “I must ask a favor.” She joined him in the corridor. He walked toward the last room and she followed him absent a destination. “Titus’s help, bringing her to the shore for the ship. I would not leave her here, in this time.”

  Brennus did not hesitate to nod.

  His quick acceptance made her heartbreak ease. At least she was able to save one of her kin. “Share troubling news then.”

  “Demus, my nephew, lives…as champion of Rome.”

  His words made her step falter. “You jest!”

  “We need a new plan. One to be discovered tomorrow with the start of a new day.” He parted the curtain to reveal a room with a large square indent in the floor. The moon sprayed rays into the pool from a hole in the ceiling. The babbling of a fountain lay beyond that. It was beautiful.

  One of the few nice things left in this villa. “This…gives me hope.” Larina walked forward to the fountain and stuck her feet in the lower section. Water lapped over her boots and she moved quickly to take them off. It took merely seconds before cool water lapped at her hot skin. She had not had such a treat in many days, since the Roman shits had captured her. Fountain water splashed at her body and she rinsed her hands in it. She paused such scrubbing when Brennus joined her. He was sticking his hands in the same falling water. She glanced at him with a frown. Her mind instantly replayed the kiss they shared and the feel of his body against hers.

  “Did you think I would wait in a corner? You are not the only one covered in the blood of our enemy.” He dipped his head into the water. It smothered his hair to his scalp and long water trails slid down his back in an erotic display.

  It made her body suddenly more aware of his presence. “I am an Amazon queen. I do not share my bath with men.”

  “Former Amazon queen. There is but only one of your flock remaining,” he said quietly before turning away.

  Brennus was right. She no longer held any title of worth. Now, Larina was just a former Roman slave. She was still a warrior. Her lips parted to say so as she turned from the fountain but the sight stole her voice.

  Brennus had dropped his lower armor, revealing legs thick with muscles, thighs like the columns that held up Mount Olympus and an ass that made her pulse quicken. He was naked and her body was instantly assaulted by the sight. The man was a statue that she wanted to enjoy with her tongue. Larina glanced away.

  “We are both adults, are we not? I will turn so you may join me in the pool. Wash victorious blood from our flesh, then we sleep. Perhaps an idea will form by then.”

  This was a bad idea. She knew it in her gut but her heart soared at the idea of sitting naked beside this man. “Turn from sight and do not attempt anything.”

  He turned but she caught the grin on his lips.

  Such a bad idea, and yet she pulled her chest armor off, revealing her breasts. They were just big enough to fit in a man’s hands, probably puny for Brennus’s big palms. She pulled her lower armor off but left a small black covering that laid over her hips. Then she eased into the cool water and nearly groaned. It felt divine, exquisite, like expensive wine against her skin. She sank down to the bottom, the water lapping at her breasts, just covering the nipples.

  “You are a sight.”

  She glared at him and he chuckled. “Do not think about my appearance. Let your thoughts stay on plans for your nephew’s escape.”

  Brennus tossed her a sponge.

  She easily caught it. The movement made the water ripple and her nipple peak. Larina was quick to cover it up.

  “I was just thinking on such things.” He sat back in the water.

  Larina rubbed the sponge along her neck and groaned at the feeling. She had such a bath at home, in the comfort of her tent with other women soaking in the luxury of so much water. It was awkward sharing this with a man. She could not cleanse her entire body, nor bounce around playfully to ease any tension.

  “I believe we should visit the arena, as spectators, to gauge layout and guard count.”

  She rubbed the sponge along her arm, then the other. “How will we enter without notice?”

  “Peasant wear. Perhaps dirt on our skin and if we rub certain plants in our hair we can tint it to another color.”

  “The plan is sound.” She rubbed at her belly and had to stop herself from going lower.

  “For once the Amazon queen does not think my plan shit.” He smiled.

  Larina grinned. “That may yet change. The night is still young.”

  “Perhaps we should make it go by quicker.” Brennus moved closer. The water rippled with his motions.

  Larina glared up at him. “You’d best keep your distance. I am in good position to harm your precious appendage.”

  Brennus snorted. “You are in range, but will you have the courage to harm something you wish to enjoy?” He lifted a brow. “Our kiss was…better than I expected.”

  Larina stilled. “Then strike it from thought, for it will not happen again.”

  He moved beside her, an arm’s length away, and sat down. The moon glowed down on them along with the dark sky and the twinkle of stars. “Did you not enjoy my touch?”

  “I enjoy many things, yet none has to do with a man’s touch.”

  “Ah, but I am not just a man.” He leaned closer. “I am a gladiator.” He slipped his hand behind her neck and pulled her in closer. “I am the one that makes your pulse race and your nipples harden.”

  Larina wanted to punch the appendage she’d threatened but he was right. She would rather enjoy it. For the third time this night, she was struck by how bad of an idea this was. His breath rushed across her cheek and she closed her eyes as his lips fell upon hers.

  He was not a ravenous beast or a man seeking only his own pleasure. His touch was gentle, caressing her lips until they parted, and then their tongues collided in a display to make Aphrodite herself blush.

  His hand on the back of her neck kept her movements restricted as he took control of the kiss. It was a strange feeling to be dominated by a man, especially one of his strength and size. He made her feel delicate despite her muscle and height. His hand eased and he pulled away. Their eyes locked together and he seemed to draw her toward him with the simple power of his gaze.

  However, Larina would not let him dominate her for long. She swung her leg around so she could straddle his lap. Her breasts were now exposed and he growled before taking one pointed bud in his mouth. The pleasure was instant. The men in her tribe were used for menial chores and to impregnate women to continue lineage. She was never given pleasure such as this. Her eyes closed as he suckled further. His big hands were on her hips, moving her closer. She wanted to sink into his flesh and live in his pleasure forever.

  Larina opened her eyes. The thought disturbed her. This whole situation was fucking disturbing. What the hell was she doing, sitting atop a champion of Rome?

  His mouth found her other nipple, nipping gently before he sucked it into his mouth.

  Oh, right. That felt amazing. A little voice in the back of her head screamed to stop this, but she squished it repeatedly until it lay forever silent. She needed this. After the events recently, defeating death made her long for true life, for love. The word was foreign to her tongue.

  “Stop your mind from roaming!” Brennus whispered. “I shall sway it myself then.” He lifted Larina to her feet and ripped off the remainder of her cloth. Her body was exposed to him, her inner core spread and awaiting any pleasure he would deal. Brennus slid both his hands up her thighs and Larina stood there awkwardly. Give her three enemies and she’d kill them with her bare hands. Give her a handsome man willing to please her and she was as lost as a mortal in Mount Olympus.

  Brennus caressed her mound, cupping it, his fingers sliding over the
sensitive flesh. Her body tensed as he parted the wet folds of her desire. One of his big fingers pushed into her hole and sank deep. The groan was unmistakable and so long that she ran out of breath. Two fingers invaded her and her legs lost some of their stability. He pushed those digits in and out of her body. The rough skin only added to her pleasure. His other hand moved under the water and she looked down to watch the water ripple with his movements.

  Then Brennus leaned upward and his lips pecked at her thighs. Quick, light kisses that formed a path toward her center. The anticipation made her breath quicken. His tongue slid between her wet lips and pierced her hole along with his fingers.

  Larina nearly came undone. She cried out. Her hands rushed for an anchor and gripped onto his shoulders. He lapped at her wetness and then his tongue slithered higher to her sweet spot. Brennus suckled at her clit. Larina closed her eyes then opened them. She wanted to see him, needed to see his face between her legs. He kept sucking, his tongue a wicked whip against her sensitive flesh. Her teeth ground together. Larina’s nails dug into the flesh at his shoulders. She was going to combust from the pressure in her body.

  Then she gasped and the bliss overwhelmed her very soul. Her eyes closed involuntarily. Larina’s head fell back and she let out a roar of total abandon. The slivers of pleasure were beginning to fade when her legs gave out. She fell, caught quickly by Brennus. His skilled hands guided her over his lap and she felt the head of his desire at her entrance.

  “You burn like a thousand suns.”

  Larina snorted, opening her heavy lids to look at him. “I but match the man before me.”

  He grinned and pushed her further down. His cock head pierced her core. Larina let out another hiss. By the Gods, he was well endowed. She felt him pushing at her inner muscles, forcing them to part further than they ever had before. Her lips quivered as he pushed inch after inch into her body. Then his hands returned to her hips and nudged her down onto his lap more. Fully sheathed, he let out a harsh groan that made her body cream again.

  “You are fucking perfect.” He gasped and pulled Larina in for a kiss.

  She kept her body still, adjusting to the intrusion, as the kiss seemed to take ruling of their coupling. This was more than simple gratification, a release of tension. She felt their connection in the way he kissed her, in the way he gave her pleasure first before finding his own.

  Brennus moved his hips, little pulses that sent his cock shifting inside her. Water lapped at her breasts, as did his mouth. It lingered on her right nipple, sucking as his cock speared her. The pleasure was terribly intense. Another release was so close to the surface that small twinges already made her clit quiver.

  “Brennus.” She gasped his name, her head fell forward, and she kissed at his exposed neck. “More.” She would not beg but it didn’t hurt to encourage. “Now. More now.”

  He thrust up hard and it took her breath away. The satisfaction was so powerful it bordered on pain. He stroked her insides with his dick and his hips started a slow but rough rhythm. Larina bit down on his shoulder, her teeth drawing blood and causing the man himself to curse. He moved faster as blood dripped into the water. Larina watched it turn a pretty shade of pink before disappearing into the ripples around them.

  Brennus grabbed both her hands. He twined their fingers and pumped his hips harder. Then faster. Larina could hardly breathe as her body succumbed to the onslaught. The champion of Rome blew her mind from her head and her soul from her body as the second orgasm came. The entire room faded away but for his face and the delight between her legs.

  Larina collapsed atop him, her breath heavy and her back now dusted with sweat. “I see why they call you champion.”

  Brennus laughed. It was hearty and deep. “I am not done with you yet, my Amazon queen. We will set the sky afire this night.”

  Larina groaned as he pulled his cock from her. The friction was nearly her undoing. Brennus shifted behind her and pushed her toward the stone around them. The cold, rough surface scratched against her breasts and tummy. Her auburn hair was wet and tangled as his hand gripped it. Then he parted her legs with his knee and she felt the swell of his passion inch insider her once again. He pushed lightly, pulling her head back as he eased inside. One long thrust and he was filling her to bursting. She hugged the stone beneath her, pleasure rising. His hands moved to her hips, holding her as he started a pace that drove her mad with lust.

  His cock rammed into her. Brennus was gasping. His fingers dug into the flesh at her hips. “Larina!” he cried out, leaning forward to kiss her back while his cock forged a path into her body. One hand slipped beneath her, and those damn skillful digits found her clit and rubbed voraciously.

  Larina wanted to bite down on him again. She was gasping, moaning, then moving her hips in tune with his. Release was so close. She wanted to explode again, to fade from the horrors of this world and sink into the heavens with his touch. She came wildly, her body lifting off the stone, and a scream rang out. Had that been her? Larina covered her mouth. It had! She’d screamed like a harlot.

  Brennus laughed behind her. “Your screams ignite my passion.” He pulled his prick free and lifted her to the stone completely, then pushed her to her back. With her legs spread, she felt like a whore. Then he pulled her to the edge of the pool and his cock plowed into her.

  Larina decided in that moment, she would be a whore for him. Only him, the champion of Rome.

  Brennus leaned over her, his cock beating her into submission in the most exquisite way. His arms came around her, hugging her as he found his fast pace. Then he growled and groaned, his body purging inside her. His face was beautiful. She watched him the entire time, his eyes half closed, his lips parted, and his nostrils flared. There was even a tinge of pink upon his tanned cheeks.

  He loosened his hold and returned her to the stone floor gently. His cock softened inside her as he pulled away and collapsed at her side. “I fear I have been burnt by your heat.” He smiled as he spoke. “Perhaps you could ease the skin with your mouth.”

  Larina rolled her eyes but smiled. She had never laid her mouth upon any man’s cock and did not intend to now. “Find another. I crave only sleep.” She sat up.

  “I do not want another.” He grabbed her from behind, hugging her close. His flesh was like the stone beneath her, unmovable and beautiful. “Let us find a bed together. I do not want to part from your sweet thighs.” Brennus stood and lifted her right off her feet.

  “Put me down, you daft fool.”

  “Oh I’m daft now, am I?” He smiled as he walked through the hall.

  “If you think I cannot walk after such a performance…yes, daft and fool.” Larina giggled, she couldn’t help it. Happiness threatened to burst from her very pores.

  Brennus moved to another room and dropped her upon a cot. “I shall give you such a show then.” He jumped on the cot with her and spread her thighs faster than she could spin off the bed. His mouth was instantly on her pussy, his tongue twirling and swirling on her skin. “I shall show you how a true champion fucks his woman.” He moved forward, his cock, now at half-mast, pushing into her body.

  Larina gasped. “I am not your woman! Stupid, foolish, oaf of a man.” Her words were tinged with laughter as he licked at the flesh of her cleavage and then her neck. He lay atop her, holding most of his weight on his arms.

  “I shall make you scream my name so even the Gods know that you, Larina, queen of the Amazons, are my woman.”

  He pushed inside her, his cock pulsing, and this time there was no gentle touch. Brennus moved swiftly, his body forcing hers to find pleasure too quickly. Larina bit her bottom lip, mirth replaced by hunger.

  “Say my name,” he whispered into her ear as his cock plowed into her body.

  “No.” He sucked her earlobe into his mouth as his hands held her hips steady so his thrusts were deep and harsh. The pleasure made Larina gasp and arch her back. Could she come again? Would she come again? Her body was exhausted and yet it yearn
ed for another explosion within.

  “Say my name.” He thrust harder.

  Larina’s breasts bounced from his movements and her head swayed from side to side. Lust coursed through her very blood.

  “Say it now, Larina. Say my name, I am your man. You are my woman.”

  Larina grabbed his head, wrapped her legs around his, and then pushed off the bed. They swung over and Brennus grunted as he landed on the floor. He broke her fall. She moved atop him now, controlling the depth and speed but keeping it consistent with his. Her body was wiggling and bouncing atop his.

  “I am your man, Larina.” His words were hard to hear as he gasped for breath.

  Larina moved quicker, her breasts now held in his big hands, and then she came in a rupture of color and emotions. The orgasm shattered her mind and Brennus cried out beneath her. Their joining stilled and fervor overcame thoughts. Her muscles gave way and Larina collapsed upon him for the second time this night. She didn’t speak for fear she’d say words of love.

  “Sleep, dream of me,” he said as he smiled. Brennus lifted her to the bed and lay beside her.

  Larina was quick to drift off into dreams. She didn’t even push him away as he held her in his arms.

  Chapter Seven

  Larina awoke, sore in all the right places. A smile formed on her lips as she opened her eyes. The soft snore of Brennus was behind her and his arms around her waist. She felt warm and protected, something alien to an Amazon warrior. Larina slid out from his touch, easing her bare feet onto the floor and quietly exiting the room. She felt exquisite. Her body practically hummed while her brain was starting a war with her heart. To trust a man was foolish, to bed one without showing she had the power was weakness, and to let a man into her heart could get her killed. Yet, that’s what was happening. Her feelings for the champion of Rome were turning from desire to a subtle love. She sighed and grabbed her clothes before walking down the hall to Cassia.