The Gladiator by Carla Capshaw Page A

you more pain? Why not take matters into your own hands?”
    A rooster crowed. Caros went off to the gladiators’ barracks. Two other slaves finished feeding the animals and walked past them into the house.
    â€œI could arrange for your freedom,” Lucia said once they were alone.
    Pelonia’s heart quickened. A surge of hope welled inside her as did her suspicion. “Why take such a risk? If Caros found out, he’d punish us both.”
    Lucia flipped her long black braid over her shoulder. “Isn’t it obvious? I want the master for myself. Somehow you’ve bewitched him. He hasn’t been himself since you came here. He’s only waiting for your body to heal before he claims you, but I’m certain he’d forget you if you’d just disappear.”
    Why shouldn’t she listen to Lucia? Both of them would have what they wanted if she accepted the healer’s help. “When could you arrange for me to leave?”
    The morning light gave Lucia’s face a reddish cast. She smiled. “As early as tonight if you’re willing.”
    Â 
    Caros added another ladle of water to the red-hot coals. The liquid sizzled and steam filled the circular chamber of the bathhouse. He leaned against the warm marble wall, sweat beading on his skin.
    After the morning’s sword practice and another taxing workout in the bath’s gymnasium, he hurt all over. Little wonder. His fight with Alexius yesterday had left his ribs bruised and his jaw throbbing. He’d been mad to double his usual exercise. Even more foolish to believe the added work would hinder his thoughts from straying to the unwelcome emotions Pelonia stirred in him.
    The steam room’s door swung wide. He opened one eye and stifled a groan when he saw Spurius Albius swiping a path through the curling white vapor. As always, Caros’s temper flared at the sight of his former master, the man who’d stolen ten years of his life.
    â€œThere you are, Caros.” Spurius’s jowls bobbled as he spoke. “Gaius informed me I might find you here.”
    â€œWhat do you want? I’m on my way to the frigidarium. I’m in need of a cold swim before I head home.”
    â€œLeaving already?” Spurius hefted himself onto one of the marble ledges, adjusting his loincloth to accommodate his massive girth and stubby legs. “Isn’t it too soon in the day?”
    Caros closed his eyes and leaned his head back against the wall. “Not since you arrived.”
    Spurius chuckled. “Then I’ll go straight to the point. I want you to fight again.”
    Caros lifted his head, battling his annoyance. “Why do you insist on vexing me with your endless attempts to drag me back to the arena? I’ve told you no a hundred times.”
    â€œI’m persistent. Besides, it’s been a fortnight since you last turned me down.”
    â€œAnd I believe I told you if you asked me again I’d feed you to Cat.”
    Spurius shrugged. “I’m tough as old leather. He’d just spit me out.”
    â€œBut he might enjoy gnawing on you first.”
    â€œIf we were in your home, I might be frightened. But here—” Spurius motioned to the rising steam “—I’m safe.”
    â€œNot with me in the chamber.”
    Spurius used the edge of a cloth to wipe the sweat from his brow. “I know you hate me, but we both know you won’t harm me no matter how much you’d like to see me dead. You were a condemned man once. I doubt you’d allow yourself to return to that lowly state.”
    Caros grunted, unable to argue with the truth. Ending the worm’s life would please him to no end, but it wasn’t worth sacrificing all he’d achieved. “Exactly. Neither will I return to the games. Entering the arena requires me toplace myself back in bondage. Rome itself will fall before I’ll forfeit my freedom or be forced to acknowledge