Free The Gladiator by Carla Capshaw Page A

slaughtered them all.
    He angled the torch for a better view of her ashen face. His gaze roamed over her, accessed the shock stamped across her shattered expression. “It’s over now. They won’t find us. Can you walk or shall I carry you home?”
    â€œHome?” Her bottom lip quivered, her eyes filled with tears. “I have no home.”
    His chest constricted with pity. He tugged her against him, holding her close while sobs ravaged her tiny form. A promise to free her and help find her cousin sprang to the tip of his tongue.
    No. His arms tightened around her. She was his. He couldn’t let her go.
    Once she quieted, he took her hand and began to lead her from the alley. “Come, Pelonia, you’ll catch a cold. We must get you indoors.”
    She tugged free. “Why? So you can finish what those jackals started?”
    A brow arched in question, he faced her. Illuminated by a pool of torchlight, her creamy cheeks smudged with tears, her lower lip swollen, she held her head high, daring him to deny her suspicion.
    He narrowed the gap between them. “Are you crazed, woman? Haven’t you realized by now I’m not going to rape you?”
    She lifted her chin. “How can I trust such a claim? You said you meant to have me no matter what and there are rumors—”
    â€œRumors never cease. This is Rome. There’s as much gossip here as there is air to breathe.”
    â€œYou’re a man. And I am your slave, or so you keep informing me.”
    He frowned, disliking the bitter accusation in her eyes. “Pelonia, if I meant to abuse your body, I would have done so already. You’ve been in my house, tempting me since the first time I saw you in the slaver’s wagon.”
    Confusion furrowed her brow. She crossed her arms over her chest, as though to protect herself. “And what of tonight? Do you plan to punish me for my escape?”
    He clasped her hand, tightening his grip when she tried to break the contact. “I haven’t had time to consider it, though the gods know you deserve to be whipped.”
    â€œNo, I do not. What did you expect after today in the garden?”
    â€œI tried to kiss you, nothing more.”
    â€œWhere I’m from, a man doesn’t kiss a woman unless she’s his wife. I’ve heard—”
    â€œRumors. Yes, I know. Who is this liar who’s filled your head with poison against me?”
    She glanced away, feigning a sudden interest in the cracked concrete wall of the building beside them.
    He switched the torch to his other hand and flexed his fist, working the stiffness from his forearm. “Was it Servius? I know you worked with him this afternoon.”
    â€œNo! He’s a kind old man. Other than telling me where to find compost, he’s barely spoken three words to me.”
    He raked his fingers through his hair in frustration. The culprit couldn’t be one of his other gladiators, not when he’d been careful to keep her separate from them. “Was it another slave? Was it Lucia?”
    â€œI’m cold.” She avoided his eyes. “Can we go back to the house?”
    So, it was Lucia. He heard the guilt in her voice. It wasa harsh disappointment to find the person he relied on most among his servants had become a viper. “Tell me the truth. Was it Lucia?”
    â€œShe’s in love with you,” she admitted after a long pause.
    â€œHer actions speak otherwise. How can a person claim to love someone, then turn around and spread lies about him?”
    â€œShe was afraid of losing her place.”
    â€œShe’s done a fine job of it.” He took her hand and compelled her to follow. “She’ll be sold tomorrow.”
    â€œNo!” She grabbed hold of his arm. “She helped me and—”
    He slowed his pace and stabbed her with a harsh glare. “You mean she helped you escape?”
    â€œI didn’t say that.”
    â€œShe