Free The Last Roman (Praetorian Series - Book One) by Edward Crichton

underground sewers that require us to swim out to a
tunnel system constructed by the Vatican and fed by the Tiber,
before continuing out to the Tyrrhenian Sea where a sub will pick
us up and take us where we need to go. Each of you has done at
least some water insertion training, but if you feel you need some
extra help, see Hunter after the briefing. He is also cross trained
in underwater explosives, Bordeaux you may want to get in touch
with him in regards to that. Finally, he is also a qualified
sniper. You’re quite the Renaissance man, Hunter. With that, swim
buddy assignments.”
    My stomach churned, knowing exactly where this was
going.
    “Our combat operations doctrine is that of two-man
elements working in tandem as a unit. Santino, you’re paired with
Vincent. Bordeaux, you’re with Wang, and I’ll tag along with you
two when we’re in the water. That leaves Strauss and Hunter.
Hunter, you’ll act as her spotter, and since she’s the least
experienced in the water, you two couldn’t have been a more perfect
match.”
    This time it wasn’t just Santino who couldn’t help
himself, but the rest of the guys mimicked his laughter as well. I
even saw Vincent’s shoulders bobbing in silent amusement.
    Grudgingly, I finally looked over at the one person
on the team I would soon have to become closest to. I saw her turn
and catch my eye with equally deliberate slowness.
    I smiled, keeping it completely platonic.
    Strauss let out a small sigh, resigning herself to
the situation – and me – and offered me the first sign of affection
since meeting me: a nod, and that was enough for me.
    “All right lady and gentlemen. We’ve been granted
leave for seventy two hours starting now. I understand Lieutenant
Hunter has been in transit from the States for over a day, so go
get some sleep. The rest of you, hit the gym, or the range, but
don’t leave the base, not that it’s bloody likely you could find
your way out. In sixteen hours, we’ll start running through combat
and arms drills. You’re all professionals, so it shouldn’t be long
before we’re operating like a well-oiled machine. Dismissed.”
    The Praetorians stood and saluted smartly before
filing out of the room.
    I headed straight for the rack, having to ask
Vincent where it was first.
    It had been a long and tiring day, full of
interesting surprises and developments. After finally finding my
bunk, I thought of my lovely new swim buddy as I kicked off my
boots and collapsed onto the bed. My final thoughts as my head hit
the pillow were of soft knuckles and piercing green eyes.
     
     
     
    III
    Preparation

    Vatican Undergrounds, Rome
    July, 2021 AD
     
    I awoke after ten hours of uninterrupted sleep,
having dreamt of nothing but floating green eyes.
    When I was a child, sleeping had been a tumultuous
affair. Even after nine hours of restful sleep, I still awoke every
morning drowsy and was fatigued throughout the day. Thankfully,
years of military service easily kicked that habit. As soon as my
head hit the pillow these days, I was out like a rock and rarely
remembered what I had dreamt about. I woke up well rested and ready
to handle whatever was thrown at me.
    Glancing at the wall clock, I noticed it was only
six in the morning, but as for what day of the week it was, I had
no idea. After hours in transit, jet lag, more time zones than I
could count and sleep deprivation; I had no clue what week it was,
let alone what day. Pulling myself out of bed, I felt the calling
of a long, hot shower, a shave, and a fresh change of clothes.
    I found the shower almost immediately, noticing it
was “male-only” and wondered where the ladies room was. I gave up
wondering as soon as the steaming water began to wonderfully scald
my face, and twenty minutes later, I felt fresh, rejuvenated, and
ready to start the day.
    Before leaving, I synchronized my watch with the
wall clock and decided to head to the mess. On the way out, I
noticed four sleeping bodies in the