A Gladiator's Oath (Roman Hearts Book 1) by Bird Tanya

Author:Bird, Tanya [Bird, Tanya]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Published: 2018-06-02T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 22

The sun was setting as the three of them strolled through the streets and alleyways of region four. Mila, wobbly from drink, was particularly slow, humming as she watched her feet move beneath her. Occasionally she would stumble and Albaus or Remus would grab hold of her, exchanging a knowing glance as they did so. Her attempts at appearing sober were wasted on Remus— he knew a drunk when he saw one. He had given her the first two drinks for the pain in her shoulder, the next two for all her other pain.

‘Albaus,’ Mila said, her voice higher than usual. ‘What does your voice sound like if you actually try to speak?’

‘Mila,’ Remus said.

She held up a hand to silence him. ‘No, no, no. Your days of telling me what to do are over.’ She looked at Albaus. ‘Obviously the words would not be clear, but we could get an idea of the tone of your voice.’

Albaus shook his head.

‘Can you sing?’ she went on.

Remus took her arm and pulled her away from the bodyguard, settling her on the other side of him. She leaned in to Remus and whispered loudly, ‘Would it not be the funniest thing ever if he turned out to have an excellent singing voice?’

Albaus grunted.

‘Hilarious,’ Remus said, tone dry.

‘Do you want to hear me sing?’ she asked.

‘Not particularly.’

She faced forwards. ‘Lucky. I cannot sing to save myself. That would have been rather embarrassing.’

‘We couldn’t have you embarrassing yourself now, could we?’ Remus said, glancing at Albaus.

She stumbled and he caught her without breaking stride. So light. She needed more muscle on her if she stood a real chance in the arena.

Mila laughed. ‘Albaus, sing something.’

‘All right,’ Remus said, creating more distance between them. ‘Let’s not poke the large bodyguard.’

She tripped on his foot and his arm went around her, steadying her.

‘Had no idea what an annoying drunk you’d be,’ he said, shaking his head.

‘Neither did I. I never drink.’

Remus glanced down at her. ‘I see why.’

She leaned closer, mouth stretched into a wide smile. There was that dimple. ‘Look how handsome you are close up, even with a beard.’

He reached up and ran his free hand over the trimmed growth on his face. ‘What do you mean “even with a beard”?’

‘No wonder women fall at your feet. You are a fine gladiator specimen, Remus Latinius.’

His eyes moved over her face. ‘I’m going to remind you of this conversation when you’re sober. Watch you squirm at your own words.’

The smile fell from her face, but she continued to look at him. ‘If I were a lady, like Prisca—’

‘Trust me, you’re twice the lady.’

‘Let me finish—’

‘No more questions tonight.’

She frowned. ‘There will not be another time.’

He studied her, missing her dimple already. ‘What are you talking about?’

‘What do you think Prisca is going to do when you bring me home drunk?’ She tripped on her own foot that time, and his grip on her tightened.

‘Leave Prisca to me,’ he said.

Mila turned so she was walking backwards, and his arm fell away.

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