One With the Darkness by Susan Squires Read Free Book Online

filled the city with slaves, among other tribute. She wished his own commander had given him as a slave, though. That would have been a stronger obligation.
    “He gave only me and my two lieutenants to the Romans. My men were spared by agreement. He was an honorable man.”
    Unlike the Romans. That’s what he wanted to say. It didn’t matter. She had what she wanted. This man spoke easily of honor. He valued it. He had made an agreementwith the Gaulish general that spared his men. He had given his word. Her ability to keep him depended on his having a good portion of honor himself.
    “And what happens if you try to escape? I mean besides the fact that you will be hunted down and crucified?”
    He took a breath. “I will have dishonored my people and myself by breaking both my troth to the general who spared my men slavery and his promise to the Roman general.”
    “So, let us be clear. Your choices are to be sold to a brothel for men where you will be drugged, beaten, and raped routinely, or possibly to Agrippina and her sister Julia, where I assure you, the result would be much the same. Or to try to escape, thus dishonoring your pledge and guaranteeing your death by crucifixion. Or to serve me. Does that sum it up?”
    He glared at her. A muscle in his jaw worked. Then he nodded, once.
    “You will want to know what I require, so you may measure your choice. After all, you might still choose the brothel or Caesar’s sisters. If you do, I will return you to the market, without punishment for your choice.”
    Now he was wary. He nodded again.
    “You will address me as Mistress. You will speak civilly when spoken to. Which has not been the case thus far,” she noted. “I expect obedience, honesty, and ungrudging service.” She cleared her throat. “And one more thing.” How did one ask for this? “I will use you as a bodyguard. You will be given a weapon and I expect you to protect my person at the cost of your own.” He was examining her, his judgment reserved. “Not so different from serving in the army.” Would he see it as similar? Or did protecting a woman who was his people’s enemy seem a betrayal of his honor? “Do you … do you have questions? You may ask them now.”
    He looked her up and down. She waited. At last he said, “Are you a harsh master?”
    He had a right to ask that. “I … I consider myself exacting but not harsh.”
    “If you find me wanting, what punishments will you employ?”
    She drew herself up. “I want no slave who must be whipped to obedience. If you are sullen, disobedient, or dishonest, I shall simply sell you. Take your chances in the market.”
    He frowned. He didn’t like that prospect. Good. “Do you expect me to pleasure you?”
    She flushed. She hadn’t expected him to be bold enough for that question. Was he taunting her, or was his curiosity genuine? Still, she had given him permission to ask. “I … I have no need to order slaves to my bed. I have my pick of Roman citizens.” That was true, yet she had not taken a lover in years. She was too busy trying to put Rome to rights, and she didn’t want entanglements. Still, some part of her whispered, Yes! I want my pleasure of you, and your pleasure, too. The thought of those strong thighs and that pretty rod stiff and eager to plunge inside her was making her wet. That was only the influence of her Companion, whose urge toward life made vampire kind easily aroused. She thought those urges had faded from lack of use. Apparently not. This barbarian’s constant presence might actually be a torment. “You are forbidden to rut among my servants, male or female, though. That will result in immediate sale.”
    She thought he might be smirking, but his lips did not quite turn up. Curse her blush. He knew he had discomposed her. He probably knew she wanted him. His hot gaze roved over her. She felt more naked than he was. Aman like this no doubt always had his way with women. More than anything she wanted to wipe