Surrender to the Roman by M.K. Chester Read Free Book Online

“It is not my wish that you do so. Sleep in your own bed.”
    Here he stood, arguing with a slave. And losing. He changed tactics, hoping to divert her attention. “You should go into the city, to the market, the baths. It’s not good for you to be here all day, every day. Flora says you refuse to leave.”
    Eyes flashing, Ademeni answered, “She refuses to have me with her. She says I will disgrace her.”
    “That will change, if you agree to go.”
    Another moment passed before she nodded. “I will wear my own clothing. Flora insists my head be uncovered, but that is shameful to me.”
    “So be it.” This was not wise, but she would learn on her own. Successful for the moment, he offered her something in return. “Lucia tells me that you have been kind to her. And to Callia.”
    They stood toe to toe again. Marcus searched for the fine balance that would bring harmony to his house. Being in Rome was his duty—for now—and he needed home to be a place of refuge, so he could be most effective. “You have my gratitude.”
    “Someone must care for them in your absence.”
    Her barb hit his heart, guilt bubbling to the surface again. He had only one maneuver left to keep her in check.
    “If you come between me and my family, I will sell you.” The edge of his words could have cut stone. “I will hand you to Tertullian…as he requested.”
    She blanched, took a step backward. Marcus hated himself.
    Her answer was barely audible. “I am at your mercy.”

Chapter Four
    Out of breath, Ademeni slowed her steps near the entrance to the place Flora called the Forum. The scent of robust wine and farm animals mingled with the masses on an early morning breeze, doing little to settle her uneasy stomach.
    She’d never seen so much humanity crammed into one small area. A solid line of buildings defined the space. Hulking stone structures, temples, offices and baths shaded one side of the Forum. The lane stretched in a never-ending row of shops and apartments, braced by too many vendors’ carts to count.
    The colors of the avenue stole Ademeni’s breath. Even the scandalous graffiti scrawled on the walls seemed to pulse with life. Regal columns dotted the thoroughfare, rising to the heavens on vivid streaks of red, blue and gold.
    Winding queues of street vendors bartered with the mob, their chatter a constant buzz. The crowd moved like ocean waves, giving and taking as the citizens directed themselves toward separate goals. A solider held an occasional post along the route, and others weaved through the patrons to quell disputes before they started.
    She expected to see Marcus every time they stopped. Ridiculous, of course, but she could not yet distinguish among the uniforms.
    Ademeni avoided these men with their red capes and sheathed swords. They studied her with beady-eyed curiosity. Common sense told her to run back to the house. Coming with Flora had been a mistake. She hadn’t expected Marcus to send her so soon. She hadn’t thought him serious.
    Palms sweating, she scurried closer to Flora, who refused to slow her step. They pushed into the swarm, weaving past the more ornate goods at the front before moving toward vendors of wheat, barley, wine and honey at the heart of the mall.
    While they paused at each station, Ademeni regained some portion of her bearings, only to lose them again. Sweat trickled down her back, although the sun had not yet reached its highest point. Bodies pressed against her at every turn, their accidental touch souring her mood.
    Flora handed Ademeni item after item until she ran out of hands with which to hold things. Barter flew between Flora and the storekeepers like flashes of lightning, so that Ademeni grew frustrated trying to keep up.
    Worse than the bustle, Ademeni bore the stares of the women who paused to look at her, scrutinizing her appearance from head to toe, commenting to one another on her unusual attire. Flora averted her eyes, acting as if they had not come