Page 15 of Thawed Gladiator: Cassius (Awakened From the Ice #3)

Chapter Fifteen

D iana

I’m floating, dreamy, but more alive than ever before. Everything hits me at once—touch, sound, scent—like I’m drowning in sensation.

His lips feel soft but his kisses are firm, owning my mouth as he groans deep, consuming me like I’m a banquet. He tastes clean and earthy, smelling of sun and hay, filling the air around us.

I grab his shoulders, pulling back just enough to nibble down his stubbled jaw, thrilled at how he responds to my touch.

“You taste so good,” I whisper against his ear. “I want to lick you everywhere.”

He grabs me tighter, shuddering as he grinds his hips into mine. His hard cock presses against me, promising more to come. He lifts me like I weigh nothing, and I wrap my legs around his waist, desperate to get closer. Oh! His cock hits that perfect spot, teasing me through our clothes.

He waltzes with me until my back is tight against the wall. This position allows me to rub against him, feeling like I might explode from wanting him. He trails kisses from my mouth to my ear, biting just enough to make me gasp.

Desire drowns out all thought, leaving me lost in pure need. I’m soaked with wanting him, every nerve ending screaming for more as he pours Latin into my ear.

“I’ve imagined this a thousand times since we met.”

His pressure keeps me pinned as his hands slide up, thumbs brushing my breasts, teasing closer and closer to my aching nipples.

“I fist myself to sleep at night, thinking of you.”

Years ago, arrogance like this might have pissed me off, but right now it just makes me hotter—like throwing gas on the fire burning through my veins.

He leans closer, whispering into my other ear—the one without the translator—spilling what sounds like sweet filth in Latin.

“ Tu umidus es ?”*

His thumbs hover just shy of my nipples, driving me crazy with need.

“ Potesne me ducere?”

I don’t understand the words, but his voice tells me everything—he wants me, craves me, needs me as badly as I need him.

I tip my head back, giving him full access to my neck. Feeling bold, I arch against him, chasing that sweet friction. His breath catches, and I feel his muscles flex under my exploring fingers as I map out his shoulders and spine. Each hard line of muscle is a secret I’m uncovering, lighting fires under my skin.

“ Non possum exspectare te gustare .”

Is he asking if I want him? Promising how good he’ll make me feel? The air crackles between us, thick with everything unsaid. His heat pulls me in like gravity, impossible to resist.

“Yes.” The word comes out breathless, heavy with need. Honestly, I don’t care what he’s asking—what he’s offering. I can almost taste how good this will be, anticipation swelling inside me like a storm surge. I’ll say yes to everything—every whispered promise, every heated look, every brush of skin on skin.

As he leans even closer, I feel his breath on my cheek, teasing me, making promises I can’t wait for him to keep. My heart races thinking about his lips hovering just a heartbeat away. Time stretches out, every second making me want him more, leaving me gasping for air. The world outside disappears, leaving just us and this electric moment.

His hand slides behind my waist, fingers trailing just above my hip, setting my skin on fire. I lean into him, begging him to close that last bit of space, to finally take this farther. My senses go crazy—his scent, now musky, fills my lungs, making everything more intense.

“Diana,” he murmurs, his voice dropping to a growl that shoots straight down my spine. Just hearing my name like we’re about to plunge into the deep end together.

Desire builds dangerously swamping me with need. My mind races with thoughts of his naked skin on mine, our bodies melting together like we were made for this. His gaze locks onto mine, challenging and hungry. There’s something fierce and primal there, and I want nothing more than to lose myself in it.

“Show me,” I breathe, barely recognizing my voice over my thundering heart. I want him to take control, to let me drown in his rhythm, to light up every ounce of desire inside me.

His lips curve into a wicked grin that sends shockwaves through me. He pulls back so the translator picks up his words. “You should know what you’re asking.” His teasing tone drips with promises wrapped in mystery, making me burn hotter. He grips my waist, pulling me closer, like he wants me wrapped around him like ivy, tangled up and never letting go.

“Then show me everything ,” I whisper back, feeling brave.

With lightning speed, he captures my mouth again, devouring me with his kiss. His hands mold my body to his, cradling my curves, urging me to take everything he’s offering.

I surrender to the kiss, our mouths dancing together—hungry, desperate, completely alive. Every sensation builds to a crescendo; his hands explore with soft insistence, promising pleasures I’ve only glimpsed in dreams.

A low growl escapes his throat as his hands slide down to cup my ass, lifting me higher against the wall. I wrap my legs tighter around him, feeling his hard length pressing against my core, sending shockwaves of pleasure coursing through me. My eyes flare wide at the passion coursing through this. I don’t remember ever being so aroused, so impatient… so ready.

His mouth leaves mine, trailing hot kisses down my neck, lingering on the sensitive spot where my pulse races. He nips gently, soothing the bite with his tongue, drawing out a moan from deep within me. I clutch at his hair, lost in the sensation, lost in him.

His hands move under my shirt, pushing it up, exposing my skin to the cool air. His calloused palms brush against my nipples outside of my bra, making me gasp. They harden under his touch, begging for more. He teases them, rolling them between his fingers, sending jolts of passion straight to my core.

Our tongues tangle, dancing, exploring. His hands roam over my body, igniting fires everywhere they touch.

He pulls back slightly, gaze locked onto mine, pupils dilated with desire. “I want to taste every inch of you, Diana,” he murmurs, voice hoarse with need. “I’ve lost sleep wondering what your nectar tastes like.” He doesn’t wait for a response, dipping his head to capture a hardened nipple in his mouth, sucking and biting through the lace of my bra. I arch into him, crying out at the intense pleasure, my hips rolling against his in a silent plea for more.

Then he returns to claim my mouth. I don’t know if he’s a sadist, teasing me mercilessly, or if he’s waiting for me to urge him to rip my clothes off, but I spar with his tongue, loving the taste of him,

His breath mingles with mine, ragged and desperate. I can feel his heart pounding against my chest, echoing my own frantic rhythm. His skin is hot, almost feverish, as my hands trace the lines of his muscles, acquainting myself with the terrain of his body.

He pulls away from our kiss, his lips trailing down my jaw, my neck, his stubble scraping deliciously against my sensitive skin. I shiver, goosebumps erupting over my flesh.

“You drive me mad, Diana,” he whispers against my skin, his voice raw, almost feral. His hands grip my thighs, fingertips digging into my soft flesh, holding me firmly against him. I can feel his arousal, hard and insistent, pressing against the heat between my legs.

My hands find his belt, tugging at the leather, desperation making my fingers clumsy. I need to feel him, to release the pent-up desire that’s been building since our gazes first locked.

Perhaps it’s the sound of his belt slapping to the floor, but suddenly, reality crashes back in.

Dear God, what have I done? The plan was simple: coffee, a conversation, a chance to put my attraction out there since I haven’t been able to hide it very well. If he felt the same way, maybe we’d date. If not, I’d have to rein myself in. I never expected our clothes to end up in a pile on the floor.

I pull away, my breath coming quick and sharp. “Wait,” I whisper, shaking my head as I realize I need to stop before things spiral out of control. The heat of the moment fades as I ground myself, remembering why boundaries matter.

“Diana, I…” he murmurs, his words thick with desire, but I can’t let this go further. Not now.

My logical brain barges to the front of my mind, though it’s too little, too late. My arousal fades as quickly as if I’d been thrown into a freezing lake.

Damn it to hell, but I’ve just fallen back to Earth from the heavens and it’s a hard crash.

He’s tuned into me. I’ll give him that. He’s stopped kissing me and has placed his hands chastely on my waist as he eases my feet to the floor.

He doesn’t have to ask; he knows I just shut down.

I reach to cup his cheek, hoping he sees all the affection I’m feeling for him, and then I pull him to sit at the table with me.

He looks like a deer in the headlights. Poor guy, he has no idea what’s going on inside my head, but clearly understands that no means no, even though I never said the word.

“I… I should explain.” He nods and shifts his weight as though he’s ready to wait as long as necessary to hear what I have to say.

“I need to explain something. I didn’t plan this—any of this. I wanted to simply talk. But the emotions, our mutual attraction, the heat in your gaze… felt so right. Then I realized I was falling back into old patterns. Patterns that have hurt me before.” Shit, there’s so much I need to explain and I’m not proud of any of it.

As I take a deep breath, I search for the right words. “I hope you don’t think I’m playing with you.” My voice is shaky. Cassius shakes his head, his eyes filled with concern and patience, though it’s clear he has no idea why the woman who was just combusting in his arms has turned into an ice princess.

“I-I had a hard childhood.” The words, so basic yet so fraught with meaning, catch in my throat. As I speak, I debate how much to reveal. The abuse, the foster homes and group homes, the feelings of abandonment and worthlessness—it’s all too much for one night. I decide to keep the worst parts to myself, at least for now.

“As a teenager, I was… promiscuous,” I admit, that word tastes bitter on my tongue. “It wasn’t really about desire. It was about trying to feel worthy, trying to fill an emptiness inside me. Every time, I thought ‘maybe this one will make me feel whole.’ But it only left me feeling more broken. It went on for a while. I thought it would make me feel wanted, loved. But it just left me feeling empty.”

Cassius’s gaze never leaves mine as he listens quietly, his hand reaching out to grasp mine. The warmth of his touch, so supportive, gives me the strength to continue.

“The worst part wasn’t the physical intimacy—it was giving pieces of myself away before I was ready, before I truly knew and trusted someone. As I pulled my life together and reclaimed my self-esteem, I promised myself I wouldn’t do that again, no matter how strong the attraction. Eventually, I realized I was seeking approval from men in all the wrong ways. It took time, but that need finally faded.” Squeezing his hand, I’m grateful for his silent support when he squeezes back.

“From then on, I vowed to take things slow, to get to know someone well before becoming intimate. Genuine affection became my priority in any relationship. It’s not about playing games or leading you on, Cassius. What I feel for you is real—maybe too real. That’s why I need to be sure we’re building something lasting, not just acting on passion.”

Gazing into Cassius’s eyes, I see understanding and compassion there. “I’m very attracted to you, Cassius. Um… yeah, very. That kiss was…” I sigh, dreamily, “amazing. But I don’t want to lead you on or take things further until I’m more certain about how we both feel. I hope you can understand that.”

Cassius nods, a soft smile on his face. “Of course. I’m honored you trusted me enough to reveal some of your past. I wish I could tell you more about me. Perhaps someday I’ll be able to tell you my secrets. But I understand what you’re asking, and I respect your wishes.”

We sit in silence for a moment, which is the perfect move. He’s showing me by his actions that he accepts not only what I want, but respects who I am.

“I’ll be honest, Diana. Staying in your cabin is going to be hard on me after that kiss, but I don’t want the night to end.” He pauses, then asks, “Would you like to sit on the porch and talk? Or just listen to the leaves rustle in the wind?”

Relief washes over me, and I feel a rush of affection for this man. How can a man who fought in gladiator arenas be so sensitive? “I’d like that. A lot.”

As we make our way to the porch, I feel lighter, as if sharing even this small part of my past has lifted a weight from my shoulders. Sitting beside Cassius on the swing, watching the stars come out, I know I’ve made the right decision.

This is exactly what I need—a chance to build something real.

*Translation

“ Tu umidus es ?”— “Are you wet?”

“ Potesne me ducere ?”— “Can you take me?”

“Non possum exspectare te gustare.”— “I can’t wait to taste you.”