As Sure as the Dawn(82)
“They will bring gifts to lay at the feet of their idol.”
Atretes’ eyes narrowed. “Do you mock me, Pugnax?”
“No more than I mock myself. The light of glory doesn’t shine long on any man. Make the most of it while you can.”
“All I want is enough gold to get me home.”
Pugnax’s mouth curved. “One match in the games scheduled for next week and you’d have that. You could name your price, and Titus would pay it.”
Rizpah glanced at Atretes, concerned that he might consider fighting again. His expression was veiled.
Atretes smiled without warmth. “I prefer that you pay it,” he replied. “My terms are simple: an equal share of your profits for as long as I remain in this inn.” When Pugnax started to protest, he added, “If you prefer, I’ll go down the street and make the same offer to your competitor.”
“No need to do that. I agree to your terms.”
“One hundred denarii . . .”
“One hundred!”
“. . . in advance, and arrange for guards, enough of them to prevent a repeat of my last visit here. I don’t want my clothes torn off by a mob of women.” He ignored Rizpah’s raised eyebrow. “And see that the woman and her child have comfortable, secure lodgings,” he added, jerking his head toward Rizpah almost as though an afterthought.
Pugnax took the opportunity to look her over again. “On the premises, or would you prefer her elsewhere?” Pugnax cast him a knowing smile. “You may wish to entertain admirers.”
Atretes understood his meaning and was unaccountably annoyed by it. “I want her close at hand, but not so close she’s in my bed.” Color filled Rizpah’s cheeks, and she cast him an annoyed glance. “Unless I want her there,” he added.
“Consider it done,” Pugnax said and rose to make the arrangements.
Atretes looked at Rizpah, his mouth tipping in amusement. “You look disturbed, my lady. Was it something I said?”
“You know very well what you said and what you were implying to your friend.”
“He’s not my friend, and I thought it best to let him know you belong to me.”
“The fact of my coming here with you said enough.”
“It needed stating.”
She could feel people staring at them and felt intensely uncomfortable. “Are you sure we’ll be safe here?” His mouth tightened as she looked around. “I never realized how well known you would be here.”
He turned his head slowly. His hard, challenging stare made most patrons look away. “There are certain advantages to being recognized,” he said coolly, all trace of his earlier amusement gone.
“What advantages? Bato warned us about Domitian. You’re placing your life in the hands of Pugnax, who will no doubt hire criers to go about the city announcing your presence here.”
“I don’t intend to stay long.”
“You may be in Rome forever if the brother of the emperor wants you in chains.”
His eyes blazed. “Woman, why must you always try my patience?” He sat up and leaned toward her.
Impossible man! “Why must you grow angry at everything that’s said to you? You’re deliberately putting yourself in danger here, and you’ve put Caleb in danger with you. Don’t expect me to be happy about it.”
A muscle jerked in his cheek. “I don’t care if you’re happy or not. The fact is I need money to get us where we’re going. This is the cleanest and fastest way I could think to get it.”
“Cleanest way?”
“No doubt you prefer me in the arena.”
She would rather he had trusted Theophilus, but knew saying so would only exacerbate his darkening mood. She had already learned Atretes couldn’t do anything the easy way, especially if it meant swallowing his monumental pride. “No, I don’t want you in the arena. I want you safe and at peace with yourself and God.”
“And you think that would’ve been the case if I’d handed myself over to that bloody centurion of yours.”
“Theophilus saved your life twice. He said—”
Atretes made a harsh sound. “The arena would be the quickest way.” He raked his hands through his hair. “I’d either have the gold to return home or I’d be dead. Either way, I win.”
Appalled at his words, she stared at him. “You can’t mean it.”
“I mean it. Oh, I mean it.”
“If it was my wayward tongue that put such a thought in your head, forgive me. Atretes, please,” she said, laying her hand against his cheek, “you have too much to live for to allow yourself to think in this way.”