“I’m not sure you should take everything Rory says seriously. But yes, it is common for partners to give each other jewelry, particularly rings, when they marry. But Wade and I were very young and we didn’t have much money. Sometimes it was hard just to put food on the table, let alone think about jewelry.” She stroked the bracelet. “After Jack got his new heart, and I got him and Wade set up in a nice house, I bought some jewelry for myself.” Blue eyes met his. “But no one’s ever given it to me as a gift. Thank you.”
He cupped her cheek, stroking the strong line of her jaw. “You’re welcome.” He held out his arm. “Shall we go to the party?”
She dragged in a deep breath and nodded. Galen and Nero met them at the door to wish them luck.
“Any problems, we’ll come for you,” the imperator promised. “Raiden and Nero will be monitoring the party.”
Nero nodded in agreement. “Any hint of trouble, we’ll be there.”
Lore slapped his fight partner on the shoulder. He always knew Nero had his back.
Madeline was quiet as he led her through the tunnels. Soon, they stepped out of the arena building and into the city of Kor Magna. They came out of an exit right near the District. Gleaming buildings speared into the sky, blinking with lights and advertisements for all kinds of vices and pleasures. Lore saw colored strobe lights arching through the night sky and heard the noise of transports whizzing through the busy streets.
Kor Magna was a city of contrasts. From the ancient arena and the lower-tech, cobblestone back streets where the locals lived, to the high-tech glitz and glamor of the District.
Madeline was taking in the District with an assessing eye. Lore tugged her down another side street. “The Glass House is on the edge of the District. Close enough for the tourists to find it, and far enough for it to feel like the tourists are getting a taste of the ‘rougher’ side of Carthago.”
They passed lots of people walking the streets, a mix of locals and tourists. They were wearing everything from fighting leathers, to simple robes, to party outfits fancier than Lore’s and Madeline’s. Some were heading for the casinos, others rushing to catch shows and parties. He saw quite a few men, and even a couple of women, give Madeline a second glance. Especially that drakking slit in her dress.
They turned a corner and Madeline slowed. “Wow.”
Ahead, was a large building made entirely of glass. It rose up to an angular roof made of sheets of glass, and it was easy to see the crowd of people inside, and the large boxing ring in the center, where two huge men were busy pummeling each other.
He led her to the entrance, showed his invitation—a small medallion stamped with two fighters mid-swing—and they entered the Glass House.
The place was packed and music throbbed. Servers dressed in black moved around passing out drinks and food. There were some tables and chairs dotted around, and a mezzanine level ringing the room, allowing spectators to get a better view of the fight ring. Everyone was laughing and drinking.
Lore flagged down a server and murmured an order to the man. A moment later, he returned and handed Lore two drinks. Lore slipped the man a coin.
Madeline eyed the dark liquid warily.
“It’s called Ronia nectar. It’ll be soothing for your stomach.”
He watched as she sipped it, her eyes widening as the sweet flavor hit her. Lore sipped his own and glanced around the room. Then, his gaze made contact with Cerria’s bright-yellow one.
Vashto and Cerria were holding court at a table in the center of the party, not far from the boxing ring. The couple were surrounded by partygoers, all vying for their attention.
Cerria waved her clawed fingers, gesturing them over, her gaze raking over Lore’s body. He’d always been able to find something attractive about any woman, but Cerria left him stone cold. He saw Vashto watching them as well, his hot gaze on Madeline.
“We’ve been summoned,” he murmured.
Madeline barely hid her grimace. “I guess that means it’s showtime.”
They waded through the guests and reached Vashto and Cerria.
“Welcome, gladiator,” Vashto rumbled from his seat at the table. Cerria was sitting on the table beside him, wearing a tiny dress.
The woman instantly leaped up, her claws biting into Lore’s arms as she jerked him closer. She pressed herself against him, and over the throb of the music, he heard her words. “I want to fuck you, gladiator. I want to bite and scratch you, and leave you bleeding.”
Nice. “It’s a pleasure to see you, too, Cerria.”
She leaned forward and licked his neck. He took a step back, claiming a seat at the table and tugging Madeline into his lap. He liked that much better, except that her slim leg was on display, and Vashto was staring at it.