“I sent him here to keep him safe,” I growled at Regulus.
“Where is he safer than with me?” Regulus unwound himself from Laurentius and heaved himself from the bed. “You fuss like an old woman.”
Laurentius twined his hands behind his head and sent me a grin. “I don’t mind if the second-best gladiator in Rome wants me with him.”
Regulus flinched at the second-best statement but kept his belligerence for me.
“If you leave a pretty man on my doorstep, I can’t help what happens,” Regulus stated. “The fact that he was your paramour only makes it sweeter.”
“Oh, I wasn’t with Leonidas,” Laurentius said behind him. “He’s helping my family.”
“Of course, he is.” Regulus’s tone dripped with contempt.
“A man resembling you was pulled out of the river this morning,” I told Laurentius. “Someone was trying to kill you.”
Regulus snorted his scorn, but Laurentius sat up straight. “My father—”
“Is unhurt.” I’d watched him and his wife round the corner toward the Subura before I’d led Cassia and Duilia to the popina.
Laurentius launched himself from the bed and made for the cell’s door. “If he is after me, he will be after them—”
I grabbed Laurentius and pushed him back toward Regulus. “No. You will stay here.”
The lanky young man was no match for my strength, but he tried again to move around me, his worry stark.
Regulus caught Laurentius from behind, his scorn gone. “I hate when I have to agree with Leonidas, but the best place to stay is here. With me.”
Regulus wasn’t wrong. He could protect Laurentius like no other—as long as he didn’t lose interest in the young man.
“Staying here won’t protect my family,” Laurentius protested.
“Why are you sure whoever tried to kill you wants them too?” Regulus demanded. “What is this, Leonidas?”
“Too much to explain,” I said.
I beckoned Laurentius to follow me out so I might speak to him without Regulus, but Regulus refused to let him go.
“You just said he should stay with me,” Regulus snapped. “Talk.”
“I will make sure your family is safe,” I told Laurentius. “Maybe the man will simply hire another troupe.”
“A lot of trouble over a play,” Laurentius said faintly. “Duilia said we never should have taken the commission.” He shook free of Regulus and sank dejectedly to the bunk. “I’ll remain here for a while, as long as you make certain my family is all right.”
“I will,” I promised. I had some ideas on how to do that.
“Get out, Leonidas,” Regulus said, ever helpful.
Whatever I thought of Regulus, I knew he’d watch over Laurentius. Even if Regulus tired of him as a lover, Aemil would keep the young man in the ludus.
I hesitated a moment longer then ducked out of the cell. Regulus followed me.
“He really wasn’t yours?” he asked, sounding disappointed. Regulus ever wanted an advantage over me.
“No.” I turned to go.
“I see.” His tone became knowing. “Well, whenever you tire of Cassia, send her on to me.”
I swung back with a speed that startled me. I had my hand on Regulus’s throat and his back against the stone wall before I realized I’d moved.
