His amiable expression slipped. “You’re right. I was only concerned.”
“You should not be concerned for me,” I added coolly. “You should not think of me at all,” I warned him.
“You are right.” His jewel-blue eyes sparked brighter, his dragon lurking. “But I find it impossible not to.”
I ignored the tenderness in his expression. “I’m curious about something, Senator.” I shook my head. “Pardon. I mean, Tribune.”
“What is that?” he asked, brow pinched.
“Why were you in that part of the house last night? You were far from the party.”
“I left to find the latrina.”
“There was one for guests right outside of the triclinium.”
“I was curious about Valerius’s house. His extensive wealth seems to be greater than a consul should be able to afford.”
“Is that so?” I asked. “So you were spying to do what, exactly? Discover if his wealth of possessions outweighs his earnings? Do you believe he’s a thief of some sort?” I wouldn’t put it past him, but I found this curious indeed.
“He’s more than that,” he added, voice gruff, dripping with disdain. “He’s a corrupt piece of filth.”
“Agreed.”
We both stared in silence; that familiar spark of connection formed last night in the dark of the temple seemed to warm between us. It frightened me.
He’d witnessed my hidden secret, though not my darkest shame. Then my magic sparked within me, urging me to bond. Bunica had told me it was called tethering, when your magic sought out to connect with another. For my sister Malina, that had meant connecting as an empath and not necessarily doing any harm. But my magic surfaced when it wanted me to avenge myself or others. This was why I was so confused that I was drawn to this Roman tribune.
My magic hadn’t sought to do him harm, but to read him. Toknowhim. Why would my spirit guide me in such a way to an enemy?
Trajan finally cleared his throat then said, “I am glad your friend took care of the injury.”
“My friend?” I nodded, realizing who he meant. “Oh, Andreas. Yes.”
“He always takes care of you when this happens?”
He’d seen the rows of tiny scars on my inner thighs. I wasn’t ashamed. I did what I must to survive my prison.
“Yes. Andreas is a good friend.”
He clamped his jaw and nodded, his smile a thin, tight line.
“You never told me what you’re shopping for here,” I added.
“No,” he said easily, “I didn’t.”
“Or if you’re shopping at all. Perhaps you need something besides medicine from Euphemia.”
I’d seen people come and go from the shop in the years I’d been coming here, and there was no doubt that Euphemia dabbled in criminal activities.
Trajan stared at me intently, those piercing blue eyes holding me captive. His expression softened, his mouth tipping up into a smile.
“You’re a smart woman, Lela.”
Tap, tap, tap.The sharp knock on the window pulled my attention outside. Grigor was scowling, gesturing for me to hurry up.
I nodded to him, then looked back at Trajan. “I must go.”
As I turned for the door, he stepped back into my space, blocking me from the door. I froze, afraid he’d touch me again. Not because it repulsed me, but because this strange humming sensation in my blood at his nearness disturbed me.
