Page 19 of Firebird
Though his tone held no anger, it was obvious he was displeased with my tardiness.
“And do you always wake with the sun?” I asked, wincing at my own sharp tone.
I instantly dropped my gaze toward the ground, but I didn’t miss his stiffening posture as he crossed his arms.
“Look at me, Malina.”
Inwardly cursing myself, I lifted my gaze to his. There was now certainly a look of displeasure creasing his brow.
“Now look behind me. Do you see the number of archways facing east? I wake with the sun.”
“You could add drapes if you wish it.”
He scowled deeper, then scoffed. “So that I could lounge in bed all day,” he said with disgust, more as a statement than a question. “I am a busy man. There is much work to do. I expect you to adhere to my schedule and to do your own work while I am away from my home.”
His tone was clearly chastising, declaring his irritation. I blew out a shallow breath, realizing, as Lela had always told me, that I was reckless. My mouth often got me into trouble.
He remained still, watching me with those unnatural eyes, jaw clenching.
“I’ll be gone most of the day. After you see to my room, you are to help Kara with whatever she needs.”
“Where are you going?”
He huffed a sigh of irritation. “It is none of your business where I am going. It is not your place to ask.”
“I apologize. Again.” I wrung my hands together in front of me. “I often ask too many questions.”
A tension-filled pause stretched between us as he continued to examine me with those golden eyes. I was the one to break the stare and lower my gaze demurely, trying and failing to be the submissive slave he expected.
“You may ask me anything you like… in private,” he said softly but then added with cold command, “Outside of this house, you will be submissive, obedient, and silent.”
Again, I was confused. Why would he allow me any leniency at all? But I knew when I was being granted a boon. I nodded.
When he walked around me toward the hallway, he cleared his throat and seemed to add begrudgingly, “If it satisfies your inappropriate curiosity, I’m going to the forum today. I have business to attend.”
“Is the slave market in the forum?”
“Yes.” He rounded, his scowl still in place. “What of it?”
“Would you—” I licked my lips, suddenly nervous, knowing desperation shook my voice. I’d already angered him but I simply had to ask, “Could you please take me with you to see if there is one person from the Celtic tribes? Would you please buy her?”
“Why would I do that?”
“She is an excellent seamstress.”
“I don’t need a seamstress.” He turned to walk away.
I fell onto my knees and gripped the hem of his toga.“Please.”
Slowly, he turned back to me and stared, his eyes burning brighter. “What are you doing?” he growled.
“It’s obvious. I’m begging you to save a woman. She is a hard worker.” My heart raced faster as I clung to his robe, realizing how vulnerable I was on my knees before him.
“I don’t need another slave,” he growled. “I didn’t even needyou,” he added gruffly, frustration obvious in his voice.
“Please,”I pleaded, voice shaking. “She took me in. When no one else would. I owe her my life.”
Holding my gaze, he reached down. I didn’t flinch or move away when the pads of his fingers coasted from the base of my throat up the column, two fingers lingering where my pulse beat hardest.
