Cruel Love

Chapter 33

Aelynn's POV

With her lips softly touching Marcus's, Aelynn felt his firm embrace enveloping her, and instinctively placed her hands on his shoulders to anchor herself.

Marcus didn't rush her, letting her move at her own pace, responding gently at first, but soon intensifying the kiss. He passionately seized her lips with his own, sucking on them lightly.

It was overwhelmingly wonderful to the point where Aelynn felt a bit dizzy.

It had to stop, she was on the verge of losing her sense of reality.

What is he doing to me?

She moaned slightly, and Marcus's hands went on caressing her back. Her body trembled from his hot touch, feeling both ashamed and nervous of her unseemly response. Aelynn was like on fire and needed to catch her breath.

As she weakly pushed Marcus away, he yielded almost instantly, breaking their long-lasting kiss. His tight grip on her loosened, yet his hands stayed in place.

Panting heavily, Aelynn's lips were burning, and she was aware of Marcus's constant stare. She peered at him through her eyelashes, her face red with embarrassment. The clear blue of his eyes was teeming with emotions she couldn't entirely pinpoint: joy, yearning, and perhaps even a hint of devotion.

Hurriedly, she stood up, stepping away from the writing desk.

"I'm...I'm tired. It's best if I head to bed."

Clearing his throat, Marcus's voice came out hoarse.

"Of course. See you tomorrow same time?"

Without looking at him, Aelynn nodded briskly and rushed into her bedchamber.

Yet, sleep eluded her as she lay in bed, staring at the ceiling and replaying the sensation of Marcus's lips on hers, so intensely sensual it was almost painful to pull away.

I have to listen to my heart. And it tells me, I can trust Marcus. After all this time, he must feel something towards me... If that weren't the case, he wouldn't have made such an effort with me.

A new day had dawned, bringing with it the promise of sunshine, and Aelynn swiftly got ready to head into the city center.

Gráinne was kind to go along and show her around. Each woman took a wicker basket, exiting through the villa's gate, followed by a soldier.

Gazing about, she noticed that the neatly arranged streets of Velavium were paved with large stones. Moving further, her eyes caught a glimpse of a magnificent white Roman statue.

"This marble monument is dedicated to the Emperor of the Roman Empire Claudius." Gráinne commented, as they slowed down to have a better look.

The Emperor stood tall, exuding power and authority, in a commanding pose, with one arm raised, as if addressing his people. He was adorned in a military cuirass, carved with battle scenes and other ornaments. The armor hugged his muscular form, highlighting his strength, with a richly detailed cloak cascading down his back in elegant folds. The emperor's head was crowned with a laurel wreath. On the base of the statue Aelynn could make out some Latin inscriptions, probably praising Claudius's achievements.

Turning the corner, they were greeted by a large, open square buzzing with activity—the central market. Shops and stalls lined the streets, their wares spilling out onto the stone pavements. These small, open-fronted shops sold everything from fresh produce and bread to exotic spices, pottery, and textiles. The scent of baked bread, roasted meats, smoked fish, and fresh fruits filled every corner and cranny.