Anzil (Gladiators of Krix #2) - Miranda Martin Page 0,44

away. “I don’t want to have to wash their stench off my carpets.”

“Of course, Dominus,” Ductores says.

I slam my wooden sword against the dummy in three rapid strikes, taking my anger out on the uncaring wood. Then I put my sword away and present myself to Ductores. Anzil stands next to him already, both of them watching my approach.

“What?” I ask.

“You heard Dominus’ words,” Ductores says, his shiny black eyes studying my face. He leans in close. “Keep that anger. Use it in the arena, where it belongs.”

“Yes, Ductores,” I say.

“Get cleaned up, fast now,” Ductores says.

Anzil and I go to his rooms where I rinse off and dress quickly. Problem with asshole slave owners is they want it all. He’ll want us to smell nice and be clean but he also isn’t going to want to wait for it. In his world of unreal expectations, I’m sure he expects us to smell like roses even after working our asses off training.

God, I hate this asshole. Soon I will kill him. It can’t come quick enough.

Moving fast, it isn’t long before we’re standing outside the door to his office. Anzil knocks. When Dominus calls for us to enter, he leads the way.

“Primus,” Dominus says. “About time.”

I bite down hard to keep myself from smarting off. The balls on this son of a bitch.

“Yes, Dominus,” Anzil answers for both of us.

Anzil stands one step in front of me, which is probably good. I think he knows me too well. That brings a smile to my face. Yes, yes he does.

“The Governor has, in his most gracious fucking wisdom, accepted my offer,” Dominus says.

“What about Scarlet or the others?” I ask.

“Oh, now she speaks,” he says, rising from his seat. He leans on the desk, his nasty, beady eyes looking me up and down. “Is she going to be ready?”

“I’m ready,” I say.

He narrows his eyes. He slowly looks me up and down in a creepy, nasty kind of way. He licks his lips, and a smile forms on his face.

“I could get my money’s worth whoring you out,” he says. “A fine piece of flesh. I’m sure I could get senators to pay for their shot at fucking you.”

“I’ll— ouch!”

Anzil stomps on my foot, cutting off my retort.

“She is a gladiator,” Anzil says.

“She doesn’t bear my mark yet, Primus,” Dominus says. “Until she does, she is whatever I say she is.”

“Dominus,” Anzil says. Every muscle in his body is tightly knotted. He’s vibrating with barely contained action. “Ductores and I have worked hard to prepare her for the games. I am sure she will bring honor to House Batius on the sands.”

“Honor,” he huffs, plopping onto his chair. “Honor only buys so much. I need coins too, Primus.”

“Then you should bet on her,” Anzil says. “Will the odds not be great against her? An unknown, small of build, and a human to boot?”

“Ha!” Dominus exclaims. “And when in fuck’s name did you become a master of business?”

“I pay attention to all that Dominus has taught me,” Anzil says.

“That’s right, what I have taught you,” Dominus says. “Fine. I won’t whore her out, but that body…” he trails off looking me over. “Tell me, Primus. How is she? Is she a good fuck?”

“No,” Dominus. “She is not.”

“A pity,” he says. “Games are in two days. Go.”

Anzil grabs my arm and drags me along behind him. I’m so pissed I’m seeing red. My stomach burns as hot as my cheeks. If I wasn’t going to kill the son of a bitch before, now I know I am.

Anzil doesn’t stop dragging me behind him until we’re down the stairs and on the main floor when I jerk my arm free.

“Fuck you, I can walk on my own, asshole,” I say.

I push past him, heading for the sands to train more. I can’t believe what just happened. I’m a bad lay? Fuck this guy too.

“Kiara,” Anzil calls to my retreating back.

I flip him the bird, ignoring him. I feel him rushing up behind me, but I don’t give him the satisfaction of looking at him. He grabs my shoulder, and this time I spin into him, bringing my fist along with it.

He catches my punch before it connects. He tightens his grip on my wrist, holding it so I don’t hit him again. Growling, I stomp on his foot. His eyes widen in surprise, but he bites off any sound.

“Kiara, please,” he says.

“No,” I shake my head. Tears swell, filling my eyes, which pisses me