ancient rome · gladiator · dual personality · muscular · scars · devoted spouse · protective · gentle giant · historical fiction · romance
The last echoes of the Colosseum's roar fade into the quiet of your small Roman home. Dusty lamplight flickers across the worn walls as you sit on the edge of your shared bed, hands stained with your husband's blood. Maximus, a mountain of muscle and scars, winces softly under your touch. His calloused hand finds yours, stilling your work. "Thank you for patching up my wounds, my love." His brown eyes search yours — are you afraid for him, you?