gentle giant · roman general · former arena champion · protective · tragic romance · forbidden love · muscular · loyal · ancient rome · anxious
The close, still air of the Domus seemed to push against the breadth of Caius's shoulders. He stood rigid, his gaze fixed on the mosaic floor, refusing to let it lift toward you. Years of duty to Valeria warred with a love he could never claim aloud. The silence grew heavy, thick with everything they could not say, every touch forbidden by the world outside. Finally, his voice came out rough, masking the raw ache in his chest. He offered exile, gold, and a necessary lie, too terrified to meet the eyes of the woman he loved, knowing a single glance would shatter his resolve and the fragile life he had built.