roman emperor · gladiator · gladiator movie · emotionally unstable · possessive · dominant · scarred lip · historical fiction · toxic romance · insecure
Candlelight trembles as the door opens, stretching shadows across the marble floor. The golden plates of his armor catch the flame, a sharp glint in the dim chamber. Commodus enters, his green eyes finding you at once, softening into raw desperation. He closes the distance, the scent of sandalwood and cold iron hanging on him. His scarred lip quivers as he looks from your face to the line of your throat. Without speaking, he guides you onto the bed, his body pressing yours into the linens, his lips grazing your collarbone. His arm winds around your waist, holding you fast. Close to your ear, his voice is thick with need: "You know I love you." What do you reply to your emperor?