The Gladiator

The Gladiator
Carla Capshaw

Indulge your fantasies of delicious Regency Rakes, fierce Viking warriors and rugged Highlanders. Be swept away into a world of intense passion, lavish settings and romance that burns brightly through the centuriesHe won his fame– his freedom–in the gory pits of Rome's Colosseum.Yet the greatest challenge for once-legendary gladiator Caros Viriathos comes to him through a slave. His slave, the beautiful mysterious Pelonia Valeria. Her secret brings danger to his household but offers Caros a love like he's never known. . . .Should anyone learn she is a Christian, Pelonia will be executed. Her faith threatens not only herself, but her master. Can she convince a man who found fame through unforgiving brutality to show mercy? when she's ultimately given the choice, will Pelonia choose freedom or the love of a gladiator?

He’d come to save her.

Caros pulled Pelonia into his arms. “Are you all right?” She buried her cheek against his chest.

He held her while she shivered and trembled. For timeless moments, he rubbed her back until the tremors subsided.

Caros cupped her face and tipped her head back to search for injuries. He ran the pad of his thumb over the shallow cut on her throat. Thankfully, the wound no longer bled. The image of a blade held so close to her jugular would never leave him.

He angled the torch for a better view of her ashen face. “It’s over now. They won’t find us. Can you walk or shall I carry you home?”

“Home?” Her eyes filled with fat tears. “I have no home.”

Caros tugged her against him again, holding her close while she sobbed. A promise to free her and help find her family sprang to the tip of his tongue.

No. His arms tightened around her. She was his. He couldn’t let her go….

CARLA CAPSHAW

Florida native Carla Capshaw is a preacher’s kid who grew up grateful for her Christian home and loving family. Always dreaming of being a writer and world traveler, she followed her wanderlust around the globe, including a year spent in the People’s Republic of China, before beginning work on her first novel.

A two-time RWA Golden Heart Award winner, Carla loves passionate stories with compelling, nearly impossible conflicts. She’s found Inspirational Historical Romance is the perfect vehicle to combine lush settings, vivid characters and a Christian worldview. Currently at work on her next manuscript for Steeple Hill Love Inspired Historical, she still lives in Florida, but is always planning her next trip…and plotting her next story.

Carla loves to hear from readers. To contact her, visit www.carlacapshaw.com, or write to Carla@carlacapshaw.com.

Carla Capshaw

The Gladiator

www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called

according to His purpose.

—Romans 8:28

Dedicated to:

My son, Deverell—my best blessing.

My parents, for their constant love and

encouragement.

My sister, Nikki. A talented, savvy woman-of-all-

trades. You’re the best friend a girl could have.

My critique partners, Sheila Raye,

Paisley Kirkpatrick, Stacey Kayne and Jean Mason.

What would I do without you? Thank you for

not only reading my stuff, but for being amazing

friends who also happen to be awesome writers.

My agent, Michelle Grajkowski of Three Seas

Literary, for believing in me even when I insisted

on writing “unpopular” time periods.

My editor, Melissa Endlich, for taking a chance on

a new author. Your patience with this newbie won’t

be forgotten.

And last, but most, thank you, Lord. You never fail

me. Your inspiration is endless.

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten