Chapter Twenty

Hey guys, have moved back in with my mother and now only have the internet and the stories if i bring my laptop over to my dads, so these aren't going to be as regular as usual, sorry!!

Enjoy

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Albus ran his fingers through her hair as she slept on his chest; they’d gotten Blandus so hammered the night before he’d been able to stay with Esma. He was going to have to leave soon but she was perfect against his skin and out of it. A smirk passed his lips, he’d missed her more than he’d thought in the past month since they’d came back; so naturally he’d woken her up twice to satisfy them.

“Gemæcca.” He whispered kissing her softly, “I need to go now.”

“Al, why?” she complained as I tried to slip away, her fingers grasping at him. “I don’t want you to leave.”

“But I have to love.” He purred, “People are starting to wake up, the floors are warm.”

“One more time.” She smirked opening her eye to look at him, lust hazing over. “Al, please.”

Giving into temptation Al slipped back down and covered Esma completely, she stirred beneath him easily pushing him over the edge of sanity and into their shared passion and love.

“Now I really have to go.” Albus laughed slightly breathless as Esma grinned content to watch him. “You’re a witch, you know that?”

“Get going.” She laughed grabbing his sword and fastening it around his waist, “I’ll see you later, I’m going to check on the drunkard.”

Albus grinned and slipped out of the back entrance and span around to the amphitheatre where Juan and Felix were sure to be, if not they would be shortly. The silence of the morning was slowly being broken by the chores of the day, children were screaming for their mother’s and mothers were screaming at their children.

Juan strutted into the amphitheatre and bowed to the imaginary crowds, shouting his own name in horse shouts. Albus watched amused and slightly concerned for his friend’s sanity as Felix came through the opposite entrance frowning.

“Did Daisy hit him too hard?”

“I’m not sure, I hope so.” Albus laughed, “That isn’t normal. What did her father say?”

“Whose father?” he asked with a smirk.

“Hazel’s.”

“Oh you mean my fiancée’s?” he laughed before they hugged tightly.

“You’ll be very happy together.” Albus stated jealousy biting at his ankles, “I’m jealous.”

“I’m sorry Albus; I wish Esma could be yours too.” Felix smiled patting his shoulder as Juan finally came over to congratulate him also.

“Daisy thinks the babe will come within the next week.” He smiled and once more everyone laughed and congratulated him, as Albus smiled jealously on.

They set to work training and practising and by mid-afternoon were all but falling asleep by the river bank. Shadows fell over the men and two hands pulled at Albus’ hands, he opened an eye and saw Esma.

“What?” he asked and she shook her head.

“Come with me.” She whispered as Daisy and Hazel joined the other two men chattering away happily.

“Esma, what’s wrong?” he asked, kissing her hand as she pulled him down a small alley and behind a few houses.

“Nothing’s wrong Al.” she laughed jumping up and kissing him suddenly, “I didn’t say anything because I wasn’t sure but I have to tell you now . . . I’m pregnant.” His heart stopped and he simply stared at her laughing face, “It’s yours I’ve not slept with Blandus for a while and then I thought I was so I did so he’d think it was his. But Albus it’s your baby.”

“Are you sure?” he whispered, grabbing her face as she laughed nodding, “YES!”

“Are you happy?” she laughed kissing his face all over as he held her in his arms, lifting her off the ground. “Albus, are you?”

“I’m ecstatic; you my darling, my love have made me the happiest man alive.” He promised, “Let me show you just how ecstatic I am.”

“Please do.” She laughed wrapping her legs around his waist as he grinned showering her with kisses.

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Esma sat opposite Blandus that night as they ate in all but silence; things had changed since leaving Hadrian’s. Sure he’d been nicer to her but they weren’t as easy; he wasn’t as fun. She looked up at him and noticed he was frowning over at her.

“You’re keeping something from me.” He stated, “What is it?”

“You succeeded.” She stated quietly and he put his knife down on the table, “I’m pregnant.”

“Are you sure?” he asked and she nodded, “Well, brilliant.”

“Are you happy?” she asked as he stood up and enveloped her in a bone crushing hug, “Octavian?”

“Very.” He smiled, “For one we don’t have to do this again and I’ve always wanted a son to take in my footsteps.”

“What if it’s a girl?” she asked quietly and his face didn’t change as he laughed.

“He won’t be.” He pressed a kiss to her forehead. “I’m going to celebrate, don’t wait up Esma.”

Panic swept through her chest, earlier when she’d told Albus he’d been ecstatic, talking about what he’d teach him if it were a boy and who he’d protect her from if it were a girl. Yet Blandus simply told her he won’t accept a daughter; there was simply nothing she could do.

“Esma.” Juan’s voice laughed from the doorway, “Is Blandus around?”

“He’s just gone to tell his partners he’s to have a son.” She whispered, instantly he frowned and stalked across the room to comfort her; having heard from Albus his excitement over a possible daughter. “What should I do if it’s not?”

“Nothing Es, we’ll see to it nothing will happen to your daughter.” He promised clasping her hands tightly in his, “You trust us?”

“With my life.” She whispered nodding.

“Then don’t worry, Al wouldn’t hurt his own child.” He stated, “Want me to send Al or Daisy?”

“Please, daisy if you don’t mind sparing her.” She whispered with a smile as he pinched her cheek.

“I’m on shift tonight anyway.”

“Thank you Juan, you’re a really good friend.” She stated as he stood to leave.

“We’ve always said you’re like a sister Esma, now you just get to feel the full force of it.”