" It was a thought in my mind when I chose to cripple him," said Igwanda bluntly. "I could have subdued him less ... forcefully and still been sure of...implementing my plan, but he was going to be a detriment to the entire mission. And, well, I was angry." I don't blame you, sweetheart," she said. "If the situations had been reversed, if it had been you and Meier stuck in that damn hole in the ground and me up there, I don't know what I would have done when he wouldn't even listen, but it sure. For amoment I was appalled, what could she be thinking, seeing me beingdressed up all like that, then it was woman to woman, just natural."Just give me ten, I need to freshen up a little." OK let me know when y'ous ready." With that she left closing the doorgently.I sat down in front of the mirror, gazing deep into it, trying to cometo terms with what had just happened. Instinctively I picked up a brushand ran it through my hair, straightening the long twisted blondestrands. That helped me. Amy did as he asked and found a tattoo on the man’s chest.“A scorpion?” she asked.“Yes. The sigil of the Praetorians,” he whispered.“Praetorians?!? Those evil fucks are real???” Sheena breathed.“Who are the Praetorians?” Jason asked.“During the times of the Roman Empire, they were Caesar’s most loyal and trusted bodyguards. They were the best soldiers the Empire offered, afforded the best training, the best equipment. Eventually, they became a political force of their own. They weren’t just. Please! Stop! I cannot breathe! STOP! I will surely die!He shook his head, weary of her complaints. "Once more, my lady, I urge you to relax. You will not die...yet. For now, you must suck on me and lick me clean, like a good slave."His hypnotic voice compelled her somehow to obey. She found that if she forced herself to breathe deeply through her nose, it was not nearly as bad as it had first seemed. But Darian was merciless and sought only his pleasure; barely a moment after she had.