Read Online A Leap in Time by Engy Albasel Neville - Free Book Online Page A

every fiber in my body was drawn toward this Adonis. He was beautiful in a godly way: six feet tall with muscles everywhere. His tussled brown hair—not short like the men in my history books—and heart-melting smile made him the sexiest man I had ever laid eyes on.
    He looked like a modern guy disguised in Roman clothing. The slightest dimples pierced his cheeks every time he smiled. Forget being set up with Marcus, Catina needed to introduce me to this guy, immediately.
    Sigh . I couldn’t help but notice how animated he was when talking using his hands to emphasize a point. The couple chatting with him laughed every few seconds at something he was saying. So he was hot and funny. Double sigh! Every so often a lock of hair fell over his eyebrow and he nonchalantly pushed it back with his long, slender fingers. I caught myself holding my breath as I stared shamelessly. Please God, let Catina can play matchmaker with this guy. He’s worth bending the rules for…
    Stop Lexi, get a grip .
    Is this what love at first sight felt like?
    Despite my best and strongest resolve to stand still, my legs dragged my body toward him. My mind screamed for me to stop, think this through, but my brain had other plans. He was turned slightly in my direction, clearly enjoying the couples’ company.
    He kept glancing at me from the corner of his eye unnerving me with his teasing smile. One would hope I’d behave more ladylike considering how important such things were in ancient society but, no—nothing seemed to stop me. I felt this unwavering need to tell him my life story, the real one. The cost for silly mistakes like this could potentially cost me my life, and yet, I was undeterred as I inched closer to him as if in a trance.
    He shifted position, squarely facing me. I found myself staring into the most beautiful liquid green eyes. Right then and there, I knew there was no hope for me. He leaned in to say something to the couple, sending them into a fit of laughter before he started toward me. Oh holy crap!
    “Hello. I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure of meeting you.” He sounded so authoritative and confident.
    “Uh… Hello.” Did my voice actually quiver? He’s going to think I’m an idiot.
    “Marcus, when did you arrive?” Catina’s voice rang from behind me and I couldn’t be happier for the interruption. Oh, for the love of all that’s holy. Of course this was the infamous Marcus. I guess the Universe wasn’t done intervening on my behalf.
    “Just this morning…” His voice trailed as he locked his gaze on me again.
    Catina smiled at him teasingly. In her best hostess role, she turned to me. “Alexandra, may I introduce you to Marcus Cassius. Our families are dear friends. Marcus, Julius and I grew up together and have many fond memories. Less on my part because Marcus and Julius tormented me mercilessly.” She giggled to herself and I immediately felt at ease. There was no mistaking her brotherly fondness for him. So this was Marcus.
    “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Alexandra. He took my hand. The fullness of his perfect lips on my knuckles was almost my undoing. A deep blush burned my cheeks.
    “Please call me Lexi.” I willed myself to feel more at ease now that Catina was here.
    “Are you here visiting Catina?” he asked.
    “Yes. Until I make arrangements for my journey to Rome.” I tried to sound confident and matter-of-fact despite my buckling knees.
    “Lexi insists on starting her journey to Rome tonight. Isn’t that completely absurd and unsafe, Marcus?” Catina was determined to keep me here.
    Little did she know that with each passing second with Marcus, my resolve was dwindling.
    “Let’s get something to eat. I haven’t had a thing since this morning. Come, Marcus.” Catina linked her arms through ours, escorting us to the garden where a huge banquet table was piled with roasted meats, cheese, assortment of fruits, bread, wine and nuts.
    The electricity between Marcus and I was