PULLO

I stumbled through the bathroom door. Tua was still retching in the toilet, hugging the bloody thing like a big, cold, very white lover. I grinned. "You're a fucking pussy." But his next gag got to me. I had to lunge for the sink. Ugly stuff, mind you.

It had been a three day binge. Tua took me out for a night on the town to find some ladies. The place was miles out of Stowe and off the main road; it looked like an old square structure, nothing fancy or anything. But inside…hot and steamy like the halls of Hades! Women everywhere, and they were dancing and taking off their clothes and well, didn't take long to figure out that they were for hire. We picked up two, got one hotel room and had a wonderful time. That might have been the end of it, except that I wasn't ready to quit yet.

The next night, it was five women and the two of us. Talk about a feast! One never knows how crazy a comrade can be until you see him in action…and trust me; Tua has the stamina of any Thirteenth Legionnaire I've known! It was great fun, but you know me. I still wanted more.

Last night our hotel room looked like a fucking orgy, stunk to the skies with cigarettes and hemp and luscious, musty sex. I lost count of the number of women we had, but as for the men? The number…still two. Yeah, we'd outdone even the best of the best and drunk far more than we should have.

And we were paying for it. I gagged one more time and sat on the cold floor. Tua was spread eagle across the space, his head propped against the tub. Poor bloke was pale as a ghost.

"Ahh man, I think we're in trouble," he said, groaning and rubbing his temples.

"Not me. I used those prophylacious things. Used one every time."

Tua chuckled. "Prophylactics. Rubbers. Fraggers. But that's not what I mean. I bet my sorry arse is outta work."

"What do you mean?"

Tua grunted to his feet, splashed water on his face and returned to his place on the floor. "Bridgid's probably gonna fire me. Fuck all, haven't even called her in three bloody days."

"Now, now. She wouldn't fire you just for going off with a mate…would she?"

"For three days? My guess is…hell yeah. Bloody hell, I'd fire me."

I laughed. "You sound like you're afraid of a fair female."

"I'm afraid of Bridgid. That sheila can easily kick my arse. And she should. Fuck, not even a call? She's gonna be flaming mad."

"Max might be a bit concerned, but he can't beat my arse."

He eyed me.

"Well, he might try," I shrugged. "No worries. We're done. I'm done with it. Time to get my head into the twenty-first century."

"Huh?"

"Ah, never mind. Time to get back to the Inn and you need to go save your job. Let's get moving."

"What about all those sleeping, naked women out there?" Tua moaned and jerked his chin to the bedroom.

"Just keep your eyes straight ahead. We can get through them safely. Focus, brother. Focus."

SOPHIA

For nearly a week now, we have spent every waking hour together. I have never known a man like Max. Eloquent even in his silence. Tender with his words, fascinating in his mannerisms, making love to me with the mere caress of his eyes…but not once with his body.

There is much to be said for abstinence and perhaps I have learned the secrets of the priesthood. It is far easier to hear the words spoken to you…hear them clearly on several levels…if you are not distracted by the pleasures of the body. But I must admit, my desires were no longer a distraction for me. Wanting to touch and love Max had gone far beyond distraction and at times, usually alone at night, they had become obsessions.

The hours spent together were exquisite, times of warmth and personal discovery and I clearly understood that Max was courting me. The curiosity was…with this man…I wanted to be courted. I wanted to be pampered with his simple gifts and kindness, to be adored with a gentle kiss at my door. It was maddening and exhilarating at once.

Can I love a man like Max Meridius? This is a moot point as I already do love him. What had he done to me? I cannot sleep until he calls and whispers "Good night, my dear".

I snuggled under the sheets and looked around my small room. It wasn't a suite, but it was elegant all the same; beautiful in its details and the love put into it by the owners. Comfortable. Nurturing. And it felt like Max, even though he had never once crossed the threshold.

When my cell rang I leapt for it. Took a deep breath and sighed, "Hello, my love."

"Sophia Philomena DeCello! What is the meaning of this?"

"Papa," I gulped.

"What do you mean leaving such a message that you are not coming home? Your sainted mother has planned a welcome dinner party for you and the entire family leaves for holiday at the villa in four short days! You will come home, Sophia, and you will come home now!"

"No, papa. Not now. Not yet. I'm not coming home yet." Was I begging?

"Yes, you will!" he shouted so loud I pulled the phone from my ear. Then I heard the familiar beep. Call waiting and I knew it was Max.

"No. I have to go papa. Kiss mother for me. Caio."

The phone beeped again and I swallowed hard. "Hello?"

MAXIMUS

I am not a manipulative man, but I have never seen a woman that I have wanted as much. So I have maneuvered and created the relationship I desire with Sophia. For a young woman who has lived a life of luxury and excess, it was important to teach her the value of patience. For myself, I fear I may go mad before my plan can come full circle.

I have been in this life for a long time now, lived among women of this century and enjoyed the benefits of such a life. But I am weary of it. Bored with the hollowness of such freedoms. I seek a wife and I am sure Sophia is the one I will grow old with. She has an extraordinary tender side, wonderful intellect and a soft touch. Although I am sure she can be a wildcat at times, I am most prepared for such things. Women are after all, women. It is the beautiful complexity of these creatures that draws us to them. Holds us firmly, creates the desire to ride life alongside them with adventure and curiosity.

My plan had been moving well, become fruitful and deep. But as I phoned Sophia this evening, there was a razor of sharpness in her voice. This would be the true test, for it was not only a plan for attaining her…it was also a plan to determine my compatibility with such a fiery woman.

"Something has upset you, Sophia. Tell me."

She sighed repeatedly, giving no answer.

"All right. Dress and meet me in the parlor. It is late and should be quiet. I will be there in ten minutes. Do not cry, my dear." And I hung up. I didn't need ten minutes; I was not in bed, only reading and sipping brandy.

As I waited in the public parlor, my mind wandered. Had I pushed her too hard? Forced her to be something she could not? Had I misjudged the entire situation? No concerns. I loved her and would reach her, convince her to discuss her unhappiness then proceed on any joint solution with a full heart.

I stood when she entered. She did not sit beside me; instead she chose a chair across the room. Her face was streaked with tears and my chest began to ache. This was not a development I was prepared for.

"Tell me, why are you upset, Sophia?"

"I have defied my father, Max. I have never defied him. Never spoken so to him. I have never told him 'no'. Not once in my entire life."

I leaned back in the chair, rubbed my chin but asked nothing. Letting her speak would be the only way to learn it all. It would not be prudent to interrogate her. But I most clearly suspect that Sophia's father is a man of power. That he holds great power over her as well.

"Perhaps it was time to defy him. I am a grown woman and cannot be commanded by my father…but…I fear my actions may have not only further inflamed him…but may have disappointed you, Max."

"Me?"

"Yes." She finally grinned sadly. "You are a man who respects family. Have I disappointed you?"

"I am of no concern here, Sophia. What did your father ask of you?"

"To come home. Now."

"Ah," I sighed, watched the stars glitter outside the window and waited.

"And I will not…I will not leave you. Unless you wish me to, I will never leave you, Max."

I could not control the growing pound of my heart. "Does your father know of me?"

"He does not."

"Then we have much to do. But first," I stood, crossed the parlor and knelt on one knee. I held her small hand before kissing her sweet lips long and hot, took in the intoxicating flavor of her. "First, Sophia. I must know something. I wish a full and long life with you. But I will not pursue this unless - "

"I love you," she whispered and my very heart smiled. "I love you, Max Meridius. I too want an entire life with you. A forever life with you. I love you."

"Already we can see that it will not be easy," I pushed wild dark curls from her face and chuckled. "Your father seems a formidable man."

"And you are a formidable man. The formidable man I love. If you will stand beside me, he will learn to love you, too."

"I plan to always stand beside you. We will leave tomorrow for Rome. But first, I must make arrangements for Pullo. Perhaps he can stay with his new friend Tua for a week or so."

Sophia grinned and stood but she did not expect what I did next. In truth, I did not expect it either. I lifted her into my arms and carried her to my suite. There, I would make her fully mine.

JOHN

We were lounging on the sofa, me and Riles and our bulldog who was growing fatter by the minute. Between my wife's belly and the dog's I wondered when there'd be no room to move around the apartment. Got a slap for saying that at dinner, but the cuddle after was great. Actually, we were great. It had been so long since Riley and I had just relaxed and enjoyed each other, I wondered what the hell had happened. I guess all couples get off track sometimes. And making the appointment with that shrink definitely got me on Riley's good side. I still think it's a waste of time, but it made her feel better so what the hell, right? I see Siggie again in a few days. What the hell was I gonna talk about?

I dug for the remote under her butt and she giggled then straddled my legs. Man, she looked wonderful. Healthy glow and all. Her belly was getting obvious and I leaned in to kiss my son. A sigh came out of my wife that didn't sound much like a mother at all and I chuckled.

"Woman, you do realize if you start something, we are gonna see it through, don't you?"

"Duh," she grinned then kissed me nice and soft.

Ever made love to a pregnant woman? It's pretty remarkable. Their body has places that are far more sensitive than any other time. It's a real mixed bag of sensations and my Riley often had a craving for…uh-hum. I watched her pretty head bob over me and let my mind drop into that abyss. Her mouth was so fucking hot, her tongue perfect. Her fingers rolled my balls 'til they locked up and I exploded into her mouth. Nice. So damn nice…and we never left the living room.

Colin's race was on, but he was holding steady in fourth place. Must be having a few engine issues, by this point in the game, he usually starts to make his move ahead. Damn kid had won three of his last five races and was on ESPN almost every stinking week. Bet when he gets home there'll be no living with him, ay? Or not. Col's a humble kinda guy. Maybe he'll still be just the same. Never know.

Riley and I went like that for a week. Happy, happy. We were smiling all the time and teasing each other whenever we passed in the Inn. She was talking about promoting Andy and I didn't even ask her to. Made me happy to know she was getting out of that kitchen. Hard work. Too hard for her to be doing in her condition.

I got up to the apartment early one evening and sat on the deck. Spring is beautiful in Vermont and I was enjoying the evening chill. Funny, Terry had swept Bridgid off to New York and Jack took Nat along with him to Maine. I couldn't help but laugh. Were they getting their women away from Riles? Maybe my wife was a bad influence. Riley had never confessed her naked moonlight dancing. I had that picture, printed it out and hid it in one of my jacket pockets. Maybe I could show it to her that evening. We'd have a good laugh then maybe she'd do a little naked dancing for me, ay?

I went to the closet, tugged the picture out then dropped it onto the floor. As I knelt to pick it up, I saw a shoe box tucked in the back. Where'd that come from? Did Riles get a new pair of shoes? Fuck, I hoped they were sensible. I sat on the floor and opened the box.

Then I saw fucking red. Thirty odd letters, all from Lachlan. Jesus. Why was she hiding them? All those insecure feelings I had years ago when those two wrote to each other constantly welled up. Insecurity, jealousy, anger. I was flipping through the envelopes and considered reading the fucking letters. Then I got that feeling. You know the one, where the hair on the back of your neck stands straight up. I turned. There she was, fire in her eyes.

"What are you doing?"

"Uh…why were you hiding these damn letters? What the fuck do you two have to say to each other? Every fucking day, God sakes! What the fuck?"

She glared and I think my balls shriveled. "John Biebe, you are a total ass! You sit there and you read every single letter!" And she walked out, slamming the door behind her.

Man, I felt like a fool. Went to the door and pushed. It wouldn't budge. "Riley? What the fuck are you doing? Leaning on this door?"

"Yes I am! And I'm fatter than you right now so I can keep you in there a long time. Read the damn letters!"

"I don't wanna read your damn letters. They're your letters. I just wanna know what you have to say to each other?"

"Read those letters or I'm never letting you out of there, John!"

Damn. I pushed the door. I swear she must have had the sofa up against it. Christ, she better not have moved the sofa! "Let me out!"

"Read the letters!"

I read the letters.

They were actually kinda heartbreaking. Lachlan was far away from everything he knew and loved. He was being tested to his limits and he was doing well. He was just terribly lonely. They weren't love letters. Just letters that told her how he was feeling, who he missed most and what he was hoping for. I refolded every letter and put them away, slid the box back in the closet and went to the door.

"Riley?"

"What?"

"You're right. I'm an ass. I'm sorry. Let me out."

"Let me get out of the way first," she grunted. "Okay."

First I helped my wife up from the floor (she must have been sitting up against the door all that time), made sure the sofa was never moved then I went to the kitchen. There I got paper and a pen, sat at the table and wrote to my brother.

Lach,

Got my sorry ass in trouble today when I found all your letters to Riles. She made me read each and every one and I'll tell you…I'm glad you have her. Nothing like a real friend when you need one. I'm glad you two can talk, 'cause right now, she and I aren't doing so much talking.

I see you're doing well and soon facing the toughest challenge. Got faith in you brother. I know what you're made of. And I wanted you to know, I'm here for you. I'll be writing often and maybe you and me, we can be friends. Sometimes I think I need one. Like right now. Looks like I'm not getting dinner tonight.

Take care, write back if you want to. Remember, we all love you and are rooting for you, Corporal Lock and Load.

John