By Marie S

Ashley jerked awake in a panic.  It was the cessation of the painful grip on her arm that awakened her.  Dino’s fingers strongly pressing on her arm had actually been comforting because it meant he was near her.

Every time that Ashley had traveled into the past was accompanied by a period of a loss of consciousness or enforced sleep that the body needed to recover.  The first time Cort had found her lying in the desert.  The second time she’d appeared on Hollywood Boulevard before Bud White.  The third had been to appear before Maximus and his men.

Each journey had in common that she always appeared in the vicinity of one of the others, men who strongly resembled each other including Sid and also protected her while she was in their time.  These men were also extremely attracted to Ashley and her to them.  The only time she’d remained in another time long enough for a strong love and relationship to grow had been her time spent with Maximus.

That had led to love, marriage and a child on the way.  It also drove her to return a second and now a third time to Maximus.  This time had gone very wrong.  Never before had she traveled with another person.  Sid had come for her twice in the past, but never had someone accompanied her.

This time Dino had tagged or rather been dragged along for her journey far into the past.  It was a journey he didn’t want to take and it was all Ashley’s fault.  Her desperation to get to Maximus had led her to deceive Dino because he didn’t agree with her going.  He’d been trying to protect her...and now?

She gasped for air and sat up as her eyes flew opened.  “Dino!” Ashley screamed out his name.  She feared she lost him.  It was why she’d called to him to make sure he didn’t release her arm as they traveled through the portal.  What would happen if they weren’t connected in some way?  Would Dino end up in a different time or place from her?   

What she saw before her eyes was not what she expected or feared.  Perhaps it was worse.  Her husband, Maximus, had a sword pressed against the side of her friend Dino’s neck and appeared to be ready to kill him.  There was a rage in Maximus’ eyes Ashley had never seen before.

The sound of Ashley’s cry pulled both Maximus’ and Dino’s eyes in her direction.  Ashley saw a trickle of blood begin winding down Dino’s neck from the pressure of Maximus’ sword.

“Maximus, my love.  I’m unharmed.  That’s my friend, Dino.  He was trying to protect me.  It was an accident that he followed me.  I told him not to let go of me.  I was afraid he’d be lost somewhere else in time.”

Maximus’ eyes softened as he looked at her, but he didn’t remove the sword from Dino’s neck.

“You are not unharmed, Ashley.  I saw this man hurting you.  Look at your arm.  I have seen the aftermath of this before.  It is time your husband protects you.”

Ashley looked at the angry bruises forming on her arm where Dino had held on for his life and for hers.  Maximus was remembering what Sid had done to her before.  This time he had someone to punish for harming her.

Maximus was a man very bound by duty.  Protecting her was part of his duty.  He had felt powerless the last time.  Again it was leading directly to Sid.   When didn’t it?

“That was Sid’s doing, Darling.  Dino would never hurt me.  I pleaded with him to hold on tight.  When he was pulled along with me I was afraid we wouldn’t come to you.  And I’m sure he was scared.  It was his first journey through the portal.”  Ashley said this matter of fact as she’d been terrified the first time she’d fallen through the doorway.

“Thanks, Ash.  You’re painting a great picture of me.”  Dino spoke though he didn’t move his body.  “I admit to being scared shitless.”

“Maybe now’s not the perfect moment for sarcasm, Dino.”  Ashley rolled her eyes.  The man was incorrigible. 

“Princess, you know if I’m going out, I’m going out my way.”

Maximus’ eyes narrowed again as he looked at this ‘Dino.’  He spoke to his wife too informally.  There seemed to be no menace in his manner toward Ashley.  He wouldn’t kill him just yet.  Maximus removed the sword from the man’s neck.  He didn’t offer him a hand up.  It remained to be seen if he was worthy to be off the ground.

He had no time to think further as Ashley had flung herself against him.  Maximus gathered her close and wrapped his free arm around her.  The hood of her cloak fell back and Maximus inhaled deeply the light scent of her hair as it pressed against his face.  By the gods he’d missed her!

Ashley held fiercely on to him.  She wanted to never let go of him again, so desperately she had missed him.  The last time she’s seen him he was dying in front of many people.  Here he was alive, well and holding on to her.   

“I love you so much, my husband.  I’ve missed you more than you can know or imagine.”  Her words were muffled against his chest.

“I know and I can imagine,” he whispered gruffly to her.  Maximus was not immune to the closeness of her body and the fresh smell of her.  He wanted to carry his bride to his tent and his bed, but there was another present to be dealt with.  Their marriage was less than a month in length and they’d spent less than a handful of days together since he and his army had left their camp on campaign of war.

Maximus had been returning to his tent after a long day in the field.  His men had been involved in several skirmishes today.  They had been very successful and there had remarkably been no loss of life.  There had been injuries.  He had been seeing to his men in the camp hospital before returning to his tent to bathe and ready himself to meet with his officers.

As he strode toward his tent with his servant Cicero at his side Maximus had recognized the change in the air that immediately proceeded Ashley’s arrival.  He waited for her in great anticipation.  She had been torn from him a few days before and vanished before his eyes as she called to him.  He had worried for her safety since that time, not knowing if the nefarious Sid had been responsible for her disappearance. 

Instead another man had arrived with her, who was tall, lanky and fair with red hair like his wife.  He knew this was not Sid whom Maximus wanted to punish for hurting Ashley now and before.  Ashley had called him her friend.  He would judge the intentions of the man she called, Dino.  

Cicero stood in watch of the strange man while his general greeted his wife.  If he made any untoward movement Cicero would be on him with his knife in an instant.  He had learned not to question the sudden arrivals of the general’s wife, but he knew this arrival was unexpected.  Cicero watched him carefully.  There was something about this man.  Cicero had spent almost his entire life in service to the army of Rome.  He knew a soldier when he saw one.

The man leaned on the ground with almost a practiced nonchalance as he staunched the flow of blood from the small cut on his neck.  Cicero was suddenly reminded of a snake that appeared relaxed, but was ready to strike.  He took a step closer to the man to place himself between him and the general and his wife.  His knife was in his hand.

“Whoa, hermano!  I come in peace.”  He held up his hand.  Cicero saw a bulge in his strange cloak that could be a weapon.  He didn’t trust the man.

Maximus saw the movement by his servant, Cicero, and immediately swept Ashley behind him as he again faced the man, Dino, with his sword at ready.

“Is it necessary for Cicero to bind your hands and feet?” Maximus challenged.

“He could try.”  Dino leveled an unwavering gaze on Maximus while keeping an eye on Cicero.  If he had to he could make a quick roll to his side and pull his gun.  Dino hadn’t forgotten it was in his shoulder holster.   He’d had about enough of this shit and he wasn’t about to be tied up.

“Ooh, stop it you two!”  Ashley struggled to come out from behind Maximus as he tried to keep her behind him.

Dino, of course, laughed, loudly and with great amusement.

“For once it isn’t me trying to keep her safe and under control.  Good luck with that.”

“Luck has nothing to do with it,” Maximus said crossly.  He wasn’t sure if the man was jesting at his or Ashley’s expense.  Maximus didn’t like if it was either.

“Oh, you have no idea, brother.  She never gives up.”

Ashley peered around Maximus.  “That is completely unfair, Dino.  You weren’t supposed to come here.”

“Neither were you.”

“Said you and said Bud.  Not necessarily said me.”  The man could make her furious at times.

“I’ll give you that.”

“That’s big of you.”

“Ooh, sarcasm.  Isn’t that what you accuse me of, Princess?”

“Every waking moment of your life.”  Ashley stomped her slipper clad foot for emphasis.  As soon as she did it she knew she was in trouble.  Maximus had stopped trying to keep her behind him as she struggled.  He could see her as well as Dino.

She saw the look on Dino’s face and the way his eyes crinkled and his mouth turned up.

“Don’t you dare!”

But Dino was already laughing at the picture she made when she stomped her foot.  What appalled Ashley was Maximus started to laugh, too.  She loved his laugh and he didn’t do it nearly enough, but now was not the moment.

“Men!  Why don’t you ever take me seriously?”

“I am sorry, dearest,”  Maximus laughed again as he tried to control his amusement.  “You just appear so…”

“Puny,” Dino finished.

“That was not the word I was going to use.”  Maximus fixed Dino with a disapproving glare.

“True, that was my word,” Dino laughed.  “It fit.” 

“Ha ha.  I’m so pleased to provide the comic relief for the day.  I’m sorry I deceived you and you ended up here, Dino.  It certainly wasn’t my intention.  Maximus, I’ll be in your tent.”  Ashley hoped she could trust the two of them not to kill each other.  She needed to go sit down for a few minutes as she suddenly felt very weary.

Maximus and Dino grew silent as they watched her walk away.  They could both see her weariness though she tried to hide it with perfect posture.  Dino called after her.

“It’s okay, Ash.  You didn’t deceive me.  I knew you were going to try to leave the entire time we were in your house.  I underestimated the pull when you went into the portal.”  Dino’s voice grew very serious.  “I’m sorry I hurt your arm.  I’d never hurt you.  I was trying to protect you.”

Ashley stopped right before she reached the entrance to Maximus’ large tent.  She didn’t turn around.  “I know you were trying to protect me, Dino.  My arm will be just fine.”  She disappeared into the interior of the tent.

“Cicero, go see to my wife.  I will take care of our other…guest.”

“Yes, sir.”  Cicero hurried off into his general’s tent.

Maximus turned to Dino.  “She appears fatigued.”  It was a statement of fact although Dino nodded in agreement.  “You tried to protect her by preventing her from coming here?”

“You think this is a safe place for her to be especially while she’s pregnant?”  Dino challenged him with an answering question.

“No, I do not think it is safe for her to be here at all.  We are in the middle of a war.  I fear for her safety here and in her time.”

“We’re in agreement on that.  Wherever Sid can reach places her in danger.  He broke into her room last night and left a little calling card.” 

Maximus turned toward his tent.  “Did he harm her?”

“No, he left her a present and a note and then left.  It seems implanting a recording device was also as much his plan as trying to woo her back to him.”

“What is a recording device?”  Maximus had not heard this term before. 

Dino gave himself a reality check.  He was nearly 2000 years in the past.  And while ancient Rome had been one of the most advanced civilizations of the ancient world there sure were no recording devices or cameras.  He explained the device Sid had hidden in Ashley’s room for the purpose of spying on her.

“He’s a sick little shit.  He likes to watch her.  I’ll make sure it’s removed when we return.  I’ll improve security in Bud White’s house, too.  That’s where she’s been staying since she returned.”  Dino didn’t add since she saw you die.  He figured that might cancel any tentative good will the general might be starting to feel his way.

Maximus’ mouth formed a grim line.  “It seems I have much news to hear.  I would be interested in hearing your plan to keep Sid from contact with Ashley.”  In one gaze exchanged the two men had a common goal to be discussed.  They nodded.

“Come to my tent.  I will have my servant get some food for you.  I have to meet with my officers soon.  I will finish as quickly as I can and return, Dino.”  Maximus bowed to him.

Dino accepted his invitation and accompanied the general into his tent.  They had come a long way to a tentative understanding with one another.  Dino had a feeling that would only grow as they talked further.  He couldn’t help feeling a bit of awe as he gazed at the man.  General Maximus was impressive.  Dino wasn’t sure he’d want to face opposite him on a battlefield.  Then again it might be fun.  Hell, he was Dino after all.

In the short time Maximus and Dino had been speaking Ashley had crawled into Maximus’ bed, covered herself with his fur skins and fallen asleep.  She liked being surrounded by the smells that reminded her of Maximus.  It allowed her to nap undisturbed by any nightmares.

Maximus left Dino to dine on some dates, cheese and bread.  He told Cicero to plan on a larger meal later in honor of his wife’s presence.  Dino ate quickly and used the time to snoop around the General’s tent, what snooping he could accomplish with the servant watching him like he was the next invader. 

Dino thought to check on Ashley, but knew if he made any advance toward where she was sleeping he’d be in a knife fight with the servant, Cicero.  Dino hadn’t made a good first impression on the man. Imagine that?  

He figured she could use an ice compress on her arm to decrease bruising or swelling, but where the hell was he going to get any ice around here? 

Dino would never have voluntarily made this journey, but now that he was here he was definitely fascinated.  The Roman Empire was possibly the most powerful empire in the history of man.  And he was first and foremost a soldier.  He was interested in everything around him from the implements of war to troop formations and battle strategies.  Dino was contemplating how he could get a look at the camp when Maximus returned from discussing those actual battle strategies with his men.  Ah, to be a fly on the wall, or rather the tent flaps.

Maximus greeted him and immediately inquired if Ashley had risen.  Dino replied in the negative and the servant shook his head no.  The General disappeared quickly toward the sleeping area of the tent after handing his cloak to Cicero.  Dino thought to follow him, but realized he was most definitely not welcome on that little jaunt.  It bugged him that he had to defer to the General when it came to looking after Ashley.  The man was her husband here.  He would respect that.  Dino didn’t have to like it.

Maximus quietly walked to his bedside to check on his wife.  Ashley was still sleeping.  She appeared very happy and content.  Also she was ravishingly beautiful to him as she was from the moment he saw her.  Never before had he met a woman that he knew would be his from nearly the instant he spied her lying on the ground.  He had carried her back to camp on his horse.  Simply the smell of her and feel of her body in his arms had made him know she was for him.

He had taken her to his bed that night as was his right.  Within a month he knew he was deeply in love with her and would make her his wife.  In a little over another month that was made fact.  The first few months of their life together had been idyllic.  Although Maximus was preparing for battle, each and every night he came back to his tent to find Ashley waiting for him.  He’d had no idea how wonderful that would be and when the army left their encampment to engage in battle Maximus had missed her terribly.

The few days and nights that he’d seen her since had been bittersweet.  He selfishly wanted her by his side yet knew that it was far too dangerous for her to be here.  And Ashley kept risking her safety to be with him.  Yet she was at risk from Sid in her time, too.  He needed to talk to her ‘friend’ in more depth about Sid and minimizing his danger to Ashley. 

Maximus intended to observe Dino closely, too.  He wasn’t sure his intentions toward Ashley were entirely platonic.  When Dino had interjected the word puny into his sentence it was the word innocent that Maximus was going to use.  For although she was a small woman it was her innocence and naïveté that made her lack credibility in being forceful.  It also made Maximus wonder if she would always see when a man didn’t have her best interests at heart.  If Maximus were entirely honest with himself he didn’t start out that way with her either.

He swept a stray red curl off her face.  She was so fine and delicate in some ways yet she had such heart and inner strength.  Perhaps those combinations made her so irresistible to him.  And now she was carrying his child.  It doubled his protectiveness of her.  Yet he was unsure how he could protect them in his time much less hers.  He sighed and bent down to kiss her forehead.

The sound must have woken her.  “Maximus,” she whispered to him before his lips touched her brow.  “My love.”  Her fingers reached up to stroke the short hair of his beard.

Maximus gathered her into his arms and met her lips with his.  At first he kissed her gently until his passion was awoken and the pressure of his lips became more insistent.  Ashley wrapped her arms around his neck and returned his kiss with equal fervor.  Maximus sat down on the edge of the bed and lifted her onto his lap to continue their kiss as they touched.

Ashley smiled into their kiss when she felt more than Maximus’ lips stir beneath her.  She rubbed her bottom into his lap until his hands grasped her hips to pull her even closer against him.  She kissed his earlobe and whispered into his ear.

“I know what you want.”  She grinned and licked across the earlobe she’d just kissed.

“You,” his voice rumbled low.  He shifted her to lie beneath him as he moved over her body.

She giggled and they kissed again.  Ashley heard a throat clear beyond the bedchamber and froze as Maximus began to remove the cloak she’d still not taken off.  She stayed his hand.

“Maximus.  Where’s Dino?”

“He is out there waiting.”  He indicated his head in the direction he’d approached from and went back to diligently undoing the stay on her cloak.  “Cicero is in attendance.”  His lips found her again.

By the time his lips finished with hers Ashley was about to ignore everything else until if flashed in her brain, ‘Dino is within earshot!’

“Maximus, we have to stop,” she whispered.  “We have a guest.  He and Cicero will hear us.”

“I do not care.  What should it matter if a man and his wife are overheard together?”  He smiled at her and captured her lips again with his.

This time when he finished kissing her he could have said the sky was green and Ashley would have agreed...until the little voice inside her head yelled at her again and Ashley blushed prettily as she stayed his hand a second time.

“Can’t they go somewhere else for a little while?”

Maximus looked down at his pretty blushing bride and started to laugh.  “You want me to ask them to go take a walk outside my tent while we make love?”

“Well, yes, I mean no.  Maximus!”  She giggled and leaned up to kiss his chin.

Maximus lay on his back next to her and picked her up in his arms to place her on top of his body.  Although he’d missed having her help him bathe earlier while she’d slept he was glad he wasn’t dirty to touch her now.  He swept the dark cloak away from her body and had to catch his breath.  She was dazzling before him.  She’d taken much care in her appearance.

“You are beautiful, Ashley.”

“Thank you, my love.  I dressed for you.”  She slipped her legs on either side of his hips.  Her hands reached down to massage his chest through his robe.

Maximus fingered the fine soft material around her neck until he found the stay and released it.  The straps fell down and uncovered her to the waist.  He reached out a calloused hand, cupped and stroked her breast.  She leaned into his touch as her nipple puckered for him.

He deftly released the stays on the back of her gown and swept it off her body quickly.

“I have undressed you for me too, my dearest.”  Maximus smiled at her.  His eyes smoldered as he took in her nearly naked form.  He turned her over again and in one movement removed her undergarment so she lay completely naked beneath him.  His Venus.

Maximus spread her legs to lie between them.  His fingers lightly skated up her thigh and he soon had her calling out his name and begging for her release.  Once he’d given it to her he removed his own wrapping and joined with her until they found release together.

Ashley lay curled against Maximus with his muscular arms wrapped around her.  She wished she could push away the outside world so it couldn’t touch them.  None of the scary things in his future or hers could hurt them.  If her Sydney was at her side in a cradle she would give up everything else.  She sighed and kissed his arm.

“Is something wrong, my love?”  His finger curled around one of her silken curls, which shone like spun gold in the fire light. 

“Absolutely nothing, my husband.  Everything is perfect.  I don’t want to ever leave.  I want everyone out there to go away so it is only you, me, Sydney and our baby.”  She took his hand and placed it over her still barely swollen abdomen.

Maximus cupped her flesh where his baby was growing inside her.  “I, too, wish it could be so.”  He leaned down and kissed her belly.  “Sadly it cannot be.”

“Maximus, promise me something,”  she hesitated, “even if you have to lie to me.”

“I will make happen what you want.  I will not lie to you.”  He kissed the tip of her nose. 

She nodded and snuggled even closer to his body as there was a chill in the early evening air despite the fire Cicero had built.  Ashley was still entirely naked.  Maximus waited expectantly to hear her request.

“Promise me that someday we’ll go somewhere together as a family with no one else around and have a holiday together.  Like a honeymoon with children.”  She grinned at him.  “In your time or mine is fine.”

Maximus was taken aback for a moment at the notion of her time.  He’d never imagined being able to travel forward with her.  Was it possible?  He would do anything he could to make this promise to her and keep it.

“We will be together, Ashley.  I promise.”  He kissed her gently.

“Thank you, Maximus.”  He heard the relief in her voice.  She trusted him enough to make it happen.  They lay together quietly for a few moments and reveled in the closeness and touch of each other.

“I could still send Cicero and your friend, Dino, to walk outside the tent for the rest of the night so we could spend the remainder of the night alone together.”

Ashley could hear the amusement in his voice.  But there was something else as he said Dino’s name or was it the way he’d said friend?

“Now you are making fun of me, husband.”  She giggled.  “And it’s too late for them not to have heard us.  You saw to that with the way you touched me.  How can I look at either of them tonight without embarrassment?”

“I believe it was your voice that alerted them first as to what we were doing.”  There was a bit of pride and satisfaction in his tone.  The amusement remained also.

“Yes, but because of your touch.  And you weren’t exactly silent,” she laughed.  Yes, he was quite pleased with himself...with good reason.

“True.  I felt no need to disguise my pleasure.”  He kissed her again and ran one finger down her side.  He rested his hand on her hip.

“I felt unable to hide mine,” she giggled.

“Good,” he smiled.

Ooh, he was much too pleased with himself.  And she loved every inch of him.

“Darling?”

“Yes?”  His fingers were busy tracing paths across her skin.

“I think we should get dressed.”

“I think we should stay in bed.”  He smiled at her.

Ashley saw the gleam in his eye.  They’d soon be making noise again if Maximus continued.  And as much as she’d enjoy that herself…her stomach growled loudly.  She started to laugh.

“I need to feed our baby.  He’s very hungry and so am I.” 

Maximus’ hand was making little circles over her abdomen. 

“I could have Cicero bring us our dinner here.”

“We have a guest.”

“He is not invited in here.”

There was levity in his voice and yet?  Was Maximus feeling jealous of Dino?  Certainly she’d given him no reason to feel that way…had she?  No, she knew she hadn’t. 

She kissed him and stroked his cheek.  “No, he’s not.”  Her stomach growled again.  She whispered to him.  “Help me dress and later you can undress me again, Maximus.  Your son’s in need of nourishment.”

He picked her up from the bed and gently placed her on her feet.  His hands supported her.  She would love to remain in bed with him all night if she wasn’t so famished.

Maximus swept her hair off her neck and kissed the soft skin there.  She stroked her fingers through his short hair at the nape of his neck.

“Come, we must feed you.  You are too thin when I lift you.”

Ashley sighed.  He was the third man to tell her this week that she was losing weight.

“Why do you sigh, Ashley?”  He cupped her chin between his thumb and index finger and looked into her eyes.

“I’ve been having trouble eating over the last week.  I’m making myself do so.  I’m eating for three now.  It’s hard with breast feeding Sydney and our baby growing.”  She trailed off rather lamely.  How could she tell Maximus that she’d not been able to eat like she should during the last week because she’d been forced to watch him die?  She almost sobbed audibly, but fought it back.  Never would she share that with him.

Instead she wrapped her arms tightly around him.  Maybe if she never let him go…it would still happen.

Maximus sensed something was wrong that she wasn’t telling him.  Ashley would tell him eventually.  He hoped she would.  Maximus leaned down and kissed her forehead.

“Let us fatten you up, wife.”  He grinned and patted her naked bottom.

“There seems to be enough there for you.”  She sashayed away from him to get a basin of water to clean them while swinging her hips to great effect.  Ashley looked back over her shoulder and batted her eyelashes at him.

Maximus threw his head back and laughed out loud.  He then made a very male sound somewhat like a growl.  It could have dropped her on the spot.  She swore she tingled everywhere.  Had he any idea what he could do to her with a single sound?  By the smoldering look he gave her, perhaps he did understand.

Some minutes later they were finally dressed and presentable to go out to dinner.  Maximus grew silent as he watched her finish brushing her hair.  He came over and took the brush from her hand and set it down.

He leaned down and kissed the top of her head.  Ashley heard the deep breath he took to catch her scent. 

“You are beautiful enough for now or I will be unable to let you go to dinner.  I look forward to running my fingers through your hair all night.”

Ashley gave him a coquettish look as she got to her feet.

“I look forward to you running your fingers over more than just my hair tonight, Husband.”

Maximus scooped her easily up into his arms and carried her toward the dining area.  Ashley giggled as he kissed noisily into her neck.  At her insistence he set her down before they emerged into the dining area. 

Dino sat there for the last 30 minutes, hearing a whole lot more than he cared to hear.  Despite knowing that Ashley was in love with this Roman general and had married him it was another reality hearing the two of them together and in the throes of love making.

He loved Ashley and wanted her to be his.  The thoughts of this soldier being 2000 years away and dead were one thing, but seeing and hearing him with her was something else entirely.  And he had a niggling suspicion that the General was making sure that Dino knew Ashley belonged to him.  

Dino’s lip curled into a small smile.  If it was true, he was glad the man felt threatened.  The bastard.  He’d have done exactly the same thing if he’d been in his position.  Who had Ashley called out to first in worry when she woke up?  He believed the name was Dino.  D-I-N-O.  He chuckled to himself.  Hey.

Maximus came out from behind a screen, leading Ashley by the hand.  When Dino saw her he understood why the man had been all over his bride.  She looked ravishing.  There was high color in her cheeks from blushing.  She couldn’t look Dino in the eyes.  It only heightened her appeal.

Dino had seen her covered by the long black cloak prior to this.  The gown she was clad in made her look almost other worldly and ethereal.  It was shot through with fibers that sparkled like silver with a blue tint that only brought out the blueness in her eyes more.  He wasn’t sure he’d ever seen a woman he found more beautiful.  Great fucking luck, that.

“You’re looking well, Ash.”  He said it with all sincerity, but, yeah, there might have been a hint of sarcasm, too.

She blushed deeper.  “Thank you, Dino.  I’m feeling better.”  Still no eye contact.

Dino couldn’t hide his grin.  He did love making the Princess squirm, one of his favorite sporting activities and this time there were huge bonus points.  The General was looking at him like he wanted to pull out his huge fucking sword again.  Bring it on, my man.  This time I’ll show you my huge fucking gun as a welcome to the twenty first century.  Ole!   

“Good, I was worried about you.”  No sarcasm this time.  S’truth.  Scout’s honor.  And unlike that damned machine back in Ash’s house he’d really been a boy scout.

Ashley let go of Maximus’ hand and got a cloth and wet it.  She fussed over the cut on Dino’s neck and cleaned it off.

“I don’t want it to get infected.  It looks better now that it’s clean.  Just a small cut.”

Maximus was not used to feeling jealousy.  It wasn’t an emotion he’d felt more than once before with Lucilla.  For a moment he wished he’d cut the man’s head off.  If he had he’d be in bed with his wife now.  Then he thought about it clearly.  If he’d killed Ashley’s friend she wouldn’t want to be sharing his bed at the moment.

“Thanks, Ash.  How’s your arm?”  Dino stepped toward her to take her arm and examine it.

Maximus intercepted before the man touched his wife.  He gently took her arm in his hands and looked at her pale, delicate flesh.  It was badly bruised where he’d grasped her arm when they’d traveled here.  He shot an angry look at Dino.  The fading bruises were still on her arms that Sid had inflicted on her.

A sickened look passed over Dino’s face when he saw the damage his fingers had done.

“I’m sorry, Ash.  I’d never hurt…”

“Dino, my arm will be fine.”  Maximus gently touched his lips to her bruised skin.  She reached out and cupped his cheek.  “I know it was accidental.  Don’t worry, please.”  She’d been speaking to Dino, but her eyes were on Maximus.  She glanced at Dino when she asked him not to worry.  A gentle smile was on her face.

Here tonight were the two men she’d most loved in her life.  She wasn’t sure how comfortable either of them was with the other, but to Ashley she felt nothing but love for both of them, in very different ways, but it was still love.  Sid caused her much conflict in her mind at the moment, but not these two.

She slipped her hand back into Maximus’ and smiled at him.

“Shall we have dinner, Maximus?”  Her voice was like a soft caress. 

Maximus led her to dine.  His eyes were focused on his bride, both on how she looked and the way she moved or carried herself.  He certainly was lost in his love for her.  Cicero had set dinner up as though he were entertaining senators or the emperor himself.

But it was Ashley who played hostess and lessened tension between Maximus and Dino.  She knew these two men had things in common that could make them allies, if not friends.  Time after time she’d lead the conversation into military matters that she didn’t know about or understand because she knew they were known and important to the men.

And it began to work.  A grudging respect started to develop between the Roman general and the ex-Marine until finally there was conversation initiated back and forth between them without Ashley pushing it forward.

Ashley was then able to sit back, relax and observe.  She’d been so hungry at first, but quickly filled up despite her husband trying to ply her with more food.  Right now the best thing for her was to be in his presence, feeling him near her and touching him. Observing him made her feel better than she’d felt in nearly a week.  She slowly ate some more bites of food as the evening wore on.

The conversation turned to military strategies that the two men from different times debated.  Ashley had no idea what they were talking about and really had no interest.  If it were up to her the world would be a place where military strategies weren’t needed.  But it wasn’t so she was happy to let these two men enjoy their discussion and try to keep her worlds safe.  Her hand rested lightly on Maximus’ forearm and a small smile was on her face.

Dino couldn’t help making a comment when there was a break in the conversation between him and the General.

“You’re appearing very serene and happy, Ash.”

“Deliriously so, Dino.  I’m just where I want to be with the perfect company.”  She grinned at her two companions.  Maximus’ hand slipped over hers that rested on his arm.  Their eyes connected for a long moment.

Ashley swore her heart rate doubled from his gaze and then their baby moved.  She leaned over to whisper to him that their baby was saying hello.  The look on Maximus’ face was worth any hardships she’d overcome to make this visit.

Just as quickly Ashley again steered the conversation back to the men, but Maximus’ hand continued to rest on hers throughout the rest of the meal as the men drank wine and Ashley sipped on water.  There was only so much that she was willing to leave to fate when it came to her health and that of their baby.  She’d brought water purification tablets with her on this journey to be assured that she wouldn’t risk any contaminated drinking water now that she couldn’t drink wine.

Luckily she’d had no problems up to this time though she’d been taking every precaution she possibly could.  Ashley wasn’t a huge scholar of history, but she knew enough that more people were felled in ancient times by disease than for any other reasons.  Armed with that knowledge, she’d sewn pockets to the inside of her cloak to bring along modern day aides such as the water purification tablets. 

On her first journey here she’d been unable to bring anything with her and she insisted that all the water she and Maximus drunk be boiled prior to consumption.  She’d explained to Maximus about bacteria, which he now understood and was much more careful himself about his water and food preparation when he could be.

When his army had been back at the more permanent encampment where Ashley met Maximus, she’d been trying to educate within his legion to help improve the health of the soldiers.  She’d had some limited success.  It was most definitely a man’s world within the Roman army.

Maximus broke into her musings.  Obviously she had not been paying attention to the current military conversation between the men.  She blushed.

“I’m sorry, Maximus.  I got lost in my thoughts momentarily.  What did you ask?”

He smiled at her.  They had been remiss.  Ashley had been excluded from the current conversation as it was centered on battle strategies.

“I asked are you feeling well?”

“Oh, yes.  I feel quite well, my love.  The nap I took earlier left me feeling revitalized.”  Not to mention their lovemaking session made her feel even better.  She giggled to herself but maintained an innocent-looking exterior. 

“Would you sing for us, Dearest?”

“Of course I would.  I thought you’d never ask.”  She giggled and gave him a winning smile.  “Any requests?”  She looked at Maximus and Dino expectantly.  What was she thinking?  She saw the look on Dino’s face prior to him opening his mouth.

“How ‘bout ‘Old Man River,’ Ash?”

She rolled her eyes.  “I set myself up for that one didn’t I?”  Dino had the biggest Cheshire cat grin on his face.  She explained to Maximus.

“Dino knows I have a certain ‘fondness’ for show tunes.”  Maximus already knew this as she had sung numerous ones to him and described some of her favorite shows like South Pacific and Oklahoma.

“Understatement!”  Dino expelled the word like it was a sneeze.

“Ok, I love them,” she giggled.  “Old Man River is a beautiful song from a famous musical show.  It also happens to be traditionally sung by an older large man with a very low voice which obviously is about as different from me and my voice as you can get.  Dino couldn’t resist.  It’s in his nature.”

Dino laughed heartily.  “Of course I couldn’t.” 

Maximus smiled.  He saw the easy banter between Dino and Ashley made her happy.  This man’s friendship was very important to her and ideas began to form in his head which he’d discuss further with Dino tomorrow when they were not in Ashley’s company.

Perhaps he could turn Dino into the link to Ashley’s world that he needed to help protect her there.  Not that Maximus’ jealousy had completely dissipated when he observed Dino with Ashley.  Dino knew Ashley longer and better than he knew his new wife.  He envied that.  Maximus didn’t doubt Ashley’s love for him.  He knew that was strong.

Ashley chose to sing what she said was a very recent song and not from a show.  It was very lively and Maximus enjoyed it greatly.  Before she sang it she explained to him what fireworks were.  Her eyes sparkled as she described the flashing colors in the sky and the accompanying loud booms.  She stated it was even better when music was played with the fireworks.  Ashley then sang the song called ‘Fireworks.’

Both he and Dino were mesmerized by Ashley as she sang.  Part of why he loved her was she contained so much enthusiasm and love of life.  The song perfectly captured her spirit.  She was enjoying performing for them.

They both clapped loudly for her when she finished.  Even Cicero had stopped what he was doing to listen to Ashley sing.

Maximus offered some more wine to his guest.  Dino accepted and as Maximus poured the wine he casually noted, “She sparkles with life.  Ashley makes it impossible not to love her.”

Dino looked at him directly and answered, “Yeah.”

If the man was on a fishing expedition Dino figured he’d give him the prize fish.  He wasn’t about to lie how he felt about Ashley.  And the General had figured it out already all on his own.  Hoorah! 

Maximus nodded as he set the pitcher of wine down.  Dino confirmed what he’d already suspected.  Nothing more remained to be said.  They both listened and enjoyed as Ashley sang three more songs for them. 

The last song she sang was what Dino would term a ‘Torch Song.’  The General was done in on that one.  Dino pretty much was, too, though Ashley wasn’t singing the song to him.   

Maximus yawned after the last song and said it was time for sleep after an early day.  He arranged for Dino to bunk with Cicero.  He invited Dino to join him in reviewing his troops at dawn.

Dino eagerly accepted the invitation.  That the General was giving him the boot from his tent for the night didn’t surprise him at all.  And Dino would appreciate not having to listen to Ashley with the General during the night.  Once today had been enough.

With Dino and Cicero gone from his tent Maximus scooped Ashley up in his arms, much to her delight.  He carried her into his bedchamber and laid her on the bed.  Peppering her face with kisses, he moved his body down lightly over hers.

Maximus and Ashley made love in a slow, exquisite, relaxed manner they so rarely got to enjoy.  So often they lacked time or their hunger from long separations drove them to not savor each moment as much as they should.  This night was different.

Later as they lay huddled in each others arms Maximus asked Ashley what had happened to her from the time she was last pulled away from him.  She told him everything with one huge omission.  But Maximus kept pushing her for more details.  He knew her well enough to see there was more than she was saying.

Ashley finally started to cry.

“Please don’t ask this of me, Maximus.  I can’t tell you about something that happened.  Sid forced me through the portal with him and made me watch…” Her voice broke and she started sobbing.

Maximus couldn’t understand why she didn’t tell him.  He felt whatever it was he could help her with it.  But now he knew that again it was Sid causing Ashley pain.  And this time it was because of her love for him that Sid hurt her.  Maximus found that insufferable.

He held her gently until she stopped crying.  Ashley clung to him.  There was a similarity in her desperation three different times since she’d arrived earlier when she held onto him.  It was unlike Ashley to react in this manner ever before.  Somehow he knew there was a connection, but he wasn’t putting it together yet. 

The distress this caused Ashley was apparent.  Maximus wouldn’t push her any further and cause her more pain.  If it was a wound that was too fresh and painful, perhaps time was all she needed to talk to him.  He’d seen her spirit and strength.  She needed to find it yet in this matter.

Maximus couldn’t know that her inner conflict was about him.  If Sid had shown her the time of her death it would have been less traumatic than seeing him die.  Perhaps she’d been right when she’d avoided coming back here earlier.  She was a selfish woman to come back so soon.

Ashley pulled her body into a sitting position and hugged her knees to her chest. Their time together was precious.  She didn’t want to spend it mourning something that wasn’t going to happen for years yet.  Ashley wanted to spend it living with and loving Maximus.  She swiped the tears off her cheeks.

“Maximus, I’m sorry.”

He held his arms open to her.  She slipped into his embrace.  He held her tightly against him and kissed her hair.

“Ashley, I am here to share the bad as well as the good things in our lives.  There is no difficulty you cannot share with me.”

“I know that Maximus.”  She looked up into his eyes which shone dark in the limited lighting in the tent.  Her fingers stroked through his beard.  “Thank you, my love.”  She yawned and laid her head against his chest.

“Come.”  He lay down and pulled her body against his and covered them with fur skins.  “It is time we get some sleep.”

She nodded.  Ashley lay awake for a long time.  Finally the warmth and comfort of his arms and body around her lulled her to sleep.  Maximus had lain awake until he recognized her even breathing before he allowed himself to drift off to sleep.  This night she’d feel safety in his arms even if he’d been unable to protect her from the predator Sid.

Maximus arose early in the morning as first light began to color the sky.  He watched his beautiful sleeping wife and wanted to awaken her.  But Ashley had lain awake late with worry and sorrow which she wouldn’t or couldn’t share with him.  He was her husband.  It aggrieved him that she wasn’t talking to him about something that was so injurious to her. 

Yet he longed to protect her and not cause her pain.  Whatever this was it was very painful to her.  He wouldn’t push her further.  An idea came to his head as he readied himself for the day.  Her friend, the soldier, was to accompany him today.  Had his wife shared her pain with her friend?  Maximus would find out what Sid had done to his wife.  He didn’t realize that some things are best left alone.

He missed her helping him dress in the morning.  Maximus liked her soft fingers fussing over him making sure he looked presentable to his troops.  Today he wanted to give her the opportunity to sleep as long as she needed.  He knew it was a luxury not often enjoyed by a new mother.  And soon she was going to be a mother again with his child.  Maximus longed to be present for the birth of his child.  He wondered if it would be possible in six months for them to be together.  Maximus would try.

Maximus leaned over and kissed her forehead while making sure she was completely covered.  She’d slept naked all night against him.  He didn’t want her chilled now that she was alone.  A small sigh and a smile came to her lips after his kiss.  He thought she might awaken but she settled to continue sleeping.

With one last glance at her he made his way to the receiving and dining area of his tent.  Cicero and Dino were already waiting for him.  Cicero had given Dino appropriate clothes per his instruction.  Maximus nodded to Cicero as he inspected the man.

“This will do.  Thank you, Cicero.”  He then addressed Dino.

“You are a visiting dignitary from the senatorial class observing how the war is progressing.  The advantage is most of the soldiers will not engage you in conversation as they will view you as a nuisance.”  A small smile flashed across the General’s lips.  “This will help to hide your rather peculiar way of speaking.”

Dino watched the man as his eyes narrowed slightly.  Har, har, har.  He was glad he could provide such early morning amusement.  Dino was a in a bit of a bad mood this morning.  He was getting soft.  Of late the only sleeping he’d done was in a soft bed.  That wasn’t the case last night.  He was getting soft and old as more parts of him ached than he last recalled when sleeping on an uncomfortable surface.

It didn’t help that Cicero snored most of the night...and he’d slept with a knife in his hand at ready.  Evidently he still didn’t feel Dino wouldn’t try to attack.  He smiled to himself.  Good.  That meant Cicero probably had as miserable a night’s sleep as he did.  Misery loves and all that bullshit.

After they had some food Dino’s mood improved some.  He was really looking forward to what he could observe of a Roman military camp.  Dino inquired after Ashley simply to be told that she was sleeping.  The General seemed to want to say more but clammed up and went back to quickly eating.  Dino thought to check on her, but figured that wouldn’t go over real well.

The General gave instructions to Cicero regarding Ashley.  She was not to be disturbed until she stirred on her own.  Dino wondered if the General had kept her up all damned night.  Jealous much, Dino?  He grumbled into his hot drink that tasted like a mulled and watered down wine.  What he’d give for a strong cup of Starbucks.

Dino had to walk fast to keep up with the General as they made their way through camp.  He was surprised that the man seemed to have a smile or nod to every soldier he passed and knew most of the men’s names.  That wasn’t typical of the behavior he’d observed of most generals.  Well, maybe only the best ones. 

After the first soldier gave Maximus a Roman salute Dino almost had to slap himself upside the head to remind him where he was.  Despite being less than thrilled at finding himself here this was an amazing experience and Dino was going to savor every moment. 

Maximus explained today was a day to review troop preparation and discuss strategies with his commanders for a large scale battle that was to be fought the following day against some local tribesmen who were less than overjoyed with Roman domination and rule.  Imagine that?  The Roman Empire was not a benevolent democracy by any means.

Several tribes had banded together to make an army of sorts.  Maximus and his men were here to stop their dissent.  After a morning of observing the General, Dino saw the man was smart, sharp, fair and a good leader. Dino wanted to accompany them the next day.  He didn’t know how soon Ashley was intending on going back home, but if they were here…hey?

That would leave Ashley in a camp that wouldn’t be greatly protected when most of the men went to battle.  Dino wouldn’t allow that whether or not that was his ‘job’ here in this time.  He’d made it his responsibility whenever he was in Ashley’s proximity.  She needed it.

As the morning progressed the General asked his opinion several times and seemed to value his answers.  Contrary to what was in his heart, he was beginning to respect the man.  As they walked back to his tent to eat he asked Dino point blank if he knew what was troubling Ashley that Sid had caused. 

“How much time do you have?”  Maximus’ query had taken him off guard.  He never thought he’d ask him. 

Maximus was a private man and he didn’t like asking Dino about Ashley, but he’d put his own discomfort aside for his bride if it would help.

“Sid should not be near Ashley.  Whatever he recently did started her sobbing last night.  I do not want to cause her more pain.  I want to help her.”  Maximus’ hand curled into a fist.  The matter of Sid was very vexing.

“We’re both in agreement that he shouldn’t be near her.  It makes it tough with Sydney.  She’s Sid’s daughter.  Ashley would never keep her from Sid.  And he seems to be able to go anywhere anytime with his access to time travel.  He’s brazen, intelligent and very conceited.  If he wants to get to Ashley he’ll use all means at his disposal, which are considerable.” 

Maximus saw he had to be even more direct to get an exact answer.  He got the impression that Dino could be a very evasive man if he chose to be.  Evidently he’d already made a detailed assessment of Sid.

“Do you know what Sid did to her last week to upset her so greatly?”  Maximus made direct eye contact with him.

Maximus had been fair with him so far.  Dino wasn’t going to BS him.  “Yeah, I know what happened.  And Ashley would be very upset with me if I told you.  So I’m not.”  Dino may be starting to like and respect him but Ashley was his friend and the woman he loved.

Dino saw the General’s hand clench into a fist.  If Maximus popped him one it was a hit he’d have a helluva time getting up after.  He saw the frustration in his face.  This had to be maddening.  And Dino wasn’t sure that Ashley was right in keeping this to herself.  There were levels Maximus could know and deal with.  The General was a soldier.  He suddenly imagined himself walking a tightrope. 

“Listen, Maximus.”  It was the first time Dino had called him by his first name.  He balanced carefully on the thin rope.  “I’m not going to come out and tell you exactly what happened, but should you happen to guess…” He trailed off with a raise of his eyebrows.  “I’ve never seen Ashley in so much emotional pain.”  That was it.  No more clues in this game of charades.

Maximus stopped as his tent was around the next turn.  He wouldn’t be within Ashley’s hearing range.  Suddenly it all began to come together.  No matter what Ashley had endured she seemed to get through it and often with a sunny optimism that many couldn’t find.  She was in so much pain because what Sid had done wasn’t directly to her.  It affected who she loved.  Ashley had already said that Sid had forced her to watch something in another time.  She’d clung to him yesterday in desperation, not simply from missing him. 

“He made her watch me die.”  Maximus knew that to be the truth, but it was confirmed by a subtle nod of Dino’s head.

“And he restrained her to keep her from you.  That’s where some of the bruises on her arms came from.  She fought.”  Dino spit out the last part in anger.  “I’d have ripped his heart out myself if I had the opportunity.”

Maximus felt a seething rage race through him.  He’d have cleaved off his head and mounted it on a pole for all to see as they entered camp.  Sid had found the most powerful way to hurt her.  Maximus was a soldier and a realist.  He knew he would die one day.  That day could be tomorrow in battle. 

Maximus could think of nothing worse than being made to watch Ashley’s death.  And to be unable to comfort or hold her while viewing her dying was an unbearable thought.  He took a deep unsteady breath and looked Dino in the eyes.  

“Sid must die.” 

Dino nodded.  He couldn’t have said it better himself.

Maximus and Dino entered the General’s tent some minutes later.  Both were silent as they were still deep in thought.

Ashley was dancing.  They both stopped to watch her.  When she finished a series of intricate steps she asked Cicero his opinion.  The soldier had caught sight of his general and threw a pleading look in his direction to be rescued.  If the conversation he and Maximus had been having weren’t so serious Dino would have broken down in hysterical laughter.

“You know, Ash, that might not be Cicero’s area of expertise.”  Plotting murder couldn’t dampen Dino’s sarcasm.

“Maximus!”  Ashley ran over and tightly hugged her husband.  He wrapped one arm strongly around her waist.  She whispered something to the General that Dino couldn’t hear.  It didn’t matter.  The intent was clear.  When Ashley loved she loved strongly.  He’d been a fool to send her away when she’d looked at him that way in the long ago past.

After she’d finished greeting her husband Ashley turned toward Dino.  She looked him over and her expression changed to one of mirth.  He’d expected a smart retort for the comment he’d made.

“What?”

She started to giggle.  “So, um when exactly was the last time your legs saw sunlight, Dino?”

He looked down and saw nothing wrong except he was wearing a freaking dress.  “What?” he asked again.

“Dino, those legs have got to be the palest skin I’ve ever seen on a human being.  And I speak from the experience of being a fair redhead.”  She started giggling again.

Maximus chimed in with an amused expression on his face as he took an appraising look at Dino’s legs.  “I believe you are right, Ashley.  The palest.”  He nodded.

“Oh, yuck it up, you two.  It’s not my fault men wear a dress here instead of the perfectly good invention of pants.”

“Indeed it’s not your fault, Dino.”  She’d already linked one arm in Maximus’ and she walked over and linked her other with Dino’s.  “Escort me to lunch, gentleman?”

Maximus and Dino did just that.  Ashley sighed happily.  “I’m the luckiest girl in the world to be escorted by two such fine and handsome men…pale legs and all.”  She started giggling again.  Maximus chuckled to her left and Dino grumped on her right.

“That started out all right.”

The three of them had an enjoyable lunch.  Dino was looking forward to the afternoon, which was a battle training session Maximus was both an observer and participant in.  He intended to be more than an observer himself.  His whole adult life he’d been a soldier in one form or another and he wasn’t about to lose the experience of a lifetime for a man such as he.

Dino waited outside the tent while the General said goodbye to his wife.

Ashley led Maximus by the hand to his bed chamber where they could have some privacy.  She sat down on the bed and lightly tugged his arm to bring him down beside her.  He sat by her side and put his arm around her.

“Be careful, my husband.  Even preparations can be dangerous.  Remember I’ll be here waiting for your return.”  She laid her head against his chest. 

“I will always take caution, my wife.”  He smiled at her and gently kissed her.  “I cannot allow my mind to wander toward you waiting for me or I would get distracted wishing I was here.”

“In that case forget I said that part.”  Maximus pulled her against him for another kiss.  Kissing him could make Ashley forget everything in the outside world.

She stroked his face when the kiss was finished.  Ashley knew she only had a few more brief moments before he went off to fulfill his great responsibilities as a commanding general who was at war.

“Make sure you awaken me the next time you leave in the morning.”  She’d been disappointed to find him gone when she woke up.

Maximus smiled again.  “I missed our way of saying good morning, Ashley.  I thought perhaps you needed your rest more.  Do you feel rested?”

“Completely.  You’re probably right.  We needed the rest.”  Her hand slipped over her small belly.  She looked up into his eyes.  “I still missed our good morning.”  The look in her eyes and the husky quality of her voice promised everything.

Maximus picked her up to face him.  Ashley wrapped her legs around his waist as their lips met again.  This time when they parted it was with great reluctance on both their parts.  Maximus glanced wistfully at his bed.

“I will see you later, dearest.”

“I’ll be here, my love.”  Maximus stood up while supporting her so she remained wrapped around him.  They shared one last kiss before he set her down and they parted.  It was glorious to know each would be looking forward to seeing each other later.

Maximus exited the tent and saw an amused Dino waiting for him.  The quiet general said something very candid to him.

“I have everything that I never had before.”  He nodded and set off for the training grounds.

Dino stopped dead in his tracks with a thought that occupied his brain.  Ashley had confronted him as ‘love ‘em and leave ‘em, Dino.’  It was why Maximus had ‘everything’ with her and Dino had her love in friendship. 

He was finally ready for a change in his life.  Unfortunately the woman he loved and wanted to change for loved the man at his side.  Dino wasn’t sure he could wait as long as it might take for Ashley to be ready for him to be that man.  He’d already wasted too much time.  He wouldn’t wait the rest of his lifetime.

Dino was in his element all afternoon.  He observed and then trained with Maximus’ troops.  From time to time Maximus gave him pointers on sword fighting.  Dino was adept at using a knife in hand to hand combat and had done some fencing when he was younger, but fighting with as large of a blade as they used was completely new to him.  It was fun as hell even if he might not be able to move his arms later tonight.

Finally late in the afternoon Dino had the chance to match up opposite Maximus.  He was glad that he wasn’t meeting him in battle as the General would have skewered his ass without a doubt.  Maximus had amazing skill with a sword and was as fierce as any he’d ever faced in training or battle.

Maximus was impressed with Dino’s fighting abilities.  He was adept and a fast learner with quick reflexes.  By the end of the day he extended an offer he didn’t make lightly.

“You are welcome to fight with my army tomorrow.”

“I’m in, General.”  Dino inside was thinking of his partner Terry’s phrase, ‘Holy snapping arseholes.’  “Only if Ashley is well protected while we’re gone.”

Maximus felt a momentary irritation.  Did Dino think he’d leave his wife unprotected while they rode off into battle?  But it was a fair question coming from a man who also loved his wife.

“Besides the normal camp guards, I will leave two men on my tent and Cicero will remain with Ashley at all times.”

Dino nodded and then chuckled.  “Cicero is going to love that.”

“He will do his duty.”

“And he might even learn a few new dance steps.”

“He might.”  Maximus allowed himself a small smile.

After his officers' last briefing, the two men made their way back to Maximus’ tent.  They were both tired and hungry.  Neither had considered Ashley’s reaction to both Maximus and Dino riding out into battle in the morning.

“Oh, no.  I can say nothing about you going, Maximus.  You must.  It’s your job.  But there’s absolutely no reason you need to be in harm’s way, too, Dino.”

“There may be no reason, but I’m still going, Ash.”

“You shouldn’t even be here, Dino.  You’re only here because of my being selfish.  If anything happened…” Her eyes welled up with tears.  Ashley’s voice became a whisper.  “Do you think I’m so naive that I don’t know how dangerous this is and that both of you could be wounded or…”  The tears slipped down her face.

Maximus glanced at Dino and went over to gather Ashley into his arms to console her.  He momentarily considered rescinding his offer to Dino after seeing his wife’s face.

Dino felt helpless.  This was the side of war that soldiers rarely understood completely.  They hated being parted from those they loved, but couldn’t understand how hard it was on those left behind.  And while Dino didn’t want to cause her more fear or pain, tomorrow he was going.

“Ash, you weren’t being selfish.  You needed to see your husband.”  Dino didn’t use the word alive but everyone here now understood though Ashley wasn’t aware Maximus knew.  “And I’m a soldier, Ashley.  This is what I do.  And I do understand.  My Dad was a soldier, too.  I remember what it was like when he went off to war when I was a kid.”  And he remembered how hard it was on his Mom.

Everything from the last two weeks came rushing back to Ashley.  Seeing Maximus die and being unable to hold him.  What if the vision Sid had shown her was wrong?  She could lose Maximus and Dino tomorrow.  The thought was overwhelming and caused a sudden physical pain in her chest.  Her baby moved.  It was almost as if he/she was telling her to get it together.  No matter how painful this was, she couldn’t send these two men off the next day worried about her.

The men had no idea what it was like here for her in Maximus’ camp.  She was unable to leave his tent and walk around to decrease tension or talk to people for the whole day.  Her day consisted of finding ways for distraction and keeping active until Maximus and now Dino returned.  And she tortured poor Cicero, who never complained but would most likely rather be doing anything other than babysitting his General’s wife.

Despite those things Ashley wanted to be nowhere else at the moment but here with Maximus.  It was the only way she could spend time with him.  She’d put up with boredom, frustration, anxiety and fear.  She sucked in a slightly unsteady deep breath and dried off her eyes.  Her hand patted his chest and she looked up into his eyes.

“I’m sorry, my love.  I’m fine now.  Cicero and I have planned a wonderful dinner for you both.”

“Thank you, Ashley.”  Maximus didn’t let go of her and she was in no hurry to move from his strong, comforting arms.

Dino recognized that Ashley had slipped into her hostess mode, which was her way of shoring up her feelings and dealing with emotional pain.  The strength she displayed and how quickly she pulled it together often amazed him.  He already knew the woman she was.  It was why he loved her so much. 

Maximus was impressed with his wife’s ability to make a simple meal seem like a special feast for him and Dino.  She would be the perfect wife if he were to have aspirations beyond the army.  Ashley would charm every politician and their wives in Rome.  He had none of those aspirations and she was still his perfect wife.  When he closed his eyes he could see her at home playing with their children.  Would she thrive in a simple country life in his time?

He opened his eyes to watch her.  They would make it work in whatever way was possible.  There were challenges in both their lives to overcome.  He was not a man to quit or give up.

“Some more wine, Maximus?”  Ashley was offering to pour him another goblet. 

Maximus declined.  He was tired and sore.  Tomorrow was a day he needed a very clear head.

He glanced over at Dino, who appeared to be nearly asleep.

“I think it is time to end the evening, dearest.  Dino, I shall see prior to dawn.”

And with that General Maximus had dismissed dinner.

When they entered their bed chamber Ashley undressed her tired husband.  Once he was naked she led him to the bed and instructed him to lie down on his abdomen.  Today she’d concocted some massage oil to use on his tired and sore muscles after a harsh day of training.  She crawled onto the bed by his side and began to massage his shoulders and upper back.  By the noises he was making she seemed to be working on the right areas.  Ashley smiled and continued.

Maximus’ muffled voice asked her to sing for him.

She leaned down and kissed his cheek.

“Yes, my love.”  She sang a soft contemporary song that moved her since she’d first heard it.  “We’ll do it all, Everything, On our own…”

We don't need
Anything
Or anyone

If I lie here
If I just lay here
Would you lie with me and just forget the world?

I don't quite know
How to say
How I feel

Those three words
Are said too much
They're not enough

If I lie here
If I just lay here
Would you lie with me and just forget the world?

Forget what we're told
Before we get too old
Show me a garden that's bursting into life

By the time she finished the song his breathing was even and deep.  He was definitely relaxed.  She suspected he was sleeping, but she continued to rub and massage his muscles until her own arms began to tire.

Ashley slipped quietly off the bed and removed her own clothes.  She slid her body against his and covered them both with furs.  Maximus made a low pleasurable sound and reached out to pull her closer to him.  She purred with contentment as she was enveloped in the warm masculinity that was Maximus.  Ashley gave into the happiness and love she felt in his arms.  She drove away the fear tomorrow would bring to enjoy what she had tonight. 

Maximus arose long before dawn.  This time he’d awaken his wife.  He wouldn’t lose the sweetness of bidding her goodbye.  He remembered what Dino had said.  His time was coming whether it were today or in many years.  He now knew Ashley would be near him even if she was restrained from coming to him.  As hard as he knew that was for her it gave him comfort to know she would be near him when his time here came to an end.

He remembered the song she sang so sweetly to him before he slept.  It was beautiful but a bit melancholy.  Maximus whispered the part he remembered to her as she slept.

“If I lie here, if I just lay here, would you lie with me and just forget the world.”  Neither of them could forget their worlds except during their brief moments together when it seemed somehow possible.

“Ashley.”  He leaned down and kissed her.  “I must go soon, my bride.”

“Mmm, no.”  Her arms quickly wrapped around his neck.  “I won’t let you go, husband.”  Ashley felt his morning want for her.  She wrapped the rest of her body around his and heard the moan and sharp intake of breath from him as his body came into full contact with hers.

Minutes of kissing and touching were followed by their bodies being joined together again.  Maximus helped her straddle his hips as her hands rubbed his strong chest.  His voice urged her on.

“Move on me, Ashley.”  His hands grasped her hips and helped her maintain a strong rhythm.

Maximus watched the pleasure move across her face as they both built toward their peak.  He pulled her to him when she reached her climax and found his own with a few more thrusts into her lush body.

She shuddered in his arms and Maximus pulled her closer with their bodies still throbbing together.  He brushed the long red curls off her face and kissed her forehead.

“Oh, Maximus,”  she whispered to him, kissed his chin and then his lips.

He cupped her bottom in his hands to hold her to him a bit longer before he slipped from her body.  They kissed sweetly yet with an edge of desperation as it wouldn’t be long before he’d leave their bed and her behind him as he rode off into battle.

Their bodies cooled in the early morning air that still made its way through the tent.  Maximus whispered to her. 

“It is time, dearest.”

“No, it’s much too early, my love.  Lay with me a bit longer.”

Maximus hugged her tightly, but then swept them both out of bed and stood up with her wrapped around him.

He smiled.  “I could perhaps take you with me like this.”

“Yes, then do it.”  She peppered his face with kisses.  “I’ll ride naked into battle before you on your horse.  I can shield you and keep you warm.”

“I think not.  My cloak will have to warm me and my shield and sword protect me from my enemies, Ashley.  It will not be my wife.”  He kissed her again and reluctantly set her on her feet, but held her until her wobbly legs found their strength.

She hugged in around his chest and planted one last kiss there.  “I will wash you and dress you, Maximus.”  She ran to the water warming in the fire and added some to a basin so the water would not be too cold.

Ashley washed and dried his body and helped him with the straps and ties of his Roman uniform and armor.  He looked so splendid when he was finished that she had to stare at him for a moment with how handsome he was.  She combed his hair and handed him his helmet. 

Maximus laid it on the bed to pull her into his arms for one last embrace.  He had to leave her but the picture of her naked, beautiful and still mussed from their lovemaking would be branded into his brain until he returned.

“I’ll be waiting for you here, Maximus.  Return to me.”

His hand slipped around her waist and he kissed the top of her sweet-smelling hair.  “I will, dearest.”  He prayed to the gods he wasn’t lying to her.

He turned to stride away, but her small hand grabbed his wrist.

“And tell Dino I will keep the two of you in my prayers.”  She released his wrist and stood tall.

Maximus looked back for one more glance of her before he left.  She stood proud, strong and was beautiful in her nakedness.  He nodded and quickly left as he felt a catch in his throat.  Cicero waited for him beyond their bed chamber and Maximus gave him a few instructions before leaving his tent.

Dino stood pacing beyond the tent.  The excitement and exhilaration were apparent in his tightly-coiled body.  Cicero had made sure that Dino was dressed befitting an officer of Rome.  Maximus bid him good morning and gave him Ashley’s words.  Dino nodded and took one last glance back at the tent before the two of them left for the stables.

The battle was fierce that day with the tide finally turning in favor of the Romans, partly from superior numbers, preparation and leadership.  Dino was in his element, well, sort of.  Despite the fact he was a decent horseman he found fighting from horseback to be an entirely different skill set from being a good soldier, swordsman and rider separately.  As the day wore on both his skills improved and so did his fatigue.  Killing was hard physical work in Roman times.

Frequently he caught sight of General Maximus urging his troops on and fighting at their side.  The man seemed to have limitless energy.  And he was simply the baddest assed fighter Dino had ever seen.  Again he was glad he was on his side and not facing him in battle.  The fighting began to lessen along with the number of live opponents when the cry for ‘Roma Victoria!’ was raised by Maximus late in the day.  Dino experienced a high like he’d rarely felt before in battle.

But the fighting wasn’t over and Dino had allowed himself to be distracted by the Romans decreeing their victory all around him.  An enemy soldier on foot below him plunged his sword upward into Dino’s thigh before Dino could fully counter the blow.  Dino roared out and nearly lopped off the soldier’s arm with a blow from his sword.  The soldier was persistent and rose to his feet again after initially staggering.  Before either man could mount another blow General Maximus appeared on his stallion and lopped off the head of the soldier with a strong blow from his sword. 

Dino ascertained there were no further opposing soldiers in his area and turned his attention to his leg wound after a nod of thanks to Maximus.

“Shit!” he muttered under his breath.  Blood was pouring down his thigh.  He had to do something immediately to stanch the flow as the rate he was losing blood was too great to maintain an upright position for long.

Maximus stopped his horse by Dino’s to examine his injury.  He called out to a young officer to approach on horse.  The young man galloped over to obey his general.

Dino remembered his leather belt from his jeans he’d worn around his tunic.  With Maximus’ help he fashioned a tourniquet around his thigh to decrease the flow of blood.  Once it was in place and seemed to be working well, Maximus sent the young officer with Dino to the surgeon’s hospital tent behind battle lines.  Maximus said he’d find Dino when he was able to leave his troops.

Later as Dino lay in the grass waiting for Maximus, he wondered if the General had been keeping an eye out for him for Ashley’s sake.  He wasn’t sure he liked that idea, but finally settled on the fact the man seemed to know everything that was going on around him on the battlefield.  He was amazingly perceptive and sharp.  General Maximus, indeed, was a man who was perfectly suited to be the best in his field with his skill sets.  Dino knew why he’d risen to the rank of general at a young age.

Dino knew he needed to hydrate to replace some of the copious amounts of fluids he’d lost from bleeding.  He felt weak and rather light-headed when a soldier had helped him to this spot beneath a tree.  Neither the smell nor the atmosphere was conducive to any healing where he’d been. 

After initial treatment Dino had refused further attempts by the surgeon.  The uncleanly supplies and tools of the trade convinced Dino he had to have Ashley get him home and to a 21^st century surgeon.  If the wound didn’t kill him, the infection he was sure to get would.

Once he was bandaged up and got some water, which would probably give him dysentery, Dino sent Maximus’ officer back to the front and he waited.  He must have drifted off to sleep when he was brought back to wakefulness by the clearing of a male’s throat.  Dino opened his eyes to see Maximus standing over him.

“General,” he nodded.  “I hope you don’t mind if I don’t stand?”  Dino grinned at him.

Maximus mouth tugged into a small smile.  “Do you ever stop joking, Dino?”

“Hopefully not until my last breath.”  He raised his eyebrows.

Maximus took that as an adequate answer.  “How is your leg?”

“Still bleeding when the tourniquet is released for any time.  I think I need to be seen by a surgeon in my village.  There are some who have made some amazing advances in medicine.”

“We will need to get you back to my tent.  Can you ride?”

Dino looked Maximus steadily in the eyes.  “There’s no other choice.”

With Maximus and his young officer’s assistance Dino was soon on horseback again.  It was about the last thing his leg needed.  Horses didn’t come with shock absorbers.  By the time they finally reached camp and the General’s tent Dino was listing to the side and finding it very difficult to stay seated and awake.

Hands took a hold of him and lowered him off his horse and carried him into the tent.  Dino recognized Ashley was by their side before they even entered the tent.  He felt her cool hand on his brow when they laid him down.

Dino heard Maximus giving instructions to his men until it finally grew quiet when only Maximus, Ashley and Cicero remained at Dino’s side.  There was vociferous debating going on between Maximus and Ashley until Dino finally struggled up on one elbow.  He felt weak and shaky. 

“Ok, what’s up?”

“We need to get you back and to a hospital as soon as possible, Dino.”  Ashley took his hand and squeezed it.

“Sounds like a good plan.”  He weakly squeezed her hand back.  Did his voice really sound like he’d been on a bender?

“Dino, I can’t do it myself.  There’s no way I can lift you or even drag you, which could hurt you more.”

“She will not try and lift you,” Maximus said in a voice that left no room for negotiation.

“Not with as puny as you are, Ash,” Dino joked.  His foggy mind remembered that she was pregnant.  He struggled up higher.  At least he thought he did.  “No fucking way, Ash.”

“Exactly,” agreed Maximus.  “Ashley and Cicero will stabilize your leg wound.  The ride from the battlefield started it bleeding again.”

Dino was aware of his leg being moved and unwrapped.  He swore under his breath from the pain he felt as they cleaned the wound and Ashley bandaged his leg tightly while the two men held it.  There was no way Dino could hold his leg up with his own strength any longer.

He leaned his head back as they finished.  Sweat was pouring down his face.  His eyes were closed and he tried to take a few deep breaths.  Dino’s eyes suddenly popped open and he looked at Maximus.

“So how are we going to get me back?”  Dino realized that part hadn’t been discussed with him but must have been decided.

“There is only one choice.  I will be going with you.”  Maximus removed his helmet and handed it to Cicero. 

Maximus looked at Ashley.  Only his eyes displayed any reticence.  There was none in his frame, manner or stance.

“We are ready, Ashley.”

 

ON TO TO THE VICTOR GO THE SPOILS

BACK TO I HAVE TO GO BACK

BACK TO REFLECTIONS, REJECTIONS, AND REVELATIONS

BACK TO DID YOU REALLY EXPECT THIS TO END WELL?

BACK TO TIME FOR A DECISION

BACK TO SHADOWS OF A DIFFERENT LIFE

BACK TO PART 1 of Come To Me

BACK TO END of Come To Me

BACK TO LIBRISCROWE