To Be Unbroken

by Stein Willard

  When Sara didn’t call her back after their last conversation she took it to mean Sara had managed to find a flight. After leaving Andra’s she came straight to Sara’s building and waited outside for her to arrive. Like a lovesick teenager she had sat at the café across from the building for close to four hours, waiting. When the café closed for the night, she decided to simply wait at the corner until Sara arrived. When a cab pulled up in front of the building and Sara got out, her heart had begun to race at the sight of the blonde. Even from where she stood she could see that Sara was tired, but her mind, heart, and body wanted to be closer to the woman. Now here she was, taking off her boots and waiting for Sara to finish up in the bathroom. What was keeping her so long anyway? As if her mind willed the woman to come to her, Sara exited the bathroom, looking so cute in her pink pajamas. Maxima slowly came to her feet, causing Sara to stop.

  “Are you leaving already? Did I take too long?” Maxima could hear the anxiety in Sara’s voice and she quickly pulled the woman to her.

  “No, not at all. I just wanted to have a better look at you. You look so youthful in your pajamas.” It was true too. Without her make-up and high heels, Sara looked so much younger. She found that she liked seeing Sara like this.

  Sara grinned. “Youthful, you say? Come summer, I will wear my other pajamas and I wonder what you will say then.” She took Maxima’s hands and led her around the bed. “Which side do you want?”

  Maxima shrugged. “Preferably the side you will be on.” She didn’t know what it was she’d said, but Sara gave her a brilliant smile.

  “Then you will have to get in first. But first let me help you with this. ” Sara began to push the jacket off her shoulders and Maxima could feel the small hands lingering on her shoulders. “You are so big and powerful. I like that about you.”

  Immediately Maxima was taken back thousands of years ago when Anima first saw her naked. The Princess couldn’t stop touching her body, caressing her muscled frame eagerly as she commented on her attributes. She blinked and once again focused on Sara.

  “Occupational hazard. I do a lot of heavy lifting.” Her eyes travelled over Sara’s upturned face and came to rest on her soft lips. She still remembered what they tasted like after two weeks. She quickly stopped her trail of thought before it took her down a path of no return. She didn’t come here for that, after all. She still felt guilty about keeping her true identity from Sara. Until they cleared that up, Maxima wouldn’t be comfortable bedding the blonde.

  “Never stop doing that. You are in excellent form.” Sara pulled the covers back. “In you go.”

  Maxima suppressed a sigh when she stretched out on the soft bed. It was so comfortable. I could get used to this. Sara got in next to her and almost immediately rolled on top of her, burying her nose in Maxima’s neck. This time Maxima had to suppress a moan. If she had any doubt, even a tiny bit, that Sara wasn’t Anima, she was completely convinced now. This was Anima’s favorite sleeping position. The Princess rarely lay on the soft bedding; instead she used Maxima as a mattress. Weighing less than her chainmail, Anima’s mass was easy for her to bear.

  Sara wiggled her body, as she settled herself comfortably on top of her, causing Maxima to swallow hard. The truth will have to come out soon for she would not be able to resist this woman much longer.

  “This is soooooo nice,” Sara moaned. “I think I will have to invite you into my bed more often.”

  The warrior was too busy trying to keep her body from responding to the low delicious sounding moan that Sara had made, to find any words to reply. Her silence caused Sara to lift her head so she could look into her face.

  “Are you okay?”

  Maxima nodded quickly. “I am very comfortable.”

  “I’m not too heavy, am I?”

  “You always…” Maxima caught herself just in time. “Not at all.”

  There was a tiny frown between the green eyes as they looked at her and Maxima return the gaze with an open, honest stare of her own. A small smile formed around Sara’s lips.

  “Good, because I don’t think I would’ve moved anyway.” She leaned closer and brushed her lips over Maxima’s. “I’m so comfortable that I think I’ll be asleep in no time. Thank you for being here”

  The green eyes were sleepy as they looked at her, but Maxima could read the slight panic in them. Sara was worried that her kiss might have been unwelcome. We cannot have that, now can we, Maxima thought. She lifted her head and took Sara’s lips in a gentle kiss. When their lips parted, Maxima smiled up at Sara.

  “I would not want to be anywhere else now. I will let myself out and come see you again later.”

  Maxima inhaled deeply when Sara aimed another brilliant smile at her. This woman was so easily pleased. As much as she adored Anima, the Princess made her work hard to keep her happy. But then the world was different back then, if she remembered correctly, people smiled less than they do now. Anima’s soul found a great host and she knew her reincarnated lover would rejoice at the choice once they remembered each other again.

  Sara settled her head on her chest, the beautiful smile still lingering as she curled her arms around Maxima’s neck, anchoring herself to the large woman. The trust the woman showed in her, even in her sleep, warmed Maxima to her toes and caused her heart to race again.

  Hold on my heart, no need to wake her now. I promise we will see her again later.

  ***

  Andra turned at the sound of clicking heels to face the woman coming towards her. She blinked in surprise when Sara offered her a blinding smile even as her eyes ran over her with mysterious intimacy. Andra also afforded herself the opportunity to study the woman. Sara looked rested and very happy. She was dressed in a black pinstripe pantsuit which made her look like the ultimate businesswoman.

  “Greece certainly did you good, Sara.” She murmured as she greeted her friend with a kiss to the cheek.

  Sara chuckled softly. “I think one day in the near future I would like to visit there again.” Her green eyes were bright with pleasure. “I’m sorry I just up and left. It was a spur of the moment decision.”

  Andra waved the apology away. “No need. Seeing how relaxed you look, I think it was worth it.”

  “Shall we go through to my office?”

  Andra smiled and turned to point at the statue of Maxima. “I’m here about her.” She saw concern flash in the green eyes and quickly reassured the woman. “No, nothing bad. Every year for Thanksgiving, the family comes together and every year we have Maxima with us. Since she was the one to start the Bells dynasty, so to speak, we always have her with us.”

  Sara’s face relaxed into a smile. “So you are pulling my best piece from the exhibit. People still flock in here to look at Maxima the Magnificent.” Sara walked closer to the statue. “I will miss her terribly.” Andra studied the blonde closely. “She reminds me a little of Mac.”

  Andra’s eyebrows shot up when a soft blush covered the blonde’s face at the mention of Mac’s name. Something was up and she wanted to know what. Claire would offer great sex for any news about the two.

  “Talking about which, I have been trying to get a hold of her, but the woman is so slippery to say the least.” Andra managed to look contrite. “I am sorry that she hasn’t been by to see you.” Come on, Sara. Give me something, will you?

  An enigmatic smile formed on the blonde’s lips. “Don’t be so hard on her. As a matter fact, she called me and came by to see me last night.”

  Andra could already imagine the exquisite orgasms this tidbit of news would get her. She faked a look of relief. “Good to know she still has some active brain cells left. She had me worried there for a moment.” Andra smiled. “I take it everything is fine between the two of you then? Not that it’s any of my business.”

  Sara blushed. “Yes. We are seeing each other later.” She cleared her throat and looked at the statue. “When do you plan to move her?”

  Andra didn’t bat an eyelid at the sudden change
in topic. “Early tomorrow morning. My grandparents will be flying in from London tomorrow during the day. All my grandmother talks about is Maxima and how much she misses her.” Andra walked over to run a hand over the marble statue. “Grams will be happy to see that she is still in such great form.” She looked at the gallery owner, perplexed by the flustered state of the woman.

  “Are you okay?”

  “Yes, yes…How about a cup of coffee in my office? We can finish up the paper work. Or are you in a hurry?”

  Andra hooked her arm through Sara’s. “Not at all. Coffee sounds good.” There was definitely more to Maxima and Sara’s little escapade last night and she wanted to know everything.

  ***

  An hour later, Sara found herself standing in front of Maxima’s statue. She shook her head at the uncanny resemblance the statue had to Mac. Whereas Andra too favored Maxima in looks, Mac could pass for Maxima’s identical twin. An unconscious smile came to her face. She woke up from a delicious dream today. Unlike the scenes of her and a Mac look-a-like woman kissing and cuddling, this dream went all out. Her breath caught at the memory.

  Those large, callous hands on her body, a dark head buried between her trembling thighs, the screams drawn from deep inside her being as she was flung over the edge time and time again only to be roused again, the sweat pooling in her navel as that large body glided over hers, their perspiration mixing. She woke to the memory of Mac in her bed. Her smell was all over the pillow and bedding and even on her pajamas. It was too much for her to bear and she had made a mad dash for the shower, leaving the hot water tap untouched.

  Sara brought her hands to her face and felt the heat seeping through her palms. By all that’s holy, I’ll have to stop these thoughts or I’ll have to dash home for another cold shower. She took a shaky breath and peeled her hands from her face. She looked at Maxima and shook her head.

  “Since you came into my life the strangest things are happening to me. But I will miss you when you leave. Having you here is so calming and…and…” Sara cocked her head as she studied the statue. “You make me feel so safe and protected. You must think I’m pretty desperate to want to cling on to a statue, don’t you?”

  “I, for one, think so.”

  Sara twirled around and glared at her mother. “You really need to stop doing that, Mother. It’s becoming rather stale.”

  Sandra shrugged. “Says the one who talks to statues. So, when were you going to tell me?”

  “Tell you what, Mother?” She didn’t want to sound surly, but she still hadn’t forgiven her mother for setting her up with Caroline.

  “I had to hear from Kyrios Papastavros that you borrowed his jet. Do you have any idea how worried I was when I called and you didn’t answer your phone? Only to hear you have been in Greece all this time.”

  This time it was Sara who shrugged. “I had to go inspect a few new finds.” While her mother was still trying to set her up with psychopaths and possible axe-murderers, she wasn’t going to trust her with the truthyet. “I’ve decided to bring in more statues. Maxima’s been drawing a steady flow of visitors.”

  Sandra threw her hands in the air, her blue eyes staring at her daughter incredulously. “Heaven forbid. If you are not careful you will soon be known as the ‘statue whisperer’. See now, if you had given Caroline a fair chance you wouldn’t have a need to drool over marble statues.”

  Sara felt her anger rise, but before she could respond to her mother, Greg entered the exhibition hall.

  “Do you have a minute, boss?”

  Sara nodded at him before giving her mother a cold look. “If you’re going to bring up Caroline every time you come for a visit, then I would suggest you spare yourself the trouble and stay away, Mother.”

  The older blonde’s mouth fell open then shut and then opened again. “Your father will hear about this.”

  Sara felt slightly guilty for having taken that tone with her mother, but the woman knew just which buttons to press. Sara nodded at her mother and walked over to where Greg waited for her.

  “What can I do for you, Greg?” Out of the corner of her eye she saw her mother huffing as she walked passed them.

  “You have a delivery.”

  Sara sighed. “And why can’t anyone else sign off on it? I have a lot of work to do.” Sandra must’ve eavesdropped on their conversation, because she slowed to a stop. At that moment the gallery door swung open and a train of four delivery men entered, each carrying two crystal vases filled with blood red roses.

  “Ms. Laramie?” the first delivery man asked as he looked from Sandra to her. Clearly surprised and not a little intrigued, Sandra pointed at Sara, who blinked as the man came over to her. “Where would you like these?”

  Sara just stared at the man for a full ten seconds before she turned to Greg. “Please show them to my office, will you?”

  A fifth delivery guy entered the gallery and held the clipboard out to her. Scribbling her signature, she was surprised to see the men leave the gallery, only to return with more roses. This time she could feel every eye in the gallery on her. She willed herself not to blush as she addressed the men.

  “How many are there?”

  “The whole van,” the man said with a grin and Sara blanched at his answer. “I doubt there will be enough space in your office.”

  Sandra came to stand next to her. “Who did you meet in Greece?”

  “No one,” Sara answered without looking at her mother. When the first delivery guy returned from a trip to her office, she stopped him. “Who…who ordered these?”

  For a moment he looked puzzled, before he grimaced. “Hold on and I will check for you, Ms. Laramie. I think the card should still be in the car.”

  The man was back quickly, an apologetic smile on his face. “Roger’s new. He was supposed to hand it to you when you signed off on the delivery. My sincere apologies, ma’am.”

  Sara reached for the card. “No harm done. Thank you.” She opened the envelope and slid the card out.

  2710 roses for the most beautiful woman in the world. I cannot wait to see you again. M

  Her demeanor changed immediately and she held out her hand for one of the vases as the men made their third trip to her office. She smelled the fragrant bloom and sighed. Mac was simply adorable.

  “Who are they from?”

  She was so lost in thought that she had completely forgotten about her mother. It almost caused her to drop the vase when the older woman spoke.

  “They are from a friend.” She could see that her mother didn’t believe her, but she didn’t volunteer any more information. She unconsciously cradled the vase in her arms.

  “Friend my foot! Have it your way. I will find out eventually,” Sandra said as she stomped from the gallery.

  Sara didn’t even notice, as thoughts of the enticing archaeologist blocked out her mother’s tirade. She will have to remember to thank the woman thoroughly for the gorgeous surprise. But first she needed to get the delivery guys to take the bulk of the roses and deliver them to the senior centers within the city.

  CHAPTER 8

  Maxima shook the kinks loose as she stepped off the small podium. She swept the room quickly and a huge grin split over her face when she noticed that she was not alone. She stretched her strides to bring her over to the woman and with loving gentleness, engulfed the woman in her arms. Her eyes shot full of tears as she cradled the woman in her arms, inhaling the soft, familiar scent.

  “I have missed you so much,” she murmured into the steel grey hair of the petite woman. Aged, pale blue eyes met hers and Maxima planted a tender kiss on the soft cheek. “How have you been?”

  Gemma Bells-Hutton was eighty-three years old, but still Maxima was warmed by the way the woman snuggled into her. She pressed another tender kiss on the soft grey hair. She had raised this magnificent woman like her own daughter after her parents were killed during the Second Word War. The foreign military occupation left more than 300,000 civilians dead from starv
ation in Greece.

  Maxima, using her superior combat skills had fought hard to keep her descendants safe and well-fed. Money, ancient contacts and her ability to be ‘invisible’ to the people who didn’t know about her existence, helped her to operate completely undetected behind the scenes. Her family didn’t starve, but they had to make do with less than they normally would. But she couldn’t help but feel that she had failed the young girl by not being persuasive enough to keep her parents from joining the Resistance Movement. With their great wealth Georgios and Ana funded the Greek Resistance’s guerrilla attacks and espionage networks only for the resistance members to turn against each other later. They both died in 1943 when former comrades attacked their home during a daylight raid, killing them and leaving their fifteen-year-old daughter an orphan. Locked in her marble tomb, Maxima could sense the doom, heard the screams, but was unable to do anything about it. That night, she had awakened to the devastating sight of the blue-eyed child cowering at her feet, her clothes drenched in her parents’ blood. Maxima buried her family members, hid the girl where no one would find her, and went in search of the murderers. History never knew what happened to the murderers, but she and Gemma knew exactly how those men came to their ends.

  Posing as Ana’s American cousin, she had transferred the Bells fortune to an American bank and parting with a great sum of money, had Gemma and the family statue shipped to America. With their wealth it was easy to adapt to their adoptive country. As soon as Gemma graduated from college she took up the great task of reclaiming the family businesses in Greece, relocating most of them to America.

  The frail woman chuckled softly, bringing Maxima back to the present.

  “Now that I’ve seen you again my heart rejoices, Maxi.” Gemma smiled softly. “I heard some good news though.”