"Well boys," started Callisto. "The Conqueror has asked me to personally escort her favorite little guest of the city to a secluded spot so they may talk. Run along boys. Your services are not needed here."

Desire’s eyes lit up at the possibility of speaking to the Conqueror. It had been several months since coming home from the Amazon village and they had not engaged in a single civil exchange of words during that time.

"Shall we go my sweet?" asked Callisto as she turned her horse around and motioned for Desire’ to follow. Desire’ could not explain why she wasn’t afraid of this woman. She knew from watching the show that the woman was crazy but she seemed much different from the episodes. Sure she was intense and bitchy but who could blame her. The look in her eyes was one of constant mischief, not insanity.

"Why are you being so nice Callisto?" asked Desire’.

"You’re a guest Desire’. It’s my job. Now be a good girl and be quiet."

"Why would the Conqueror ask a general to escort me when I have half of the royal guard at my disposal?"

"Because the Conqueror wants this little interlude to be confidential. It seems you two have a bit of making up to do. Now no more questions," answered Callisto, frustrated by the constant banter of the small brunette.

They reached the outside of a cavern. Callisto dismounted and instructed Desire’ to do the same. "After you my pretty," stated Callisto. Desire’ walked ahead of Callisto as instructed. There was a hot spring just inside the walls. Blankets were laid down by the edge of the water. She looked to the left of the cavern at a small structure in the shape of the letter X. Before her senses could register she felt a vice like grip around her arms as they were pulled behind her.

Callisto pushed her toward the structure. "Gotcha now my pretty. Oh and how I have waited for this moment."

"What are you doing?" shouted Desire’ trying unsuccessfully to free her arms.

"Taking what’s mine little girl. I’ve been looking so forward to this little meeting since that sham of a dinner party so long ago," she said while tying Desire’s hands with rope.

She pushed Desire’ into the X with her body. Desire’ could feel the cool metal of a steel blade against her neck before she could respond. She felt the warm breath of the blonde against her back. "Now be a good little girl and stop fighting. You might just live to see another day," whispered Callisto.

Desire’ froze when she felt the blade break her skin. "Good girl," purred Callisto as her other hand roamed inside of Desire’s shirt, caressing her breast.

Desire’ gasped from the intimate contact. "Please don’t do this. It isn’t you."

"What do you know of me?" asked Callisto pausing momentarily.

"You’re not a rapist."

"Is that what you think I’m doing?" asked Callisto removing Desire’s shirt, her hands continuing to roam over Desire’s body.

"What else would you call it? I don’t remember being asked to be here."

"The conqueror held you against your will and took you. Why would you pine over a woman who raped you?"

Desire’ was wordless, unable to answer the question as Callisto walked in front of Desire’ and picked up a whip. She grabbed Desire’s chin forcing her to stare into eyes filled with lust. "Much better little one. Fear, I like that." Callisto leaned in and claimed Desire’s lips with a forceful kiss.

"Celibacy can addle the brain?" whispered Desire’ staring into menacing eyes. She could feel the slow burn of arousal growing between her legs wishing she could kick herself over her body’s betrayal. Her heart was racing against her chest as Callisto walked behind her and placed her hand between her legs, feeling the heat below the fabric of her jeans. "Besides I’m free now."

"Very nice," purred Callisto. "Your lips say no but your body says differently." Desire’ stayed quiet, closing her eyes. "Why so quiet little one?"

"So why take it if you know it’s what I want," asked Desire’.

Callisto walked closer to Desire’ slipping her hands around to the front of her pants unclasping the button and sliding the zipper down slowly. "It’s much more fun this way."

"Hurting another woman. That’s what turns you on?"

Callisto stiffened from the accusation. "Tell me you don’t want me and I’ll stop."

Desire’ took a deep breath as a hand softly caressed her stomach.

Callisto planted soft kisses on her captive. "I’m waiting for an answer."

"Not like this," answered Desire’.

Callisto removed her hand and walked around the contraption staring into her captive’s face.

"But you do want me."

Desire’ averted her eyes to the ground listening to the sound of her own heartbeat. "I’ll take the fifth."

Callisto gave her a funny look. "What does that mean."

"It means I’d rather not answer that question right now."

Callisto placed the whip down in front of Desire’. "Why are you so frightened of me?"

"Hello! Are you kidding me? You’re Callisto. Need I say more?"

"Yes please continue."

"Okay for starters you’ve kidnapped me and tied me up against my will and now you’re waving a whip at me."

"You’ve been frightened of me since the first day we met. Why is that?"

"We didn’t exactly meet under the best of circumstances," answered Desire’.

"That doesn’t answer my question."

"You haven’t exactly been civil to me," continued Desire’.

Callisto glared at the small brunette her patience waning. "You’re avoiding the question."

"It’s complicated."

"Enlighten me."

Desire’ hesitated before answering. "I’m more afraid of feeling something for you."

"Ah but you do feel something for me. Why is that so hard to admit?"

"I don’t do rejection well or haven’t you noticed?"

"But I’m not here to reject you. The Conqueror doesn’t want you. Such a delicious little body should not be wasted," answered Callisto walking seductively behind her captive placing both arms around her waist.

"You just want to hurt me."

"That’s where you’re wrong," whispered the blonde, her warm breath blowing against the nape of Desire’s neck causing a stirring within her soul.

"You hate me Callisto."

Callisto gently pushed the long strands of dark hair away from Desire’s back. "I never hated you."

"You haven’t exactly been friendly to me."

"Let’s just say I don’t do rejection well either."

"I never meant to get between you and the conqueror. It wasn’t exactly a choice."

"Is that what you think? The conqueror doesn’t even know what she has with you."

"What?" exclaimed Desire’ confused by the statement.

"It’s the conqueror I’m jealous of. You spend your nights pining away for her while she does the deed with Ares. Don’t you think it’s time to let go?" whispered Callisto.

"What if I can’t?"

"Let me help you," purred Callisto placing kisses on the exposed flesh under Desire’s hair eliciting a moan from the small brunette. "You want me. I can feel it and I want you. Tell me."

"Then tell me to stop and I will untie you," continued Callisto her hands roaming gingerly across her belly.

I know how to apply the pinch, thought Desire’. That’s it girl, just do it. Then maybe Maryanne will believe you.

past three in the morning and time to go find help. She looked down the road. Gravel and dirt lined the road for miles. Up through the desert she could see a lone house with the porch lights still on. She estimated it would be a couple of miles away through the desert floor. She grabbed her camera bag, locked the car doors and began her trek through the sand.

Thirty minutes later she was standing on the front porch knocking. After several moments she knocked again, then walked around the house looking for signs of life, calling out to anyone who would listen. Finally after fifteen minutes of calling and banging on windows and doors she was satisfied that her trip had been futile and started back for her car, the moon lighting her way.

**

Danni ran out of the front door when she heard the vehicle pull up only to be greeted by Annie and Mattie. "Oh it’s just you two."

"We’re delighted to see you too sis," replied Annie. "Where’s Desire’?"

"I have no idea," answered Danni as the trio walked into the house. "She hasn’t come home yet and she hasn’t called. The casino said she left around midnight."

"Have you tried calling her cell phone?" asked Mattie.

"It’s not turned on," answered Danni.

"Have you looked to see if she left it in the house?" asked Mattie.

"I didn’t think of that," responded Danni as she rummaged through the house for the missing phone. She came upon Desire’s purse and reluctantly opened it. There inside was the electronic device turned to the off position lying beneath a pack of cigarettes. "Here it is," she said holding it up in the air. "Something’s wrong guys. I need your car to go find her."

"Of course. I’ll drive you," answered Annie.

"I suppose you want someone to stay here in case she calls," stated Mattie. Both women nodded in agreement. "I’ll turn the news on just in case." Annie kissed her girlfriend goodbye and left with her distraught sister.

**

They drove down Lake Mead Blvd retracing the route she would have driven stopping a mile short of Interstate 15 when they saw the abandoned white car on the opposite side of the road. Annie made a U-turn and parked their vehicle behind the Toyota Tercel. Danni jumped out before the car came to a complete stop and ran to the vehicle looking inside for any sign of life.

"Where could she be?" she asked as Annie walked up to her.

"I don’t know," answered Annie. "I’ve already called the police. Let’s wait until they get here." Both women looked around at the desolate stretch of land and highway searching for any sign of their friend. Moments later a police car drove up to help them with their search.

"Good evening Ma’am," he said tipping his hat. "I’m officer Drake. What seems to be the problem?"

"This is my girlfriend’s car but there’s no sign of her," answered Danni.

The officer walked around the car looking for clues and talking to Annie and Danni.

"I suggest one of you drive down the road for a couple of miles to see if she might be walking for help. The only other direction she might have gone would be up to that house in the desert. Hopefully she went down the road," stated officer Drake.

"Why? What’s in the desert?" asked a frantic Danni.

"There are snakes and coyotes in the desert. They have been known to come out at night," he answered.

"Great," responded Danni panicked at the thought of Desire’ being hurt.

"Relax," whispered Annie putting her hands on Danni’s shoulders to comfort her. "I’m sure she’s okay. It’s the snakes who should be worried," quipped Annie.

**

Desire’ sat down on a rock to take a break. The moon was full as it made it’s way slowly down the morning sky. Desire’ was covered with sweat from the hot desert weather. "Dry heat my ass," she muttered. "Hot is hot after 100 degrees." She heard the rustling of sand before she heard the lonely sound of the coyote howling. She looked behind her staring into the dark brown eyes of the wild creature.

"What do you want?" she asked in a monotone voice. The animal looked at her cocking his head. "I don’t have any food and Desire’ is not on the menu so run along." The coyote sat down staring back an almost sad expression on his face. "Look if I had something to eat I would share," she said in a soothing voice, reaching her hand out for the animal to sniff. The coyote hesitated watching in bewilderment as the creature before him showed no signs of fear. Slowly he stood up and walked toward Desire’ sniffing the proffered hand.

"I’m not gonna hurt you," she whispered then rummaged through her camera bag with her other hand. She brought out a wrapper and slowly opened it being careful not to startle the animal. She unwrapped the crackers while the beast looked on and offered the food to him. "It’s not meat so cheese and crackers will have to do." The coyote smelled the food and stuck out his tongue to taste the treat then gently took it from her hand. "Good stuff huh." Desire’ put her hand out and the overgrown dog came close enough for her to pet him. Desire’ held up the other hand holding the last cracker. "Now you don’t get this unless you’re a good little puppy," she said softly.

Desire’ stood up with her camera now around her neck, discharging the flash so as not to scare the animal. He walked away momentarily but came back for the treat when he assessed that he was not in danger. Desire’ lured the dog on top of the rock creating a silhouette in front of the full moon now positioned low in the sky. Still talking soothingly to the animal she stepped away and proceeded to click off several shots of her camera, the flash illuminating the black desert sky. When she was finished she moved toward the coyote offering him the last cracker for his services, petting him as he finished with the delicacy. "No more sweetie," she said stroking the dense fur along his back. "Gotta go now," she said and turned to walk away. The coyote followed for a few strides until he saw lights flashing along the road and ran away.

Desire’ threw up her hands and started walking rapidly. "Now someone stops for me!"

**

Danni had returned from searching the road for her lover. A tow truck had pulled up and was preparing to hitch the vehicle to the truck when several flashes of light were seen in the desert. Annie ran into the sand straining to see where the lights were coming from, her sister following not far behind. She could make out the short brunette’s figure in the moonlight shaking her head as she recognized the outline of the coyote on a rock howling as she drew nearer to her destination. Danni broke into a sprint when she heard the sound of the beast.

Without her glasses Desire’ could not make out the two forms running toward her, praying they were friendly faces. As the two women came closer she distinguished the familiar figures of the twin towers. Danni ran to her picking her up and throwing her into the air and back down for a bone-crushing hug. "Thank god you’re alright," she whispered.

"Of course now I have motion sickness," teased Desire’ before kissing the jubilant woman. "I waited for three hours in the car and no one would stop and help me."

"Next time bring your cell phone," replied Annie handing her the object in question. "Good thinking using that flash to scare away the coyote," she added.

Desire’ looked at her eyebrows furrowed with a questioning glance. "I was using the flash to take his picture. If they turn out they’re gonna be awesome."

"Pardon me for thinking you had a brilliant idea," quipped Annie.

"Desire’," interjected Danni. "Coyotes are wild animals. He could have hurt you."

"Nah he was just hungry. Did you know coyotes like cheese and crackers?" asked Desire’ an innocent expression on her face as she winked at Annie.

Danni shook her head is disbelief. "You fed him?" she asked.

"Sure. How else was I going to get him to pose?" Annie laughed at her sister’s obvious discomfort over the situation.

"It’s a good thing he didn’t know you were a cat," teased Annie. "Come on sis, let me tell you a little story about a leopard and an Amazon," she added as the trio walked to their vehicles.

**

The tow truck driver had the injured Tercel on his flat bed by the time the women walked up ready to deposit it at the tire store up the road. Officer Drake waited until the three women were safely in their SUV before leaving. Danni sat in the back seat with Desire’ all three women laughing as Annie finished her tales about the Amazon forest. Desire’ snuggled up on Danni’s lap wrapping small hands around her neck and placing kisses on her cheeks and lips as Annie put the car in gear and drove off, smiling at the scene behind her. "I’m not really tired," whispered Desire’ stifling a yawn and cuddling against the hollow of her partner’s throat.

Danni stroked the dark strands of hair, kissing the top of her head. "I’m just glad you’re not hurt," she whispered as the small body fell limply in her arms.

Annie looked in the back seat at her sister and the small quiet bundle in her lap. "Is she asleep?" she asked.

"Like a baby," replied Danni sighing with frustration. "There’s always tomorrow."

"Actually Mattie has a surprise for you two but I think I should warn you now," stated Annie.

"What’s that?"

"She thought it would be fun if we all took in a show before we leave. She has tickets to see the Blue Man Group tomorrow night."

"Fine," said Danni. "Just as long as we come straight home afterward."

"Patience my dear sister, she’s worth the wait."

"Tell my burning loins that," quipped Danni.

CHAPTER SEVEN — LET’S TRY THIS AGAIN

Danni woke up in the same position she was in when she fell asleep, on her side with a small brunette bundled inside of her arms. She gazed at the peaceful expression of the sleeping woman debating whether or not to awaken her. Gently she caressed the golden brown skin drawing a pattern down her arm, along her side and down a muscular thigh as Desire’ began to stir. She stroked the flesh along the inside of her thighs stopping to run her fingers through the patch of dark hair eliciting a soft moan from the brunette.

Desire’ leaned into the long form behind her reveling in the sensations created as flesh met flesh trying to remember how they both ended up naked. She reached her right hand behind her stroking the silky flesh of firm buttocks, drawing the tall women closer until she could feel Danni’s sex pressed into her backside. Danni stroked the entrance to her center, rubbing her finger along the warm folds of sex relishing the feeling of liquid gold along her hand.

"Good afternoon," whispered Danni as she suckled the delicate earlobe.

"Yesss," purred Desire’. "Will you marry me?"

Danni lifted her head for a moment reaching around Desire’s waist to pull her tightly into her body. "You surprise me," she whispered.

"Danni if you can make me feel this good, this complete just by touching me I want to spend today and every day of my life with you." Desire’ turned her body around toward Danni, both arms around her face caressing the bronze skin as she stared lovingly into gentle blue eyes. "You know I’m crazy and I’m getting old but I have never felt such intense feelings like this before in my life. You don’t have to answer right now. I told Annie when we were reunited with our soul mates we would feel ten times the power of love that we shared." Desire’ paused to lose herself in pools of blue, her own eyes clouding with tears. "I was so wrong," she whispered. "These emotions, this feeling of love is far greater than anything I could have ever imagined," she added before pressing her lips against Danni’s with a tender kiss.

Danni placed her palm along the side of Desire’s face, brushing the soft skin, her heart beating more rapidly as she returned the kiss. "I don’t know what to say but you are getting better with words," she whispered smiling.

Desire’ placed her fingers over her partner’s lips. "You don’t have to say anything."

Danni gently grabbed the hand kissing each fingertip her eyes never leaving the sparkling green eyes filled with love. She placed the hand over her chest to feel the motion of her heartbeat. "This is what you do to me. This is what love feels like, the kind of love that reaches the soul. I won’t let that go." Danni paused freezing the moment. "Yes," she added before claiming Desire’s mouth in a passionate kiss. "Will you come to Nashville with me?"

"To visit?" asked Desire’.

"To live," responded Danni.

"I thought you’d never ask," answered Desire’ as she wrapped her arms around the taller woman aching to feel her next to her, inside of her as two bodies melted into one. Hungry mouths devoured each other with feverish kisses; hands roaming, exploring each other’s forms as passion took over. Desire’ flipped her lover savagely on her back, kissing and suckling the bronzed skin along her neck, face and ears with wild abandon. Small hands caressed her lover’s breasts, pinching taut nipples and stroking tender flesh. Danni moaned and gasped for air as Desire’ began her assault down her body, feverishly devouring the silky flesh as she pressed her sex between long muscled thighs.

Desire’ looked up at her lover catching sight of the time on the clock as the doorbell rang. "Shit!" yelled Desire’.

Danni’s body tensed up as she looked down at her in frustration. "What’s wrong?" she asked flustered.

"My two o’clock is here. I didn’t realize how late it was," answered Desire’ listening intently for the bell to ring a second time.

Danni ran her hands through her hair. "Arrgggh," she cried pulling at the long tresses as she moaned her disapproval.

Desire’ leaned up, her arms straddling Danni then dropped her head. "I forgot to tell you about the appointment. I am so sorry," she said breathlessly. "Maybe they’ll go away. I’ll tell them there was a family emergency, give em some free stuff."

"Not if Annie answers the door," stated Danni.

"I’ll stop her," cried Desire’ jumping off of the bed and running into the closet. Moments later she was wearing a shirt and shorts walking toward the door as she heard a knock from the other side. Desire’ opened the door slightly looking into emerald green eyes.

"Sandy is here," stated Mattie.

"Do they know I’m here?" whispered Desire’.

Before Mattie could respond Desire’ heard a small voice call out her name followed by tiny footsteps and a little red haired girl looking up at her with big blue eyes. "Hi Alicia," greeted Desire’ weakly. Alicia pushed the door open bounding into the small brunette’s arms and kissing her on the cheek as Danni quickly ducked under the covers unseen.

Desire’ hugged the child and set her down on the other side of the threshold. "I’ll be out in two minutes, honey. Now be a good girl and don’t wrinkle that pretty dress okay." The excited child nodded and ran back to her mother as Desire’ closed the door and turned to her cowering lover.

She ran into the bathroom, grabbed her hairbrush and ran back into the bedroom jumping on top of Danni pulling the covers from her face. Straddling her waist she leaned over to kiss her only to be stopped by a hand covering her lips. "You do that and I’m not gonna give a damn who’s waiting outside." Desire’ contemplated the words. "Go, get out!" cried Danni. "I’ll be out in a few minutes." Dejected Desire’ slipped off of the bed and left.

**

Desire’ laughed as she walked into the room. Annie had an eight-year-old boy attached to her back as she romped around the room, her young charge shouting, "Giddy up." Mattie was on the sofa with Alicia sitting on her lap telling her a story. Sandy greeted Desire’ with a hug and pulled her into the kitchen before she could object.

"Desire’ it’s only been a week since we last spoke. Have I missed something?" asked Sandy.

"A lot has happened in a week," answered Desire’.

"I should say so. The kids want their picture taken with Xena and Gabrielle." Desire’s eyes shot up looking at Sandy with a puzzled look. "Your friends, Mattie and Annie," added Sandy.

"Oh yeah of course," responded Desire’ trying to cover up that deer in the headlight expression on her face.

"You know Donny is a huge fan of the show. He’s seen most of the episodes. He thinks those two are the real deal."

"What do you mean?"

"Mattie and Annie are the names they used on that episode that showed the two heroes reincarnated in the present. That’s what I mean. They’re dead ringers for the actresses."

"Could it hurt to let them think that?" asked Desire’.

"I guess not but who are they?"

"They’re from out of town. They came with their sister to see me perform on Saturday night. My cousin introduced us so I invited them to stay while they’re in town. They’re terrific people and wait until you meet Danni," cooed Desire’.

"Who’s Danni?"

"I know this is gonna sound crazy. Do you believe in love at first sight?"

"Not really."

"Well I do. Danni is Annie’s sister and she is so incredible Sandy. I know she’s the one."

"Take things slow Desire’. It’s been a long time since you’ve dated. Don’t go jumping into anything."

"It’s a done deal. I’m moving Sandy."
"What?"

"Ssh, don’t say anything right now. We just talked about it. Xena and Gabrielle, I mean Mattie and Annie haven’t been told yet."

"When did you two meet?"

"Saturday. I know it’s fast but it’s right. Gods Sandy I can’t even describe to you the way this woman makes me feel."

"Where is this Danni?"

"She’s in the bedroom getting dressed. You’ll meet her soon."

"Desire’ are you nuts? You’ve done this before. Just because a woman is great in the sack doesn’t mean you’re gonna spend the rest of your life with her."

"That’s the great thing. We haven’t even made love yet. We keep getting interrupted."

Sandy looked at her friend exasperated from the conversation. "Oh, I’m sorry. Did we," started Sandy.

"Don’t worry about it," interrupted Desire’. "My mind is on over load. I forgot about today."

"We can come back another time," offered Sandy.

"No come on the kids look great. Besides don’t they want their picture taken with Xena and Gabrielle?" Sandy nodded her head in response. "One other thing, just to warn you. Danni is Annie’s identical twin sister," added Desire’.

"No way!"

"Oh yeah," purred Desire’ as Danni walked into the living room. Sandy turned around to witness the vision of the second tall brunette.

"Wow. You know Sam said I could have a three way with women if he could watch," whispered Sandy.

"No!" answered Desire’. "I am not sharing this one."

"I was including you."

"No."

**

The photo session lasted for two hours. Alicia and Donny provided numerous photo opportunities excited at the prospect of being with their heroes. Desire’ brought out a sword and pair of Sais from her weapons collection to make the heroes look more realistic.

After they left the four women dressed and left for dinner and their show. Desire’ and Danni ached through out the evening refraining from contact among the straight environment. By eleven all four were in the SUV on their way home.

Danni and Desire’ cuddled in each other’s arms in the back seat. "So what did you think of the show?" asked Mattie attempting to make conversation.

"It was great," responded Danni and Desire’ in unison, their eyes locked as they leaned toward each other taking turns placing soft kisses along each other’s face. Mattie looked back when she heard soft sucking sounds and turned away leaving the two lovers with some privacy. Annie looked back in the rearview mirror, smiling at Mattie and placing a possessive hand across her thigh.

Gentle kisses turned into passionate ones, followed by feverish kisses as lips and tongues danced without regard to their location. Danni held her treasure closer nipping at the soft skin of her lover’s neck as Desire’ ran her fingernails through raven hair moaning silently as the vehicle moved along the road.

Mattie leaned over to her lover and whispered, "Can’t you go any faster? Those two are going to be naked soon."

Annie laughed quietly and kissed Mattie. "Relax we’re almost home. I’m just as eager to have some privacy as they are."

CHAPTER EIGHT — CLEAN UP ON ISLE FIVE

The two lovebirds were completely engrossed with each other as they stumbled out of the car and walked through the garage to the bedroom, waving goodnight as they closed the door.

Desire’ pushed Danni against the closed door tearing her clothes from her body, ripping the buttons from her shirt and skillfully unlatching the bra holding the firm breasts captive, her lips never leaving Danni’s. Breaking the lip lock, Desire’ slid down the long slender form both hands caressing soft skin, her tongue blazing a trail down the flat muscular stomach until her hands rested on Danni’s belt. Quickly she unbuckled the leather, throwing it to the floor and unzipped the tight blue jeans. Using both hands she slipped the jeans over curvaceous hips stopping to gently kiss the dark triangle of curly hair before sliding the material down the length of long toned legs until boots and pants lay on the floor.

Using her hands she caressed well defined calves raising hands and body up Danni’s legs stroking and licking the limbs as she made her ascent back up her lover’s long form, stopping momentarily to lick the inside of her thighs and blow warm breath over the tall woman’s heated center. She raised her body upward standing on tiptoes to claim her lover’s mouth in a fervent kiss that lasted for long moments, both women moaning from the erotic connection.

Swiftly Danni turned Desire’ around pulling her body next to hers as she ripped the blouse from her chest, unhooking the bra as she sucked on the small brunette’s neck and ear. Two strong hands reached around Desire’ engulfing large firm breasts within her grasp, stroking the succulent flesh and pinching the pink nipples between her thumbs and index fingers as Desire’ cried out from pleasure. Danni ran her hands down the muscled stomach, unzipping her lover’s jeans and pushing them down with experienced hands as she kissed and suckled the curve of Desire’s spine, blazing a trail of fire down soft firm buttocks as the pants slid downward. Within moments boots and jeans lay on the floor beneath as Danni made her way back up stopping to place kisses along Desire’s cheeks before continuing upward enveloping her with strong arms and pulling her closer into her body. Desire’ responded by leaning her head back to meet Danni for a fiery kiss, flesh melting into flesh.

Desire’ turned into her lover’s arms grabbing her by the hand leading her to the bed and throwing her onto her back. Desire’ straddled Danni drinking in the sight of the long slender exposed skin brushing her wet sex along Danni’s stomach. Both women moaned from the contact.

Desire’ slid down the bed placing her head between the open legs of the tall brunette. Strong hands slid around bronze calves as Desire’ began placing kisses over every inch of flesh, stroking each muscle with her hands and licking every inch of skin firmly as Danni moaned and gasped below her. Slowly she made her way up the long legs, kissing and nipping inner thighs as she drank in the sweet fragrance of her partner’s arousal. "God Desire’ stop teasing me. I need you," cried Danni.

Desire’ raised her head, her hands wrapped around each thigh. "Patience my dear, patience."

**

Mattie was in Annie’s arms as soon as the bedroom door closed on Danni and Desire’. The two kissed passionately aroused by the display of affection in the SUV. Annie carried her small bundle toward the bedroom. "Honey," whispered Mattie as Annie placed kisses along her neck. "Shouldn’t we bring Blue in?"

Annie looked at her lover, her lips still connected to her neck as she feebly shook her head. "Honey he sleeps in every night. Let’s just let him in and then we can go to bed," replied Mattie. Reluctantly Annie set Mattie down giving her the best pouty face she could muster. Mattie gave her face a playful slap. "Honey it’ll just take a minute," she said as she walked to the back door.

Mattie unlatched the sliding glass door and called the big black dog. Within seconds eighty pounds of canine came bounding through the door covered from head to toe in mud. Blue jumped up on Mattie covering her with dirt and grime as she fought him off, ordering him back outside. Blue did as he was told and she closed the door. She looked out the window verifying that the Jacuzzi cover was on. She turned the light on to see if she could locate the source of the problem, freezing at the sight before her.

"Oh no," she mumbled as Annie walked behind her embracing her with both arms.

"Ewe," Annie cried backing away from the small blonde. "What happened?" Mattie pointed out the glass door as Annie looked on. "Oh shit!"

"We better tell Desire’," stated Mattie.

"Let’s see if we can repair the damage first," replied Annie.

"Is plumbing one of your many skills?" asked Mattie looking back at her girlfriend.

"I can handle a wrench," answered Annie. "Let’s pinpoint the leak. Maybe there’s a shut off valve. Go get some towels to cover the floor," added Annie removing her boots and rolling up her pants.

Annie opened the door blocking the dog from coming back in and stepped into the water sinking a good twelve inches down from the porch. She walked around looking for ripples in the water, finally locating the leak by the side of the house. She searched unsuccessfully for a shut off valve before going back into the house. "Must be in the front," she said to Mattie as she made her way through the living room and out the front door.

She found the two valves located underneath the front window. Not knowing which one went to the back she turned both completely off and went to the backyard to verify that the water had stopped. She sighed when she saw the ripples of water churning from the broken pipe. "The valves aren’t working," she called to Mattie as she came back inside.

"Do you want to get Desire’ or should I?" asked Mattie.

"Oh no," answered Annie frantically. "I may be down but I’m not beat yet. We’ll just turn the water off completely in the front. Come on." Mattie followed Annie out to the sidewalk in front of the house. Annie opened the compartment in the cement brushing away the dirt and cobwebs and turned the valve. It wouldn’t budge.

After several failed attempts Mattie brought her a wrench from the garage then went inside to locate an emergency plumber. After several phone calls she realized help would not arrive until the morning. She walked back outside as Annie tugged at the valve with all of her strength. "Damn," she cried as the valve broke in her hand. "Oops." Defeated she held up the piece of broken metal for her partner to see.

"I guess it’s time to get Desire’," stated Mattie. "Do you want me to do it?"

Annie looked up at her lover frustrated. "No I’ll do it. Let’s go." Both women walked back into the house. Annie walked over to the large chess board sitting on it’s pillar and cleared the pieces off, picking up the two foot square plaster board and placing it in front of her.

"Honey what’s that for?" asked Mattie.

"In case she hits me or things start flying," answered Annie as she walked toward the master bedroom.

**

Desire’ ran her fingers teasingly over the silken curly dark hair covering her lover’s sex. She suckled the skin on her inner thighs tracing her lips along the soft flesh until she reached the moist center in between muscled legs. She stopped to inhale the musky fragrance of Danni’s arousal before slipping the tip of her tongue along the outer walls of swollen flesh, stopping when she heard a knock on the door.

Desire’ and Danni froze staring at each other as blue and green eyes turned dark with anger. "What?" hissed Desire’.

"Desire’ I need to talk to you," stated Annie.

"No. Go away. We’re busy."

"I really think you should come out here," yelled Annie.

"What the fuck is so important that it can’t wait until morning?" asked Desire’ growing more impatient with each passing minute.

"Please just open the door," Annie cried.

"Is someone dying Annie?"

"No!"

"Then leave me the fuck alone."

"Honey calm down," whispered Danni getting up from the bed.

"No!" cried Desire’. "Lay down please."

"Guys I wouldn’t bother you if it wasn’t important. If you don’t come out at the count of three I’m coming in," yelled Annie.

"Fine. Come in. I don’t care. I’m not modest," replied Desire’ as Danni grabbed her by the hands to calm her down.

"Give us a minute Annie," yelled Danni.

"You might want to put on a shirt and shorts," added Annie.

"Great just fucking great," cried Desire’ in frustration. "This is gonna be bad isn’t she?" she asked.

Danni put her arms around the small brunette and helped her up and over to the closet dressing her as she stood pouting. "Whatever it is we will handle it together," stated Danni.

"I want to handle you tonight," whined Desire’ as she pulled up her shorts and followed Danni out of the bedroom. Desire’ growled at Annie as she walked into the hallway. "What the hell are you doing with my chess board?" asked Desire’.

"Didn’t know if things were going to start flying through the air," answered Annie prompting a grin from the fiery brunette.

"So what’s so wrong that you had to yank us out of our cozy little position?" hissed Desire’.

"There’s a little problem in the backyard."

"Spit it out Annie," cried Danni.

The large black dog ran through the house tracking mud on the beige carpet as he made his way toward his human leaping onto Desire’ with muddy paws. "Shit, out Blue. What the hell happened to him?" cried Desire’. "You are going to tell me he just got inside the Jacuzzi arentcha?"

Annie gazed at her slowly shaking her head. Desire’ started running out to the backyard, black dog in tow. She closed the door shutting the dog outside and walking back through the living room toward the front door.

"Where are you going?" asked Annie.

"To turn the shut off valve off," replied Desire’.

"I tried that. The threads are stripped," responded Annie.

"Okay then I’ll turn the main valve off."

"It doesn’t work," stated Annie weakly holding up the broken valve.

"What?" cried Desire’ desperately.

"It was frozen," responded Mattie. Desire’ stopped in front of the door both palms covering her eyes as she tried to contain her anger.

"Annie, now might be a good time to use that board as a shield," stated Desire’ calmly as the rage seeped out. "Shit!" she screamed. "Goddamn it!" she cried kicking at the front door her body trembling with anger as she jumped up and down slamming her fists into the wall losing her battle to contain the little monster. Danni ran to her lover wrapping both arms around her, picking her up and moving her away from solid objects as her fit continued. Moments later Desire’ calmed down falling limply in her lover’s arms. "Don’t suppose a plumber is available?" she asked.

"Afraid not," answered Mattie. "Not until morning."

"I won’t need one in the morning," grumbled Desire’. "You guys ready to go swimming?"

"Tell us what to do," answered Danni.

"There’s about six feet of boards buried under the gate to prevent a certain black dog from digging his way to freedom. That’s why the water is backing up. It has no where to go. Plus the dirt is covered by another six inches or so of rock. It all has to be dug up and moved to allow the water to flow into the street. How deep is the water now?"

"About a foot high," answered Annie.

"Is it cold," asked Desire’.

"What?"

"The water, is it cold?"

"Yes."

"I’m there. We’d better get started otherwise we’ll be bailing water out of the house. There’s shovels and rakes in the back," she added walking toward the backyard, followed by her friends. "If we work fast we might finish in a few hours."

**

All four women stood against their shovels admiring their work. It had taken a few hours just as Desire’ had warned but the hard labor paid off. The water level never reached the door and was now receding following the path past the side of the house and down into the gutter. Everyone was covered in mud, perspiring from the sweltering heat. Silently Desire’ took off her shoes and clothes and set them in a pile on top of the porch.

"Not exactly how I planned to get naked tonight," she quipped, a weak smile on her face.

"Yep that modesty is way gone," teased Annie.

Desire’ glared at her and smiled as she turned the hose on and washed herself off. The trio watched intrigued as she set the hose down and walked over to the Jacuzzi, turning it on and jumping inside. "Feel free to join me." Danni wasted little time undressing and rinsing off to join her lover in the luxurious water. Moments later Annie and Mattie were relaxing in the warm soothing liquid.

"So what next?" asked Danni as she gathered Desire’ into her arms and pulled her into her lap. Desire’ leaned back purring as she closed her eyes contemplating an answer to the question while Annie and Mattie cuddled in the tub across from them.

"We should all try to sleep for a few hours before someone from the city comes out to repair that valve. I should be able to get us a room reservation for tonight while the repairs are being done my treat."

"Make sure there are no waterbeds," teased Mattie. Desire’ was too tired to even smile at the comment.

"Desire’ we can take care of ourselves. Thank you for the offer," interjected Annie.

"No it’s my treat. You’re my guests so I insist. We can stay at the Rio, maybe have dinner together and take in a show," answered Desire’.

"Hey don’t they have that new interactive show there?" asked Mattie.

"Okay maybe we won’t take in a show," answered Desire’ shaking her head.

"Is it that bad?" asked Mattie.

"You can try it out. I’ll take bets Annie will kill someone before the night is over," said Desire’ teasingly. "Lord knows I almost did."

"What’s so bad about the show?" asked Mattie.

"When you were a kid at school and the teacher was busy fixing the film when it broke did you like the other kids putting on a hand puppet show in front of the screen?" asked Desire’.

Annie rolled her eyes as she listened to the exchange of words glancing at Danni who was grinning at the little brunette. "And you compare this show to that because?" asked Annie.

"Because it’s kind of like that at first except they use a tarp on the ceiling and use their bodies. That’s the interesting part. It goes downhill from there."

"What do they do after that?" asked Mattie chuckling as she tried to picture the scene in her mind.

"Well they swing back and forth on cables yelling a lot. Water gets sprayed on everyone then the actors, I use that term loosely, jump into the audience rubbing their wet bodies against you coaxing you to dance. My friend and I had free tickets and I still say we paid too much," answered Desire’.

All four women joined in laughter as Desire’ finished her sentence. "The sad part is that the young adults seemed to enjoy it. I must be getting old because I’ll take gay men and white tigers any day over crap like that."

"I think we can find a better show than that," interjected Mattie containing her laughter.

"I think we should do the Mardi Gras parade," stated Desire’.

"I’ve heard of that," responded Mattie. "Don’t they have a parade in the casino every night?"

"Every hour. For a few bucks we can dress the part, ride in a float and toss plastic beaded necklaces at all the idiots jumping up and down trying to catch them."

"Throwing things at people sounds like fun," added Annie.

"It’s fun to watch. Sophisticated classy people become idiots and start climbing over each other screaming just to catch some fifty cent necklace they can buy in the gift shop. Then they start bragging to their friends about it. It’s definitely entertaining."

"What about your dog?" asked Mattie.

"I’m sure I can get a reservation at the Bed and Breakfast. We can drop him off on the way."

"Bed and Breakfast," repeated Annie questioningly.

"Yeah. It’s called the Doggy Bed and Breakfast. It’s a hotel for pets. He loves it there and they love him."

"Only you Desire’ could find something like that for your dog," interjected Annie.

"I’ll make the reservations and call the plumber in the morning. We’ll have fun," replied Desire’ yawning as she closed her eyes leaning back into the warmth enveloping her.

"We’ve lost her," whispered Danni.

"Do you always have that effect on her sis?" teased Annie. Danni glared at her, eyebrows furrowed as a low growl escaped her throat.

Annie coughed as she felt a well-placed elbow hit her in the stomach courtesy of Mattie. "Behave."

"I’m sorry," replied Annie. "Take it as a compliment. She’s really relaxed in your company. Have you two talked about your future past Sunday?"

"Not in detail but she is going to move to Nashville with me," answered Danni quietly trying not to disturb the peaceful bundle in her arms. Annie and Mattie looked at Danni surprised by the answer.

"When did you decide this?" asked Mattie.

"Yesterday before we were interrupted the first time," answered Danni. "She asked me to marry her and I said yes." Annie choked a second time as Mattie poked her again in the stomach then looked up at her scowling.

"What? We’re already married," defended Annie.

"As Harry and Mattie. The divorce is final so what’s your excuse now warrior?"

Danni laughed at her sister’s discomfort. "She’s right. You two should have another ceremony."

"Okay. We can talk about it later. It’s not like I’m going anywhere," mumbled Annie. Mattie kissed the tall warrior satisfied with her answer. "We should do it here in Las Vegas. I’m sure we’ll be back to help Desire’ move."

"Good idea. We should do it together, have a double ceremony," Mattie chimed in.

"Then it’s settled. Now let’s get out of here. I’m starting to prune," answered Annie.

CHAPTER NINE — MARDI GRAS AND LAP DANCES

"Woo hoo," cried Mattie as she tossed another beaded necklace into the group below swaying her hips to the Latin music and bumping against her tall dark beauty. Across the way they could see Desire’ and Danni in another float laughing and dancing as they joined in the festivities.

Annie couldn’t stop laughing at the sight of adults clamoring over each other trying to catch the cheap beads. "Ouch," she cried as Mattie jabbed her hard with an elbow. "Stop doing that."

"Annie you’re supposed to toss the beads into their hands not throw them at their heads," answered Mattie "You’re gonna put someone’s eye out."

"Yeah but this is a lot more fun," stated Annie as she balled up another necklace ready to nail someone. Mattie stopped her arm before she could release the object. "Annie you’re gonna get us kicked off."

Annie looked down at Mattie frustrated and dropped the necklace below her. "All right," she grumbled. "Party pooper."

Desire’ and Danni watched the exchange as the floats made their way back into the back of the casino, laughing as Mattie put the warrior in her place. "Who’s in charge in that relationship?" asked Desire’.

"Annie of course," answered Danni.

"Yeah right. Keep telling yourself that," replied Desire’ sardonically. "I suppose you’re in charge of this one."

"Of course I am," answered Danni before leaning forward and placing a firm kiss on her lover’s lips resulting in a rowdy cheer from the crowd below watching the exchange. Instead of pulling away Danni wrapped both arms around the small brunette deepening the kiss as she dropped the last two necklaces remaining in her hand oblivious to the flashes going off.

"Exhibitionist," whispered Desire’.

"Just claiming what’s mine," answered Danni.

**

"Are you sure you two don’t want to come with us?" asked Mattie.

"Gee, shopping and a light show how could we resist?" teased Desire’.

"Shopping?" asked Danni. "You didn’t say anything about shopping."

"Oh please Danni. Tell me you don’t enjoy shopping," stated Desire’.

"I love shopping," answered Danni as Desire’ rolled her eyes in disgust.

"We can go if you want. Annie there is a strip club on Fremont Street," Desire’ said, a devilish grin on her face as she winked at the tall warrior. "I’m sure we could keep ourselves occupied."

Danni and Mattie scowled as their girlfriends took pleasure from their discomfort. "The light show is every hour. You go shopping then come get us for the show. Sounds like a plan to me," added Desire’. "We’ll be good."

"Oh yeah, we’ll be very good," teased Annie. Mattie and Danni looked at each other for a moment then walked away together in conference.

"Think they’ll let us go?" asked Desire’.

"Sure. They know we’ll behave," answered Annie.

"Speak for yourself," quipped Desire’.

"Hey that’s my sister you’re talking about," replied Annie slapping Desire’ on the head for the rude comment.

"Ouch I was kidding." A brief pause and a wink later. "Kinda."

Danni and Mattie walked back over to their partners. "You can go for an hour," stated Mattie. "Then we shop together agreed?" Annie and Desire’ nodded their heads in response.

"Happy girl," Desire’ whispered into Annie’s ears as the four left the casino.

"Oh and one other thing," added Danni. "No buying lap dances either of you." Annie and Desire’ looked at each other and shrugged.

Once they were out of eyesight Desire’ jubilantly spun around in a circle with her arms stretched out to the sides of her body and her head pointed up to the sky.

"What the hell was that?" asked Annie shaking her head, slightly embarrassed by the looks they were receiving by passers by.

"Snoopy happy dance!" explained Desire’ spinning one more time for emphasis.

"You are a goof ball."

"It’s Vegas baby. I can be a lil crazy."

**

The room was smoky and crowded as Annie and Desire’ made their way to a vacant table near the main dance floor. Annie walked away to order drinks, coming back a few minutes later to watch as a new dancer graced the floor. She was tall and slender with long auburn hair and bluish green eyes that sparkled against her bronze skin. Her facial features were exquisite.

"You two could be related," whispered Desire’ her eyes riveted on the stripper as she removed her clothes.

"No I don’t look that good," answered Annie modestly.

"Oh yes you do," answered Desire’ taking a gulp of her drink to cool herself down. "Almost as good as your sister."

"Almost?"

"When Danni looks at me she touches my soul. That’s a place strictly reserved for her."

"Good answer."

"Mattie would say the same about you."

The two women watched in silence until the stripper was down to her bra and g-string. Desire’ jumped up and walked to the floor, stuffing a five dollar bill into the g-string, grinning like a Cheshire cat. Before she could respond the redhead leaned over and kissed her on the lips. Desire’ stood there stunned, looking back at Annie who was laughing and cheering as the woman took her bra off and wrapped it around Desire’s neck pulling her face into her crotch and ruffling Desire’s hair as she struggled to break free.

When the humiliation was over Desire’ staggered backward eventually bumping into her chair and sitting down as Annie howled at her friend patting her on the shoulder.

"Now she just touches the lower extremities."

"I think she likes you," whispered Annie attempting to contain the chuckles as Desire’ downed her drink and ordered another one.

"That’ll teach me to tip."

"Is this your first time?" asked Annie startled.

"No. I went one other time. It’s the first time I’ve ever tipped."

"What did you expect?"

"Not that. Thank god Danni didn’t see it."

"But she will hear about it," answered Annie, an evil smirk on her face.

"You wouldn’t."
"I would."

"What’s it gonna cost to keep you quiet?"

"Let me get back to you on that. I’ll think of something."

"That’s blackmail princess."

"I prefer to call it extortion," teased Annie. "Besides that’s the least of your problems right now," she added pointing behind Desire’. Desire’ turned her head to see the tall redhead walking up to her, the bra still in her hand as she leaned over to Desire’ and wrapped it around her neck.

Desire’s eyes bulged as she turned her head to look at Annie, a frightened look on her face. Annie shrugged her shoulders and laughed as the stripper grabbed Desire’s hands and pulled them toward her. Desire’ tensed up resisting the woman’s advances. "Relax honey," whispered the redhead. "It’s my job so enjoy."

Desire’ watched as the woman climbed onto her lap wrapping long legs around her waist. She placed Desire’s hands against her chest struggling to lower them over round full breasts. Desire’ leaned back fighting to keep her hands safely above the mounds of flesh. "I can’t," Desire’ stammered. "I have a girlfriend."

"Is that who the beauty is sitting next to you?" asked the stripper casting an appreciative glance at Annie who weakly waved back.

"No she’s my girlfriend’s sister," answered Desire’ perspiration forming on her forehead and upper lip.

"Cheating on the girlfriend. How decadent."

"No," cried Desire’.

The redhead relaxed her grip on Desire’s hands and reached around her head pulling her face forward smothering the small brunette between her exposed breasts. "I’m teasing sweetie," whispered the redhead. "Besides you’re even cuter when you sweat," she added holding Desire’ in a vice like grip and shaking her chest against the crushed face as the men cheered around the two women. Desire’ opened her mouth to protest only to be met by silky soft flesh against her tongue. "Oh yesss, open up little one," squealed the stripper.

"I’m thos desth," muttered Desire’ in defeat.

Desire’ closed her eyes in despair when suddenly the stripper relaxed her grip and squealed, "Harry baby you’re here!" The redhead jumped from her seat and ran into the arms of a tall man standing behind her leaving a very flustered Desire’ staring blankly ahead.

"Yes you are," came a low sultry voice behind her. Danni placed her arms around the small brunette pulling her closer as she wrapped strong hands around her neck mock strangling her. Desire’ stared up into angry blue eyes trying unsuccessfully to regain her composure. "I thought we agreed no lap dances."

"She, I, she," stammered Desire’ as Annie howled while Mattie looked on shaking her head. "I didn’t pay for it," she finished weakly.

"No but she did," squeaked the redhead, pointing at Annie. Annie’s eyes grew wide as she glared at the stripper then turned to face her friends, an innocent look on her face.

"You set me up!" yelled Desire’ jumping from her seat to confront the warrior, only to be stopped by Danni’s strong-arms.

Annie burst out laughing while Danni and Desire’ glared at her. "If you could have seen her face Danni you would understand," she added. "It was precious. How was I to know you guys would be back so soon?"

Desire’ sat silently steaming from the practical joke. "Why are you guys back so soon?" asked Desire’.

"Ran into an old friend," answered Danni pointing to the man behind her holding the stripper in his arms and kissing her.

Desire’ strained to get a better look at the man finally recognizing him. "That’s Joxer isn’t it?" she whispered into Danni’s ear.

"He prefers Harry," answered Danni.

Desire’ jumped from her seat and into Danni’s arms. "Do you forgive me?"

"That depends," answered Danni.

"On what?" asked Desire’.

Danni leaned forward claiming Desire’s lips in a feverish kiss. "On that," she husked. "I forgive you. Come on. I want you to meet Harry."

Desire’ turned toward the man in question who was now hugging Annie and Mattie as the redhead put her top back on. When the three old friends were finished with their salutation Danni led her girlfriend over in front of Harry. "This is Desire’," she introduced.

"It’s a pleasure to meet you," replied Desire’ as she reached to shake the man’s hand.

Harry grinned and took the proffered hand pulling the small brunette into a bear hug. "We’re gonna be family," he stated. "Don’t be so formal." Harry held on tightly then quickly stood back. "Let me take a look at you." He looked intensely at Desire’ drinking in every inch of the woman. "She is beautiful Danni. Welcome to the family. I would introduce Melinda but I see you two have already met," he added.

Desire’ blushed from head to toe as the redhead walked up to her and gave her a bone crushing hug. "Oh we’ve met all right sweetie," she said holding onto Desire’ who was staring at Danni a look of bewilderment on her face. "We’re gonna get along great," she added. "After all we’ll be family soon."

"Family," repeated Annie, Mattie and Danni.

"Yes isn’t it great?" replied Harry. "Melinda and I are going to get married."

"Harry when did this happen?" asked Danni.

"It happens on Saturday," interjected Melinda bouncing back into Harry’s arms. "And we’re gonna start a family."

"Are you pregnant?" asked Danni.

"No. She’s not. We’re waiting until after the wedding," answered Harry. "Look I know you guys probably have a lot of questions so let’s go somewhere we can talk. Melinda’s shift is over."

"Good idea Harry. We’ll wait here while Melinda gets dressed," interjected Annie.

**

"Wow sounds like some of the adventures we used to have," exclaimed Harry after Mattie finished her story about Desire’ and the conqueror and how the four met up on Saturday, including the adventures of the last few days. "Mel here wants to go through hypnosis to see who she was in her past lives. I think she could be Meg," cooed Harry.

"That would sure explain a lot of things," added Melinda as she caressed his chest. "Just in case no starchy foods for me."

"Desire’ you’ve been quiet during all of this tonight," stated Harry.

"I don’t think she’s gotten over that lap dance tonight," quipped Annie.

Desire’ shot Annie an evil glance before responding. "I’m sorry. Mattie tells a story much better than I do."

"You must have something juicy to add since it’s your story," replied Harry.

"No I think she pretty much covered everything," answered Desire’. "It’s been an amazing five days."

"So you’re the one who really killed the Samurai. That’s amazing. It must feel pretty good to be a modern day hero," stated Harry.

Desire’s expression turned dark as Harry stopped talking. Danni could feel the muscles tense along the small brunette’s shoulders. "Is that what you call it?" Desire’ said softly staring down at the table.

"I’m sorry did I say something wrong?" asked Harry.

"Can you excuse me a moment?" asked Desire’ as she stood up and walked away from the table. Quickly she walked out of the restaurant and through the casino until she was standing under the neon lights along Freemont Street.

"I’m so sorry Danni. I didn’t mean to say anything to upset her." Harry was noticeably upset and concerned about his sister’s girlfriend. "I just wanted to let her know I think she’s an amazing woman."

Danni smiled lovingly at the man she still called brother. "She’s been through a lot Harry. That’s all. I’m going to go and check on her. You guys wait here." Danni stood up and left the table walking rapidly outside to find Desire’.

"You okay?" she asked placing her hand on the distraught woman’s shoulders.

Desire’ looked up into comforting blue eyes silent for long moments before answering. "I thought I was. Now I don’t know."

"At least the silverware stayed on the table," teased Danni trying to lighten the mood.

"Thank you," whispered Desire’.

"For what?"

"For making a joke."

"So you just forgot to laugh?"

Desire’ smiled and looked up at her partner. "Yeah I guess I did." Desire’ stood on her toes reaching her hands around the tall woman’s neck receiving a gentle embrace for her efforts. Danni leaned down to make herself more accessible returning the gesture fervently as Desire’ held on for dear life.

"Let’s sit down," offered Danni leading her lover over to a vacant bench. Desire’ sat down continuing her silence. "I’m ready to listen whenever you’re ready to talk," she added, wiping the lone tear escaping down Desire’s cheek as Annie looked on unnoticed.

"I killed a man and I feel no remorse."

"You did what you had to do."

"I enjoyed it Danni. That’s not like me. I felt powerful."

"What you did was justifiable."

"That argument wouldn’t fly in this world."

"You weren’t in this world," answered Danni pausing to gauge Desire’s reaction. The small brunette looked wistfully down at the ground deep in thought. "It really bothers you doesn’t it?"

"Yes, I guess it does." Desire’ leaned into the strong arms of her partner letting out a deep sigh enjoying the closeness. "Thanks for listening. I just needed to say it out loud."

"I’ll be here for you any time you need to talk."

"So much has changed in the last five days," added Desire’ quietly.

"Do you have any regrets?" asked Danni.

"None," answered Desire’ a peaceful smile on her face. "Especially you. It’s amazing how fast my heart can beat when I feel so peaceful around you."

"That’s a very sweet thing to say," interrupted Danni before placing a gentle kiss on Desire’s lips.

"It’s the truth. I did some crazy things that you call heroic but they weren’t. I did them because I wasn’t afraid to die. I wasn’t afraid to die because I’ve never really had a reason to live."

"You had your family to live for."

"My family would have gone on without me. I only helped them. Besides my parents are gone. If I died tonight you would go on without me. It might hurt at first but you would survive. That’s not what I’m talking about."

"I’m not following you."

"It’s been a long time since anything in this life has ever given me a reason or a purpose to want to live just because I wanted to exist on this earth. In a few short days you have given me that incentive. I want to live because I want to be happy with you. I want to love you because it makes me feel so alive and because I want to feel this good for a very long time. If my time were to end now, I would go kicking and screaming because it wouldn’t be enough time with you. Thank you." Desire’s voice began to crack as she finished her explanation, tears streaming down her face as she smiled at the tall dark woman sitting next to her.

Danni pulled her soul mate toward her in a fierce hug, wrapping one arm around her waist, the other around her head as she stroked the dark strands of hair belonging to the trembling woman. "That is the most beautiful thing I have ever heard," she whispered, her own eyes clouding with moisture.

"It’s a good thing I met you after Corinth, otherwise history would have stayed the same. I was reckless and stupid and had nothing to lose."

Danni pulled away from Desire’ placing one hand under her chin, tilting the golden brown face upward. "I think you would do the same thing all over again because you would follow your heart."

"Now it’s my turn to tell you that’s the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me. I want to believe you but I’m no hero."

"But you are," answered Danni with conviction. "Heroism comes from inside and you lead your life by your heart." Annie turned and walked back into the restaurant, wiping the tear from her cheek.

"Don’t be so sure. I’ve done some things in my life I’m not proud of but I have tried to atone for my sins."

"We all have skeletons in our closet. I was a troublemaker growing up. Harry loves to tell the stories of my delinquency."

"I waited until high school to screw up. I turned it into an art form," answered Desire’ wistfully resting her head on a sturdy shoulder.

"Do you want to talk about it," Danni affirmed.

"What if it’s really, really bad?" asked Desire’ soulful eyes gazing into pools of soft blue.

"I suspect when you’re really, really bad you’re really, really good," teased Danni attempting to alleviate the tension.

"Yeah that’s what big mamma used to say," replied Desire’ a small grin forming on her lips.

"And who was big mamma?"

"She was the leader of the prison gang. She thought I was a mighty fine young southern belle. That’s when I took up karate again. There were no sticks to beat her off with."

Danni’s expression changed from jovial to concerned. "You’re not kidding are you?"

Desire’ took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, her eyes glued to the floor beneath her. "Wish I was," she replied softly. "Do you want to hear the gory details?"

"Did you learn from your mistake?" asked Danni cautiously.

"Believe me it’s not something I would ever repeat. The women in prison look nothing like those chicks in the movies."

"Then some day you’ll tell me. I don’t think now is the right time and this isn’t the right place," replied Danni gazing around her brightly lit surroundings.

"You might think twice about getting involved with me if you knew the truth."

"You’re not a cold blooded killer are you?" answered Danni.

"No," defended Desire’.

"Then stop worrying. We’ll talk about it when the time is right. Come on. Let’s go. They’re probably worried about us."

"Can we go back to our room?" asked Desire’. "I just want to be with you."

"Sure. Harry will be in town for a few days. I’m sure he’ll understand."

**

"Is everything okay?" asked Mattie when Annie sat back down at the table.

"They’re going to be fine, just fine," answered Annie convincingly. Several minutes later Desire’ and Danni walked up to the table.

"I’m sorry if I said anything to upset you," Harry said as he jumped up to meet Desire’. Desire’ gave him a hug.

"Thank you," she whispered. "I’m fine. I have some things to work out and you just pointed me in the right direction." Harry looked at her with a puzzled expression as he sat down. "You really are a sweet guy."

"We’re going back to the room. It’s been a long day and you guys probably have some catching up to do," interrupted Danni.

"Here are the car keys sis," answered Annie. "I’m sure Harry won’t mind giving us a ride back to the hotel."

"No sure. Anything for you guys. You know that," answered Harry.

"Thanks. We’ll see you guys in the morning," responded Danni. "And we’ll see you two on Friday," she added pointing at Melinda and Harry. "I’m happy for you Harry."

"Good night you two. Don’t get into any trouble," interrupted Mattie as the couple walked away. "We should probably keep an eye on the news

"Agreed," answered Annie.

**

Desire’ and Danni stood silently removing their clothes. Together they laid down on the bed luxuriating in the comfort, holding each other’s hand. Danni turned on her side gazing up and down the length of the short muscular form in front of her. She cupped Desire’s cheek with one hand placing a tender kiss upon her lips, her eyes never leaving the pale green eyes watching her. No words were spoken as the two woman communicated with gentle glances and soft caresses.

Desire’ turned on her side facing Danni, tracing a pattern from sleek shoulders down to slender long thighs with her fingertips and back up to her face placing gentle kisses against bronzed cheeks and nose. Heartbeats pounded in rhythm with each other, each breath keeping perfect time with the other as they gazed longingly into each other’s eyes.

After several minutes Danni moved closer to Desire’ embracing her, legs entwining with each other as flesh melted under the gentle caress of their hug. Desire’ pressed her chest into Danni’s emoting a soft moan from the silky soft feel of her skin. The two lovers connected, lips pressed gingerly against lips opening slowly, tongues melting together in a long drawn out kiss that seemed to last a lifetime.

Desire took second place to the simplicity of love as the two soul mates reveled in the emotions elicited from the touch of exposed flesh. Outside of their bodies the world no longer existed, only their souls reflected in each other’s eyes. They lay in each other’s arms kissing each other tenderly content to feel the purity of that emotion.

The sound of an alarm going off and the telephone ringing brought them out of their trance. "What the hell is that?" asked Danni rolling her eyes.

"Well at least we’re being interrupted not trying to have sex," answered Desire’ as she got up to answer the phone. "Hello. Yeah okay, thanks," said Desire’ before hanging up the phone. "Get dressed. They’re evacuating the building. There’s a fire on the twentieth floor."

"We’re on the twentieth floor," exclaimed Danni as she jumped up to get dressed.

"Oh yeah," replied Desire’. The two quickly got dressed and started out the door. Desire’ stopped in the bathroom, wetting some towels and handing one to Danni. People were walking quickly down the hallway anxious to get to the stairs. Danni grabbed Desire’s hand to lead her down the hall. "Let’s check to see if everyone has been notified."

"Good. Let’s ask him," answered Desire’ pointing to a security guard that appeared to be going door to door making sure the guests were out of the room.

"There was a lady in a wheelchair next door to us," she added turning to go toward the room in question pounding on the door. She could hear a sound from the other side but was helpless to open the door. Smoke was seeping down the hallway, the fire apparently coming from one of the guestrooms. Danni ran to the security guard offering to help. He handed her a second card and she ran back to the room Desire’ was standing in front of.

They opened the room and found an elderly woman on the floor crawling toward the door. "Help me. My husband is downstairs," she cried. "The battery is being recharged. It won’t work."

Desire’ ran to the bathroom to wet some more towels, placing one over the frightened woman’s face. Danni picked up the frail lady and headed out the door. "Give me the key," yelled Desire’. "Take her downstairs. I’ll meet you there," she added grabbing the card key from Danni’s hand.

"Okay but don’t be long. The smoke is thickening."

"I’ll just check a few more rooms and meet you downstairs, now go," she answered running to the next room, the towel over her face as the smoke intensified. Danni hesitated then looking into the eyes of the frightened elderly woman decided to take her down the stairs and come back up. She was met with a flash of light as she carried the woman to safety.

Desire’ opened the next room as the smoke filled the hallway. She looked through the room convinced it was empty. The security guard continued his search across the hallway leaving when the smoke started choking him. Desire’ continued down the hall, wrapping her hands in a towel to avoid the heat. She finished going through the rooms on the south side and started back up the north side. Three doors down she opened a room with two lovers naked in bed, oblivious to the sound of the alarms or the telephone ringing.

The man and woman jumped up startled as Desire’ walked in on them, her face covered by the towel. "You have to get out," she yelled. They stared back frozen by the sight of the intruder. "Out, you have to leave," she said motioning with her hand to the door. The smoke had yet to begin seeping into the room. They continued to stare not moving out of the bed.

"Fire," she yelled as she grabbed some clothes from the floor and threw them at the couple. "Get dressed, now," she commanded, then turned around. The couple looked at each other then grabbed their clothes and did as they were told. Desire’ walked into the bathroom pulling the bath towels down and placing them under the faucet. She never turned around when the man came up behind her, striking her across the back of the head with a beer bottle. Desire’ fell to the floor unconscious as the terrified couple ran hand in hand down the hallway.

**

The floor had been sealed off by the fire department. Danni panicked when she saw the security guard that offered her the key. "Where’s Desire’?" she yelled.

"I don’t know ma’am. I left when it was too smoky," he answered.

Danni ran past the barrier up the stairs followed by security. By the time she reached the twentieth floor two large firemen stopped her. "Whoa lady, you can’t go in there. It’s too dangerous."

"My girlfriend’s in there," she cried.

"Calm down, we’re doing a sweep of the rooms right now. If she’s there we’ll find her. Now please go back downstairs. We’ll escort you."

"I’m not going anywhere until you find her." answered Danni.

Realizing that she wasn’t going to back down the fireman handed an oxygen mask to Danni. "At least breathe with this," he stated.

Moments later another fireman came running down the hall carrying the limp figure of the small brunette. He laid her down in front of the steps. "Get a medic. She’s not breathing," he yelled to his coworker. Danni jumped past the firemen running to Desire’ and proceeded to start CPR. After several tense moments Desire’ coughed opening her eyes long enough to see the familiar crystal blue orbs of her lover.

"Are the paramedics downstairs?"

"Yes," replied the fireman. "I’ll take her down."

"No you just help with the fire. I’ll take it from here," answered Danni as she picked the small bundle up and carried her down the twenty flights of stairs, careful to hold a towel pressed against the open wound on her head.

Danni coughed and choked as she continued down the stairwell, the smoke seeping into her lungs. A team of medical response personnel met her downstairs. Danni laid the limp body onto the gurney and watched helplessly as the men and women began working on her.

"Excuse me miss, we need to check you out," interrupted a paramedic.

"I’m fine. Help her," she cried pointing over at Desire’ who was covered with an oxygen mask, an IV in her arm as she was readied for transport.

"Danni!" came a male voice from behind. She turned toward the sound to see Harry, Mattie and Annie running toward her.

"Thank god you’re all right," cried Harry pulling her into a hug. "We saw the fire trucks when we pulled up."

"Where’s Desire’?" asked Annie and Mattie in unison. Danni looked at them then pointed over to the gurney.

"What happened?" asked Annie, placing a comforting hand on Danni’s shoulders.

"She insisted on checking the lady next door. I got a key from the security guard and we helped this lady. Her wheelchair wasn’t charged so I carried her down stairs."

"How did Desire’ get hurt?" asked Mattie.

"I don’t know. She wanted to go door to door. The old woman was so frightened so I carried her down here." Danni looked up noticing an oriental couple pointing at Desire’. The man covered his face with his hands shaking his head. Danni stalked over to the couple pointing at the security guard speaking with them. "Why are they pointing at her?"

"Do you know her?" asked the security guard.

"Yes. What happened to her? Tell me now!"

"Calm down Danni," interrupted Annie as she placed her hands on her distraught sister’s shoulders.

"They are very sorry ma’am. They thought she was an intruder," answered the security guard.

"What? She was just trying to warn them," cried Danni as tears rolled down her cheeks.

"They did not know what she wanted. They are deaf and they do not speak English," replied the security guard. "They are very sorry."

"Excuse me ma’am," interrupted a second paramedic. "They’re ready to transport your friend. Do you need a ride?"

"How is she?" asked Danni frantically.

"Her lungs are pretty congested but we’re optimistic. The bump on her head shouldn’t require any stitches."

"Come on Danni. We’ll follow them," stated Annie.

Danni followed as her sister lead her through the crowd, flashes of light going off as they continued out of the casino. "There she is. She carried me downstairs twenty flights," yelled the elderly woman sitting next to a reporter. Before Danni could respond microphones were in her face as questions were being yelled at her.

"Excuse me, miss is it true you carried this woman downstairs?" asked a male reporter.

"Is the injured woman your friend?" cried out another reporter.

"Is it true you helped everyone out to safety?" yelled a third.

"Has anyone ever told you you look like Xena?" asked another.

Danni shook her head and followed behind as Annie pushed her way through the crowd ignoring the pleas from the reporters.

**

Danni paced up and down the floor of the waiting room. "What’s taking so long?" she asked as she continued to wear a hole in the carpet.

"Danni they said she’s going to be okay. Try and relax," commented Mattie.

"I should never have left her."

"Danni you had to. That old woman was depending on you," replied Annie. "You were right about Desire’.

"What are you talking about?"

"You told her you believed in her and you were right. She does lead with her heart. Not exactly those words but the same meaning."

"You heard that conversation?"

"Yes I know I shouldn’t be eavesdropping but I was concerned. She’s a fighter. It’s going to take a lot more than a little smoke and a bump on the head to keep her down. She’ll be fine."

"I know. I just want to see her. Do you think every day is going to be like this?"

"Probably," teased Annie. "Look you’re the lead story on the news," she added pointing to the television screen. Harry turned the volume up to listen.

"Xena the warrior princess saves an elderly woman from a burning hotel," started the newscaster as they showed footage of Danni carrying the woman across the floor.

"Oh turn it off," spat Danni grabbing the remote from Harry to mute the box.

"Excuse me, which one of you is Danielle Day?" asked the ER doctor.

"I am," answered Danni walking toward the man in scrubs.

"Desire’ is calling for you. Come this way."

"How is she?" asked Danni.

"Her lungs were very congested but she’s breathing on her own. She has asthma and appears to have had an allergic reaction to the smoke. The wound on her head is small and didn’t require any stitches. We’ll keep her overnight for observation otherwise she is fine."

Harry, Mattie and Annie sighed in relief. "Tell her we’re thinking of her," yelled Mattie as Danni walked down the hall with the doctor.

**

Desire’ was leaning against a couple of pillows trying to keep her eyes open when Danni walked into the room. "Hey," she said weakly as Danni leaned over and kissed her.

"Hey yourself. You scared the hell out of me," replied Danni.

"What happened? I was trying to get these people to leave their room. I don’t think they spoke English. Then it went black."

"They were also deaf and drunk," answered Danni. "The man hit you over the head with a beer bottle. He thought you were robbing them."

"Oh. So talking really slow and really loud probably didn’t get my point across huh?" asked Desire’ fighting to keep her eyes open.

"Probably not," answered Danni climbing into the bed and snuggling against Desire’. "They gave you something to relax. Close your eyes and sleep now honey."

"I guess I’ll see you in the morning," mumbled Desire’.

"I’m not going anywhere hon. Close your eyes," answered Danni pulling her love tighter.

CHAPTER TEN — THELMA AND LOUISE IS THAT YOU?

By noon the following day Desire’ was arguing with the nurse about her release. The doctors wanted to run more tests to make sure she wouldn’t suffer any more repercussions from her injuries.

"I want to see the doctor," hissed Desire’.

"He’ll be here soon Ms. Love," reassured nurse Betty.

"You keep saying that. You’ve been saying that for two hours. Now go get a doctor before you replace me in this hospital bed," threatened Desire’ as Annie and Mattie walked in.

"I see the incident hasn’t improved your bedside manners," quipped Mattie. Desire’ looked at her friends throwing her hands in the air before falling back into the pillows growling.

"I don’t like hospitals. I have places to go and people to do."

"People to do as in plural?" asked Danni.

"You know what I mean," answered Desire’ before coughing deeply trying to dislodge the congestion in her throat.

"Yeah you sound real good cowgirl," interjected Annie.

"Just give me an inhaler and send me home."

"Why don’t we just buy you a pack of cigarettes. That ought to help you with your breathing," remarked Danni. Desire’ looked over at her girlfriend a puzzled look on her face. Danni glared back, her eyebrows furrowed, an angry expression on her face.

"How do you know about that?" asked Desire’.

"I saw the pack of cigarettes in your purse. When were you going to tell me?"

"What were you doing in my purse?" asked Desire’ attempting to change the direction of the conversation.

"Looking for your cell phone. That’s not the point. What are you doing smoking? It’s a bad enough habit to have but to have asthma and smoke, that’s just stupid."

"I haven’t had a cigarette since Friday," defended Desire’. "It’s been over a year if you count Corinth. Besides I never claimed to be smart."

"No wonder you’ve been so bitchy," interjected Annie.

"Hate to disappoint you princess but the bitchy part is just me."

"Jeez you have big ears," replied Annie.

"So does that mean you’ve quit smoking for good?" asked Danni.

"I’m trying," answered Desire’. "You’ll just have to provide me with another oral fixation to replace them," purred Desire’ seductively, a twinkle in her eye.

"You’re something else cowgirl. You can turn anything into sex," Annie said grinning at the small brunette.

"It’s one of my numerous talents," responded Desire’.

"I’m not touching that one," quipped Annie. "Mattie and I are going to Mt. Charleston if you don’t mind. I hear the weather is only in the eighties up there so I booked us a room for the night. You two are welcome to join us if they ever release you."

"Actually I had something else in mind," answered Desire’. "A friend of mine owns a huge secluded house in Summerlin. He’s gone for three weeks every year at this time. I have an open invitation so I thought we would check it out. It has an awesome backyard with a huge pool and Jacuzzi, all the comforts of a five star hotel with lots of privacy," added Desire’ as she picked up the pencil from her tray and started writing on scrap of paper. "Here’s the phone number to get in touch with us," she said handing the piece of paper to Mattie.

Mattie took the paper and hugged Desire’. "I’m so glad to see you’re okay."

"Of course she is. She’s tough," teased Annie before taking her turn to hug the injured woman. "You had me scared. Don’t do that again," she whispered so only Desire’ could hear. Desire’ smiled at her and winked as blonde and brunette walked out of the room.

"Hey take a camera with you," she yelled after them. "In case you see some deer." They smiled and nodded as they walked away.

"Deer in the desert?" asked Danni.

"It’s quite an amazing place we have here," answered Desire’ in between kisses. "Now where the hell is that doctor. I have an amazing place I want to take you."

**

Danni and Desire’ drove up the secluded street to a massive two story Spanish American home located at the crest of a hill. "There it is," said Desire’ pointing in the direction of the impressive structure.

"How do you know the owner?" asked Danni.

"I did a photo shoot with him. He has lots of endorsements. Look the driveway is clear. That means no one is in the house."

"How can you be sure?"

"He’s in England every year at this time. He has friends that take care of the house. If a car is in the driveway then it means that someone is inside and you had better knock," answered Desire’ as they pulled up the driveway. "Only a couple of people know the security code. He gave it to me and told me anytime he was traveling I was welcome."

"What if you forget the security code?"

"Then we wouldn’t be here," answered Desire’ reaching into the glove compartment and pulling out a piece of paper. "This is all we need. He has an elaborate system, mostly silent alarms. There’s no need to worry. He knows how much I love to skinny dip and this is only the second time I’ve taken him up on his hospitality. Let’s go, I have plans for you," she added opening the car door and grabbing a small bag.

The two women walked up the long drive to the entrance. Desire’ unlocked the door and ran to a small room to the right of the entryway and quickly punched in the numbers to the alarm system. "There, now let’s go swimming," she stated and started running through the house with Danni following behind. She unlocked the sliding glass door and stepped into the large backyard.

A large swimming pool shaped like a figure eight occupied the left side of the yard. A stunning marble fountain was built into the wall at one end of the pool. Rows of rose bushes were located along the far wall inside of a flowerbed. Lawn chairs lined the pool and a Jacuzzi large enough to hold ten people sat to the right surrounded by a cedar gazebo.

Desire’ threw her bag down, started peeling her clothes off and jumped into the pool yelling for Danni to join her. Within moments Danni was swimming toward her in the shallow end. "This feels so great," exclaimed Desire’ as she splashed Danni with water. "I love skinny dipping," she yelled jumping into the arms of her bronzed goddess and wrapping golden brown legs around the slender waist. Danni responded with strong arms around her and a firm grip beneath soft buttocks pressing the small body closer into her own.

"Mmm you feel so good and you look so delicious wet," purred Desire’ wiping the droplets from bronzed cheeks.

"Are you cold or just happy to see me?" asked Danni gazing lustfully at erect pink nipples.

"Definitely not cold," answered Desire’ before claiming Danni’s lips with a fervent kiss. "This feels so right," she added before diving in for another kiss her hands roaming down firm tanned breasts as she hungrily tasted her lover. "No more floods or fires just you and me."

Danni walked through the crystal blue water carrying her treasure over to the steps, setting her down gently and kneeling between Desire’s thighs, kissing and caressing the baby soft skin above the water. Desire’ leaned back moaning as skilled hands fondled her breasts pinching the nipples. Danni’s lips moved gracefully up the muscled stomach, over full breasts until they rested against the hollow of her throat. She leaned her body into Desire’ until her sex brushed against her lover’s causing both woman to gasp as electricity ran through their bodies igniting the smoldering embers of desire within.

Danni slid her hand down the small firm figure slipping her hand between Desire’s legs, long fingers caressing the silky swollen flesh of arousal. "This is the only wetness I care about right now," purred Danni.

Desire’ grabbed Danni’s head pulling her closer and kissing her fervently as the fever inside built. Desire’ wrapped small hands around her lover’s face, staring deeply into pale blue eyes. "Hold on," she whispered pulling herself up from the stairs and out of the water. She came back to the waters edge carrying the small bag while Danni looked on befuddled. Desire’ jumped into the water opening the bag simultaneously. She pulled out a large hollow dildo and leather strap pointing at Danni as she proceeded to wrap it around the tall brunette’s waist. "No more foreplay. I need you inside me now," she whispered.

Danni watched anxiously while the phallus was snapped into place, covering the small woman’s forehead and eyelids with kisses. "You’re mine."

Desire’ leaned forward wrapping her legs around the slim bronzed waist. "Take me," she husked. "Now."

Danni scooped the small woman in her arms guiding the dildo inside with one smooth motion. Desire’ gasped as she was filled inside, leaning into Danni’s shoulders, holding her with both arms. "That’s it, gods yess, that feels so good," she cried.

Both lovers closed their eyes absorbed in the moment never hearing the rustling sound around them, oblivious to any noise outside of the beating of two hearts. A gust of wind came up cooling their heated flesh. "Desire’ I’m yours," husked Danni.

"And I’m yours," gasped Desire’.

Danni opened her eyes looking into the afternoon desert sky, startled at the sight above. "Oh shit," she cried.

"What’s wrong?" asked Desire’ too lazy to open her eyes.

"I think we just lost our privacy," answered Danni. Desire’ looked up in terror at the helicopter hovering high in the sky.

"Shit!" cried Desire’ pulling her body away from the strap on. With skillful hands she unsnapped the leather harness, sliding down the steps with Danni still above her trying desperately to hide underneath the water as the dildo floated to the surface. "Ignore them. Maybe they’ll go away." Desire’ shut her eyes tightly. "Are they leaving?"

Danni glanced up momentarily and shook her head. "It looks like a news helicopter," answered Danni. "Do you think they can see us?"

"I’m not taking any chances. We’ll just stay here until they leave."

"What do you think they want?" asked Danni.

"Maybe an overzealous reporter wants to ask you more questions. You did make the front page of the paper this morning," answered Desire’. "How did they know we were here?"

"Great. I can see the headlines now."

"Yeah. Xena cheats on Gabrielle. Takes damsel in distress as new lover. Film at eleven," chimed Desire’.

"Don’t call me Xena."

"I can’t help it if they think that’s who you are. Maybe they think you’re Lucy Lawless. Wouldn’t that make a wicked headline?"

"Not funny. They’re not moving." Both women froze as they heard a noise outside of the gate leading to the front yard.

"I have a really bad feeling about this," answered Desire’ as both gates on either side of the house swung open and a swarm of men dressed in black barged in, automatic weapons pointed toward the pool." "Shit," cried Desire’ jumping into her lover’s arms in fear.

"Don’t move. The place is surrounded," came a voice from a megaphone. Desire’ and Danni froze in the pool holding onto each other.

"Step out of the water," demanded one of the officers.

"We’re naked," cried Desire’.

"Step out of the water now. No one has to get hurt."

Reluctantly Danni released her partner. "Hands up where we can see them."

Two pairs of hands came out of the water in compliance. "We’re in a pool for Chris sake," yelled Desire’ sarcastically.

"Now is not the time to cop an attitude," Danni whispered nudging the smaller woman backward, keeping her hands raised.

"Look guys there must be some mistake. We’re guests of the owners," stated Desire’ walking out of the pool humiliated.

"Quiet ma’am. We haven’t read you your rights."

Desire’ shook her head as she walked up the steps out of the water. She barely reached the cement when two men grabbed her and forced her face down on the ground, pulling both hands behind her and cuffing her while Danni suffered the same fate.

Both women were hauled up from the ground, their hands secured tightly behind their backs. "Ouch, shit take it easy. What the hell is going on?" yelled Desire’ as they were pushed forward into the house, listening as their rights were being read. "Can we at least have some fucking clothes or is that not one of the rights you’re talking about?" she added.

Once inside men began searching the house then through the clothes thrown across the backyard. After long moments a woman came up to address them. "Someone get their clothes and let them dress. I’m officer Travis." Another officer came up with their clothes. They were allowed to dress before being handcuffed again.

"Is this really necessary?" asked Desire’.

"Are you always so cheerful?" asked officer Travis.

"Only when a bunch of men point guns at me and tackle me to the ground and handcuff me naked," answered Desire’. "What the hell is going on?"

Danni shook her head in frustration. "Desire’ calm down."

"You’ve been read your Miranda rights. Do you waive them right now?"

Desire’ stood defiantly just inches away from the officer. "Only if you tell us what’s going on." The officer glared at her as Danni answered yes in compliance. "Yes," muttered Desire’.

"For now you’re being arrested for breaking and entering."

"We didn’t break in. I used the access code," replied Desire’.

"The access code was changed two weeks ago. The owner assured us he had informed everyone necessary about the change."

"He didn’t tell me," responded Desire’ shaking her head. "Shit. He did call. On Friday. I totally forgot until now."

"How convenient," stated officer Travis.

"It’s been a busy week. I’m old. The memory is the first thing to go," answered Desire’ sarcastically.

"Who are you?"

"My name is Desire’ Love."

"How do you know the owner?"

"He’s an acquaintance. I did a photo shoot with him and we hit it off."

"When was the last time you spoke to him?"

"About six months ago."

"Why are you here?"

"Why do you think? You caught us in a comprising position."

"Answer the question only this time without the sarcasm."

Desire’ looked up at the officer a scowl on her face. "He’s always out of town at this time of year. He told me I have an open invitation."

Another officer came in during the questioning. "We haven’t found anything except for this," he said to officer Travis holding the wet dildo in his hand.

Desire’ fought to contain her stoic appearance suppressing a grin. "Would you like to ask us again what the hell we were doing here?"

Danni stood quietly holding her head down as her face turned a deep shade of crimson.

"Will we find anything in your car?" officer Travis asked Desire’.

"What are you looking for?" asked Desire’.

"We’ll let you know when we find it," answered officer Travis. "We can get a search warrant if need be."

"You’re arresting us?" asked Danni.

"Yes. Until we can check your story out."

"Great. How are you going to do that? The owner is in England," added Desire’.

"We’ll contact him. In the meantime we’ll need to see some identification."

"Just fucking great," mumbled Desire’. "Our stuff was burned in the fire."

"What fire?"

"At the Rio. Don’t you recognize her face from the morning paper?" asked Desire’ motioning at Danni.

"Oh yeah. You do look like Xena."

"No that would be her sister," Desire’ mumbled grinning.

The officer looked at her with a quizzical expression. Two officers came back in shaking their heads. "Nothing out of the ordinary, just a very messy car," replied an officer.

"Thank you for the commentary," replied Desire’.

"We’ll have to take you in until we can sort this out."

"You’re taking us to jail," cried Desire’.

"It’s standard procedure until we can contact the owner and identify you. We’ll need fingerprints for that. If your story checks out we can release you otherwise you’ll be in for the night until bail can be set."

"Great. No wonder I’ve stayed celibate for so long," mumbled Desire’ as her and Danni were escorted out of the house and into waiting police cars.

"Not a word," stated Danni before Desire’ could apologize.

**

"No need to worry," repeated Danni as they stepped into the waiting cell already occupied by three women.

"Look at the bright side. At least I brought the snap on harness otherwise you would’ve been walking out of the water in full gear," answered Desire’ trying to elicit a smile from the grumbling woman.

"Oh yeah, that’s gonna make me feel better," replied Danni sarcastically rolling her eyes at the crazy brunette.

They were met by cold stares from two of the other convicts. One petite woman sat quietly on her bench dressed in a leather mini skirt, low cut blouse, black stockings and high-heeled shoes. A heavyset woman was dressed in blue jeans and a T-shirt. A tall skinny woman wearing a black leather biker jacket with gang tattoos on her hands and acne scars on her face stood against the cell bars staring at the new arrivals.

"This is gonna be fun," Desire’ whispered into Danni’s ears

"It’s not nice to speak behind people’s backs," interjected the heavyset woman.

"Don’t worry if I have something to say to you I’ll make sure you hear it," answered Desire’. Danni reached around the small brunette holding her closer.

"Oh look what we have here two lovebirds. Around here we share," stated the biker.

"I don’t share with anyone," answered Danni.

"And who is going to stop me?" asked the biker walking toward Desire’ and Danni.

"I am," answered Desire’ breaking away from Danni to confront the woman.

"Yeah but who is going to stop me?" asked the heavyset woman.

"I’ll tell you this once. We don’t want any trouble. Back off and I won’t hurt you," answered Desire’ the green-eyed monster ready to attack as Danni moved up behind her.

Both women howled with laughter as the small brunette grew angrier by the minute. "A little thing like you is going to stop us," repeated the heavyset woman. Danni gently placed her hands on Desire’s arms, praying she didn’t lose control. Desire’s eyes grew cold, turning dark with rage as the green-eyed monster sprang into action to protect her. They were frozen in place by menacing dark eyes and backed away in respect.

"So what are you in for?" asked the biker after several uncomfortable moments of silence.

"Breaking and entering," answered Desire’, her eyes never leaving her foes. "And you?"

"Assault with a deadly weapon," answered the heavyset woman.

"Grand theft auto," replied the biker.

Desire’ turned to the young woman sitting quietly on the bench. "What about you?"

"I shouldn’t be here," she answered. "It’s all a misunderstanding. My boyfriend will have me out of here any minute now."

"You mean your pimp," added the biker.

"Yeah. She’s not a hooker. All the good little girls dress like that," chimed in the heavyset woman.

"Leave her alone," defended Desire’. "How do you know she’s lying?"

"What do you care?" asked the biker.

"It doesn’t really matter what I think. Just leave her alone," hissed Desire’. "Come on," she added grabbing Danni’s hand and leading her to the opposite side of the cell.

Several quiet moments went by as Danni and Desire’ held onto each other for comfort. "Hey aren’t you Xena?" asked the biker.

"Yeah you sure look like her," added the heavyset woman. "Isn’t your little bitch gonna be pissed at you for stepping out on her?"

"You guys are just looking for a fight aren’t you?" asked Danni walking in front of Desire’ protectively.

"Oh look the tall one’s wearing the pants now," quipped the biker. "Where’s Gabrielle? You like the little ones don’t you."

Desire’ grabbed Danni by the shoulder and pulled her back. "Since when am I the one in control?" whispered Desire’. Danni responded by pulling her close and kissing her as the two women let out catcalls.

"Get a room," yelled the biker.

Desire’ turned her head to look at the woman, a mischievous look on her face. "We have a room," she purred then pulled Danni closer for another fiery kiss. "Might as well make the best of it," she added whispering into Danni’s ear.

"Well if they’re gonna get some, no reason we shouldn’t," stated the biker walking over to the small woman on the bench. "What do you say sweetie?" she asked reaching to grab the frightened woman.

"Leave me alone," answered the small woman. The heavyset woman joined her friend on the other side of the terrified girl.

"Come on. If you can sell it to men you can give it to us. In return I promise you’ll enjoy it," added the heavyset woman.

Desire’ and Danni broke the embrace watching the three women intensely. Desire’ moved with the swiftness of a leopard standing behind the group as the biker grabbed the small woman against her will and attempted to kiss her. A hand grabbing the back of her shirt stopped her.

Angry she turned around to face Desire’. Danni stood silently behind her. "Get your hand off of me!" yelled the biker.

"As soon as you leave her alone," answered Desire’.

"This is none of your business," spat the heavyset woman.

"As long as I’m in this cell it’s my business," hissed Desire’ pulling the biker up and onto her feet. "When a woman says no she means no."

"You bitch," cried the biker catching Desire’ off guard and landing a punch to her stomach. She followed the right hook with a left to the face that was easily blocked by Desire’ who answered with a front blade kick knocking her down. The heavyset woman swung at her. Desire’ ducked tackling the woman at the knees and sending her over her head onto the ground. She was met by a powerful right hook in the face, compliments of the tall brunette.

The biker lunged forward swinging. Desire’ leaped up out of reach, turning a full rotation in the air and landing a strong roundhouse kick to her head snapping her body backward as two guards made their way into the cell. "You bitch," screamed Desire’ as the rage took over. She ran toward the fallen woman only to be held back by two guards as Danni talked her down.

She was dragged to a cell across the hallway along with Danni and the smaller woman. "That’s not very lady like," stated the guard.

"What do you expect when you put us in with the good, the bad and the ugly," yelled Desire’ in defiance.

"Shut up or we’ll be adding more charges bitch."

Desire’ stared at the guard and hissed before walking to the back of the cell. "And no more talking," added the guard. Desire’ paced along the floor of the cell as Danni looked on trying to give her some space. Moments later another guard walked in with Annie and Mattie.

Well, well, well. Women behind bars. Very nice," stated Annie smugly.

"Introduce yourself Annie," snapped Desire’. "It seems that Xena is really big in prison."

"Thank god you guys are here. Does that mean we’re free to go?" asked Danni ignoring the snide remark from her mate.

"They got in touch with your friend and your finger prints matched up so you should be released soon," answered Mattie.

"So you guys got our message," stated Desire’.

"No we saw you guys on the 11:00pm news. Nice shot of you sis," answered Annie. "Don’t worry they used a black bar to cover your butt. Of course they got a great close up of your toy floating in the water."

Danni covered her face with her hands in embarrassment as Desire’ blushed from head to toe shaking her head. "Is your luck always this good?" asked Mattie.

"Seems like Murphy is following me everywhere I go these days," answered Desire’. "Why did they have a swat team?"

"It seems that while your friend has been on tour some unwanted guests have been using his home for business."

"What kind of business?" asked Danni.

"Drugs. The house has been under surveillance for two women described only as brunette, one tall and one short. When you entered the wrong code drug enforcement was called," answered Annie. "So why were you two beating on those women?"

"Look at them. Do we really need a reason?" quipped Desire’.

"You do if you want to get out of here," responded Mattie. "Please tell us you didn’t throw the first punch."

"She didn’t," interjected Danni. "I’m very proud of her. She kept her cool. You’ll back us up won’t you?" she asked pointing at the small woman still sharing their cell. The woman nodded her answer.

"Good. Now you two behave and we should be home in two or three hours," stated Annie.

"Still love me?" Desire’ asked coyly?"

Danni nodded. "What doesn’t kill us only makes us stronger."

**

CHAPTER ELEVEN - PROPOSALS

Desire’ stumbled into the kitchen rubbing the sleep from her eyes, her target-the coffee pot. "Hey," she mumbled to Mattie who was busy cooking on the stove. "Have you seen Danni?" she asked as she poured herself a cup of coffee with enough Irish creamer to turn the liquid white.

"Have some coffee with your cream," quipped Mattie watching the brunette. "She left with Annie. They said something about the party tonight."

"What party?" asked Desire’.

"They want to throw a bachelor party for Harry."

"Tomorrow’s the wedding. I almost forgot."

"You’ve been a bit preoccupied. How are you feeling?"

"I’m fine. The cut on my head is already itching," answered Desire’ scratching the back of her scalp. "Guess my head is harder than I thought. Now if I could just satisfy this other itch."
"You and Danni still haven’t you know?" asked Mattie.

"Consummated our love. No it’s like some outside spirit is trying to keep us apart."

"You’ve just had a string of bad luck."

"Even my luck isn’t that bad. It’s almost as if my mother is trying to send me a message from the grave. I believe in that stuff you know."

"I still believe the dead can hear our thoughts."

"It goes deeper than that. I have read some articles on reincarnation. One article says that our soul chooses when it wants to be reborn back into the physical realm. Something makes the soul wait. I believe they’re either waiting to see their loved ones one more time or they stay trying to guide us through our lives. I know my dad was watching over me when he sent Blue to me."

"So you’ve already studied reincarnation. Is it something you’ve always been interested in?" asked Mattie.

"I was curious about it after watching one of the episodes. I’ve read a lot about ancient history and different religions because of that show. I just wish dad was here to discuss these things with me. He was very passionate about that kind of stuff."

"Tell me about your father and Blue."
"Let’s just say I felt as though I had lost everything and felt like death would be a welcome option."

Mattie placed her hand over Desire’s free hand, a look of fear and concern on her face. "You have us now. If you ever need to talk about anything please come to me. I don’t ever want you to feel that kind of pain again."

"Thank you. Back then I had no one to talk to except my mother. If I had told her she would have blamed herself."

"Tell me about Blue."

"I saw him running in traffic. He was almost hit by a car and then he ran into a field. I drove my car by the area as he ran further away. I couldn’t decide whether or not to stop and help the dog or just go to physical therapy. When I looked up he was gone. Something caught my eye in the rearview mirror and it was the dog chasing my car. When I stopped he was standing in front of the vehicle. I called him and he ran into my arms. He acted as if he had known me all of his life. It was as if dad just guided Blue to me."

"That’s a beautiful story," answered Mattie.

"You know some people even think that he is the reincarnation of my dad sent to look after me."

"Anything is possible."

"Oh don’t even say that. I’m not exactly modest in front of Blue and to think, ewe."

"Am I missing something?"

"Too much information. I’ve been celibate not dead."

Mattie looked at her deep in thought her eyes widening in embarrassment when she realized what her friend was alluding to. "Oh. That would not be good."

"Tell me about it. Anyway I’ve been thinking about Danni and me. I want to marry her or have a union or whatever the hell society will let us have. I just want to share our happiness with our friends."

"Danni told us."

"When?"

"When you passed out in the hot tub. I’m happy for both of you."

"Then will you go with me to find a ring?"

"Sure. Do you have a date in mind?"

"Tomorrow if I can swing it."

"That’s kind of sudden."

"Yeah but why wait if I know what’s in my heart? You and Annie are married, well kind of. How does that work anyway? You must be divorced from Harry since he’s already getting married."

"It’s complicated and yes Harry and I are divorced. I’m working on Annie about renewing our vows."

"Why don’t we both pick out rings? It could be like a new start for you two."

"That’s not such a bad idea."

"Harry is getting married at the Little Church of the West. If they say yes we can take the two open slots afterward."

"Wait. How do you know there’s an opening?"

"Last night we each had one phone call. Danni called you and I called the chapel."

"You get arrested and you use your only phone call to call a wedding chapel?"

"Yeah. I knew you guys would come. Besides I’m getting kind of desperate here. I can’t be with Danni until she makes an honest woman out of me. And the word no has never been a strong one in my vocabulary."

"Wait. What makes you think you have to be chaste until after you two get hitched?"

"Isn’t it obvious? My mother’s running interference. She approves of Danni but she has never approved of premarital sex. She was a virgin when she got married."

"You think you’re dead mother is causing all of these problems just to prevent you from having sex?"

"Yes. Do you have a better explanation?"

"Bad luck. Being in the wrong place at the wrong time. That’s no reason to jump into a marriage."

"That’s not why I want to marry her. It is why I want to marry her tomorrow. Mattie I have never asked anyone to marry me before. Marriage is a sacred institution for me. My parents were married for forty-six years before dad died. Danni is the one so why wait?" Desire’ paused looking at Mattie hoping she would believe her. "Besides tomorrow would have been their golden anniversary. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate their love. They were even married in a small chapel in Las Vegas," she added her head bowed down as tears welled up in her eyes.

"At the Little Church of the West," finished Mattie. Desire’ nodded. "That’s a beautiful idea. Who would have thought you were such a romantic?"

Desire’ smiled. "Do you think I have a chance?"

"I’ll tell you what I think. We’re getting married tomorrow night so we had better get going. We have a couple of weddings to plan."

"Great but that’s not all we have to plan," answered Desire’ a devilish grin on her face.

"What’s brewing in that devious little mind of yours?"

"Can’t let the guys have all the fun. We have to throw a bachelorette party," answered Desire’.

"That could be fun," agreed Mattie.

"Oh yeah. A couple of strippers, a guy for Melinda and the best margaritas in town," answered Desire’ her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

"Strippers?"

"Yeah and then we bust up their little party. I already have a plan for that. I’ll call Maryanne and maybe you could get in contact with Aphrodite."

With a twinkle of light the goddess was standing in the living room. "Did I hear someone is getting married tomorrow?" she asked hugging the smaller women. "Leave the strippers to me and I’ve already scouted out their party and put your plan into motion sweet cheeks."

"Reading my thoughts again?" asked Desire’.

"You got it babe. They’ve been quite entertaining."

"Aphrodite," started Desire’.

"Relax not those thoughts," she replied rolling her eyes. "I’ve been keeping an eye on you guys. Now the bachelor party isn’t going to be far from here. You call your friends and I’ll handle the rest. You guys have rings and dresses to buy. Now get going!" With a twinkle of light she was gone.

"Let’s do it," stated Mattie and Desire’ in unison.

**

"Danni how many stores do we have to go to?" whined Annie as they walked along the mall.

"As many as it takes," answered Danni.

"Even if we find a ring what makes you thing she’s going to say yes so soon?" asked Annie.

"I just know. Trust me."

"Okay but we have to hurry. We have a party to attend in seven hours and we still have a lot to do."

Annie and Danni walked into the last jewelry store in the mall, never noticing the small blonde and brunette entering the bridal boutique across the hall. Danni began scanning the glass display cases searching for the perfect ring as the salesman walked up. "Can I help you find anything?" he asked.

"I’ll let you know when I find it," she mumbled her eyes never leaving the display of jewelry. Annie walked over scouring the assortment of rings with her sister, her eyes landing on one particular ring.

"That’s it," stated Danni pointing to a set of diamond rings, each with a slender band lined with baguettes and one marquee diamond in the center. The salesman opened the case and pulled out the rings.

"You have good taste. This ring is part of a set of wedding rings."

"They both look like they could be worn by a woman," replied Danni.

"They’re unisex rings. We’re trying to keep up with the changing times," he answered.

Danni picked up the smaller ring to inspect it. "What size is this?" she asked.

"Six and a half," replied the salesman.

"Perfect. See Xe, Annie it was meant to be," replied Danni. "Will you break up the set?"

"I’m afraid not. We could put the second ring on lay away though."

"Danni you said yourself you’re sure about this. Buy the ring and then come back for the mate."

"I guess you’re right," answered Danni.

"Can I see that set?" asked Annie pointing to a set of rings with a simple gold band and round half-carat diamond in the center. "Nice," said Annie holding the ring in the light then trying it on. "Perfect fit."

"Are we feeling romantic sis?" asked Danni.

"Might as well make it a double wedding," answered Annie. "We’ll take the smaller rings now and come back later for the others," Annie explained to the salesman.

Danni and Annie paid for the rings, requesting boxes and quickly leaving with their treasures while the salesman finished his paperwork.

"Now we have a party to plan," stated Annie enthusiastically, her eyes lighting up with a wicked twinkle.

**

"You really don’t like to shop do you?" asked Mattie as they walked outside of the boutique, dresses in their hands.

"Nope. Something catches my eye and I buy it. End of story. Let’s hope we have the same luck in there," answered Desire’ motioning toward the jewelry store across the way.

The two women entered the store before the salesman could put the sold rings away. Desire’ walked up to him staring into the open jewelry box containing the ring with baguettes and a single marquee diamond. "That’s it," she said pointing at the box. "That’s perfect Mattie, look.

Mattie joined her friend to look at the object in question. "It’s beautiful," she replied.

"I’m afraid this ring is already sold," interrupted the salesman.

"Yeah to me," stated Desire’. "Mattie you know Xe, I mean Annie’s ring size right."

"Miss I would be happy to help you find another ring," interjected the salesman.

"I don’t want another ring. I want that one."

"I’m sure we can find another ring that Danni will love just as much," responded Mattie.

Desire’ sucked in her teeth, a scowl on her face as she looked up at the salesman pouting silently. The salesman looked down at the receipt in his hand reading the purchaser’s name and quickly placed the piece of paper under the cash register.

"Is Danni your boyfriend?" he asked.

"She ain’t no guy. She’s a tall, dark gorgeous woman with incredible blue eyes," cooed Desire’.

"Look maybe there is something I can do for you. If you really want the rings I think I can arrange it," replied the salesman. "I don’t suppose she has a twin?"

"Yes she does. Why do you ask?" asked Mattie.

"I think I saw them in the mall. They cut quite a striking picture you know," he answered as he reached under the cash register and pulled out the newspaper from the day before showing Danni carrying Desire’ down the stairs. "Is this Danni?"

"Yeah that’s her," answered Desire’ staring intently at the photo. "I look like crap," she added.

"What about you miss? You’re not by chance in the market for a ring are you?"

"Yes I am. Does this mall have a store that specializes in party supplies?" asked Mattie suspiciously.

"Yes it does. It’s located in the outer part of the mall," answered the salesman. "Here’s a lovely ring," he added holding up the gold band with a round diamond in the middle.

"It’s beautiful, just the right size with a simple beauty," stated Mattie holding the ring to the light to examine it. "Looks like your lucky day. This is perfect," she replied.

"What next?" asked Desire’ as the salesman wrapped up their purchase.

"Shoes," replied Mattie as Desire’ rolled her eyes in disgust.

"You’re gonna have to hold my hand through this. I hate shopping for shoes."

**

"Good they’re not home yet," stated Desire’ as she walked through the garage and into her home. "I’ll hide the dresses in the front closet."

"So what next?" asked Mattie.

"Well we really don’t have time to get all romantic so I say we just attack them when they walk through the door and ask them."

"That really isn’t romantic."

"Yeah but just asking them is. We can do it in unison. We’ll kneel. That’s all the time we have for romance."

"I hear the car driving up. Get the rings," replied Mattie. Both women waited just inside the entryway as their girlfriends fumbled with the house keys before opening the door and walking in. The small women watched them, their hands behind their backs, each holding a ring box.

Danni and Annie set down their packages, staring back suspiciously at their mates. "What?" asked Annie defensively, hiding the ring box behind her back.

"We have to ask you something," stated Mattie.

"Okay. Can we come in first?" asked Danni. Mattie and Desire’ nodded trying not to smile as the tall brunettes stepped up to them.

"Wait, we have something to ask you first," interjected Annie.

"It can wait," interrupted Desire’ staring passionately at Danni.

"No it can’t wait," argued Danni.

"Yes it can," growled Desire’.

"No," started Danni.

"Hold on you two," interrupted Mattie. "Let’s be democratic about it. Blondes go first," added Mattie grinning.

"Why?" asked Danni.

"Because blonde comes first in the dictionary."

"She’s not blonde," objected Annie pointing menacingly at Desire’.

"I’m with her," answered the small brunette smugly.

"I should go first. Danni comes first in the alphabet."

"Annie comes first you idiot," interrupted her sister.

"I should go first because you don’t really want to make me mad do you?" growled Desire’.

"She has a point," stated Annie looking around the corner to make sure the door was closed to the front room.

Mattie started laughing as three sets of eyes looked questioningly at her. "Could we act anymore stupid?"

"Okay how’s this? At the count of three we ask our question," interjected Desire’.

"At the count of three or on the count of three cowgirl?"

Desire’ flashed a devilish grin. "At the count of three. One, two, three and then ask the question."

"Yeah right," mumbled Annie nudging her sister, trying to convey a silent message to her.

Mattie looked over at Desire’ and smiled, "It’s agreed. At the count of three. Desire’ count."

Desire’ and Danni stared intensely at each other while Annie and Mattie did the same. "One, two," started Desire’. Each woman kneeled down on one knee, holding a small ring box in their hand. "Will you marry me?" they asked in unison, chuckling as they did so.

"You cheated," interrupted Desire’.

"We know you well cowgirl," replied Annie.

"Does this mean yes?" asked Mattie. Three brunettes nodded their heads and answered yes simultaneously. The smaller women jumped into their partner’s arms as tears ran down their cheeks.

"I would say the connection is very strong," Desire’ whispered into Danni’s ears.

"I would say so," interrupted Aphrodite popping into the room. "This is so fantastic," she yelled taking turns hugging and congratulating everyone in the room. "We are going to have so much fun. I called the chapel. You go on at six-tomorrow night. Sue called your friend Kathy so we have a photographer."

"How long have you had this planned?" asked Annie.

"Desire’ called the chapel last night," answered Mattie.

"That’s how you used your phone call," interjected Danni.

"I have my priorities," teased Desire’.

"Enough chit chat ladies. You two need to try your dresses on," interrupted Aphrodite pointing at the tall brunettes.

"We have dresses?" asked Danni.

"Compliments of your mates," answered the goddess. "It’s getting late. We have details to finalize."

"What about after the ceremony?" asked Mattie.

"We have reservations at the top of the world," answered Aphrodite. "The Stratosphere. I reserved the honeymoon suite for you two," she added referring to Annie and Mattie.

"What about us?" asked Danni.

"I have a surprise for you two at Desire’s home," answered Aphrodite.

"Relax Danni. I promise nothing will go wrong once we’re married," stated Desire’ with confidence. "We’ll have the home and the Jacuzzi to ourselves."
"Now go try on your dresses and get ready for your party. The limo will be here in an hour," interrupted the goddess.

"You got them a limo?" asked Desire’.

"Yes. No drinking and driving. We have one for tomorrow night too. Oh and ladies, no sleeping together before the wedding. Desire’ you can bunk with Mattie and you two should fit in that big king size bed in Desire’s room." Four pouty faces looked at the goddess. "No arguing now go. It’s getting late," demanded the goddess.

CHAPTER TWELVE — TIME OF DAY

The party was a small one. Melinda showed up at seven. Maryanne showed up shortly afterward with tequila and champagne to add to the festivities. Desire’ and Mattie were dressed casually in jeans. Aphrodite wore leather pants and a button down white shirt playing host for the event. Country music played loudly on the stereo.

Desire’ mixed batches of blue margaritas for the girls as everyone chatted in the front room. The doorbell rang at eight.

"Melinda I bet that’s for you," yelled Desire’ from the kitchen. Melinda went to the door and answered it. A gorgeous man wearing a cowboy hat was standing on the porch.

"Well come on in sweetie. You must be mine," said Melinda, grabbing the man by the shirt and pulling him forward. The dancer turned his boom box on and started dancing to the music as Aphrodite and Melinda shouted out catcalls. Maryanne, Mattie and Desire’ stood to the side allowing the others to thoroughly enjoy their entertainment.

"Desire’ what’s this little scheme you’ve cooked up to crash the bachelor party?" asked Mattie watching as the cowboy stripped down to a g-string.

"Can’t tell you yet. I promise after a couple more margaritas you’ll love the plan," answered Desire’. "We have to keep them in line, remind them who really controls the relationship."

"So do we get strippers tonight?" asked Maryanne.

"Nah. We don’t need them do we Mattie?" asked Desire’.

"No. I’d rather do the stripping then watch one," chuckled Mattie.

"Glad you said that," interjected Desire’. "Besides it could be uncomfortable if Melinda knew them."

"Good point. I could use another margarita," replied Mattie.

"I’m gonna get a camera," stated Desire’. "Can goddesses be photographed?"

"I have no idea. We’ve never tried it," answered Mattie.

"I guess we’ll see then," responded Desire’.

**

Annie hired a DJ for the evening. The gathering was small but the guests appeared to be enjoying themselves. It was nice to see Danni and Harry together again. She could see how much love her sister had for Harry and knew it had been an arduous transition for her. Harry appeared to be relaxed and very happy.

She enjoyed watching as the two danced together laughing and talking as they spun around the small dance floor. Peggy and Sue seemed to get along quite well and she couldn’t help but wonder what kind of mischief her girlfriend and Desire’ were up to. Annie looked around as she felt her skin crawl.

"Ares show yourself." She waited then walked to the entrance and peered outside finding the god of war standing beside her dressed in a casual three-piece suit. "What no flashy entrance?"

"Annie you’ve had enough press already. Besides I’m crushed. You throw a party and don’t even invite me."

"Come on in Ares." Annie pulled the reluctant god into the room. "You weren’t exactly being nice the last time we met."

Ares grinned. "At least I put you back into the body you belong in."

"That’s one good thing that came out of it," agreed Annie. "Let’s go get a drink," she added walking over to the bar.

"Not the liveliest gathering I’ve ever been to. Where is everybody?"

"Hate to break it to you but it’s just us. Just a small gathering to wish Harry well on his last night a single man."

"Where’s the party? Where’s the sinning?"

"Stick around. We do have strippers coming later."

"I could whip up some right now."

"No magic Ares. Now why are you really here?"

"I heard he isn’t the only one getting hitched tomorrow. Is it true?" Annie nodded.

"You know I had to show up and try to talk you out of it."

"I wouldn’t expect it to be otherwise."
"So then don’t marry the blonde. Besides she was a lot cuter without that long dirty blonde hair and head band she wears now."

"You’ll be happy to know she has cut her hair and dyed it back to blonde."

"Oh well you still shouldn’t marry her," stated Ares his eyes scanning the room landing on the tall figure dancing with Harry. "Who is that with Harry?" he asked.

"Oh haven’t I told you? I have a twin sister."

"Hello! Excuse me Annie I think it’s time for me to cut in," answered the god of war, walking toward the couple. "Excuse me Jox, Harry may I cut in?"

Harry frowned at the god then looked at Danni who nodded her head. "Okay but no funny business Ares," answered Harry before walking away.

"Hello Ares," greeted Danni.

"You know who I am," answered the dark god pulling the tall beauty closer to him.

"Of course I do. It’s been a long time," replied Danni.

"Have we met before?" asked Ares. "Because I think I would have remembered you if we’ve met before," added Ares gazing into pale blue eyes.

"Not in this life but we’ve met."

"Are you going to tell me?"

"Let’s just say I was one warrior that was never good at playing second fiddle to my mother," answered Danni staring intently into dark brown eyes.

"Eve," replied Ares startled.

"Very good."

"Well I must say you wear Xena’s form very well."

"Yes but we are two very different people."

"Eve you and Xena were never very different."

"Maybe you’re right. We are both getting married tomorrow."

"You too. You’re not marrying him are you?" he asked pointing at Harry.

"Of course not. Jeez Ares we were raised together. That’s just gross."

"Then who’s the lucky guy?"

"There’s no guy Ares. I found my soul mate."

"Not you too. Why are all the good ones gay?" asked a dejected god of war escorting Danni off the dance floor.

The two walked to the bar to join the others. Annie and Harry were laughing as Harry concluded his story about how he first met Melinda. "Sounds like you two were meant for each other," replied Annie, watching her sister and Ares walk up out of the corner of her eye.

"So Danni are you really going to get married tomorrow?" asked Harry.

"Of course Harry. I wouldn’t kid about something like that," answered Danni.

"It just seems so sudden. You barely met the girl."

"And how long have you known Melinda?"

"Point taken. You still seem like my little sister. I’m just being protective."

"And I appreciate it. Besides tomorrow is a really important day for her."

"Of course it is. She’s getting married," added Annie.

"There’s more to it. Her parents were married on this day, fifty years ago tomorrow at the Little Church of the West."

"Danni you little romantic. She’s a lucky lady to steal your heart," answered Harry. "Come on let’s dance," he added escorting Danni back to the dance floor.

"All this lovey dovey crap is going to make me puke," grumbled Ares.

"If it’s too boring Ares then leave," stated Annie.

"This is a bachelor party. It’s supposed to be about sex and booze."

"Well then drink up. I’m sure you can find a date in the casino. Bring her back," answered Annie.

"You’ve found Gabrielle, Joxer and now Eve. Why can’t you find Destiny for me? She would always keep me company," stated Ares. Annie laughed at the mention of Destiny, pondering whether or not to tell the dark god the bad news or toy with him for a while. She chose the later.

"And just what do you think would happen if she was here?"

"Now that one was a tiger. She never could say no to me even when she was mad. Unlike you, she gave herself to me very freely." Annie rolled her eyes in disgust listening to the war god boast about her friend.

"So how come you two never stayed together?"

"She wasn’t you Xena. But she was a great second. I can still see those green eyes sparkling in the moonlight. What I wouldn’t give to see her again."

"Be careful what you wish for Ares. It might just come true," answered Annie, an evil grin forming on her lips.

**

"Desire’ I have a special gift to give you from Annie," stated Mattie handing her a small package. "She said you would understand."

Desire’ unwrapped the package. Inside was a jade green vibrator. Desire’ burst into laughter. "Oh my god, it’s my little green machine," she said holding it up for everyone to see. "Mine was stolen in Corinth."

Everyone joined in the laughter. "Someone stole it from you in Corinth?" asked Aphrodite.

"Yeah, I was attacked by some thieves. I pulled it out of my bag thinking it was my dagger and started waving it at them. I have no idea what they may have thought it was."

"Okay ladies I have a surprise for you. It’s time to bring this party into the backyard. Follow me," cried the goddess walking to the backyard while the others followed. Aphrodite opened the door and waved her hand. The back porch was covered with a cedar overhang with misters lining the outside of the house. It led to the Jacuzzi that was now covered with a beautiful gazebo, a small wet bar included. Soft lights lined the structure.

"Aphrodite that’s gorgeous," responded Desire’ hugging the blonde goddess. "Thank you. You guys know what this means don’t you?"

The other women shook their heads. "It’s time to move this party into the hot tub!" she answered as she started taking off her clothes. "Come on. Bring your drinks."

"Well don’t just stand there. You heard the lady," interjected Melinda as she stripped down to nothing.

Moments later the women were inside the warm pulsating water, full margaritas in hand.

"So how come your girlfriends are the bachelors and you’re the bachelorettes?" asked Melinda. "Does that mean Annie and Danni are the butch ones?"

"Hah if I remember correctly, Desire’ was always the butch one," interrupted Maryanne.

"That’s passive butch to you," added Desire’ tipsy from the alcohol.

"That’s right. I was your aggressive femme," chuckled Maryanne.

"You two were lovers?" asked Melinda.

"Sort of. We had a complicated relationship," answered Maryanne.

"Please explain what a passive butch is," interjected Mattie.

"Desire’ was always the shy one," replied Maryanne.

"She was shy?" asked Mattie.

"Oh yes very."

"It was Maryanne who said ‘either you want it or you don’t’ when we first met," stated Desire’. "No hi my name is. Just either you want it or you don’t. I did and the rest is history," finished Desire’ as the others laughed. "She was very aggressive."

"I guess so," interjected Mattie and Aphrodite in unison.

"But she always wore the pants in the relationship," added Maryanne.

"Yeah. Every little dyke in California wore baggy cotton pants and starched cotton shirts. We used to starch the shit out of the collars and wear them standing straight up. That way we could identify other lesbians in straight society. I used to call it the lesbian hard on in my comedy routine."

"You used to be a comedian?" asked Mattie.

"I tried it but I wasn’t very good at it," answered Desire’.

"Nonsense. She’s just modest. She was great," interrupted Maryanne.

"Yeah great. That’s why I’m a photographer," protested Desire’.

"Don’t listen to her. She had this bit she did, sixty-nine reasons why you might be a dyke." The women laughed.

"Sounds funny. Do tell us Desire’," chimed in Aphrodite. "Come on, you’re among friends. Don’t be shy."

"Alright but don’t blame me if you don’t laugh. When everyone was busy trying to find their inner child I decided to find the inner dyke in me." The other four women laughed.

"You might be a dyke if you hear the term diamond and the first thing that comes to mind is a softball field." Everyone laughed except Melinda.

"You might be a dyke if you refer to your dog and cat as the children." Again everyone laughed except Melinda.

"Okay you might be a dyke if long fingernails is a definite sign of celibacy." This time Melinda joined in the laughter.

"You don’t have to be a dyke to understand that one," chuckled Melinda. "I’m sorry can I use that term even though I’m not a dyke?"

"Of course you can. Besides I bet you’ve been with a woman before," answered Maryanne.

"Duh, of course I have," answered Melinda.

"Then we won’t hold Harry against you," teased Maryanne. "Okay tell us more."

"You might be a dyke if the term ‘going down’ isn’t strictly a term used when riding the elevator."

"See I told you she was great," interrupted Maryanne between laughs.

"One more. You might be a dyke when beating around the bush is your description of sexual foreplay." All five women burst into laughter as she finished the punch lunch.

"Come on do one more," begged Maryanne.

"No good comedy is like good sex. You can’t do it all at once. You have to keep em begging for more."

"So how come you stopped doing comedy?" asked Mattie.

She got a bum rap," interrupted Maryanne. Desire’ glared at her friend, dark eyes conveying a silent message. Realizing her mistake Maryanne bowed her head averting her eyes away from the small beauty.

"What kind of bum rap?" asked Melinda innocently.

Desire’ sat in the water quietly as memories of long ago filtered through her mind. Waves of emotion came crashing down around her as she fought the onslaught of tears threatening to invade her face.

"Are you okay?" asked Mattie patting the small brunette on the shoulder as the color drained from Desire’s face.

Desire’ shook her head in an effort to compose herself. "Whoa too much liquor," she answered placing the half-full margarita on the edge of the spa. "That’s all. I guess I’ve become a light weight," she added chuckling. "Enough of my failed career in comedy. Let’s talk about something more interesting."

"Right," agreed Maryanne nervously.

"How about first time stories," continued Desire’. "You know, the first time you were with a woman," she added staring at Maryanne with a devilish glint in her eyes. "You first Maryanne."

"Uh nobody wants to hear about my first time," stammered Maryanne.

"Of course they do," purred Desire’. "If you don’t want to tell it, I’d be happy to for you."

"Oh this sounds juicy," interjected Aphrodite.

Maryanne looked cautiously around as several eyes focused on her. "Okay fine," she said glaring at her friend for several moments.

"Well what are you waiting for?" asked Desire’ grinning like a Cheshire cat.

"Let’s just say I was a little naïve," started Maryanne.

Desire’ chuckled "A little?"

"Do you want to tell the story?" asked Maryanne irritation in her voice.

"Oh no. It sounds so cute when you tell it," answered Desire’. "I’ll shut up," she added covering her mouth with her hand.

"That’s a first," mumbled Maryanne. "Anyway as I was saying. My best friend and I were very close in high school. On a dare we kissed then spent the next couple of months making out any chance we could get. One night after a football game, Eileen, that’s her name, spent the night. We made out half the night before Eileen suggested I take my clothes off, which I did. Then she started doing things to me."

Desire’ continued to giggle. "What kind of things?"

"You’re really enjoying this aren’t ya girl?" asked Maryanne as Desire’ nodded. "She started kissing me everywhere. I was going nuts. When she touched my breasts I thought I was gonna explode. Then she continued down my body kissing me. When she got to my stomach I stopped her." Maryanne paused to take a long drink from her margarita.

"Come on Maryanne. Tell us what happened next," interjected Desire’ very impatiently as Maryanne continued to glare at her.

"I looked down at her and with a very weak voice said ‘where ya goin."

Desire’ burst into laughter joined by the other three women and the goddess as Maryanne sunk down slowly in the water, her embarrassment obvious. "It’s a good thing I wasn’t your first," started Desire’ in between giggles. "I would’ve cracked up in the bed."

"Lucky for me Eileen was a much more sensitive lover than you," spat Maryanne.

"Me not sensitive? I remember our first night together. You’ve got that backwards," started Desire’.

"Don’t go there Desire’," interrupted Maryanne.

"Why not? What are you afraid of?" asked Desire’.

"I have nothing to hide," answered Maryanne.

"Good because this is very entertaining ladies. Go on Desire’," interjected Aphrodite as Mattie sat quietly shaking her head.

"We were both naked in bed. She was on top and she says to me, ‘by the way I have a girlfriend."

"It didn’t stop you," interrupted Maryanne.

"I spent thirty bucks on the motel room. You were paid for," Desire’ shot back.

Desire’ and Maryanne stared intensely at each other before breaking out in grins.

"Wench!" they yelled in unison and started laughing.

"Are you two always like this with each other?" asked Mattie.

"Only when we’re together," quipped Desire’.

"We’re like an old married couple. We fight all the time and never have sex," added Maryanne.

"Next subject ladies," interrupted Desire’.

"Let’s play I never," offered Maryanne.

"What’s that?" asked Mattie, a quizzical expression on her face.

"It’s a drinking game," Desire’ chimed in.

"I say something I haven’t done but know that one of you has. Everyone who has done this particular thing has to take a drink," explained Maryanne. Melinda, Mattie and Aphrodite looked at her blankly. "I’ll demonstrate. I’ve never done it on a horse. I know Desire’ has and she has to drink."

"Yeah in front of the whole army and some amazons," added Aphrodite giggling.

Desire’ froze glaring anxiously at the goddess. "Aphrodite!"

"What?" asked the goddess looking at the angry brunette then over at Mattie. "She mentioned Corinth," she added pointing an accusatory finger at Maryanne.

"Who said anything about Corinth?" asked Maryanne defending herself. "I was talking about Nash, oh my you naughty girl Desire’."

"That wasn’t your first time on a horse?" asked Aphrodite her eyes wide open in awe. Desire’ lowered herself in the water speaking with a meek voice. "I don’t think we should play this game."

"Oh no. I want to hear about it," stated Mattie waiting patiently for an explanation. Desire’ looked first at Aphrodite then at Maryanne before resting her eyes on Mattie, a guilty look on her face. "You and the conqueror?" asked Mattie.

Desire’ nodded, the water now above her lips as she continued to slink down. "It was only one Amazon Aphrodite."

"You have better sex in your dreams than I have in real life," interrupted Maryanne laughing.

Mattie glared at Desire’ for several long moments. "Guess I don’t know everything that happened," she stated.

"You should buy her a horse," quipped Desire’ sucking her teeth in an effort to suppress the laughter building inside.

Mattie gave her an evil grin and shoved the small brunette under the water, laughing as Desire’ struggled to come up for air. After a few seconds she released her hand and watched as Desire’ broke the surface, spitting out water as she composed herself.

"That was not nice," Desire’ said wiping water away from her face.

"Who said I was nice? Maybe in another lifetime," answered Mattie.

"Okay no more sex talk, especially about me," replied Desire’. "Besides it’s making me horny. I’m already ripe for the picking."

"Oh come on, you and Danni have been together every night for the last week," interjected Maryanne.

"Not like that we haven’t," answered Desire’.

"You mean you’re getting hitched and you haven’t even fucked her?" asked Maryanne in disbelief.

"Yes. Thank you so very much for your eloquence Maryanne. We keep getting interrupted or arrested. Supernatural forces are keeping us apart but that all changes tomorrow night," answered Desire’.

"Your mother," interrupted Aphrodite.

"What?" asked Desire’.

"Your mother wants you to be a virgin on your wedding night," answered Aphrodite.

"I knew it," exclaimed Desire’. "I told you Mattie."

"You don’t act like a virgin," interjected Melinda giggling.

"What’s a virgin act like?" asked Desire’.

"Not like you," answered Maryanne. "Although she has been celibate for four years so I guess you could call her a born again virgin."

"That’s debatable," added Aphrodite chuckling.

"Don’t start," stated Desire’ nodding her head toward Mattie.

"Oh right. Virgin it is," replied the goddess. "It’s getting late. You guys need to get dressed so we can crash the party. There is one thing I should warn you two about," added Aphrodite pointing at Mattie and Desire’.

"What?" they asked in unison.

"Ares might be there. I couldn’t not tell him about Xena."

"This should be fun. Does he remember me?" asked Desire’.

"You know the god of war?" asked Maryanne.

"Long story. I guess they left that detail out. I met him in Corinth."

"Only he doesn’t remember you. I put a spell on him."

"So. I don’t care if he doesn’t recognize me. At least then he won’t try to hurt me."

He won’t hurt you Desire’," interrupted Mattie. "I promise you Annie and I will make sure of that."

"He remembers Destiny," interjected Aphrodite.

"So?"

"You don’t remember him from when you were Destiny?"

"I know I slept with him but no I haven’t had any explicit memories of him," answered Desire. "Is there something else I should know?"

"You were his go to gal."

"What does that mean?"

"It means that you had a major thing for him. He’s never forgotten you."

"No wonder I’m so queer in this life," mumbled Desire’. Nervously she looked at the blonde goddess. "I wasn’t in love with him was I?"

"I wouldn’t call it that. But you had deep feelings for him. Personally I think he was safe for you. You knew he would always pine over Xena so you never had to worry about a commitment. Other then her, you’re the only one he ever talked about. Your relationship was about sex. When he does see you he will recognize Destiny and he will recognize you as Desire’ from Corinth."

"Well then it should be an interesting night so let’s go. Are you driving Aphrodite because I don’t think I can drive," asked Desire’.

"Hell no. I ordered us a limo. Now go get dressed. We have a party to crash."

**

"Well Annie this party is a dud," stated Ares.

"Hey I resemble that remark. I’m having a wonderful time," interjected Harry. "When does the stripper get here?"

"She should be here any minute now," answered Annie. "Relax Ares, you can have her. Hey Danni. Ares was telling me earlier how much he would love to see Destiny again. What do you think about that?"

Danni sauntered over to the god of war and leaned against the bar staring intently into his eyes. "I think if Destiny were here right now she wouldn’t give you the time of day. I’d bet on it."

"What would you like to bet?" asked Ares accepting the challenge.

"I’ll bet you a dance with my wife tomorrow night," answered Danni.

"What makes you think I’d want to dance with your wife?"

"Oh you will. Trust me. She’s Destiny," answered Danni grinning.

"What?" Ares looked over at Annie who just nodded. "I’ll take that bet. But I want to see her before the wedding. There is no way she is going to marry you after she sees me."

"Fine. You can meet Desire’ before the wedding."

"Desire’. Why does that name sound familiar?" asked Ares.

"Don’t you remember Corinth?" asked Annie.

"Of course I do. We had some good times Xena."

"Don’t remind me. You met her in Corinth. She looks exactly like Destiny including those amazing green eyes you loved so much."

"Well Danni. It looks like there will only be two weddings tomorrow," Ares said confidently.

"Look," yelled Harry pointing at the door. "The stripper is here," he added excitedly.

Two women with black Tina Turner wigs wearing masquerade masks were pulling and pushing a huge three-layer cake. "Ares," said Annie patting the war god on the shoulder. "She has a couple of assistants. You might get lucky after all."

The cake was brought to the center of the room. Sensual rhythmic music began to play as the top of the cake was removed revealing three women all wearing masks with long black wigs.

"Did you order three?" asked Annie.

"No. Maybe they’re having a special," answered Danni her eyes riveted on the scantily clad women.

The first woman jumped out wearing a skin tight small jade short sleeve T-shirt that hugged a well defined stomach and large full breasts with a matching lace g-string showing off firm round buttocks and muscular thighs, jade green gloves on her hands. She walked toward Danni. The second woman was taller, wearing red pasties across her nipples and a red bikini bottom. She made her way toward Harry. The last one was petite, wearing an emerald lace bikini showing off killer abs and strong legs. She walked toward Annie.

Their dance was choreographed as they moved to the music. All three women gyrated in unison to the rhythm before moving closer to the bachelors. Ares, Peggy and Sue observed, their mouths dropping as they watched the show.

"Now this is more like it!" cried the god of war.

Each woman rubbed against their bachelor, moving their bodies up and down the length of their victim, caressing their shoulders as they smiled and gasped at their stripper. In unison all three bachelors were pushed into chairs as the strippers climbed on top of them, grinding their hips into their laps, kissing their necks and roaming their hands over their chests. Harry, Danni and Annie responded by wrapping their arms around the half-naked bodies pulling them closer toward them, enjoying every moment of the show.

The strippers took blind folds out and placed them around their captives, giggling as they did. Simultaneously they grabbed their captives hands, pulling them toward their shoulders and guiding them down their chests until Annie, Danni and Harry sat in their chairs with their hands cupping firm breasts as the women ground their hips on top of them. All three were enjoying every touch of the woman on top of them.

"So Harry. This is the last stripper you’ll ever see," Melinda whispered into his ears. Harry stiffened up as she took the blind fold off of his eyes and placed her hand over his mouth in a hushing motion.

"Annie you’re a very lucky woman since I’m going to forgive you tonight," purred Mattie as she took her blind fold off and covered her mouth. Annie’s eyes shot open as she looked into the emerald green eyes of her lover, then over to Harry and back over to Danni who was still oblivious to what was going on.

Desire’ moved Danni’s hands underneath her shirt, prolonging the torture. With one hand she took off her mask then guided Danni’s hands to help remove the T-shirt. "Yeah, that’s nice," Danni said as she felt the soft skin underneath, Desire’s nipples covered only by pasties as she fought to contain her composure. Desire’ seductively removed her gloves as Danni continued to caress the soft full mounds of flesh. Desire’ ran her naked hands over Danni’s shoulders and chest as she continued to rock up and down in her lap.

Finally Desire’ leaned over to untie the blindfold pressing her breasts against Danni’s lips. "You had better think of something fast or your girlfriend is going to kill you," she whispered into Danni’s ears, holding her head firmly into her chest. When Danni looked up she froze, staring into the pale green eyes of her lover as the room burst into laughter.

"Didn’t really think we were going to let you have strippers tonight did you dear?" teased Desire’ as she released her grip on her.

"We are so dead," stated Danni, a weak grin on her face.

"You should be. You guys were enjoying it way to much," added Mattie slapping Annie playfully.

"Come on guys we knew it was you all along," answered Annie.

"Of course we did honey," chimed in Harry hugging and caressing his girlfriend.

Desire’ looked at Danni expecting the same response. Danni looked into her eyes. "I had no idea," she replied.

"Good answer," purred Desire’. "Honesty, I like that," she added grinding her hips into Danni’s lap. The two locked lips while the others looked on. Annie and Harry looked as though a comrade in arms had betrayed them.

"Pumpkin, you’re the only one for me," stated Annie weakly.

"That’s right warrior, you had better grovel. You knew it was me my ass," answered Mattie taking off her wig and smacking Annie with it.

Annie fought back until she had Mattie’s hands held down and kissed her. "Nice outfit. Are you wearing that home tonight?"

"Maybe but you’re still sleeping with Danni." Annie looked at her with her best pouty face. "Rules are rules."

"Harry honey that’s okay if you didn’t know it was me. I want you to have fun," stated Melinda.

"I love you Mel," answered Harry.

"Enough of this love crap," shouted Ares. "Are you going to introduce me Danni?"

Desire’ stood up to face Ares. "Hello Ares. It’s been a while," greeted Desire’.

"Too long," answered Ares, picking the small woman up and giving her a bone-crushing hug. Ares released the small woman and stared at her intensely, looking over every inch of her body. "You look good and you feel good Destiny."

"Thank you," purred Desire’. "You look as good as always. Of course I like you better in the leather. You feel the same, like a big OLE walkin, talkin vibrator."

Ares stood back his eyes bulging with disbelief as he stared at the woman. "It’s you!" he shouted. "The little demon dyke from Corinth. No it can’t be. You’re Destiny. We, I Annie is this some kind of sick joke?" asked the dark god.

"Afraid not bro," interrupted Aphrodite taking off her black wig. "You really need to move on."

Ares growled as he looked at his sister then back over to Desire’. "Desire’ what time is it?"

Desire’ looked at her watch. "It’s midnight," she answered.

"Hah. I won the bet Danni. She just gave me the time of day," he said smugly. "You owe me a dance," he added pointing at Desire’ and with a brilliant light he was gone.

"Danni it’s all in the wording," interjected Annie.

"What was that about?" asked Desire’.

"I’ll tell you later," answered Danni. "Now come here," she demanded, pulling Desire’ back into her lap. Playfully she pulled on the tassels covering her nipples. "I want you so bad," she whispered into Desire’s ear. "Let’s go somewhere more private," she added before claiming Desire’s mouth in a searing kiss, her hands never leaving the soft flesh.

"Danni not tonight," answered Desire’.

"Why not tonight?" cried Danni.

"Remember what Aphrodite said?"

"Screw Aphrodite."

"Hey I heard that," interrupted Aphrodite. "Come on. You can wait one more night. Now let’s get going. You ladies need your beauty sleep."

CHAPTER THIRTEEN — REFLECTIONS OF PAST LIVES

Both couples stood in the living room saying good night to each other. Desire’ jumped into Danni’s arms kissing her fervently. "You know we really don’t have to listen to the others. What harm could it do to spend the night together?" she whispered into Danni’s ears.

"Oh no," interrupted Annie pulling the little brunette off of her sister. "No need to take a chance on the house catching fire next."

"Like that’s really gonna happen. Come on I didn’t really mean what I said about my mother," defended Desire’. "You don’t really think her spirit is hanging around keeping me chaste until I’m married do you?"

All four women froze when the fireplace ignited. "Okay that was weird but we can share the same bed and just cuddle," stated Desire’ looking into the fire. As she finished the sentence the flames grew higher.

"All right mother this is just dumb. I’m an adult now. Stop trying to control my life," hissed Desire’ stalking around the room. A rustling noise was heard and Desire’ was struck in the back of the head with a framed photo of her mother that flew from the wall. "Owe okay I get the damn picture! No pun intended," cried Desire’. "Come on Mattie let’s go," she said walking away from Danni and toward the guestroom. She turned around when she reached the hallway. "And turn off the damn fireplace will ya mom?"

Moments later the fire was extinguished as all four women went to their sleeping quarters.

**

"If I find out Aphrodite was behind that little scene I will kill her," growled Desire’ sitting down on the loveseat.

"Either way one more night isn’t going to kill you," interjected Mattie.

"Might not kill me but you on the other hand have to put up with me tonight," teased Desire’.

"A fate worse than death," quipped Mattie.

"Now that’s the attitude. I am not in the mood to sleep."

"Then we’ll talk," offered Mattie sitting next to Desire’ on the loveseat.

"Talking isn’t exactly what I want to be doing right now."

"That’s the best I can do this evening."

"What’s it been like for you? I mean you married Annie when she was in a man’s body. Now she’s a woman. Were you gay or straight before you two met?"

"Desire’ I hate labels. I dated people who were interesting. I’ve always believed in soul mates so when I met Harry it didn’t take long to realize we were meant to be together. Amazingly our lovemaking is the same now as it was before Ares switched their souls back. Only the body parts are different but the passion and the love is the same. The only difference now is we can’t make a baby together."

"That and the marriage won’t be recognized as legal."

"That really bothers you doesn’t it? It’s really just a piece of paper."

"What bothers me is when people want to hurt us just for showing affection in public. That was an amazing feeling in Corinth. Nobody cared that we were two women." Desire’ paused looking at Mattie. "I’m sorry. I shouldn’t bring that up."

"Desire’ stop feeling guilty about that time. It happened but it was in an alternate universe. You two have always had a complex relationship. I’m just glad Aphrodite picked you even if it was by accident."

"What were you doing in Corinth during that time or do you have memories of it?"

"I was busy with our group. It was really kind of exciting. We were always moving trying to stay one step ahead and not get caught. We knew we were being watched but somehow we always managed to escape. I would get this feeling like we had better leave and my instincts were always right."

"You might want to thank Aphrodite next time you see her."

"For what?"

"When I arrived in Corinth the Chronus stone disappeared. Aphrodite couldn’t get involved directly because she feared the other gods would get suspicious. But she kept her eyes on you. She could appear without you seeing her and make suggestions so every time the spies got close it was her job to tell you even though you couldn’t see her."

"So you knew about me when you arrived?"

"Of course. I couldn’t let her kill you. I knew you would be in more danger with Xena then without."

"Because of Ares."

"Yeah, that and my only reference about the conqueror was Armageddon II. In that episode she crucified you. I couldn’t let that happen. Ares was keeping me alive until I led him to you. I don’t know why it took me so long to figure things out. Maybe it was the whack to my head."

"There was a rumor that you died."

"I did."

"What exactly happened?"

"I turned my back on a pissed off conqueror," quipped Desire’.

Mattie scowled at the small brunette beside her, grabbing her by the ear and pulling her head down. "Could you be serious just one time?"

"Owe, let go," squeaked Desire’ before Mattie released her grip. Both brows furrowed as she glared at her friend. "My mother never even used that move with me."

"Well she should have," replied Mattie. "Then maybe you would give a straight answer once in a while."

Desire’ sucked in her tooth and started to reply with a smirk in her eyes before Mattie clapped her hand over her mouth. "Don’t you dare make a straight joke," threatened Mattie. Desire’ slumped back in her seat feeling like a child being scolded by her mother. Both women sat silently glaring at each other before Mattie removed her hand, confident that Desire’ would refrain from sarcasm. "Tell me what happened.

"Didn’t she tell you the story?"

"Yes but I want to hear your version."

"You don’t think she told you the truth," answered Desire’.

"I know she told me the truth but she could only tell me how she felt. I want to know how you felt." Mattie reached over placing her hand over Desire’s. "If you had died we wouldn’t be here today. You would never have awakened."

"I guess I never thought about that," replied Desire’ her face now solemn. "It happened after the banquet. The conqueror decided I must like men so she gave Tallus permission to have me. At least that’s what I thought happened at the time."

"Annie said that she told Tallus only if you said yes."

"She didn’t know he was holding a dagger to my throat when I said yes. He put the knife away and started unzipping his pants. I pulled at my chains with all of my strength and slammed him across the head. I think he pulled his sword. One of the first things they taught me in karate was to fight with my hands tied in front of me so I knocked the sword away I think and started kicking and hitting him until he stopped. Then the conqueror pulled her sword on me."

"Did you really call her a coward?"

"Yeah, I was pissed and running on pure adrenaline."

"What happened next?"

"I challenged her to a fight, no weapons. Then she called me little and really pissed me off. We fought. She underestimated me and I was able to beat her. I turned away from her so she wouldn’t see me crying and she attacked me." Desire’ paused thinking of the events still so fresh in her mind.

"Why were you crying?"

"Fear. I was shaking one minute, the next I felt a dagger in my side. It all happened so fast. I remember her slamming my head into the ground and my body flying in the air then darkness until I woke up and saw Palemon. I was having a hard time breathing and closed my eyes. Then I felt the conqueror’s hand on me and panic gripped me. Next thing I knew I was walking on a stone floor on the way to Charon’s boat and I had a gold piece in my hand. Everything seemed like a dream to begin with so I never really thought about the seriousness of the situation."

"You would have died in your sleep and history would have stayed the same," interjected Mattie.

"Did that much really change I mean besides Xena living a little bit longer?"

"Xena lived a lot longer and yes a lot of things changed for our families."

"Like what?"

"Gabrielle got to know Destiny. After Xena died the first time Gabrielle went to Egypt then on to Greece to defeat Dahak.

"You have memories of the first time Xena died in Japan?"

"It’s complicated. Until last week I only remembered Gabrielle’s life with Xena. We both woke up with vivid memories of you and Corinth but I had very hazy memories of another story. The story was about me going on without Xena. I found out Hope was alive and had a daughter. But I had hazy memories of two very different versions of the same story. Before we met I asked Aphrodite about it. She told me everything."

"What did she tell you?"

"She told me that when Xena died, Gabrielle went to Egypt then back to Greece. There she killed Hope and Destiny. It gave her the strength to defeat Dahak."

"That was before the time travel?" Mattie nodded her head in response. "So what happened the second time?"

"Xena traveled with Gabrielle. When they met Destiny, Gabrielle wanted to kill her and Hope but Xena thought Destiny was worth saving."

"Did you save Destiny? I’ve been having flashbacks but nothing about this first meeting. That first night when I laid my head down on Danni’s lap I dreamed that I was lying in Eve’s arms. She was dressing a wound and telling me she would never leave me."

"That must have been a long time later. Destiny helped us defeat Dahak after he killed Hope. I don’t remember much more but I think we traveled with Destiny and Solon back to the northern Amazon territory."

"I thought Solon died at a very young age."

"Xena’s son died. Destiny had a son and named him Solon."

"Wow I had a son in another life. Was I at least a decent parent?"

"I only have vague memories but I do remember the very first meeting. From that I would say Destiny was a terrific mother. She risked her life to save him."

Desire’ looked away lost in her own thoughts as she listened.

"Desire’ when did you start having memories of Destiny?" asked Mattie interrupting the memories flooding in Desire’s mind.

"I didn’t really until I met you guys. I just wanted to write a fan fiction story. I guess we really didn’t get off on the right foot did we?"

"No I didn’t give Destiny a chance at first. The funny thing is that Xena had this feeling about her. She even felt like she had met Destiny before."

"I don’t know how this time travel stuff works but technically those memories would’ve been after the alternative universe. Didn’t she think Destiny looked a bit like me?"

"That’s what I asked Aphrodite. She told me that our memories were altered. Eve suddenly appeared in Japan. Until last week we had no memories of any of the events."

"It’s so weird. It happened last week but it happened thousands of years ago to you. Maybe it’s better if we don’t remember our past lives. It’s very confusing."

"Yes but there’s a lot to be learned when we do. For some people it’s essential in helping them learn important life lessons."

"I don’t even know where you guys live," stated Desire’.

"We’re moving to San Diego. There’s a university there that teaches about reincarnation. It’s all very scientific and spiritual not like the scam I was running."

"California huh. I have a house down there near my favorite beach."

"Near San Diego?"

"Not really. It’s closer to Orange County, Sunset beach. It’s the most beautiful place in the world during a full moon."

"What’s so special about it?"

"In the summer time when the moon is full at around 3 or 4 in the morning it feels like the center of the universe. The moon is so full and bright that it lights up the beach. The tide is low and the ocean feels like bath water. Sometimes on my birthday when I’m depressed I go there just to swim. It’s a feeling I can’t explain but it always makes me feel like I own the world. I’ll take you guys there someday when Danni and I are visiting."

"When is your birthday?"

"Getting personal aren’t you?"

"Is it a secret?"

"No. July 28. I usually go there in the morning when the moon is full. Birthdays aren’t happy days for me."

"Why is that?"

"They just aren’t. Trust me on this. That’s why I usually end up at my beach."

"Well that’s going to change this year. You two will have to spend it with us."

"Just promise you won’t make a big deal about it."

"I promise," answered Mattie reluctantly, her fingers crossed behind her back.

"So tell me about you? Don’t you have any demons inside or juicy little stories?"

"No. I was raised in San Francisco. My parents were flower children. Everything was always about peace and love so of course I had to rebel against them. They did tons of drugs in the sixties and when I started smoking pot they bought me a bong. That took the fun out of it. Sex wasn’t exciting. They offered to take me to the doctor and put me on the pill when I was fourteen. They loved rock and roll so I pissed them off by getting into classical music, which I hated so we were all miserable. So I started stealing and from there I started conning people until I met Annie. Since then I’ve been involved with charity work trying to give back some of what I have taken."

"How ironic. In this life you’re looking for redemption."

"We all have different lessons to learn in each life. Now I know about guilt."

"At least you seem happy."

"I am thanks to Annie. I’m also very tired. How about you?"

"I guess I could give it a go."

"Good. We have a big day tomorrow. Get some sleep."

**

Annie put on her nightshirt and jumped onto the bed. "This is comfy," she said as she watched her sister pace the floor. "Got a little pent up energy there sis," she teased.

"What do you think?"

"I think you had better get some sleep so you’ll have energy for the wedding night," answered Annie.

"Don’t worry. I’ll have plenty of energy for tomorrow night," replied Danni.

"I wasn’t worried," mumbled Annie. "Is there something else on your mind?"

"Not really," answered Danni.

"That would be a yes. Are things going too fast for you?"

"Not for me. I just wonder if Desire’ is in love with the idea of being in love or if she is really in love with me."

"Why would you think that?"

"When I saw her on Saturday night I recognized her. You didn’t tell me she was my soul mate but I knew anyway. You told her who I was."

"Only because she asked us about you."

"What do you mean?"

"She’s been having memories of Destiny for a while now only she thought she was creating a story. When she found out those were memories from her past life she asked about Eve."

"What did she say?"

"She thought that Eve was her soul mate and she asked if we had found you. So relax. The connection is just as strong for her as it is for you."

"Thanks for telling me that. So it doesn’t have anything to do with me looking like you?"

"No that’s just a perk," teased Annie. "Trust me if you had been a man or had three boobs she would still have wanted to be with you."

"What’s that supposed to mean?"

"It’s complicated. Just know she loves the person within."

"Do you still love her?"

"Yes I do and I always will. But I’m in love with Mattie and that will never change. After tomorrow night you won’t feel so insecure."

"Maybe you’re right, if I survive that long."

"You got it bad.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN — SINS OF THE PAST

Danni walked quietly through the hall careful not to disturb the others. The living room was dark except for the flickering light from the television. Desire’ lay back in the over sized recliner, two large tabby and white cats draped over her feet and stomach. A sleepy black dog laid on the floor raising his head to look at the intruder before stretching out on the carpet and closing his eyes. Danni walked behind the chair listening to the soft sound of her partner’s breathing as a soft sob escaped the small brunette’s mouth. Desire’ wiped the tears from her eyes as she tuned herself into the quiet footsteps behind her.

"Hey sweetie. Having second thoughts already?" whispered Desire’.

"How did you know it was me?" asked Danni as she wrapped her arms around Desire’s neck and planted a soft kiss on a moist cheek.

Desire’ reached her left arm behind Danni to embrace her. "I just knew."

"What are you watching that’s so sad?"

"CMT," answered Desire’.

"You’re crying over music videos?"

"Didn’t Annie warn you I cry a lot?" replied Desire’ sniffling. "You should see me at the movies," she added.

"I’ll take that into consideration," responded Danni. "I don’t suppose there’s room for two on that chair."

Desire’ looked up into sparkling blue eyes and smiled. "There’s always room for you," she answered. Two large cats opened sleepy eyes as Danni made her way onto the chair. Moments later Danni was nestled alongside Desire’, strong arms around her shoulder in a tight embrace.

"Much better," purred Desire’ leaning her head back into Danni’s chest. "So how come you’re not sleeping?"

"Annie snores like a lumberjack," answered Danni chuckling. "How come you’re not sleeping?"

"I don’t do well in close quarters. I figured Mattie would make a much better looking bride without the half dozen or so bruises I might inflict during the night."

"So that’s why such a small women has such a large bed," responded Danni.

"That and because six women can fit on it," teased Desire’. "All at the same time."

Danni looked at Desire’ lying in her arms with a cocky grin on her face. "You are kidding right?" she asked cautiously.

"Don’t worry. Those days are long gone for me. I still have to sleep on a king size bed though."

"That won’t be a problem," replied Danni.

"So then you aren’t having second thoughts?" asked Desire’.

"No I’m not. This feels right."

"Yeah," sighed Desire’ snuggling against the tall dark beauty. Both women sat silently in each other’s embrace for many moments, content to enjoy the intimacy as Danni ran her hand through the dark brown tresses.

"I love your long hair," Danni whispered.

"Lucky for you it grew in Corinth," answered Desire’. "It used to be very short."

"Long or short I love your hair." Danni continued running her fingers through the hair while Desire’ made small purring noises.

"Is that you or the cat?" asked Danni grinning.

"Oh it’s definitely me," husked Desire’ her eyes closed as her head fell back into the strong hand. "Woa," she gasped moving her head forward quickly blinking her eyes as a wave of nausea came over her.

"What’s wrong?" asked Danni startled.

"Sorry. I should’ve warned you. Don’t touch the scar. I faint."

"Point taken," answered Danni pulling the small brunette toward her. "So what’s your natural hair color?"

Desire’ looked up slightly offended by the question. "This is my natural hair color." Desire’ paused and added, "Okay so I dye it to cover a little bit of gray but before the gray showed up my hair was dark brown with black highlights and I only have a few gray hairs," she defended.

"How come your hair is brown in the family photos?"

"I have no idea. Ask god. I used to die it blonde and when I stopped coloring my hair it grew back this color. How about you? Has your hair always been this dark?"

"My hair was a muddy brown. I went to a Halloween party one year as Elvira. People kept complimenting me on the color so I started dying it black."

"Good decision. I love black hair. So tell me about your parents."

"They own a Greek restaurant in Denver. Father is English and mother is Greek. We got mother’s coloring and father’s eyes."

"Do you look more like your mother?" asked Desire’ as Danni nodded her response. "That’s something we have in common. My father was English too. Mom was German. I look like her but I also have my father’s eyes. Of course now people say I look just like my dad. It’s funny how people perceive their kids."

"Do you ever want to have kids?" asked Danni.

"Well actually I’ve been thinking about getting a companion for Blue. Either another dog or a kitten. But if I get a kitten it will have to be tabby and white like the boys and of course if I get another dog it will have to look like Blue. But that will be impossible to find since I have never seen another dog that looks remotely like Blue." Danni sat quietly holding Desire’ watching her with amusement as she rambled on. "Where am I going to find a big black hound dog with a white muzzle with freckles and a beige and black chest and legs? Gotta have my pets color-coded you know," finished Desire’ pausing to look up at Danni’s face.

"Actually I was talking about children," interjected Danni. Desire’ stared at her reflecting on the statement. "You know human children?" added Danni.

"Oops. I guess I’m one of those people who thinks of her pets as the children."

"Well do you?" prodded Danni.

"I think that ship kind of sailed. I’m a bit past my prime if you know what I mean but I will try my damndest to get you pregnant if you want children. You’ve still got a few good child bearing years left in you."

"I have thought about having kids but only if I’m in a committed relationship. I would want my children to have two parents like I did growing up."

"I feel the same way," interjected Desire’ her tone of voice tinged with sadness. "Children deserve a stable home with a supportive family. Speaking of kids what were you like growing up?" Smooth segue girl. I’m proud of you, purred the little voice.

"I was a definite tomboy. I loved sports and music," responded Danni.

"What did you want to be when you grew up?" asked Desire’.

"When I was about ten I wanted to be Sabrina Duncan," answered Danni.

"From Charlie’s Angels?" asked Desire’. Danni nodded her reply. "Now see there’s something else we have in common. When you were dreaming of being her, I was dreaming of doing her," added Desire’ laughing. "When did you give up on that dream?"

"When I was a teenager. I learned to play guitar and wanted to be in a rock band like the Bangles or the Go Go’s."

"What a coincidence," Desire’ said smirking. "As a young adult I wanted to do the Bangles and the Go Go’s."

"I see a pattern developing here."

"Just one of my numerous talents. Did you go to college?" asked Desire’.

"Yes I did. I went on scholarship."

"Let me guess, a basketball scholarship."

"No as a matter of fact it was a softball scholarship."

"Something else we have in common."

"Let me guess," interrupted Danni. "You dreamed of doing the softball team in college."

"No smart aleck but a good guess. I played softball in college for three years."

"Really," replied Danni.

"Really. I did the basketball team. Remember I have a thing for tall chicks," answered Desire’ trying to keep her laughter quiet as Danni shook her head in reply.

"I gather you dated a lot in school," commented Danni.

"Oh yeah. Had to earn my nickname."

"What’s your nickname?"

"Tiger."

"Why Tiger?"

"Because I was always on the prowl," purred Desire’ a small grin on her face.

"Come on. Tell me the real reason."

"I’m a tiger in the bed," quipped Desire’. Danni stared back stifling a grin. "Stroke me and I purr," added Desire’ grinning wickedly. Before Desire’ could defend herself Danni’s hands were around her sides tickling her relentlessly. Her resistance was futile in the strong arms of her mate as she giggled and laughed until Danni released her hold. "Paybacks Danni," she stated trying to catch her breath.

"So do I get the real story or do I torture you some more?" asked Danni slyly.

"Okay you win buts it really kind of boring."

"Nothing about you is boring. Tell me the story."

"Did I mention to you that I am a black belt in karate?" Danni shook her head in response. "I am. I earned my belt in high school. I fight like the tiger and the leopard. Only leopard sucks as a nickname so my buddy started calling me tiger and it stayed with me through college. That’s it."

"Courage, tenacity and power," replied Danni.

"I see you know a bit about karate."

"Yes I do. The leopard represents timing, speed, coordination and footwork."

"Okay does this mean you could give me a run for my money in a bout?"

"Yes. My style is that of the dragon and the crane."

"Inner strength, gracefulness, balance, agility and ick patience. I never did well with the patience part. Are you a black belt?" Danni nodded her head.

"We are one and the same yet we are opposites," answered Danni.

"How do you mean?"

"I think our fighting styles are a perfect example of how alike yet different we are. We both love karate yet our styles couldn’t be more opposite. I work in the business end of the music industry and you have all of the artistic skills. We are the same yet opposite."

"Very philosophical. And don’t forget you wanted to be a Bangle and I wanted to do the Bangles."

"Are you ever serious?"

"I try not to be."

"I thought you said you learned karate in jail," asked Danni.

"It’s more like I relearned karate in jail. I quit after I earned the black belt. In fact I gave it up for five years plus I gained a lot of weight and was really slow so it was like starting all over again."

"Tell me about your college years," stated Danni changing the subject.

"They were the best years of my life, that is until the fourth year," answered Desire’ her expression changing from happy to wistful.

"What happened during your senior year?"

"I made the biggest mistake of my life and that’s saying a lot because I’ve made some really big mistakes. I had to wait until after prison to finish my degree."

Danni’s body tensed up a feeling of dread enveloping her. She gruffly pushed Desire’ away and stood up away from the chair.

"Hey did I say something wrong?" asked Desire’.

Danni’s face turned grim as she looked down at the small brunette. "What school did you go to?" she asked, pale blue eyes staring blankly forward.

"I went to UCLA."

"When did you go there?"

"Danni what’s wrong? You’re scaring me."

"Answer me. When did you go there?"

"1981 to 1984," answered Desire’ panicked by the change in the tall brunette’s emotions.

Danni began to pace back and forth across the carpet. She turned around and glared at Desire’ the softness gone from her eyes replaced with fury as she tried unsuccessfully to remain calm. "You were heavier," stated Danni as Desire’ nodded. "Your hair was platinum and you had a Billy Idol haircut right?"

"Yeah I was trying to fit in. Don’t hold a bad haircut against me."

"You’re Tiger Long aren’t you?" asked Danni her eyes clouding with tears.

"Yes," answered Desire’ leaping from the chair toward her distraught girlfriend. She reached her hands forward only to have them batted away from the tall beauty.

"Get away from me." Danni turned away and made a mad dash for the bedroom.

Desire’ stood there for a moment before walking toward the bedroom. Frightened by Danni’s erratic behavior her first instinct was to follow her. Good manners kept her from entering the room and waking up Annie so she stood in the hallway straining to hear Danni’s words inside.

Danni rummaged around in the dark looking for her car keys. Annie heard the noise and sat up staring at her sister. "What are you doing?" she asked shaking the sleep from her eyes.

Danni found the item she was looking for before staring at her twin, anger and sorrow etched in her regal features. "I can’t marry her."

"What!" asked Annie whispering loudly.

"You heard me. I can’t marry her." Danni took a deep breath before continuing. "I gotta get out of here," she added. Danni stormed out of the bedroom before Annie could respond.

Desire’ stood in the hallway blocking her pathway. "Danni what’s wrong?"

"Get out of my way." Desire’ stood her ground trying to figure out the source of Danni’s sudden anger. Strong arms picked her up and threw her against the wall. "I said out of my way!" Danni darted toward the front and left, slamming the door behind her as Desire’ slid to the ground dazed from the impact.

"Are you okay?" asked Annie running from the bedroom to her aide.

"No I’m not okay. What’s with you guys and walls anyway?" hissed Desire’ rubbing the back of her head.

"What’s going on out here?" asked Mattie walking into the front room from the other side of the house. Before receiving an answer she rushed to the small form lying on the floor against the wall. "What happened?" She offered the small brunette assistance.

Desire’ batted both women away. "I’m fine thank you," she answered. "Where did Danni go to college?"

"She went to UCLA," answered Annie.

"When?" asked Desire’.

"She graduated in 1988 I think," replied Annie.

Desire’ shook her head, tears forming in her eyes, a helpless feeling in her gut. "Guess she really doesn’t want to be married to an ex convict," she stated quietly placing her head in her hands to hide the tears forming in her eyes.

Annie and Mattie looked at Desire’ then at each other, confusion in their expressions. Desire’ looked up at her guests, tears running down her face. "I tried to tell her about it a few days ago. She said if I wasn’t a cold-blooded killer she could forgive anything. I’m not a cold blooded killer."

"Annie maybe you should go after your sister," suggested Mattie.

"You’re right. She probably went to Melinda’s house," answered Annie before walking away into the bedroom. "She’s still more comfortable talking to Harry."

"Take my car," interjected Desire’ pointing at the keys on the table.

Mattie watched her partner leave the room then turned her attentions back to Desire’ who was crying quietly on the floor, her hands still covering her face. Mattie knelt down and extended her arms forward. Desire’ hesitated then reached for the blonde wrapping weak arms around her shoulders for support as she continued to cry.

Several minutes later Annie came back into the room. She pointed to the head of dark hair nestled within Mattie’s arms. "Is she going to be okay?"

"She’ll be okay," answered Mattie softly. "Go. Find your sister before this gets out of hand." Annie nodded and walked out of the door.

**

Mattie sat silently on the floor holding her distraught friend for several minutes before Desire’ lifted her head, exposing moist cheeks, her eyes red from the tears.

"Ready to talk?" asked Mattie.

Desire’ nodded. "I’ve tried so hard to put my mistakes behind me and make up for them but it never seems to be enough."

"How long were you in jail?"

"For three years."

"That’s a long time."

"I got time off for good behavior."

"What did you do?"

"I was convicted of involuntary manslaughter," answered Desire’ looking into the horrified eyes of her guest. "Surprised huh?"

"Yes I guess I am. Can you start from the beginning?"

"I was born on a little farm in the back hills of Tennessee in nineteen sixty," began Desire’ using her thickest redneck accent.

"Desire’," interrupted Mattie. "Please don’t kid about this."

"I’m sorry. Old habits die hard. Today is supposed to be the happiest day of my life. Instead it feels like the darkest day yet."

"Danni is an emotional woman. I’m sure things will work out."

"No they won’t. She knows the story and it disgusts her. I don’t blame her."

"Tell me what happened."

"During my sophomore year we had a new pitcher on the team, a freshman. We clicked instantly and became best friends. She was one of only two straight girls on the team and I loved her. We did everything together. She would go bar hopping with me during the off season, always kidding me about my hopeless love life." Desire’ paused in reflection.

"What was so hopeless about your love life?"

"I never had a problem getting dates but I always seemed to end up with every drug dealer in California."

"What drugs did you do?" asked Mattie.

"I just slept with them. I never touched drugs in college. I waited until after I got out of jail to act stupid."

"So you had an active sex life. That’s not uncommon in college."

"Over active is more like it. The girls on the team thought I was a stud but Lin knew me better. I just picked the wrong women and kept getting my heart broken. Some of the girls even accused me of corrupting Lin."

"Did you ever sleep with her?"

"No. She married after high school. Her husband went to Berkeley. She spent most of her time with me but stayed with him during the summer and on holidays. Until my senior year."

"What happened then?"

"My parents found out I was gay. Mom disowned me and I had nowhere to go for the holidays. Lin invited me over for Thanksgiving but I refused her offer to spend Christmas with her and her husband. She surprised me by coming back on New Years Eve. Jonathon had to work that night so she came back to keep me company."

"Sounds like a wonderful friend."

"She was," answered Desire’ trembling as she spoke. "We went to the Suite in Long Beach for this big blowout party. I was the designated driver. We were going to spend the night at a friend’s house in Seal Beach so we wouldn’t have to drive too far. I had two drinks that night in like five hours and a sip of champagne at midnight. Lin was definitely drunk by the end of the night."

"So you drove home," interrupted Mattie.

"Yeah. I remember getting on the 405 freeway. The very next exit was my turn off but the next thing I know I’m lying on the ground looking up at the twin boobs at San Onofre."

"You blacked out?"

"Yes. To this day I don’t remember anything."

"That’s a long drive to forget."

"I rolled the car. I didn’t have my seatbelt on and was thrown from the crash. Paramedics were lifting me onto a gurney. My neck was in a brace and I remember my head hurting so badly. When I woke up in my hospital room they read the list of injuries which included a fractured skull. They told me that if the impact had been a fraction higher or lower my neck would’ve snapped and I was lucky to be alive. Lin wasn’t so lucky." Desire’ stopped momentarily as tears began to fall involuntarily down her face. "She was crushed to death in the car."

"You loved her very much didn’t you?" asked Mattie as Desire’ nodded. "Come on. Why don’t you sit on the sofa and finish."

Desire’ complied and followed her over to the sofa. "There was nothing lucky about me surviving. I think about that day over and over and I still wish I had died in that crash."

"Hey don’t talk like that. If you had died I never would have found you."

"You know this week has been the best week of my life since the accident. Until now. In just seven days Danni had me believing that maybe I do deserve to have love in my life."

"You do deserve love and you will always have us to remind you of that," replied Mattie. "Did you ever find out what caused the blackout?"

"They found Quaaludes in my blood."

"You said you never did drugs. How did they get in your system?"

"It doesn’t matter. The police had the evidence and witnesses could place me in the company of a dealer at the bar. Linda was my responsibility and I killed her."

"So you didn’t take the drug at the club?"

"Mattie it’s in the past. Every day I have to live with the memory that I killed my best friend. Obviously I took the drug. I just don’t remember every little detail from that night. I barely even remember dancing with Jillian that night. I fucked up. End of story."

"Who’s Jillian?"

"Just one of my many ex lovers," answered Desire’ frustrated at the line of questioning.

"Was she a drug dealer?"

"She dealt cocaine only."

"Maybe she gave you the drug."

"No," defended Desire’. "She knew I didn’t do drugs. She would never have done that to me. Look I did the crime and I paid my time."

"I can’t believe a jury would convict you without more evidence."

"It never went to trial."

"What?"

"I pleaded out. I killed her Mattie. A beautiful life was snuffed out because of my carelessness. Please just leave it at that."

**

. A million lights illuminated the Las Vegas skies and not one street lamp worked. Annie drove slowly down the darkened street stopping when she recognized the SUV in front of Melinda’s house. She parked the car and strolled quietly up the walkway as Harry opened the door.

"I saw you pull up," he stated. "Danni’s inside."

"I saw the truck. Do you know what’s going on?" asked Annie as she entered the building.

"I have no idea. She has been crying and hitting things since she got here. I’m just thankful she made it here in one piece in her condition. What happened?"

"I wish I knew. By the time I got out of bed Danni was out the door and Desire’ was lying on the floor," answered Annie.

"Did Danni hit her?"

"Not exactly. She slammed her against the wall."

"Is she okay?" asked Harry, concern in his voice.

"Physically yes. Emotionally she’s a wreck. Mattie is with her."

"Danni is in the back. Maybe she’ll talk now that you’re here."

Danni walked into the room as he finished his sentence. Her eyes were red, her face stained with tears. "Do you care to tell me what happened?" asked Annie.

"She lied. She’s not who she says she is," answered Danni.

"Can you be more specific?"

"Her name isn’t Desire’ Love. I didn’t even know convicts could legally change their name," hissed Danni.

"Fill in the blanks. If that’s not her name what is it and what crime has she committed?" asked Annie impatiently.

"Her name is Darlene Long and she’s a murderer."

"What?" exclaimed Annie.

"Why does that name sound familiar?" asked Harry. "Darlene Long, I know I’ve heard it before." He looked up gazing into the reddened eyes of the sister he grew up with. "Oh my god. No Danni. Are you sure?"

"She admitted it tonight," answered Danni.

"Can someone please explain what’s going on?" demanded Annie.

"Annie I told you we had an older sister right?" asked Danni.

"Yes. Her name was Linda. You said she died in a car accident," replied Annie.

"She was killed in a car accident. Big difference. The driver of the car was high on drugs. She couldn’t even remember driving on the freeway. The driver was Darlene Long, Linda’s college buddy."

"And Desire’ is really Darlene," finished Annie.

"Yes," replied Danni weakly, tears threatening to fall down her face. "I can forgive a lot of things but I don’t know if I can forgive the woman who murdered my sister. I should have killed her in Corinth when I had the chance."

"Danni that’s uncalled for," Annie said distraught at the implication.

"Annie you didn’t know Linda. She was intelligent and beautiful and loving until that witch got hold of her. All she ever talked about was Tiger this and Tiger that. Even John could tell what was going on but he loved Linda so much he let it slide thinking it was just a phase she was going through."

"Slow down Danni," interrupted Annie. "Who’s John and who’s Tiger? What phase are you talking about?"

"Tiger was Darlene’s nickname in school because she was always on the prowl," answered Danni sarcastically. "John was Linda’s husband and he knew they were sleeping together. How could she sleep with a married woman?"

"That just doesn’t sound like her. She said she was an ex convict before I left. How long was she in prison?" asked Annie.

"Not long enough. She only served three years."

"Danni you can’t believe she did this on purpose. I know the laws in California. She must have gotten time off for good behavior. Look I know you’re hurting but she served her time."

"Linda was pregnant at the time of the crash. She must have known because she made a quick deal with the attorney. By the time the autopsy revealed the pregnancy the deal had been made."

Annie stood in the middle of the room staring back at her twin, a solemn expression on her face. "Maybe you should just talk to her Danni."

"Why? For years I’ve dreamed of finding her and confronting her and asking her why. I even tried tracking her down but she seemed to have fallen off the face of the earth after prison. Now I know why. I’ve wanted her dead to pay for Linda’s life."

"Now is your chance to talk to her. It might bring you closure."

"Not now," answered Danni shaking her head vehemently. "Maybe one day but not now."

**

Annie stormed through the doorway heading directly toward Desire’ as she stood up from the sofa, feral blue eyes glaring at the small brunette. Once she was within striking distance the tall warrior picked Desire’ up by the throat with one hand, lifting her off of the ground until they were face to face just inches away from each other. "Who are you!" she cried.

"Annie don’t! Put her down!" yelled Mattie.

"Back off Mattie. This is between her and me," answered Annie a menacing tone in her voice.

"Put me the fuck down now," hissed Desire’ pale green eyes dark with rage. "Or."

"Or what?" mocked Annie. "You broke her tonight and I want to know who the hell you are now!"

"I’m going to count to three and you had better let me down," threatened the green-eyed monster. "One, two," she started before bringing her arms in front of her. With lightning speed she clasped her hands together and slammed them into the tall brunette’s stomach, the impact causing Annie to lose her grip. Desire’ jumped back two steps her hands forward in a ready position. "You want to settle this with violence. Go ahead."

"Stop you two. This is nuts," interrupted Mattie as she jumped in between the two combatants. "We’re not in ancient Greece ya buffoons."

"I didn’t barge into your house and attack you," hissed Desire’ staring intently at Annie.

"Stop growling both of you. Now she’s right Annie. You owe her an apology," answered Mattie shaking her head in frustration. Annie never flinched a muscle. She turned only her eyes toward Mattie then back at Desire’. "Whatever. At least nod your head."

Annie slowly nodded her head, eyes still fixated on the small brunette across from her. "Answer my question Tiger," she said, her tone menacing.

"Back off princess," spat Desire’ as Mattie threw her hands up in disgust.

"Did you think changing your name would change what you did?" asked Annie still staring across the room at the small brunette.

"Oh that’s rich coming from you. Oops that was Livia, I mean Eve, whatever," answered Desire’.

"You guys are a couple of idiots!" shouted Mattie grabbing her hair by the roots. "Go ahead kill each other. Just don’t expect me to clean up the mess!"

"She’s right you know," interjected Desire’ tilting her head toward the angry blonde while Annie nodded in agreement. "You should listen to her. She really is smarter then you," she added a friendly gleam in her eyes.

"I’m sorry Desire’. Danni is so hurt right now. She told me everything and maybe I over reacted," explained Annie easing up tense muscles.

"Annie she only knows what she heard in school," defended Desire’. "Unless she knew Lin."

"You mean Linda," corrected Annie.

"She was always Lin to me or Mrs. Jonathan Reeves."

"So you knew she was married?" asked Annie.

"Of course. I was her best friend."

"How could you sleep with her?"

"Annie I never slept with her. Sure I loved her and she was gorgeous but that married part was a real turn off. Why would Danni say that?"

"Apparently they were close."

"How close?" asked Desire’ tentatively.

"They were sisters."

Desire’s eyes shot up in horror, pale green eyes filling with tears as she looked at Mattie then Annie. She trembled, as she mouthed the word no. The sound of her voice was gone as she crumbled to the ground and burst into tears, one hand covering her face in shame, the other hugging her breast.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN - REGRETS

Mattie kneeled next to Desire’, one hand on the devastated woman’s shoulder while Annie looked on, frozen by the scene unfolding before her. Many long uncomfortable moments passed as Desire’ cried uncontrollably, her hands never leaving her face as she hid in shame. She was grateful that her friends had bravely stayed by her side but a part of her prayed silently for the solace of an empty house.

Finally Desire’ gathered the strength to look up and acknowledge her guests. Her face was red and swollen, stained from the onslaught of tears. Silently she stood up and walked slowly toward the bathroom to retrieve a tissue and attend to the mess that was her face. Mattie and Annie stood in the front room, their arms around each other as she walked back in.

She stood in front of them, a tissue in one hand, her expression blank. Her voice quivered as she began to speak slowly, struggling to articulate her speech. "I have always wondered what this would feel like and now I know." She paused looking past her guests before continuing. "I have this song pounding in my head. It goes: When you hit rock bottom there’s only two places to go, straight up or sideways. I’ve been sideways since the day I woke up from that accident so many years ago. Can’t do it anymore. This is rock bottom and I’m ready to go straight up." She paused then added, "Alone."

"What are you going to do?" asked Annie softly.

Desire’s speech was slow and deliberate, pausing between each sentence as if in deep thought. "I’m going to start living. I can’t undo the past. If I could I would change places with Linda in a nana second. I’ve tried death. That didn’t work. So I choose life. I have you to thank for that," she added pointing to Annie. "You two should be with Danni right now. She needs you."

"Are you saying you don’t?" asked Mattie.

"Not as much," Desire’ answered softly, tears still leaking from her eyes. "But I do appreciate you both. You’ve reminded me how wonderful it can be to have a family."

"That will never change," declared Mattie leaning over to hug the small brunette. Desire’ returned the embrace burying her face on a strong shoulder as small sobs escaped her voice. She rubbed her nose along the small blonde’s shoulder, a mischievous gleam in her eyes as she looked up at Annie before breaking the contact.

"Did you just," started Mattie.

"I couldn’t reach my tissue," interrupted Desire’. Mattie’s eyebrows furrowed as she glared back. "Relax I didn’t leak on you. Remember me the queen of levity?"

Her answer came back in the form of a playful slap across the top of her head.

"I’m sure you have a lot of questions before you go. Why don’t we sit down," added Desire’ pointing to the dining room table and walking toward it to sit down. Annie and Mattie followed taking the two seats across from her.

"Who says we’re leaving?" asked Annie, her arms folded in front of her.

Desire’ looked down at her watch. "You’re getting married in about twelve hours. You want to look good at your own wedding don’t you?"

"We’re not getting married today without you there," interjected Mattie

"Please don’t do that to me. I already feel like shit as it is," answered Desire’.

"She’s right cowgirl. It won’t be the same without you," added Annie.

"I’ll be with you guys, right here," replied Desire’ placing her right hand over her heart. "Do it for me."

"I don’t know," replied Annie and Mattie in unison.

"It’s going to take Danni a long time to get over this, if ever," stated Desire’.

"Don’t under estimate her," defended Annie.

"I’m just being practical. Don’t let my mistakes hurt you too," she pleaded.

"Will you answer my questions?" asked Annie.

"Of course. That’s why we’re sitting here."

"Why the name change?" started Annie.

"I was born Desire’ Darlene Love," responded Desire’ articulating the word Darlene. "Do you know what Darlene sounds like with a southern accent?" Mattie and Annie shook their heads. Desire’ began speaking with a thick southern accent reminiscent of Scarlet O’Hara. "It sounds like darlin’. Mother would always say Desire’ darlin come here. Then the women in her Canasta club would start. Desire’ darlin bring me some water. You’re such a darlin Desire’. Then it caught on at school and I was teased mercilessly," she drawled. "When I was older it changed to Dee Dee which was way worse so I begged the kids to call me Darlene. At least darlin sounded better then Desire’ darlin. Finally in high school my friend Stephanie gave me the nickname Tiger. Thank god it stuck."

"Why was your last name Long in college?" asked Mattie.

"Long was my married name."

Annie and Mattie looked at Desire’ with quizzical expressions on their faces. "When did you get married?" asked Annie.

"I was sixteen."

"That’s awfully young to get married," interjected Mattie.

"I’m from the south. We marry young," answered Desire’ in her best southern accent.

"Why so young?" asked Annie. "You had to still be in high school."

"I was a junior. Jackson was a junior in college." Desire’ paused looking at her friends, enjoying the puzzled looks on their faces. "I got knocked up. In those days you had to get married."

"You have a child?" asked Mattie.

Desire’ looked down at the table leaning her forehead against her hand as the memories flooded back. "I lost the baby. The following year my marriage ended. I kept the name in college to piss my mother off."

"I’m so sorry," responded Mattie placing a comforting hand over Desire’s.

"Don’t be," answered Desire’. "I was, would have been a lousy mother. Jackson was a lousy husband. I only slept with him to prove to myself I wasn’t gay and that obviously didn’t work."

"You’ve been through a lot," interjected Annie.

"Yeah and we haven’t even gotten out of the eighties yet," quipped Desire’. "That’s why I don’t talk about myself. Tiger Long was a whole new life for me. All I had to do was get good grades and play softball and I did for three years. I even made All-American. No more screw ups for me. Until January 1, 1984. The day my world ended. After prison I settled in Long Beach and started going by Desire’ again. It was easy to revert back to my maiden name."

"Didn’t you know Linda had two sisters?" asked Mattie.

"Yes I did. She talked about you two all the time. I just didn’t make the connection last Saturday night."

"How could you miss something like that?" asked Annie. "Six foot tall identical twins named Danni and Annie."

"You guys weren’t that tall then. You must have gone through a growth spurt in high school. Linda had a photo of you in her dorm room. Those girls looked a lot different and were only eleven in the picture. They both had light brown hair, black rimmed glasses and braces. Linda was adopted and looks nothing like you two."

"I’m gonna have to ask Danni about looking at the old family photos," mumbled Annie.

"Trust me. You’re swans now. Linda always referred to you guys as Danielle and Anne. Danielle was the jock in the family and Anne was the introverted bookworm. She worried about you," added Desire’ pointing at Annie. "She used to say you couldn’t walk and chew gum at the same time. Kids used to tease you and Danielle always defended you, beating up anyone who bullied you. You really should go to your next high school reunion and screw with your classmates."

"Well if we do we’re bringing our beautiful wives," answered Annie.

"Thanks for the optimism," replied Desire’.

"Danni will come around. Just give her time," interrupted Mattie.

"How long did it take Destiny to forgive Eve?" asked Desire’.

"That’s not a fair comparison. Besides you two had better have learned something in two thousand years," replied Mattie.

"You two should get going. I’ll call Kathy and explain things to her."

"Who’s Kathy?" asked Annie.

"Oh that’s right. It was going to be a surprise. She’s a wedding photographer. My gift to you guys and Harry and Melinda. Surprise."

"You didn’t have to do that," stated Mattie.

"That’s what makes it fun. She’s a great photographer. Make sure Danni catches a bouquet, for me."

"We will," assured Annie. "We’re going to miss you."

"But of course," answered Desire’. "I’ll be with you in spirit. Go pack and I’ll call you a cab."

Reluctantly Annie and Mattie left the room while Desire’ called the cab company. Half an hour later their luggage was packed and sitting in the entryway. Desire’ followed them out to the waiting car helping the driver with the luggage. She placed a large bill in his hand and told him to take them to their destination then walked around to the passenger’s side to hug her friends’ goodbye.

"This isn’t goodbye," whispered Annie.

"I’ll look forward to seeing you again," replied Desire’. "Apologize to Harry and Melinda for my absence."

"We will," answered Mattie.

Desire’ watched as blonde and brunette got into the backseat then closed the car door. Annie rolled down the window and put her arm out grabbing hold of Desire’. "We’ll talk soon," she stated.

Desire’ nodded as her eyes filled with tears. "By the way the cab is paid for."

"Desire’," started Annie.

"I’m only telling you that so he won’t rip you off," interrupted Desire’. "I love you guys," she added then quickly turned away and walked toward her front door smiling as she heard the words reciprocated. Keep walking girl. Don’t look back, cried her little voice. Don’t let them see you break down. Desire’ listened to her conscience. Once she was inside and the door was closed, she let the floodgates open.

**

After an hour of continuous crying Desire’ composed herself and made her way to the old recliner and plopped down. She grabbed the remote control and turned up the volume on the TV set just in time to listen to Martina McBride.

From the day we met, You made me forget all my fears.

Knew just what to say, and you kissed away all my tears.

I knew this time I had finally found, someone to build my life around, who’d be a lover and a friend.

After all my heart had put me through, I knew it was safe with you, and what we had would never end.

Wrong again.

"Oh yeah. That’s gonna help my mood. Couldn’t be playing Happy Girl could ya?" she cried throwing the remote at the TV. "Shit." She looked around her spotting the cordless phone on the table and picked it up hitting the speed dial. After a couple of rings there was an answer on the other end.

"Hello," came the voice sounding as though the intended target was still sleeping.

"Rise and shine darling, rise and shine," Desire’ yelled into the phone.

"Is that you Des?" asked Maryanne upset from the interruption of her sleep.

"Yah baby," answered Desire’ doing her best Austin Powers impersonation. You are no Austin Powers, cried the little voice.

There was silence on the other end as Desire’ listened to the rustling of sheets. "Why the fuck are you calling me at 7:00am on a Sunday morning?" yelled Maryanne.

"Because you love me," answered Desire’ coyly.

Maryanne jumped out of her bed, grabbing a robe and walked out of the bedroom to allow her lover some peace and quiet. "What happened Des?"

"Remember my friend Linda from college? The one I killed," answered Desire’.

"Of course I do. Spit it out Des."

"It seems I forgot that her maiden name was Day."

"So. What has that got to do with anything?"

"She had younger twin sisters, Danielle and Anne, now known as Danni and Annie."

"Oh my god Des no."

"Yep. The wedding is off and I thought that maybe you might want to come over and drive me home from the casino."

"How did you find out?"

"Last night or I guess this morning Danni and I were talking, getting to know each other. She played softball for UCLA. Next thing I know she’s storming out the door telling me she can’t marry me."

"Start from the beginning Des."

Desire’ told her about the conversation, Danni running out and Annie coming home after talking with her sister. "So I’ll meet you there when you get there," she concluded.

"Alcohol won’t solve anything," scolded Maryanne.

"No but it will help me forget for a few hours," answered Desire’. "If you can’t make it I’ll take a cab. Talk to you later." Desire hung up the phone and walked into the bathroom. She opened the medicine cabinet and took out the familiar prescription bottle, still full from April. She grabbed a hand full of the white pills and shoved them in her pocket then removed two more of the powerful drugs and stared at them for several long moments before tossing them into her mouth and washing them down with a glass of water. "Do your job," she whispered looking at her reflection in the mirror. "Kill the pain."

She stood silently in the bathroom staring into the glass lost in thought until she felt the cool wet nose of the gentle black dog under her arm. She took the proffered paw and stroked him allowing only a single tear to escape her eyes as he licked her own paw affectionately. "Always know when I’m hurting don’t ya boy?" Moments later the reflections of two tabby and white cats caught her eyes as Figaro and Boomer glided over the counter to check on their human. "I should stick to animals. You guys still love me even when I’m the biggest ass in the universe," she said then paused. "Which is often."

**

Desire’ walked into the dark casino and headed for unfamiliar territory. She had never been a big gambler choosing to sit at the nickel poker machines drinking from her over sized coke, usually leaving when her twenty dollar bill was gone. This morning she walked to the machines on the other side and popped a one hundred-dollar bill in a quarter machine and set her cigarettes on top of the coin slot. The casino was fairly empty with most of its patrons filling the small restaurant, dining on a 99-cent breakfast.

She saw her next door neighbor Rick, one of the change handlers and waved him over. Months before Desire’ had been shocked to find him working in the casino but the sight of his handsome face and infectious smile always made her grin.

"Hey sweetheart. What brings you here so early?" he asked his arms open wide to greet her with a hug.

"Haven’t been to bed. The boys wanted to sleep in so they kicked me out," she quipped careful not to think as she reciprocated the embrace.

"So how have you been? Anymore battles with the asshole neighbor?"

"Nah, he’s been quiet. I’m thinking of moving so if you don’t see my car in the driveway or Blue in the yard, it means I left."

"I’m sorry to hear that. Just don’t sell to anymore assholes, please."

"I won’t. Dylan down the street is interested in buying so you won’t have to worry. He’s a body builder and would be happy to help you kick the asshole’s butt."

"Where are you going?"

"Not sure. I’m thinking of heading back to California. I miss some of my friends."

"You will be missed. Can I get you anything?"

"How about a waitress and a bourbon seven?"

"Since when do you drink?"

"Since I had a really rough night. Don’t worry I took a cab."

"All right but I’ll be watching you."

She watched him as he walked away then sat down and started punching the buttons on the machine. The pain pills had begun to take affect and she sighed enjoying the first feelings of euphoria as they performed their magic. She lit up a cigarette and tipped the waitress when she set the drink in front of her then stirred the drink and took a swig, grimacing at the sour taste of bourbon so early in the morning.

"I never figured you for a smoker," came a low husky voice behind her. Desire’ turned around to see the tall dark figure of the god of war dressed in a pair of form fitting jeans and button down white shirt.

"I’m just a nasty girl with a nasty habit," she replied taking a drag from her cigarette blowing smoke rings as she exhaled. Ares sat in the chair next to her leaning over to look in her eyes. "Good news travels fast. To what do I owe the honor of your company?"

"I heard you had a rough night," he said softly.

"What? Were you listening?" she asked staring into dark brown eyes twinkling with a mischievous expression. "You were," she cried her voice raising as she spoke. "Jeez you don’t come into the bedroom too do you?"

"No. Give me some credit. I was curious about you Des. You really caught me off guard at the party."

"Yeah well it wasn’t intentional," she said looking back at him taking inventory of his body through slightly diluted eyes. "That’s a different look," she added commenting on his dress.

"Just trying to fit in."

"It’s summer. That shirt isn’t you. I can’t see your biceps or your pecs."

"You’re still interested in what’s underneath?"

"You have the body of a god. I’m a dyke. I’m not dead," quipped Desire’.

Ares face lit up from the compliment, a small grin forming on his lips. He picked up the glass smelling the contents. "A little early to be drinking don’t you think?" he asked.

"Not in Vegas. Don’t you have a wedding to attend?"

"Not until much later," he answered.

"So why are you here?"

"I’m worried about you."

"The demon dyke from Corinth?"

"That was a little harsh but you know how I hate to lose and that was one hell of a head butt."

"Tell me about it. Obviously it didn’t knock any sense into me."

"Don’t be so hard on yourself."

"The god of war consoling a mortal. How quaint."

"Are you always this charming in the morning?"

"No I’m usually a bitch," answered Desire’. "Were you expecting warm and fuzzy?"

"Civility would be nice."

"I’m not in the mood for nice. It’s much too over rated."

"Finally something we can agree about."

"Says the god of war painfully attempting to be nice. Rather ironic dontcha think?"

"I think that’s my cue to exit," answered Ares reaching over to take Desire’s hand. "If you need me just call."

"What. So you can continue your pathetic attempts at comforting me?" she spat.

"Hey I’m trying here," he defended.

"Yeah I know. It is kind of cute. But if you mean it I won’t have to call."

"I’ll talk with you soon," he said then kissed the back of her hand.

A jolt of electricity shot through Desire’s body as the contact was made. Damn, she thought. That goddamned god thing hits me every time. Do not let him know. Be cool. "I’ll see you later Ares." Desire’ resumed her play, stamping out the burnt cigarette butt and lighting up another not looking up until she saw the familiar form of Maryanne sitting next to her.

"I didn’t expect you here so soon," stated Desire’.

"I love you too much to leave you hanging. How many drinks have you had?"

"Just this one."

"Your eyes paint a different picture," replied Maryanne staring intently into the soft green eyes of her friend. "Damn you Desire’. Where did you get the pills?"

"Medicine cabinet. No lectures not now," said Desire’ a low growl emanating from her voice as she spoke. Both women sat in silence for a few moments before Desire’ started speaking. "So tell me. How come you, the woman who was going to stay forever single got the great long term relationship and I ended up single?"

"Des give Danni some time."

"Maryanne I’m almost forty fucking years old. I’m running out of time."

"Yes but you still get carded for cigarettes. It’ll happen. I think Danni is the one."

"Woa you have never said that about anyone I’ve ever dated."

"And I was right. Trust me. I’m right this time."

"You had better be right or I might have to kill you."

"You can’t even kill the spiders in your house. You make the cats do it."

"I killed the samurai."

"Did you find some new video game?"

"They didn’t tell you?"

"Did who tell me what?"

"Annie, Mattie and Danni. They told you about Corinth and Japan." Maryanne nodded her response. "You saw the finale right where Eve kills the Samurai?" Again Maryanne nodded. "I killed the samurai not Eve. Only I let him die without honor. I plunged the sword in his back when he kneeled down and started whining. It was an awesome feeling Maryanne."

"You actually killed someone?"

"Yes and I’ve been having memories of Destiny. She’s a part of me. She was a killing machine, the consummate warrior." Desire’ looked at the blonde, soft green eyes now feral.

"You’re scaring me. You’re not going to go on a killing spree now are you?"

Desire’ smiled and laughed. "No. I’m just gonna get an itty bitty sword and spiders beware."

"You are such a dope Desire’."

"A dope you love. I know I’m pathetic. It’s pretty sad to think that I was once an Amazon queen."

"You were kind of small to be an Amazon weren’t you?"

"Not you too."

"I bet you got a lot of that didn’t you?"

"Yeah I just can’t remember if I killed anyone because of it."

"This Destiny was intense wasn’t she?"

Desire’ finished her drink and smiled back at her friend nodding her head. "I don’t know what I was thinking. Soul mates or not love doesn’t happen over night. Why didn’t you stop me?"

"Oh right. Like I was going to piss you off after that dagger whizzed by my head."

"Sorry about that." Desire’ waved her empty glass at the waitress walking by and placed the glass on her tray, motioning for another one.

The rest of the morning dragged by with old friends talking and drinking and playing on the machines. By mid afternoon Desire’ could barely stand and Maryanne dragged her heavily intoxicated friend to the car and drove her home. Once inside Desire’ staggered to her favorite chair and passed out. Confident that she was safe, Maryanne kissed her on the forehead and left the house.

**

Both weddings went on as planned. All three brides were dazzling in their dresses. Harry looked very handsome in his tuxedo. Annie made sure that Danni caught both bouquets, not wanting to leave anything to chance. After all of the photos were taken the wedding party changed into more casual clothes and joined Danni and their guests at the restaurant at the top of the Stratosphere, enjoying the colorful sunset as the room made a complete rotation within the hour.

After dinner the party was moved into the bar and champagne toasts were made. Harry lifted his glass in the air as he began to speak. "To those who are here with us tonight and to those who are in our hearts I want to thank you for such a memorable evening."

Ares walked in as everyone stood drinking their champagne. He was dressed in an elegant tailored designer suit. Everyone stopped what they were doing, their focus on the dark god. Aphrodite walked up to her brother. "Thought you weren’t coming bro."

"I can change my mind can’t I?" he answered.

"What do you want Ares?" asked Danni.

"Can’t I just come and congratulate the brides and the groom?" he defended.

"Not unless there’s something you want here," answered Danni her eyebrows furrowed, anger emanating from her body.

"That’s where you are wrong Danni. What I want is on the other side of town."

Danni grabbed the dark god by his collar and pulled him away from the group toward the bar. "What the hell are you talking about?" she asked.

"Oh I think you know exactly what I’m talking about," answered Ares. "She’s fair game Danni."

"Don’t you dare go near Desire’," threatened the tall beauty.

"What do you care Danni? You dumped her. Left without even talking to her."

"She’s not into men. Give it up."

"I’m not a man. I’m a god," whispered Ares, a smirk across his face.

"I’ll never understand why Xena didn’t kill you when she had the chance," Danni said angrily.

"I’m here. Get used to it. I’ve already seen Desire’."

"And?"

"And what?" asked Ares toying with his nemesis.

"How is she?"

"How do you expect her to be after you guys had her believing in that soul mate crap? She’s hurt but she’s a survivor."

"How can you be such a bastard?"

"How can you be such a bitch? She didn’t intentionally kill your sister. It was an accident and if you can’t see that then you had better be prepared to lose her," threatened Ares.

"Her irresponsibility killed Linda and her unborn child! How do I just let that go?"

"That’s your problem to deal with. Keep in mind if it wasn’t for her you wouldn’t have so much money to enjoy the kind of life you do."

"Don’t talk about things you know nothing about."

"I’m a god. It’s easy to research these things. There never was a lawsuit. Desire’ set those accounts up on her own out of remorse. Your family had no problem accepting the gift." Danni looked at Ares, shock and disbelief in her eyes as she shook her head. "What can I gain from lying to you about this? Desire’ put you through college."

"I need time to think about this. For eighteen years I’ve wanted to kill that woman for taking my sister from me."

"Well that’s something you two have in common. If you can’t get over it and move on then you don’t deserve her," answered Ares. "I’m moving in for the kill. Be thankful you have been warned," added the dark god as he left the bar only to be stopped by Annie.

"What the hell are you doing? Why now?"

"Look if your sister doesn’t give up that holier then thou attitude she’s going to lose Desire’. Don’t blame me if she’s that stupid."

"So you threaten to take away the woman she loves?" asked Annie in disbelief.

"It’s not as much fun as war but it will have to do for now."

"What’s in for you?"

"Desire’ even if it’s only temporary. Remember she beat me in Corinth because she seduced me."

"What makes you think Desire’ would even give you a chance? She is not Destiny."

"Well Xena today she didn’t ask me to leave. She may not be Destiny but when it comes to carnal pleasures they are one and the same."

"Don’t do this Ares."

"Danni knows now she’s running out of time. If she waits too long she’ll lose Desire’ forever. Either way I won’t be shedding any tears." Ares released Annie’s grip and walked out of the bar before she could respond.

"So what’s going on?" asked Mattie concern in her voice.

"If I didn’t know better I would say he’s trying to help Danni," answered Annie.

"Ares? What would make you think that?"

"Well if Danni thinks she has competition she might not draw this out too long."

"That sounds logical. Do you think he did that on purpose?"

Annie and Mattie looked at each other deep in thought. "Nah," they replied in unison.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN — MOVING ON

Desire’ woke up from her alcohol induced coma startled by the howling of the large black dog sitting on the lounge chair on the other side of the window. Two large cats jumped off the chair, annoyed by the rude interruption. The throbbing in her head was matched only by the pounding of her heart which appeared to be beating inside her skull.

She jumped out of the chair holding her head tightly with both hands as she staggered to the kitchen to take a bottle of water from the refrigerator. She opened the container drinking half of its contents before setting the water on the counter. "OH shit," she yelled as her brain froze from the icy liquid. After several moments she regained her composure and reached into her pocket for the magic pills. She popped the pills in her mouth and washed it down with more water, careful to drink much slower this time. She then walked to the sliding glass door to let Blue in, scolding him as he jumped up to show his gratitude. "Not now Bucky. Mama is in bitch mode."

"Is this a bad time?" asked the low sultry voice.

Before Desire’ could respond Blue was in front of Ares growling with his teeth bared. Ares stared down at the dog causing him further agitation.

"Bad move Ares. Do not stare at him."

"Call him off."

Blue walked closer to Ares a thick line of fur on his back now standing straight up.

"It doesn’t work that way. He hates men. You’ll just have to make friends with him."

"How do I do that?"

"Kneel down in front of him."

"What? The god of war does not kneel!" Blue’s growl grew louder as the dark god raised his voice.

"Fine. Then he’ll rip you to shreds. If you touch one hair on his head I will find a way to kill you."

"You really are in bitch mode."

"Only until the pain stops. Just kneel down and put your hand out. Let him know you aren’t a threat."

Reluctantly Ares complied. Blue stopped growling to sniff the proffered hand. Convinced Ares wasn’t a threat he licked his hand then jumped on top of him. The god held his ground petting the over grown puppy. "He has Xena eyes," noted Ares scratching the dog’s ears. Blue cocked his head raising first one eyebrow then the next. "He even does that eyebrow thing she does."

"Yep and as you can see he has Xena’s attitude toward you," quipped Desire’.

"Cheap shot," replied Ares. "But you have a point."

"I need to sit down," stated Desire’ stumbling as she walked toward Ares who pulled her into his arms before she could fall. Desire’ closed her eyes and leaned her head forward into the exposed chest of the dark god. "You look so much better in a leather vest," she mumbled as Ares held her tightly in his arms enjoying the intimate contact. "Can you just pop us in the bathroom?"

Seconds later they were standing in front of the toilet in the main restroom. Desire’ pushed Ares out and shut the door behind him then turned to hug the porcelain goddess. After she finished releasing the contents of her stomach she brushed her teeth, splashed water on her face and stumbled out to the front room on shaky legs.

Together they sat down on the sofa. Desire’ leaned into Ares shoulder. "Just give me a moment," she whispered before passing out as the god looked on. An hour later she woke up in the same position against the strong shoulder of Ares. "You’re still here?" she asked as she looked up into beautiful brown eyes.

"I told you I would be here for you," he answered.

"Are you trying to score points with me?" she asked bewildered.

"Is it working?" asked Ares, a twinkle in his eyes.

"Yes. Nice is good." Desire’ paused trying to shake the sleep from her eyes. "You know I’m not Destiny the hot for you warrior babe. I’m Desire’ demon dyke from Corinth."

"I know exactly who you are."

"Okay as long as we’re clear on that," said Desire’ before leaning her head back in it’s resting place.

"You were a hero in Corinth and Japan. I know that now. Pretty impressive for a 21^st century gal."

"Thanks I think. Why are you being so nice?"

"Because you think I have great biceps."

"You’re being awfully honest. Are you trying to get in my pants?"

"Not tonight anyway but eventually. Can you accept that?"

"You know if Danni comes back I want to be with her."

"I accept that."

"No god tricks to get me into bed."

"Either you want it or you don’t."

"You sound like Maryanne. That line worked with me."

"It’s not a line just a statement of fact. I take it your head is feeling better."

"Oh yeah. The pain pills have kicked in and I am feeling divine."

"So what are you going to do about Danni?"

"Nice segue. There’s nothing to do. She hates me right now and until she accepts what happened I’m on my own. Besides it’s time for a change."

"What kind of change?"

"Give me your word as a god that you won’t tell anyone."

"I give you my word."

"It’s time for a change in venue. I’m going back to my home in California far away from Danni and Nashville. I’ll give her some time to think about things before I contact her."

"What makes you think Annie and Mattie won’t tell her where you are?"

"Because I’m not going to tell them. She’s not the only one who needs time to think. After today no more pity parties. It’s time I learned to live again and have fun. Maybe some where down the road forgiveness will find me."

"It’s going to take some time to pack up this house."

"I can move pretty fast when I set my mind to it."

"And I’m a god. I can have you packed and ready by tomorrow morning."

"You would do that for me?"

"Would it score more points with you?"

"Big time." Desire’ paused looking at the god of war with an amused expression on her face. "You heard me tell Danni how important honesty is to me."

"Yes I did. The possibility of having sex with you is my motivation to be here comforting you."

"You are a quick study. So let me see if I have this right. If I were to lean over and kiss you very passionately then tell you that’s all for tonight you would accept that." Ares nodded his head in response. "Would you then hold me for the rest of the night and cuddle with me?"

"No. I don’t cuddle."

"Fair enough," answered Desire’ lifting her head from his shoulder. She stood up from the sofa, turned to face the dark god and sat in his lap, wrapping both legs around his waist. She looked into his eyes running her hands gently through the hair on his chest and leaned over to place a soft kiss on his lips. She leaned back momentarily to monitor his expression then without warning grabbed his face and pressed her lips into the dark god’s mouth, forcing his lips open, her tongue ardently searching for his to continue the delicious contact. After several long moments she broke the contact leaning back on the heels of her feet, her eyes never leaving the lustful gaze of the handsome god. She raised both eyebrows smiling as Ares watched her intensely, then leaned forward for seconds.

Afterward she leaned back again. Jeez, she thought. If people find out about this I’m gonna have to start giving back toaster ovens. "That was a rebound kiss. It was very nice but I don’t do rebound sex. Well I promised myself no more rebound sex anyway."

Ares inhaled sharply to catch his breath, the contact reminding him of hot summer nights under the stars in Greece. "And I don’t do cuddling."

"Agreed," answered Desire’ as she climbed off his hard muscular thighs and sat down next to him. "Do you mind sitting for a while?" Ares nodded his head in response. "Tell me. What do you think the odds were that the woman I killed would turn out to be the sister of my soul mate?"

"I would say one in a billion," answered Ares.

"Now I can understand why you never gave up on Xena."

**

Desire’ spent the following day on the phone talking with her real estate agent and making preparations for the move. All of the utilities had been transferred into the new owner’s name and the final bills were paid. Dylan would assume the current mortgage on the house taking out a second to make up for the rest of the cost. He was ecstatic to be staying in the neighborhood. It helped to soften the blow of losing his dream home.

With a wave of his hand the house was packed and ready to go just as Ares promised. By nightfall two U-Haul trucks sat on the driveway backed up to the garage. Ares would be by any minute to do his magic and empty the contents of the house into the waiting vehicles, using the cloak of darkness as a cover so as not to raise suspicion in the neighborhood. Together they would drive the trucks to California the following day hopefully arriving by sunset.

The cats hid in the farthest corner of the house, panicked by what was coming next. Desire’ was counting on Ares to take pity on them and transport the boys overnight into the empty house in California. She had arranged for Dylan to take care of the furniture and odds and ends that would be left for Opportunity Village to come and haul away after she was gone.

She sat in the dilapidated brown recliner, her eyes searching the house that had been her home for the last three years. She thought about what this place had meant to her. It had been her mother’s last home, her last dream. Her dad passed away on the very day their California home sold and never had the chance to enjoy a few moments of his retirement playing in the casinos. Her mother chose her brother to take her to Nevada, a choice that proved costly in the last years of her life.

Tears rolled down Desire’s face as she remembered her mother’s frantic voice begging her to come home and take care of her. In all she spent seven years taking care of her sick elderly parents. Their pride kept them from excepting her money but not from excepting her help, something that Desire’ came to resent as time went on without her. Her last girlfriend, Julie, stayed with her for three years until her father’s death but the emotional turmoil had taken it’s toll and she left a couple of months later adding to the resentment in Desire’s heart.

As she thought about the tough decisions in her life she realized that all of the hardships were worth the valuable time she was blessed to have spent with her aging parents. Days before her father died he hugged and kissed her for the first time, telling her how much he loved her. The gentle man who had been her hero through out her life told her that she was his hero while they sat together drinking root beer freezes and laughing in his hospital room. It was the last cheerful moment she would have with her dad before he passed away.

For the last twelve months of her mother’s life Desire’ spent night and day with her. Even with the live in help she was reluctant to leave the house for more then a few hours to shoot a concert. Mother looked so small in bed. No one believed she would out live her husband. Long nights were spent reminiscing about good times shared together.

Then she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. She had lived for twenty years with the horrible disease that crippled her body refusing to give up in spirit only to find out that the tumor would end her life. Desire’ was the one who had to confront her. The next few days were spent on the phone as mother said her good-byes to family and friends. Just as her father had done three years earlier, Frances Love controlled her own destiny, leaving the world knowing that it was her time to go and being loved by her youngest child. Desire’ wouldn’t have had it any other way.

Now she sat in her parent’s chair. It was worn out from years of use and still carried the faint scent of her mother and father. It was the last link she had with the dead. Desire’ reminisced about the couple who shaped her life, tears still flowing down her cheeks from the melancholy of her memories. Moments later she closed her eyes.

The dream was more vivid then any she had ever experienced. Mother was standing in front of a doorway looking as beautiful and healthy as Desire’ could remember from when she was a child. Behind her stood her father looking young and handsome with strong biceps on his thin frame, his hair black as coal, a young man in his prime. Desire’ burst into crocodile tears as a moment of euphoria gripped her. Both parents held her and hugged her professing their love and encouraging her to begin living her life. When she tried to follow them across the threshold they pushed her away turning her around. With her parents now behind her she heard her father’s sweet voice say, "Your life is in front of you now. Don’t look back."

Desire’ woke up in bed startled by the realness of the dream. She was still crying, her face stained with tears. She looked around the bedroom trying to compose herself then jumped on the phone. Anxiously she dialed Maryanne to tell her about the dream. Dream interpretation was a hobby of her friend.

Maryanne listened to her story before telling her what the dream meant. "That’s pretty serious Des. I don’t thing it was a dream but a vision."

"Of course it was a dream. I was sleeping."

"Let me finish. Your parents must be very worried about you, enough for them to visit from the other side. The door and threshold separate the living from the dead. I think if you had crossed that line you would have remained with the dead."

"Is that supposed to be comforting?"

"Hey you asked."

"I know. I’m sorry I snapped at you. It’s the stress."

"It means they are ready to move on and so should you."

"Move on?"

"Possibly to their next lives. They’re confident that you will be okay."

"Oh sure they pick now to move on."

"You’re strong Des and I will always be here for you."

"Thanks." Desire’ hung up the phone feeling a tinge of guilt over excluding her best friend from her plans.

She shook the thought away and wiped the tears from her face knowing that after today she would give up the chair and place her parents where they now belonged in her life, in her loving memories.

"Thinking of your parents," came the familiar smoky voice of Ares.

Startled Desire’ looked up drinking in the muscular form of the dark god dressed in his familiar leathers. "How did you know?"

"It’s a god thing," he answered casually. "They’re right you know. Besides that hideous thing really has to go."

"Do you ever knock?"

"Should I go back?" he asked pointing to the front door.

"No. I just haven’t gotten used to you popping in. Can you do your god thing and take the cats to the house tonight?"

"I don’t do cats," answered Ares giving Desire’ a disgusted look.

"Fine but they’re riding in your truck and I guarantee you they will howl and cry at least until we get to Barstow."

Ares scowled at the small brunette, caressing his goatee as he pondered the information. "All right but you’re coming with me and you hold them."

"Deal," responded Desire’. She walked into the bedroom to retrieve the animals. Both cats took off running. She grabbed the carriers eventually cornering them at the end of the room. One by one she struggled with the big cats trying to stuff them inside their individual carry all.

Ares listened outside of the door as the howling started followed by hissing, angry growls and Desire’s colorful commentary as she cussed at the boys. Thirty minutes later she came out, one green carrier in each arm. Desire’s hair was ruffled. Sweat poured down from her face and an ugly scratch started above her lip running down to the tip of her chin. Gray and white fur covered the black tank top she was wearing. The carriers moved violently from side to side as each cat continued to body slam his cage attempting to break out.

"They don’t travel well," she hissed blowing hair away from her face and licking the blood off of her lip.

"Here let me take those," offered Ares. "Go take care of your lip."

Desire’ handed him the carriers and walked into the bathroom.

"What do you have in here Des, tigers?" he asked feeling the weight of the cages and observing the growls and hisses coming from the creatures as they rattled the metal doors.

"Just really large spoiled cats," she shouted from the bathroom dabbing the blood from her lips with toilet paper. "Great. A thousand medical supplies and they’re all packed," she grumbled looking into the mirror. She walked out of the restroom with a large piece of toilet paper hanging from her mouth and chin, stained with crimson.

Ares laughed as he sat the cats on the ground and moved toward Desire’. "That just won’t do," he said producing medical supplies in his hand. Desire’ sat on the toilet seat patiently while Ares tended to the wound. He leaned in to her face leaving a feather light kiss upon her lips.

Desire’ looked up perplexed at his action, the kiss stinging momentarily.

"Isn’t that a mortal thing?" asked Ares. "Kiss it and make it better." Desire’ nodded smiling and grimacing at the pain the smile caused. "Did it work?"

"It never works," she answered then paused. "But it does make the injured person feel a lot better."

"I could just heal it for you."

"No I want to remember just how pissed off I am at the boys. Now what do we do?"

"You hold onto the cats and I will hold onto you. Just give me the new address."

Within minutes, god, cats and owner were standing in the hallway of a majestic home. "Did we come to the wrong place?" asked Ares taking in the impressive structure.

It was a very capacious two-story home with vaulted ceilings. They were standing under a crystal chandelier. Along the right of the hallway stood three openings to massive rooms. In front of them was a large dining area with a huge kitchen containing custom built in cabinets followed by another room on the opposite side of the kitchen. To their left was a staircase that led to a long hallway located over the front door with another seven rooms.

"Nope this is home. It was a wedding gift for my husband and me. He died before we could move in. A friend of mine rented it for his family that kept growing so I added onto the second story. In twenty years I’ve never actually lived in it."

"Impressive. How come you’ve never lived in it?"

"What do I need with an eight bedroom house? Besides my friend put it to better use with seven children. He moved out last month when the youngest left for college. Come on," she answered motioning for Ares to follow her. They walked to the left through a short hallway leading to another massive empty room. Desire’ walked in followed by Ares and shut the door. "This is the master bedroom," she added as she unlocked the cage doors. Two large cats slinked away to the bathroom not stopping until they were safely in the farthest corner under the cabinets.

"Now I just need a cat box, some food and water and they can stew in the room until we come back."

"Done," said Ares waving his hand. A box filled with litter sat in the corner with two dishes containing food and one filled with water next to the wall.

"Don’t suppose you could get a covered cat box could you?"

"What?" asked Ares an exasperated look on his face.

"A covered cat box. Like at home. They like their privacy."

"I thought you were pissed at them. Let them suffer."

"I can never stay mad at them. They’re my babies."

Ares shook his head and complied leaving a covered box where the first box sat. "One more little thing," said Desire’ coyly.

"What’s wrong now?"

"They only eat dried cat food. It has to be Iams light food for cats. Figaro is watching his weight."

"They’re cats! It’s only one night. They’ll survive," complained Ares.

"Fine. You can clean their box tomorrow."

Frustrated Ares shook his hands realizing that arguing would only be futile. Moments later the bowls were filled with the requested dry food. Desire’ surveyed it making sure it was Iams before smiling at Ares. "Thank you."

"I suppose the cats don’t drink tap water."

"Actually I wasn’t going to ask. I thought that might be too much but if you’re offering they prefer Arrowhead in a shallow crystal vase."

"Unfriggin believable!" exclaimed Ares as a bottle of Arrowhead appeared in his left hand with a crystal vase.

"What a god," cried Desire’ running toward him jumping and throwing her arms and legs around him. Before he could respond she leaned forward and kissed him passionately wincing from the pain of the scratch. "Shall we go?"

With a brilliant light they were gone, back in the Nevada home. The furniture and her belongings were packed on the trucks within minutes. Ares produced a large bed for Desire’ to sleep on for the evening and left her to get some rest.

**

Danni took her seat against the emergency door stretching her long legs in front of her. She had learned from frequent air travel which row on the airplane always had the most leg room. She fastened her seatbelt and quickly withdrew her journal from her carry on bag. The flight would be a short one. She would land at McCarran airport in less then an hour and she had no idea what she would say to Desire’.

Her head was filled with so many thoughts she thought it would explode upon take off. Once she landed she would have three hours to pick up her rental car, drive to Desire’s, speak to her and get back on a plane. She was determined to put her thoughts down on paper during the flight to save time. She looked at the empty page of the book trying to decide where to start. She was so absorbed in her thoughts that she didn’t notice the woman taking the seat next to her.

"I’m proud of you girl," came the sweet voice next to her.

Danni looked over at the occupied seat. "Aphrodite what are you doing here?"

"I’m here to talk to you. I set you guys up remember?" Danni nodded. "I must admit I am surprised, very pleasantly surprised, that you came around so quickly. Maybe my brother’s little plan worked."

"Don’t even talk about that bastard to me," hissed Danni.

"Hey easy on the family relation. Can you honestly say you would be on this plane if he hadn’t taunted you?"

"Possibly," started Danni noticing the disapproving look she was receiving from the goddess. "Okay probably not. Don’t expect me to thank him for going after the woman I love."

"The woman you love," interrupted Aphrodite. "That’s a good start. A few nights ago you wanted her dead."

"I don’t know what I want."

"Obviously you do or you wouldn’t be on this plane. The question is are you ready to love her and have you forgiven her?"

"I’m not sure I’m ready to. I just know I want to see her. I don’t want her to write us off as a hopeless case."

"Well that’s a start."

"Annie thinks that maybe someone slipped the drug in her drink. It would help me if I could prove it."

"Why? Do you think she intentionally killed your sister?"

"No but however unintentional her actions were that night they led to the death of my sister, someone I loved with all of my heart."

"Proving her innocence isn’t going to change anything. Linda will still be dead and you will still mourn her loss as will Desire’. If you want your heart to heal accept her remorse over the incident. Accept that she has paid her debt to society and to your family but most of all accept Desire’s guilt. She has."

"She hasn’t paid her debt to society. She barely served three years."

"The state of California gave her the maximum sentence. What else is eating away at you?"

"Desire’ made a deal with the district attorney. If the case had gone to trial she would have served twice as long."

"I see what you’re getting at. You’re talking about the baby. Linda was pregnant."

"A baby is still a baby at any age."

"Desire’ didn’t know about the baby. If she had she would’ve insisted on the longer sentence you speak of." Aphrodite hesitated for a moment looking at Danni. "You think she knew and cut a quick deal to avoid a longer sentence don’t you?" Danni nodded her response. "You are so wrong babe. Don’t you know she carries guilt on her shoulders like Xena did? If her suffering longer means that much to you then maybe you should just give up right now. She more then paid for the death of that child."

"What do you mean?"

"This is going slower than I thought. I don’t have time to tell you her personal life story. When Desire’ found out about the baby she punished herself. Haven’t you learned vengeance is not the answer?" Aphrodite paused waiting for an answer that never came. "We’ll have to work on that. What do you feel for her now?"

"I feel love but I’ve felt like this before even if it wasn’t quite as intense."

"Go on," encouraged the goddess. "Tell me about it."

"I met this older woman at a bar in Long Beach shortly after I started attending school at UCLA. Her name was Jillian Stiles. She was as beautiful as her name. I thought it was love at first sight. For two months we dated. She took me to fine restaurants, the theatre and we would spend long nights talking and kissing. After two months she finally invited me to spend the night. We made love until the morning. She held me caressing my skin telling me I had better get used to touching because she craved cuddling with the woman she loved and she was looking for a life partner. I was sure she was the one. We spent the next three years together. I loved her with all of my heart even though my friends warned me against her. They said she would grow tired of me eventually and find another woman to take my place and she did. It broke my heart. What if she turns out to be another Jillian?"

"So that’s why you’re still single. You know most people don’t have the luxury of knowing beyond a shadow of a doubt that the person they love is the other half of their soul. You do. So think about her actions this last week. She risked her life in that fire. Think about Corinth. You were there. She risked death so Xena and Gabrielle could be together. She did it because her heart guided her to do the right thing."

"I knew in Corinth she was the one."

"Yes I know about the little cave incident. Even then she didn’t want to leave you."

"You think I’m being selfish."

"No I don’t. I do think that both of you have suffered the same loss for many years because of an accident. Together maybe the two of you can help each other through the pain and finally close this chapter of your lives. Linda would have wanted it that way."

"What if I’m too late?"

"It’s never too late for true love."

"What if Ares has already gotten to her?"

"You mean what if Ares has already seduced her into bed?" corrected the goddess. "Get over it. You left her. He can hold her in his arms and enjoy her body for a short time but you will always own her heart."

"So if I find the two of them together in bed I shouldn’t be jealous and I should forgive her."

"It’s okay to feel jealousy. Just keep your temper in check and don’t forgive her because there’s nothing to forgive. You’re on a break. Desire’ always expects the worst and will act accordingly. In her mind she probably believes she has lost you for good and that my dear is your fault." Aphrodite placed her seat in its upright position as the plane prepared to land. "Good luck. I’ll be rooting for you."

**

Desire’ stood in the middle of the empty living room. She had made her final calls before the phone would disconnect at noon then spent the rest of the morning saying goodbye to the neighbors before Ares popped up.

The small Toyota was hooked to the back of the larger truck. Ares and Desire’ took their seats in the vehicles and drove down the street turning left on Warm Springs toward Lake Mead Blvd, the road that would take them directly to the I15. Desire’ stopped to look at the field where her and Blue met. She petted the big dog and drove on with Ares behind her. She turned the stereo on, popping a CD into the player to an appropriate song as she drove and sang along to the wistful sound on the stereo.

I've dealt with my ghosts and faced all my demons
Finally content with a past I regret
I’ve found you find strength in your moments of weakness
For once I’m at peace with myself
I’ve been burdened with blame, trapped in the past for too long
I’m movin’ on.

Desire’ drove down the highway her eyes clouded with tears as she continued to sing along with the song, finding comfort in the melancholy sound of the fiddle.

I’ve lived in this place and I know all the faces.
Each one is different but they’re always the same.
They mean no harm but it’s time that I face it.
They’ll never allow me to change.
But I never dreamed home would end up where I don’t belong.
I’m movin’ on.
I’m movin’ on.

At last I can see life has been patiently waiting for me.
And I know there’s no guarantees, but I’m not alone.
There comes a time in everyone’s life.
When all you can see are the years passing by.
And I have made up my mind that those days are gone.

The elegant strings of the mandolin solo left goose bumps on her arms as she lost herself in the meaning of the lyrics.

I sold what I could and packed what I couldn’t.
Stopped to fill up on my way out of town.
I’ve loved like I should but lived like
I shouldn’t.
I had to lose everything to find out.
Maybe forgiveness will find me somewhere down this road.
I’m movin’ on.

"If you’re listening god please guide Danni back to me. Help her find forgiveness in her heart." In front of Desire’ was her life and eventually she promised herself, she would find Danni again. Until that day she decided it was time to learn how to be alive. At least that’s what she told herself.

Part II

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