Winning the Crowd

Favored by the Gods? Maximus isn't quite so certain when he finds
himself yet again at the start of a new road in a new world.
But like a Phoenix from the ashes, a hero will rise.

Drawn into the modern world, Maximus makes the decision to start a new life. He embarks on a bold plan to work as an operative for Terry and Dino's new K&R consultancy firm. At the same time, he begins to get to know Ann, a woman who is within the circle of people aware of these special men's true origins. Something quite unforeseen sneaks into what they expected would be only a challenging friendship based on physical attraction and mutual respect. By Annsmac 5/04

1. Basilinda
They met; it was stormy, uneasy. In the middle of a truce, Maximus issues a challenge. Ann invites him to her verdant, mysterious Louisiana. Steamy locale, a hidden gazebo, and Maximus at his formidable best facing Ann, who's not about to back down this time. An intensely erotic interlude that changes everything. By Annsmac 8/03

2. Night Maneuvers
To prepare for his new job, Max is taking survival training near Ann's hometown. Think Max, camo's, swamp. A night for him to regain a part of himself he's only just realizing he wants to reclaim. A night in which Ann breaks for him because it's what he needs most from her. By Annsmac 10/03

3. Inspiration
Ann and Max are both traveling on business when they rendezvous for one night in Washington D.C. Ann learns a lesson in self-control; Max learns how to smoke cigars. You know what Freud said... a woman is only a woman, but a good cigar, that's sexual imagery. By Annsmac 11/03

4. Dubrovnik
Max entices Ann to join him in Dubrovnik while he's there on a long case, his first big one for TOL. It is a time together that brings them a closer understanding of how their differences can only be bridged if they lower their masks with each other. But in the end, are they playing at romance or is love sneaking in under the radar? By Annsmac 11/03

5. Poetry
Max quoted Roman poetry to Ann during a night of profound impact on their budding relationship. But Roman poetry, as Uma explains to Ann, has hidden meanings as well. What was Maximus really trying to tell Ann? By Annsmac 5/04

6. One Night at the Pontalba
Max is off on yet another dangerous mission but it is of real importance to him to make it to New Orleans to be with Ann for one night... because with the awareness of love between them, that brings in new considerations for Max of putting his affairs in order before he heads into battle. By Annsmac 5/04

7. An Orgy for Two
Ann whisks Maximus away to an exotic tropical isle to recover from his injuries. What lies beyond for them if they ever really dare? By Annsmac 5/04

Maximus has found some information that makes ransom an impossibility for the hostage in Croatia. Together he and Dino plan a rescue operation but the presence of the bewitching Karolina threatens to throw Maximus into an old familiar nightmare. By Uma and Annsmac 5/04

1. Back in the Game
Dino learns to trust Maximus in the field. And he also learns that even a man he respects for a skilled operative and loyal compatriot can let him down on a personal level. But is all what it seems? By Annsmac and Uma 12/03

2. Reckoning
Maximus has found some information that makes ransom an impossibility for the hostage in Croatia. Together he and Dino plan a rescue operation but the presence of the bewitching Karolina threatens to throw Maximus into an old familiar nightmare. By Uma 12/03