You better watch that remember what happened the last time one of us starting kissing on the others neck?

How can I forget? Its what kept me sustained while we were apart, she whispered in reply as she let her lips meet Marinas. The passion that they had both been keeping pent up threatened to rise to the surface when they were interrupted.

You guys gonna join us or should I close the door and get everyone out of here? Shane asked with a knowing smile.

Were almost done, Marina replied smiling at Shane.

Mmmmm hmmm right, Shane said turning on her heel and returning to the party.

Marina looked into Cecilias blue eyes with questions in her own and moved her mouth to speak. She quickly changed her mind and started to pull away.

What? Cecilia asked not letting her move.

I was just going to ask no never mind, its none of my business.

Hey everything about me is your business. What is it?

I was just wondering, Marina paused and looked around her once again. How can you afford all of this? I didnt think archeologists were paid that well.

Oh, I dont know about that. It pays pretty well when youre good and in high demand which I am. Besides, Im not just an archeologist remember? I happen to be a pretty good author as well. And those school books arent exactly cheap.

Ah I see. Marina paused for a moment before she asked her next question. Are you sure you want to do this? Be a civilian as you put it earlier? I dont want you to give up something you love just for me, she said softly looking down. Cecilia gently used her fingers to raise Marinas chin so she could look into her gorgeous brown eyes.

Giving you up would be much worse. Besides, if I ever get the urge to dig in the dirt, I can always take you with me. Marina smiled and kissed Cecilia again. When they parted, they clasped hands and joined their friends in the kitchen.

********

Marina watched as the moving people packed her things in sturdy boxes and placed them in the moving van. She had meticulously gone through the house and labeled everything that belonged to her and, looking at it now, she was disappointed at what little she had. The woman was still amazed at the influence Cecilia and her friends showed when it came to legal issues. Melissa was able to convince the bail hearing judge to refuse bail on the basis that Francesca was a flight risk and had even gotten permission for Marina to remove her things from the house that they had shared. Francescas attorney stood in the doorway watching every item as it left and kept records of them. Marina shuddered as she walked past the chair she had been sitting in that night. The wine and blood still stained its surface. She had stopped to look at the macabre scene when Cecilia returned from outside. She walked over to Marina and looked down at the chair.

You know I really thought we were in love once, Marina said without looking at Cecilia. Now I know that what I felt definitely wasnt love.

And just how do you know that? Cecilia asked turning Marina to face her.

Because it was nothing even remotely close to what Ive come to feel for you in a little over four months, Marina said using her good hand to brush a stray hair from Cecilias forehead.

Has it really been four months? Marina nodded her head smiling. Holy ***** isnt that like a record for the two of us? Aside from Francesca that is.

I believe it is, Marina replied.

Then we need to celebrate and I think I know exactly how to do that. Cecilia leaned in and whispered something in Marinas ear that actually made her blush.

Promises promises, Marina said laughing.

And I keep my promises. Youll see tonight well christen that beautiful home of ours the right way. With those words, Cecilia slapped Marina on the ***** and headed back outside to supervise the people packing the moving van.