Sailor Moon Fan Fiction ❯ Inc. ❯ Chapter 7
[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]
By: MarshAngel 
Anime/Manga: Sailor Moon Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 09.11.2001 | Pages: 10 | Words: 7.4K | Visits: 469 | Status: Completed
Anime/Manga: Sailor Moon Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 09.11.2001 | Pages: 10 | Words: 7.4K | Visits: 469 | Status: Completed
Title: Inc-Chapter 7
Author: MarshAngel
e-mail:watsonma@hotmail.com
webpage: http://www.crosswinds.net/~marshangel/angelmoon.htm
When Serena awoke the next morning the first thing she saw was the
sparkle of the diamond as the sun streaking through her bedroom's
curtains hit its multifaceted surface. It was an instant reminder of the
previous night. After he'd given the ring to her things had become
incredibly tense between them and the most of the rest of the evening was
spent in silence punctuated only by the short bursts of conversation. It had
made the ending of the night rather odd.
She remembered he had walked her to her door, which had made
her so nervous not knowing what would come next. At some point during
the evening it had seemed that their outing had turned into something of a
first date; a rather unusual first date in which she had become engaged.
She had wondered how he'd end the evening. Would he kiss her goodnight,
like a real fiancée? Would he shake her hand like the business partner she
technically was? It had been a mystery until it happened.
He had done a rather brilliant combination of both really. It hadn't
been too much and at the same time it affected her even more than if he'd
taken her into his arms and kissed her thoroughly. It had made her wonder
about just how things would really be in the future. Maybe just maybe they
could be more than just business partners… and that was the thought with
which she was left to consider for the rest of the night when he'd gently
taken her hand into his own and while never taking his eyes of her face
kissed the back of her hand gently. For that moment he'd made her feel
like a princess and he was the handsome prince with the brilliantly
beautiful eyes and stunningly gorgeous smile. Fortunately she was able to
restrain herself before she took the fantasy to an entirely new level.
Willing herself to get out of bed, she padded to her front door to get
the newspaper in which she knew she'd see the announcement of her
engagement. It got more real by the second and somehow more
acceptable. She wondered what everyone else would think when they found
out. Unexpectedly, she found herself amused by the imaginings of stunned
reactions, not from her close friends who already knew but from her
coworkers and other relatives.
It suddenly occurred to her that she had never told her mother about
this. She doubted her father had either. It would be typical of him not to
inform her. If he had, she would have called to say something, anything at
all.
She picked up the paper and turned to the society section where
separate pictures of her and of Darien stood out under the announcement
of engagements. He'd certainly been thorough, she commented to herself
wryly. It seemed he wanted everyone to know and be sure of the fact that
they were now an official couple. Just as she put the paper aside to make
herself some sort of breakfast, the phone rang and it continued to do so all
day. A few of her friends call to offer their somewhat muted congratulations
on Darien's acceptance but the first person however, was her mother.
It was a rather one-sided conversation. Her mother said quite a bit,
cried happily and gave her an enormous guilt trip for not having told her
before, and having had to read the news in the newspaper like a stranger.
She didn't bother explaining that it was a business deal because her
mother seemed awfully content to believe that Serena had tastelessly
dumped one fiancée for another. Once she'd gotten past Serena's
'unladylike' behavior she chattered a bit about true love and whatnot.
Serena wondered if somehow her mother hoped for more for her than she
herself had had. She suddenly realized that maybe her mother wasn't
everything she had always thought her to be. Maybe she had always held
some secret hope for her daughter to marry the man she loved like she'd
never had the chance to.
Darien called too and they had a civil conversation without the snide
remarks that had started their meeting on the previous day. It wasn't a
long conversation but it was one that had left her pondering, for the rest of
the day, why her heart had suddenly sped up at the sound of his voice on
the phone or why she'd suddenly got that nervous shakiness in the pit of
her stomach. Was it a good thing to be marrying a man whose very voice
made her nervous?
Serena skipped work on Monday rather than face any
questions any of her coworkers might have had. The day off also allowed
for her to be suckered into a lunch with her mother. Her mother was
suddenly very curious about what was going on in her life. She wanted to
know everything there was to know about Darien, sadly Serena knew little
about him on a personal level. Her mother would be surprised to find
herself in the position of finding all about Darien from the man himself. It
would save her the inadequate explanations she would have given. Darien
was also meeting her for lunch; he'd invited himself along. He was turning
into a regular fiancée.
He had called her everyday since they had dinner and she had to
admit he was turning out to be a very nice guy. She wondered if she
shouldn't be grateful for having been tossed into this situation with him.
Especially when she considered that under normal circumstances he would
never have looked at her twice. She didn't feel very grateful however, she
felt inadequate. She felt that somehow he was being cheated.
While she was doing this for, what she had convinced herself to be
noble reasons he was entering into a relationship, which he never would
have even considered, solely for the purpose of profit. She felt sorry for him
that he would do this. He couldn't possibly have thought this out
thoroughly. Didn't he care that he would be spending the rest of his life
possibly regretting ever marrying her and all for a bit more money that with
his brilliance he could have probably made on his own?
Maybe he planned to ditch her once the papers were signed. Being
married hadn't stopped many men from having relationships with other
women. Her aunt's husband for example had a mistress in the grand
tradition of many wealthy men. She didn't want to even think about
whether or not her father had one of his own, it certainly was a possibility.
She wasn't sure if she could handle knowing her husband cheated
on her. He had demanded her loyalty when he had vehemently let her know
he wouldn't tolerate her cheating on him. He hadn't however, made any
promises of his own.
Serena met her mother and Darien at a small bistro. He stood up to
greet her running his eyes over the flowing white tunic and matching pants
with a certain possessiveness that, much like the sound of his voice, made
her nervous. She could barely contain her wide-eyed surprise when he
kissed her on the cheek as though it were the most normal thing in the
world.
"Hello sweetheart," he said huskily, still staring at her. She resisted
the urge to glare at him for the show he was putting on for her mother who
sat across from him looking like a rather pleased puss. The smile that
spread across her face when Darien greeted her was so grand; she couldn't
quite recall having seen one like it for a long time. Apparently Darien had
charmed her to an extent to which Andrew hadn't even aspired. She
wondered if he had even told her that it was merely a business
arrangement; by the look on her face her guess was no.
"Darien was telling me all about himself, Serena. It's quite ironic that
Andrew introduced you two isn't it? Seems you two hit it off right away.
This wonderful man is the reason you broke up with Andrew isn't it? I can't
say I blame you although quite frankly sweetheart, your method leaves
something to be desired.
"The whole family is talking about it! Your grandmother is having a fit
you know, and your cousin Tammy is positively green with envy. The least
you could have done is let your family know! Although I can hardly blame
you for wanting to keep him for yourself, I can't understand how you can
help not boasting about a wonderful catch like this.
"It's positively romantic, in a modern way of course. I bet we can
keep the same wedding planner. When are you two going to tie the knot?
Will it be soon? You must let me know so I can get a head start…"
Serena was staring in a rather stunned air-headed way at her mother
who continued rambling on an on in her excitement. Darien merely sat
back and stared at Serena in amusement. It had begun all over again.
Eventually Serena gave up on really answering her mother's questions and
paid much more attention to the meal before her although it was a rather
difficult task with Darien sitting across from her looking at her as though
she were the only woman around.
She found herself daydreaming, wondering what life with Darien
would be like. She found herself considering the positive benefits of waking
up next to him every morning. She wondered what he looked like when he
was sleeping with those extraordinarily long lashes of his resting against
his cheeks. Did he wear pajamas; cotton, silk, nothing at all? Her face was
slowly painted red as her thoughts drifted. Just then she looked up at
Darien and her face was even redder. Why was he still looking at her and
smiling?
Darien couldn't seem to take his eyes off her. There was something
about her that made his thoughts run on her constantly. There was the
obvious fact that she was beautiful. He couldn't help goading her just to
see her blue eyes widen. It certainly was no excuse to stare at her as
though she were the only one around. He hadn't even heard much of
anything Helen had said in the past few minutes.
He wondered what Serena was thinking. She didn't seem to be
listening much to her mother either, not that Helen noticed. His curiosity
heightened when he saw her face deepen in color. She looked up at him
and her face turned darker. He would have given a fortune to know what
thought had caused the embarrassed look he'd seen on her face.
Helen was still rambling on and on when she was interrupted by a
petite woman in a red suit. The woman's hair was a rather unnatural shade
of red and she wore an excess of makeup that wouldn't have looked so
unbelievably unnatural if it weren't for her penciled eyebrows and spider
lashes. She greeted Helen with a rather high-pitched screech that could
raise the hairs on a cats back.
Helen gave the woman a rather brilliant fake smile and returned her
greeting.
"I don't believe I've met these two beautiful young people," the
woman said, forcing an introduction. By the look on her face, Darien had no
doubt that the woman had a very good idea who he was.
"Amanda, this is my daughter Serena and her fiancée Darien
Derencourt."
"It's very good to meet you. You two make a wonderful couple." Her
eyes glinted mysteriously. "Well it was lovely seeing you again Helen.
Maybe we can get together sometime."
"Yes of course," Helen replied non-committal.
"Who was that Mom?" Serena asked when the woman had left.
"A rather annoying gossip columnist who fancies herself a friend,"
Helen replied. Darien frowned but said nothing.
A little while later Serena's mother excused herself from the two
'lovebirds'. She of course had to attend to the details of a wedding that had
no set date. Serena was curious as to why Darien had not returned to work
and asked him as much.
"I'm not in the habit of leaving beautiful women alone," he replied.
"Believe me I noticed," Serena whispered.
"You need to watch more closely then. No other woman is here but
you, and I am not going anywhere."
Serena gasped, unwilling to believe he'd actually spoken those
words to her. But truly what surprised her was that he would abandon the
business that seemed to be his life, for which he was sacrificing his
bachelorhood, just to spend time with her.
"Don't look so shocked. You're making me look like an ogre who
never pays his fiancée any compliments." Serena continued to stare at him
silently. Trying to figure out if he was teasing her or if he genuinely wanted
to be with her as his words implied."
"If you don't say something soon I believe I'm going to have to bring
your mother back just for someone to listen to and by the expression on
your face while she was chit chatting away you wouldn't particularly enjoy
that."
"Sorry," Serena said quietly. "I was just surprised you said that. It
sounded almost flowery. I never would have guessed you were the flowery
type," She teased, smiling gently, relieved to have her brain finally at work
once again.
"Flowery? That hurts." He placed a hand over his chest in a pathetic
attempt to look wounded that made Serena laugh. She had no doubt that
even in a situation where he was truly hurt he'd still look proud and
unconquered.
"Welcome back to reality. You haven't really said much since you
arrived."
"I was too stunned by how quickly you managed to charm my
mother."
"It must be my floweriness." Serena smiled again something he was
beginning to realize he enjoyed seeing. He still hadn't gotten that toothy
grin out of her he wanted to see and he hadn't made her laugh yet.
"What exactly did you say to her? She seems like she's ready to take
you for her own."
"Well it's not so much what I said as what I didn't say. I just didn't
bother telling her about our arrangement so as far as she and everyone else
is concerned we are a happily in live soon to be married couple."
Serena sighed. "So she thinks we fell in love at first sight and I
dumped Andrew so I could have you. Just great. Everyday my character
takes a beating."
"I wouldn't worry too much about that. Notoriety can give you a
certain amount of power. Believe me I know."
Serena shook her head. "How do you live like that? You are the only
businessman I have ever known or heard of with whom the press is so
enamored. How do you go through every day knowing that there is always
someone watching you waiting to see what you do next?
Darien shrugged. You get used to it I suppose. I certainly never
expected to be 'famous'. It isn't something that happens in the business
world. At first I was annoyed by the fact that it seemed there was always
someone watching, waiting to see what I did next; whether it was the SEC,
the finance journals, or journalists with nothing better to do, there was
always someone. I still haven't figured out just what is so fascinating about
me that makes me newsworthy."
"You don't know?" Serena asked incredulously, unwilling to believe
that anyone as beautiful as he did not sit and admire themselves in the
mirror. Were she that gorgeous, she supposed she might be horribly
conceited. It wasn't even so much his good looks but the fact that he
emanated this aura that was just utterly sensual. He was the romance hero,
every woman's fantasy brought to life in a manner that outdid any of the
feminine imaginings and heroic fantasies of all the romance novelists who'd
ever written of their vision of the perfect man.
"Why? Do you?" Certainly, she couldn't subscribe to the unreal
fantasies all the women he'd known held about him. Of course she didn't.
She'd made that plainly obvious.
Serena was a practical woman; she had no time to put him up on
the pedestal of romantic hero come to sweep her off her feet. She certainly
didn't want him and somehow that made her all the more fascinating if a
bit frustrating to him. He couldn't help basking in the irony of strangely
coming to want the one woman who didn't seem to want him.
"Have you looked in the mirror lately?" She questioned, unwilling to
believe he did not recognize himself as the most handsome CEO to ever sit
on the board of directors anywhere. She' looked through a good hundred or
so stock portfolios, been to a good dozen conventions and almost every top
executive in the country was a white haired old man with a pot belly and
the personality of a goat. Darien was the ultimate exception and therein
laid the fascination with everything he said and did.
Until now she had not even given much thought to just who this man
was who waltzed in to the business world, swooped down like a hawk, and
captured the much desired position of one of America's most successful
men and sexiest bachelors. Now that he was supposed to be hers she
found herself dabbling in the same fantasies that just weeks before she
would have credited as being utterly ridiculous.
Somehow, even though she now had the one man half the women in
the world seemed to want, she found herself in a rather distressingly ironic
situation. She had the man every woman wanted and he didn't even love
her. Worse yet she felt herself being drawn into his alluring web of
attraction. It would be far too easy to fall in love with him and she couldn't
face a lifetime of loving a man who didn't love her.
"I know I'm handsome Serena. I have been told so, so often that I
often wonder why it hasn't gone to my head completely. I seriously doubt
that I am the only handsome man in the business world! Why aren't they
fascinated with Andrew, or your father's right hand man, what's his name?"
"Davidson?" Serena asked frowning at the thought and secretly
wondering if Darien was out of his mind. "He has no Charisma." And
besides, Serena added to herself, he does not quite meet your level. "As for
Andrew, he was born into this society. You are new and therefore of
significantly more interest."
"You make it sound as though I just joined some club."
"That's what it feel like sometimes. It's an entire social club of the
rich. They try to exclude anyone who doesn't have their 'breeding'.
Unfortunately for them the twentieth century arrived and they don't have
the same power anymore."
"Don't they? If they don't why are you marrying me, knowing that
divorce isn't even an option? You are being loyal to the very traditions of
that society despite your personal desires." He watched her face and saw
she was about to object. He knew what she'd say. She'd reiterate the same
nonsense of loyalty to her family and that was certainly the last thing he
wanted to hear. He raised his palms before her, signaling her silence.
"I know what you're going to say. You're being loyal to your family.
But your family is the top dog in this little social club and you are their
princess. When you marry me, you secure the position of your family, and
in turn the backbone of that society. This is hardly about you and me really.
I just find it ironic that to save themselves they must sacrifice the purity of
their bloodlines and assimilate those they disdain." Oddly he didn't sound
bitter considering his words.
"And yet you still agree to this proposition. Why is that? Why do you
choose to allow this merger? Why do you voluntarily become a member of
the Kyler family if you know just how our society works? You are already
wealthy and successful. Why did you bother to proceed on this rescue
mission, it couldn't possibly be out of the goodness of your heart?" Serena
stared at him, daring him to answer the questions that had been running
through her mind ever since he had informed her he would marry her.
Darien raised an eyebrow and paused a moment before "Maybe I'm
really a romantic hero after all. Maybe I want to rescue more than your
family. Just maybe, I want to rescue you."
Serena had been stunned by his answer, not to mention confused.
Just what, did he suppose she needed rescuing from? She had asked that
question but he hadn't answered. Maybe there really was no answer and
he'd merely said it for its effect rather than any inherent meaning. The
response he had given was as intriguing as anything he might have said.
He'd kissed her hand and offered her dessert. She didn't bother to ply him
for an answer.
Not being one to refuse any type of dessert, Serena accepted his
offer. They didn't stay at the bistro, however. Instead they began walk
around the city, stopping by a ice-cream parlor on their way. The rest of the
day was spent walking and talking enjoying each other's company to the
fullest. Before they knew it four hours had passed and Serena's feet ached
despite her comfortable sandals. Fortunately by that time they were down
at the bay. For a long time they stood there quietly just taking in the beauty
of the Pacific Ocean, until Darien finally spoke.
"I meant what I said this weekend at your apartment. We can make
this marriage as real as any out there. I want that for us; it's the best thing
for us both." Serena was silent for a moment. For a while she thought. The
question wasn't whether or not she could love him; that had become very
obvious to her today. It was whether he would love her the way she desired.
The solution was simple. She would be damned if she didn't try to make
him fall in love with her as she already found herself falling for him.
While she hadn't been looking at him, he had been staring intently at
her and was surprised to see her smile brilliantly.
"I think I'd like that." The words were more than music to his ears.
He turned to her and smiled one of the brilliant smiles staring deeply into
her soft blue eyes. As though there were a magnet between them, they
drew closer together their eyelids drooping as their heads moved in
towards each other. Their lips met gently at first before seemingly melting
into a wondrous explosion of passion. The kiss sent chills rushing down
Serena's spine and a heat rushing from her toes to where her tongue
connected to Darien's, both dancing together in their shared moment of
ardor.
Serena was still glowing even when she woke up the next morning,
practically on cloud nine. Lunch had led to dinner and they'd parted ways
late last night only to spend the rest of the evening on the phone like
smitten teenagers. She got to her office smiling all the way and greeted her
secretary brightly.
"Hi Molly!" Molly simply stared at Serena for a moment stunned.
Serena was not exactly a morning person. She then remembered what she
had read in the newspaper and returned Serena's brilliant smile with one of
her own as well as an addition.
"Congratulations Serena! I read about your engagement in the
newspaper. What a catch! He is so handsome! That gossip columnist was
so rude though. I couldn't believe the things she said!"
"What gossip columnist?" Serena could feel that number nine cloud
slowly beginning to dissolve beneath her feet.
"Amanda Messier; she implies that you dumped Andrew for the
better catch. She also claims that you and Mr. Derencourt must have been
carrying on some secret romance for quite a while even while you were
planning to marry Andrew." Serena clenched her jaw in anger. She picked
up the newspaper on Molly's desk to see a small picture of her and Darien
kissing at the docks. Below the picture was the paragraph dedicated to her
and Darien.
…before news of the break of Serena Kyler's
engagement to the son of shipping magnate
William Davenport, her engagement to multi-
millionaire playboy businessman Darien
Derencourt was announced just this past
Sunday. There had been no evidence of a
prior relationship between Ms. Kyler and Mr.
Derencourt, which leads one to believe that
whatever relationship they had must have
been highly secretive and possibly carried on
throughout her engagement to Davenport, as
her newly acwuired fiancée Derencourt, just
two weeks ago, was seen with supermodel
Ambrose… Interestingly enough it seems
Davenport and Ms. Kyler have remained
friends and Davenport has also formed a
relationship with Ms. Kyler's new love
interest. It certainly makes for an interesting
relationship between the three. Ms. Kyler has
been a very very busy young woman…
"I just met the woman yesterday and the vicious harpy is already
trying to rip me to shreds! I refuse to let her ruin my day!"
Just then, a deliveryman arrived asking for a Serena Kyler. Serena
turned to accept the delivery that turned out to be a rather large bouquet of
red and white roses. Molly oohed and ahhed over the romantic gesture
Darien had bestowed on her. She opened the small note.
"Just a little something, hoping and wishing you feel as good today as I
do and really it's because of you."
Everyday was turning out to be a new pleasant surprise and it was
actually a wondrous feeling. She didn't give another thought to Amanda
Messier. Cloud nine solidified beneath her feet again.
"Her father visited later in the day and they had a short but pleasant
conversation. The information about the merger would be revealed to the
board a little while before the wedding but not sooner. He did suggest that
wedding be over with sooner rather than later but that was all. Before the
morning was over she received many congratulations by phone and in
person from her co-workers. It annoyed her however that they all seemed to
be extremely curious about her relationship but none were so rude as to
ask. They women all gave her these subtle impressions that she had
achieved the great feat of capturing 'The Man'. It reminded her too much of
her cousins.
At midday she was invited, along with Darien, by Lita to a late dinner
that evening. It would be their first outing as a couple and something of a
celebration of their engagement.
For anyone else this dinner would be very awkward and certainly
anyone who didn't understand the situation would expect it to be. Her
closest friends would be there and that included Andrew. How many people
could say that they were having an engagement celebration with their ex-
fiancée of less than a month present? It gave her something to look forward
to for the rest of the evening.
Serena dressed for dinner to impress. Of course she had a specific
person in mind. Technically this was a date so he was picking her up and
she had this distinct impression he would be on time. Punctuality seemed
a part of his personality. That was the reason she had begun to get dressed
almost an hour before he was due to arrive.
It was all in vain however. The doorbell rang before she even had the
chance to pull the beige silk dress over her head and settle its sheer, white-
flower-spotted layer into place. She needed a necklace to fill the wide, low
neckline but she wouldn't have time to find one before getting the door.
When Darien saw her he have an appreciative glance over her body.
She noticed and turned to give him the full impression.
"You like?"
"I like. You know there are women who would kill to raid your closet."
"I take pride in my collection. You should probably sit down I'm
nowhere near ready."
"There has to be something about you being barefooted every time
I'm here," he said noticing her bare feet.
"It's comfortable."
It took another half hour before Serena was ready and they were of
course the last to arrive at Lita's restaurant.
Andrew winced painfully when he saw Serena enter the restaurant
laughing with Darien. She was happy with him, not that he should have
expected any less. From what he'd seen Darien Derencourt was what every
woman wanted. Serena was happy and that should make him happy and it
did somehow but it wasn't enough. He wanted her to be happy with him.
He sighed and frowned but no one noticed besides Mina who knew
everything and had been understanding. But there were problems helpful
little sisters couldn't solve.
It was a great dinner. Everything was going perfectly. Serena's
friends teased the couple and they reacted warmly, teasing back. It all
made for a wonderful atmosphere. Andrew had a mask of laughing
amusement on his face that he put on for her. She didn't need to see him
hurting when she was so happy.
He was forced; despite the pain it caused, to admit that she seemed
happier than she had been in a long while, happier than she had been with
him. There was just something about the way she touched his hand even by
accident that caused her to turn and look at him as though she had never
seen him before. The way she got nervous every time he touched her. The
way she seemed in a daze half the time and smiled ever so slightly when he
spoke, listening so intently as though he were the only one there.
They had known each other most of their lives and he had never seen
her react this way to anyone. She was in love, and for her, it was the first
time. Darien seemed equally intrigued. Not being one to say much he
sometimes simply sat back and watched as she talked as if entranced by
her every movement. What he wouldn't have given to be in his place. It was
comforting to know that she would be happy. He would love her; that much
he could see.
Serena was enjoying herself. Her friends had greeted her and Darien
as if they were an old couple. No mention was made of their situation and it
had been for the best. For the first time she felt as though Darien was her
fiancée; the one she had fallen in love with of her own free will under
normal circumstances. She didn't doubt her friends were wondering just
what had happened between them.
She hoped her friends didn't notice what she was beginning to think
was an obsession: staring at Darien. He had been talking once and she had
found herself staring, entranced by his mouth. As if he'd felt her eyes on
him, he'd stopped and turned and looked at her. He'd given one of those
slow sexy smiles that made her flush from head to toe when he realized she
hadn't heard what he'd just said to her.
She didn't even eat that much which for her was unusual. Her
appetite was 'healthier' than most. Eating to her was an art form that
required precision and a wide array of different foods in large amounts. Her
friends considered watching her eat an event, wondering just where she put
the food away in her tiny body. Tonight however her mind was engaged in
an entirely new and all that more fascinating art form, watching Darien.
Despite all the 'wonders' of the evening she couldn't help sensing
something was wrong. It didn't hit her until the evening was almost over
just what that was. She had been so caught up in 'everything else' that she
had paid little attention to anything else. She hadn't even taken note of
what she was feeling coming from Andrew.
He wasn't as happy as he was intent on having everyone believe. She
knew him too well to fall for that. His eyes were distant. Something was
wrong. She didn't get a chance to speak to him that night; 'Other things'
had her attention. She pushed away her thoughts for the moment, making
a resolution to talk to Drew, later.
Darien had other things on his mind and all of them involved Serena
in someway. He had spent the entire evening in a rather unusual state.
Every time she touched him, his skin tingled as if she had just shot him
through with electricity. He could feel her eyes on him and it made him
smile. He found that of all the women he knew, he liked it when she looked
at him.
It pleased him to know she found him attractive and he smiled when
he thought of what she'd say if he'd told her. "As if your ego needs any more
help!" It was strange that he knew exactly what she would think; he even
knew how she felt at this very moment. It was all so very strange.
He'd fancied himself in love once in high school. Like every other
woman he'd ever known, she'd merely wanted to prove that she could have
him. He'd felt used, but over the years he had come to accept the feeling
as the norm. Women didn't want him; they wanted what they saw, not who
he was.
Serena was different. For one thing, most of the time he doubted she
even wanted him and unlike anything else he'd ever known, the very idea
angered him. When she looked at him the way she had tonight however, it
was everything. He knew she wanted him, not just what she saw, but
everything. And maybe he was selfish to want so much from a woman, to
want her to see him and only him but somehow he knew that if he could get
Serena to love him she would do just that.
She was loyal, devoted, and honest. She would give him everything.
Tonight he wanted her more than ever before. The last few days had
been a test of will. One that he hadn't been sure he would pass. Right now
he could only hope she felt the same way because cold showers were even
far less fun than they were purported to be.
At the end of the evening, Darien walked Serena to the car. He had
waited impatiently as they said goodbye to her friends. It was almost
twenty minutes before he had her alone in the car.
Serena couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. As the evening
had come closer and closer to an end she had grown more and more
nervous. Every part of her shivered with anticipation of just where this
evening was going and for some reason it only seemed natural.
She had taken extra time saying goodbye to her friends as they all
stood outside in the restaurant parking lot, delaying the inevitable. It
wasn't that she was scared of what might happen between them when they
were alone she was just very, very nervous. She smiled nervously as he
opened the car door for her.
His hand brushed against hers as she stepped around him to get in.
They both froze as they felt the sensations they'd been feeling all night
intensify as skin brushed against skin. Serena turned around to face him
for the moment frozen by the hungry look she recognized in his eyes, a look
she knew was mirrored in her own. Her heart was pounding and her
stomach seemed to have developed a pulse.
And once again as if by some compelling hypnotic force, they were
pulled together and she wasn't aware either of them had moved until she
felt his hand on her waist and the cold metal of the car through the back of
her dress. His head came down to meet hers and when their lips met it was
as if the world exploded behind her closed eyes.
The taste of her was amazing. She tasted impossibly like berries and
sunshine. It certainly wasn't the usual to have a woman melt in his arms,
but melt it seemed she had. She had relaxed in his arms and he held her
close to him trapped between his hard body and the car. It seemed like
they moved together knowing each other's every movement and if he didn't
stop now it was going to be very difficult to in just a few more minutes but
it was hard to stop kissing her, so very hard.
When they finally pulled apart they were hot, flushed, and breathing
hard. They were also suddenly aware that they were in a parking lot and
her friends had all seen that. She peeked around his enormous body to see
them staring at the both of them in shock. Her face turned so beet red,
even her ears were hot. She quickly ducked back behind the safety of his
body where she couldn't see them anymore.
Darien chuckled at her embarrassment and kissed her on her
forehead lightly.
"Why don't you get in the car before I embarrass us both again," he
said huskily.
To say they hurried to her place would have been an understatement.
At any moment Serena had expected a cop to pull up behind them. They
made it safely though.
Later Serena would almost swear he had her half undressed before
they even got through her front door. It would have been an exaggeration
however. The door closed behind her before he started kissing her. She
wasn't undressed until they actually got to her bedroom door. But then
they were far too busy to record the actual events in proper sequence or
timing. All either of them truly remembered was that it was wonderful,
absolutely wonderful.
Early the next morning, far earlier than she was used to being awake
to prepare for work, she stood in the shower as the water beat down on her
body. Darien was in her kitchen hunting down a source of chocolate. She
smiled as she remembered how he'd just about demanded chocolate of her
this morning as though it were a life's necessity, something she could
understand. He should be able to find some, while she was often lax about
food shopping she never forgot to buy chocolate.
She shivered despite the almost scalding hot water pouring over her
body. She had never felt the way she had last night, the way she felt now.
Kissing him was so overwhelming. She felt as though she had never been
truly alive until just then. When he touched her she felt complete and at
times it was scary. She was beginning to need him and she couldn't
remember ever truly needing anyone since she was a child and it was
disconcerting.
A few more nights like that and she certainly would need him. He
could definitely become an addiction.
Darien found his chocolate source in a jar of M&M's in Serena's
cupboard. Last night had been something else. She was even more
beautiful than he had already noted. It was unnerving how badly he wanted
her. She was a distraction. If he didn't stop thinking about her, as he didn't
doubt he would be for the rest of the day, he wouldn't be able to get much
work done.
He was actually in the middle of cracking eggs in a bowl to make an
omelet. It was the only western meal he ever attempted to cook. Somehow,
he didn't think Serena would eat noodles or rice for breakfast the way he
usually did. Eggs and a few other things were all she seemed to have in her
refrigerator.
Last night had been something new for him. He had never spent the
night at a woman's place before. He'd always been in control and therefore
sex had always been on his turf. Last night however, had no precedent. He
had never experienced anything like that.
He found himself at the point where she was becoming an obsession
for him, one that had started the moment he met her. Even now he could
remember what she smelled like, what she felt like, how she tasted. That
line of thought wasn't very productive. It seemed he'd recorded her face in
his mind the day he'd met her, it was so easy to remember her every
expression.
For the first time in his life everything felt right. He felt complete,
satisfied. If he hadn't been sure he wanted to marry her before, he was
quite certain now. There was something exceedingly strange about this
situation. Situations like this didn't happen in real life. You didn't just meet
the woman of your dreams and marry her. It was too perfect, too
wonderful. Any moment now he'd wake from this dream and discover there
was no perfect Serena with the long blonde hair. Blue-eyed angels didn't
just walk into your life and request your hand in marriage. But it had
happened to him and it seemed unreal.
He was about to pour the eggs into the pan when the phone rang. He
did what seemed natural and logical; he answered.
"Hello?" There was nothing but silence. "Hello?" he repeated but all
he heard on the other end was a click. He frowned annoyed but went back
to his eggs, whistling as he cooked.
A few minutes later Serena entered the kitchen, trying to sneak up on
him. She failed pathetically even though she had been quiet. Her peach
scented shampoo was just too fragrant to escape his notice.
"You smell good," he said kissing her wet head. He put his arms
around her fuzzy bathrobe-covered shoulders.
"You smell like chocolate," she returned, resting herself comfortably
against his broad, bare chest.
"I don't suppose we could spend all day in bed could we?" Darien
groaned against her hair.
"I'm turning you into a weak man."
"You definitely are, and I can't see myself resisting it."
"Unfortunately we both have to go to work."
They had breakfast, a new experience for Serena. Darien lectured her
on the importance of the first meal of the day. She was surprised he
actually had time to eat breakfast in the morning. She always woke up late,
just in time to get dressed and rush out the door. There was never anytime
for breakfast. Of course it was easy for him o be early for work when he
only had to take the elevator down a few levels.
She teased him about what a good boy he was and how proud his
mother must be. He took that as a compliment and proudly informed her
that Ikuko was very, very proud of her only son. She gagged at how
nauseating that was and informed him that a 'normal' family like his was
absolutely unreal not to mention abnormal. "Dysfunction is the key to
normality;" that was her motto.
An hour later, she kissed him goodbye. It seemed she was doomed
to be late because even as she closed the door she realized that if she
didn't get dressed, she would be late for work. She rushed around the
apartment tossing on the first suit she could find in her closet and brushing
blush on her cheeks while shoving her feet into high heels. She grabbed her
purse and flung open the door, keys in hand, ready to face a day of
obsessing about her fiancée while sorting through too much paperwork.
Author: MarshAngel
e-mail:watsonma@hotmail.com
webpage: http://www.crosswinds.net/~marshangel/angelmoon.htm
When Serena awoke the next morning the first thing she saw was the
sparkle of the diamond as the sun streaking through her bedroom's
curtains hit its multifaceted surface. It was an instant reminder of the
previous night. After he'd given the ring to her things had become
incredibly tense between them and the most of the rest of the evening was
spent in silence punctuated only by the short bursts of conversation. It had
made the ending of the night rather odd.
She remembered he had walked her to her door, which had made
her so nervous not knowing what would come next. At some point during
the evening it had seemed that their outing had turned into something of a
first date; a rather unusual first date in which she had become engaged.
She had wondered how he'd end the evening. Would he kiss her goodnight,
like a real fiancée? Would he shake her hand like the business partner she
technically was? It had been a mystery until it happened.
He had done a rather brilliant combination of both really. It hadn't
been too much and at the same time it affected her even more than if he'd
taken her into his arms and kissed her thoroughly. It had made her wonder
about just how things would really be in the future. Maybe just maybe they
could be more than just business partners… and that was the thought with
which she was left to consider for the rest of the night when he'd gently
taken her hand into his own and while never taking his eyes of her face
kissed the back of her hand gently. For that moment he'd made her feel
like a princess and he was the handsome prince with the brilliantly
beautiful eyes and stunningly gorgeous smile. Fortunately she was able to
restrain herself before she took the fantasy to an entirely new level.
Willing herself to get out of bed, she padded to her front door to get
the newspaper in which she knew she'd see the announcement of her
engagement. It got more real by the second and somehow more
acceptable. She wondered what everyone else would think when they found
out. Unexpectedly, she found herself amused by the imaginings of stunned
reactions, not from her close friends who already knew but from her
coworkers and other relatives.
It suddenly occurred to her that she had never told her mother about
this. She doubted her father had either. It would be typical of him not to
inform her. If he had, she would have called to say something, anything at
all.
She picked up the paper and turned to the society section where
separate pictures of her and of Darien stood out under the announcement
of engagements. He'd certainly been thorough, she commented to herself
wryly. It seemed he wanted everyone to know and be sure of the fact that
they were now an official couple. Just as she put the paper aside to make
herself some sort of breakfast, the phone rang and it continued to do so all
day. A few of her friends call to offer their somewhat muted congratulations
on Darien's acceptance but the first person however, was her mother.
It was a rather one-sided conversation. Her mother said quite a bit,
cried happily and gave her an enormous guilt trip for not having told her
before, and having had to read the news in the newspaper like a stranger.
She didn't bother explaining that it was a business deal because her
mother seemed awfully content to believe that Serena had tastelessly
dumped one fiancée for another. Once she'd gotten past Serena's
'unladylike' behavior she chattered a bit about true love and whatnot.
Serena wondered if somehow her mother hoped for more for her than she
herself had had. She suddenly realized that maybe her mother wasn't
everything she had always thought her to be. Maybe she had always held
some secret hope for her daughter to marry the man she loved like she'd
never had the chance to.
Darien called too and they had a civil conversation without the snide
remarks that had started their meeting on the previous day. It wasn't a
long conversation but it was one that had left her pondering, for the rest of
the day, why her heart had suddenly sped up at the sound of his voice on
the phone or why she'd suddenly got that nervous shakiness in the pit of
her stomach. Was it a good thing to be marrying a man whose very voice
made her nervous?
Serena skipped work on Monday rather than face any
questions any of her coworkers might have had. The day off also allowed
for her to be suckered into a lunch with her mother. Her mother was
suddenly very curious about what was going on in her life. She wanted to
know everything there was to know about Darien, sadly Serena knew little
about him on a personal level. Her mother would be surprised to find
herself in the position of finding all about Darien from the man himself. It
would save her the inadequate explanations she would have given. Darien
was also meeting her for lunch; he'd invited himself along. He was turning
into a regular fiancée.
He had called her everyday since they had dinner and she had to
admit he was turning out to be a very nice guy. She wondered if she
shouldn't be grateful for having been tossed into this situation with him.
Especially when she considered that under normal circumstances he would
never have looked at her twice. She didn't feel very grateful however, she
felt inadequate. She felt that somehow he was being cheated.
While she was doing this for, what she had convinced herself to be
noble reasons he was entering into a relationship, which he never would
have even considered, solely for the purpose of profit. She felt sorry for him
that he would do this. He couldn't possibly have thought this out
thoroughly. Didn't he care that he would be spending the rest of his life
possibly regretting ever marrying her and all for a bit more money that with
his brilliance he could have probably made on his own?
Maybe he planned to ditch her once the papers were signed. Being
married hadn't stopped many men from having relationships with other
women. Her aunt's husband for example had a mistress in the grand
tradition of many wealthy men. She didn't want to even think about
whether or not her father had one of his own, it certainly was a possibility.
She wasn't sure if she could handle knowing her husband cheated
on her. He had demanded her loyalty when he had vehemently let her know
he wouldn't tolerate her cheating on him. He hadn't however, made any
promises of his own.
Serena met her mother and Darien at a small bistro. He stood up to
greet her running his eyes over the flowing white tunic and matching pants
with a certain possessiveness that, much like the sound of his voice, made
her nervous. She could barely contain her wide-eyed surprise when he
kissed her on the cheek as though it were the most normal thing in the
world.
"Hello sweetheart," he said huskily, still staring at her. She resisted
the urge to glare at him for the show he was putting on for her mother who
sat across from him looking like a rather pleased puss. The smile that
spread across her face when Darien greeted her was so grand; she couldn't
quite recall having seen one like it for a long time. Apparently Darien had
charmed her to an extent to which Andrew hadn't even aspired. She
wondered if he had even told her that it was merely a business
arrangement; by the look on her face her guess was no.
"Darien was telling me all about himself, Serena. It's quite ironic that
Andrew introduced you two isn't it? Seems you two hit it off right away.
This wonderful man is the reason you broke up with Andrew isn't it? I can't
say I blame you although quite frankly sweetheart, your method leaves
something to be desired.
"The whole family is talking about it! Your grandmother is having a fit
you know, and your cousin Tammy is positively green with envy. The least
you could have done is let your family know! Although I can hardly blame
you for wanting to keep him for yourself, I can't understand how you can
help not boasting about a wonderful catch like this.
"It's positively romantic, in a modern way of course. I bet we can
keep the same wedding planner. When are you two going to tie the knot?
Will it be soon? You must let me know so I can get a head start…"
Serena was staring in a rather stunned air-headed way at her mother
who continued rambling on an on in her excitement. Darien merely sat
back and stared at Serena in amusement. It had begun all over again.
Eventually Serena gave up on really answering her mother's questions and
paid much more attention to the meal before her although it was a rather
difficult task with Darien sitting across from her looking at her as though
she were the only woman around.
She found herself daydreaming, wondering what life with Darien
would be like. She found herself considering the positive benefits of waking
up next to him every morning. She wondered what he looked like when he
was sleeping with those extraordinarily long lashes of his resting against
his cheeks. Did he wear pajamas; cotton, silk, nothing at all? Her face was
slowly painted red as her thoughts drifted. Just then she looked up at
Darien and her face was even redder. Why was he still looking at her and
smiling?
Darien couldn't seem to take his eyes off her. There was something
about her that made his thoughts run on her constantly. There was the
obvious fact that she was beautiful. He couldn't help goading her just to
see her blue eyes widen. It certainly was no excuse to stare at her as
though she were the only one around. He hadn't even heard much of
anything Helen had said in the past few minutes.
He wondered what Serena was thinking. She didn't seem to be
listening much to her mother either, not that Helen noticed. His curiosity
heightened when he saw her face deepen in color. She looked up at him
and her face turned darker. He would have given a fortune to know what
thought had caused the embarrassed look he'd seen on her face.
Helen was still rambling on and on when she was interrupted by a
petite woman in a red suit. The woman's hair was a rather unnatural shade
of red and she wore an excess of makeup that wouldn't have looked so
unbelievably unnatural if it weren't for her penciled eyebrows and spider
lashes. She greeted Helen with a rather high-pitched screech that could
raise the hairs on a cats back.
Helen gave the woman a rather brilliant fake smile and returned her
greeting.
"I don't believe I've met these two beautiful young people," the
woman said, forcing an introduction. By the look on her face, Darien had no
doubt that the woman had a very good idea who he was.
"Amanda, this is my daughter Serena and her fiancée Darien
Derencourt."
"It's very good to meet you. You two make a wonderful couple." Her
eyes glinted mysteriously. "Well it was lovely seeing you again Helen.
Maybe we can get together sometime."
"Yes of course," Helen replied non-committal.
"Who was that Mom?" Serena asked when the woman had left.
"A rather annoying gossip columnist who fancies herself a friend,"
Helen replied. Darien frowned but said nothing.
A little while later Serena's mother excused herself from the two
'lovebirds'. She of course had to attend to the details of a wedding that had
no set date. Serena was curious as to why Darien had not returned to work
and asked him as much.
"I'm not in the habit of leaving beautiful women alone," he replied.
"Believe me I noticed," Serena whispered.
"You need to watch more closely then. No other woman is here but
you, and I am not going anywhere."
Serena gasped, unwilling to believe he'd actually spoken those
words to her. But truly what surprised her was that he would abandon the
business that seemed to be his life, for which he was sacrificing his
bachelorhood, just to spend time with her.
"Don't look so shocked. You're making me look like an ogre who
never pays his fiancée any compliments." Serena continued to stare at him
silently. Trying to figure out if he was teasing her or if he genuinely wanted
to be with her as his words implied."
"If you don't say something soon I believe I'm going to have to bring
your mother back just for someone to listen to and by the expression on
your face while she was chit chatting away you wouldn't particularly enjoy
that."
"Sorry," Serena said quietly. "I was just surprised you said that. It
sounded almost flowery. I never would have guessed you were the flowery
type," She teased, smiling gently, relieved to have her brain finally at work
once again.
"Flowery? That hurts." He placed a hand over his chest in a pathetic
attempt to look wounded that made Serena laugh. She had no doubt that
even in a situation where he was truly hurt he'd still look proud and
unconquered.
"Welcome back to reality. You haven't really said much since you
arrived."
"I was too stunned by how quickly you managed to charm my
mother."
"It must be my floweriness." Serena smiled again something he was
beginning to realize he enjoyed seeing. He still hadn't gotten that toothy
grin out of her he wanted to see and he hadn't made her laugh yet.
"What exactly did you say to her? She seems like she's ready to take
you for her own."
"Well it's not so much what I said as what I didn't say. I just didn't
bother telling her about our arrangement so as far as she and everyone else
is concerned we are a happily in live soon to be married couple."
Serena sighed. "So she thinks we fell in love at first sight and I
dumped Andrew so I could have you. Just great. Everyday my character
takes a beating."
"I wouldn't worry too much about that. Notoriety can give you a
certain amount of power. Believe me I know."
Serena shook her head. "How do you live like that? You are the only
businessman I have ever known or heard of with whom the press is so
enamored. How do you go through every day knowing that there is always
someone watching you waiting to see what you do next?
Darien shrugged. You get used to it I suppose. I certainly never
expected to be 'famous'. It isn't something that happens in the business
world. At first I was annoyed by the fact that it seemed there was always
someone watching, waiting to see what I did next; whether it was the SEC,
the finance journals, or journalists with nothing better to do, there was
always someone. I still haven't figured out just what is so fascinating about
me that makes me newsworthy."
"You don't know?" Serena asked incredulously, unwilling to believe
that anyone as beautiful as he did not sit and admire themselves in the
mirror. Were she that gorgeous, she supposed she might be horribly
conceited. It wasn't even so much his good looks but the fact that he
emanated this aura that was just utterly sensual. He was the romance hero,
every woman's fantasy brought to life in a manner that outdid any of the
feminine imaginings and heroic fantasies of all the romance novelists who'd
ever written of their vision of the perfect man.
"Why? Do you?" Certainly, she couldn't subscribe to the unreal
fantasies all the women he'd known held about him. Of course she didn't.
She'd made that plainly obvious.
Serena was a practical woman; she had no time to put him up on
the pedestal of romantic hero come to sweep her off her feet. She certainly
didn't want him and somehow that made her all the more fascinating if a
bit frustrating to him. He couldn't help basking in the irony of strangely
coming to want the one woman who didn't seem to want him.
"Have you looked in the mirror lately?" She questioned, unwilling to
believe he did not recognize himself as the most handsome CEO to ever sit
on the board of directors anywhere. She' looked through a good hundred or
so stock portfolios, been to a good dozen conventions and almost every top
executive in the country was a white haired old man with a pot belly and
the personality of a goat. Darien was the ultimate exception and therein
laid the fascination with everything he said and did.
Until now she had not even given much thought to just who this man
was who waltzed in to the business world, swooped down like a hawk, and
captured the much desired position of one of America's most successful
men and sexiest bachelors. Now that he was supposed to be hers she
found herself dabbling in the same fantasies that just weeks before she
would have credited as being utterly ridiculous.
Somehow, even though she now had the one man half the women in
the world seemed to want, she found herself in a rather distressingly ironic
situation. She had the man every woman wanted and he didn't even love
her. Worse yet she felt herself being drawn into his alluring web of
attraction. It would be far too easy to fall in love with him and she couldn't
face a lifetime of loving a man who didn't love her.
"I know I'm handsome Serena. I have been told so, so often that I
often wonder why it hasn't gone to my head completely. I seriously doubt
that I am the only handsome man in the business world! Why aren't they
fascinated with Andrew, or your father's right hand man, what's his name?"
"Davidson?" Serena asked frowning at the thought and secretly
wondering if Darien was out of his mind. "He has no Charisma." And
besides, Serena added to herself, he does not quite meet your level. "As for
Andrew, he was born into this society. You are new and therefore of
significantly more interest."
"You make it sound as though I just joined some club."
"That's what it feel like sometimes. It's an entire social club of the
rich. They try to exclude anyone who doesn't have their 'breeding'.
Unfortunately for them the twentieth century arrived and they don't have
the same power anymore."
"Don't they? If they don't why are you marrying me, knowing that
divorce isn't even an option? You are being loyal to the very traditions of
that society despite your personal desires." He watched her face and saw
she was about to object. He knew what she'd say. She'd reiterate the same
nonsense of loyalty to her family and that was certainly the last thing he
wanted to hear. He raised his palms before her, signaling her silence.
"I know what you're going to say. You're being loyal to your family.
But your family is the top dog in this little social club and you are their
princess. When you marry me, you secure the position of your family, and
in turn the backbone of that society. This is hardly about you and me really.
I just find it ironic that to save themselves they must sacrifice the purity of
their bloodlines and assimilate those they disdain." Oddly he didn't sound
bitter considering his words.
"And yet you still agree to this proposition. Why is that? Why do you
choose to allow this merger? Why do you voluntarily become a member of
the Kyler family if you know just how our society works? You are already
wealthy and successful. Why did you bother to proceed on this rescue
mission, it couldn't possibly be out of the goodness of your heart?" Serena
stared at him, daring him to answer the questions that had been running
through her mind ever since he had informed her he would marry her.
Darien raised an eyebrow and paused a moment before "Maybe I'm
really a romantic hero after all. Maybe I want to rescue more than your
family. Just maybe, I want to rescue you."
Serena had been stunned by his answer, not to mention confused.
Just what, did he suppose she needed rescuing from? She had asked that
question but he hadn't answered. Maybe there really was no answer and
he'd merely said it for its effect rather than any inherent meaning. The
response he had given was as intriguing as anything he might have said.
He'd kissed her hand and offered her dessert. She didn't bother to ply him
for an answer.
Not being one to refuse any type of dessert, Serena accepted his
offer. They didn't stay at the bistro, however. Instead they began walk
around the city, stopping by a ice-cream parlor on their way. The rest of the
day was spent walking and talking enjoying each other's company to the
fullest. Before they knew it four hours had passed and Serena's feet ached
despite her comfortable sandals. Fortunately by that time they were down
at the bay. For a long time they stood there quietly just taking in the beauty
of the Pacific Ocean, until Darien finally spoke.
"I meant what I said this weekend at your apartment. We can make
this marriage as real as any out there. I want that for us; it's the best thing
for us both." Serena was silent for a moment. For a while she thought. The
question wasn't whether or not she could love him; that had become very
obvious to her today. It was whether he would love her the way she desired.
The solution was simple. She would be damned if she didn't try to make
him fall in love with her as she already found herself falling for him.
While she hadn't been looking at him, he had been staring intently at
her and was surprised to see her smile brilliantly.
"I think I'd like that." The words were more than music to his ears.
He turned to her and smiled one of the brilliant smiles staring deeply into
her soft blue eyes. As though there were a magnet between them, they
drew closer together their eyelids drooping as their heads moved in
towards each other. Their lips met gently at first before seemingly melting
into a wondrous explosion of passion. The kiss sent chills rushing down
Serena's spine and a heat rushing from her toes to where her tongue
connected to Darien's, both dancing together in their shared moment of
ardor.
Serena was still glowing even when she woke up the next morning,
practically on cloud nine. Lunch had led to dinner and they'd parted ways
late last night only to spend the rest of the evening on the phone like
smitten teenagers. She got to her office smiling all the way and greeted her
secretary brightly.
"Hi Molly!" Molly simply stared at Serena for a moment stunned.
Serena was not exactly a morning person. She then remembered what she
had read in the newspaper and returned Serena's brilliant smile with one of
her own as well as an addition.
"Congratulations Serena! I read about your engagement in the
newspaper. What a catch! He is so handsome! That gossip columnist was
so rude though. I couldn't believe the things she said!"
"What gossip columnist?" Serena could feel that number nine cloud
slowly beginning to dissolve beneath her feet.
"Amanda Messier; she implies that you dumped Andrew for the
better catch. She also claims that you and Mr. Derencourt must have been
carrying on some secret romance for quite a while even while you were
planning to marry Andrew." Serena clenched her jaw in anger. She picked
up the newspaper on Molly's desk to see a small picture of her and Darien
kissing at the docks. Below the picture was the paragraph dedicated to her
and Darien.
…before news of the break of Serena Kyler's
engagement to the son of shipping magnate
William Davenport, her engagement to multi-
millionaire playboy businessman Darien
Derencourt was announced just this past
Sunday. There had been no evidence of a
prior relationship between Ms. Kyler and Mr.
Derencourt, which leads one to believe that
whatever relationship they had must have
been highly secretive and possibly carried on
throughout her engagement to Davenport, as
her newly acwuired fiancée Derencourt, just
two weeks ago, was seen with supermodel
Ambrose… Interestingly enough it seems
Davenport and Ms. Kyler have remained
friends and Davenport has also formed a
relationship with Ms. Kyler's new love
interest. It certainly makes for an interesting
relationship between the three. Ms. Kyler has
been a very very busy young woman…
"I just met the woman yesterday and the vicious harpy is already
trying to rip me to shreds! I refuse to let her ruin my day!"
Just then, a deliveryman arrived asking for a Serena Kyler. Serena
turned to accept the delivery that turned out to be a rather large bouquet of
red and white roses. Molly oohed and ahhed over the romantic gesture
Darien had bestowed on her. She opened the small note.
"Just a little something, hoping and wishing you feel as good today as I
do and really it's because of you."
Everyday was turning out to be a new pleasant surprise and it was
actually a wondrous feeling. She didn't give another thought to Amanda
Messier. Cloud nine solidified beneath her feet again.
"Her father visited later in the day and they had a short but pleasant
conversation. The information about the merger would be revealed to the
board a little while before the wedding but not sooner. He did suggest that
wedding be over with sooner rather than later but that was all. Before the
morning was over she received many congratulations by phone and in
person from her co-workers. It annoyed her however that they all seemed to
be extremely curious about her relationship but none were so rude as to
ask. They women all gave her these subtle impressions that she had
achieved the great feat of capturing 'The Man'. It reminded her too much of
her cousins.
At midday she was invited, along with Darien, by Lita to a late dinner
that evening. It would be their first outing as a couple and something of a
celebration of their engagement.
For anyone else this dinner would be very awkward and certainly
anyone who didn't understand the situation would expect it to be. Her
closest friends would be there and that included Andrew. How many people
could say that they were having an engagement celebration with their ex-
fiancée of less than a month present? It gave her something to look forward
to for the rest of the evening.
Serena dressed for dinner to impress. Of course she had a specific
person in mind. Technically this was a date so he was picking her up and
she had this distinct impression he would be on time. Punctuality seemed
a part of his personality. That was the reason she had begun to get dressed
almost an hour before he was due to arrive.
It was all in vain however. The doorbell rang before she even had the
chance to pull the beige silk dress over her head and settle its sheer, white-
flower-spotted layer into place. She needed a necklace to fill the wide, low
neckline but she wouldn't have time to find one before getting the door.
When Darien saw her he have an appreciative glance over her body.
She noticed and turned to give him the full impression.
"You like?"
"I like. You know there are women who would kill to raid your closet."
"I take pride in my collection. You should probably sit down I'm
nowhere near ready."
"There has to be something about you being barefooted every time
I'm here," he said noticing her bare feet.
"It's comfortable."
It took another half hour before Serena was ready and they were of
course the last to arrive at Lita's restaurant.
Andrew winced painfully when he saw Serena enter the restaurant
laughing with Darien. She was happy with him, not that he should have
expected any less. From what he'd seen Darien Derencourt was what every
woman wanted. Serena was happy and that should make him happy and it
did somehow but it wasn't enough. He wanted her to be happy with him.
He sighed and frowned but no one noticed besides Mina who knew
everything and had been understanding. But there were problems helpful
little sisters couldn't solve.
It was a great dinner. Everything was going perfectly. Serena's
friends teased the couple and they reacted warmly, teasing back. It all
made for a wonderful atmosphere. Andrew had a mask of laughing
amusement on his face that he put on for her. She didn't need to see him
hurting when she was so happy.
He was forced; despite the pain it caused, to admit that she seemed
happier than she had been in a long while, happier than she had been with
him. There was just something about the way she touched his hand even by
accident that caused her to turn and look at him as though she had never
seen him before. The way she got nervous every time he touched her. The
way she seemed in a daze half the time and smiled ever so slightly when he
spoke, listening so intently as though he were the only one there.
They had known each other most of their lives and he had never seen
her react this way to anyone. She was in love, and for her, it was the first
time. Darien seemed equally intrigued. Not being one to say much he
sometimes simply sat back and watched as she talked as if entranced by
her every movement. What he wouldn't have given to be in his place. It was
comforting to know that she would be happy. He would love her; that much
he could see.
Serena was enjoying herself. Her friends had greeted her and Darien
as if they were an old couple. No mention was made of their situation and it
had been for the best. For the first time she felt as though Darien was her
fiancée; the one she had fallen in love with of her own free will under
normal circumstances. She didn't doubt her friends were wondering just
what had happened between them.
She hoped her friends didn't notice what she was beginning to think
was an obsession: staring at Darien. He had been talking once and she had
found herself staring, entranced by his mouth. As if he'd felt her eyes on
him, he'd stopped and turned and looked at her. He'd given one of those
slow sexy smiles that made her flush from head to toe when he realized she
hadn't heard what he'd just said to her.
She didn't even eat that much which for her was unusual. Her
appetite was 'healthier' than most. Eating to her was an art form that
required precision and a wide array of different foods in large amounts. Her
friends considered watching her eat an event, wondering just where she put
the food away in her tiny body. Tonight however her mind was engaged in
an entirely new and all that more fascinating art form, watching Darien.
Despite all the 'wonders' of the evening she couldn't help sensing
something was wrong. It didn't hit her until the evening was almost over
just what that was. She had been so caught up in 'everything else' that she
had paid little attention to anything else. She hadn't even taken note of
what she was feeling coming from Andrew.
He wasn't as happy as he was intent on having everyone believe. She
knew him too well to fall for that. His eyes were distant. Something was
wrong. She didn't get a chance to speak to him that night; 'Other things'
had her attention. She pushed away her thoughts for the moment, making
a resolution to talk to Drew, later.
Darien had other things on his mind and all of them involved Serena
in someway. He had spent the entire evening in a rather unusual state.
Every time she touched him, his skin tingled as if she had just shot him
through with electricity. He could feel her eyes on him and it made him
smile. He found that of all the women he knew, he liked it when she looked
at him.
It pleased him to know she found him attractive and he smiled when
he thought of what she'd say if he'd told her. "As if your ego needs any more
help!" It was strange that he knew exactly what she would think; he even
knew how she felt at this very moment. It was all so very strange.
He'd fancied himself in love once in high school. Like every other
woman he'd ever known, she'd merely wanted to prove that she could have
him. He'd felt used, but over the years he had come to accept the feeling
as the norm. Women didn't want him; they wanted what they saw, not who
he was.
Serena was different. For one thing, most of the time he doubted she
even wanted him and unlike anything else he'd ever known, the very idea
angered him. When she looked at him the way she had tonight however, it
was everything. He knew she wanted him, not just what she saw, but
everything. And maybe he was selfish to want so much from a woman, to
want her to see him and only him but somehow he knew that if he could get
Serena to love him she would do just that.
She was loyal, devoted, and honest. She would give him everything.
Tonight he wanted her more than ever before. The last few days had
been a test of will. One that he hadn't been sure he would pass. Right now
he could only hope she felt the same way because cold showers were even
far less fun than they were purported to be.
At the end of the evening, Darien walked Serena to the car. He had
waited impatiently as they said goodbye to her friends. It was almost
twenty minutes before he had her alone in the car.
Serena couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. As the evening
had come closer and closer to an end she had grown more and more
nervous. Every part of her shivered with anticipation of just where this
evening was going and for some reason it only seemed natural.
She had taken extra time saying goodbye to her friends as they all
stood outside in the restaurant parking lot, delaying the inevitable. It
wasn't that she was scared of what might happen between them when they
were alone she was just very, very nervous. She smiled nervously as he
opened the car door for her.
His hand brushed against hers as she stepped around him to get in.
They both froze as they felt the sensations they'd been feeling all night
intensify as skin brushed against skin. Serena turned around to face him
for the moment frozen by the hungry look she recognized in his eyes, a look
she knew was mirrored in her own. Her heart was pounding and her
stomach seemed to have developed a pulse.
And once again as if by some compelling hypnotic force, they were
pulled together and she wasn't aware either of them had moved until she
felt his hand on her waist and the cold metal of the car through the back of
her dress. His head came down to meet hers and when their lips met it was
as if the world exploded behind her closed eyes.
The taste of her was amazing. She tasted impossibly like berries and
sunshine. It certainly wasn't the usual to have a woman melt in his arms,
but melt it seemed she had. She had relaxed in his arms and he held her
close to him trapped between his hard body and the car. It seemed like
they moved together knowing each other's every movement and if he didn't
stop now it was going to be very difficult to in just a few more minutes but
it was hard to stop kissing her, so very hard.
When they finally pulled apart they were hot, flushed, and breathing
hard. They were also suddenly aware that they were in a parking lot and
her friends had all seen that. She peeked around his enormous body to see
them staring at the both of them in shock. Her face turned so beet red,
even her ears were hot. She quickly ducked back behind the safety of his
body where she couldn't see them anymore.
Darien chuckled at her embarrassment and kissed her on her
forehead lightly.
"Why don't you get in the car before I embarrass us both again," he
said huskily.
To say they hurried to her place would have been an understatement.
At any moment Serena had expected a cop to pull up behind them. They
made it safely though.
Later Serena would almost swear he had her half undressed before
they even got through her front door. It would have been an exaggeration
however. The door closed behind her before he started kissing her. She
wasn't undressed until they actually got to her bedroom door. But then
they were far too busy to record the actual events in proper sequence or
timing. All either of them truly remembered was that it was wonderful,
absolutely wonderful.
Early the next morning, far earlier than she was used to being awake
to prepare for work, she stood in the shower as the water beat down on her
body. Darien was in her kitchen hunting down a source of chocolate. She
smiled as she remembered how he'd just about demanded chocolate of her
this morning as though it were a life's necessity, something she could
understand. He should be able to find some, while she was often lax about
food shopping she never forgot to buy chocolate.
She shivered despite the almost scalding hot water pouring over her
body. She had never felt the way she had last night, the way she felt now.
Kissing him was so overwhelming. She felt as though she had never been
truly alive until just then. When he touched her she felt complete and at
times it was scary. She was beginning to need him and she couldn't
remember ever truly needing anyone since she was a child and it was
disconcerting.
A few more nights like that and she certainly would need him. He
could definitely become an addiction.
Darien found his chocolate source in a jar of M&M's in Serena's
cupboard. Last night had been something else. She was even more
beautiful than he had already noted. It was unnerving how badly he wanted
her. She was a distraction. If he didn't stop thinking about her, as he didn't
doubt he would be for the rest of the day, he wouldn't be able to get much
work done.
He was actually in the middle of cracking eggs in a bowl to make an
omelet. It was the only western meal he ever attempted to cook. Somehow,
he didn't think Serena would eat noodles or rice for breakfast the way he
usually did. Eggs and a few other things were all she seemed to have in her
refrigerator.
Last night had been something new for him. He had never spent the
night at a woman's place before. He'd always been in control and therefore
sex had always been on his turf. Last night however, had no precedent. He
had never experienced anything like that.
He found himself at the point where she was becoming an obsession
for him, one that had started the moment he met her. Even now he could
remember what she smelled like, what she felt like, how she tasted. That
line of thought wasn't very productive. It seemed he'd recorded her face in
his mind the day he'd met her, it was so easy to remember her every
expression.
For the first time in his life everything felt right. He felt complete,
satisfied. If he hadn't been sure he wanted to marry her before, he was
quite certain now. There was something exceedingly strange about this
situation. Situations like this didn't happen in real life. You didn't just meet
the woman of your dreams and marry her. It was too perfect, too
wonderful. Any moment now he'd wake from this dream and discover there
was no perfect Serena with the long blonde hair. Blue-eyed angels didn't
just walk into your life and request your hand in marriage. But it had
happened to him and it seemed unreal.
He was about to pour the eggs into the pan when the phone rang. He
did what seemed natural and logical; he answered.
"Hello?" There was nothing but silence. "Hello?" he repeated but all
he heard on the other end was a click. He frowned annoyed but went back
to his eggs, whistling as he cooked.
A few minutes later Serena entered the kitchen, trying to sneak up on
him. She failed pathetically even though she had been quiet. Her peach
scented shampoo was just too fragrant to escape his notice.
"You smell good," he said kissing her wet head. He put his arms
around her fuzzy bathrobe-covered shoulders.
"You smell like chocolate," she returned, resting herself comfortably
against his broad, bare chest.
"I don't suppose we could spend all day in bed could we?" Darien
groaned against her hair.
"I'm turning you into a weak man."
"You definitely are, and I can't see myself resisting it."
"Unfortunately we both have to go to work."
They had breakfast, a new experience for Serena. Darien lectured her
on the importance of the first meal of the day. She was surprised he
actually had time to eat breakfast in the morning. She always woke up late,
just in time to get dressed and rush out the door. There was never anytime
for breakfast. Of course it was easy for him o be early for work when he
only had to take the elevator down a few levels.
She teased him about what a good boy he was and how proud his
mother must be. He took that as a compliment and proudly informed her
that Ikuko was very, very proud of her only son. She gagged at how
nauseating that was and informed him that a 'normal' family like his was
absolutely unreal not to mention abnormal. "Dysfunction is the key to
normality;" that was her motto.
An hour later, she kissed him goodbye. It seemed she was doomed
to be late because even as she closed the door she realized that if she
didn't get dressed, she would be late for work. She rushed around the
apartment tossing on the first suit she could find in her closet and brushing
blush on her cheeks while shoving her feet into high heels. She grabbed her
purse and flung open the door, keys in hand, ready to face a day of
obsessing about her fiancée while sorting through too much paperwork.