Serena McClain was everything Darien Shields could have wanted. The only problem was they were married. With Serena's faith in the sanctity of marriage and his blatant refusal of all ties to his exotic and demanding wife, Raye, will Darien win the woman of his dreams or be left in his dark?
"You want me, you know you do"
If he wasn't so used to getting his way, she'd have surrendered to his words, falling like a flower who's stem had been cut. But she denied him his desire for her company that night for the simple reason that it would stand in his way of getting exactly what he wanted. And Darien Shields was used to getting his way.
She'd heard of him through the gossip circles, and by circles she didn't mean the local, normal housewife circles. They were the type of women who slept with their husbands' business partners, and sometimes with each other's husbands for spite. The women she was forced to mingle with at social gatherings when she much more preferred to be out in her gardens drinking wine with her husband. Ah, her husband, the sinfully All-American business tycoon Andrew McClain, who'd stolen her heart in college. She spared a glance at him and then shifted to Darien, the enigma that had her flighty friends fluttering about him and no doubt his highly acclaimed bed.
Serena had never preferred the forbidden fruit, and her eyes were only for her husband. She'd even been a virgin when she'd met Andrew in a campus cafe. In short, Andrew held her on a pedestal, as the trophy wife. The nights they had alone together he spent telling her so and she'd been content enough to never question him or their marriage. Theirs was an ideal life, a perfect life.
And Darien Shields felt he was the one who needed to challenge or test as he called it, the sacred bonds that were marriage. His own was a sham, married to a silly little feminist who felt her red tailored suits and sassy black heels gave her privileges in his boardroom meetings. It was through a business dinner that he'd met the intriguing Mrs. McClain. He'd heard the other men talk of her beauty and her determination. He hadn't counted on the rumors and whispers being so close to the truth. Serena McClain was a firecracker. He was certain once her fuse was lit there would be no stopping the explosion she would create. And he was all too eager to light the match.
At first, her vibrant baby blue eyes had sent him heading for the hills, sharp and critical. But her husband was the best in the business and he'd soon found himself invited to their personal dinner parties and charity functions. It was hard to say no to Andrew, with his easy going personality and infectious smile. Serena, in short, was everything a man could want. Without knowing it, he'd found himself watching her as she danced through song after song, told simultaneously funny and corny jokes to the old men at parties, and entertained the young children that were shuffling clumsily across the dance floors or stuffing their small mouths at the snack tables.
Andrew had been a fool to introduce them, Darien noted in the back of his mind, as he leisurely led the young blonde sprite around the dance floor.
"Darien," her smooth voice sent chills down his back, "I want nothing from you." It was the challenge in her eyes that kept him going. He was certain he could get the small blue flames behind her eyes to burn like raging fires if he had the chance. There was no doubt she would be a very passionate lover.
"Andrew is a very lucky man." he commented, appraising her figure and her strength.
"You will not succeed, Darien"
"Say it again." he whispered, pulling her closer than was appropriate. She blanched then,
not liking the space or lack there of between them.
"Say what again?" The question was so startlingly innocent it brought a grin to his face.
"My name"
"You're impossible." she declared and pushed herself out of his arms. "And you're a complete fool, Darien Shields"
He allowed her to walk away before striding toward the refreshments, her perfume still lingering in his nose. He took a flute of champagne from a waiter's tray and took a small sip of the bubbling liquid.
"I see you've had another disagreement with my wife." the unmistakable voice belonged to none other than Andrew McClain. Darien smirked. Oh yes, they had had many disagreements. He wanted her to share his bed, she felt he needed to sleep with his own wife.
"She is a charming and temperamental woman." he replied, hoping Andrew didn't notice the desire in his tone.
"She's a hellcat, that's for sure." Andrew remarked with a grin, taking a flute off the tray as well. "I wouldn't have married her if she wasn't"
"No, I suppose no man wants a woman who will roll over and play dead." Darien's reply came with the bitterness of experience.
"Raye does seem to be enjoying the party"
"She always loves to be the center of attention, Andrew. You know that"
"That I do." the blonde haired man replied before taking another sip of his champagne.
Darien decided not to dwell on the tone and instead opted to switch the conversation to a more businesslike topic.
"How's your company doing lately? I heard about the recall on your latest chip" Andrew's eyebrows rose slightly and Darien knew he'd piqued his interest and that he had successfully secured an invitation to their table that evening.
"Yes. After minor difficulty, Dr. Greg Anderson has managed to single-handedly reconfigure thousands of the already processed chips and essentially eliminate the need for money refunds. The refurbished chips should be back to their original customers within the next three months." Andrew lazily took the seat next to Serena at the table and wrapped a protective arm around her shoulders. He motioned for Darien to take the seat across the table from him and his wife.
"It sounds like you have everything under control then." he commented lightly as a servant placed a dinner plate before him.
"It would appear so." Serena commented, joining the conversation.
Andrew laughed softly and nuzzled her neck affectionately as she focused her cool blue eyes upon Darien's surprised face, catching him off guard and making his heart quicken its pace.
"Such a sassy woman. Have you ever met a woman who could throw all your faults into your face while complimenting you at the same time?" Andrew laughed a little bit more and missed Darien's reply.
"Well I have now." he commented dryly before taking a drink of the ice water.
The moon was rising high in the velvety cloak of the night and Serena was growing tired of playing games with the children and avoiding the scheming women of her social class. She was even more irritated than usual at Darien Shields, who had made plenty of advances on her, even in the company of his wife. What made the matter even more startling was that Raye Shields seemed completely unaffected at his obvious comments and improper suggestions.
Raye joined Darien's side as soon as dinner was announced and Serena made an attempt at conversation, though it was obvious Raye had no real sense of the business industry or of any industry other than fashion. Serena groaned inwardly at the thought of having the awkwardly matched couple into her home for a Sunday dinner. Andrew had suggested the idea before they had arrived at the party and Serena had been sure Raye Shields, with her stylish looks and exotic features would have some sort of brain in her head, but she had been drastically disappointed. Raye seemed to be in the same category as Serena's older sister, Lita Hamilton, the supermodel who fell in love with money and a tennis pro.
No matter how shallow Raye seemed, Serena had to give her credit on her skills to cut other women down for their faults and their fashion faux pas. But what intrigued her more was Raye's cuttings at her husband who opted to totally ignore her instead of insult her back.
They appeared to be cast into the roles of the odd couple with Darien being the tight ship with immaculate views and healthy habits, while Raye was stuck as the sports fanatic with nails slightly yellowed from cigarette smoking and a beer hat that could have been hanging on the back of her chair. The contrast amused Serena to no end and made the meal infinitely more enjoyable.
Darien silently watched as Serena studied his wife and he grinned to himself. She was sizing his wife up against herself and the slight frown made him chuckle.
Serena did not like Darien or Raye Shields in the slightest. However, because Andrew was tightly bound to this man in business Serena was forced to open her arms and her home to them. 'But not my legs' she reminded herself sternly as Andrew swept Raye onto the dance floor.
Serena excused herself from the table and headed toward the nearest empty balcony to clear her head of the indecent thoughts that had been clouding her mind. She bent down slightly and leant her elbows against the cool marble railing, staring up at the pure white moon and wished the night would end soon. Serena had stopped lying to herself quite some time ago. It was true Darien Shields was attractive and she was attracted to him. She admitted as much to herself if not to others. But her admissions stopped there.
"Beautiful night, isn't it?" the voice was the last one she wanted to hear on a secluded balcony.
"I suppose it is, yes." she replied, eyes never leaving the angelic glowing orb. He took her simple reply to stay in her presence and shuffled closer to her, till he was but inches away from her smaller form.
The scent of vanilla and cherry blossoms drifted over him and he took air sharply, savoring the sweet aroma that floated around her. She stiffened instinctively at the sound. Turning around quickly, she encountered his form, tall and intimidating in the night.
"Excuse me, Mr. Shields. I do believe you're in my way"
He smirked at her feeble attempt to regain ground. He advanced in his pursuit and she back stepped only to come into contact with the cold marble once more, reminding her she was trapped between hot and cold. His heat seeped through her clothing, stirring feelings and reactions she had thought were impossible even at such close proximity.
"Serena," her eyes fluttered up to meet his at the mention of her name and he pressed her further into the marble, holding her hostage with her own desire.
He wanted that simmering heat, that passion, the emotion he saw bubbling behind her eyes.
"Darien?" She gasped his name as he pressed a meaningful hand on her lower back.
"Shh." he silenced her with a finger to her lips and then pressed his lips to her neck, tilting her head to a better angle for his access.
The heat coursed through her blood lighting it on fire and sending mixed signals and reactions throughout her body. She moaned slightly as his tongue darted out and licked the tender flesh of her exposed neck. She wondered briefly why Andrew had not effected her in the same way. As thoughts of Andrew filtered into her mind she roughly pushed Darien away from her, clasping a quivering hand to the tingling skin he had previously been lavishing much attention on.
"Stay away from me"
Her melodic voice was music to his ears, from the slight quiver to the determination in the ending. She was beautiful.
Too bad the night had to end and they had to return to their respective lovers. Darien mentally kissed Serena goodbye as he watched her lithe form disappear into the McClain limousine. He vowed to himself that soon, her golden head would be resting on the black silk sheets of his bed. Serena sighed for the millionth time as she ran the brush through her blonde locks. Another night in the presence of Darien Shields and she'd fear for her safety. He was becoming more aggressive, if not flat out hostile in his advances. Tonight had been scandalous to watch. As Andrew's hands settled on her delicate shoulders she looked up to meet his eyes.
"Did you enjoy yourself tonight, Serena?" he knew she hadn't. He could tell in her posture, her expression, her aura was unhappy and she was very pensive. "A little. Raye seemed interesting." Serena had no more to offer and she prayed Andrew didn't push the conversation more.
"She seems very..." he struggled for the appropriate word despite his unusually large vocabulary.
"Superficial?" Serena supplied, tossing her brush into the vanity and resting the back of her head on his shoulder.
"I suppose. Darien is such an intelligent and wealthy man, I'm sure he had his pick of the supermodels." he nuzzled her neck, tucking stray strands behind her ear.
"So did you"
"I had my pick, and I picked the woman of my dreams." he replied, encircling his wife in his strong grasp.
"You're such a charmer, Andy." she whispered and gently twisted to catch his lips in a sweet kiss.
"I barely had to use any of my god-given talent for you to fall in love with me. I'm a lucky man."It was then they both decided the rest of the night would not be for sleeping.
The bright morning sun filtered in through the large bay windows as Raye had thrown the dark heavy curtains open in the morning.
"Wake up, Darien. You promised me we'd go shopping today"
The groggy form of a man rose on his elbows before burying his face into the pillows once more and retreating into the dark embrace that was sleep.
"Five more minutes, Raye." Darien grumbled, wishing he hadn't married a woman who was an early-riser.
"But you promised." she whined, hopping into the bed and shaking his sculptured shoulders. Raye, when determined, was a force to be reckoned with.
But so was a tired Darien.
Before she knew it, there was a blur of movement in the bedroom and she found herself pinned under her deliciously handsome husband. Switching tactics she nipped, sucked, and kissed her way down his neck to his chest and beyond before reaching her destination. He'd rolled onto his back as soon as he'd caught on and allowed her to have her way before he'd take them both into the shower and go for round two.
On the other side of the city, Andrew was having difficulty coaxing his cranky wife from surrendering the covers and venturing down to the breakfast table.
"Serena, we need to get started. You know we have to head to my aunt's for Jeffrey's birthday party. If you don't get up now and get something to eat you won't be able to eat until late in the afternoon"
"You think you can bribe me with food!" she asked incredulously.
"Why not, it works so well"
"Because that is cruel." her muffled reply came, face smashed into a pillow.
Andrew raised his eyes to the ceiling before striding over to her side of the bed and scooping her small frame into his arms. Princess style, she was carried down the threshold of the grand staircase and into the dining room, where a fresh plate of food was waiting for her. Sulking, Serena nudged a piece of cantaloupe with her fork.
"The sooner we get there, the sooner the party will be over and then the sooner we can come home, Serena." he taunted, placing a glass of orange juice on the table in front of her and pressed a chaste kiss to her cheek.
"You could have bribed me with something better, like sex." she muttered as he sank his teeth into an apple. Jeffrey's sixth birthday party came and went, Serena's mind on other things as they sang, ate,
and gave their goodbyes.
Darien sighed as he lugged his wife's purchases into yet another store. After he checked his watch for the thousandth time that day, he realized they had been shopping for a better part of the afternoon. Raye ceased to amaze him when it came to her shopping stamina.
'After three rounds in the bed she's dead to the world in sleep, but she can last for hours running around boutique after boutique.' he muttered to himself, refusing to enter another store, despite the annoying begging of his wife. It was a stroke of genius that he controlled all the credit accounts and left her at his mercy. It wasn't that he was controlling, because he catered to Raye's every desire, it was the simple fact that he wanted to make sure she didn't binge shop without him and end up traipsing into the house with a marble monstrosity that he wasn't able to return.
It had taken several stern looks and even more patience for Raye to finally agree to return home. As it was Saturday, dinner arrangements had been set for the newest restaurant in the city. Raye had her tennis lessons and afternoon luncheon beforehand and Darien wanted to check on the markets and make a few calls before he traveled to his offices.
Serena strolled down the sidewalk with the rest of the Saturday shopping crowd, her slender form encased in an elegant white tube dress with a straight hem and spaghetti straps, her sleek black stilettos creating a staccato rhythm with her stride. Simple and classic with her golden hair loose and black shawl wrapped lazily about her shoulders, she strolled past windows showcasing famous designers' spring lines.
"Mrs. McClain, you are indeed a vision this Saturday afternoon." She'd paused only momentarily to look into the baby store windows, silently wishing that someday Andrew and she would be blessed.
The sinfully handsome man who stood next to her, the unmistakably striking reflection of Darien Shields, was one person of the male species she reasoned she could do without.
"Thank you, Mr. Shields." she replied, shifting her weight to turn and face him. He grinned at her annoyed expression. She knew that she shouldn't be enjoying his company, but his company was the only thing that kept herself from her thoughts and her disappointments.
"Tell you what," he baited as he took her by the arm and strolled down the walkway, "how about you come to my office with me, and then we'll have a late lunch?" Darien kept his expression polite and his tone friendly. He'd lain awake late into the night pondering his dilemma while his mind flashed pictures of her smiling face across his eyes. Never mind he had several photographs of her stowed in his desk drawer.
She studied him, hoping to find one reason, no matter how miniscule, but when she could detect none other than her own weariness of his person she allowed him to take her to his office, which was in all actuality a block away.
Upon entering the lavish building of at least thirty stories, she was immediately speechless of the atmosphere in the environment, even on a Saturday, when most offices were closed. When they'd waited for the elevators, she'd been impressed at the cold, but nevertheless beautiful architecture.
In the elevator, she grew even more weary, finding their reflection the most unnerving sight of the entire trip to his offices. She followed him into his office, curious how this particular man worked, or functioned as Andrew liked to call it. At the thought of her husband who was putting his way through an afternoon of golf at the country club, she hesitated, pausing just inside the door.
"Something wrong?" he'd paused just behind his desk and peered at her curiously with his entrancing midnight orbs. She gulped, her body temperature rising at merely an innocent look. At least, she reasoned with herself it was a look of innocence. She realized that he'd been staring at her the duration of her internal panic attack and quickly crossed the room to make herself comfortable on the large leather couch there. At her stuttered "No." he grinned to himself. She was nervous, nervous and on his turf.
She admired his strong profile in light that flooded from the floor length windows of his luxurious office as he typed on his computer. 'The man was like a machine' she mused as she watched him.
"I'll only be a moment longer," he murmured, shifting his gaze from his computer to the patiently waiting blonde beauty on his couch. She tipped her head in curiosity, cheeks reddening at having been caught staring. In less than ten minutes, this man had left her feeling as foolish as a school girl. Already she could imagine herself running her hands through his dark hair and kissing him passionately until he swept her into his muscular arms and kissing her senseless made short work of her clothing as well as his own. She imagined a toned and trim physique underneath his clothes and felt herself grow hot. She wanted him, she wanted everything and anything he had to offer and wasn't sure if she had enough strength to resist him if the opportunity presented itself.
A blood red, well-manicured nail traced a familiar, lackadaisical pattern across her lover's tanned arm. Gulping, he smoothed his blonde hair, trying to find the strength to resist her.
"You know, we could get caught," she purred into his ear following her statement by nuzzling his neck. Her piercing eyes were making him nervous, making him more nervous than the fiery woman waiting for him at home, should she find out. Feeling his body tense underneath her made her inwardly laugh and curse at the same time. "Baby, she'll find out sooner or later." His blue eyes bore into her pale ones, and he inwardly cursed his weaknesses.
As long as he could remember, he'd loved her, his wonderful, beautiful, incredible Serena, his wife. But he'd loved other women on the side since he'd met her. He respected his wife, loved her with as much passion as he could muster, but the flaxen haired goddess that sat beside him had been his first love and he'd never truly let go of her. He'd secretly sent her an invitation to his wedding, booked her a private room close to his on his own honeymoon. Constantly, he'd found ways to keep her near, from whisking his fair haired maiden away on his business trips to arranging for lunches and dinners with her. Mina Hartly was a drug to his system, and Andrew was unwilling to to part from her for longer than was necessary.
"The day Serena finds out, is the day I die"
He missed the shattered look on her face because he was too busy hiding his own inner turmoil.
It was true, he loved Serena. In the weeks he'd been faithful to her, she'd been everything to him.
She was a classic beauty, sun golden hair and crystal blue eyes, bluer than the tropical ocean waters.
The innocence in those eyes every time he looked at her, took his breath away. But Mina's hold over his heart was a powerfully strong one, and one he had no desire to shake.
"Mina, you know how much I love you." She squirmed under his intense gaze. Maybe Andrew had never been able to break his connections with his wife, Serena, but Mina knew he'd always loved her, and the thought brought a smile to her glossy lips.
"I do, Andy. I love you too." She cooed, sensing his uneasiness. Mina knew Serena was a wonderful girl, but Andrew had been hers since before she was in the picture. She smiled to herself, feeling much the pleased puss that her Andrew always returned to her. The diamond studs that glittered in her ears were always a bonus, a deep sign of his undying affections. After all, diamonds are forever.
Andrew breathed in sharply as her nail suddenly ceased its pattern on his arm and he felt her hand expertly undo his belt before sliding his zipper down at an agonizingly slow pace.
"Mina," he moaned her name as her lips settled over his, willing the thoughts of his wife from his mind, replacing them with images of her instead. Images of them, in Paris dancing to slow jazz music at a low profile club, in Italy sampling the wine and nibbling cheese in their luxurious hotel suite, even in his office on the leather sofa, his desk, and his poor swivel chair that had to be thrown out after their most recent coupling.
"Andrew, I love you…." she half whispered, half moaned before his lips claimed her own and he was lost in her.
Serena drummed her nails on her thigh, nervously shifting in her seat. Andrew had left her to her own devices for entertainment after shuffling off to his office. She sat in other man's office waiting for a lunch outing that seemed very far off. It was difficult not to stare at him, his dark studious features capturing her attention in the rather comfortable, professionally designed office. It was as if the strong, built man behind the desk was the sole focus of the room, exuding the strength. She noticed there were a few picture frames on his desk and curious, she rose from her seat to take a look.
He sensed her presence before he noticed her shadow looming over him. He halted all work processes as he turned slightly to face the beauty beside him.
"Is there something I can help you with?" She seemed to be caught off-guard at his sudden question and swung startled eyes to his. It was all he could do to hold back his desire to have her, to take and kiss the red rose petal lips he fantasized would kiss him back and ignite a passion so strong he'd never be able to let go.
"I was just looking at your pictures." she commented, extending her arm to the sparse silver frames that rested to the right of his desk. He frowned before swinging his eyes to the frames. One, was of Raye and himself, another his sister, Ami, and her daughter Jade, and the last one, was of his parents. She seemed to take in every detail of his first photo, the picture that had been taken on his honeymoon off the coast of Spain.
Raye and he lay together on a beach, his arm slung around her shoulders, and they both smiled for the photo. He grinned devilishly, remembering that after the photographer had left, they had utilized the private beach for even more private matters.
"You look like such a happy couple." she remarked, placing a hand against the desk to lean in for a better look, unconsciously giving Darien a better view of her swanlike neck and smooth back. He studied her then, taking time to appreciate the small protrusions of her shoulder blades, the soft curve of her shoulder that her loose hanging shawl had provided for his viewing.
"Who are they?" Serena inquired, suddenly more curious about the man beside her than she had been in her entire life about anyone.
"That's my sister, Ami, and my niece Jade." he replied.
"She's darling." Her tone drew his attention to her face, studying her features that were molded into an expression of rapture.
"Five years old and a very spoiled little girl at that." he remarked with a smile, remembering the last visit he had had with the child. She'd set fire to her nanny's dress, rode Sadie, his lovable chocolate lab around his garden, AND put laxatives in Raye's dinner. He loved that girl for her fiery spirit, and even though Raye had raised hell and he had made an effort to reprimand her, the moment she settled those navy eyes on him he was lost.
"She has you wrapped around her little finger, doesn't she?" Her amused look broke him from his thoughts and he brushed off her rhetorical question with a wave of his hand. His response caused her to lean closer, leveling her face with his. "Doting uncle, are you?" At their close proximity, Darien wondered how much self control a person could possibly possess.
"I don't have my own children to spoil, Serena." She pulled back, startled.
The tension was palpable and she cursed herself for putting them in such close quarters.
She licked her lips, and his smoldering gaze settled there, burning with the desire to put his lips over hers and claim what he'd wanted since the day he'd met her.
"Where would you like to eat?" the question broke her train of thought that was playing dirty tricks on her mind and body. His raven black hair fell slightly into his eyes and she itched to brush the offending strands out of her way.
"I don't know." she replied honestly, her mind elsewhere.
He smiled before slowly rising to his feet and draping a casual arm about her waist. As they strolled out of his office he quickly locked the door and slung his jacket over his shoulder, still keeping the bewitching blonde close.
"How about Chez Louis on 5th street?" They settled comfortably into the elevator and Serena managed to rein in her common sense enough to retreat from his grasp.
"It's gotten raving reviews, but I haven't yet been." she replied, hugging her shawl closer to her form as if to protect it from his burning eyes.
"Sounds like the perfect idea then. I've been there only once and it was absolutely exquisite" he remarked.
Serena shifted in slight discomfort, wishing he would withdraw this offending arm so she could breathe normal once again. She stiffened as his thumb began to trace a leisurely circular pattern on her back. The temperature in the elevator rose a few degrees as she fought to keep her body under control. When the bell chimed and the silver doors opened she was never more relieved and disappointed. They exited promptly, Serena trailed slightly behind his taller, dominating form, struggling with herself not to reach out and take his arm after it slid away from her waist.
She berated her stomach for the flip-flops it had been doing in his office and scowled at her own unease. Darien had done nothing original during their encounter and she had no proof, save the weariness in her mind that told her to fear him, that he would try to seduce her.
'Not that you wouldn't mind if he tried.' her mind inserted as they strolled out of the building and into his awaiting limousine.
The thought both appalled and excited her, but she did her best to school her features into something other than a horrified expression. During her inner battle, she failed to notice he had stopped walking, until she ran directly into him. Strong and large hands ran up the uncovered skin of her arms and settled upon her shoulders and she snapped her gaze upward to meet his eyes. Dark and turbulent, his gaze captured and consumed her, making her feel as if she were under a spell. Then, he blinked, releasing whatever hold he had over her and smiled politely.
He couldn't get over the pleasant feeling of having his hands on her, having her in such close proximity to his body. Rather than taking advantage of the situation he opted not to ruin any chance with her and instead stepped back, allowing her entrance into his waiting limo.
Settling himself beside her in the spacious seating area he allowed the silence to calm his nerves. Her presence, her scent, and her astounding beauty left his head spinning.
He felt like he was thirteen again, hormonal, nervous, and sweaty. Serena was a stunning woman. He continued to stare at her profile as she stared out the window, watching the Saturday afternoon traffic.
They arrived at Chez Louis in a matter of minutes and were seated at his preferred table. Serena sighed as she settled her shawl around the back of the chair.
They ordered quickly and sat sipping wine as they waited, both lost in their own thoughts.
"Are you really happy living like this?" Her question was almost a whisper and he leaned in farther in hopes of having her repeat it.
"What"
She turned her eyes onto him once more and he shivered at the look she had.
"Are you really happy living like this?" she gestured around the extravagantly decorated room.
He leaned back in his chair, studying her features and choosing his reply carefully.
"This is all I've ever really known." he admitted and took an usually large drink of his wine.
"I know," she replied and allowed her hands to fiddle with her wineglass as she thought up the courage to continue. "but don't you ever wish that you could just leave high society and I don't know, take an extended vacation"
He smiled at her dreamy idea.
"Serena, people like us don't truly go on vacation." he replied, resting a comforting hand over hers.
She gazed up at him with wounded eyes and he sensed that she knew things he did not. Women were different creatures all together. He'd done his homework on Serena McClain, formerly Serena Henley. She'd been born into a high class family and had lived the life of a socialite for as long as her past had been documented. He'd followed news articles of her and he'd been even more impressed with her than he was at their first meeting.
He watched as her slim, graceful fingers twirled a lock of molten gold and wished that he wasn't so infatuated with her. It made it his life increasingly more complicated and he detested the hold she, unknowingly, had over him.
"Serena," he attempted to gain her attention and when he finally had it, he wished he'd remembered what he had planned to say.
"Yes?" As the seconds flew by, the couple continued to stare at each other, Darien silently struggling to find the correct words and Serena becoming concerned at his silence. "For someone who was born into a life of luxury that you want to escape, you sure have rooted yourself firmly into it." He knew it was the wrong thing to say, the insulting thing to say. The tiny fires behind her eyes flared into raging infernos and her hands fisted on the table.
"I don't want to escape," she replied slowly, "I just want to take a break once in awhile." she finished and he mentally gulped at her piercing stare. He remembered the first night he'd met her, when Andrew had cautioned him about making her an enemy. He wondered if his remark had scored him another point to the negative, further distancing himself from her favor.
"Listen, Serena..." he made a move to make amends but she shook her head, golden locks catching the afternoon sun and illuminating her entire being. Angelic and devilish, his mind repeated over and over again.
"You're right." It'd taken him several moments to tear his eyes from her hair and settle his vision back to her face. "What?" Serena sighed before taking another sip of wine.
"I've made my own bed, as my mother would say, and now I have to lie in it" Her piercing blue eyes seemed to hold him captive and he struggled against the power she held over him. For a few moments, the couple sat in silence, both staring intently at the other unable to look away and not wanting to. Serena's conscience was slowly creeping back into her and she wrestled the urge to say something and break the tension. Instead, she broke contact and stared down at the table cloth, wishing that she had somewhere to be. He continued to watch as her face betrayed her mind, anger, happiness, sadness, and finally guilt that settled so deeply in her sparkling blue eyes he reached out to grip her slender hand.
"Hey," he said softly, trying to gain her attention from the china they ate with and succeeding after a slow moment passed between them.
When she raised her eyes to his once more tears were threatening to fall. "why don't we go for a walk?" he suggested and simultaneously signaled for the waiter to bring the check. When Serena broke out into the cool afternoon air, the tears that had been threatening to fall receded and she felt the weight lift off her chest. "I think I'm going to go, Darien. Thank you for lunch." Serena suddenly felt the urge to flee and she quickly turned to press her lips to his cheek, placing a hand on the curve of his arm as she lifted herself closer to him and onto her toes.
Too stunned to move his face and finally taste those luscious lips her hers that he was certain would taste like strawberries, he closed his eyes and savored the feel of her lips on his cheek. All too soon the moment was over and he said a soft goodbye before watching her stroll away from him, stilettos clicking and blonde hair swaying gently in the wind.
'Serena McClain, you don't know what you do to me.' he thought as he moved in the other direction. The limousine was parked a few spaces down from the restaurant entrance and he climbed in before directing the driver to take him home. He had a business meeting in Paris on Tuesday that he needed to get prepared for and during the drive home he made several phone calls to finalize his travel arrangements. The last call Darien reserved for his mistress.
Serena sighed as she drove up to the familiar gates and punched in her key code. The gates that enclosed the McClain estate resembled more like prison bars to Serena. They creaked open and she sleekly navigated through the opened gate doors and up the path before parking in the courtyard, preferring not to put her car in the garage just yet. Andrew had promised they'd go out to dinner, and she fully intended to make him keep his word.