Disclaimer: I do not own Sailormoon.
Chapter 2
Authors Note: This Chapter Has been Revised.
Serena woke up feeling like a truck had hit her. She had a terrible headache and 'Wait! Did yesterday really happen or was it all a dream?' She thought to herself.
She rushed to her closet door and opened it to see that the book bag that had once sat there, was now gone.
'Oh my gosh! It DID happen! He was in my home. That Darien Shields guy was in my house. I can't believe it. How did he know where I lived? I mean he did say he just came for his bag so maybe I'll never see him again. I'm glad he's okay but I'm definitely locking my doors from now on.'
Looking over to the clock she groaned and headed towards the bathroom to jump into the shower and get ready for the big day ahead of her. She knew didn't have the time to be standing around and trying to figure out what had taken place the night before. Serena planned to go about the rest of her day pretending like it never even happened.
She walked down the hall making sure to write down everything her boss was conveying to her.
"The big boss has ten meetings today." He told her. "As you know he's been away on other business for over a month so he has a lot of ground to cover now that he's back. You'll need to be extremely flexible. Make sure he gets his meals in and has all the documents he needs. Altogether, the T's are to be crossed and the I's are to be dotted. Everything should always be locked in by the end of the day. Do you understand? "Safire said looking down at her now and putting his hand gently on her back.
She nodded, agreeing and he smiled. They stopped in front of a hard dark wood door and Safire knocked on it briefly.
"Come in," the deep voice on the other side shouted.
Serena prepared herself by straightening out her skirt and taking in a deep breath.
Upon opening the door Sapphire guided Serena inside. The office was expansive with floor to ceiling windows lining the whole back wall. It exposed an amazing twenty story view. An exceedingly large desk sat in the center of the room with three seemingly comfortable chairs resting in front of it. She looked straight ahead to see a devilishly handsome man distractedly sitting in a large chair and signing what looked to be legal forms.
Sapphire ushered Serena forward, "This is Serena Tuskino your new private secretary" Sapphire said jovially.
She moved closer to the desk holding out her hand for him to shake. While he finished signing his name on something she used this opportunity to take in the appearance of the muscular man in front of her. He was wearing a dark grey suit with a white shirt and a beige silk tie. His hair was so light it could be confused with being white instead of blond. It was combed back meticulously with a few strands falling just over his eyes.
He finally stopped what he was doing and looked up to see her hand there, waiting for him. Taking her hand in his he stood leisurely and let his eyes trace up her body. She was too distracted to notice his charm because his height had taken her off guard.
'He's probably the tallest man I've ever met', she noted mentally.
His dark olive skin made hers look ivory in comparison. When her eyes met his she was glued to her spot mesmerized by him. His eyes were beautiful, the rarest color she'd ever seen. They looked like a precious stone, purple with flecks of green and blue.
He smirked at her spacy expression and gave her an appreciative glance before letting her hand go. He took in her appearance as well. Her hair was long and flowed down to her waist in loose perfect curls. Today she had chosen to wear a puffy short sleeved, white collared button up blouse that she had tucked into a Heather Grey pencil skirt. The skirt she had on started high on her waist and ended just above her knees. Revealing just enough of her perfectly toned legs to make him fantasize about them being wrapped around his waist.
To tie it all together she also adorned a black decorative belt with gold accents and had on her most comfortable pair of black stilettos, but even with the extra height she still could have never match his. She wore her make-up light for work which made her look glowing and polished. Serena reminded him of a model who just stepped fresh out of a photo shoot.
"It's a pleasure to meet you Miss Tuskino, I'm Diamond Powers your new boss. You'll be working solely with me now that I've returned. I'm sure Sapphire has briefed you."
"Yes he has." She answered seriously snapping back to reality while nodding.
"Great, shall we get started?" He asked gesturing for her to sit in one of the empty chairs in front of his desk.
"I'll be in my office if either of you two need me.", Sapphire said before turning to leave.
Serena watched him go and then turned her attention back to Diamond.
He was watching and accessing her closely now, "It has come to my attention that you were looking to progress over time from receptionist to my personal office assistant."
"Yes Sir," she told him.
"As of yesterday I am down a Personal Assistant but neither Sapphire nor I can properly train you at this time. We will instead automatically place you in the assistant position and see whether you are capable enough to handle the responsibility. Do you think you'd be able to handle that?"
She nodded her head with surprise, "yes sir, completely. Thank you for the opportunity."
He gave her a respectful nod dismissing her excitement and began dictating his list of demands, "I'll want my lunch at noon or one and my dinner at five. I expect all major tasks to be completed by the end of the day. You and I are both going to be here past closing the majority of the time so you will need to understand that it is important for you to manage your time extremely wisely. I must tell you that this job will need to be your MAIN priority for us to be a successful firm. Unfortunately this means that your private life will most definitely suffer because of it. If this is something you can come to accept than you will fit right in perfectly. "
Serena nodded unfazed and wrote his requests down as she continued to listen intently.
The day went by quickly with her new boss keeping her extremely busy. It was half past six and they had been in meetings all day. With only two meetings left, Serena was racing to get all her notes typed up. She had been given an office directly next to Diamond but it was in no way as expansive. It was a small room with white walls. An L shaped glass desk sat against one solid wall facing forward and a bookshelf on the opposite.
The back wall adjacent to the door was a floor to ceiling window and had a beautiful view of the city. It gave her amazing natural light and put her in a great mood. Sitting at her desk in the small office she continued typing up the notes taken from all the meetings she had attended throughout the day. Serena stopped for a moment to stretch her legs and reflect on her day thus far. This was more work than she had originally anticipated but she enjoyed it and was appreciative for the position she was so awarded so quickly.
Serena declared to herself that she was definitely going to earn her keep. Glancing at the clock she saved her documents and went to knock on Mr. Powers' door.
"Come in" said a muffled voice.
He looked up behind a pair rimless glasses and gestured her in, "Come, sit down", he commanded.
She did as was told.
"Have you sent me the collective?" He asked looking stone faced in her direction.
"No sir I'm still typing them, but I will as soon as I..." he didn't let her finish before abruptly getting after her.
"I want those in my inbox and paper copies in my hand before my last meeting is over tonight. Understood?" he stated strictly looking directly into her eyes.
"Yes Mr. Powers it will be done." She told him confidently.
"Good. I don't need you to be present for these last two meetings, but I will ask that since you are the only employee left on this floor besides security and myself that you will escort all of my guests in attendance to the conference room once they have arrived." He looked to her awaiting a confirmation.
"Yes Sir." She said getting up.
As she started out the door he called out to her.
"Ms. Tuskino?!" he shouted.
"Yes?" she questioned startled.
"Please feel free to make a pot of coffee." He said smiling at her with a mischievous grin.
Defeated she let out a heavy breath. "Yes sir."
'I wonder if I look as exhausted as I feel? I'm going to have to find a way to keep my energy up.' She thought wearily.
"Make a COUPLE pots for this evening's group," He told her.
"Got it." She said smiling before leaving and shutting the office door behind her.
As she took the first sip of the fresh pot of coffee the elevator ding was herd letting her know that the first guest had arrived to the floor. She went to greet them. It was a tall and skinny man dressed in a black suit with a matching tie.
"Hello my name is Serena Tuskino, Diamond Powers new assistant, follow me please." She said smiling, he didn't respond, just nodded.
Upon arrival to the conference room he stood next to her by the door.
"Go ahead and take a seat" she said cheerfully as she gestured towards the table.
He took a seat so that he was facing the door.
"He will be with you shortly. " she stated kindly.
Serena hurried to Diamonds office and opened the door without thinking. The cold character in the other room had her on edge for some reason and it made her forget formalities. Diamond was standing at his desk cocking a handgun. The sound startled Serena and he turned to look over to her with a serious look on his face. He then leisurely tucked the gun away just inside the front flap of his suit. He did this as if it was the most normal thing in the world. She put her hand to her chest uncomfortably while her other hand rested on the knob.
Clearing her throat Serena tried to regain a sense of calm, "I'm sorry sir to barge in but I wanted to let you know that your first guest is here."
"Thank you Miss Tuskino that will be all," He said curtly.
She nodded and shut the door quietly.
'My boss carries a gun with him at work and he meets with questionable looking people. This is all normal;' she thought trying to convince herself, 'the guy just likes to be safe that's it, end of story. This is definitely something I'm going to need to get used to,' she thought mentally putting it on her list from earlier right under 'no social life permitted!'
Another ding of the elevator interrupted her thoughts and she headed back in that direction.
The next five dings of the elevator all revealed men who looked either highly dangerous or extremely questionable. They all found a way to make her nervous in a variety of ways.
'Keep it together Serena' she tried to tell herself, 'This is a prestigious corporation. They've been buying and selling small business for the past fifteen years very successfully. Looks can be deceiving and there is nothing to worry about here'.
Some of them came in groups up the elevator; several were talkative and jovial while others were silent and moody.
There was one guy in particular, a very heavy set man in a suit probably about twenty years older than her that stuck out to her the most. His positive energy and upbeat attitude were contagious; he joked and flirted with her along the route to the conference room. After all nineteen men had arrived she cheerfully walked in and offered them each a cup of coffee. The men who weren't interested waved her off. Serena walked around the table and put down Styrofoam cups in front of each person and cautiously poured coffee from a steaming pitcher.
After she filled the last glass she heard the elevator ding once again. It was the sweets delivery she ordered earlier for the group, after retrieving it she came back quickly with a box full of doughnuts. Some of the men smiled with delight just at the sight of the pink box. She had been shown by Sapphire weeks earlier how important the wining and dining of clients was to their company's customs. There was a special credit card and folder of businesses set aside to do just that.
The friendly one called out to her, "come put it down over here honey".
She smiled at him despite her uncomfortable feelings towards the term of endearment, and followed orders. The box was heavier then it looked. Putting it down she leaned over, unbeknownst to her revealing a bit of cleavage. Looking up she caught three men eyeing her chest like a delicious piece of steak. Serena felt something graze her rear and it caused her to stand up right quickly.
"You did a great job apple bottom!" the positive, sweet talker told her with a glint of desire in his eyes.
Before Serena had the chance to retort and get after him for touching her inappropriately Diamond made an appearance.
"Tony," a deep familiar voice scolded caused everyone including herself to turn and face the door.
"Keep your hands off my new assistant," Diamond said looking straight at Tony menacingly.
Serena adjusted her skirt and looked uncomfortably towards Tony. She then briefly nodded to Diamond in thanks and with rosy cheeks left the room feeling mortified. Returning to her office she scurried to finish typing up her work load and did her best not to think about the rowdy group a few doors down.
Diamond went to his designated seat at the head of the table and sat down. He had watched the scene play out before him prior to his announcing himself. Serena bending over the table with her perfectly rounded derriere pushed out had elicited testosterone from more than just Tony. He watched the way Tony rubbed his hand across her bottom and it aggravated him. She looked ready to give Tony a scolding when Diamond had abruptly interjected. These weren't the type of men to overlook a defiant woman. She had no idea what these criminals were capable.
Diamond had witnessed Serena's ashamed and embarrassed surface and it exasperated him to know that she could be so effortlessly exposed. He needed to have people working for him that weren't so easily read and transparent. Serena had regarded him appreciatively and hastily retreated from the room making sure to close the door behind her. He watched her departure and then looked to the group. Tony and a couple of the guys were starting to chum up and chuckle about the booty caress he had walked in on.
Diamond raised his voice now more angry than before, "Let's get to business gentleman. I find myself wondering sometimes why I am paying such a shit load of money to a bunch of boys who just pig around all day." He said this looking directly at Tony.
Chuckling Tony pointed to the door and spoke his peace, "That's a fine piece of ass you got there Mr. Powers. Why the sudden switch?"
Diamond sat there expressionless. He was not amused, "If you have all so carelessly forgotten yesterday's events I will refresh your memory. My last assistant got himself killed because of his own stupidity. This means I still don't have that chip and I still don't have any form of control over Shields."
The first man that had arrived cleared his throat making everyone turn to him, "What is it Vincent?" Diamond asked curiously.
"I was able to successfully put a guy on the inside," the man started. Diamond turned to him impressed as every other man at the table became silent and looked on shocked. "The Shields aren't as untouchable as we think they are. As we all know nothing can stop them physically but mentally they're all reachable. For the exception of one, Mr. Darien Shields. But what if we put him in a position where he had to give himself up for the protection and safety of his brother's families?"
The shields had always been successful at keeping their secrets hidden and private. "This whole time we've been trying to damage his businesses in hopes to diminish him, but that's not going to get us anywhere. We need to be more ruthless. They have always been able to evade us for the most part but it has now been brought to my attention that three of the brothers have serious significant others." Vincent took a sip of his coffee after finishing this last proclamation.
Diamond smiled, He knew how detrimental this was going to be for Shields. Families were usually off limits but Diamond didn't care for any of that. He would crush his opponent no matter what the situation. He considered himself the biggest and the best in the MOB. People feared him and he liked it that way. He didn't care about hurting innocent people. Innocence didn't exist in his mind; everyone was corrupt when given the opportunity.
Tony and a couple other guys sat at the edge of their chairs uncomfortable now. They had ceased eating and left their sweet treats forgotten on the table.
"Boss", a short skinny guy named Anthony interjected, "This isn't how we do things, "a bunch of them nodded their heads in agreement. "Family's aren't supposed to be involved in MOB dealings. That has always been the unspoken law in this business. It's cruel even for us."
Diamond pulled out his gun, cocked it and pointed it at Anthony, "It's either going to be them or you Anthony. You choose." Diamond Threatened.
Anthony shut his mouth and sat back in his chair looking defeated.
"I will automatically assume if you are not with me, then you're against me. Do I make myself clear boys? "Diamond seethed with his eyes still only trained on Anthony.
"Yes Boss." They all nodded in agreement, Anthony following suit.
"This Meeting is over, do as I say! Or YOU will be next. All of you may leave except for Carmelo and Anthony." He ordered.
All the men stood up and bowed to Diamond respectfully. Some of them grabbed a doughnut on their way out. Anthony sat there nervously waiting to see what Diamond would do.
"What is it boss?" Carmelo asked cautiously as Diamond faced the duo.
"I want an update on the tracing of my new assistant," Diamond said cautiously leaning back in his chair.
Anthony relaxed and smiled as he began filling his boss in, "She's a babe as you can see but all kidding aside she's clean. No history of anything suspicious and not currently in a relationship."
Diamond had already concluded that based on her reaction to his comment earlier regarding having no time for a social life.
"Miss Tuskino lives just out of the city, on the third floor of some joint near the city hall area. It's a nice clean little place, she's pretty organized. Came from a small family and has only one living relative, a brother. Father was a cop but is deceased now along with her mother from a car accident a couple years back."
"Anything picked up from the phone?" Diamond asked.
Carmelo chimed in now, "No calls or messages coming in or out. She went straight here this morning from her home and we'll see if she's got any extracurricular activities when you cut her loose tonight. I've got to say that I'm surprised she's holding up so well. She woke up when we were setting up the trace and Anthony had to knock her out with a hit of juice.
Diamond looked to Anthony annoyed.
"What?" Anthony defensively questioned shrugging his arms.
"All right. Keep me posted." Diamond said getting up. "See yourselves out." He told them arrogantly. With that he left the room.
Diamond walked to Serena's office and opened the door. She was sitting there typing the pages up that sat in front of her. She was so consumed by what she was working on so she didn't hear him come in. She had been sitting in the dark and was looking into an illuminating screen. He flipped on the light and this is what caused her to look up.
"Can I help you sir?" she asked startled.
"Are those notes almost done?" he asked tired and aggravated.
"Yes, I'm reviewing the last page for errors right now. They will be in your inbox as well as your hands in twenty minutes tops I promise, she said smiling at him with her perfectly white teeth.
'Why does she smile so much?' He wondered.
"Great." He said flatly," the next meeting is one on one. When they get here send them to my office."
"All right sir," She responded.
He went to leave, but then abruptly turned around and stood at her door.
"One more thing, "he said seriously. She stopped typing and looked up at him questioningly. "Don't EVER just open my office door again without making your presence known prior. Do you understand Miss Tuskino?!" he told her with malice in his voice.
She flushed and took a deep gulp. "Of course Mr. Powers I'm extremely sorry," she said standing, "that was careless of me. It won't happen again."
He left without acknowledging her apology and she waited a minute before settling herself back down onto the chair to finish the notes diligently.
The last Bing of the night had finally arrived and Serena got up to go greet the new arrival. As she reached the entryway, in walked a red headed vixen. Serena couldn't help but feel intimidated. The woman's long red hair was parted to the side and was slung all over one shoulder. Deep red lipstick covered the woman's lips. She was tall and leggy wearing a deep purple sleeveless dress that pushed her breasts up high. The hem of the skirt was so short it barely covered her bottom.
"Hello" she said smiling seductively. Serena smiled sweetly back. "I'm looking for Diamond Powers" the woman said looking Serena up and down disapprovingly.
"Right this way." Serena told her motioning with her arms towards the direction of Diamonds office. She remembered to knock on the door this time.
"Come in," Diamond relayed from the other side.
She opened it gradually and saw he was on his phone finishing up a call. He motioned for them to sit down. Serena pulled out one of the chairs in front of the desk and motioned for the woman to come sit. The red head obliged by scantily slithering into the chair. She crossing her legs and waved Serena off. Serena nodded to her and left the room closing the door behind her. Serena considered this woman rude but she didn't take it personal, she had more important things to worry about, like getting those notes completed.
Upon finishing the call Diamond looked to the woman sitting directly across from him.
He smirked at her and reclined back in his chair, "You're my last client for the day I see. What can I do for you Emerald?"
She switched the legs she was crossing making sure to spread them just wide enough during the switch to show off her lack of undergarments. This did not go unnoticed by Diamond but it had no effect on him. Emerald became perturbed and looked to the door Serena had just walked out of.
"I see you have new help", she said seductively standing and slowly strutting around the expansive office touching the frames of art hanging on walls as she went. "She looks like she would be fun. Have you tasted her yet? I myself find her simply irresistible, just looking at her must make you VERY hard."
She walked over to the door and locked it. Diamond watched her every movement wisely.
"What is the reason for your visit?" He said with his eyes trained on hers. His voice was unwavering.
She walked up to him sliding herself stealth fully between him and his desk.
"I came to show you what you've been missing." She said, put her hands on his legs and slowly going down to her knees. As she knelt before him he looked at her darkly. Glancing up at him she slid her hands up and down his thighs slowly.
"I'm not missing much of anything, if you want to know the truth." he said cockily.
She looked to the door icily and then back at him.
"You think I don't know where that dirty little cunt of yours has been?" he said irritated.
She got angry and started stroking his penis through his pants. He gritted his teeth and continued to let her do it.
"You let Shields put his muddy hands all over your body. I don't like to share period! Especially not my bitches and DEFINATELY not with my enemy." She hastily unbuttoned his pants and slowly pulled down his zipper.
"Common Diamond you know you want it, "she said lustfully ignoring his comments.
"I'm to assume Shields has given you no pleasure so you've come back to me to beg for a release?" he remarked ruthlessly.
She pulled out his shaft and started rubbing it skillfully back and forth. He looked down at her with no expression whilst she took it in her mouth slowly, but he still wasn't getting aroused. She unzipped the back of her dress and let her breasts spill out the front of it. He continually paid them no mind as she pressed them up against his hanging member. Emerald started rubbing him again. He finally got enraged and pushed her off of him entirely.
"You think I'd desire a prostitute?!" He yelled looking at her disgusted.
She angrily scoffed and got up off the floor.
"What are you gay now?! Is this about that new slut you hired?!" She shouted back crossing her arms over her naked chest.
He stood up brusquely and grabbed her by her shoulders. She was frightened; he could see it in her eyes.
"Get on your knees." He demanded shaking her forcefully then letting her go. She looked at him unsure.
"Get on your fucking knees!" He yelled louder.
She did as she was told, that's when she noticed his growing length and smiled inwardly.
"Open your mouth." He demanded.
She opened her mouth wide and he roughly grabbed her shoulder again. He gripped his cock and shoved it to the back of her throat. He anchored the back her head by her hair and started bobbing it against him. She seemed uncomfortable at first but began taking over once he relinquished his hold on her. Soon he was standing there enjoying the pleasure with his eyes closed. She brought him to the edge and then let him crave her by pulling away.
She stopped sucking and started rubbing. Diamond knew she was a vindictive slut but he didn't care because it just meant she had the experience needed to give him incredible blow jobs.
"Oh Diamond", she gushed, "I knew you still desired me." He abruptly grabbed her by the hair and shoved his cock to the back of her mouth and began gagging her with it.
"Little wench, learn when to keep your mouth shut." He didn't care if she was struggling. The Bitch needed to know it was him who had all the control. He finally came, filling her throat full of cum before letting her fall to the floor gasping for air.
"You asshole," she yelled between breaths, "I couldn't breathe!" She held her hand to her throat looking up at him, taken back by his actions as she continued to heave in deep breaths.
"Get up!" He told her, she did slowly. He closed his laptop and yanked the power cord off of it dropping it onto the office chair that was close by. Once on her feet he grabbed her and turned her around pressing the front of her body into his desk.
"Bend over and put your hands above your head." She did as she was told by grabbing onto the edge of the desk. He opened one of the top drawers and pulled out a condom. Ripping it open he sheathed himself with precision. She spread her legs open pushing her bottom up into the air as her chest pressed hard against the cold surface.
He suddenly slammed himself deep into her in one swoop and slowly withdrew. She grunted with the blunt smacking of their bodies. He did it again, making her grunt even louder this time. He pushed a lot harder the third time and she yelled out in both agony and arousal. He suddenly pulled himself out again.
Diamond took two of his fingers and pressed them into her vagina hard. At first this caused her to moan and then he began sliding them in and out of her rhythmically into a pattern this allowed her to relax. She gasped as her juices started to flow slowly down his fingers, cascading moisture into Diamonds hand. He drew his fingers out and replaced them with his cock, sliding it into her entrance slowly this time. He reached his hand around and put his cum moistened hand across her mouth.
She inhaled her own juice and moaned, "Yes Diamond...please forgive me. I've been a naughty little whore. Punish me!"
He rode her long and pounded her hard until they both finally found their release. She collapsed on the desk and he pushed her away from himself. Diamond slipped off the filled condom and tossed it into the waste basket. He didn't wait long to let it be known that he didn't want her there any longer.
"Get out of my office, I've exonerated you for now, but I don't want to see you for a while. Don't come here unless you're summoned or called upon. Do I make myself clear?"
Emerald was in front of his desk trying to get fixed and straightened back up. She smiled cattily at him.
"Stop playing coy with me Diamond. I see right through you. We both know I'm the only one who can make you feel any semblance of need or desire. I give you that domination that so few women are willing to offer a man." She exclaimed standing in front of him now. A few hairs out of place but for the most part unruffled. She put her hands on Diamond's chest and leaned her body against his, "I saw the expression on your face when you unloaded down my throat. It was more than just a release for you. It was you surrendering to me. I have you wrapped around my fingers baby. "
He looked at her for a moment as if pondering something and then he began to laugh. Diamond pulled away from her and moved to the door. He unlocked it and held it open, gesturing for her to walk through.
"That's what I've always liked about you Emerald," he told her with a great amount of sarcasm, "you've always been great for a good laugh." She grabbed up her bag and started walking out cheekily. When she got to the door she grinned like a Cheshire cat and walked out without saying another word.
Diamond shut his office door behind her shaking his head at the thought of the annoying audacity the skank who just left had. He went back to his desk and started packing up his stuff for that night.
Serena had finished up the work load for the day and printed all the notes and documents Diamond had requested. Since he was still in his meeting with that red headed woman Emerald she sent it to Mr. Powers email and figured she would give him a hard copy when the pair ended their discussion. She was done collecting her things for the night and decided to tidy up the conference room. Serena grabbed up all the forgotten cups, napkins and leftover food. She threw them into a trash bag that she had found in the cleaning supply closet. After pulling all the full waste baskets throughout the office she took them down to the first floor and tossed them heavily over the side of the dumpster.
As Serena turned around to go back into the building she paused, suddenly startled. Putting her hand to her chest she sauntered backwards. Diamond stood there in the doorway leaning with his arms crossed comfortably against his chest.
"Did I frighten you Ms. Tuskino?" he asked her in a low seductive tone.
"I was just startled", she said starting to walk towards him.
He opened the door moving to the side just enough to let her by. She looked up and smiled at him as she went.
"Thank You." She said passing him.
He nodded looking at her mischievously and followed behind her into the elevator.
"I noticed you cleaned up the conference room," he said matter of fact. "I specifically pay people to do that. It's not in your job description sweetheart." He said sounding very arrogant.
She leaned against the wall looking up at him as he continued to speak.
"That side door you used leading to the back is always secure. You'll lock yourself out there if you aren't careful." Both of them stood at opposite ends of the elevator as it ascended. "It's also not safe for you to be out there at this time of night." He badgered before the elevator door dinged open to their floor.
He stood there looking at her expectantly.
"I'll be more conscious of that next time sir. Thank you again," She told him coolly, starting to get annoyed.
He nodded in acknowledgement and they both walked into her office where he had left his briefcase, before going in search of her. Serena walked over to her desk and grabbed her bag; also collecting the file folder full of the documents he wanted.
"Here is all the paperwork Mr. Powers." She said handing the file to him.
Walking to the front of her desk he laid the folder down and opened it, pulling out each of the documents and making sure to inspect them closely.
"Come here..." He motioned clearing a space for her.
He kept one hand on the desk as he ushered her to come stand in front of him. She pulled her long coat on as she went. Diamond put one of his hands on her lower back and with the other pointing to the top of one of the notes.
"In each upper right header I want to see a title for the documents, business names, dates, and your name so that I know who to correspond with in case I have any inquiries."
"All right sir", she said reaching over her desk to grab a pen and quickly scribing the information.
He watched her every movement and took in her sweet vanilla scent.
"Normally I would like all that information typed but for tonight this will do. Did you email me everything?"
"Yes sir", she replied as he picked up each section and skimmed through it grinning slowly.
"This is great work Miss Tuskino, I must say I am very impressed", He said looking to her cheerfully now.
He gathered the paperwork together, tapped it against the desk to align it and placed it all back into the folder.
Looking directly into Serena's eyes he could see that she was exhausted.
"I don't have any more work for you to do tonight, so you should go home and get some rest" He told her.
"Thank you sir." She said smiling to him.
They both turned and began walking towards the door with their work bags in hand. Just as the pair had reached the door frame Serena put her arm out to brace herself against it, this simultaneously stopped Diamond in his tracks.
"Miss Tuskino?" he questioned looking around to see if there was something obstructing her.
She began to slowly slip downward. He dropped his bag and grabbed her before she fell to the floor. He quickly wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her against himself.
"Ms. Tuskino?" He urged looking around again.
She put her hand softly over his arm trying to steady herself for a moment. Diamond helped Serena get back to her feet. Holding her gently with an arm around her hip he could now see the tiny bruise on her neck along her jaw bone.
"I'm sorry; I don't know what's the matter with me. The room just started to get fuzzy." She said groggily trying to regain focus.
'This must be one of the after effects of the injection my men delivered to her earlier that morning.' Diamond thought.
She leveled herself with the help of the door frame and adjusted her eyes. He used this opportunity to reach down and grab both of their suitcases.
"I think I will be okay now I-," she said turning to look at him.
Before she even had the chance to finish her sentence he surprised her by picking her up bridal style. She subsequently wrapped her arms around his neck. Uneasy with the new height she held herself tightly against him.
"Mr. Powers, this really isn't necessary. I'm fine. Really!" Serena told him exasperated as she turned to look him in the eye.
Her face met closely with his and she hitched her breath.
'He's so incredibly handsome', she thought.
"Miss Tuskino, I insist, if you are not well I don't want you harming yourself. Last thing I need is a lawsuit." He told her smiling now. She smiled back at his playful humor.
"You cannot possibly carry me and all of our things, come on and let me down." She told him and then tried to move her legs out of his arms but he just held her up higher and started walking.
She pulled closer to him again in fear of falling. He gave a deep throated chuckle, "Do you have a fear of heights Ms. Tuskino?" He asked turning her body so that she could press the button to call the elevator. The elevator door opened automatically and he stepped on with her still in his arms.
"I am a tad bit; I'm not used to being carried especially by someone so tall." She told him sincerely.
"Floor please," he requested turning her body to face the numbered buttons on the wall.
She pressed the '1' button and the elevator doors began to close.
"Thank you", he said. After a moment of silence his tone changed and he began inquiring about her weaknesses, "Your job here will entail a great deal of flying. You will need to accompany me to many different out of state and country meetings; do you think you will not be able to fulfill your duties as my assistant adequately?" He asked looking to her sternly with their eyes trained on each other.
Their faces were only inches apart now. She swallowed nervously; fear filled her at the thought of being thousands of feet in the air.
"I am afraid of flying," she told him softly," but I will do whenever is required of me. I'm dedicated to doing an amazing job for you and this company. I really appreciate the opportunity that you and Sapphire have given to me." With one arm wrapped around the back of his neck and the other pressed up against the front of his body Serena softly absentmindedly played with the lapels of his suit jacket.
Catching herself she nervously slid her hand just inside the front flap of his suit jacket. Unintentionally the feeling of her small hand splayed on his chest aroused him.
"Only time will tell if you're completely suited for the position." He told her with a stern tone.
They got out of the elevator and he started walking them towards the exit where a security guard waited for them. The guard greeted him respectfully and Diamond acknowledged him. Once outside the guard walked alongside them offering to take the briefcases. Diamond obliged and it allowed him better ability to fully hold Serenity securely to himself.
"I'm more then fine to walk now Mr. Powers," she told him with laughter and embarrassment in her voice. He ignored her and kept walking.
"What's wrong Ms. Tuskino? You act as if you've never been held by a man before." Diamond said crudely.
Shocked by his statement she blushed and pushed herself forcefully away from him stronger this time.
"Mr. Powers, put me down please!," she demanded feeling irritated by his statement. He decided it was best then to do as she said.
She adjusted her skirt while Diamond and the guard stood there waiting for her to follow them. Diamonds chest started to become cool where it had once been warm with her in his embrace. He chalked it up to the cold night air. She walked up to the guard and retrieved her suitcase from him, "I'll take this, thank you."
"Where are you parked?" Diamond asked taking his own briefcase from the guard.
Diamond walked up next to Serena and kept in time with her slower stride.
"All the way at the other end of the parking lot." She said pointing as she continued to walk.
He reached out and grabbed her wrist redirecting her, "Come this way, I'll drive you to your car; it's late and not safe. That will be all Gordon," Diamond said waving the guard off.
Gordon nodded and turned back towards the building. Serena watched him go and turned to look back at up at Diamond.
"You really don't have to do this, I can manage just fine. I'm used to being on my own. I can take care of myself." She said confidently as they were turning the corner in the garage.
All of a sudden he brought her into a tight embrace and threw his back against the wall with her against him. She had no idea what brought that on until she heard the shooting of bullets. Danger seemed to be following her everywhere.
'What is going on?!' she thought.
Just when she was about to pull away from his embrace the corner of the wall right next to them crumbled from more shots. Diamond moved her next to his car and pressed a button on his key chain, which then in turn unlocked the door.
"Get in the car." He said throwing his bag in the back seat and grabbing his gun that was secured just inside his jacket.
"I'm on this boss!" Gordon could be heard shouting.
Serena did as was told and got into the car. She heard Gordon yell out in pain and a different shot sound came from a separate type of gun.
Diamond stood with his back against the disheveled wall, gun poised up in air. He took a deep breath, walked out into the open and started shooting his gun.
Serena looked out through the window at him with eyes wide.
'All of these people are crazy! My boss just went out there with no cover and started shooting at these random people.' Serena thought panicked.
She could see him and nothing else. That's when she saw it, in the driver's side mirror she saw a guy across the street dressed in all black carrying what looked to be a large powerful gun. He moved into view and she could see that he was trying to get at good angle. She turned to look back to Diamond through the rearview and saw that he hadn't seen the marksmen.
She couldn't allow herself to sit there and watch him get shot. Panicked, she got out of the car. Just as the gunman started to steadily raise his arm Serena ran towards Diamond and knocked him over with all her strength. The both of them landed hard to the ground with Serena on top. He grunted at the impact just as bullets slammed into the cement near them. They both shielded their faces from the debris. Diamond swiftly looked up at her frightened face hovering just above his own.
He then observed the ground where he had once stood. What was once smooth asphalt now looked like a pile of little rocks. He beheld the petite woman on top of him again with her hands pressed hard up against his chest. Diamond reached up and grabbed her face in his hands. He still held the gun; it was forgotten as the handle pressed flush against her cheek.
"You don't understand what you're in the middle of! What are you thinking?!" He said yelling at her.
He couldn't believe that this beautiful woman he had just met this morning was trying to save him. He was part of the same exclusive group of immortals that Darien was so while Diamond could get injured, he wouldn't die. He was a criminal with no weakness and she was not, he couldn't let her take a bullet for him. Diamond felt something in that moment that he had never felt before in his whole entire life. It was weightless and he couldn't describe it but he knew right now that it couldn't be solved; he needed to fix this current situation first. The gun man began running their way, Diamond saw this and rolled them over so that she was under him now and jumped to his feet.
He reached down to hoist her up with him and began making a run for the car. Once they had reached the Bugatti Diamond dropped Serena into the car. It was easily accessible because she had left the door open on the passenger's side. After she was placed inside safely he whacked the door closed and slid across the hood to get to the driver's side. Jumping in the car he pulled out of the parking space and sped off. The man who had been running stopped to shoot at them. Bullets hit the windows making Serena cower in her seat and shield her head with her arms. She winced and closed her eyes shut.
"It's bulletproof," Diamond said out of breath.
"What?" She said opening her eyes slowly and looked over at him.
He turned to her and spoke more evenly, "Your safe now, my car is bulletproof".
She sat up gently looking behind them out the back window. Turning back she looked around and then back up at him.
'Who owns a bulletproof car?' she thought.
"Do you know who those men were?" She asked shyly buckling herself up.
Diamond kept his eyes on the road and his mouth shut.
"You should at least buckle up. It's extremely unsafe not to." She told him.
Surprised, he looked down to her for a moment as she gave a continual nod yes with raised eyebrows to emphasize her point. He just smiled and shook his head back and forth.
"Mr. Powers I'm serious." She said it so sweet and earnestly how could he deny her.
He looked at her again with spite for a moment and then grabbed his belt. Swinging it across his chest he clicked it into place.
"Are you always this demanding?" He said with humor in his voice.
"Yes. I am," she said matter of fact. There was silence in the vehicle for a few moments.
"Why did you risk yourself to help me?" He said this in an irritated voice and it made her confused.
"You needed help. I couldn't just sit there and do nothing. That man could have killed you." She said concerned.
"Don't put yourself in that situation again. Do you understand?" He said with his voice deep and filled with demand.
She didn't respond, just turned and looked out the window. She let out a deep shallow breath then twisted to face him and nodded 'yes'. They remained silent for a few more moments.
"How did I do on my first day?!" she inquired curiously breaking the silence and smiling up at him.
He looked to her briefly just in timed to see the expression on her face. It caused him to crack the biggest smile.
'My kind of girl. Almost gets herself killed and she's still smiling,' he thought proudly.
"You did great! Definitely put in a full day's work." He said honestly making sure to keep his eyes on the road.
She laughed while playfully touching her hand briefly to his shoulder and soon retracted it back to her lap. He felt it again; that lightness, it was warmth that filled his soul but once she had withdrew it left him quicker than it had the previous time.
"I'm driving you home tonight. Tomorrow I'll have a car pick you up and drop you off at work. I'm going to be tightening up security after what took place tonight. From now on I'll want a professional to take you to and from work. I'll have your car delivered to your home. There's a lot of work that we need to get done. I will need to know that you're up for it, even after tonight's little hiccup." He said this just as they were pulling up to her complex.
She turned to him and held out her hand, he looked at it for a moment and then proceeded to shake it.
Looking him straight in the eye she took a deep breath and shakily responded, "I am! You can count on me sir."
They released each other and she warily got out of the car.
"Thank You for the ride Mr. Powers," she said quietly.
"See you at work tomorrow", he told her coolly. She smiled and shut the door.
She began walking away but then stopped herself abruptly, 'Wait how did he know where I lived?' She questioned to herself. She turned around and to ask him but just as she did, he sped off. 'Men and their fast cars.' She thought smiling and shaking her head side to side. "I can't believe everything that has been happening in my life. I need to wake up from this bizarre dream," She said quietly as she let herself into the apartment. Once inside Serena made sure to double lock the door.
Standing in the shadows, Darien had watched Serena closely until she disappeared behind the privacy of her heavy front door. It pleased him to hear her lock it for a change. Shields had seen the exchange and departure between the two new co-workers and didn't like it, not one bit! He couldn't understand how someone as kind as her could work for his biggest Enemy, none other than the devil himself. Diamond was a despicable, cruel individual who used people and when there was nothing left to be gained he disposed of them. He was going to fix this situation and he vowed to do it as soon as he had a plan set in place.