Sorry about the long chappies but it seems u guys kinda like them. To answer a couple of questions: #1 the popular DNA testing solution. True it would solve all the problems, however after doing a little research, we found that a four year old is just a little too young to give consent on his/her participation in such a test. Ironically, he/she would need parental consent. #2 As for who searched Serena's apartment…you'll have to read to find out…

Anyway here it is….


Chapter 5

Serena decided not to tell the police that her apartment had been broken into. Since nothing was taken, they might think, as Amy had at first, that it was her imagination. Was it possible that I was? She wasn't normally either nervous or absentminded, but her life wasn't usually as eventful as it had been lately.

Serena was catching up on her bookkeeping when the police phoned later that morning. Matt's picture in the newspaper had brought results. The manager of a hotel on Nob Hill called to say Matt and his mother had been staying there. They were still registered, although he hadn't seen either o them in days.

The police examined her room and its contents, and they now had some clues to Mina's past. The labels in her clothes and Matt's were from various stores in Los Angeles. That was the good news. The bad news was that her room had already been searched before they got there, presumably after her disappearance.

"Everything was thrown all over the place," Officer Diamond told Serena. "The perps didn't make any effort to cover their tracks."

"What do you think they were looking for?" she asked.

"It's hard to tell. Jewelry, maybe, or cash. Mrs. Clark seems to have been rolling in it."

"Past tense?" Serena asked apprehensively. "Your think she's dead?"

"We have to consider all the possibilities, but so far there's no evidence of foul play. We're hoping to find some leads in Los Angeles. I have to tell you, though, Miss Tsukino, this is shaping up to be more than a simple case of child abandonment. I really think you should consider turning the boy over to the authorities."

"I'm hoping you'll locate some of Matt's relatives, someone we're sure is a relative, and then that won't be necessary." Serena was glad she hadn't mentioned the intruder in her apartment, Diamond might be even more insistent. "Will you let me know what you find out?"

"You can count on it," he promised.

Serena was still thinking about the puzzling aspects of the case when Jadeite phoned.

"Have you heard any more about Mina?" he asked.

"Not directly, but the police just called." She told him what the officer had told her. "Tracing Mina to L.A. might clear up some of the mystery surrounding her. It might give them a clue as to why she disappeared."

After an imperceptible pause, Jadeite said, "I really hope so. How's the kid doing?"

"He asks for his mother, naturally, but I try to keep his mind off her."

"I'd like to help. Why don't I take the two of you to lunch today? I called last night to see how you were getting along, but nobody was home," Jadeite said.

"I was out, but there was no message on my answering machine when I got home."

"I didn't leave one. I hate talking to machines."

"I don't think anybody likes them, but they're necessary evils," she answered, wondering if he was telling the truth.

Or had Jadeite seen her go out and decided it would be a good time to search her apartment? Maybe it hadn't been Darien, after all. But what could either of them have been looking for?

He changed the subject. "So, how about lunch? You, me and the kid."

Serena didn't want to tell him that Amy was taking care of Matt for her. Maybe she was being overly cautious, but was better than being too trusting.

"I'm sorry, but I'm really swamped with work," she said. "I don't get as much done with Matt around."

"I can imagine. Well, then, why don't I take him off your hands for an hour or so," Jadeite suggested casually. "The little guy and I will have a blast together."

"That would be lovely, but Matt seems afraid of strange men. I guess it's understandable after all he's been through, but it makes things a little difficult. He won't let me out of his sight."

"The kid has good taste." Jadeite chuckled. "Well, if we can't have lunch, what if I come over to your place tonight? To see Matt," he added hurriedly.

"I'm sorry, but tonight won't be convenient, either."

"Listen, you don't own that kid!" Jadeite's geniality vanished and his voice became harsh. "I have as much right to his as you do—more actually. Mina and I were involved in a loving relationship."

"That might be your opinion, but it doesn't appear to have been hers," Serena replied crisply.

"I explained about our misunderstanding. What do you want from me?"

"Only that you stop bothering me, Mr. Riker."

He took a deep breath. "Look, Ser," he said more moderately, deliberately using her first name to get back on friendly footing, "I'm sorry I blew my top, I was way off base, but this thing with Mina has got me crazy. She's all I think about. You don't know how much I want to find her. My whole future depends on her!"

He sounded so anguished that Serena relented. Jadeite hadn't been very perceptive with Mina, but he seemed to be trying to make amends. "I know this must be difficult for you, and I'm not trying to keep Matt away from you," she said more gently. "I really am busy tonight, but you can come by tomorrow night if that's convenient."

Jadeite hesitated. "Yeah, okay, if you're sure we can't make it any sooner. I could meet you fro a drink after work. Just to see the kid and talk about his mother."

"I really can't."

"Then I guess I'll have to wait until tomorrow night," he sighed.

Serena left work early so she could go shopping for clothes for Matt, as well as dinner, before picking up Matt at Amy's house. The market was crowded and it seemed to take ages to select what she needed and then get checked out. Matt would be waiting for her, and she was also in a hurry to get diner started so he would be fed by the time Darien got there. Whenever that was. Serena wished they'd set a time. Maybe this mad rush wasn't necessary.

Amy wanted her to stay and visit for a while, but Serena explained why she had to go home. She was juggling a large bag of groceries and searching her purse for her door key when Darien's voice startled her.

"Let me hold that for you," he said.

"What are you doing here so early?" she blurted out.

"You said any time after six." He looked at the silver watch on his wrist. "It's six-ten."

"I'm not ready for you yet," she said helplessly.

His eyes sparkled with amusement. "You don't have to slip into something sexy for me. I find you irresistible, just the way you are.

Serena was conscious of her windblown hair and less than glamorous blouse and skirt. "You know what I mean," she answered curtly, allowing him to take the bag. "I have to make Matt's dinner."

"I'll help you out," Darien said as he followed her into the living room. "We both will, won't we?" He smiled at the little boy.

Matt was losing his fear of strange men, after being around so many of them. He looked up at Darien with interest. "I don't know how to cook," he said.

"Don't tell Serena, but I don't either." Darien laughed.

She couldn't help smiling. "We're a fine group. I'm not exactly a gourmet chef, myself."

"I think I better take both of you out for dinner," Darien said.

"No, I fought my way through the supermarket. Now you have to suffer, too."

"Am I invited to dinner?"

"I can't very well let you sit here and watch us eat. You and Matt can get acquainted while I see what I can whip up."

"I want to help," Matt said.

"All right, you can set the table. And you can make us a drink," she told Darien.

"That's a job I can handle." He grinned.

"I thought that might be your field of expertise," she remarked dryly.

"Where do you get these scurrilous impressions of me?" he complained. "I'm just an ordinary guy."

"Sure, just your average millionaire playboy." Serena unwrapped a package of chicken breasts and arranged them on a broiler pan.

"I can't help being rich, but I object to being called a playboy. I'm a hardworking businessman."

"Maybe so, but somehow I can't see you sitting home every night after work, watching television."

"I doubt if that's the way you spend your time, either. Does that make you a playgirl? Forgive me for being politically incorrect, but somehow playwoman doesn't sound right." He was opening cabinets in search of her liquor supply.

"Can we have this discussion later, when I can concentrate better?"

Darien seemed to fill her small kitchen. Everything she needed was either in a cupboard or in a drawer that he was blocking. She ducked under his outstretched arm to reach for a can of paprika on the spice rack.

"I'll never get dinner ready if you don't stop distracting me," she complained.

His arms lowered and he placed his palms on the counter, forming a cage around her. He didn't touch her, but she was pinned just inches from his lithe body. "I dint think it was possible to distract you. I've been trying without much success to get your attention."

If that was his intention, he had it. Serena was keenly aware of her proximity to Darien's lean body. Her eyes were drawn to his firmly chiseled mouth. She had an almost irresistible urge to feel it moving over hers.

"You said I could set the table, Serena," Matt reminded her.

"I'll get the silverware and place mats for you," she said as Darien's arms dropped. "And you can go in the living room and watch TV," she told Darien firmly.

"I wanna watch TV, too." Matt was easily distracted by something that promised to be more fun.

"Good, I can use the space," Serena muttered.

As she turned toward the sink, Darien gave her long hair a playful tug and leaned down to murmur in her ear, "It's always more fun to share it."

"Are you gonna kiss Serena?" Matt piped up unexpectedly. "Daddy used to kiss Mommy sometimes when she was making dinner."

Darien's mischievous expression sobered instantly as he turned to the small boy. "Tell me about your daddy. Did he ever talk to you about your grandmother?"

Matt nodded. "She's a nice lady and she lives in a great big house. Daddy says someday he'll take me to visit her."

Darien struggled with strong emotions. "Did he ever mention his brother?"

"Yes, he wishes he could tell him something. I forget what, but he looked real sad when he said it. Most of the time Daddy laughed a lot."

"At least he was happy," Darien said in a barely audible voice.

Serena's heart twisted with compassion for the strong man who looked so desolate and vulnerable suddenly. She wanted to put her arms around him and comfort him. Instead, she put her hand on his arm in a silent show of support.

Darien squeezed her hand in acknowledgment, but his attention was focused on the boy. "Did you live in a nice house with a backyard for you to play in?"

"We lived in a bunch of houses," Matt answered. "Mommy said she felt like a gypsy, but she laughed when she said it. What's a gypsy?"

"It's a person who moves around a lot," Serena explained. "Were all of these houses in Los Angeles?"

"I don't know. I guess so. I wanna watch television now."

When he went into the other room to turn on the TV, Darien said to Serena, "Why did you ask him about Los Angeles?"

She told him about the officer's call.

"I can't believe Seiya was living so close and I never knew it!"

"He could have moved there recently. Matt said they lived in a lot of houses. Some of them could have been in other cities, even different states."

"I suppose you're right. But wherever he'd been all these years, I have a feeling he was working his way back home. If only he'd contacted me! I might have been able to save his life."

Darien's expression was so tortured that Serena followed her impulse this time and put her arms around him, comforting him like a little child. "Just remember that he had a happy life with a loving wife and a darling child. That's more than a lot of people ever have."

Darien held her tightly and buried his face in her hair. "I'll try, but it won't be easy."

"You're the strong one in the family, remember?"

He drew back slowly and took a deep breath. "I'm sorry I went to pieces on you."

Serena shrugged it off. "It proves you're human, like the rest of us." She smiled gently. "I'm glad. Supermen make me uncomfortable."

"Then you should be very relaxed with me," he said wryly.

"I am, but you're still in my way. Go and watch TV with Matt."

As she boiled water for the frozen broccoli and took salad ingredients out of the refrigerator, Serena realized her attitude toward Darien had changed. She no longer regarded him as an adversary, a man with some secret agenda. Darien might not really be Matt's uncle, but he honestly believed he was. And she couldn't help believe it too—or at least keep an open mind.

But it was too soon to turn Matt over to the Shields's. Was that because it would mark the end of her relationship with Darien? a nagging voice asked. Serena firmly ignored it. She didn't deny being attracted to Darien, but Matt's welfare was uppermost in her mind.

Dinner was a relaxed affair in the little dining nook adjoining the kitchen. Matt talked about his day at Amy's.

"I like it there," he said. "They have a whole bunch of stairs. Amanda slides down the banister, but she won't let me do it."

"Your grand—" Darien paused and glanced at Serena before continuing. "My mother has a two-story house. Maybe we could go there for a visit some day, if Serena says it's all right."

"Say yes, Serena! Can I slide down that banister?" he asked Darien.

"Certainly not," she answered before Darien had a chance.

"Did you think I was going to give my permission?" He grinned.

"It wouldn't surprise me. You're a pushover for that child."

"I'm an easy mark for all the people I'm fond of," he answered, gazing at her meltingly.

Matt was watching them with keen interest. "Are you in love with Serena?" he asked Darien.

"Where did you get an idea like that?" she gasped.

"Mommy and Daddy looked at each other funny like that. When I asked her why, she said 'cause they were in love."

"It was different with them," Serena explained carefully. "They were married."

"Do you have to be married before you get to love somebody?"

"Let's see you get out of that on," Darien murmured.

She shot him and annoyed glance before saying to Matt, "Not necessarily. There are all different kinds of love."

"Like what?"

"Well…" She couldn't mention family, because he didn't have any that she knew of. Then Serena had an inspiration. "You love Teddy, don't you? That's one kind of love."

"He's my best friend." Matt reached down to pat the teddy bear beside his chair. "He got losted and I cried. I couldn't find him anywhere, but Daddy found him for me."

"I know that made you both happy." Serena was glad the subject had been changed. To be sure it stayed that way, she said, "Finish your dinner, so we can have dessert. I bought cookies and ice-cream."

"You tried to lead us astray about your culinary skill," Darien commented. "The dinner was excellent."

"I guess anybody can broil chicken and cook frozen broccoli," she said dismissively.

"Then it must be the company I enjoyed so much," he said, giving her a melting smile.

When they'd finished dessert, Serena said to him, "You don't have to stay. You probably have plans for the evening."

"Are you picturing a sexy redhead or a glamorous brunette?" he teased.

"Whatever turns you on," she answered lightly.

"That would be a blonde with blue eyes. Or are they indigo?" He cupped her chin in his hand and gazed into her eyes. "Sometimes they're dark pools and sometimes they're the color of the ocean bathed in sunshine."

"That's very poetic," she said, sitting back in her chair to dislodge her hand. "What do you tell hazel-eyed blondes?"

"You're a very hard sell." He laughed, without denying he was handing her a line.

"I keep hoping you'll realize it and give up." She stood and carried some plates into the kitchen.

"Don't count on it," he called. "I enjoy a challenge."

Serena turned to find him right behind her, bringing more plates. "You don't have to do this," she said.

"You cooked dinner, so I should do the washing up. It's only fair." He began to roll up his sleeves.

Darien had removed his jacket and tie, so those were safe. His pale blue shirt with an unobtrusive monogram on the cuff was made of imported Egyptian cotton. His slacks also looked custom-made and even more expensive.

"You'll get your clothes dirty," she protested.

"This is the second time you've suggested I get undressed." He grinned. "I'll be glad to oblige, but don't you think we should wait until Matt is in bed?"

"I don't want to go to bed," Matt stated, saving her the necessity of a reply.

"You can play in the bathtub for a while," Serena promised. Turning to Darien, she said, "If you really want to be helpful, you can supervise his bath."

"I'll be glad to," he said meekly, observing the set of her chin. He lifted the little boy onto his shoulders. "Come on, champ, we've both been banished from the kitchen."

Matt chortled with glee as he anchored his fists in Darien's thick hair. "Daddy used to give me rides like this. When is my daddy coming home?"

"I don't know, buddy," Darien said in a husky voice. "But I'll be here to give you rides—and anything else you need."

"You aren't my daddy," the little boy said doubtfully.

"No, but I can be your uncle. You can call me Uncle Darien."

Matt considered it briefly, then said, "Okay. I want my rubber duck and my plastic ball in the bathtub with me. Serena says I can."

"She's the boss." Darien chuckled.

Serena had finished cleaning up the kitchen by the time Matt was out of the bath. When he was tucked into the bed with his ever-present teddy bear, she and Darien returned to the living room.

"Would you like another cup of coffee?" she asked.

"Don't bother," he said. "You've done enough."

"It's no trouble. I'd like another cup, myself."

Darien carried the tray into the living room and placed it on the coffee table. They both sat on the couch in front of it.

"This is nice." He put his head back and sighed happily. "I'm beginning to understand why people get married."

"Tonight was a highly sanitized version of marriage," she said dryly. "Matt wasn't difficult, dinner was edible if not gourmet, and best of all you get to go home to your spacious apartment and sleep late tomorrow if you fell like it."

"I'm an early riser, but that's a minor point. Why are you so down on marriage?"

"I'm not. I'm just more realistic that you. I know it isn't always the Cleaver family or the Brady Bunch—those old TV shows about picture-perfect families. In real life children get cranky sometimes and the plumbing stops up. Husbands and wives snap at each other occasionally, which is understandable. It must be hard to work all day and then come home to more responsibilities."

"There have to be compensations. People don't flock to the altar for no good reason."

"I guess that's where love comes in—and blind faith."

He turned his head to look at her curiously. "This is the second time you've bashed marriage. Do you know of some really bad ones?"

Serena was a puzzled as he. She believed in Cinderella stories and happy endings. So why did she keep giving Darien the opposite impression? Was it because she felt he wasn't serious about making a commitment to any woman? Darien was simply playing the devil's advocate. If she argued for marriage, he'd argue against it.

"Actually my two best friends have wonderful marriages," she said. "They're divinely happy."

"Then I don't understand why you're so adamantly opposed."

"I don't think I'm adamant about anything," she protested. "I like to think I keep an open mind."

"Have you ever been known to change it?"

"Frequently."

"That's encouraging. It means we might become lovers one day." He grinned.

"That's entirely possible," she said calmly, refusing to let him ruffle her. She'd decided the best way to handle Darien was to give him back some of his own medicine.

It worked. His teasing tone disappeared and he stared at her in surprise. "Are you serious?"

"Completely. But I must warn you, I'm very possessive. If we become lovers, I'd expect to be the only woman in your life."

"I can't conceive of wanting anyone else," he said in a sensuous voice, as he traced the contour of her ear erotically.

"That's what I needed to her," she murmured.

"Sweet, little Serena." He kissed the corner of her mouth.

She turned her head so their lips grazed tantalizingly. "I know you want me, but do I really mean something to you, Darien? I'm definitely attracted to you, but it has to be more than sex for me. Am I different from all the rest?"

"Serena, I can truthfully say you're unlike any woman I've ever met."

"Oh, Darien, I can't believe this is happening!" She looked at him adoringly.

"I can't either." His lips slid down her neck to the opening of her blouse.

She tensed for a moment, then continued in the same eager voice, "I only played hard to get because I thought you were just interested in a brief fling. But everything's different now that we've made a commitment to each other."

He raised his head to look at her. "You're a beautiful woman, Serena," he said carefully. "I'd very much like to make love to you, but I'm not asking you to make a commitment."

"I want to, darling. I've been searching all my life for someone like you. Someone to spend every night with and every weekend. We'll share everything together. I don't want there to be any secrets between us."

Darien drew back, looking slightly dazed. "Don't you thing a relationship like that would be little smothering?"

"How can you say that? I'm beginning to think you don't really care about me," she pouted. "It was all just an act."

His eyes narrowed on her for a moment, then he started to laugh. "Like the one you're putting on now?"

Serena dropped her love-struck pose. "Don't you like having a woman come on to you?" she asked dryly.

"I get your message—belatedly—but I scarcely came on that strong," he protested.

"Maybe not, but you weren't exactly easy to discourage."

"I suppose it's useless to tell you I really am attracted to you."

"Don't you ever learn?" she exclaimed.

"I'm being honest, whether you believe it or not. I don't expect anything to develop between us, because you made it quite clear just now that the attractions is one-sided. I just wanted you to know why I was persistent. Too much so, although I didn't realize it at the time."

"I guess I could have said something without going overboard," she said grudgingly.

"It wouldn't have been as effective. I've never been put in my place so decisively." Darien didn't look angry. His powerful body was relaxed and he wore an amused expression.

He could be covering up, though. Men had fragile egos, especially over rejection. "I was just trying to cut through all the phony issues so we can be friends," she explained.

"I think it would be safer than being lovers," he agreed, his blue eyes sparkling mischievously. "I wouldn't want to disappoint you. Knowing you're already critical of me might inhibit my performance. I've never made love when I thought I was being critiqued."

Serena didn't rise to the bait, although she couldn't imagine that splendid body failing to satisfy. "I'm glad we're still on good terms."

"Absolutely. Now that that's settled, what do platonic couples talk about?"

She couldn't help laughing. "I know it's a strain. You don't have to stick around."

"I'm trying to be friends," he said reproachfully. "Work with me here."

"Okay. Well, let's see. We could talk about the weather, but that's pretty boring. How about movies?"

"I rarely go to movies."

"All right, restaurants, then. What's the best meal you've ever eaten?"

"Let's see," he mused. "It's a tough call, but I'd have to say it was the lasagna di carnevale I had at a little café in Venice, around the corner from the Gritti Palace. Do you know that section of the city?"

Serena shook her head. "Unfortunately I've never been to Venice."

"What a shame. It's one of the most romantic cities in the world. Even the parts that tourists flock to, like Piazza San Marco. But the real Venice is in the winding streets away from the piazza, where fountains splash in little plazas and women visit from their balconies across narrow streets."

"It sounds very colorful," she said wistfully.

"There's no place quite like it. I try to spend at least a day or two there every time I go to Europe."

"Do you go frequently?"

"About one a year, sometimes more than that. I'm a director of several companies that have their headquarters overseas, so I combine business with pleasure."

"Where do you go for vacation?"

"That depends on what time of year it is. The French Riviera is beautiful in the spring, and of course the skiing is great in Switzerland in the winter."

Darien told her about all the glamorous places she only knew about from sending other people. But he wasn't an ordinary tourist. He knew all the "it" places, the pleasure spots of the rich and famous.

When he noticed her rapt face, he said teasingly, "If we were more than just good friends I'd take you with me."

"It would be nice to go with someone who's so knowledgeable," she answered matter-of-factly. To keep him from becoming personal again she said, "Your coffee must be cold. Would like me to heat it up?"

"No, I'd better get going. I'll carry this into the kitchen for you." He stood and picked up the tray. As they both walked toward the other room he said, "Thank you for dinner. Will you let me return your hospitality tomorrow night? We can eat early—anywhere you think is suitable for Matt."

"I'm sorry, but I'm going to be busy tomorrow night."

"Oh?" He didn't question her in so many words, but his rising inflection did it for him.

Serena told herself she didn't own Darien and explanation, even though he was clearly waiting for one. "I do have a life of my own," she finally said grudgingly.

"Not much of one lately, I'll bet. Becoming an instant mother must have really complicated your life."

"Oh, well, I don't really mind. It's only temporary."

"Still, it creates problems. Your male friends don't have the interest in Matt that you and I share. I doubt if they'd want him along on a date."

"Matt is a darling little boy," she said evasively, not wanting him to know Jadeite was the reason she was busy the next night.

"You don't have the convince me. But I have a special feeling for him. What I was leading up to was a suggestion. I'd be happy to baby-sit for you tomorrow night."

"I couldn't ask you to do that," she said quickly.

"Why not? He's comfortable with me now. It will be a lot easier than bringing in a stranger to sit with him."

"I wasn't going to hire a sitter."

"You intend to take him to your friend Amy's again? Even if it's true that she doesn't mind, it's very disruptive for Matt. The poor kid doesn't know what bed he's going to sleep in next."

"You talk as if I'm neglecting him," Serena flared.

"I didn't mean to imply that."

"It certainly sounded that way. Besides, I only left him there to out with you."

"I offered to take him along. In fact, I urged you to. But I didn't mean to start an argument. I'm simply offering my services so you won't have to go to all that trouble."

"I appreciate the offer, but it won't be necessary." When Serena could see that he wasn't willing to let it go at the, she added reluctantly, "You don't need to worry about Matt. I plan on staying home tomorrow night."

"Your date is coming here?" Darien stared at her incredulously. "Why didn't you say so in the first place?"

"I didn't think it was necessary," she answered coolly.

"I'm not trying to pry into your personal life," Darien said impatiently. "My concern is for Matt."

Serena knew that, but it was a timely reminder. There had been moments when he'd made her forget his real purpose in being here. "Now that you don't have to be concerned about Matt, you can go out and enjoy your usual type of evening tomorrow night," she said in a crisp voice.

"I'm sorry if you got the impression that I didn't enjoy this evening. I did, very much."

"It's nice of you to say so."

He gave her a dissatisfied look. "I'm no just being polite. I had a very good time—and not only because of Matt. I'm sorry if it sounded that way."

Serena shrugged. "It doesn't matter. We both know our only mutual interest is Matt."

"I wouldn't say that," Darien murmured. "I think we established a few other interests."

She wasn't falling for that line again. "I believe you said you had to leave," she remarked pointedly.

He gave her a perplexed look. "We were getting along so well. I don't like to leave feeling I've said or done something to make you angry."

"You didn't," she said quickly. "I'm just a little tired. It's been a long day."

"I understand. It must be hard to work all day and then have to come home and cook. I shouldn't have stayed for dinner."

"You weren't any bother. I had to make dinner for Matt and myself, anyway."

"Why don't you let your date take you out tomorrow night?" Darien urged. "Make it as easy on yourself as possible."

"Maybe I'll do that."

"Good. What time will he be here?" He smiled at the startled look on her face. "Don't worry, I'm not planning to intrude. I only asked because I promised Matt I'd bring him a remote controlled car he saw on television. It has all kinds of stuff, a working horn, headlights and even a working radio. I'll drop it off before your date arrives."

"No, don't do that!" Serena didn't know what time Jadeite would get there, and she certainly didn't want the two men to meet. "I mean, it would be better if you brought it by when you can show him how it works."

"It can't be that complicated. You can do it."

"It's your gift. I think you should be the on to show him," she insisted.

"I'd be happy to, but I told Matt I'd get it for him tomorrow. I don't want to break my promise."

"He'll probably forget all about it by morning, but if he doesn't I'll tell him I told you not to come until the next night."

"It would be a lot simpler for me to simply drop the thing off and leave." Darien frowned. "Unless you think I might stick around too long. Is there some reason you don't want your date to see me?"

"Of course not! Why should I mind?"

"That's what I'd like to find out. He might be the jealous type, but why wouldn't you come right out and tell me so? I'd make sure to leave promptly." Darien's jaw set firmly. "There must be some other reason. Who do you have a date with tomorrow night, Serena?"

"I don't have to tell you," she said, with equal determination.

"That's true. I can simply come over and find out for myself."

"You have no right to harass me like this! My personal life is my own."

"You're perfectly right—if this was a personal matter. I don't think it is. I believe it has something to do with Matt." He stared at her with narrowed eyes. "Are you tired of taking care of him? Are you turning him over to the social-service people rather than letting me have him?"

"What kind of person do you think I am?" Serena asked disgustedly. "Do you honestly think I could sit here all evening making polite conversation if I was planning a rotten thing like that?"

"No, you're right. I apologize. But there's something you're keeping from me. It would be a lot easier if you didn't make me drag it out of you."

She could tell by his implacable determination that Darien intended to do just that. Not physically, of course, but that didn't make it any easier to refuse. "All right, if you must know, I told Jadeite Riker her could come over and spend a little time with Matt."

"That sleazy con artist?" Darien's temper erupted instantly. "Are you out of your mind? The man doesn't have a shred of credibility!"

"You don't know that for sure."

"Come on! Don't tell me you believe his ridiculous story. Nobody could be that credulous."

"You don't have any proof to back up your story, either."

"If I was going to lie, I'd make up a better one than he did," Darien said contemptuously.

"His creativity is not at issue here. Besides, why would he lie? What other reason could he have for wanting custody of Matt?"

"That's a very good question. You should have asked yourself that before agreeing to let him into your house."

Serena could have pointed out that the same thing applied to Darien, but it would only have prolonged the argument. "This isn't getting us anywhere," she said impatiently. "That's the reason I didn't want to tell you Jadeite was coming."

"You knew I'd disapprove." He glared at her accusingly.

"Of course I did. Your interest and his are diametrically opposed."

"My interest is Matt. I have no idea what Riker's is, but I don't trust him—and I don't think you should, either."

"I'm quite capable of making up my own mind," she answered tartly.

"Not when the outcome might affect my nephew."

"What do you expect Jadeite to do, kidnap Matt?"

Darien moved closer to her. "I wouldn't want to be in your shoes if that happened." His voice was soft, which added to its menace.

Serena stood her ground, although she was very aware of the power in his taut body. "At least Jadeite never threatened me—which is more than I can say for you."

"It wasn't a threat, it was a promise. Matt is my last link to a brother I loved very much. I agreed to your terms because I thought it would save time. But if I think you're endangering the boy's welfare, I won't hesitate to fight for him. And right now I have serious questions about your judgment."

"Don't you think you're overreacting? Serena hated to give Darien the satisfaction of backing down, but it was in her own best interest to placate him. "Jadeite owns a well-known restaurant in town. He isn't some transient who just popped up out of nowhere. I took all of that into consideration before I agreed to let him come over tomorrow night. Matt's welfare is as important to me as it is to you."

"I doubt it." Darien's eyes were sad for a moment, then his expression hardened. "Just see to it that nothing happens to that child. Do we understand each other?"

"Perfectly," she answered coldly.

"Good. I'll be by to see Matt the following night." Without waiting for an answer, Darien strode out the front door.

Serena stared after him, speechless with rage. Nobody had ever ordered her around in such a high-handed manner. Darien hadn't asked if he could come over, he'd told her! As if she had nothing to say about it.

He had no right to get so furious about Jadeite, either. Privately, Serena shared Darien's jaundiced view of Jadeite. Nothing about his story was plausible. But that wasn't the point. Darien didn't think she could figure it out for herself. He was a male chauvinist who dismissed her as a mere woman whom any man could fool.

Darien had certainly done his share of trying! Her chin set grimly when she remembered how he'd tried to convince her that he was attracted to her. If she hadn't known better, she might have believed him. His act had fallen apart, predictably, when he was thwarted over Matt.

How far had Darien been prepared to go, she wondered? Would he have made love to her to advance his cause? Remembering the seductive kisses that trailed down to her cleavage, Serena had no doubt that he would have.

That made her even angrier. What kind of man would stoop that low? She was almost as angry at herself for being sympathetic toward him—briefly. But no more! From now on, macho man was going to meet the ice princess…


And that's all for now kiddies…hmmm where to go from here. We'll give this chappie time to marinate within your minds as we try to figure out our next plan of action…until next time…