Darien's morning had started off pretty much like his evening had ended, in frustration.
Sunday mornings were always busy but manageable. Unfortunately, this particular Sunday Darien was short two of his best surgeons. John, the co-operator of the department, hadn't shown up and couldn't be reached. And he was currently playing referee between feuding nurses who were both sleeping with Kevin.
"You want me to tell Lana to stop sleeping with Kevin, so you can continue to sleep with him" Darien looked at the young woman, unbelievably. "Lena, you do know that Kevin is in the middle of a divorced, right?"
"Yeah, but not with Lana, the slut," She responded sulkily.
They were in Darien's office and he was trying for the third time that morning, without success to reach John. He sent out another owl. "Look, I'm your boss" not a mediator. So you and Lana will have to figure this shit out on your own," He walked around his desk and escorted her back into headquarters. "But my advice to you, find someone else to sleep with. Preferably, someone who doesn't work here."
"Oh, c'mon Darien," Lena started to pout.
"And stop stealing Lana's paper work!" He called after her.
Lena stormed out of the office nearly knocking Marly, Darien's assistant, into the wall with the door.
"Whoa," He jerked his thumb over his shoulder towards Lena looking at Darien. "Dat one is always so angry mon, I guess Kevin no stir her drink quite like he do Lana, no?" He asked in his singsong Jamaican accent.
Darien shook his head laughing. "How's it going out there? I'm sorry, we're shorthanded today."
"Ev'ry tings beautiful mon. Tis notin Marly can't handle." He started to restock his papers. "Besides, notin, could spoil me morning now mon, me believes me next ex-wife just came tru da door."
Darien shook his head smiling. "You're next ex-wife, huh? Who's the lucky lady this week?"
Before Marley could reply, John casually strolled into the office. "Darien man you have to tell me your secret with the ladies." He was smiling broadly.
"What the hell are you talking about, and where the hell have you been, man?"
"Aww, long night, I'll fill you in later. But listen, there's this smokin' hot little blonde out in the entrance hall commanding a lot of attention, and she's asking for you," He had an envious smirk on his face.
"It's da same woman me speaks of mon, gorgeous creature she is mon"." Marley and John nodded in agreement.
"What?" Darien walked over and peeked out the glass on the door. Even with her back turned, Darien knew it was Serena.
"Shit," He let the door swing close.
"You know her? What is she like a stalker? Because if she is," John looked out the door again. "Hell, she can stalk me anytime she wants."
"No, she's not a stalker," Darien mumbled more to himself. He was pacing around trying to decide what to do. Although he had been able to think of little else, he wasn't in the mood to deal with Serena at the moment.
Marley and John exchanged a questionable glance then looked back to Darien. "Man, I don't think I've ever seen you flustered before. Especially about a woman."
"Ya, tats not a good look on you, mon," Marley added.
"Look, I'm not flustered, okay?"
"Hey man, I'll be glad to go out there and talk to her for you," John pushed the door open again to look at Serena. "As a matter of fact?"
Darien groaned as he handed John some papers. "Trust me, she's more than either of you could handle." He pointed to the papers, before walking out of the office. "Finish that up for me. I'll be right back."
The children's research and car center was located on the sixth floor of the hospital, giving it's employs and patients a breath taking view of the city.
Mina mentioned to her that Darien was allowed to redecorate headquarters when he took over for the department head. The room held a tranquil, warm atmosphere like a vacation to Tahiti or the Caribbean's. Complete with a large aquarium that accented the room perfectly.
She was taking all this in when a man walked past her, turned and suddenly addressed her.
"A devil in a blue dress. And all this time I thought it was just a myth," It was John. "Please tell me there's something I can do for you, beautiful? An act of worship perhaps?"
Serena gave him an apprehensive look.
"Allow me to introduce myself. I'm John Harper, the co-operator of this place." He grasped her hand smiling. "So I repeat, is there anything I can help you with?"
"I'm looking for Darien Shields, is he in today?" She responded hesitantly, slowly removing her hand from his.
"Oh yeah, He's here. But are you sure you want him, I mean, I'm the talented one?"
Serena laughed as she nodded. "Yeah, I'm pretty sure." She pointed towards the window. "I'll be over here, thanks."
John put his hand over his heart feigning hurt, walking backward towards the kitchen.
Darien made his way through the hall. He was trying to decide what he wanted to say when he reached the window, but he was drawing a blank.
Serena's back was still turned when he walked up and stood next to her.
"Hey."
She looked at him from over the rim of the cup she was drinking out of and smiled. "Hey, yourself."
Okay. wasn't expecting that. He thought, figuring she would still be angry. He decided to go with the mood.
"Somebody said there was a woman causing a disturbance at the window," He smiled observing the dress she was wearing. "Just so you know, my assistant has already made you his next ex-wife. I think it's the dress."
Serena choked out a laugh. "Next ex-wife, huh? Well, I'm flattered, I think."
They smiled at one another before nervously looking away.
"Darien, this place," She looked around the office, shaking her head. "Is beyond words. It's, it's really beautiful."
"Thanks," He leaned forward and looked back at her, unsure of what else to say. "I wanted everyone to feel comfortable, so what you see is to make them feel relaxed and not worry so much."
Serena met his gaze and blushed.
"Would you like a tour?"
"No, no I'm good. But, I was wondering if we could talk. If you're too busy, I can come back."
"Uh, you know what?" Darien considered the busy office for a moment then shrugged. "Yeah, yeah that's cool. But let's get out of here. John can handle things for awhile."
"You mean, Mr. Bad pick-up line?" Serena asked laughing.
"Yeah, that would be him. I need to tell him I'll be back later, okay?"
"Sure."
He returned to the window five minutes later after a barrage of questions from John and Marly about Serena. "Ready?"
Darien watched along with half the men in the hospital as Serena turned removed her purse from the back of a chair.
The dark aqua-colored halter dress she was wearing exposed most of her back and cut dangerously low between her breasts. She looked like a mermaid that swum right out of the mural on the wall. Darien closed his eyes briefly and exhaled a deep breath before following her.
"Where are we going?" She asked looking into her purse, walking towards the entryway.
"Union Square Park is a few blocks over."
"Okay."
When they got out on the street, Darien pulled out his glasses which turned dark when they hit the light. The sun was shining but heavy clouds were threatening to break for a random spring shower.
Serena choked out a laugh. "Oh my god, I can't believe you still wear those!"
"Have to, they've been kind of a good luck charm," He shot her a quick smile.
They walked in silence, both in thought. Out of old habit, when they got to the first intersection, Darien reached out to grasp Serena's hand.
"I'm sorry," He said, withdrawing his hand.
"It's okay," Serena smiled at him timidly then continued to walk. They kept exchanging brief glances for a while before Serena spoke. "John's an interesting one."
Darien chuckled. "That he is."
"How did you two meet?"
"In med school. He's the one who convinced me to move here when we finished."
"Well, He's quite the charmer, he told me I was a devil in a blue dress."
"He wasn't wrong," He glanced over at her, a crooked grin on his face.
Serena hit him playfully on the arm, feigning hurt. "Darien!"
"What? Oh, come on, you in that dress..." He looked her up and down appreciatively. "It's got the devils handy work all over it."
Serena tried not to laugh but gave up after a moment. Once they reached the next intersection they both reached out and grasped hands.
Walking into the park Darien asked. "So, how do you like it so far?"
"Like what?"
"Being back in London."
"What's not to like? I mean its London," She shrugged, eyes dancing. "The shows, the sites, the shopping." She added again, grinning.
"I can only imagine. No shop in London is safe, huh?"
"Not, a, one." She stated proudly.
They walked awhile continuing their easy conversation, skipping around the real subject but knowing it couldn't be avoided.
"So, what did you want to talk to me about?" Darien finally asked.
Serena swung their hands back and forth looking straight ahead. She let out a long breath before she spoke. "You know, on the cab ride down here, I couldn't make up my mind who I was angrier at, you or myself," Her voice was reflective, as she looked up to meet his gaze.
Darien stopped walking and let go of Serena's hand readying his self for an argument.
"The thing is, I still don't know, and I'm not sure if it even matters now."
"What are you talking about?" He questioned, already sensing the answer.
"I talked to Mina this morning. She told me about the talk you and her had about our break-up a few months ago."
Darien ran his hand through his hair looking away.
"Darien, look," She touched his waist briefly. "I just want to know why? Why did you let me believe you had slept with someone else that night?"
He could tell by the tone of her voice she wasn't looking for an argument, but he wasn't prepared to answer her questions either.
Neither took notice of the distant sound of thunder.
"If I had told you, would it have kept you from leaving that day?" He finally asked.
"What? Yes, you know it would have."
"Why?"
Serena shook her head, trying to comprehend. "What do you mean, why? Because I wanted to be with you, and I thought you still wanted to be with me."
"Even though we were both miserable and had been for months? Or am I the only one who remembers that?" His tone was intentionally rude.
She recoiled, glaring at him, nose flaring slightly.
"And you can't stand here and tell me that you didn't feel some sort of relief that morning when I left our flat." He added.
"What I felt was sick to my stomach that morning. What I felt was that my world had just fallen apart," She looked at him incredulously.
The wind was picking up.
He shrugged. "I don't know what you want me to say, Serena."
"I want you to tell me, why? Why would you want me to believe a lie?"
"What difference does it makes now?"
"Of the top of my head? Hmm..let me see. Oh how about the fact that we just had sex in a public loo four days ago and nearly did it again on our friend's balcony last night. Or are those not good enough reasons?" She replied sardonically.
His jaw clinched and he crossed his arms, angered because she was right. He took his glasses off and stared at her for a moment before replying.
"Look at you," He gestured his hand out towards her. "All glamour and prestige. You went off and became a success. You're living the fairy tale life you always wanted. You didn't need me around to do that."
Serena choked out a bitter laugh. "Oh, my god! Are you serious? Do you really believe I stayed with you for six years because I was waiting for you to give me some fuckin' fairy tale life?"
"Didn't you? Weren't you always pushing me to do this and do that? Live up to my potential?"
"Darien, if you had truly believed that then, you wouldn't have stayed with me so long." She regarded him unbelievingly.
Darien shifted uncomfortably but didn't respond.
"I don't believe this," Serena tossed her hands up exasperated and walked a few paces away. Turning back she pointed a finger at him. "I have spent the past four years of my life trying to convince myself that I did the right thing by walking out that day. And you mean to tell me, it was all because you thought you couldn't give me something I never expected from you in the first place?"
The first droplets of rain started to come down.
"What? Do you think you're the only one the past four years have been difficult?!" Darien shot back angrily. "You're not the only one who lost something that day!"
Serena crossed her arms defensively.
"Serena, when you left I was devastated. I came home that evening and everything about you was gone! Every shirt, every shoe, every dress, every stupid stuffed bunny, gone!"
The sky cracked open and the rain came down in heavy sheets. Neither moved.
"Then why did you lie?!" Serena screamed, trying to be heard over the rain and traffic.
"Because I couldn't take seeing that look of disappointment in your eyes anymore! Because pushing you away was easier than having you leave me because you realized you deserved someone better!"
"You lied to me out of some twisted sense of honor?!"
Darien turned his head away not answering.
"That, is such, bullshit!" Serena shot back. "My God, Darien, tell me you were just, tired of trying. Tell me there really was someone else. Hell, tell me you just weren't in love with me anymore!"
"I can't tell you that!" He yelled, interrupting her.
"Why?!"
"Because I don't know how to not be in love with you!"
The words came out in a rush, startling them both. They glared at one another, taking up a familiar stance. The sudden crack of thunder seemed to confirm the truth of Darien's words.
From their first argument years ago at the arcade until this moment, they always understood and accepted their inability to pretend to be anything more than who they really were with each other. That truth bonded them. And as the rain continued to fall, washing away the anger and hurt they realized that four years apart hadn't changed that.
"My bunnies are not stupid," Serena finally said. Her eyes softened as a reluctant smile edged at the corners of her mouth.
"Yes, they are," Darien reached out for her hand, smiling himself. "Come on, before we catch pneumonia."
Serena reached down, removed her sandals then handed them to Darien. Grasping his other hand they ran to get out of the rain.
Five minutes later, thoroughly drenched they entered Darien's flat building. It was an old warehouse that had been converted into lofts.
He opened the gate to the service elevator and let Serena in first. She retreated to the back of the cart pushing her wet hair out of her face breathing heavily.
When he turned to look at her he was immediately aware of how her dress clung to her small frame out lining her hips and breasts. As her chest heaved her erect nipples strained against the wet fabric.
Darien dropped her shoes and covered the distance between them in two strides. He captured her mouth, leaving her breathless. Her hands pulled his body into hers frantically as he pressed her up against the wall, kissing her hungrily.
Her skin was hot, contrasting with the wet clothes. His mouth found her neck then moved down as he pushed the material aside to thumb the swell of one breast as his tongue flickered and sucked on the other.
Serena moaned softly, tangling her fingers in his hair. Arching her back, she opened her body to him then grabbed his hand and trailed it up the inside of her thigh to rest between her legs. Two of his fingers instinctively traced the band of her panties then slid into her slick womanhood.
She let out a small cry as he began to stroke her slowly, sensually.
The elevator stopped as they reached his floor jerking them out of their trance. "I guess, John was right, you are a devil," He smiled against her neck, breathing heavily.
"I guess he was," She whispered huskily into his ear.
Darien looked down at Serena's exposed breasts. A smile played at the corners of her mouth as she watched him slowly pull the top of her dress back over them.
"That may be the first time you've ever put my clothes back on."
"It won't happen again," He bent down picked up her shoes then opened the elevator gate.
Taking her hand, they practically ran down the hallway. He barely got the door to his place open before Serena attacked him.
She pushed him against the door and quickly found his mouth again. The intrusion of her tongue was erotic and sensual and he pulled her in deepening the kiss. He felt dizzy as she pressed her body into his and ran her hand over the swell of his pants.
He reluctantly pulled away from her. "Wait, wait."
"What?" She brought his mouth back to hers.
"We need, to get out, of these clothes," He managed to say between kisses.
"What do you think I'm doing?" She replied, unbuttoning his pants.
"Come on."
Darien led Serena into his bedroom then into his bathroom. He grabbed a large towel and held it open for her.
"Let me you dry off," The dark lust was back in his eyes.
She turned her back, looking over her shoulder and untied the top of her dress letting it drop.
He placed the towel around her shoulders and began to kiss her neck softly. Serena's eyes fluttered close and she leaned into him as he pushed her dress down over her hips. She kicked it aside as it hit the floor.
As his fingers started to slip below the band of her panties she turned and faced him.
"Uh, uh... it's my turn," A seductive smile played on her lips.
She finished unzipping his pants and pushed them down over his hips. He tried to kiss her again but she drew her head back. "No kissing," He raised his hand to stroke her breast but she blocked him. "And no touching."
"Damn, what am I supposed to do?" He asked, frowning.
Pulling his shirt over his head and looking down at his feet she said. "You can take those shoes and socks off. But unless I tell you otherwise, nothing."
She led him back into his bedroom and pushed him on the bed.
"So, along with that dress, was this in your plan all along?"
Serena crawled between his legs and ran her hand up his thigh, smiling. "If you keep talking, you'll never find out."
He obliged, lying back quietly, closing his eyes.
Serena sat back on her knees and regarded him for a long minute. Biting at her nails she looked over his body appreciatively. "Open your eyes. I want to see you." She commanded. He opened them slowly and she felt her excitement grow at the intensity in them.
Trailing her fingers up the inside of his thighs, she felt him quiver at her touch. Memories of the command she had over his body was powerful and intoxicating.
She eased her body over his and began to kiss his neck. Stretching their arms out she interlaced her fingers with his and trailed her tongue over his lips never breaking eye contact.
Serena placed moist hot kisses across his chest and down his belly, taking her time. She raked her nails along his sides and smiled mischievously as his body flinched responsively at her touch. Her hands roamed free teasing his erection.
His eyes started to flutter shut. "I said open them. If you don't, I'll stop."
With a struggle he opened them.
"Good," She took a deep breath. "Now, this is for cutting me off for four years." With a wicked smile she slowly ran her hand up his shaft squeezing lightly at the engorged tip. She lowered her head and flicked her tongue across the head tasting him and feeling his heat.
Darien groaned with pleasure as her hands and mouth continued their assault on him. His body went rigid as he strained his hips against the bed to keep from moving.
Serena felt her own arousal grow each time his body clenched. She had missed the taste of him. She missed the pleasure she derived from watching the expression on his face. But mostly she missed his body against hers and the way he filled her.
When he reached out to touch her hair she pushed his hand away and took him fully in her mouth fondling his stiffened sacs. His breathing seemed to stop all together. Brazen and shameless she continued to torment him until he pulled back and grabbed her waist suddenly flipping her onto her stomach.
She gave a startled gasp but didn't protest. Looking back over her shoulder at him she said. "Otherwise."
He met her dark, hungry gaze and slid over her back to kiss her deeply. Sitting back on his knees he pulled her up with him delving his fingers below the band of her panties seeking out her wet clit again.
She leaned back against him opening her legs further inviting his continual strokes. Her breath caught in her throat as she pressed her hand over his encouraging his fingers to explore deeper.
It was his turn to torment. "Open your eyes."
With a struggle, her eyes fluttered open and she laid her head on his shoulder. Capturing her swollen lips again, his fingers continued their assault between her legs. She could feel his erection pressed against her.
"Darien," Her voice cracked as she pushed against his hand feeling that erotic heat spread through her body.
Darien yanked at the thin bands of her panties, tearing them away, They landed across the room as he guided her onto the bed, entering her from behind with one, smooth powerful thrust. Serena instinctively lifted her hips letting him penetrate deeper.
He lie within her for a moment, feeling her stretch and adjust around him. Using his legs he spread her thighs further apart. His ministrations were gentle at first, but with each stroke the rhythm became savage, primal and intense, neither able to get enough.
Serena met his rhythm by arching her hips against him. Her body felt vibrant and alive like a flame burning inside. Reaching back, she brought his lips to hers.
Darien plunged deeper and deeper with each thrust, filling her with a bright, hot pleasure. They strained together, demanding surrender but neither gave in. His breath quickened as his hips bucked forcefully and he interlocked hands with hers.
Serena felt near tears as she continued to meet his intensity. Each thrust bringing her closer to the brink and she began to shiver beneath him.
An inferno broke and they both cried out. Tears streamed down Serena's cheeks as a white-hot climax drummed through her body. His climax followed a second later; a harsh raw sound escaped his lips as he collapsed into her.
~*~
Later that night they laid in each other's arm listening to the rain fall. Each had a smile of satisfaction on their faces from the hours they spent making love.
The silence was only broken when Serena asked, "Does this mean we're back together?" She knew the answer already but she wanted to hear him say it.
"Yeah, we're back together," He answered with a slight laugh kissing her forehead.
"So all that stands is our way is the people that we're with?" Serena asked feeling the weight of what she had been doing with Darien hit her full force.
"Actually, Allison and I broke up this morning," Darien told her getting out of bed and slipping on a pair of silk boxers.
Serena stayed in his bed but sat up pulling the covers over her chest. "Why?'
Darien looked at her with amusement, "You know why Bella?"
"I didn't want her to get hurt she seemed really nice," Serena said looking into his eyes.
"Neither did I but she knew something was going on between us," Darien sat beside her on the bed. "She said she didn't want to stand in the way of my happiness."
Serena look down in shame and sadness. "That was nice of her." She knew she was on the verge of tears.
Darien grabbed her chin and made her look at him. He saw the unshed tears in her eyes. "Don't be too sad love. She told me she's been cheating on me for months. She wasn't going to tell me but she got pregnant."
Fear flashed in Serena's eyes for a minute. "It's not yours is it?"
"We wouldn't be having this conversation if it was," Darien replied. "So all that stands in our way is 'Toe Head'."
"Actually I walked in on 'Toe Head' fucking his secretary a week ago in his office," Serena informed him feeling embarrassed. "He's out of town for business and I've been looking for an apartment to move into before he gets back tomorrow."
Darien smiled at this, "Well you know this apartment is big enough for two people and at least we don't have to christen the bed, the shower, the couch, the kitchen counter, and the dining room table like we did with our first place. We took care of that today."
A coy smile passed over Serena's face. "Well that makes it the best apartment I've seen yet," She circled her arms around his neck and kissed him.
"You know we still have several walls and the floor that needs to be christened," Darien said pulling Serena from the bed and backing her against the wall.
"Well we better get started then," Serena answered as Darien pushed his boxers down and plunged into her.
THE END