You've seen life through distorted eyes
You know you had to learn
The execution of your mind
You really had to turn
The race is run the book is read
The end begins to show
The truth is out, the lies are old
But you don't want to know
Sabbath Bloody Sabbath
--- The Cardigans
o.0 Lemon Warning 0.o
000
Chapter 10
000
INTO THE PAST
000
Serena was on a high peak on Italian coast, her expensive single lens reflex camera clicking as she took images of the blood red sinking sun. She really did love Italy, having spent the whole day trying out delicious Italian cuisine – eating great food was Serena's kind of life! Strolling down to Darien's orchard, she raised her camera and began to surreptitiously take images of the happy people celebrating. Today was the day they had completed hand harvesting of the ripe fruit, the Italian men and women dressed in the bright peasant style garb, pouring buckets of grapes into a large container. Traditionally they paid a tribute to the past, using the old fashioned method of crushing the grapes by the master of the house.
Darien strutted in, looking so comfortable and liberated amongst his people, it was a huge difference from the usual cold Armani clad business man. He was wearing only a pair of pants, his defined chest naked and tanned from the summer sun. Serena could see, with annoyance, the younger girls winked and smile flirtatiously at him – to which he grinned. He swung himself into the container, Raye insisting on joining him in the treading of the fruit. Serena giggled as she saw Raye slide around, lurching at her brother for support as she slid in the slippery tub. She raised her camera and took shot after shot of the moment, finding the brother sister moment too cute to not record. Amidst this, Darien looked up at her, his beautiful mouth turning up in an intimate grin, his eyes smoky and mysterious – he never failed to make her heart beat wildly!
The girls were with Serena, laughing their lungs out as Raye disappeared, rising again covered in grapes.
"Guess she's been hanging around with Serena too long," Mina joked.
"Hey," Serena snapped, putting her camera equipment away in a corner, "Stop being mean!"
"Alright! Didn't mean to offend you," Mina appeased, hands rising in mock surrender.
"If I recall correctly," Serena drawled, "You had a klutz moment too – except your head landed in a stranger's crotch!"
Mina's ears went bright pink as they all reminisced on Mina and Malachite's meeting, each girl smirking at her.
"Cow! I'm going to get you for that one!" Mina exclaimed, springing into action.
Serena shrieked, spinning around and heading out the door, the roaring laughter of Lita and Amy following them out. Serena ran away from the snarling banshee, her peals of laughter making it even more difficult to breathe and run at the same time. Serena dodged Mina for fifteen minutes, slowing to a jog as she panned around looking for an indication of the violent crazy blonde. Stopping, Serena looked over the countryside as she tried to catch her breath.
"Mmmph!" Serena managed as a calloused hand closed over her mouth, a strong arm drawing her within an overgrown archway she'd failed to notice.
With her back pressed to the worn stone, Darien grinned down at her, placing a finger to his lips indicating silence. Bracing his strong arms on both sides of her, he leant down and whispered a kiss over her mouth, seeming to savour it with a lick of his lips as he drew back.
"I've been dying for that," he huskily stated, his voice low.
Serena's heart pounded in overdrive of love, heat pooling within as she stared into his never-ending eyes – he was far too potent for woman to handle!
"In that case, I give you permission to another one," Serena replied breathlessly.
He didn't need anymore incentive, swooping down and catching her in a drugging kiss that set her knees trembling. She encircled his neck, moulding to his form so tightly not an air molecule could pass through. Her fingers raked through his sinfully gorgeous hair as his hands slipped under her shirt, feathering up the feminine curve of her back then travelling to her bottom. With casual strength he lifted her so that his straining bulge pressed into her core, setting her further ablaze for him.
"Serena!" Came Mina's yell, disconcertingly close, "Where are you? I am so going to kill you!"
Serena staunched a giggle against Darien's chest, her tongue poking out to lick his salty skin, causing his grip to tighten. To further tease him Serena ground into his arousal, biting on his lip and tugging lightly, fingers playing in his locks. Darien growled softly, his chest rumbling and, in retaliation, he hoisted her higher, latching onto her hard nipple through her thin cotton shirt. Serena almost hit the moon, making a startled strangled noise as he began to suck, swirling with his tongue.
"Darien!" She whispered sharply.
"It's your fault for playing with fire, cara mia, because you'll get burned – that's one of your English clichés, correct?"
"You cad!"
"You'd best be quiet now, your friends coming," Darien whispered against her neck.
Serena was about to reply when he started on her other nipple, with more vigour and she bit her lip to keep a cry in. Serena could hear Mina scuffling along in her ridiculous high fashion pumps, stopping directly next to the opening so that Serena could see her shadow through the foliage. If Mina took the effort to look harder, she may have seen Serena's baby blue shirt and stormed in for a significant sight, but she didn't instead pausing and venting a long line of curses.
Darien's mouth soon returned to hers, demanding and tender at the same time. Pausing he slotted his hard muscled leg between hers, supporting her form to free his hands and undo the buttons on her shirt. All the while Serena was sure he could see her heart beating through her skin, the feelings he evoked both melting and scaring her, she'd never matched a man on a mental and physical basis before – he was perfect.
"No bra? Scandalous," Darien whispered against the swell of her breast, cupping the full weight in his hand.
"It's too hot," She replied, finding herself blush for no reason.
He pouted at her, "And here I thought it was for me."
"That's it Serena! I give up!" Mina yelled finally, her footfalls fading away.
"Come on, amore, I was waiting for her to leave," He stated before giving her a final possessive kiss.
Darien tied the tails of her shirt closed before slipping an arm around her slender waist, leading her through the archway into a beautiful, slightly wild, garden of roses. Serena felt overwhelmed by the wonderful scent, the setting sun and being with Darien – it was so romantic and she sighed hoping it would never end.
There was an elegant garden pavilion, well maintained in its obvious vintage state, made of stone and wood. Darien led her onto it, wrapping his strong arms around her from behind and laying a soft kiss on her neck as they enjoyed the sprawling view of his lands.
"Make love to me here, Darien," Serena said, turning towards him.
"Now?" He replied.
Serena nodded an affirmation, "Now."
Darien pressed her to him, hungrily taking her mouth and sending Serena's head spinning, his hands creating double havoc. Her shirt was gone within seconds, his long fingers splaying her milk white skin, as if to engrain the already permanent knowledge further into his being. Darien broke off, laying a path of fiery kisses down her throat, through the valley of her breasts and along her abdomen until he reached her hips, easing her simple white skirt from her slender pelvis. Clad only in her white bikini briefs Darien scooped her up, laying her, like the treasure she was, onto the wooden floor with careful consideration.
"The floors a bit hard," Darien stated with concern, "I might hurt you."
"Darien I'm not a doll," She answered with a soft giggle.
Serena's fingers slipped to the button of his jeans, almost feeling regretful to remove the item, which contoured his strong thighs and hung low on his hips. Easing him free, she played with the velvet tip of his erection, causing him to stiffen with pleasure, to which she impishly responded with a sultry grin.
He changed the tormenting roles, pinning her to the floor, her wrists stretched above her head, leaving her open to his advances.
"Mi fai impazzire," Darien muttered against her breast, sliding her underwear away.
Serena felt herself wind tighter, heat swirling in her abdomen, her body crying for his.
"Darien," She moaned, aching to touch him, his lips on her breasts, stomach, navel – everywhere!
"Sei tutto per me, Serena, ti amerò per sempre."
A finger slid into her slick entrance, starting a slow rhythm that sped up as he inserted a second one, stretching her. Serena gasped, her hips moving against his hand, her body clenching and spiralling higher and higher to the point where all her thoughts became incoherent. His fingers slipped from her, his hands holding her hips as he initiated a passionate kiss, crushing her lips to his and pouring all his feelings into it.
"This is for you, angel," He whispered against her lips.
With a quick thrust, Darien sheathed himself into her hot core; gritting his teeth at the extreme intensity her channel clenched him. Her body accepted his whole length, Serena's legs wrapping around him, drawing him closer as her head tilted back in the cloud of her silvery hair.
His hands bit into her smooth skin, keeping her still as he surged in to her again and again, their pleasure mounting beyond any counting scale. Serena was sure she'd burn up at any second, Darien's godlike face conveying his satisfaction as he reared into her, beautiful Italian words spilling from his lips. Her body arched as she reached her climax, her scorching sheath contracting tightly around his swelling member, initiating his own peak so that he exploded, spilling deep within her.
Collapsing with exertion, Darien pulled her into his arms raining kisses on her face and neck. That night, instead of returning home, Serena went with Darien to the beautiful property on the vineyard. Once there they went for a shower, initially cleaning the grape juice off Darien then making love in the tiny stall.
The night was warm, the double doors to the bedroom open and the curtains waving softly under the dry winds pulling. Darien gazed out into the pitch black night, the moon hanging eerily in the sky, dressed like a beautiful goddess in stars. But there was only one goddess in his life and she lay in his arms, her head resting on his chest where he securely held her. He looked down at her, tenderly sweeping her extraordinary hair from her features, fingers feathering over her face.
He knew he couldn't lose her. He wouldn't!
He was already engaged to Beryl Ravée, and chained to it, Mr. Ravée threatening more then just his business credentials. Ironically, at the time it didn't really matter, but now, after being with Serena he feared her discovery of the truth – his arms tightened around her petite form, as if someone was about to steal her from him. But that was how he felt, he was terrified of the wrenching claws of truth, for they would rip her away, leaving him empty as it took half his soul.
Reaching to the side cabinet, he grabbed a piece of paper, tearing a strip from it and encircling it around her ring finger. Once with the correct measurements he carefully stowed the tiny shred of paper, knowing that he may physically marry Beryl but he was already committed to Serena beyond any human ceremonies.
Serena sighed against his chest and Darien smiled, continuing to caress her, his head burying into her thick hair and drawing her wonderful feminine scent into his body.
"Sei mia per l'eternità…"
000
It was early in the morning, Serena informing Darien she had to leave now or all the girls would lay into her. He looked reluctant, but dressed with her, walking her back despite her insistent comments that she would be fine to do so herself. The sun was just beginning to peak over the landscape, Serena aching for a camera to remind her of her beautiful night. She loved the tightness of the community as the strolled through the eclectic village, Darien's arms around her, stealing kisses as they went.
"You stay here, alright, I haven't got far to go," Serena said, at the mouth of the driveway.
Darien wrapped his arms tightly around her then kissed her, making sure that she would never in a million years forget him and how they always came together in perfection.
"Bye, Darien," Serena said, disengaging before they made love again on the rocky road.
Serena jogged quickly to the house, pulling Darien's warm shirt around her to keep off the slight bite of the early morning. A big smile adorned her face as she slipped into the house, feeling loved and treasured beyond all means. She was convinced that she had managed to successfully creep into the house when the lights flashed on and four pyjama clad women barricaded her bedroom door.
"And where the hell have you been?" Raye demanded.
Serena froze to the spot, her face flushing as she stuttered.
"Serena we have been worried sick! I never thought that I, Mina White, would ever be the worried one waiting for you to come back – but I have been transformed, what do you have to say for yourself?"
"Sorry?" She squeaked.
"Serena, you should have called us and told us exactly where you were," Amy scolded, "If you were an hour longer we were going to phone the police."
"So who have you been with?" Lita finished, the women looking like the Spanish Inquisition waiting for answers.
"No one," Serena blatantly lied.
"Serena really! How stupid do you think us," Mina responded, "You're still in yesterdays clothes and to boot, you've got a men's shirt on."
Serena winced, her mind panicking with plausible explanations. Lita moved up to her, took her chin and looked into her eyes as if fishing the windows of her soul for an answer.
"She's got a slight stubble burn, her lips are kissed red and I can see some love bites. So what do you have to say in your defence Serena? Because it looks damn well like you've been with a man – so spill the beans," Lita growled.
"Alright so I was with a man!" Serena confessed.
"Who was it?" Raye squealed.
"I'm sorry I kept you girls waiting, I really am, I love you guys so much for looking after me. But I think we all need some sleep," Serena changed subject.
"Who is it!" Mina cried.
"Nightie night girls," Serena said, dashing upstairs, girls hot on her heels determined for an answer.
Serena slammed the door closed and slid in the dead bolt, hearing their angry shouts of retaliation if she didn't open the door.
"Sorry guys, I've got to get some sleep," Serena giggled, stripping to her underwear and sliding into her sheets, pretending Darien was with her, "I love you, Darien." She whispered in her pillow before falling asleep.
The next morning Serena only rose at ten o'clock, taking a warm shower and dressing in a white sundress and a pink blouse over the top. Grabbing the small tin watering can, Serena began to water the wilting plants around the house, doing it with a definite bounce to her step. She was so high on happiness, nothing could bring her down. Slinking towards the kitchen, she saw the girls through the crack of the door, still in their robes with hot coffee discussing who Serena could have been with.
"What about that young guy down the street? He's quite good looking," Mina suggested.
"No," Raye shot down, "He's too small to fit that shirt she was wearing."
"Well, how about the garden boy?" Amy suggested, "What?" She squeaked when all the girls looked incredulously at her.
"The garden boy is not a boy, Amy. He's almost sixty," Raye said.
"Well you never know, she might have tastes for older men," Amy defended.
"He's also married," Lita added.
"Fine! Is there anyone else?" Amy sighed.
"What about Darien?" Mina threw in, Serena's hands tightening on the watering can.
"No, it can't be Darien. He's already engaged to Beryl Ravée," Raye explained taking a slip of her coffee.
Serena's heart stopped beating, she could almost feel it shattering in her chest and she dropped the watering can with a large clunk, her hands pressing on her dying love.
"What the hell," Mina said, darting out the door, "Oh, good morning Serena."
Serena forced a smile, "Morning to you too, I'm just gonna f…finish watering the plants."
"Alright, then come in for a coffee," She said, returning to the girls who had more men to debate about.
Serena stashed the empty can, running upstairs where she locked the door and flung herself on her bed, burying her face in the pillow to muffle her wrenching cries of agony. How could he…use her so horrendously without even giving a inking about a fiancée? But it came together how they never told anyone, which she assumed was because he didn't want Raye and her fat mouth proclaiming it to everyone.
"Oh God!" Serena whispered; tear after tear slipping from her eyes.
She wanted to hate Darien, but all she could hate was herself for falling for his suave charm and promises. Every sob wrenched from her chest, her thoughts and memories becoming a montage of anguish as she remembered his smile, his touch, his kisses…it was the ultimate torment.
And he must be laughing at her, she thought bitterly, thinking about how easy and stupid she was. What was worse is that she loved him, loved him like nothing before that's why it felt like a red hot knife had been stabbed into her breast, into her soft heart over and over again – betrayal. Flash backs of her mother, in a drunken stupor, went though her mind.
"Ser-wena," She slurred, "Do-n't trust a man. They are creatures ruled by their dick, don't let 'em getcha ya, cuz they'll strip you and leave yo-u empty."
Serena's face crumbled as more tears welled up. God! She was just like the women before who she had vehemently promised never to become. She was a hollow conquest thrown out, a second-hand object that could never be repaired – it was an injury that would impact on the rest of her life.
"How could you do this to me?" She whimpered, curled up on her bed, "How could you?"
Anger soon consumed her and she jerked up, grabbed her cell phone and changing her flight departure to that afternoon. Retrieving her suit case, she lifted it on her bed, ripping clothes off her hanger and out of her draws, throwing them into the empty cavity. She couldn't stay in Italy another night, not with knowing how she'd been fooled, everything about her beautiful environment now gloating about her shameful downfall. Sobs racked her body as she did so, her chest congested with emotion making it difficult to breathe and function. Once all her personal belongings were packed, Serena went to her en suit bathroom, washing her face of tears – but she couldn't bear to look at herself in the mirror, her disgrace too fresh.
Sitting on her bed, she tried to calm down, as not to rouse the girl's suspicions when she told them she had to leave. However, every time she did so, she evaporated into hot tears; she was convinced that she would never stop crying. She laid back in bed, weeping until exhaustion granted the sanctuary of sleep, her small body shuddering every few minutes, her beautiful face glittering with tears.
Serena left at five o'clock, explaining to the girl's that Melvyn had an emergency and she was needed at the office. As expected, they tried to stop her for it was their holiday together, but she prevailed, her pain feeding her desperation to put miles between herself and Darien.
Instead of returning to her apartment, she headed to her foster mother, Miss. Haruna, who counselled Serena despite not knowing what Serena's issue was. All she knew was that Serena had fallen in love and been hurt, which had brought her into the world of reality. It was disconcerting to see Serena so depressed, as she always had a dreamy disposition and a happy personality; Serena was the child she never managed to conceive and Serena's pain was also her pain.
She only hoped that the man felt regret for what he had done, because if she ever met him, she'd give him a piece of mind and fist.
"Everything will fix itself, Serena, don't you worry love," She comforted.
From her struggled tears Serena managed to look up at Haruna, "I w…wish you wer…were right, but…" She trailed off, her sentence dissolving in tears, "…But things broken are never quite the same again."
"Don't say that honey, have hope,"
"I don't think I can," Serena whispered, protectively shielding her chest, "I don't feel anything anymore…I feel nothing…"
You've killed me Darien…
000
Darien miserably smashed things in his office, his servants keeping well away from him as he raged, his body trembling with ill contained rage.
She was gone. She was gone! Out of his life, fading away before he could catch her and he couldn't find her anywhere! It had been three days since her departure, which Raye had patiently explained was because Serena was needed back at work. He knew she'd discovered the truth. For the first time since being a child, Darien wept; he wept for her and wept with the pain he felt, the knowledge that she'd be devastated weighing heavily on his soul. He ached to find her, to cradle her in his arms and confess how much he loved her.
He had ordered his plane to take him to London, where he checked out her work, her home, her friends, but to no avail, returning back to Italy empty and alone. Right now, he felt murderous, his blue eyes burning with self loathing and desperation. His muscles ached to do something, ready to do anything to get her back but his mind was in turmoil, lost in direction like his Serena.
Darien prayed to whatever god was up there that Serena would return to him, "Dio Serena, I'm sorry. This will haunt me for the rest of my life."
He never found her, only seeing her his wedding day. She looked thinner, her eyes glowing with betrayal, yet she always remained beautiful. Darien had to build a shield to continue with the wedding, Mr. Ravée's black eyes glittering with silent retribution should he deny his daughter. Darien said his vows, the words hollow and meaningless as he tied himself to the wrong woman. Satisfaction grew like a tumour in Beryl's cat like eyes and he leaned down, pressing an emotionless kiss to her lips.
He couldn't believe that the hurt reflected in Serena's eyes was caused by him – it was agonizing. In his pocket, his hand fisted on the miniature box that contained the ring he was going to give Serena. Darien refused to lose her; he was like a drug addict that needed her for survival and he knew she loved him too. He made a silent promise to himself, swearing that he would get her back– selfish, yes, but he was beyond caring for he loved her; she was his true bride, the one who was supposed to be beside him and take on his name. Sei mia per l'eternità.
000
Thank you, this chapter should explain some things. Sorry about mistakes, like usual, I've done the best I can.
K. Ly, I took your advice about writing about how Serena found out about the marriage, thank you for the suggestion, it worked perfect!
To Missy, who I couldn't reply to, thank you for that piece of information, I did now know that. Don't worry, I am not offended, in fact I welcome comments that improve my work. Thank you very much for it!
Important: The next fortnight probably won't have updates as I need to study for my upcoming mock exams. Thank you.
Definitions – I hope they're Okay…wince.
o. You are mine for eternity - Sei mia per l'eternità
o. You are everything to me. - Sei tutto per me
o. I love you - ti amo
o. You drive me crazy - mi fai impazzire
o. I will always love you. - Ti amerò per sempre
o. Cara – beloved
o. Cara mia – my beloved
o. Dio - God