Chapter Nine

Malcolm's fingers slid delicately over the keys of his piano. He closed his eyes, and began to play 'Sweetly and softly'. His fingers found the keys, and his heart got lost in the song.

This song was his favorite, the first and last song his mother ever played to him. He grimaced as he missed the key. He opened his eyes and stared down at his hands. He frowned for a minute, before starting a new song. This one was the song Mina had been singing the night they'd first met. The song she'd been playing on his piano. 'Mirror Image' He hummed the tune as he played it.

"You know it sounds a lot better when it's sung." Ami whispered from behind the doorway.

"I hate this song." He muttered darkly, slamming the dome over the keys.

"You always told me never to do that." She pointed out.

"Well it's my damn piano if I want to set it on fire then I will! Besides when I taught you to play I never let you touch it."

"You never let anyone touch it." She said bitterly. "Well almost"

"And look what a mess it got me in." He shot.

"You mean unrequited love?"

"Yes, I deserve this, I deserve unhappiness. But it doesn't make me any less bitter."

"How do you deserve this?"

"Don't you worry about my thinking, how about some breakfast?" He asked as he got off the bench and walked towards his kitchen.

"Yah I'll make some."

"The hell you will, you're a guest, and besides I kidnapped a chef!"

"Freak." She laughed shaking her head.

"What did you call me?" He asked in sham anger.

"I believe I called you a freak." He glared at her for a minute, before grabbing her and half tackling her on the floor.

"Care to repeat that."

"Freak." She said defiantly.

"Oh you so shouldn't have done that." He said as he began to tickle her. She squeaked as she roared with insuppressible laughter. "Repeat after me, Malcolm…"

"M…Malcolm" She stammered in between huge fits of laughter.

"Is not"

"I…is n…not…"

"A freak!"

"S…straight." She roared fighting back the forced laughter.

"Oh now you've done it." He said with an evil smile.

"No…no stop!" she yelled as she fought his increased tickling.

"Then say it!"

"F…fine…you're…not…a…freak" she fought out.

"Good girl." He smirked as he let her go. She got up off the floor and wiped the tears of mirth out of her eyes.

"That's not fair, just cause you're a mammoth…"

"It's not my fault you're a dainty little kitten." He pointed out.

"Damn my mother!" She roared in sham anger. He shook his head as he started to laugh. Ami grinned at him. Malcolm had found Ami in her cousin's house, her only living relative. She'd agreed to come and stay with him out of fear that someone else might find her as well. And Malcolm had never had as much fun in his entire life…. no since Mina walked out if it. He sighed; he would never be over Mina.

"So let me get this straight, you know L.J Krux?" Darien prodded, completely taken back.

"Yup, you know her too?" Serena wasn't sure if she liked the idea, she knew what Lita did, the woman had a natural knack for finding things, or in most cases people, she wondered if that's how Darien knew her.

"As in the private investigator?" He asked ignoring her question; the idea was a little scary, although it certainly made sense, considering L.J's response to his request to help him find Serena.

"Yes, I'm guessing she did some job for you?" She asked with a little grin.

"Well…uh…you could say that." He said uncomfortably, he wasn't ready to reveal that just yet.

"Don't worry about it, a lot of people use her services, I have too." She admitted with a little smile.

"Can I ask?"

"Only if you tell me what she did for you." She teased. He smiled oddly.

"Some day I'll tell you." He promised.

"I could just ask her."

"You could, but then you'd never hear the story that goes with it." He pointed out, a little unnerved.

"You know I'm joking right? Your entitled to your secrets."

"I'll trade you mine for yours." He only half joked.

"Tempting, but I don't think you could handle my secrets."

"Don't tell me you're a drug dealer, and you've killed someone and your just posing as a sweet, innocent nanny." He said in fake seriousness.

"No of course not! I'm a drug manufacturer!" She told him with the softest twinkle in her pretty blue eyes.

"You never cease to amaze me Ms. Lane." He said reverently.

"Why do you say that?" She asked a little confused.

"Oh I could tell you, but what fun would that be, you've got to give me something in return." He said playfully.

"Like?"

"Umm…a kiss?" he said arching an eyebrow.

"What kind of kiss?"

" I can't tell you in front of Ayane now can I?" He said smiling devilishly.

"Oh one of those." She mumbled blushing slightly.

"Is it a deal?"

"I don't see how this is a fair deal." She said in sham annoyance.

"No?"

"Well I get to find out why I never stop amazing you, and I get to kiss you, what do you get out of this?" She asked arching an eyebrow; he shook his head laughing. He reached out and pulled her against him. He looked down into her pretty eyes as he smiled.

"You are so beautiful it's almost eerie." He whispered to her. "Every time I think I have you pegged, you go and do something to blow that image to hell, you fascinate me."

"How?" She asked a little breathlessly, he was the closest he'd been to her since…damn her mind couldn't even grasp how long it had been since she'd last been in his arms. Everything was a little blurry…a little too blurry. And then everything went black; as Serena fell the last thing she was aware of, was being caught more securely by a pair of very strong arms.

Darien picked Serena up, panic clinging at his heart; she'd just fainted in his arms. Just like that, one minute they'd been flirting, the next she'd gone down. He took her into the study and lay her down on his black leather couch. He felt her pulse, and then watched her breathing to make sure it was even. His heart was sitting very uncomfortably in his throat. Everything was normal, as if she'd just fallen asleep. He took her hand in his and squeezed it gently, he held it loving the softness of it, the pleasant weight of it, and then it tightened around his. He almost jumped in surprise. He looked up at her face, she was still unconscious, and he brushed her hair away from her closed eyes. He gazed at her beauty, sighing to himself.

"My angel." He whispered brushing her lips with his, and then he got up from his spot and moved her fingers away from his hand. He walked away, turning once he got to the door to look at her. "I don't know what you do to me, but I won't ever let you go." He whispered to her. Then he walked into the main hall and called Dr. Baker.

Zoey crept along the wall of his room. Making sure not to make any noise. Sure he'd told Darien he'd tell the 'Disgusting-tons' that he was leaving. But that was suicide. Jaden would insist…no make him stay with them. Because Darien wasn't very stable, apparently he'd forgotten to mention Serena to them. Not that Zoey blamed him, Jaden was insanely in love, and wanted everyone else to be too. Insane was right.

He opened him closet, and started to shove his clothes into his black duffel bag. Next he sneaked into his washroom, and threw his toothbrush, shaving kit, hair care products (gel, shampoo, and deep conditioning conditioner) and lastly his skin care products into his bag. Then with the tenacity of a ninja, he slid out of his washroom, into his room, and towards the balcony. He pushed the doors opened, and then threw his bag down to the ground. He stared at the 2-story drop, held his breath, climbed over the railing on to the thin edge. He swallowed as he prepared to jump.

"Zoey what the hell are you doing?" Jaden suddenly yelled from behind him, startling Zoey off the edge on to the stacked hay that he'd purposely placed to break his fall.

"Success!! Freedom! Sweet freedom!" Zoey screamed as he did a victory dance around the bail of hay.

"Oh my god, hold on I'll be right down!" Jaden yelled.

"The hell I will, I'm leaving! And there's nothing you can do about it!" He screamed back, as he took off towards his truck.

"Someone stop Zoey! He's drunk!" Jaden yelled out to the ranch hands. They proceeded to chasing Zoey, who was running as if his life depended on it.

"Stay away! I'm not drunk! But I do have rabies and I'll bite you!!!" He screeched as he ran faster. He was wishing he'd packed less, when out of nowhere the solid form of Yaten smashed into him. Zoey took him down with him, then got up and started to run again. Screaming out a hurried apology. He managed to get into his truck and start it when he released a sporty BMW was blocking his way. He was about to back up when he saw Jaden in his way.

"Get out of the truck Zoey!"

"Get out of my way Jay, I don't want to run you over but so help me I will!"

"Zoey…"

"Jay do you really want 'Was run over by his brother, who then backed up and did it again' on your tomb stone?"

"Zoey get the hell out of the truck, I don't want to have to shoot you!" Jaden yelled, holding up the shotgun in his hands.

"Would you both calm down?" Yaten yelled out.

"No! Zoey's drunk…"

"No I'm not, I just want away from you and your nasty lovey-dovey stuff!"

"It annoys you that I'm affectionate with my wife? Would you rather I was like our father?" Jaden yelled tersely.

"No! But do you have to rub it in my face?" Zoey growled angrily.

"I'm not rubbing anything in your face!"

"Get out of my way Jaden!"

"No!"

"I'm going to stay with Darien!"

"No your not, you're my damn brother…"

"And I'm not five!"

"Well your acting it!"

"Guys…" Yaten interrupted.

"Stay out of this!" Jaden and Zoey yelled at him.

"What are you two doing?" Rei's sweetly angered voice asked.

"Stopping Zoey from driving under the influence." Jaden told his wife calmly.

"Oh that's it!" Zoey murmured angrily, as he started to back up. Jaden Jumped out of the way, as Zoey maneuvered the car.

"Zoey!!" Rei and Jaden yelled in unison. But he wasn't listening, he didn't care. Freedom was almost his, as he drove out of the driveway. His heart was soaring; it reminded him of his good old high school days, running off with some girl into the dark. He remembered coming home at all hours of the night to a rope hanging out of a bedroom window for him to sneak back into the house. Followed by a lazy morning telling his poor old mother that he just didn't feel up to school. Those were the days. He sighed despite himself, there was no girl this time, there would be no rope waiting for him, and he certainly wouldn't get away Scott-free. Jaden would be calling Darien up right now, giving him hell. And poor delicate Rei would be weeping to her brother some sob story…. he laughed to himself about the ridiculousness of the thought. Jaden didn't have it in him to give Darien hell, very few people did. And Rei would never weep to her brother; on the contrary she'd be giving him hell. He whistled through his teeth, what a mess he'd gotten into. Oh well it was over now.

Rei frowned at the back of the truck that was rapidly disappearing in the horizon. She sighed as she shook her head. Maybe staying would Darien would be better than staying with them, after all being around them must have been making him sick for Ami. She smiled at the thought. Poor Zoey always the heartbreaker, now it was his turn to have his broken. In any case Darien wouldn't let him get drunk on account of his little girl, and maybe being around the depressing older man might help push him in the right direction, maybe just maybe Zoey Connor would stop being a bloody fool, after all miracles did happen right?

"Mrs. Connor, I hate to interrupt…" The familiar voice, make her grin with untold delight.

"Yaten Christopher Miller, the sunshine on my little black rain clouds!" She half shrieked with glee, as she opened her arms to the light haired man. He smiled warmly as he enveloped her in a delicate embrace.

"Hey there buttercup, I missed you." He smiled as he let her go.

"Well I had a phone you know, wouldn't have killed you to call me!" She growled at the man. Who simply grinned.

"Pregnant or not Ma-am I do believe your giving me the vapors!" He said with an odd little gesture of swooning.

"Come now we all heard about your little crush on Ms. Lane."

"Aw, you know you always have a place in my heart little darling." He said winking an eye at her.

"I'll keep that in mind, but be careful not to say that to old money bags in there, don't want him writing me out of the will now do we. Remember the plan, I get his money, and you get the beautiful kids!" She stage whispered with a devious sugar sweet smile that was so obviously fake. Rei was helplessly in love with her husband, nothing short of death could even make her think of life without him.

"Well I haven't been able to get my hands on a beautiful wife, what with you being married!" He raged in sham with the same devastating smile, which was already making Rei's neighbor Mrs. Hellene Lavern swoon, who was currently watching the whole affair from behind her fence. Mrs. Lavern had married young and never product any children, when Mr. Lavern, several years her senior died. Now only in her early forties Mrs. Lavern was a notorious eavesdropper and if the rumors were to be believed the owner of 'Kiki's kinky Kats' the new strip club, whose owner was unknown. The thought was laughable, because the woman was such a gossip, and very solid about morals and such, that she'd never be able to stand the scandal.

It made Rei laugh the degree of hypocrisy the snake tongued woman had. Even now she was ogling Yaten, wondering what the devastatingly handsome man might look like nude. Oh the scandal, that the poor widow should think such things was unspeakable! Rei laughed inversely at the stupidity of it all, the woman had never remarried, never accepted the many, many proposals that had come her way. Saying it was a shame for them to marry her, as if she was some kind of harlot. As it stood the fool woman was standing behind the small fence, trying to catch Rei's eye. Rei knew very well that the woman was there, knew very well what she was trying to do. But the bat could forget it; she was not introducing Yaten to her.

"My heads on fire." Yaten said calmly to her. She brought her eyes back to his face, to see him smile devilishly at her. "Lost in thought?"

"No it's the pregnancy, I can't seem to multitask. I swear it on heaven with each pregnancy I lose brain cells."

"I blame Jaden!"

"You would blame the father, predictable, still trying to steal away my wife are we?" Jaden smiled at Yaten as they shook hands, then he walked to his wife and pulled her close to his side. At one time Jaden had been insanely jealous at the connection the handsome man shared with his wife. But he'd learned better, Yaten loved Rei, and Rei loved Yaten. They were like brother and sister, having met as children, long before Darien knew that Yaten and Malcolm were brother. They were close, but he hadn't known how close, until he'd asked her in a state of dark rage. Only to be told the extend of it. Yaten had given her, her very first kiss. He'd held her close when she'd cried about her mother, and he'd promised to be there for her forever. Things that drove him beyond the point of sanity, but that was a long time ago. Along painful time ago.

"I'd love to steal her, but I don't fancy what her brother, mine and you will do to me if I ever did." He grinned smoothly.

"Oh Malcolm won't beat you much." Rei said amused.

"Of course not, it's not like he'd be looking for an excuse to kill me for screwing up his life." He said sarcastically.

"You didn't ruin his life." Rei said defensively.

"Oh but I did, maybe if he'd known the truth he'd have been more tactful in his pursuit of Mina, he might have even realized he loved her before it was too late." He sighed wistfully.

"You ought to be flogged for placing that blame on yourself." Rei said threateningly. Before she turned to her husband. "So what did Darien have to say?"

"I wouldn't know, the phone was busy and when I finally got through he sounded…. furious."

In fact he was. Furious actually didn't describe how he felt just then. He wanted to scream, then he wanted to wail, then he wanted…god he didn't know what he wanted to do then. She was pregnant! And the little fool hadn't told him. She'd kept it from him, and damn it why? Did she think he'd be furious when he found out? Angry with her somehow...as though it was her fault? Or maybe she thought he'd make her get rid of the baby. He almost threw up at the thought.

The look on Serena's face when she came to, and caught the tail end of the conversation between Dr. Baker and Darien was horrifying. She'd actually started shaking; she'd gotten of the sofa, nauseated. And made a run for the bathroom. She was still in there, weeping like a hurt child. She was sitting next to the commode, her knees against her chest rocking as the tears flooded down her face. He'd never want to see her again. He'd never trust her again. Forget meeting the real Darien, he'd never let her close. Damn Dr. Baker damn her!! She'd promised, that she wouldn't tell. She'd promised. Serena wept, and wept. She'd have to leave Red Brook, she knew it, if anyone else found out, anyone else her family reputation was down the tubes. God her mother was already ill how would she react to the news, if the doctor told Darien, who else had she?

"Serena…come out." Darien's voice called threw the door. She almost flinched at the ice in his tone.

"I still feel sick." She mumbled. It was partially true she felt sick all right, sick enough to strangle herself.

"Then open the door…"

"No" she said firmly.

"Damn it Serena, you can't stay in there forever." His voice was filled with subdued anger.

"Go away Darien, please, I feel like someone threw me down a flight of stairs and I'm still falling." She muttered, as she fought another wave of nausea.

"Well I don't intend to let you keep falling, come out of there, I'll make you some tea or something." His voice was strained; he was going to kill her! Not literally obviously, but with his words, Serena felt it. She swallowed down the lump of emotion in her throat. He didn't want the baby, and he hated Serena now, for sure. That cut like a knife.

"Go away Darien, I'm way too sick to move." She mumbled.

"The hell you are, don't make me break down this door Serena!" His voice was actually shaking. She swallowed hard; did she dare go out to face him? She knew he'd never hurt her, but he was madder than hell, and she was terribly intimidated by him. She closed her eyes and held on to a vague hope that this was all a horrible nightmare. She swore to god, if it was and she should wake up she'd tell Darien, she swore it with all her might. But she knew it was real.

Darien was a wreck; even as he tried to get her out of the washroom, he was glad that she couldn't see him. He was shaking, not with anger but with fear. He was terrified of what Serena might have done to keep him in the dark about her pregnancy. Terrified of the life his baby might have had without a father. He actually shuttered at the thought of Serena marrying some man to give her baby a name. But mostly he was terrified of the fact that he wasn't even fazed by the thought of her being pregnant with his child. Quite the contrary he was actually pleased by the fact. Now Ms. Lane could never get away from him. Inside he felt like doing a handstand. And that terrified him more than anything else ever had. Not even that horrifying night all those years ago…he closed his eyes, as he imagined the same cruel fate happening to Serena, and realized darkly how close she had come to that.

Serena stood up and walked towards the door, her hands trembling. She took a deep breath in, carefully hiding all her fear. She prepared herself to face the angry man outside. She placed her now more controlled hand on the doorknob, and opened it. What she saw before her almost made her want to jump off a bridge. Darien's eyes were haunting blue, he was ghostly pale, but his face was all business. He looked down at her, his eyes losing their haunting quality and turning to ice.

"I…" She began helplessly.

"What the hell were you thinking?" He asked her angrily.

"I…" She felt like she was standing trial with a raging bull ready to rip her apart. He was furious that she was pregnant. He blamed her.

"Let me guess you weren't thinking! Damn it Serena, you should have told me! For the love of god!" He growled at her furiously. "You went horse riding, you could have been hurt, never mind the fact that you obviously shouldn't be putting any strain on yourself!" Serena stared at him for a minute, stunned into absolute silence. He didn't blame her, he was furious, but behind that was a very worried man. She almost fainted for a second time as the look in his eyes registered. He was petrified. Instinctively, Serena held out her arms for him, a soulful look in her eyes. Darien gritted his teeth together, but he gave in nonetheless. He went into her arms without protest. She held him, loving the warmth of him against her. She closed her eyes as she savored it. Being in Darien's arms was wonderful, but holding him in hers was something else.

"I'm sorry I scared you." She whispered delicately.

"You ought to be, I'm old enough as it is without looking it. Woman you are going to turn me gray." He scolded gently. He held her close, taking in the soft comfort she offered, and giving his own. Suddenly he felt the wetness against his chest. He lifted her chin up to see her pretty face covered in tears. "Don't cry Serena, I'm sorry I yelled at you, but god you had me scared to death."

"It's not that, I'm afraid I've made a mess of your life." She whispered.

"It took two of us to make that baby Serena, and it didn't mess up my life…I wanted children once, before Valessa. But she ruined that for me, and then after Ayane and you my life is so much sweeter, so much brighter. I like kids, I seem to make very good kids, if Ayane is any indication." He smiled down at her. "You scared the life out of me, I thought maybe you were sick, and then to find out you were really carrying my child, and lord only knows what you'd been doing to yourself."

"There's something else…you weren't just afraid of the physical strain were you?" She said softly reading him as though he were a book.

"You read me too well, I suppose I should get use to that." He said enigmatically. But Serena didn't bite.

"Don't avoid the question, what else is bothering you?" She asked firmly.

"My, my a minute ago you were crying your eyes out in that washroom, aren't we suddenly brave?"

"Darien!" She warned. He sighed; he knew he'd have to tell her eventually. He smirked despite himself.

"Alright, I was afraid you'd do something stupid, like marry some idiot to save your child the horror of being a bastard." He replied evenly. "Or else end you pregnancy"

"Why would I do a thing like that?" She demanded.

"Why didn't you tell me you were pregnant?" He challenged. She sighed.

"Because I thought you'd never want this baby, and I loved it to much to ever let anyone even the man I loved make it feel unwanted." She told his feet.

"You love me?" He whispered, lifting her chin. She blushed scarlet as she tried to look away. "Do you?" He asked firmly.

"Yes…with all my heart." She said fiercely. He looked into her beautiful eyes with a sweet and mysterious smile on his face. "Then it's settled."

"What is?"

"Our marriage of course." He said calmly. Serena almost went down for the loop, her feet gave under her, but Darien caught her before she fell. "Darling I think you need to take more supplements, this pregnancy is making you very light on your feet."

"I…I must be going crazy cause I could have sworn you just said our Marriage." She stammered.

"Oh your not, I did. Would you like a church wedding?" He asked her calmly. Serena was shaking like a leaf unable to believe the incredible things he was saying. He led her to a chair and placed her in it. "In which case we ought to get married soon, before you start showing."

"H…have you lost your mind?" She was dreaming, or worse she was dead and in heaven. That had to be it she told herself. She'd died in that washroom.

"Of course not, I didn't have a mind to begin with." He told her dryly. She stared at him, utterly lost for words. "Uh Serena that was a joke. Lighten up. How do you feel about next Tuesday?" He asked with a trace of humor in his voice.

"I…you…are…" She couldn't even string together a sentence.

"Not quite the reaction I was hoping for, but it will do." He smiled at her. "Why are you so shocked."

"Your asked me to marry you, out of nowhere…it's so sudden." She could hardly believe she was protesting.

"It won't seem so sudden in a few months Serena." So that was his game, he was trying to help her save face. She loved Darien hopelessly, she'd do anything for him, even protect him from herself. She couldn't let him marry her to bail her out.

"No Darien I can't marry you." She said gently.

"You can and you will, you love me, you're carrying my child, you love my daughter, and you love this ranch already."

"That's not enough."

"There are people who married for less, Serena I'll take care of you, I would never hurt you."

"You'd never love me either, you'd hate me for trapping you in a marriage you didn't want. This isn't the stone age I can have this baby out of wedlock and none would care."

"Beside you! Face it Serena you'd never be able to live with yourself if you had this baby out of wedlock. You're still ashamed of conceiving it out of wedlock. And it's not a trap if I walk into it willingly handing you the rope to tie me with!"

"I'm not ashamed of conceiving it, I knew I loved you, even if my mind hadn't caught up with my body. I don't care if you tie yourself up now, you'll still hate it later, you hate marriage, you hate the idea of being tied down to something forever." She said forcing back the tears that threatened to spill.

"I did before. But incase you hadn't noticed I am tied down to something, Ayane! And I love it."

"That's different, Ayane's your daughter, your own flesh and blood. You can't help but love it because you love her. Me and my child would be nothing but a mistake you made one night." She broke down on the last statement. What was to her the most beautiful experience in her young life was probably nothing more that a regret to him.

"Don't," He said gently wiping away the tears. "Don't make it sound like that, that night was perfect, it was beautiful. I've never felt anything like that; it was incredible, beyond compare. Any child that came out of that cannot be a mistake. Serena you gave me your virginity that night, something so precious, and all I gave you in return was a burden. That child is mine, and you are mine as well, and if you don't marry me I'll hog tie you and drag you to the church anyway!"

"It isn't a burden, it could never be that. I figured if I couldn't have you to love, then I'd love your child instead." His breath caught at the sincerity and tenderness of the words. He brushed his lips against hers in a delicate kiss.

"Marry me Serena. You won't regret it" He whispered against her lips.

"You might." She whispered breathlessly.

"Never."

"Promise, no matter what?"

"No regrets Serena, never with you."

"I'll marry you." She whispered. He caught her nape as he tilted her head up. He crushed her lips with his tasting her sweetness. She trembled against his hard mouth, but gave him what he wanted. She gave into him with a tiny moan deep in her throat. He teased her lips apart nibbling on the full lower one. As her arms slid around his neck and her finger laced against his hair. He slid his tongue into her mouth, touching and tasting hers. His thumb brushing the corner of her lips. The kiss seemed to go on forever, getting more and more feverish. His tongue stabbed into the darkness of her mouth blatantly duplicating lovemaking. His head was reeling, he wanted her so bad and it had been so long since their last kiss. So long, her sweetness drove him over the edge. She trembled with the dept of the kiss. The sweet nearness of him, and the rage of sensation her surrender had brought. He wasn't just kissing her; he was loving her, adoring her mouth, destroying her link to reality. She was going over, she was lost to his touch; remember the rush of feeling his body pressed to hers. The feel of his manhood doing to her body what his tongue was doing to her mouth. She trembled as she gave him more, more than even he imagined she could. He loved her mouth until her lips were swollen, and he'd have continued to had the door not rang.

Actually it had taken about 5 or 6 rings of the infernal doorbell before Darien heard it. He'd been getting drunk of the taste of her. Her absence had only deepened his need for her. He realized then how long it had been since he'd kissed her like that. But the damned door kept ringing and he could ignore it no longer. He looked into her half closed eyes that were filled with sultry magic. Her lips were swollen from the kiss, and she was having troubles breathing. But he looked no better, he was sure his own lips were swollen, and his hair was a mess, her hands had found their way into it. And to add he was throbbing with need for her.

"Darien…" She whispered softly.

"Don't." He said softly.

"Don't?" She was having trouble thinking.

"Don't look at me like that, I'm already burning." He said roughly. As he got up to answer the door, Serena stared after him her heart in her eyes.

Darien opened the door with murder on his face. He could have strangled Zoey when he saw him standing there on his front step.

"Aren't we the sight Mr. Volpe? Looks as though you had some…uh…fun?" He arched an eyebrow at the man, as he looked him up and down.

"I ought to have shot you when I had the chance, you're a real pain in the ass. Oh and for the record what I do with my fiancé in the privacy of my own house is none of your damn business."

"Fiancé? Your dying aren't you? You only have a few months left to live…or she's dying…."

"No one is dying…."

"You knocked her up!" Zoey exclaimed. Darien actually twitched, his fist clenched at his side, and in one lithe movement he pushed Zoey out on to the front step and followed him out. His eyes burning with dark intent, he was going to kill Zoey. Do the world a service he figured. He still had a solid grip on Zoey's collar; turned and slammed him into the door. He looked practically evil. Zoey actually cringed.

"Do you remember when we were in university, and you said my sister was hot for a 13 year old?" His voice was radiating with anger. Zoey remember that particular incident, at the time he was furious at Darien for the fact that his girlfriend had dumped him because she was crazy for Darien. He'd wanted to get back, he'd gotten drunk and wanted to start a fight, and when nothing he said seemed to goat Darien into a fight, he'd resorted for a cheap shot. At the one thing Darien loved more than anything else, he'd actually said a lot more than Rei was hot; he'd said that he'd enjoy initiating her. Darien had lost it, but he hadn't said a word, just beaten the living hell out Zoey, when he was done he'd said one very calm sentence: 'Don't ever talk about my sister'. Then he'd left, and neither of them ever mentioned it again.

"I Remember"

"I'm glad you do, because I'm going to make the beating I gave you that day look like a walk in the park." He looked as though he could just then.

"Calm down Darien. You know I was joking."

"Well it was low even for you."

"I'm sorry I forgot how you react to statements like that."

"You'd do well to remember that next time." He said releasing Zoey from his grasp. As much as he wanted to land Zoey in the hospital he'd end up footing the bill anyways. Besides spending his engagement night in jail was hardly something to be proud of.

"I'm sorry…"

"Ah to hell with it, I know you weren't trying to make a cheap shot. Your just absent minded. Besides your right." He said very calmly.

"Come again? Are you saying she is actually pregnant? That you were going to beat me for guessing the truth?"

"I beat you for lesser reasons before, don't get all offended. Besides that's not the reason I'm marrying her. And don't you go telling Rei and Jaden this yet, Rei will make this a huge event, the media attention would be a bit much for Serena I think. So keep your mouth shut alright?"

"Oh ye of little faith! How could you think I'd tell them…"

"Their madder than hell at you aren't they?" Darien cut him off knowingly.

"Yes" He said sheepishly. "Oh well life could be worse, Malcolm could be standing behind me with a gun." He said cheerfully.

"He could indeed, come on in, and watch your disgusting mouth."

"Oh that hurt, I have manners!"

"Just don't use them often." They walked into the house down the hall and into the living room where Darien had left Serena. He noticed then that Ayane had come back out from her playroom. Darien had sent her there when Serena had passed out, telling her everything would be all right. The little girl had come back to make sure, and was currently sitting on Serena's lap playing with the woman's blond hair.

"Daddy! Serena's ok!" Ayane told him with a huge smile on her little face.

"So she is." He smiled at the little girl. "Come here honey," He said as he held his arms open for his daughter. Ayane got off Serena's lap and ran into his open arms. He picked her up and hugged her close. "We have to talk later okay?"

"Okay." She smiled as she clung to her father. Darien smiled; no matter how often she hugged him like that it still brought him immense pleasure to hold his little girl.

"I hate to interrupt this Kodak moment, but there's this extremely beautiful woman sitting alone in a chair and I'm afraid I don't even know her full name." He smiled devilishly at Serena who couldn't help but smile back.

"She would be Serena Lane, my fiancé. And I'll thank you to remember that."

"Oh someone's grumpy. I hope you know what you're getting into Ms. Lane, waking up to this face every morning might make even the most bravest of women suicide."

"Certainly, to be faced by perfection would make any person feel inadequate." She said sweetly. Both men stared at her as though they were both dumbfounded.

"She's very pretty Darien, but a little blind I think. I think given the right amount of proximity to me her eyesight might come back."

"And if you ever tried to 'improve' her eyesight I'll beat you to your knees and make you wish to god you were gay." He said evenly.

"Oh Darien I'm flattered but I'm sorry I don't feel that way about you." Zoey said innocently.

"I should have shot you, I swear." He said shaking his head. Serena smiled as she got up and took Ayane from Darien's arms.

"If you two are going to keep going with this conversation I don't think Ayane should be hearing it. It was very nice to meet you Mr.…uh…"

"Zoey, just Zoey."

"Zoey it is, thank you but I have to turn you down on your offer to improve my sight, because it's perfectly fine, and unfortunately I only have eyes for this." She said jerking her head in Darien's direction.

"Unfortunate indeed, all the same it was a pleasure to meet you." He smiled pleasantly at her, as she did to him. Then she walked out of the room with Ayane in her arms. "Well she's a keeper, she's obviously insane over you." He said once she was out of earshot.

"She's…everything I ever wanted, or could hope for. To be honest I lucked out, if she wasn't pregnant there would be no chance she'd agree to marry me."

"I highly doubt that, she loves you." He told the older man somberly.

"You are as blind as an old bat when it concerns you, but practically psychic when it comes to anybody else. You don't even think it's possible for Ami to even be attracted to you do you?"

"Lets not talk about Ami, I've had enough of this from Rei and my brother. They say that she loves me, and I know she doesn't. How could she? All we ever do is fight and bicker, and I even miss that. I'm a fool and I know it, don't rub it in." He sighed darkly.

"I won't, but don't go drinking to numb the pain, it's not worth it."

"So I've heard. To be honest I'm looking forward to a long rest."

"As long as it's not in a coffin." Darien said dryly.

"My zeal for life hasn't eroded that much." He smiled wistfully.

"I'll show you to your room livewire. I'm inviting Rei and Jaden over tomorrow after I've made the plans and arrangements for the wedding. And of course Malcolm, be warned it might not be pleasant."

"I know, Yaten's in town, he'll probably cool Malcolm down some."

"Maybe. Come on you look beat." Zoey nodded his head as Darien led him to one of the guestrooms.

Nathan walked up to Darien's office, his office for the time being. While everyone was gone Nathan was in charge. It wasn't hard to do Darien's job, he just needed nerves of steel, and a commandeering personality. Both of which he had. This morning he had at least fifty contracts to look over and then approve. Then he had to talk to some lawyer or other about acquiring a permit to build a store, the second in a chain to come. He had a meeting to go to later that day to talk to some company about a possible buy out and their options. Frankly the company had no choice, except whether the take over would be civil and easy or hostile. His mind was preoccupied and so he barely noticed the brunette sitting in Mina's spot. That is until he came up to her. The brunette was looking down; her sleek hair was cut into a bob that looked elegant and trendy against her creamy skin. He stared at her wondering who she was and why she was at Mina's spot. He frowned a little as he wondered where Mina was. Suddenly the brunette looked up and smiled pleasantly at as ghostly pale Nathan. It was Mina!

"What have you done to yourself?" He asked caught between horror and surprise. Mina looked beautiful even without her blond hair, but it was such a stark difference. Her blond hair had been so long and light, and this was so dark and…well short! It framed her face and brought out her…GREEN eyes.

"A friend of mine makes wigs, I wanted to try out this look before I actually did it. What do you think?" She said pleasantly.

"I…your eyes why are they green?"

"Got bored of the blue." She improvised.

"Mina you're not telling me the truth." He said firmly.

"Why would I lie?" She asked nervously.

"It's obvious you're not telling me the truth, I have no idea why you're not, but you're not, so spill the beans. What's going on?"

"I swear I'm just bored of my old look." She said firmly. "Your one O'clock called to cancel, and you had a phone call from a Ms. Molly, she wouldn't give me her last name she said you knew who she was."

"Did she leave a number?" He asked worried.

"Yes she did, here you go." She said handing him a pink sheet with a number on it.

"Thank you. You look better blond and blue eyed Mina." He said as he walked into his office. He knew something was up but she obviously didn't want to talk about it so he'd let her be for a while. But one way or another he'd get it out of her.

Mina actually trembled; it had been so close, so damn close. If Nathan found out why…she quivered. She sat silently at her desk, typing up some form or another. Her hands were shaking uncontrollably, as she smoothed down her short dark hair. Her eyes were horribly irritated from the green contacts. The green top she was wearing was long sleeved and the room was on fire, but still she dare not pull her sleeves up. She shuttered at the thought. The bruises were still fresh, and the stitches would show. Mina closed her eyes on the horror of what had happened, never again she'd said never again. She'd moved from Chicago to Boston to get away, and now here it was again. She'd have to move again. Further this time. Maybe Texas? Oh she longed for Red Brook with all her heart, it had been the best home she'd ever had. Her missionary parents had moved a lot when she was a child, and she'd never had the stability of a permanent home. Until Yaten had invited her to stay with him and his brother while she got her life in order. She had no living relatives, and the joy of not being alone had been massive. She'd spent about 6 months there; the longest she'd ever been in one spot her whole life. She'd loved it there, mostly because of Malcolm but also because of the loving and family oriented atmosphere that Red Brook had. Everyone was a friend, it wasn't hard to walk down a street and know everyone who passed you by his or her first names. She smiled wistfully; she hadn't been there for so long; almost triple the time she'd spent there.

She closed her eyes as she remembered it. The flowers she'd planted in Malcolm's garden. The old piano she'd played on in his living room. She remembered playing 'Mirror Image', as she stared out into the slowly budding garden that was just outside the glass door beside the angled piano. She'd sung the song. Her mind lost in the sweet tune. And then Malcolm had sat beside her and played accompaniment. The tune had filled the room, as his deeper voice sang with hers. She remembered being vaguely intimidated by him at the time. But she couldn't bring herself to stop playing the song. That was the beginning of an odd friendship between them. She smiled as she remembered how he'd helped her plant some of her flowers, the tender hand he'd had towards her orchids. The way he'd taught her how to ride a horse, holding on to the reins as she rode it. She remembered how tenderly he'd held her when she'd cried about her parents and how alone she was. She remembered how he'd kissed her the very first time. She trembled despite herself. She had fallen so madly in love with him. Everything had been perfect until that last night. She didn't like remembering what he'd said to her. It had stung and she'd cried miserably after he'd left. Her world had fallen apart. That same night while he was in bed she'd left. She hadn't known what else to do. Yaten had tried contacting her after, but never Malcolm. She loved him and he hadn't loved her. All his tenderness was pity. She was alone, vulnerable and he'd take advantage of that in his mind, and he'd felt guilty for it. But there was no love there. But at least she wasn't alone anymore, she had her son, and that was enough.

She sighed as she went back to her work; the idea of moving back to Red Brook was appealing, but risky as well. Malcolm spent time there obviously, and it was a small town people would talk once they saw her son. No she decided, Red Brook wasn't for her. Maybe Canada? She smiled at the thought, Alberta was a lot like Montana and she'd loved her brief stint there. Maybe…

Malcolm rode out onto his ranch feeling very lonely. Ami was good fun, but she was also hopelessly in love with Zoey. She was moping around pretending she was tired when everyone knew the truth. The look on her face reminded him of Mina's face that night…he shuttered. He loved Mina with all his heart, and she'd only been affectionate towards him. She was vulnerable and she'd needed comfort, but instead he'd just added to her mess of problems. He'd felt like scum, he'd gone to his room, and sat there sickened by himself. And finally he'd worked up enough courage to go talk to her, and when he'd walked into that room she was gone. He'd almost died then. He grimaced at the events of that night. His brother had come over, and seeing Malcolm with a whisky bottle in one hand, and dozens of empty bottles at his feet he'd gotten worried. He eventually coaxed the story out of Malcolm, and then with excruciating pain in his voice Yaten had told him about Mina's past, the things that she'd neglected to mention. He'd lost it then, he'd beaten the living hell out of Yaten. The scar on Yaten's face was his doing a fact he was still sorry for. Yaten hadn't even fought back; he'd stood there and taken it. Barely even defending himself. After that Malcolm refused to even talk to Yaten for over a year.

But Yaten had gotten him back. After they'd started talking again, Yaten had crashed into Malcolm's truck…. while Malcolm was in it. He broke all most all of his ribs, and his right hand. The memory brought a smile to his face, because after he'd healed, he'd caught a rattlesnake, defanged it and put it Yaten's bed. He smirked, that had been the first time since Mina had left that he'd laughed. He'd actually doubled over laughing unable to stand back up, what for the pandemonium that followed Yaten's awakening. What had followed was a series of pranks between the two brothers that went on for almost 2 years before their maid Janie put an end to it. Having found a nest of spider webs in her kitchen. Janie a woman in her forties had lost it on both of them, they'd both cringed at her rage. Both men were massive in comparison to the tiny woman. Nonetheless she'd yelled herself hoarse. The true joke was the woman only cleaned the house she never cooked.

Malcolm missed his brother; they weren't as close as Zoey and Jaden or Darien and Rei but all the same he missed the stupid things they did to each other. The reason they weren't so close was partly Malcolm's fault, he'd never tried to be close to Yaten, always pushing his brother away. Because Yaten was his half Brother and legitimate. He cringed, in his youth he hated his brother. He grew out of hate and more to general dislike, to finally indifference. Mina had always thought their relationship was odd. He remembered her asking him why he didn't like Yaten. He'd smiled as he'd said with a calm voice. 'I do like him…just not very much.'

"Malcolm!" Ami's frantic voice called out from behind him. He turned to see her running up to him.

"Hey what's wrong?"

"It's Nathan he's on the phone. He says it's an emergency…."

"What kind?" Malcolm didn't like the look on her face.

"It's…its Mina…she's…" She hesitated.

"She's what?" Fear gripped at his heart.

"She's…she's in the hospital." Malcolm couldn't breath, Mina, his Mina. The beauty that he'd seen a few days ago, the woman that meant more to him than life itself. He was ghostly pale and his heart had stopped beating. He got of the horse in one lithe movement and took off in a dead run to the house. Praying to god that Ami had heard Nathan wrong.

But she hadn't.

Nathan was sitting in front of Mina's hospital room. His hands were still trembling. He'd seen the whole thing; a man in a black car had cut Mina off in the middle of the intersection. Then he'd gotten out of the car, And smashed her window open, the next thing Nathan knew he was dragging Mina out of the car. Nathan hadn't seen what had happened next because he'd taken off to come to her rescue. By the time he'd gotten down to the intersection, Mina was pretty bloodied up; the man had taken off at the sight of Nathan. To add to the horror Mina's 5-year-old son was sitting in car trying to get out and save his mom. But his door was child locked. He was screaming for someone to help his mom. Nathan shuttered at the look of horror on the child's face when he'd arrived. The boy had minor whiplash, and a bruised shoulder from the seatbelt.

Nathan had his head in his hands, when he heard the angry voice of Malcolm coming down the hall. He sounded like a hurricane, he was furious. The haggard nurse was trying her best to explain to him that visiting hours were over. But Malcolm wasn't listening; the next minute He burst threw the double doors towards Nathan. His eyes were so icy it almost scared Nathan.

"Tell this damn nurse who I am!" He roared at Nathan furiously.

"This is Malcolm Miller…"

"Oh the child's guardian." The nurse nodded. "I'm sorry sir, but she has been assaulted and the police have instructed us to keep anybody who isn't family away from her…"

"She doesn't have any family." He said tersely. But he wasn't really paying attention. Mina had made him the guardian of her child? Why? "Where is she?"

"She's sleeping Malcolm, she just got out of surgery…" Nathan explained. Malcolm looked extremely murderous right then.

"What for?"

"Her shoulder was very badly dislocated and one of her arteries tore." The nurse explained. He shuttered darkly.

"Where's her son?"

"Zack's at my place. Mina doesn't even know anybody in the city she moved here a week before she took the job." He explained. "Malcolm you look like death, why don't you go home and sleep? I'll be here if she wakes up."

"No I'm fine, you go home, don't leave Zack alone, and give my brother a call please." He said firmly.

"Where is your brother?"

"I don't know but I have his cell phone number." He said absent minded, he really didn't care. It was more of a courtesy call, since Yaten and him were about the only family she had. Even if they weren't really family.

"Malcolm, are you okay?" Nathan asked concerned.

"Call him his number is in my address book." He said as he pulled it out of his jeans pocket and threw it at Nathan.

"Alright. Do you have your cell?"

"Yes, go on home." It wasn't a request it was a command. And Nathan knew it; he nodded his head and walked away. Malcolm stared at the door, and then he looked over his shoulder for the nurse who had already left. Then he opened the door and walked into the darkness.

It took a minute for his eyes to adjust to the lighting. The moonlight from the window beside him was casting an eerie glow onto the slender figure in the bed in front of him. He stared at her; Mina's long blond hair was feathered around her beautiful face, bringing out her delicate features. He looked closer and flinched, there was a bruise running down the side of her face. There was an IV tube sticking out of her wrist. And her other arm was in a sling. She looked so fragile lying in that bed, like a little wounded child. He moved up to her bed and sat down on the chair beside it. He placed his big hand in her small one.

"Mina." He whispered softly. "You better be okay, otherwise I think I might die." He looked down at her, and had to swallow back the lump in his throat. "I'm so sorry I failed you, the one time you needed me the most and I wasn't there. But that'll never happen again. I promise." He ran his knuckles against her cheek very gently. "You nearly killed me today Mina, I'd die for you, I'd do anything for you. I love you. And one day I'll be able to tell you. One day." He smiled down at her. Suddenly her hand contracted on his. He looked down at her hand.

"Malcolm." She called softly. He looked up suddenly but her eyes were still close. She was calling for him in her sleep.

"I'm here baby, I'm here."

"Don't leave me." She whispered unconsciously.

"Never, never again" he promised.

"Malcolm. I…" she sighed and then she was quiet. He looked down at her and brushed his lips against her forehead.

"Goodnight my love." He whispered to her, as he leaned back in his chair. She was still holding on to his hand, but he didn't care, he wouldn't have moved it to save his life.

The night progressed without much more events. That is until the moon had finally set and all was dark. Mina started to scream. Terrified of something that wasn't there. Malcolm woke up to a panicking Mina.

"Calm down Mina, everything's okay."

"No leave me alone…Malcolm!! Malcolm!!" She screamed.

"It's me baby it's me." He told her gently holding her down because her trashing was going to rip the IV out of her wrist.

"Malcolm?" She said calming down a little.

"Yes." He reassured her with gentle hands as he smoothed down her hair.

"Malcolm…it can't be you…it can't be…." She started to cry. "It can't be you…."

"Baby don't cry it's me…"

"Hold me." She whispered holding her arms out for him. He reached down and took her into his arms holding her close. She threw her good arm around his neck, clinging to him for dear life. She wept into his shirt, trembling terribly. "I was so scared."

"It's over now. I'll never let anything happen to you again." He whispered fiercely.

"I must be dreaming, don't let go please." She whispered brokenly.

"Never." He decided to let her think she was dreaming. Because if she knew she wasn't she'd pull away from him and god, he'd never be able to let go of her. She belonged in his arms. He knew it; this was where she was supposed to be.

Suddenly she pulled back from him, just enough to be able to look at his face. Gently she brushed her lips against his neck. He jumped. The soft tenderness of that caress knocked the breath out of him. She sighed softly, as she leaned back onto the bed. She ran her hand down his cheek.

"I missed you." She told him, closing her eyes, "the way you smell, the way you feel in my arms, everything about you." She sighed; the medication was taking effect again. "I wish you were really here." Then she fell asleep.

Malcolm looked at her, and then he bent down and brushed his lips against hers. "I missed you too baby."

Serena sat on the couch in the living room staring into space. After the haze had disappeared a new fear stung at her mind. Her mother. How the hell was she going to tell the older woman that she was getting married? Not just married, but married to a billionaire that was ten years older than her, and had a child. Not only that, she had to explain that she was pregnant…. oh Christ, how was she going to do this?

"Serena are you alright?" The deep tremble of Darien voice asked from behind the entrance.

"Yes…well no…" she said dazedly.

"What's up?" He asked as he moved to sit beside her.

"My mother…" she said nimbly.

"What about her?" He asked calmly.

"She doesn't know I'm pregnant for one thing, and I'm just wondering how I'm going to explain that I'm engaged…" she trailed off.

"Well, I suppose your going to have to tell her, we met in Boston, and…well things happened, that even thought we got started early we're getting married and starting a family…" he offered gently.

"You can try that if you want, I mean if you have a death wish or something."

"Let me guess, ridiculously moral?" He asked with a smile.

"Oh yes, she had a fit when she found out I was living with you…" she told him.

"With good reason." He smiled mischievously.

"Not helping." She said slightly irritated.

"Sorry, I guess I just forgot what it's like to deal with parents." He said apologetically.

"Well I know your mother died but what about your father?" She asked curiously.

"That dead beat? He did nothing for us, when my mother died…. he just left; he didn't show up until I was 16, and living on my own. He spent our money on booze, and he never did anything for us even then…" He told her coldly.

"There's something else," she said knowingly.

"Yes there is…but I'm not sure I'm ready to tell you…it's highly…disturbing…" he told her; his eyes had turned to ice.

"Alright." She said calmly, understanding the feeling. They sat there looking at each other. Darien moved closer to Serena, and pulled her into his arms.

"I finally get you to myself." He said softly. He stroked her hair, cradling her in his arms. Suddenly the doorbell rang. "You know I'm really starting to hate that door…"

"I'll get it." She said moving out of his arms, and towards the door. When she was out of his sight, and he could only hear the soft patting of her feet against the floor, Darien sighed. Because he already missed her.

"Darien" Serena called for him. He got up off the couch and walked to the door. He stopped dead when he saw….

A/n: hey guys, I'm sorry I haven't written in a while, but I've been having major writers block, and my exams and stuff…but my last exam is next week and then I'm free to write! Woohooo!! And I'll totally make up for his dry spell!…so it looks like another cliff hanger…sorry [ducks, behind old lady] don't kill me I'm sorry!!!! But I really wanted to build the suspense…let me know what u think of this chapter…for every review I get a cookie…ohh cookie….lol thanks again oO …I wonder if those cookies are chocolate chip….