Serena relaxed and pretended to wipe sweat from her brow as Darien slipped her contract into a folder. "You drive a hard bargain, you know. I'm surprised you manage to sign anyone on." She was very satisfied with the arrangements they had just agreed on. True, that exclusivity clause still grated, but it seemed as though it would be worth it.

That eyebrow lifted again. Serena wondered if he practiced that particular sneering lift every morning before brushing his teeth. "I signed you on, didn't I?" He turned at the knock on his office door. "Yes?"

A tall angular blond entered, an expectant smile on his face. "Everything going well?" He had a faint French accent and sparkling blue-gray eyes. At Darien's nod, he gestured to the young woman behind him. She bore an opened bottle of champagne and two champagne flutes, which she set on a corner of the desk before leaving.

Darien rose. "Of course. Serena Kyle, meet Jadeite Genereux. He is my right hand; the man runs this gallery while I'm away. You'll be working closely with him."

Jadeite smiled hugely and bowed. "Lovely to meet you. I've been dying to meet the genius that crafted that gorgeous paperweight. You have a magnificent talent."

Serena blushed lightly, unaccustomed to such praise.

Darien poured two brimming glasses of champagne and handed one to her. The lightening-quick grin that accompanied it stole her breath away. She hadn't really noticed, when he'd woken her up, just how attractive the man was. The quick flutter of desire made her nervous. "Before you run out to look around the gallery, let's discuss which pieces I'm going to buy purely for display here at the gallery. I particularly liked the indigo candlesticks at your apartment, as well as the green and gold dragon and the glazed lavender bowl."

Serena blinked. "That was quick. What if I don't want to give them up? Or perhaps I've promised them to someone else."

Wordlessly, Darien reached into the top drawer of his mahogany desk and removed a checkbook. He wrote one out and handed across the desk to her.

Serena looked at the sum and forced words from her closed throat. This was more then she'd earned in the past year! For three pieces! "But . . . but you didn't even look that closely at them. What if there's some sort of flaw or something? Besides, how do you even know that they're my work?" Oh, the things she could buy with this. Better equipment, raw materials . . .

"It's my job to quickly assess art. I liked those pieces, and recognized your touch. And I know there won't be a flaw. You're too good to keep something that didn't match your expectations. Oh, and I want the globe hanging in your window."

Serena bit her lip and shook her head. "You can have the others. I'll box them up and bring them over this afternoon. But I can't give you the globe." Darien's eyes darkened, and she quickly continued. "I'm sorry, but it means too much to me."

After a moment, Darien gave a curt nod. "Fine." It was becoming more and more clear to Serena that this man wasn't used to not getting his way. She only hoped it wouldn't get in the way of the business partnership. "I have some business to take care off. Jadeite will give you a quick tour of the gallery, and you can begin discussing what ideas you might have for your exhibit."

"Exhibit?"

"Of course. I intend to introduce your work with a large gala, say, three months from now? If, of course, that's enough time for you to make the pieces we'll need."

Wide-eyed, Serena just nodded.

"Fine then. The photographer and my director of publicity will be in touch by tomorrow." Darien turned away to another stack of papers, and Serena got the implied message. Smiling at Jadeite, she stood and took his arm.

***

Two hours later, Serena was still admiring both the artwork and the gallery itself. Jadeite had gallantly accompanied her the entire time, providing explanations and information about both the gallery and its owner. Some of the stories he had told her had Serena giggling endlessly. He had obviously worked for Darien for years and was fanatically loyal. Serena admired the trait and was quickly coming to admire the man who had inspired it, despite his several qualities that annoyed her so very much.

"So, Darien puts a lot of work into this place."

Jadeite grinned. "Well, yes! He practically lives here, when he's not flying off to manage the international branches. Darien created this gallery ten years ago, and has poured his entire life into making it a success. Personally, he can't draw a stick figure, but I've never seen a man with a greater appreciation for art." He winked at her, inviting her to share in the joke.

Serena returned the wink. What was that old line about people who couldn't do? "Doesn't leave a lot of time for much of a life. Is he married?" As soon as the words had been said, Serena zipped her mouth shut. Where had THAT come from? Sure, the man was attractive, but . . .

But he was an overbearing egomaniac, obviously used to having everyone cater to his tiniest wish. It didn't matter that Darien Chiba was sexy, smart and artistically in the know. Worst of all, he owned the gallery that now owned her. And Serena had long ago vowed never to become involved with the person who tried to control her artwork.

But Jadeite only shrugged, a very French shrug that involved most of his upper body. He was probably well used to receiving that question from women, Serena mused. "He used to be. Didn't work out. He's dated on and off, but most women just aren't prepared to share so much of Darien with his galleries. The last woman he saw was a nightmare."

Serena copied his shrug, eager to change the subject. "So what about you? Any artistic inclinations hiding inside that pretty face of yours?"

Her escort chuckled. "See that night-scape over there?" She looked in the direction he pointed and saw a very lovely little oil hanging on the opposite wall. That's mine."

"Oh, it's beautiful! Where did you study?"

Jadeite only shook his head. "I didn't have the money to attend college. Made a living selling my painting on the street. Darien liked one of my paintings and bought it for the gallery when it first opened. He bought some more, then saw something in me and offered me a job here overseeing the merchandise. Even offered to put me through school at Columbia, although I simply couldn't see myself back in school at the ripe old age of twenty-three. And so here I am now, thanks in total to the generosity of the man in that office back there."

Serena could only shake her head, unable to comprehend the generosity and vision her confusing new patron possessed. "Well, that explains your obvious devotion. I can't blame you."

"Oh, yes. If not for Darien-" Jadeite stopped short and paled, staring over Serena's head at the door. She turned to see the female version of Darien walk through the entranceway.

The woman was tall, with long raven-black hair and a peaches-and-cream complexion. She spotted them and waved. "Jadeite, hello!"

Jadeite gulped and managed a small bow in greeting. "Miss Chiba." He turned to Serena. "Serena, meet Darien's sister, Raye. Miss Chiba, this is Serena Kyle, our latest acquisition."

Her violet eyes twinkled. "I'm assuming that you'll be selling her art, and not the lady herself. Please, call me Raye." She held out a graceful hand for Serena to shake before facing Jadeite. "And that goes for you, too, sir. No more 'Miss Chibas,' do you hear me?"

Jadeite nodded nervously. Serena held back the giggle she felt. Jadeite was obviously head over heels in love with his employer's sister!

"Raye, good to see you." Darien emerged from his office. He crossed to give his sister a peck on the cheek, then turned to Serena. "Let's go."

"Where?"

"To see your new living place. I've arranged to move you into a much better area, complete with an entire studio for you to work."

Serena bridled at his tone, and at what he'd just done.

"I assure you, I've found something quite tasteful and appropriate."

Serena stared up at the infuriating man who, apparently, now intended to run her life. Darien Chiba stared back far too calmly. There was a piece of hair out of place over his forehead, and she felt her fingers twitching to gently pat it back into-

No! She wasn't going to let herself fall for another art dealer. Especially one so inclined to control her very surroundings. Serena clenched her hands into fists.

"And just what," she asked coldly, "made you think that I'd want another apartment?" The one she currently occupied was tiny, yes, but it was hers, paid for with money that she had worked hard to earn. "And in any case, I doubt that I'll be able to afford what you consider 'reasonable,' even if you continue to pay me like this!" She waved the check in his face.

"Yours is too small. It's in an unsafe area, and your furnace setup, though quaint, is a fire hazard. If you are indeed as careless as you have led me to believe, I don't trust you alone there. Beside," he ran over her infuriated protest as the confident smirk grew on his face, "your lease runs out in a month, and you haven't renewed it. And don't worry about affording it. I consider this all part of our contract."

Damn! Serena realized that, intent on finishing her latest order, she'd entirely forgotten about the lease.

"Come on. You might as well take a look at it." Darien held out his hand, and she glared at it balefully.

"Fine. Just don't expect me to like it."

***

It was only a short ride to the building had picked out. As before, he spent it watching Serena. This time, there was no attempt at conversation, and she refused to even look in his general direction. Darien simply couldn't figure her out. Most women –hell, most people, male or female- would have snatched up his offer. Many of his other artists had indeed grabbed similar ones faster then he could get the words out of his mouth. He was simply taking care of his new assets. Besides, he wanted to see her eyes light up again, wanted to see her smile.

"I think that you'll like your neighbors. The building is tenanted entirely by artists of every type. The owner is a bit of an entrepreneur. We're here"

Serena allowed him to usher her into the entrance and up to the third floor, where he produced a set of keys and unlocked one of two doors on the narrow hallway. She walked in and gasped. The room she had just entered was large and airy. The walls were off-white, and the floors were a rich amber-colored hardwood. The furniture –this was clearly some sort of den or living room- was upholstered in the deep jewel tones she loved so much. She left Darien to wander through a doorway to her left. Huge bedroom . . . bathroom, complete with Jacuzzi . . . kitchen, not that she could cook well . . . it was perfect. Still, she turned to her benefactor. "There's no place for me to work. Or do you plan to rent me a studio somewhere else?"

Without a word, he extracted another key and led her across the hall to the other door she'd noticed coming off the elevator. He unlocked the door and bowed mockingly.

Unsure of herself now, Serena suspiciously swung the door open. Her jaw dropped. Here was an entire glass studio, outfitted with a furnace large enough to experiment with the larger forms she so enjoyed. She turned to question Darien but found herself bumping into a solid male chest. He had been standing right behind her, but she had been too overwhelmed by the room to become aware of it. He caught her upper arms to keep her from stumbling, and she found herself noticing how perfectly their bodies fit together. The realization filled her with a growing sense of unease.

Darien noticed it as well, but with a great deal of interest. She came to just below his chin; he'd only have to dip his head a bit to kiss her. Her hair smelled like honeysuckles. He could feel her soft, full breasts against his chest. Moving his hands up to her shoulders, stepped back to look more easily into her eyes. "Have dinner with me tonight."

"What for?" When he didn't answer, she tilted her head. His eyes were amused, his lips faintly curved. And in that mild expression, she saw something that she had carefully and successfully avoided for years. Frank male interest.

"No, no. Oh, no." She quickly stepped away.

"That was pretty definite. We'll make it tomorrow night."

"No. Darien, I'm sure that's very flattering, but I don't have the time or the inclination for any sort of a . . . of a thing."

He crossed his arms and leaned comfortably against the doorframe. "We don't know what sort of a . . . thing . . . either one of us has in mind at this stage. Personally, I enjoy a pleasant meal every now and then, and I enjoy it more with good company."

"I'm not good company, and I don't date."

"Is that a societal preference or a religious observation?"

"Personal choice. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a lot to do." Serena looked back at the studio and took a breath. "This is a wonderful place. I want to live here, but I want to pay for it myself. So if the rent to too steep, I'll have to find someplace else."

"We'll work something out. You see, "Darien nodded his head at her, "I own the building." He turned to leave and smiled over his shoulder. "I'll send someone over to help you move."

***

The moment she was alone in her new home, Serena grabbed for the telephone.

"Hello?"

"Mina, it's Sere."

"My god, you're calling me. What's wrong? Please don't tell me you're in jail, 'cause I can't afford to bail you out right now."

Serena laughed. "No! It's much better then that." She quickly filled in her sister on all that had happened that day. ". . . And you should see this place. It's amazing. Exactly what I've dreamed of."

Mina squealed in delight. "It's wonderful Sere. This is your big break! So . . . tell me more about this guy. He sounds fascinating. Is he handsome?"

"Oh. Well, I suppose so . . ." Serena busied herself scratching under Loki's head. The cat had been seriously upset by the sudden move, and she was soothing him with love and canned food.

"Sere!"

"Fine. He's gorgeous. Black hair and these deep blue eyes, and this really sexy mouth. And his chest-"

"What were you doing that you felt up his chest?!"

Serena caught her self. "I . . . I just bumped into him, that's all. Besides, you know I'm not interested in that sort of thing anymore."

Mina's voice grew serious. "Serena, he's not Cade."

"I know that. It's just-"

"Listen, little sis. You need to relax and let things happen. Learn to enjoy life the way I remember you doing. Cade was a mistake, and I know he hurt you, but not all men are like that."

"I know that. I'm just not ready yet. Anyways, attractive as he may be, Darien Chiba is the most exasperating man I've ever met. He's way too accustomed to getting whatever he wants. Disagree with him, and he just runs over you with a velvet steamroller, smiling the entire time. He drives me nuts!"

"Serena, call me crazy, but I think you're totally attracted to him."

***