Limelight
By Karisma
Chapter Three
Genre: Romance, Alt
Rated: PG-13
Parini@hotmail.com
AN: Okay so Will CAN continue to do my site. so expect the most recent
updates on that site. www.geocities.com/karismafanfic. Alrightie then. On
with the show.
Serena's initial thought was to push the stranger away and give him a
sound yelling, maybe even slap him. But as his lips pressed against her own,
she unwittingly found herself responding, and, as much as the news dismayed
her, enjoying it immensely. All too soon, the man pulled away, and
straightened to his full height, shooting her a private, curious look.
It was the first time Serena had a good look at his face, and boy did
she have a good look. It was impossible to have a bad look at the man now
seated next to her. Soley based on his looks, he was still attractive, but
not as half as much with the added sheer aura of power that naturally
surrounded the man. Serena snuck peeks at his chiseled, masculine features
as if drawn by a magnet. Piercing eyes were set in a silver blue color that
was so amazingly unique, Serena couldn't place a specific one shade to them.
They were followed by a nose that, if given a close second glance, was
slightly crooked, only adding to the rumpled sexiness about him. The mouth
that lay below, was the most tempting one she had ever seen, even for a
woman like her, who didn't exactly see opposite members of the sex as much
as a young, attractive female should. She hadn't seen his body, due to the
fact she had been more interested in that kiss, but judging from the firm
shoulders and torso that were above the table, she figured the rest of him
looked as delicious as his face.
Finally, her staring caught his attention. He fixed his unsmiling,
cerulean eyes on her and his mouth quirked up in a smirk at the 'o' her pink
mouth was no doubt forming.
"He called me in as soon as he learnt of his sudden, drastic
inspiration for a different ending." From the tone in that husky voice,
Serena knew he guessed it was Nigel's wife who had caused the "inspiration".
She offered a small smile of her own, and flipped idly through the
pages of the new script, watching his reaction as he did the same, wondering
what he thought of the changes. At the same time, her mind raced, not
reading one word of the pages she was turning. There was no question about
the fact that this was Mina's boyfriend and co-star. She had kissed her
twin's boyfriend! More importantly: she had liked it; she had responded!
But, Serena defended herself, there was no other way about it. She had to
kiss him. She couldn't exactly push away her supposed beau, that would cause
even more suspicion.
Feeling better about herself and pushing aside the nagging feeling of
how her heart had pounded when their lips had touched, she settled down to
watch him. Discreetly, of course. She watched his eyebrows cock in scorn as
he no doubt read the 'touching' scene at the very end, where loved conquered
all in a fantasy world where pain and reality played no part in everyday
life.
"Well, you should be happy," Darien's voice interrupted her thoughts
and she blinked.
"How so?" she asked dumbly, realizing the mistake she made of looking
directly into his all too impassive face.
"This is the ending you wanted, am I right?" Darien gestured to the
script he had thrown on the table and Serena got the distinct impression he
was mocking her for Mina's hopeless romantic ideals.
She knew she should stick to Mina's views and opinions. She knew she
should play the part of Mina Kinsley and stay away from Serena. But somehow,
she felt the need to prove to him that she wasn't that-that way.
"I rather think this new ending spoils the entire, original plot we
all worked so hard to create. It takes the real passion and love Chloe and
Jared have and spins it around into something no better than the cheap
endings you find in a paperback novel!" She shook her head as if agreeing to
what she said and immediately quieted when she saw the pleasantly surprised
look on Darien's face. "I-uh-well," she muttered stupidly, looking away and
hoping to God he hadn't figured out she wasn't Mina.
Instead, he smiled, genuinely, his blue eyes slightly crinkling. "Well,
Mina Kinsley, you surprise me." Then he turned and began talking to someone
Serena should have known, but was too busy staring off, soft smile in place,
repeating his exact words over and over in her mind.
"Now that Mr. Eddington has cared to join us, I suppose I'll repeat my
announcement." Nigel sighed and glared at Darien who took it all in stride.
"Tomorrow's the photo shoot."
Darien blinked and cleared his throat. "I believe you're mistaken.
We've done the shoot already."
Nigel laughed humorlessly. "Just get over here tomorrow at six a.m.,
Eddington."
Darien nodded and penciled a note in his own thick notebook.
****
Serena stumbled into the studio early the next morning, rubbing her
eyes harshly, hoping to knock the block of sleep that seemed to be
permanently attached to her. Adjusting the waistline of Mina's drawstring
pants, she walked up to where everybody was meeting under the harsh lights.
How could they look so awake at six a.m.?
"Well, Mina. You look lovely as always." Serena turned around to see
the man she had met yesterday. Coolness came over her as she saw the man's
eyes sweep over her, resting at her exposed navel where the white shirt
didn't quite meet her pants. She tugged the shirt down and nodded curtly at
him.
"Jordan, nice to see you."
She turned in time to see Nigel looking over at her and pointing in the
direction of a door with her name on it. She took the hint and immediately
scurried over.
An hour later, Serena was once again out in the spotlight. This time
her baggy clothes were replaced with a yellow sundress and her ponytail
replaced with loose waves around her face. Daisies were shoved in her hand
as Darien, dressed in black jeans and a dark blue shirt came up next to her.
"Mina, turn." A voice behind a black camera commanded.
Bewildered, Serena did as she was told.
"Mina!" The voice was now exasperated. "Do I have to walk you through
this?" At Serena's dazed look, he sighed heavily. "Okay, turn, that's it.
Now look over at me, bend your head, yes! That's it. Hold the flowers closer
to you." Serena felt ridiculous, her cheek was practically buried in the
daisies and her neck was starting to cramp. "Okay, now Darien."
Serena felt herself stiffen as Darien's arms encircled her and his face
nestled in the crook of her neck.
"Relax," he whispered, tickling her ear with his breath. She turned
slightly and found his smiling into the camera. Sighing, she listening to
his advice and loosened in his embrace.
Then, flashing her pearly whites, she was blinded by a bright light. A
round of pictures was taken and Serena let out a heavy breath while make up
artists swarmed around her, patting off the line of sweat that had
accumulated due to the bright lighting and nervousness.
Soon she was in yet another outfit, this one Serena found to be a tad
bit more revealing for her tastes. Fitted blue jeans and a white crop top
that had her showing more of her tanned midriff than people had ever seen
before.
Seeing Darien settled her nerves slightly when she took in their
matching appearances. He, too, was wearing blue jeans and a white shirt, the
sleeves rolled up, revealing strong, tanned arms.
The two of them were guided into a pose: Darien behind Serena, his arms
wrapped around her bare waist while Serena's arms were intertwined behind
her and around his neck. This position caused a considerable amount of more
skin to be seen and Serena wriggled around for a bit until the photographer
snapped at her.
After a few more pictures, each of which Serena found getting
increasingly intimate and tiring from spending nervous energy, the
photographer, whom people called Jed, announced the last round of film that
would be spent on the couple.
Serena excitedly got dressed in a red tank dress and waited for her make
up and hair to be done. She went out in a hurry, anxious to get home after
this surprisingly tiring day. She smiled shyly at Darien and refused to
admire how good he looked in a white dress shirt and black slacks.
"Rain," she heard someone command and she was confused for a moment
until lukewarm water spurted out from above. Within seconds they were both
soaked to the skin and Serena's hair was plastered to her face. A
raven-haired woman that Serena had spent quite some time talking to while
they were in her dressing room came out and shook her hair to a more
"attractive" position.
Serena's eyes widened when she saw a set being pushed to the right side
of her. It took the appearance of a moss-covered wall and soon, it too had
beads of water on it. She turned to look at Darien and sucked in her breath.
The white shirt had turned transparent and clung to his lithe frame, leaving
nothing of his hard chest to her imagination. He caught her staring and met
her gaze with a cool look of his own. Apparently, he was used to this and
she, as Mina Kinsley, was supposed to be also.
Serena turned away from his penetrating gaze and focused on the fake
moss covering the "brick wall". The lights were dimmed to give it the
appearance of night and she heard the Jed's voice instructing her movements.
She walked over to the wall and leaned toward it, her face close to the
"moss". She raised one arm above her head and tilted her head up slightly as
if looking to the heavens, slightly parting her full lips. Darien came over
and Serena felt his warm chest against her back. She trembled slightly
before commanding her body to stop. She heard the camera clicking away and
wanted to moment to last forever and end quickly all at the same time. These
feelings that were radiating out from her just by glancing at Darien was
like betraying her sister and she wouldn't—couldn't do that.
Her guilty thoughts were interrupted when she felt Darien's warm
fingers tickle her bare shoulder when he swept her long blonde hair to one
side. He gently kissed the sensitive spot near her collarbone. She stiffened
and shivered at the same time. Jed hadn't told him to do such a thing.
Still, she wasn't complaining. Stop it! She instructed herself, as she
heard Nigel's crow of happiness as the shutter went on clicking. Darien's
soft lips went up the side of her neck and much to her surprise he spun her
around to face him. Her back pressed against the set drop and she looked up
into his silver-blue eyes. They darkened with something indefinable and his
lips continued their assault to her senses. As his kisses traveled up her
slim neck and chin, Serena vaguely heard whistles and catcalls coming from
somewhere far. All she could concentrate on right now was the passion Darien
was openly expressing to his girlfriend. Mina Kinsley. Not Serena Kinsley.
Not her.
With that last thought, Serena squeezed her eyes in pain at what a
betrayal she had committed in loving every moment of Darien's display of
public affection. Then, before Darien's lips found her own, Serena pushed
him away from her and side stepped away from him.
The rain stopped and the entire room was silent, their eyes on Serena.
She laughed nervously and wiped the raindrops from her face. "That's all the
entertainment you're getting, folks. Go home and watch the cable you're
paying for."
The room broke out into laughter and Serena felt like crying. She had
gotten away with it. But now what was she going to do? For the next two
weeks she had an immediate boyfriend. Only problem was that he wasn't really
her boyfriend. When had life gotten so complicated?
When Mina Kinsley knocked on her door, Serena answered and immediately
berated herself. Mina coming back was one of the best things that happened
to her in a long time. She had her sister back. Whom she desperately needed
after the death of their father. Serena had sent a formal letter informing
Mina, but the two hadn't sat down and discussed the horrible tragedy like
sisters should. They would do it as soon as this was over, she decided
firmly. But right now, she had to get home and away from one temptation in
the tall and dark form of Darien Eddington.
She quickly dried off and got in the clothes she had arrived in. She
waved good-bye to everybody, smiling brightly. When she passed Nigel, she
grinned and reached out to hug him.
"Be here bright and early tomorrow. Same time." He ordered after they
had separated. Serena furrowed her brow, Nigel had said shooting for the
move started the day after tomorrow.
"What for?"
Nigel sighed in disgust. "Your own shoot," he spat out and wrinkled his
nose. Immediately, Serena knew the disdain in his voice and expression was
not held for her. "I'll explain tomorrow, it's another one of Elaine's
brilliant ideas."
Serena patted his back sympathetically and made her way out into the
dying sunlight. They had worked well into evening. After looking around the
parking lot for some time, trying to discern what she was looking for,
Serena realized Cary had dropped her off and she hadn't arranged to be
picked up. About to take out Mina's cell phone and call a cab, Serena felt
someone approach her.
"Need a ride?" A familiar voice said behind her.
Serena whirled around to see a clean-cut Darien, looking as if he had
just stepped out of a shower, with his black jeans and leather jacket. His
hair was wet and slicked off his forehead.
She debated the loaded question he had just popped up. She shouldn't
accept, she knew she shouldn't. But wouldn't it be suspicious not to ride
home with your boyfriend? Calm down, she ordered. He's not asking you to
marry him—it's just an innocent car ride.
But as she nodded her consent and followed Darien to his sleek BMW, she
derived the impression that nothing about Darien Eddington was innocent.
The car ride to her penthouse was filled with a nervous silence. Well,
at least for Serena. Darien looked as if he was perfectly at home not
holding any sort of conversation with his girlfriend. The ride finally ended
and Serena all but jumped out of the vehicle.
"Thanks," she rushed out breathlessly. She prepared to shut the door
when Darien's calm voice stopped her.
"Don't be silly, I'll see you up."
Her mind raced. It was all too dangerous for him to get even closer to
her. But how could she refuse. Besides, if he wanted to come in, she could
just tell him she was tired from the long day. That wasn't exactly a lie.
They arrived at her door and Serena made a big deal of looking around.
"No big, bad monsters." She quipped and reveled in the sound of his quiet
laughter. The comfortable moment was lost as Darien lifted his head and
made eye contact with Serena. After an eternity of silence, she managed to
break the intense moment and coughed uneasily. "I-um, thank you for the
ride," she stuttered. "Good-night, Darien."
He nodded and smiled slightly. "I'll see you tomorrow night for
dinner, then?"
Serena panicked. A date!? There was no way she could handle a date with
him alone. She could barely deal with being near him in a room packed with
people. "Tomorrow night?" She started in a strangled voice. "I really think
I'll be tired from work by tomorrow night." It was lame, she knew it. But
what else did she have?
"It'll be an early dinner then," Darien coaxed and Serena got the
distinct impression that he was deciding it for her, not asking. "An early,
short dinner." He added at her look of reluctance. "We have a lot of things
we need discuss."
What things? Serena wondered. But that didn't matter now. What mattered
was getting him away from her so she could recover her senses and gather her
equilibrium--which seemed to be scattered everywhere at that particular
juncture.
She nodded silently and stared down at the carpet.
"Good," Darien stated. She remained silent. "I'll see you then." His
then tone grew softer, causing Serena's head to lift up in curiosity. "Good
night, Mina." With that, he bent his head and kissed her softly, his warm
lips light on her own. Pulling away abruptly, he turned on his heel and
walked away, his movements fluid.
Serena stumbled into Mina's apartment, hand over her mouth. She sank
down onto the sofa and closed her eyes, the taste of Darien's kiss still
lingering.
By Karisma
Chapter Three
Genre: Romance, Alt
Rated: PG-13
Parini@hotmail.com
AN: Okay so Will CAN continue to do my site. so expect the most recent
updates on that site. www.geocities.com/karismafanfic. Alrightie then. On
with the show.
Serena's initial thought was to push the stranger away and give him a
sound yelling, maybe even slap him. But as his lips pressed against her own,
she unwittingly found herself responding, and, as much as the news dismayed
her, enjoying it immensely. All too soon, the man pulled away, and
straightened to his full height, shooting her a private, curious look.
It was the first time Serena had a good look at his face, and boy did
she have a good look. It was impossible to have a bad look at the man now
seated next to her. Soley based on his looks, he was still attractive, but
not as half as much with the added sheer aura of power that naturally
surrounded the man. Serena snuck peeks at his chiseled, masculine features
as if drawn by a magnet. Piercing eyes were set in a silver blue color that
was so amazingly unique, Serena couldn't place a specific one shade to them.
They were followed by a nose that, if given a close second glance, was
slightly crooked, only adding to the rumpled sexiness about him. The mouth
that lay below, was the most tempting one she had ever seen, even for a
woman like her, who didn't exactly see opposite members of the sex as much
as a young, attractive female should. She hadn't seen his body, due to the
fact she had been more interested in that kiss, but judging from the firm
shoulders and torso that were above the table, she figured the rest of him
looked as delicious as his face.
Finally, her staring caught his attention. He fixed his unsmiling,
cerulean eyes on her and his mouth quirked up in a smirk at the 'o' her pink
mouth was no doubt forming.
"He called me in as soon as he learnt of his sudden, drastic
inspiration for a different ending." From the tone in that husky voice,
Serena knew he guessed it was Nigel's wife who had caused the "inspiration".
She offered a small smile of her own, and flipped idly through the
pages of the new script, watching his reaction as he did the same, wondering
what he thought of the changes. At the same time, her mind raced, not
reading one word of the pages she was turning. There was no question about
the fact that this was Mina's boyfriend and co-star. She had kissed her
twin's boyfriend! More importantly: she had liked it; she had responded!
But, Serena defended herself, there was no other way about it. She had to
kiss him. She couldn't exactly push away her supposed beau, that would cause
even more suspicion.
Feeling better about herself and pushing aside the nagging feeling of
how her heart had pounded when their lips had touched, she settled down to
watch him. Discreetly, of course. She watched his eyebrows cock in scorn as
he no doubt read the 'touching' scene at the very end, where loved conquered
all in a fantasy world where pain and reality played no part in everyday
life.
"Well, you should be happy," Darien's voice interrupted her thoughts
and she blinked.
"How so?" she asked dumbly, realizing the mistake she made of looking
directly into his all too impassive face.
"This is the ending you wanted, am I right?" Darien gestured to the
script he had thrown on the table and Serena got the distinct impression he
was mocking her for Mina's hopeless romantic ideals.
She knew she should stick to Mina's views and opinions. She knew she
should play the part of Mina Kinsley and stay away from Serena. But somehow,
she felt the need to prove to him that she wasn't that-that way.
"I rather think this new ending spoils the entire, original plot we
all worked so hard to create. It takes the real passion and love Chloe and
Jared have and spins it around into something no better than the cheap
endings you find in a paperback novel!" She shook her head as if agreeing to
what she said and immediately quieted when she saw the pleasantly surprised
look on Darien's face. "I-uh-well," she muttered stupidly, looking away and
hoping to God he hadn't figured out she wasn't Mina.
Instead, he smiled, genuinely, his blue eyes slightly crinkling. "Well,
Mina Kinsley, you surprise me." Then he turned and began talking to someone
Serena should have known, but was too busy staring off, soft smile in place,
repeating his exact words over and over in her mind.
"Now that Mr. Eddington has cared to join us, I suppose I'll repeat my
announcement." Nigel sighed and glared at Darien who took it all in stride.
"Tomorrow's the photo shoot."
Darien blinked and cleared his throat. "I believe you're mistaken.
We've done the shoot already."
Nigel laughed humorlessly. "Just get over here tomorrow at six a.m.,
Eddington."
Darien nodded and penciled a note in his own thick notebook.
****
Serena stumbled into the studio early the next morning, rubbing her
eyes harshly, hoping to knock the block of sleep that seemed to be
permanently attached to her. Adjusting the waistline of Mina's drawstring
pants, she walked up to where everybody was meeting under the harsh lights.
How could they look so awake at six a.m.?
"Well, Mina. You look lovely as always." Serena turned around to see
the man she had met yesterday. Coolness came over her as she saw the man's
eyes sweep over her, resting at her exposed navel where the white shirt
didn't quite meet her pants. She tugged the shirt down and nodded curtly at
him.
"Jordan, nice to see you."
She turned in time to see Nigel looking over at her and pointing in the
direction of a door with her name on it. She took the hint and immediately
scurried over.
An hour later, Serena was once again out in the spotlight. This time
her baggy clothes were replaced with a yellow sundress and her ponytail
replaced with loose waves around her face. Daisies were shoved in her hand
as Darien, dressed in black jeans and a dark blue shirt came up next to her.
"Mina, turn." A voice behind a black camera commanded.
Bewildered, Serena did as she was told.
"Mina!" The voice was now exasperated. "Do I have to walk you through
this?" At Serena's dazed look, he sighed heavily. "Okay, turn, that's it.
Now look over at me, bend your head, yes! That's it. Hold the flowers closer
to you." Serena felt ridiculous, her cheek was practically buried in the
daisies and her neck was starting to cramp. "Okay, now Darien."
Serena felt herself stiffen as Darien's arms encircled her and his face
nestled in the crook of her neck.
"Relax," he whispered, tickling her ear with his breath. She turned
slightly and found his smiling into the camera. Sighing, she listening to
his advice and loosened in his embrace.
Then, flashing her pearly whites, she was blinded by a bright light. A
round of pictures was taken and Serena let out a heavy breath while make up
artists swarmed around her, patting off the line of sweat that had
accumulated due to the bright lighting and nervousness.
Soon she was in yet another outfit, this one Serena found to be a tad
bit more revealing for her tastes. Fitted blue jeans and a white crop top
that had her showing more of her tanned midriff than people had ever seen
before.
Seeing Darien settled her nerves slightly when she took in their
matching appearances. He, too, was wearing blue jeans and a white shirt, the
sleeves rolled up, revealing strong, tanned arms.
The two of them were guided into a pose: Darien behind Serena, his arms
wrapped around her bare waist while Serena's arms were intertwined behind
her and around his neck. This position caused a considerable amount of more
skin to be seen and Serena wriggled around for a bit until the photographer
snapped at her.
After a few more pictures, each of which Serena found getting
increasingly intimate and tiring from spending nervous energy, the
photographer, whom people called Jed, announced the last round of film that
would be spent on the couple.
Serena excitedly got dressed in a red tank dress and waited for her make
up and hair to be done. She went out in a hurry, anxious to get home after
this surprisingly tiring day. She smiled shyly at Darien and refused to
admire how good he looked in a white dress shirt and black slacks.
"Rain," she heard someone command and she was confused for a moment
until lukewarm water spurted out from above. Within seconds they were both
soaked to the skin and Serena's hair was plastered to her face. A
raven-haired woman that Serena had spent quite some time talking to while
they were in her dressing room came out and shook her hair to a more
"attractive" position.
Serena's eyes widened when she saw a set being pushed to the right side
of her. It took the appearance of a moss-covered wall and soon, it too had
beads of water on it. She turned to look at Darien and sucked in her breath.
The white shirt had turned transparent and clung to his lithe frame, leaving
nothing of his hard chest to her imagination. He caught her staring and met
her gaze with a cool look of his own. Apparently, he was used to this and
she, as Mina Kinsley, was supposed to be also.
Serena turned away from his penetrating gaze and focused on the fake
moss covering the "brick wall". The lights were dimmed to give it the
appearance of night and she heard the Jed's voice instructing her movements.
She walked over to the wall and leaned toward it, her face close to the
"moss". She raised one arm above her head and tilted her head up slightly as
if looking to the heavens, slightly parting her full lips. Darien came over
and Serena felt his warm chest against her back. She trembled slightly
before commanding her body to stop. She heard the camera clicking away and
wanted to moment to last forever and end quickly all at the same time. These
feelings that were radiating out from her just by glancing at Darien was
like betraying her sister and she wouldn't—couldn't do that.
Her guilty thoughts were interrupted when she felt Darien's warm
fingers tickle her bare shoulder when he swept her long blonde hair to one
side. He gently kissed the sensitive spot near her collarbone. She stiffened
and shivered at the same time. Jed hadn't told him to do such a thing.
Still, she wasn't complaining. Stop it! She instructed herself, as she
heard Nigel's crow of happiness as the shutter went on clicking. Darien's
soft lips went up the side of her neck and much to her surprise he spun her
around to face him. Her back pressed against the set drop and she looked up
into his silver-blue eyes. They darkened with something indefinable and his
lips continued their assault to her senses. As his kisses traveled up her
slim neck and chin, Serena vaguely heard whistles and catcalls coming from
somewhere far. All she could concentrate on right now was the passion Darien
was openly expressing to his girlfriend. Mina Kinsley. Not Serena Kinsley.
Not her.
With that last thought, Serena squeezed her eyes in pain at what a
betrayal she had committed in loving every moment of Darien's display of
public affection. Then, before Darien's lips found her own, Serena pushed
him away from her and side stepped away from him.
The rain stopped and the entire room was silent, their eyes on Serena.
She laughed nervously and wiped the raindrops from her face. "That's all the
entertainment you're getting, folks. Go home and watch the cable you're
paying for."
The room broke out into laughter and Serena felt like crying. She had
gotten away with it. But now what was she going to do? For the next two
weeks she had an immediate boyfriend. Only problem was that he wasn't really
her boyfriend. When had life gotten so complicated?
When Mina Kinsley knocked on her door, Serena answered and immediately
berated herself. Mina coming back was one of the best things that happened
to her in a long time. She had her sister back. Whom she desperately needed
after the death of their father. Serena had sent a formal letter informing
Mina, but the two hadn't sat down and discussed the horrible tragedy like
sisters should. They would do it as soon as this was over, she decided
firmly. But right now, she had to get home and away from one temptation in
the tall and dark form of Darien Eddington.
She quickly dried off and got in the clothes she had arrived in. She
waved good-bye to everybody, smiling brightly. When she passed Nigel, she
grinned and reached out to hug him.
"Be here bright and early tomorrow. Same time." He ordered after they
had separated. Serena furrowed her brow, Nigel had said shooting for the
move started the day after tomorrow.
"What for?"
Nigel sighed in disgust. "Your own shoot," he spat out and wrinkled his
nose. Immediately, Serena knew the disdain in his voice and expression was
not held for her. "I'll explain tomorrow, it's another one of Elaine's
brilliant ideas."
Serena patted his back sympathetically and made her way out into the
dying sunlight. They had worked well into evening. After looking around the
parking lot for some time, trying to discern what she was looking for,
Serena realized Cary had dropped her off and she hadn't arranged to be
picked up. About to take out Mina's cell phone and call a cab, Serena felt
someone approach her.
"Need a ride?" A familiar voice said behind her.
Serena whirled around to see a clean-cut Darien, looking as if he had
just stepped out of a shower, with his black jeans and leather jacket. His
hair was wet and slicked off his forehead.
She debated the loaded question he had just popped up. She shouldn't
accept, she knew she shouldn't. But wouldn't it be suspicious not to ride
home with your boyfriend? Calm down, she ordered. He's not asking you to
marry him—it's just an innocent car ride.
But as she nodded her consent and followed Darien to his sleek BMW, she
derived the impression that nothing about Darien Eddington was innocent.
The car ride to her penthouse was filled with a nervous silence. Well,
at least for Serena. Darien looked as if he was perfectly at home not
holding any sort of conversation with his girlfriend. The ride finally ended
and Serena all but jumped out of the vehicle.
"Thanks," she rushed out breathlessly. She prepared to shut the door
when Darien's calm voice stopped her.
"Don't be silly, I'll see you up."
Her mind raced. It was all too dangerous for him to get even closer to
her. But how could she refuse. Besides, if he wanted to come in, she could
just tell him she was tired from the long day. That wasn't exactly a lie.
They arrived at her door and Serena made a big deal of looking around.
"No big, bad monsters." She quipped and reveled in the sound of his quiet
laughter. The comfortable moment was lost as Darien lifted his head and
made eye contact with Serena. After an eternity of silence, she managed to
break the intense moment and coughed uneasily. "I-um, thank you for the
ride," she stuttered. "Good-night, Darien."
He nodded and smiled slightly. "I'll see you tomorrow night for
dinner, then?"
Serena panicked. A date!? There was no way she could handle a date with
him alone. She could barely deal with being near him in a room packed with
people. "Tomorrow night?" She started in a strangled voice. "I really think
I'll be tired from work by tomorrow night." It was lame, she knew it. But
what else did she have?
"It'll be an early dinner then," Darien coaxed and Serena got the
distinct impression that he was deciding it for her, not asking. "An early,
short dinner." He added at her look of reluctance. "We have a lot of things
we need discuss."
What things? Serena wondered. But that didn't matter now. What mattered
was getting him away from her so she could recover her senses and gather her
equilibrium--which seemed to be scattered everywhere at that particular
juncture.
She nodded silently and stared down at the carpet.
"Good," Darien stated. She remained silent. "I'll see you then." His
then tone grew softer, causing Serena's head to lift up in curiosity. "Good
night, Mina." With that, he bent his head and kissed her softly, his warm
lips light on her own. Pulling away abruptly, he turned on his heel and
walked away, his movements fluid.
Serena stumbled into Mina's apartment, hand over her mouth. She sank
down onto the sofa and closed her eyes, the taste of Darien's kiss still
lingering.