March 2002
Disclaimer: I don't own the characters but the story is mine.
WARNING: This chapter deals with some sensitive adult material. Read ahead at
your own risk.
Chapter 4
Andrew looked at his watch again and shook his head, "I think we've been
stood up."
Rita, a tall red head in a stunning white shift shrugged, her earrings
chiming merrily, "Relax, lover, they'll be here. They're just taking a little
longer, that's all."
Andrew opened his mouth as a familiar black Porsche stopped next to the
valet. The passenger door was opened to reveal a stunning blond woman wearing a
black dress that fit her like a glove. She waved to them as Darien stepped out of
the driver's seat and handed the keys over to the valet. He spoke a few words to
the man, and handed him a bit of cash before walking around the car and taking
Selenity's arm. They walked forward, a stunning couple. Darien looked dashing in
his black tux, Selenity the perfect match on his arm.
"I was starting to think you two wouldn't be coming."
Selenity smiled, "As if we would miss this."
"Selenity, this is my fiancée, Rita. Rita, this is Selenity."
Rita shook the princess' hand, "A pleasure to finally to meet you my dear.
Darien speaks of little else when we pry him away from his studies."
Selenity smiled, "Fair turn around I suppose, my father is sick of hearing
about him. Come, shall we find our seats and get settled?"
They walked into the huge restaurant, two stories beyond the main floor
held tables for executive meetings, everything illuminated by an immense
chandelier, in the shape of a shark, that hung half way to the floor. Mirrored
surfaces covered almost everything except tables and floors. Private booths were
also accessible, though rarely filled. Most people who dined in this exclusive
restaurant were there to be seen, and the mirrors ensured that. Their host,
however, lead them to a private room at the back where there were no mirrors
present. A cozy table set for four, illuminated by a pair of candles and dimly
lit lights, gave it a very private atmosphere.
"This is perfect."
Andrew grinned, "I didn't figure you'd want to be on display, Selenity."
Darien squeezed her fingers where they were in the curve of his elbow and
then held her chair for her as she sat. Andrew mimicked the move for Rita before
they both took their seats. Darien's hand found Selenity's and gently caressed
the pulse point on her wrist. He felt her shiver and suppressed a smile.
Their waitress came over and took their order for drinks as they were
looking over the menus. Selenity pointed out certain dishes she'd tried elsewhere
and translated menu items for Darien as Rita helped Andrew with his. When the
waitress returned, their menus were on the table. She passed out their wine
before pulling out a pad and pencil.
Selenity looked at her friends, "Allow me. Three orders of the *requin
blanc au vin. Well cooked in the mushroom sauce. And two side salads, one with
ranch dressing, the other with Italian. An order of caeser salad, no croutons,
with the teriyaki chicken and four of your house special soups."
The waitress looked at her as she finished scribbling, "Is that all for you
today miss?"
Selenity nodded, "We'll have the soup to start, but the salads are with
dinner."
The waitress nodded and walked away.
"You must do this a lot," commented Rita, "You didn't miss anything."
Selenity grimaced, taking a sip of her wine, "When you live in so many
places you rarely acquire a taste for anything special. I have had the
opportunity to eat out a lot though, and have had to order in many different
languages. Not to mention for groups larger and more distinguished than this."
she smiled to take the sting out of her words, "I do prefer this however."
"Well said, Selenity, dear. Now, how long will you be in Tokyo for this
time? I hear your father has quite the schedule planned for you while you're
here, is this true?"
Selenity raised an eyebrow at the other woman, "And how do you know so much
about my plans?"
Rita winked at her, "I read the papers. Is it true you're planning your
wedding in about a year?"
Selenity felt Darien squeeze her hand in reassurance, "Actually Rita, I
have year to find someone more to my taste than my betrothed. He's less than
stellar."
"You mean you don't want to marry him? Oh how horrible! I thought he was
your choice, I mean, he certainly is handsome, but I can't imagine being forced
into a marriage with a man I didn't love!"
Selenity turned to look at Darien, "May I?"
He nodded, gently caressing her cheek as she freed her captured hand and
held it out to Rita. A single diamond solitaire glittered on her ring finger,
"Darien proposed to me at his apartment this afternoon. It may be a little
premature to announce it to you, but I'll have to formally announce my broken
betrothal to my father and my choice in husband before the end of the week."
Rita let out a little shriek as she examined the ring, "Oh my goodness, is
this platinum or silver, Darien?" she asked.
"White gold mixed with platinum." he reclaimed Selenity's hand and smiled
at her before turning back to Rita, "I have quite the trust fund from when my
folk's died. I didn't know about it until about two years back, and by that time
the interest alone could pay for my university courses. Besides, nothing is too
good for my princess,"
Andrew raised his wine glass, "I propose a toast. To lasting friendships
and love. May your future be better than the best of your past."
The other three echoed the toast with smiles as their food finally came.
For the rest of the dinner they made small talk, discussing the unique flavors of
their dishes and talking about courses and wedding plans. Finally, after desert,
Darien ordered coffee for himself and Andrew, tea for Rita and Selenity. The
relaxed atmosphere continued as their drinks were served. "So when do you have to
be back at your place, Selenity?" Andrew asked casually, "Are you still on that
insane curfew you had last time you were here?"
"Actually no, I set my own curfew now, though if I don't check in by the
time I'm supposed to be home, a quite, yet very thorough man hunt for me will
begin." she grimaced, glancing at her watch, and froze. "Oh dammit, I have to
find a phone, will you excuse me?"
Darien watched her walk away towards the lobby, shaking his head. They'd
been at dinner for two hours and already her hair was down to her backside again.
That, of all things, had to be a nuisance.
"So what made you do it?"
Darien looked at his friend and shrugged, "I dunno, Drew. We got into this
intense discussion about why she had to marry that jerk she's betrothed to and it
slipped out. I've lost her twice, both times to circumstance, I'm not going to
loose her again."
Rita smiled, "You always were the romantic, Dare. Do you love her?"
"More than anything. I don't know what I'll do if anything happens to take
her away from me again. I think I'd go crazy."
Andrew winked at him, "Especially with us as friends. Relax, Dare, nothing
is going to happen to her now that she's back and she's yours."
"That's just it, Drew. She's not mine, not yet, at least, not in the eyes
of the law. I won't feel safe until after the wedding."
"So elope and do it shot gun. It's legal and you'll be married before the
end of the week."
Darien shook his head, "It's her choice."
"What's my choice?" Selenity walked back into the room, a hesitant smile on
her face.
Darien took one of her hands, "Andrew suggested we do a shotgun wedding,
Princess. I want to make you mine as soon as possible but the choice is yours."
"Are you serious?"
He nodded.
Selenity glanced at Andrew and Rita before meeting Darien's gaze again, a
brilliant smile on her face, "Tonight. Or tomorrow... We'll get married for your
birthday!"
Darien was stunned. His face betrayed it and Andrew couldn't help but
laugh, "It's settled then, we'll hold the party at Selenity's mansion, or castle
or whatever it is, and you two will get married."
Selenity threw her arms around Darien and hugged him tightly, "Hold me,"
she whispered for his ears alone, "Hold me and never let me go."
He gently caressed her hair, "Forever, Selenity, I'll hold you forever if
you want me too, and I'm never, ever, letting you get away from me again."
* * *
Selenity kicked off the high heeled shoes as she stepped into Darien's
apartment and then sighed, leaning against the wall and rubbing one foot, "Ouch,
no matter how many times I wear those things I hate them."
She shrieked in surprise as he scooped her up in his arms and twirled once,
holding her close, "You look beautiful, princess. Come, we need to get you
changed so I can take you home,"
She wrapped her arms around his neck but didn't let go as he moved to put
her back down, "I told Charles, my chauffeur and guardian, I wouldn't be home
tonight. Can I stay with you?"
He looked deep into her eyes and then smiled, "Alright, but you're sleeping
in the guest room."
She winked at him, "Only for now."
Darien finally untangled her arms from his neck and placed her back on her
feet, "I've got to feed Luna, love. Make yourself comfortable, alright?"
She nodded as he left and looked about the room. With a sigh she curled up
on the couch, resting her head on the chair arm. She closed her eyes, the
soothing sounds of Darien's murmured voice lulling her into a swift sleep...
Selenity's Dream.
Murmuring voices filled her ears as she smiled at the man her father had
chosen for her. She felt sick to the stomach, this was not the man she'd have
chosen for herself. Unable to get away, she heard his request for a walk through
the main palace halls and accepted. Not paying attention she was started when
they stopped next to her father's small study. A place that was in the furthest
wing from where they'd been and secluded.
Hard hands tugged her into the small room, the darkness closing in about
her like a wet blanket as she tried to scream. Fear. Thick enough you could cut
it with a knife, closed her throat. An evil laugh rang in her ears as she kicked
out against the roughly searching hands. She heard fabric tear, feeling the air
slide against her flushed skin and panic gripped her completely. She opened her
mouth to scream but his firm mouth came down with bruising force, crushing her
sensitive lips. She gagged as a long tongue slid into her mouth in a bold
invasion. She struggled as she felt something bite into her hips, the sound of
more tearing fabric and then nothing. She fought, scratching kicking and biting,
but nothing helped and she was pinned to the wall, the hands pressing lower,
boldly invading her most private place. Stiff, paralyzed, unable to scream, tears
flowed down her cheeks as she was pressed back into the wall, her legs forcefully
parted...
"Selenity!"
She came awake with a gasp, tears running down her cheeks as she looked
frantically about her. She collapsed sobbing as Darien's arms came about her
waist and buried her face in his shoulder, grasping him tightly.
He stroked her hair soothingly, murmuring incoherent reassurances, and let
her cry. Feeling the pain, the anguish, that had been trapped inside her well
out. She clung to him as a drowning woman clings to a life preserver. For the
next half hour she cried, soaking his shirt with tears of pain and lost innocence
as he rocked her back and forth like a child.
She eventually quieted, simply listening to his voice and relishing the
feel of his hands on her hair. A part of her mind found it odd that he could
comfort her, but she pushed it aside. She felt safe in his arms, she wasn't going
to question it. She sniffled once, rubbing her hand across her eyes, "I'm sorry,"
she said finally, her raw throat making her voice rough.
"Shhh... easy Princess." he told her softly, planting a gentle kiss on the
top of her head as he handed her a handkerchief. She thanked him softly before
using it to wipe her eyes and blow her nose.
He picked her up in his arms and walked her through his apartment.
Clinging to him like a baby chimpanzee, she refused to let him go when he entered
his guest room and attempted to place her on the bed. "No," she told him softly,
"I don't want to be alone tonight."
He swallowed hard, "Are you sure?"
She nodded, her hair tickling the underside of his chin, "I won't be able
to sleep if I'm alone."
Awkwardly, he sat on the bed, she in his lap, and lay back. She rolled off
to the side, keeping her grip on him, as she curled into his side. She closed her
eyes as his arms came around her again. He gently shifted her on her side and
curled around her protectively, pulling her into the shelter of his body. With a
sigh, she relaxed against him. Exhausted, she quickly dropped into a dreamless
sleep.
Darien lay awake for many hours, his princess wrapped in his arms, his
thoughts churning. Someone had harmed her and he was going to make good and sure
he paid dearly.
Author's Note: Questions, comments, flames, anything you have to say, write me!
Jademax@hotmail.com
Thanks for reading!
Jade_Max
*Requin blanc is White shark.. and I've never tried it, was going for something
of a different dish, and I dislike seafood with a passion.
Disclaimer: I don't own the characters but the story is mine.
WARNING: This chapter deals with some sensitive adult material. Read ahead at
your own risk.
Chapter 4
Andrew looked at his watch again and shook his head, "I think we've been
stood up."
Rita, a tall red head in a stunning white shift shrugged, her earrings
chiming merrily, "Relax, lover, they'll be here. They're just taking a little
longer, that's all."
Andrew opened his mouth as a familiar black Porsche stopped next to the
valet. The passenger door was opened to reveal a stunning blond woman wearing a
black dress that fit her like a glove. She waved to them as Darien stepped out of
the driver's seat and handed the keys over to the valet. He spoke a few words to
the man, and handed him a bit of cash before walking around the car and taking
Selenity's arm. They walked forward, a stunning couple. Darien looked dashing in
his black tux, Selenity the perfect match on his arm.
"I was starting to think you two wouldn't be coming."
Selenity smiled, "As if we would miss this."
"Selenity, this is my fiancée, Rita. Rita, this is Selenity."
Rita shook the princess' hand, "A pleasure to finally to meet you my dear.
Darien speaks of little else when we pry him away from his studies."
Selenity smiled, "Fair turn around I suppose, my father is sick of hearing
about him. Come, shall we find our seats and get settled?"
They walked into the huge restaurant, two stories beyond the main floor
held tables for executive meetings, everything illuminated by an immense
chandelier, in the shape of a shark, that hung half way to the floor. Mirrored
surfaces covered almost everything except tables and floors. Private booths were
also accessible, though rarely filled. Most people who dined in this exclusive
restaurant were there to be seen, and the mirrors ensured that. Their host,
however, lead them to a private room at the back where there were no mirrors
present. A cozy table set for four, illuminated by a pair of candles and dimly
lit lights, gave it a very private atmosphere.
"This is perfect."
Andrew grinned, "I didn't figure you'd want to be on display, Selenity."
Darien squeezed her fingers where they were in the curve of his elbow and
then held her chair for her as she sat. Andrew mimicked the move for Rita before
they both took their seats. Darien's hand found Selenity's and gently caressed
the pulse point on her wrist. He felt her shiver and suppressed a smile.
Their waitress came over and took their order for drinks as they were
looking over the menus. Selenity pointed out certain dishes she'd tried elsewhere
and translated menu items for Darien as Rita helped Andrew with his. When the
waitress returned, their menus were on the table. She passed out their wine
before pulling out a pad and pencil.
Selenity looked at her friends, "Allow me. Three orders of the *requin
blanc au vin. Well cooked in the mushroom sauce. And two side salads, one with
ranch dressing, the other with Italian. An order of caeser salad, no croutons,
with the teriyaki chicken and four of your house special soups."
The waitress looked at her as she finished scribbling, "Is that all for you
today miss?"
Selenity nodded, "We'll have the soup to start, but the salads are with
dinner."
The waitress nodded and walked away.
"You must do this a lot," commented Rita, "You didn't miss anything."
Selenity grimaced, taking a sip of her wine, "When you live in so many
places you rarely acquire a taste for anything special. I have had the
opportunity to eat out a lot though, and have had to order in many different
languages. Not to mention for groups larger and more distinguished than this."
she smiled to take the sting out of her words, "I do prefer this however."
"Well said, Selenity, dear. Now, how long will you be in Tokyo for this
time? I hear your father has quite the schedule planned for you while you're
here, is this true?"
Selenity raised an eyebrow at the other woman, "And how do you know so much
about my plans?"
Rita winked at her, "I read the papers. Is it true you're planning your
wedding in about a year?"
Selenity felt Darien squeeze her hand in reassurance, "Actually Rita, I
have year to find someone more to my taste than my betrothed. He's less than
stellar."
"You mean you don't want to marry him? Oh how horrible! I thought he was
your choice, I mean, he certainly is handsome, but I can't imagine being forced
into a marriage with a man I didn't love!"
Selenity turned to look at Darien, "May I?"
He nodded, gently caressing her cheek as she freed her captured hand and
held it out to Rita. A single diamond solitaire glittered on her ring finger,
"Darien proposed to me at his apartment this afternoon. It may be a little
premature to announce it to you, but I'll have to formally announce my broken
betrothal to my father and my choice in husband before the end of the week."
Rita let out a little shriek as she examined the ring, "Oh my goodness, is
this platinum or silver, Darien?" she asked.
"White gold mixed with platinum." he reclaimed Selenity's hand and smiled
at her before turning back to Rita, "I have quite the trust fund from when my
folk's died. I didn't know about it until about two years back, and by that time
the interest alone could pay for my university courses. Besides, nothing is too
good for my princess,"
Andrew raised his wine glass, "I propose a toast. To lasting friendships
and love. May your future be better than the best of your past."
The other three echoed the toast with smiles as their food finally came.
For the rest of the dinner they made small talk, discussing the unique flavors of
their dishes and talking about courses and wedding plans. Finally, after desert,
Darien ordered coffee for himself and Andrew, tea for Rita and Selenity. The
relaxed atmosphere continued as their drinks were served. "So when do you have to
be back at your place, Selenity?" Andrew asked casually, "Are you still on that
insane curfew you had last time you were here?"
"Actually no, I set my own curfew now, though if I don't check in by the
time I'm supposed to be home, a quite, yet very thorough man hunt for me will
begin." she grimaced, glancing at her watch, and froze. "Oh dammit, I have to
find a phone, will you excuse me?"
Darien watched her walk away towards the lobby, shaking his head. They'd
been at dinner for two hours and already her hair was down to her backside again.
That, of all things, had to be a nuisance.
"So what made you do it?"
Darien looked at his friend and shrugged, "I dunno, Drew. We got into this
intense discussion about why she had to marry that jerk she's betrothed to and it
slipped out. I've lost her twice, both times to circumstance, I'm not going to
loose her again."
Rita smiled, "You always were the romantic, Dare. Do you love her?"
"More than anything. I don't know what I'll do if anything happens to take
her away from me again. I think I'd go crazy."
Andrew winked at him, "Especially with us as friends. Relax, Dare, nothing
is going to happen to her now that she's back and she's yours."
"That's just it, Drew. She's not mine, not yet, at least, not in the eyes
of the law. I won't feel safe until after the wedding."
"So elope and do it shot gun. It's legal and you'll be married before the
end of the week."
Darien shook his head, "It's her choice."
"What's my choice?" Selenity walked back into the room, a hesitant smile on
her face.
Darien took one of her hands, "Andrew suggested we do a shotgun wedding,
Princess. I want to make you mine as soon as possible but the choice is yours."
"Are you serious?"
He nodded.
Selenity glanced at Andrew and Rita before meeting Darien's gaze again, a
brilliant smile on her face, "Tonight. Or tomorrow... We'll get married for your
birthday!"
Darien was stunned. His face betrayed it and Andrew couldn't help but
laugh, "It's settled then, we'll hold the party at Selenity's mansion, or castle
or whatever it is, and you two will get married."
Selenity threw her arms around Darien and hugged him tightly, "Hold me,"
she whispered for his ears alone, "Hold me and never let me go."
He gently caressed her hair, "Forever, Selenity, I'll hold you forever if
you want me too, and I'm never, ever, letting you get away from me again."
* * *
Selenity kicked off the high heeled shoes as she stepped into Darien's
apartment and then sighed, leaning against the wall and rubbing one foot, "Ouch,
no matter how many times I wear those things I hate them."
She shrieked in surprise as he scooped her up in his arms and twirled once,
holding her close, "You look beautiful, princess. Come, we need to get you
changed so I can take you home,"
She wrapped her arms around his neck but didn't let go as he moved to put
her back down, "I told Charles, my chauffeur and guardian, I wouldn't be home
tonight. Can I stay with you?"
He looked deep into her eyes and then smiled, "Alright, but you're sleeping
in the guest room."
She winked at him, "Only for now."
Darien finally untangled her arms from his neck and placed her back on her
feet, "I've got to feed Luna, love. Make yourself comfortable, alright?"
She nodded as he left and looked about the room. With a sigh she curled up
on the couch, resting her head on the chair arm. She closed her eyes, the
soothing sounds of Darien's murmured voice lulling her into a swift sleep...
Selenity's Dream.
Murmuring voices filled her ears as she smiled at the man her father had
chosen for her. She felt sick to the stomach, this was not the man she'd have
chosen for herself. Unable to get away, she heard his request for a walk through
the main palace halls and accepted. Not paying attention she was started when
they stopped next to her father's small study. A place that was in the furthest
wing from where they'd been and secluded.
Hard hands tugged her into the small room, the darkness closing in about
her like a wet blanket as she tried to scream. Fear. Thick enough you could cut
it with a knife, closed her throat. An evil laugh rang in her ears as she kicked
out against the roughly searching hands. She heard fabric tear, feeling the air
slide against her flushed skin and panic gripped her completely. She opened her
mouth to scream but his firm mouth came down with bruising force, crushing her
sensitive lips. She gagged as a long tongue slid into her mouth in a bold
invasion. She struggled as she felt something bite into her hips, the sound of
more tearing fabric and then nothing. She fought, scratching kicking and biting,
but nothing helped and she was pinned to the wall, the hands pressing lower,
boldly invading her most private place. Stiff, paralyzed, unable to scream, tears
flowed down her cheeks as she was pressed back into the wall, her legs forcefully
parted...
"Selenity!"
She came awake with a gasp, tears running down her cheeks as she looked
frantically about her. She collapsed sobbing as Darien's arms came about her
waist and buried her face in his shoulder, grasping him tightly.
He stroked her hair soothingly, murmuring incoherent reassurances, and let
her cry. Feeling the pain, the anguish, that had been trapped inside her well
out. She clung to him as a drowning woman clings to a life preserver. For the
next half hour she cried, soaking his shirt with tears of pain and lost innocence
as he rocked her back and forth like a child.
She eventually quieted, simply listening to his voice and relishing the
feel of his hands on her hair. A part of her mind found it odd that he could
comfort her, but she pushed it aside. She felt safe in his arms, she wasn't going
to question it. She sniffled once, rubbing her hand across her eyes, "I'm sorry,"
she said finally, her raw throat making her voice rough.
"Shhh... easy Princess." he told her softly, planting a gentle kiss on the
top of her head as he handed her a handkerchief. She thanked him softly before
using it to wipe her eyes and blow her nose.
He picked her up in his arms and walked her through his apartment.
Clinging to him like a baby chimpanzee, she refused to let him go when he entered
his guest room and attempted to place her on the bed. "No," she told him softly,
"I don't want to be alone tonight."
He swallowed hard, "Are you sure?"
She nodded, her hair tickling the underside of his chin, "I won't be able
to sleep if I'm alone."
Awkwardly, he sat on the bed, she in his lap, and lay back. She rolled off
to the side, keeping her grip on him, as she curled into his side. She closed her
eyes as his arms came around her again. He gently shifted her on her side and
curled around her protectively, pulling her into the shelter of his body. With a
sigh, she relaxed against him. Exhausted, she quickly dropped into a dreamless
sleep.
Darien lay awake for many hours, his princess wrapped in his arms, his
thoughts churning. Someone had harmed her and he was going to make good and sure
he paid dearly.
Author's Note: Questions, comments, flames, anything you have to say, write me!
Jademax@hotmail.com
Thanks for reading!
Jade_Max
*Requin blanc is White shark.. and I've never tried it, was going for something
of a different dish, and I dislike seafood with a passion.