Dance Beneath the Moon

© 2002 Michelle Harris

aka Lady M. Harris

Part 12

"Okay, spit it out," Raye stated as soon as Serena and her were in the bathroom.

Serena rolled her eyes heavenward, a reminiscence gesture of their past in high school. Raye had the most irritating habit of ordering people around, especially those who were closest to them. But it was also a trait that they all had to come to love from the young woman.

"Really, Raye," Serena folded her arms over her chest.

"Oh don't give me that," Raye placed her hands on her hips. "I know you far too well. Get on with it, why are you married to Darien?"

Serena's entire bravo deflated from her. "I'm pregnant," she stated.

Raye's eyebrows shot up with surprise. "Well now, that puts an interesting twist on things, doesn't it? Especially for Darien," she contemplated. She gave her friend a sly glance, wondering how she had done it, when all the other female species had failed before her.

"It gets better then that, he doesn't believe it's his," Serena added, her face frowning, her insides crumbling into pieces.

"And of course, it's his," Raye replied suddenly furious with Darien as she noted the pain crossing her friend's features. Of course, he would think otherwise. She knew how that man thought. He was used to dealing with women who wanted something from him and what better way than to get pregnant with his child or at least claim that the child they were carrying were his.

But she knew Serena; she wasn't the type to play games with men. With Serena, everything was for keeps.

Another thought crossed Raye's mind. "My God, Serena!" She exclaimed, startling Serena with the sudden shout.

"What?" Serena yelped, alarmed.

"You're going to have a little baby!" Raye gushed out, her face lighting up as she reached over and gently squeezed her friend's arm in affection and happiness.

"I know," Serena laughed softly, her alarm easing, "can you believe it?" The unexpected gesture was so heart-felt that Serena's eyes grew moist. How just like Raye to be so gracious and heart-warming. Even when she knew that her and Chad had been trying for the last two years to have a child of their own, and here she was without an ounce of jealousy toward Serena.

Raye shook her head, smiling all at once, "Now if only Chad and I can follow in your footsteps!"

Serena's hand gently touched Raye's sleeve, and they both smiled at one another, content in their long-standing friendship. "I know you will, Raye. It's only a matter of time, you know."

Raye sighed, her mind returning back to Serena's predicament. "I know," she answered, "but this doesn't help your situation."

Serena bit her lip, her gaze going toward her reflection in the mirror. There were small bags under her luminous eyes. Despite the time her and Darien were spending together, she spent the better half of the night staying up worrying about their situation.

"I can't keep going like this with him," she reflected quietly. Raye stood silent, absorbing her words. Serena's heart grew heavy with the decision to leave Darien. Her heart constricted with the painful decision, tightening like a fisted glove around her heart. She pushed down the panic feeling of not being able to breathe as the pain grew in throes, as if it continued to tighten around her in a tenuous grip.

"You need to tell him that the child is his and not Terry's, for God's sake," Raye finally said, her brow furrowing.

"After the Polo meet, we'll be returning to Tokyo, the following day," Serena nodded in agreement with Raye. The panic eased from her some what but remained like tiny bursting residue of tingling pain.

"He won't let you leave, you know. That's just how Darien is," Raye added.

"But I can't continue hoping that one day he'll believe me. It's better if I do it this way," Better for me, anyway. If I continue to be with him I'll never be able to break free from him before the child is born, she thought. And then it'll be too late, "I need believe he married me because of our love for each other and not for the sake of the child," she finished out loud.

"Sometimes it's better just leave things just the way they are-issues like that usually resolve by themselves. But, if you want to leave, I wish you luck because you're going to need every ounce of it. Personally, I don't think you should leave him and based on what I know about Darien, he won't let you leave him." Raye added, they turned toward the door.

"We'll see about that," Serena stated, her chin lifting determinedly.

A delighted laugh escaped from Raye. Uh-oh, Darien, Raye laughed inwardly, I think you've finally met your match and finally, your soul mate.

The following day dawned bright and sunny with occasional puffs of white cotton clouds dotting the western coastal sky. The small majestic mountains and rolling hills that surrounded the Danville area acted as a barrier against the cooler mists that tended to the dampen the San Francisco and Oakland area.

Tourists as well as locals crowded the US Open Polo Championship meet. People flew in from all over the world to watch or participate in the oldest, most prestigious and respected sport known as The Game of Kings. Fifteen teams competed for the chance to win the golden trophy.

Unbeknownst to Serena, she had no idea that Darien had flown nearly non-stop during the last month couple of months, every weekend, for the playoffs between the teams. There were only four teams were left, with the national championship for the world only a weekend away.

Besides the playing field and stands, there was elegant booths setup for each of the playing teams representing each club as well as official apparel to purchase.

Raye and Serena sat in the tent that was provided for the players' spouses and family members; while their team played. The Polo meet was a new experience for Serena and both ladies chatted away. Raye explained in great detail how the game was played with an ease of a borne participating spectator.

Serena wasn't very surprised to learn that Darien was the team field captain as indicated on his jersey by the number three. Chad's number was two, and he was the responsible teammate who pushed the offensive and defensive plays at all times. Two other teammates made up the entire the team. Matches normally lasted about an hour and half, and were divided into six segments with seven minutes chukkers or periods. Since this was semi-final week, only four teams were left to compete. Darien and Chad's team was the Warriors. How absolutely appropriate, Serena had chortled silently to herself.

An amazing thought occurred to Serena, as she sat conversing with Raye about the Polo game. This was a part of Raye that she didn't know very well. Sure, she had been to their home on numerous occasions. Chad and Raye had a three bedroom flat not too far away from Darien's. The place was stylish and contemporary; decorated with an artist flare and accented with polished chrome through out their home. It was hard to believe that they were still friends all these years, but the way Raye lived now was very different than the way she had lived when she was with her grandfather at the temple. Serena realized belatedly how easily Raye could move between Serena's atmosphere and the one Raye lived in which also included the exclusive circles that Chad and Darien wandered.

Abruptly her thoughts were cut off as the games started. On a stamping stallion, Darien easily commanded the presence of the players on the field as well as entertaining the watching crowd. Serena never realized until that moment how intense or invigorating a game of Polo could be to watch.

Naturally, Darien was a sight to behold in his white breeches and dark blue Ralph Lauren polo shirt, easily issuing the commands to his players or making the last minute play. Watching Darien was like watching a intensely played ballet, but up close, the sweat and dirt on the players, shouted commands and curses, the heaving, blowing horses, tell the story of a rough and arduous game played in hot blood. This was one game that demanded the ultimate in skill, fitness and strength from all of the participants. Polo is an equine team sport. There are four men to a side but eight athletes, all with on one goal in mind, and that is to win.

It soon became apparent to Serena that it wasn't possible to just become an intelligent observer of the game without developing an eye for the athleticism of the ponies the players rode, but to closely study the supreme actions of the articulate players.

By the end of the game, Serena's throat was raw from screaming and shouting. The Warriors won, by a narrow margin, but thankfully, Serena was glad that she had come to watch.

Her and Raye, went down to the player's stand to congratulate their husbands with the spectators.

Raye threw herself into Chad's laughing, sweating arms, smacking him with loud, noisy kisses as the crowd watched, clapping and grinning with glee at the same time.

Serena was a little more reserved, smiling with genuine happiness as she caught Darien's arched, sardonic brow. She was still caught up in the magic of the game, with adrenaline still pumping through her veins; she completely ignored his mocking smile.

"What? Where's my kisses? Don't I deserve my prize?" He drawled lazily as his powerful arms reached into the crowd to draw her to him. With a laughing screech, Darien flung her about him. She came down into his arms, giggling like a high school student, her worrisome thoughts forgotten for the moment as their gazes held with an intensity to catch the breath at her throat.

Sometime later as Serena and Raye made their way through the booths for one last glance at the wares, Serena wondered briefly where Darien disappeared to after trying to spot his dark head among the crowd of browsers and fans alike. She spotted Chad chatting animatedly with some of the fans by the long stables that housed the carefully cared for ponies and stallions that the players rode during the games. She made her way there after leaving Raye with a familiar acquaintance who happened to own one of the sporty booths that displayed an array of lounge wear and accessories.

She entered the last round of stables after following Chad's directions that he had seen Darien enter the stables earlier, concerned about one of the ponies that he had ridden rather harshly during the game.

Sounds of feminine laughter alerted Serena that Darien apparently wasn't completely alone. She hesitated; her body trembling in earnest as she recognized the lady's voice.

"So it seems as if our small truce has come to an end," Beryl sighed, her emerald eyes piercing the dark stall for a reaction from the one man she thought had understood and yet had came up short, bewildered.

"If you want to call it that," he answered, pausing from his stroking on Wilbur's mane. His gaze grew wintry in the warm area. Beryl's presence with was a constant reminder of some of the things that weren't right between him and Serena. He hated the bittersweet taste in his mouth from his continued association with her. In order for Serena and him to make their marriage work, he had to get rid of the problems that constantly plagued their marriage and Beryl just happened to be one of them. "I distinctly recall that it was you who called me, begging for your forgiveness over your deception with Serena. And that you needed a date for the black and white ball."

Serena stood utterly still, blinking in memory over the picture in the paper nearly a month ago of Darien and Beryl emerging from a limousine dressed in black and white, her nerves feeling tried and tired all at once.

"But you agreed to go with me," Beryl uttered, exasperated. "But now that Serena is back in your life again, I get discarded just like that?"

"Serena is my wife now," Darien answered, his voice hard and flat. "But, I still don't see any reason why I should explain myself to you, Beryl."

"Always the mysterious," Beryl laughed harshly, suddenly noticing a dark shadow standing by one of the stalls. She straightened, her gaze glittering like cold frost as she spotted Serena standing silently by the next stall. "Well, look who's here to find out what's going on with her little hubby," Beryl sang out, a twisted smirk on her face.

Darien glanced over his shoulder, an indolent, lazy smile splaying over his lips. Sooner or later he knew that she would come looking for him. It was almost a relief to see her standing there waiting for him even if she didn't appear happy to see him at the moment with Beryl. He couldn't blame her either for thinking that there might still be something going with him and Beryl. But after today, Beryl and him were finished as far as he was concerned.

Serena lifted her chin, her cheeks flushing heatedly at having been caught spying, her gaze growing hot as they settled on Beryl and Darien. She walked sternly toward her husband, ignoring the blue intensity of his burning gaze. Serena realized belatedly that this would be the first real conversation between her and Beryl. Why is it that this woman has to turn up at every corner of Darien's life, she thought angrily. How much of a coincidence is it that she's here when she should've been two thousand miles away in Tokyo? Can't she sink her claws into some else other than her husband?

"Don't let me interrupt your conversation, Beryl," Serena stated firmly, her gaze level with the taller woman. "I just came to find out when we're leaving," she threw toward Darien.

"Well, I guess this conversation is a wrap up," Beryl announced, shrugging her shoulders in the process as she started walking past the couple. She stopped in front of Serena, who stiffened slightly, their gazes clashing, one emerald, the other like blue diamonds.

"If you're not careful with your prize, you might just loose it and this time, I won't just roll over like a little lap puppy."

"I didn't realize that I had anything to loose," Serena's eyebrows shot up with surprise. She thought about her and Beryl's last escapade and how much the woman had devastatingly wounded her with her revenge. She vainly repressed a shudder.

Darien chuckled, enjoying the tiff, not noticing the indescribable shiver that passed along Serena's spine.

Beryl ignored the disparaging comment, her eyes glittering like cold, hard steel, "just so you know where we stand."

After a moment, Serena nodded, her gaze just as hard and Beryl satisfied, left them with a trail of lingering, overpowering perfume scent of an expensive nature.

Serena turned toward Darien and she struggled for a moment to understand him. He stood there as if he had enjoyed the entire thing, she thought angrily.

"Can't you just be honest with me, for once?" She gasped out finally.

"I have been," Darien's gaze grew hard, his eyes suddenly unreadable.

Abruptly she turned on him, her angry strides swiftly taking her out of the stables and towards the country club. Tears of frustration hovered on her lashes as she tried to ignore the sharp pain in her chest. She wondered for the hundredth time, what she was doing here with Darien. She recalled the conversation she had with Raye and wondered briefly if she still had the courage to tell Darien that things weren't working out. And if this last part of the day was any indication of problems arising, she was beginning to suspect that maybe she should have the baby on her own. She shook her head at herself, her thoughts in turmoil, oblivious to Darien behind her.

Darien trailed more slowly behind her, allowing her to wallow in her anger for the time being. He had done his job in the stables, Beryl was out of his life for good. It was now time for him to repair the damage that he had created in their marriage and tonight he would leave no doubts in Serena that he cared deeply for her and for the baby.

"Leave it," Darien ordered quietly. Startled, Serena nearly dropped the brush in her hand. Her gaze blazed angrily in the mirror before her as her eyes caught Darien lounging silently against their bedroom doorjamb and watching her as she prepared for the evening's party. How long had he stood there, watching her with a gaze like that of a keen wolf? Her lashes lowered and lingered with a feminine appreciation over his bronze, good looks and the handsome attire that was obviously tailor made for his broad frame.

Serena set the rubber bands and clips back onto the dressing table, their gazes holding in the mirror. She picked up the brush again and rhythmically began brushing the long tresses that trailed to their bedroom floor from where she sat, trying to ignore the seductive figure behind her. She was used to having her hair up in the usual balls and the frown erupted on her face as she gazed back into Darien's face.

They had ridden home silently after the polo event and here they were getting ready for the dinner party that she wasn't really up to hosting with Darien. Not after having to deal with the harrowing experience with Darien's old girlfriend, she thought silently.

Darien's heavy lidded gaze continued to follow every movement she made. Serena was getting ready to squirm on her chair, her cheeks beginning to flush as his lazy gaze made a slow and agonizing sweep of her attire. She was dressed in the outfit that she had bought at the Christine Dior store, a simple, little lacy black dress. The scalloped-lace ribbon was around her neck and her feet were adorned with the black, high top heels that she had purchased at the Prada shoe store.

"Tonight you'll sleep in my room," he announced casually, the small curve of his lips curling, sardonically.

"Oh you think so?" Serena's golden brow arched arrogantly at his declaration. She thought of her earlier anger at him and she wondered where this conversation would take them. But the next words that came out of Darien nearly floored her.

"No more games or compromising, Serena. The child is mine and you belong to me. You have a husband to please tonight," Darien stated matter-factually.

Serena's breath caught in disbelief, her gaze searching his for uncertainty regarding the child's legitimacy. But for once, his blue eyes were forthright, demanding and clear. Her heart began to hammer away and the flush on her cheeks spread to between her breasts.

Was it really true? She couldn't believe it even as he turned away from her to return to his bedroom. Did he finally believe her? She suddenly remembered to breathe, her hands trembling with anxiety and excitement. The uncertainty and heartache that had weighted her shoulders were suddenly lifted from her like an unwanted second skin and now she felt like dancing like a free-spirited wood nymph.

Serena barely remembered what she said or had done during the dinner party. Darien stood by her during the entire evening, solicitous and polite towards her and their guests. It was as if peace and understanding had finally descended on them and they were most eager to explore their most intimate desires for each other. But if only for a time, they had to bide their time until they could finally be alone. Mostly, he kept his hand trained on the warm flesh of her curved back that was exposed by the deep vee of her dress or on the top swell of her lower backside.

To say that she wasn't distracted by the provocative fingers that gently traced the small dipped curve of her back would have been an understatement. Their gazes would lock for an untold amount of time, before gently disengaging to answer their guests' questions of sort. The guests, of course, noticed. It was quiet disarming to say the least, how their host and hostess couldn't keep their eyes off of each other.

Of course, their friends, Raye and Chad stayed by their sides during the party. Both were amused by the obvious display of affection the newly weds affected with their appearance. Serena couldn't quite meet her friend's raised eyebrows or Chad's mischievous, all-knowing glance every time their gazes connected.

It seemed as if another lifetime when the last guest was shown quietly to the doors. With the last of the servants stirring around the formal living area, picking up the discarded champagne glasses and dishes alike, Darien reached silently for Serena as she stood standing by the open balcony. The crisp, cool bay area air stirred against her long, golden mane. It cooled her flushed skin but only banked the fires that were the driving force within her.

Serena sighed softly when she felt Darien's cool lips lightly kiss her exposed shoulder where the top of her collar meet with the sleeve of her dress. She leaned against his powerful frame, her head falling back slightly as his kiss decided to linger against her nape, his warm breath filled with the scent of champagne and mint; feathered lightly across the exposed crescents of her breasts. The time had come, she thought dazedly, hungry for his presence as she never thought before. He was hers finally. All hers, her mind whispered with gladness.

"Come to bed," he gently cajoled and commanded softly against the wisps of tendrils that escaped his playing fingers, his nose nuzzling her nape.

She could only nod, not trusting her voice as she lifted her head from his strong shoulder. She suddenly remembered that they were still surrounded by servants. She turned in his embrace, their gazes igniting in the softly lit room.

They made their way towards their room, parting silently to enter each of their rooms. Their parting was only brief, as if the separation would only heightened the charged atmosphere between them until they could once more be together.

Serena slid the black dress off her, shrugging it off as if hindered her from her goal. She walked back to her dressing room and brushed the length of her cascading mane once again until it crackled and seemed to come to life on its own. She checked her appearance and added some lip gloss to her lips before she was once more satisfied with what she saw, ignoring the fullness that swelled her breasts and the crowned, mauve-tipped nipples that strained in arousal in the mirror. She kept on the lacy, black bikini panties and the lace-topped stockings and heels that encased her long, limber limbs and feet.

Finally satisfied with her appearance, she left the safe sanctuary of her room to cross the hallway toward Darien's room. She knocked quietly, and not waiting for his answer, entered his room, as bold as you please.

Darien turned toward the sound of his door opening and nearly collapsed to his knees as his gaze encountered the sight of Serena striding purposely and audaciously toward him as he stood by his fireplace waiting for her to come to him. His body reacted instantly, becoming hard and rigid at the sight of his wife, unabashedly half-naked to his appraising gaze.

Serena nearly faltered in her stride as her gaze caught the burning intensity of his blue gaze, which impudently and wickedly swept over every inch of her flesh. She saw belatedly that he had taken the time to change into a dressing robe that was made of dark burgundy silk and hid nothing to her countering gaze. She wasted no time in admiring those strong calves of his and knowing that he wore absolutely nothing but himself underneath his robe. She stopped before him as he slowly sat his cognac down on the marble mantle.

Darien's dark brow lifted slightly when she reached forward and touched the silk tie that held his robe together.

She gazed back up into his hard face, noticing the tick at his jaw, his gaze riveting and powerful, challenging her to continue her task. She nearly faltered against the heat that emitted from him.

"Don't you want me between your legs?" He stated roughly, causing her head to jerk at the sound of his strained voice.

"Yes," she croaked and nodded, not at all as seductive as she would liked.

"Then, let's get busy," he answered his smile tender and roguish all at once. "How about—"

Serena put a finger to his lips, nodding her head in negativity, her fingers now untying the silk rope around his hard hips. When the tie landed beside their feet, Serena reached into the robe, her arms surrounding the slim waist to bring him closer to her.

Darien sharply inhaled, his breath shortening to a hiss as their bodies connected flesh to flesh. The effect was devastating to him and he completely lost all train of thought.

With a fierce growl, he bent and lifted her into his arms. In the next moment Serena found herself sprawled on top of his bed covers with Darien settling between her limbs.

"Oh God, that hurts," she moaned when his teeth found a puckered nipple and sucked, hard. "Do that again."

"Happy to oblige," he murmured as he did as she asked. She arched against him, driving him wild as her stocking legs tried to clench around him and her high heels poked him on the buttocks. He pulled the lacy things that were her panties off her and then cupped her golden mound between her generously splayed thighs. She was wet and slick, her hair wild, her hands clenching at the covers beneath her. He rubbed, stroked and teased, relentless in his quest. Driving her mad with his skilled hands until she thought she could take no more.

"Oooh, no…don't do…that," she gasped between tiny heated breaths.

He slipped his finger in her and whispered, "Is this better?"

"Not nearly enough," she whimpered, as she circled her hips against his plunging fingers and Darien nearly spilled his seed on her. He left that sweet, damp warm place of hers and gripped her hips to hold her still.

"How about this?" The sweat erupted on his forehead, the muscles in his back rippling as he moved over her and settled within her. She arched uncontrollably, locking her long legs around his hips and sighed as he lay huge and pulsing within her tight warmth. The sucking at her breast was exquisite. So was the heavy presence that filled the lower half of her.

"Much better," she gasped at his guttural groan, hardly noticing when his body began to rock powerfully within her and when their cries began to mingle together as one.

It was sometime after two or three in morning when the shrilling phone finally penetrated their exhausted sleep. Serena never even noticed when Darien left their warm haven to answer the phone down the hallway.

It was the soft expletives that roused Serena from her deep sleep. Yawning, she slipped from the covers, shivering slightly as the cool air touched her naked skin. The door to their bedroom gaped opened, a single shaft of light shining through the room as she passed through the door where she saw Darien leaning against the hallway wall, his bronze skin ashen, his face stricken as he stared into space. The phone was still clenched in his hand, the dial tone beeping, indicating that the person on the other end was no longer there. She took the phone from his hand and replaced it back in the receiver.

"Darien?" She whispered, something was wrong.

Slowly his blue-black gaze seemed to focus on her, as if surprised to find her shivering form standing in the hallway with him.

"What is it?" She asked quietly, afraid to find out.

"It's Wesley," he finally answered, and Serena felt a sense of dread eclipse her. "He's dead."

Stayed tuned for the conclusion of Dance Beneath the Moon. FYI.. the US Open Polo is normally held in Florida not Danville, California…just fit the story to fit my needs - Lady M. Harris.