*coffs* So, I've returned to bring you back from that little cliffhanger I
left you on, in the last chapter.
As usual, standard disclaimers apply. RER [Read, Enjoy, and Review]
AN: Thanks again goes to: Ash, Jess, Lilli. and LS. ^___^ Thankies for helping me with this fic, and being my sounding board. Special thanks to LS for being my editor, and not murdering me for my overuse of comma splices. ^^;;; *hugs and ravishes* You gals make me so happy. ;__;
* * * *
Deanna wandered around in her house restlessly. Moving from the couch in the family room to her upstairs bedroom to tinkering with the laundry that she'd forgotten to add the detergent to.
Where the hell was Serena? she wondered, frustrated. The girl should have been home hours ago, yet it was seven and she still hadn't come home. Not even a call to help Dee with her worried nerves. Wringing her hands, she paced back into the kitchen to pour herself some tea. Calm down, she thought to herself. She'd called the police station, but no one was there. She'd picked up the answering machine, and hung up. That was over an hour ago. She stared at the clock. Perhaps it was just ahead.
What if Serena had gotten lost? No, no. Too small of a town, she thought, biting a manicured nail. What if Serena was raped? That stopped Dee's movements and she leaned over the countertop. Oh. My. God. she thought and ran to the phone, thinking of dialing nine-one-one. God, what if her baby was on the street, broken and dead?
"Christ," she muttered. "Too many "if's". For all I know she could be in a Jacuzzi somewhere, soaking up some steam, and relaxing." Which is what Dee needed. Right now.
She let out a cry of surprise when the portable rang. Caller ID showed it was Darien's house phone. She lunged for the phone, knocking over the napkin stand.
* * * *
Serena's face was pale, her cerulean eyes standing out as they stared back at the eyes that mirrored the ones in her own nightmare. Her own version of hell, she thought faintly.
She was almost standing in Darien's embrace. She'd backed up into his chest, her feet between his. Her eyes were still locked onto those reddish- gold eyes. That's all she could see as her scream finally died down and fell silent on the wind.
Darien stifled the urge to laugh as he peered over the blonde's head. He really did try, in any case. Was it his fault that a couple of chuckles mixed with coughs came out? His hands came up to brace her upper arms, his fingers rubbing the satin-like skin gently.
As Serena's scream had ended, she turned her face upwards towards Darien's, hesitant to move her eyes away from the ones that peered at herself and Darien intently. A baffled stare was laced with fear as she took in Darien's bemused expression. His gaze was pseudo-innocent as his hands ran up and down the length of her arm lightly. Reassuringly.
Darien cleared his throat and whistled softly.
A loud bark was the answer. And the green forests that had consumed all but the bright red eyes in its shadows, loosened its hold. An obscure outline in the shape of a fairly large dog showed, now, as it moved forward a step. Out of the pine-colored shadows and onto the sun-lit dirt road, a sleek dog stepped onto the dirt and rocks, tail thumping on the ground as it greeted Darien with a yip of delight, and a paw extended.
Darien looked down at Serena. Her face was blooming with color-- embarrassment, most likely. Better, he thought, than the sickly waxen color she'd been moments before.
A raspy voice broke his thoughts. "Christ Jesus, Darien! That's your idog/i?!" Serena stared at it, unsure of what she was seeing. It had seemed ijust/i like the same eyes in her dream, she thought. Perhaps a bit more gold than red, though, she thought reluctantly. And then, of course a dog could never have long thin hands.
Flustered that he'd seen her go and make a fool of herself, she tried to change the topic. Even if it was a lame attempt. She cleared her throat and inquired, "What kind of dog is that?"
A grin flashed; he knew what she was doing, but wouldn't make fun of her. "She. Her name is Lupa and she's three-quarters wolf and the rest is German Shepherd. She's almost two years old, and really friendly." He smiled gently and scratched Lupa behind the ears. "You don't have to be scared of her." he finished on an afterthought.
So, he hadn't exactly known why she'd screamed. That was a relief, she thought, happy she hadn't spilled it to him earlier. She didn't know why that made her feel a bit better. The tension that had caused her stomach to curl had long ago loosened, when she'd seen it was a dog, and not a person that had gone after her.
Shuddering lightly, Serena pulled Darien's jacket around her, closer. "Let's just get to your home." Dispirited, she turned and set a hand on the cuff of Darien's sleeve and tugged lightly.
His amusement slid a notch. "Sure." He fell into step with her and sent a sideways glance. "You sure you're okay, though? You seemed to have gotten a helluva scare, from a dog."
She looked at him, waved a hand, and mumbled, "It's nothing. Just a stupid dream." A dream that should have left her memory by now.
"All right. We'll get to my house, and I'll get you something to eat, also." He swung an arm companionably around her shoulders as Lupa followed and they made their way to his house.
* * * *
"So, she's all right, then?" Deanna spoke into the portable phone, fretting.
"Yeah, Miz Dee. But, I still don't understand what made her blanch like that. Even if she is scared of dogs, or wolves, how could they freak her out that much? She mentioned something about a dream..." Darien wondered and a touch of worry slipped over his mind--and heart.
"I don't know, Dare. The other night she had a nightmare; I heard her scream, but then she quieted, so I thought all was okay. And I don't know what a nightmare would have to do with a dog, so I could just be babbling."
"No, it's okay. She mentioned the dream when we were walking home. I'll ask her later."
"Where is she now?"
"She's in the shower. I'm going to make some dinner for her, and then I'll drive her home."
"That's fine. Bring her back to me in one piece, got it?"
"Yes'm."
Mollified, Deanna hung up the phone, not realizing 'til then that she'd wrung the cord all around her fingers.
* * * *
Darien moved away from the chair he'd been sitting on, stretched and moved towards his bedroom.
"Serena?" he called tentatively to his adjoining masterbath.
A muffled "yes?" came through the thick oak door.
"I just thought of something." Darien coughed delicately before he continued. "Would you need a change of clothes?"
"Actually, that'd be great. But I don't think any of your clothes fit me." Serena said in reply.
Serena walked around Darien's bathroom, stark naked with her hair clinging to her back, dripping water onto the white tile. Her skin was pink from the heat of the water and droplets sparkled as she moved under the glare of the lightbulb.
She sifted through the cabinets and the drawers unable to find what she'd been looking for, for the past fifteen minutes. Exasperated, she turned from the shelf that was next to the door and kicked the entryway of the bathroom, gasping when it swung open and she was confronted with Darien. A look of piqued interest crossed his face as he shifted his gaze slowly away from her--a picture of her stripped body etched uncomfortably in his mind.
A lull in action and sound filled the distance, all of two feet, between them. Uneasy with the tension, Serena cleared her throat and broke the silence.
"Where do you have the blowdryer? My hair's not going to be drying anytime soon without one."
"I'm a guy. I don't use one." He cocked an eyebrow, though she couldn't see his face with his head at that angle. "But, I think I can dig up some...clothes...for you." With his head still turned, he beat down the urge to take a sneak glance at her nude form.
Sure that her face had turned a rosy color, Serena swung the door shut and snatched the thick robe that was on a hook beside the shower stall. Shoving her arms through the sleeves, she wrapped it around herself and tied it closed.
A frown marred her features as she saw that the robe did little to fend her pale breasts and stomach from view. The belt loops rode low on her hips, showing that it was made for someone with a taller frame, and so the top sagged open. It wouldn't stay closed unless she was holding it so.
With a hand clutching the cotton robe below her chin, Serena opened the door again to find an empty bedroom. Her feet padded softly on the smooth wooden floor as she crossed the room and peeked out into the hallway.
No Darien.
She walked out of the hallway and passed the living room and went into the kitchen.
No Darien.
She saw another door and pushed it open. The sight that met her eyes drew a lopsided grin. Darien was bent over a drawer, rifling through some clothes.
Serena's thoughts turned a different lane as she remembered her previous observation, while at work. As she leaned against the door's frame, she snickered. Darien Shields had an A plus butt.
Hearing the intrusive sound, Darien unfolded his tall frame and turned to look at Serena.
"Hey, you're wearing my robe." A small tingling sensation filled his stomach as he saw her clad in only a cotton robe. He liked the way she wore his robe, and the feeling he got from it.
"Yes, I am wearing your robe," her tone dry. "What gave you the first clue?" Dare looked up, a sharp gaze in his eyes that softened when he saw the teasing light in her own stare.
"Well, get out of it." He threw the clothing that'd been in his hands at her. "You've got clothes, now. The shirt's a bit long, but you can roll up the sleeves and the shorts should fit you fine, since they were Amy's."
Serena caught the garments in midair. A teasing smile spread across her face. "Get out of the robe right now, sugar? You had your chance when the door had swung open before. Now, it's too late."
She spun on her heel and was ready to walk back out as she tossed a quirky grin over her shoulder that met his impassioned eyes. The blatant and honest sensuality in his gaze rocked her system and she felt her insides dissolve. Her eyes warmed as she turned slowly back to face him, her hands falling unheeded to her sides. The expanse of flesh that could be seen slightly through the gaping bathrobe filled his vision as his own eyes fell from her face.
"Who said I wanted you...in that way?" His voice was low and husky as he moved closer to her, his eyes turned stormy-blue with desire.
She cocked an eyebrow as she looked up at him. "Who said you didn't?" The color heightened in her cheeks as she was all but standing between his legs, her back against the door.
Her voice slid over him as he lifted a hand to caress her flushed cheek. A deep voice whispered softly near her ear. "Touché. But, perhaps you're right and I do want you." His palms went up flat against the wall on either side of her, locking her between himself and the wooden entry. His head descended and he nibbled on the lobe of her ear delicately, running a tongue in the hollow.
A small gasp escaped as she brought her hands up to his chest. To push away or to touch and feel, she didn't know. Didn't care. The sensations that ran up and down her spine left her almost breathless, and when his lips trailed lazily down her neck and to her collarbone, her breath hitched.
His hands skimmed feather-like over the top swell of her breasts as her eyes fluttered shut. His face moved closer to hers, dipped, ready to nip the full lips that tantalized his sight. The smell of his soap on her made him giddy, and when his lips brushed hers gently, he wrapped her in his arms, crushing his form to hers. To find that they fit perfectly. No surprise there, a part of his subconscious mind thought quietly.
His tongue skimmed her upper lip--a persuasive action meant for her lips to open. And she did what his tongue bid. Leisurely, he perused her mouth, learning the contours of her mouth. Her own tongue danced playfully with his.
With her back against the wall, and Darien leaning into her, Serena slid her hands from their place on her chest and circled them around his neck. Her fingers snaked through his hair, fisting as she groaned.
The rude interruption of a shrill ring brought them back to their senses. It rang several times before Darien acknowledged it with a muttered curse, which filled the room that had heated up within a few minutes. Pushing away, Serena eyes were still glazed with passion as she heard his breath coming in and out raggedly. His lean fingers found their way into his back pocket, coming out with a cellphone.
"Hello?"
"...." A heavy breathing was all the response Darien got.
"Hello?" Darien asked again, slightly pissed off with the interval his phone had caused.
Shrugging, he hung up and turned back to Serena.
"Well," was all she could manage. So this guy had a couple of good moves in him. "I..ah..am going to go change, now." With her legs mimicking rubber, she exitted the room, a piercing look of lust following the slim back clothed in only a bathrobe.
* * * *
Serena walked out of the bathroom feeling, and looking, ridiculous in a shirt that went to her knees and with sleeves that went nearly past her elbows. Christ, what size did this man buy his shirts in? She might have just not worn shorts, she thought. It wouldn't have mattered since no one could see them, anyway.
Her hands fingered the soft fabric as her head was filled with a masculine aroma that belied the person that owned the shirt. She grinned at no one in particular as she walked through the house.
Taking in another deep breath of the shirt's scent, Serena's head jerked up. She sniffed the air. With a watering mouth, Serena nearly ran into the kitchen. Barbeque chicken. This man was an angel. Sighing, Serena slid onto the chair at the kitchen table.
"You clean, you cook, and you're a cop. Tell me, what aren't you?" Serena decided to ignore what had happened in the guestroom. It would not do to have people spreading rumors about how she was sleeping with her boss.
"What am I not?" Darien rubbed his chin thoughtfully. Grinning playfully, he said, "Your lover. But that'll change. Hopefully." Serena cast a sharp glance at him, but saw nothing but his broad back in a white t-shirt.
Holding a plate filled with barbeque chicken wings and drumsticks, he set it down on the tabletop along with two plates and a handful of napkins.
"D'you want anything to drink?"
"Mmm... water's fine." She took a wing and took a bite. Chewing thoughtfully, she polished it off in a few seconds.
"So, how come you never went into the banking business? Like your father?"
Darien looked up and shrugged. Pouring the water, then getting a beer out of the fridge for himself, he sat down. She took the water from him and took a sip.
"One side of the family has always been into capitalism. The other side's always been into justice." He watched her suck the barbeque sauce from a finger and he turned to look at the wall. The now interesting wall.
"So.. have you always been into wanting to be a policewoman?" he inquired.
"Sort of. I originally wanted to be a lawyer, but while I was doing pre- law it got to be too much.. and then my cousin passed away. So I switched to something that would be less time consuming."
"I'm sorry to hear about your cousin." His eyes shone with sincerity as they probed her distant ones.
"Yeah.. you and me, both." Her voice was bitter as she finished the fourth wing.
Darien didn't fight the urge to hug her. He got up and was around the table before she could blink. In his arms she nestled and felt content. Is this how Mina felt when her boat capsized? Serena couldn't help but wonder. In the arms of someone you could love, or did love, the world seemed like a soft and gente place...WHOA. Alarm bells went off in her mind. Rewind and play. iSomeone you could love? Or did love??/i
Is it true? Could that happen? She couldn't possibly fall in love with Darien. She stared at his profile through her eyelashes. He was handsome, kind, and knew how to tease back. But he was dense, too. Somewhat. Yes, he was someone she could fall in love with. But the question was, how bad would she get burned if she did?
Sighing, she buried her face in the hollow of his shoulder and held on. What a prank her heart just pulled. In love. With Darien Shields. This would definitely prove to be interesting.
Darien pulled back from the figure, set her back down on the chair and moved to his. "You feeling better, now?"
"Yeah." Serena gave a small smile. "I'm tired, though. So, perhaps a ride home would be best?"
"Sure thing. Go get your clothes from the laundry and I'll drive you back home."
* * * *
Darien and Serena got out of the car and headed up the porch steps of Dee's house. At the door, Serena got out her keys and turned to Darien.
"Thanks for everything, today. Good night, Darien." She toyed with the keys in her hands. "I'll see you on Monday, at work." Her voice was slightly aloof, giving an air of formality.
An eyebrow slid up. "Sure thing. And since today had all of a date's elements, I get to kiss the girl goodnight."
Serena's eyes shot up. "You will not kiss me goodnight." Both hands went up as he took a step nearer. "Seriously, Darien. If you kiss me, I'll kick your ass. And don't think that just because I'm a girl doesn't mean I can't." She didn't need this right now. She had too many feelings warring within her, and she wanted to sort them out before he threw her system into havoc, again.
Not heeding her warnings, Darien lowered his lips and murmured, "Don't worry. I don't think you can't kick my ass, but I think that's all you can do." Her eyes narrowed dangerously before his lips settled swifly onto hers. By then, her eyes had closed on their own.
A hand wrapped around her waist and the other at the nape of her neck to draw her nearer. He heard the faint clang of keys as they fell from her hands onto the porch. With his lips curved against hers, he ravaged her mouth and left her gasping for air. As he let her go, he watched her with half-closed eyes. An amused expression flitted across his face as she picked up her keys and opened the door. Each action was slow and seemed to express her trance-like state.
She shut the door in his face, and slid to the floor, purse and keys falling with a thump to the rug. Outside on the other side of the door, Darien grinned and walked to his car, and got in.
Serena's eyes were faraway and glazed as she looked up the stairs. Swollen pink lips, bruised from the previous activity was all the evidence of her goodnight kiss with Darien. That and her tousled hair.
Deanna came down the stairs, her eyes dancing with humor.
"So, how well does he kiss?"
* * * *
Mae: That's it, again! Review! ^_^ And I hope you enjoyed it. ^__^;; Tell me what you think, yah? xD I hope to have the next chapter out... soon. *coffs* ^.^;;
As usual, standard disclaimers apply. RER [Read, Enjoy, and Review]
AN: Thanks again goes to: Ash, Jess, Lilli. and LS. ^___^ Thankies for helping me with this fic, and being my sounding board. Special thanks to LS for being my editor, and not murdering me for my overuse of comma splices. ^^;;; *hugs and ravishes* You gals make me so happy. ;__;
* * * *
Deanna wandered around in her house restlessly. Moving from the couch in the family room to her upstairs bedroom to tinkering with the laundry that she'd forgotten to add the detergent to.
Where the hell was Serena? she wondered, frustrated. The girl should have been home hours ago, yet it was seven and she still hadn't come home. Not even a call to help Dee with her worried nerves. Wringing her hands, she paced back into the kitchen to pour herself some tea. Calm down, she thought to herself. She'd called the police station, but no one was there. She'd picked up the answering machine, and hung up. That was over an hour ago. She stared at the clock. Perhaps it was just ahead.
What if Serena had gotten lost? No, no. Too small of a town, she thought, biting a manicured nail. What if Serena was raped? That stopped Dee's movements and she leaned over the countertop. Oh. My. God. she thought and ran to the phone, thinking of dialing nine-one-one. God, what if her baby was on the street, broken and dead?
"Christ," she muttered. "Too many "if's". For all I know she could be in a Jacuzzi somewhere, soaking up some steam, and relaxing." Which is what Dee needed. Right now.
She let out a cry of surprise when the portable rang. Caller ID showed it was Darien's house phone. She lunged for the phone, knocking over the napkin stand.
* * * *
Serena's face was pale, her cerulean eyes standing out as they stared back at the eyes that mirrored the ones in her own nightmare. Her own version of hell, she thought faintly.
She was almost standing in Darien's embrace. She'd backed up into his chest, her feet between his. Her eyes were still locked onto those reddish- gold eyes. That's all she could see as her scream finally died down and fell silent on the wind.
Darien stifled the urge to laugh as he peered over the blonde's head. He really did try, in any case. Was it his fault that a couple of chuckles mixed with coughs came out? His hands came up to brace her upper arms, his fingers rubbing the satin-like skin gently.
As Serena's scream had ended, she turned her face upwards towards Darien's, hesitant to move her eyes away from the ones that peered at herself and Darien intently. A baffled stare was laced with fear as she took in Darien's bemused expression. His gaze was pseudo-innocent as his hands ran up and down the length of her arm lightly. Reassuringly.
Darien cleared his throat and whistled softly.
A loud bark was the answer. And the green forests that had consumed all but the bright red eyes in its shadows, loosened its hold. An obscure outline in the shape of a fairly large dog showed, now, as it moved forward a step. Out of the pine-colored shadows and onto the sun-lit dirt road, a sleek dog stepped onto the dirt and rocks, tail thumping on the ground as it greeted Darien with a yip of delight, and a paw extended.
Darien looked down at Serena. Her face was blooming with color-- embarrassment, most likely. Better, he thought, than the sickly waxen color she'd been moments before.
A raspy voice broke his thoughts. "Christ Jesus, Darien! That's your idog/i?!" Serena stared at it, unsure of what she was seeing. It had seemed ijust/i like the same eyes in her dream, she thought. Perhaps a bit more gold than red, though, she thought reluctantly. And then, of course a dog could never have long thin hands.
Flustered that he'd seen her go and make a fool of herself, she tried to change the topic. Even if it was a lame attempt. She cleared her throat and inquired, "What kind of dog is that?"
A grin flashed; he knew what she was doing, but wouldn't make fun of her. "She. Her name is Lupa and she's three-quarters wolf and the rest is German Shepherd. She's almost two years old, and really friendly." He smiled gently and scratched Lupa behind the ears. "You don't have to be scared of her." he finished on an afterthought.
So, he hadn't exactly known why she'd screamed. That was a relief, she thought, happy she hadn't spilled it to him earlier. She didn't know why that made her feel a bit better. The tension that had caused her stomach to curl had long ago loosened, when she'd seen it was a dog, and not a person that had gone after her.
Shuddering lightly, Serena pulled Darien's jacket around her, closer. "Let's just get to your home." Dispirited, she turned and set a hand on the cuff of Darien's sleeve and tugged lightly.
His amusement slid a notch. "Sure." He fell into step with her and sent a sideways glance. "You sure you're okay, though? You seemed to have gotten a helluva scare, from a dog."
She looked at him, waved a hand, and mumbled, "It's nothing. Just a stupid dream." A dream that should have left her memory by now.
"All right. We'll get to my house, and I'll get you something to eat, also." He swung an arm companionably around her shoulders as Lupa followed and they made their way to his house.
* * * *
"So, she's all right, then?" Deanna spoke into the portable phone, fretting.
"Yeah, Miz Dee. But, I still don't understand what made her blanch like that. Even if she is scared of dogs, or wolves, how could they freak her out that much? She mentioned something about a dream..." Darien wondered and a touch of worry slipped over his mind--and heart.
"I don't know, Dare. The other night she had a nightmare; I heard her scream, but then she quieted, so I thought all was okay. And I don't know what a nightmare would have to do with a dog, so I could just be babbling."
"No, it's okay. She mentioned the dream when we were walking home. I'll ask her later."
"Where is she now?"
"She's in the shower. I'm going to make some dinner for her, and then I'll drive her home."
"That's fine. Bring her back to me in one piece, got it?"
"Yes'm."
Mollified, Deanna hung up the phone, not realizing 'til then that she'd wrung the cord all around her fingers.
* * * *
Darien moved away from the chair he'd been sitting on, stretched and moved towards his bedroom.
"Serena?" he called tentatively to his adjoining masterbath.
A muffled "yes?" came through the thick oak door.
"I just thought of something." Darien coughed delicately before he continued. "Would you need a change of clothes?"
"Actually, that'd be great. But I don't think any of your clothes fit me." Serena said in reply.
Serena walked around Darien's bathroom, stark naked with her hair clinging to her back, dripping water onto the white tile. Her skin was pink from the heat of the water and droplets sparkled as she moved under the glare of the lightbulb.
She sifted through the cabinets and the drawers unable to find what she'd been looking for, for the past fifteen minutes. Exasperated, she turned from the shelf that was next to the door and kicked the entryway of the bathroom, gasping when it swung open and she was confronted with Darien. A look of piqued interest crossed his face as he shifted his gaze slowly away from her--a picture of her stripped body etched uncomfortably in his mind.
A lull in action and sound filled the distance, all of two feet, between them. Uneasy with the tension, Serena cleared her throat and broke the silence.
"Where do you have the blowdryer? My hair's not going to be drying anytime soon without one."
"I'm a guy. I don't use one." He cocked an eyebrow, though she couldn't see his face with his head at that angle. "But, I think I can dig up some...clothes...for you." With his head still turned, he beat down the urge to take a sneak glance at her nude form.
Sure that her face had turned a rosy color, Serena swung the door shut and snatched the thick robe that was on a hook beside the shower stall. Shoving her arms through the sleeves, she wrapped it around herself and tied it closed.
A frown marred her features as she saw that the robe did little to fend her pale breasts and stomach from view. The belt loops rode low on her hips, showing that it was made for someone with a taller frame, and so the top sagged open. It wouldn't stay closed unless she was holding it so.
With a hand clutching the cotton robe below her chin, Serena opened the door again to find an empty bedroom. Her feet padded softly on the smooth wooden floor as she crossed the room and peeked out into the hallway.
No Darien.
She walked out of the hallway and passed the living room and went into the kitchen.
No Darien.
She saw another door and pushed it open. The sight that met her eyes drew a lopsided grin. Darien was bent over a drawer, rifling through some clothes.
Serena's thoughts turned a different lane as she remembered her previous observation, while at work. As she leaned against the door's frame, she snickered. Darien Shields had an A plus butt.
Hearing the intrusive sound, Darien unfolded his tall frame and turned to look at Serena.
"Hey, you're wearing my robe." A small tingling sensation filled his stomach as he saw her clad in only a cotton robe. He liked the way she wore his robe, and the feeling he got from it.
"Yes, I am wearing your robe," her tone dry. "What gave you the first clue?" Dare looked up, a sharp gaze in his eyes that softened when he saw the teasing light in her own stare.
"Well, get out of it." He threw the clothing that'd been in his hands at her. "You've got clothes, now. The shirt's a bit long, but you can roll up the sleeves and the shorts should fit you fine, since they were Amy's."
Serena caught the garments in midair. A teasing smile spread across her face. "Get out of the robe right now, sugar? You had your chance when the door had swung open before. Now, it's too late."
She spun on her heel and was ready to walk back out as she tossed a quirky grin over her shoulder that met his impassioned eyes. The blatant and honest sensuality in his gaze rocked her system and she felt her insides dissolve. Her eyes warmed as she turned slowly back to face him, her hands falling unheeded to her sides. The expanse of flesh that could be seen slightly through the gaping bathrobe filled his vision as his own eyes fell from her face.
"Who said I wanted you...in that way?" His voice was low and husky as he moved closer to her, his eyes turned stormy-blue with desire.
She cocked an eyebrow as she looked up at him. "Who said you didn't?" The color heightened in her cheeks as she was all but standing between his legs, her back against the door.
Her voice slid over him as he lifted a hand to caress her flushed cheek. A deep voice whispered softly near her ear. "Touché. But, perhaps you're right and I do want you." His palms went up flat against the wall on either side of her, locking her between himself and the wooden entry. His head descended and he nibbled on the lobe of her ear delicately, running a tongue in the hollow.
A small gasp escaped as she brought her hands up to his chest. To push away or to touch and feel, she didn't know. Didn't care. The sensations that ran up and down her spine left her almost breathless, and when his lips trailed lazily down her neck and to her collarbone, her breath hitched.
His hands skimmed feather-like over the top swell of her breasts as her eyes fluttered shut. His face moved closer to hers, dipped, ready to nip the full lips that tantalized his sight. The smell of his soap on her made him giddy, and when his lips brushed hers gently, he wrapped her in his arms, crushing his form to hers. To find that they fit perfectly. No surprise there, a part of his subconscious mind thought quietly.
His tongue skimmed her upper lip--a persuasive action meant for her lips to open. And she did what his tongue bid. Leisurely, he perused her mouth, learning the contours of her mouth. Her own tongue danced playfully with his.
With her back against the wall, and Darien leaning into her, Serena slid her hands from their place on her chest and circled them around his neck. Her fingers snaked through his hair, fisting as she groaned.
The rude interruption of a shrill ring brought them back to their senses. It rang several times before Darien acknowledged it with a muttered curse, which filled the room that had heated up within a few minutes. Pushing away, Serena eyes were still glazed with passion as she heard his breath coming in and out raggedly. His lean fingers found their way into his back pocket, coming out with a cellphone.
"Hello?"
"...." A heavy breathing was all the response Darien got.
"Hello?" Darien asked again, slightly pissed off with the interval his phone had caused.
Shrugging, he hung up and turned back to Serena.
"Well," was all she could manage. So this guy had a couple of good moves in him. "I..ah..am going to go change, now." With her legs mimicking rubber, she exitted the room, a piercing look of lust following the slim back clothed in only a bathrobe.
* * * *
Serena walked out of the bathroom feeling, and looking, ridiculous in a shirt that went to her knees and with sleeves that went nearly past her elbows. Christ, what size did this man buy his shirts in? She might have just not worn shorts, she thought. It wouldn't have mattered since no one could see them, anyway.
Her hands fingered the soft fabric as her head was filled with a masculine aroma that belied the person that owned the shirt. She grinned at no one in particular as she walked through the house.
Taking in another deep breath of the shirt's scent, Serena's head jerked up. She sniffed the air. With a watering mouth, Serena nearly ran into the kitchen. Barbeque chicken. This man was an angel. Sighing, Serena slid onto the chair at the kitchen table.
"You clean, you cook, and you're a cop. Tell me, what aren't you?" Serena decided to ignore what had happened in the guestroom. It would not do to have people spreading rumors about how she was sleeping with her boss.
"What am I not?" Darien rubbed his chin thoughtfully. Grinning playfully, he said, "Your lover. But that'll change. Hopefully." Serena cast a sharp glance at him, but saw nothing but his broad back in a white t-shirt.
Holding a plate filled with barbeque chicken wings and drumsticks, he set it down on the tabletop along with two plates and a handful of napkins.
"D'you want anything to drink?"
"Mmm... water's fine." She took a wing and took a bite. Chewing thoughtfully, she polished it off in a few seconds.
"So, how come you never went into the banking business? Like your father?"
Darien looked up and shrugged. Pouring the water, then getting a beer out of the fridge for himself, he sat down. She took the water from him and took a sip.
"One side of the family has always been into capitalism. The other side's always been into justice." He watched her suck the barbeque sauce from a finger and he turned to look at the wall. The now interesting wall.
"So.. have you always been into wanting to be a policewoman?" he inquired.
"Sort of. I originally wanted to be a lawyer, but while I was doing pre- law it got to be too much.. and then my cousin passed away. So I switched to something that would be less time consuming."
"I'm sorry to hear about your cousin." His eyes shone with sincerity as they probed her distant ones.
"Yeah.. you and me, both." Her voice was bitter as she finished the fourth wing.
Darien didn't fight the urge to hug her. He got up and was around the table before she could blink. In his arms she nestled and felt content. Is this how Mina felt when her boat capsized? Serena couldn't help but wonder. In the arms of someone you could love, or did love, the world seemed like a soft and gente place...WHOA. Alarm bells went off in her mind. Rewind and play. iSomeone you could love? Or did love??/i
Is it true? Could that happen? She couldn't possibly fall in love with Darien. She stared at his profile through her eyelashes. He was handsome, kind, and knew how to tease back. But he was dense, too. Somewhat. Yes, he was someone she could fall in love with. But the question was, how bad would she get burned if she did?
Sighing, she buried her face in the hollow of his shoulder and held on. What a prank her heart just pulled. In love. With Darien Shields. This would definitely prove to be interesting.
Darien pulled back from the figure, set her back down on the chair and moved to his. "You feeling better, now?"
"Yeah." Serena gave a small smile. "I'm tired, though. So, perhaps a ride home would be best?"
"Sure thing. Go get your clothes from the laundry and I'll drive you back home."
* * * *
Darien and Serena got out of the car and headed up the porch steps of Dee's house. At the door, Serena got out her keys and turned to Darien.
"Thanks for everything, today. Good night, Darien." She toyed with the keys in her hands. "I'll see you on Monday, at work." Her voice was slightly aloof, giving an air of formality.
An eyebrow slid up. "Sure thing. And since today had all of a date's elements, I get to kiss the girl goodnight."
Serena's eyes shot up. "You will not kiss me goodnight." Both hands went up as he took a step nearer. "Seriously, Darien. If you kiss me, I'll kick your ass. And don't think that just because I'm a girl doesn't mean I can't." She didn't need this right now. She had too many feelings warring within her, and she wanted to sort them out before he threw her system into havoc, again.
Not heeding her warnings, Darien lowered his lips and murmured, "Don't worry. I don't think you can't kick my ass, but I think that's all you can do." Her eyes narrowed dangerously before his lips settled swifly onto hers. By then, her eyes had closed on their own.
A hand wrapped around her waist and the other at the nape of her neck to draw her nearer. He heard the faint clang of keys as they fell from her hands onto the porch. With his lips curved against hers, he ravaged her mouth and left her gasping for air. As he let her go, he watched her with half-closed eyes. An amused expression flitted across his face as she picked up her keys and opened the door. Each action was slow and seemed to express her trance-like state.
She shut the door in his face, and slid to the floor, purse and keys falling with a thump to the rug. Outside on the other side of the door, Darien grinned and walked to his car, and got in.
Serena's eyes were faraway and glazed as she looked up the stairs. Swollen pink lips, bruised from the previous activity was all the evidence of her goodnight kiss with Darien. That and her tousled hair.
Deanna came down the stairs, her eyes dancing with humor.
"So, how well does he kiss?"
* * * *
Mae: That's it, again! Review! ^_^ And I hope you enjoyed it. ^__^;; Tell me what you think, yah? xD I hope to have the next chapter out... soon. *coffs* ^.^;;
