Shady Business by Silver MoonAngel @ AI and ASMR
Carley MoonAngel @ FF.Net
--------------------------------------------------------------------
STANDARD DISCLAIMER APPLIES
--------------------------------------------------------------------
AN: This is the second, EDITED, version of Shady Business. I'm
still going to be writing the first version we all know and love
(well, at least I do) and taking suggestions to revise it and create
this one!
Also, some new elements are going to be introduced, but it will only
prove to enhance it (I hope).
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter Two - Settling In
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Wiping her eyes on her sleeve, Serena slowly stood up. She didn't
want to get that close to him. She was a great emotional mess and
she didn't need this extra load of baggage. Darien Mills was going
to have to keep his distance if he didn't want to be skewered by the
nearest pointy object. Smoothing her bangs out of her eyes, she
walked into the hallway. She paused a moment to take in her
surroundings and casually walked over to a statue of a sea nymph
rising from the water. 'This must be one of Nerys',' Serena thought
as she turned her gaze toward the corner of the room. Standing
there was Byrne; at least she'd have a confidant in him.
"Are you and Mr. Mills finished, Miss Blade?" Byrne took a look at
Serena and silently reproached his master. Normally he kept his
opinions to himself and said nothing about the state of the women
that walked through the door, but this was it. Serena's hair was
coming out of her ponytail and mascara residue pooled beneath her
eyes; obviously, the master had thoroughly enjoyed himself and to
her expense. He slowly walked up to her and saw that there were
fresh tear trails coming down her cheeks. Cursing low, he put a
hand on her shoulder and asked her again, "Are you and Mr. Mills
finished?"
Serena just nodded her head, afraid that her voice may fail her in
the middle of a sentence. Darien had rattled her last nerve. She
felt desired and she felt so dirty at the same time. Everything was
falling apart and if he happened to be the catalyst, then so be it.
Se needed someone to blame and if she saw him sometime this
millennium, it would be all too soon.
"Serena?"
Serena whipped around and saw Darien standing in the doorway of the
library, looking as lethal as a panther intent on capturing its next
meal. No matter what he looked like, he was a danger; all men were.
Mentally shaking herself, Serena choked back the urge to yell at
him. Becoming a picture-perfect ice queen, she coolly replied,
"What is it Darien?"
Wincing at her tone, Darien mentally tallied the score: Serena 2,
Darien 0. At least she hadn't punted him in his gonads. Running a
hand through his hair, he flashed a hundred-watt smile. It probably
wouldn't help him out in the long run, but it might diffuse her
anger, somewhat. "I just wanted to know if you had seen your
bedroom."
Serena smiled while shaking her head. That man never gave up.
Closing her eyes, she gave a sigh of relief. It would be a long
time before she could even think of having some semblance of sanity
ever again. Even if she managed to escape from this with her
dignity intact, she'd have to deal with the insane mess that awaited
her back home. Squeezing them tighter, she wished that she could
wake up and that this was all a dream. Slowly opening her eyes, she
saw a pair of dark blue eyes staring at her from a much closer
proximity than before.
Dropping his voice, Darien said, "I promise no funny stuff." Tired
of running his hand through his hair, he placed it on her shoulder.
He caught her glare and smiled again, adding, "Byrne would probably
chase after me with a fire poker."
Giggling at the mental image, Serena slowly smiled back at him.
Darien caught his breath. If he thought she was beautiful before,
she was down right ravishing now. Even with caked mascara and messy
hair, seeing her straight white teeth--care of her father, no doubt-
-peeking out from between her luscious lips, melted Darien's
insides.
Serena's smile dropped from her face when she realized what was
happening. She was actually encouraging him. She was even flirting
with him! The last thing she wanted to do was to encourage him.
Serena sighed and looked at Byrne. "Byrne, will you please escort
me to my room."
Ignoring his master's infuriated look, Byrne chuckled to himself.
Mr. Mills was going to have to fight desperately if he truly wanted
to be with this woman. Byrne would be the first to approve of this
young lady, she had a polite--albeit slightly cold, so far--manner
and demeanor about her. Proffering his arm, he said, "This way,
Miss Blade."
Flashing Byrne a smile, and taking his arm, Serena said, "Lead the
way."
Watching her retreating back, Darien silently berated himself. She
had certainly grown up in the last ten years. She had lost her
soft, innocent way and had found a much cooler way to deal with the
world. 'I'll find out what happened to her,' he promised himself.
With tears of regret pricking his eyes, he went to his study and
proceeded to drink himself into an intoxicated stupor with the
finest--and strongest--brandy in his liquor cabinet.
* * *
Serena gaped at the room. Byrne had dropped her off a few minutes
ago and the room managed to enthrall her every sense. The bed was a
four poster canopy with white curtains. The rich scarlet bedspread
was covered with various white, cream, and red pillows; the largest
of which covered nearly the whole headboard. The whole room had
been done in whites, creams, and various shades of red. There was a
scarlet armchair in front of a fireplace, as well as a crimson couch
and an ornate mahogany bookcase. Taking a closer look at a painting
above the fireplace, she saw it was the print--Selene, the Moon
Goddess and her shepherd, Endymion--she had attempted to buy a few
months earlier at Claude Robepierre's art gallery. 'Well, now I
know who outbid me,' she thought as she returned her gaze to the
room.
Serena turned around the room one more time before going to the
bookcase. Lining the shelves were some of her favorite books, as
well as those she had been meaning to read. Picking up a copy of
Jane Austen's "Persuasion"--one of her favorites--Serena sat on the
couch and read undisturbed for several hours.
* * *
Darien emerged from his study several hours later, his eyes
bloodshot, his balance unsteady, and his breath reeking of brandy.
He didn't mean to drink that much, but the image of her
unforgettable eyes kept him rethinking his plan. He had intended to
seduce her and have her come willingly to his bed. He really didn't
want things to come to this, but if they had to...
He somehow managed to work his way to her room. Pausing outside,
Darien pressed his forehead against the cold oak of the door. He
had never been able to forget her since she was sixteen and when
this was said and done, he knew he'd never be able to get her off
his mind. She was like a narcotic; possibly addicting after the
first taste.
He rapped on the door and called, "Serena?" Hearing no reply, he
opened the door and spied Serena reading on the couch. Her blonde
hair was falling gently over her shoulder and a pair of reading
glasses perched on her nose.
Serena looked up and jumped at the sight of Darien standing in the
doorway. She snatched her book out of the air and placed it on her
lap. Realizing that her glasses were on, she whipped them off and
glared at him. She really wasn't a vain person, she didn't want him
to see her with any kind of vulnerability. "What do you want?"
"Serena, I..." Darien fumbled for words as he walked farther into
the room. He gazed at her. The light green dress was innocent, but
made his blood boil. She was looked so hard and so soft at the same
time; it was an extremely desirable combination.
Serena felt herself getting off the couch and walking toward him as
if she had no will of her own. She couldn't decide who was dropping
the barrier first, him, or herself. She prayed it wasn't her, the
consequences were too dire to comprehend.
She was standing in front of him now. Darien waited a fraction of a
second before he looked down and captured her mouth with his own.
He carried her over to the couch and sat down, placing her firmly on
his lap.
Serena moaned. His mouth tasted like the finest brandy and
pleasure. She was beyond caring, she wanted--no, needed--to feel
him overpower her and sweep her up in desire. She threw her head
back and writhed on his lap, eliciting a groan from Darien.
Darien ravaged her mouth. He tasted sweetness, desire, and hope;
hope that they would be able to finish things this time around. He
picked her up and laid her on the bed, landing next to her. He
slowly kissed his way down her body, pausing to kiss the tender
white flesh of her throat.
Goodness, this man was worse than the strongest narcotic. This was
second time they kissed, and she was hooked. She pulled him up and
planted a kiss on his lips, softly nipping at them as they moved
together. Serena slowly writhed beneath him. "Darien?"
"Yes?" Goodness, this woman possessed the ability to tie him in
knots. He was about ready to give her the moon and stars. He
couldn't believe his good fortune, she was accepting what they were
doing.
"You'll be the first in a long time," Serena said as Darien started
unbuttoning her dress.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Review, review, review! I'd like to continue editing this and
hopefully soon the other chapters will come out! Unfortunately,
diamonds aren't my best friends, so I need reviews, please. :)
Send questions or comments to: silvermoonangel@yahoo.com
Carley MoonAngel @ FF.Net
--------------------------------------------------------------------
STANDARD DISCLAIMER APPLIES
--------------------------------------------------------------------
AN: This is the second, EDITED, version of Shady Business. I'm
still going to be writing the first version we all know and love
(well, at least I do) and taking suggestions to revise it and create
this one!
Also, some new elements are going to be introduced, but it will only
prove to enhance it (I hope).
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter Two - Settling In
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Wiping her eyes on her sleeve, Serena slowly stood up. She didn't
want to get that close to him. She was a great emotional mess and
she didn't need this extra load of baggage. Darien Mills was going
to have to keep his distance if he didn't want to be skewered by the
nearest pointy object. Smoothing her bangs out of her eyes, she
walked into the hallway. She paused a moment to take in her
surroundings and casually walked over to a statue of a sea nymph
rising from the water. 'This must be one of Nerys',' Serena thought
as she turned her gaze toward the corner of the room. Standing
there was Byrne; at least she'd have a confidant in him.
"Are you and Mr. Mills finished, Miss Blade?" Byrne took a look at
Serena and silently reproached his master. Normally he kept his
opinions to himself and said nothing about the state of the women
that walked through the door, but this was it. Serena's hair was
coming out of her ponytail and mascara residue pooled beneath her
eyes; obviously, the master had thoroughly enjoyed himself and to
her expense. He slowly walked up to her and saw that there were
fresh tear trails coming down her cheeks. Cursing low, he put a
hand on her shoulder and asked her again, "Are you and Mr. Mills
finished?"
Serena just nodded her head, afraid that her voice may fail her in
the middle of a sentence. Darien had rattled her last nerve. She
felt desired and she felt so dirty at the same time. Everything was
falling apart and if he happened to be the catalyst, then so be it.
Se needed someone to blame and if she saw him sometime this
millennium, it would be all too soon.
"Serena?"
Serena whipped around and saw Darien standing in the doorway of the
library, looking as lethal as a panther intent on capturing its next
meal. No matter what he looked like, he was a danger; all men were.
Mentally shaking herself, Serena choked back the urge to yell at
him. Becoming a picture-perfect ice queen, she coolly replied,
"What is it Darien?"
Wincing at her tone, Darien mentally tallied the score: Serena 2,
Darien 0. At least she hadn't punted him in his gonads. Running a
hand through his hair, he flashed a hundred-watt smile. It probably
wouldn't help him out in the long run, but it might diffuse her
anger, somewhat. "I just wanted to know if you had seen your
bedroom."
Serena smiled while shaking her head. That man never gave up.
Closing her eyes, she gave a sigh of relief. It would be a long
time before she could even think of having some semblance of sanity
ever again. Even if she managed to escape from this with her
dignity intact, she'd have to deal with the insane mess that awaited
her back home. Squeezing them tighter, she wished that she could
wake up and that this was all a dream. Slowly opening her eyes, she
saw a pair of dark blue eyes staring at her from a much closer
proximity than before.
Dropping his voice, Darien said, "I promise no funny stuff." Tired
of running his hand through his hair, he placed it on her shoulder.
He caught her glare and smiled again, adding, "Byrne would probably
chase after me with a fire poker."
Giggling at the mental image, Serena slowly smiled back at him.
Darien caught his breath. If he thought she was beautiful before,
she was down right ravishing now. Even with caked mascara and messy
hair, seeing her straight white teeth--care of her father, no doubt-
-peeking out from between her luscious lips, melted Darien's
insides.
Serena's smile dropped from her face when she realized what was
happening. She was actually encouraging him. She was even flirting
with him! The last thing she wanted to do was to encourage him.
Serena sighed and looked at Byrne. "Byrne, will you please escort
me to my room."
Ignoring his master's infuriated look, Byrne chuckled to himself.
Mr. Mills was going to have to fight desperately if he truly wanted
to be with this woman. Byrne would be the first to approve of this
young lady, she had a polite--albeit slightly cold, so far--manner
and demeanor about her. Proffering his arm, he said, "This way,
Miss Blade."
Flashing Byrne a smile, and taking his arm, Serena said, "Lead the
way."
Watching her retreating back, Darien silently berated himself. She
had certainly grown up in the last ten years. She had lost her
soft, innocent way and had found a much cooler way to deal with the
world. 'I'll find out what happened to her,' he promised himself.
With tears of regret pricking his eyes, he went to his study and
proceeded to drink himself into an intoxicated stupor with the
finest--and strongest--brandy in his liquor cabinet.
* * *
Serena gaped at the room. Byrne had dropped her off a few minutes
ago and the room managed to enthrall her every sense. The bed was a
four poster canopy with white curtains. The rich scarlet bedspread
was covered with various white, cream, and red pillows; the largest
of which covered nearly the whole headboard. The whole room had
been done in whites, creams, and various shades of red. There was a
scarlet armchair in front of a fireplace, as well as a crimson couch
and an ornate mahogany bookcase. Taking a closer look at a painting
above the fireplace, she saw it was the print--Selene, the Moon
Goddess and her shepherd, Endymion--she had attempted to buy a few
months earlier at Claude Robepierre's art gallery. 'Well, now I
know who outbid me,' she thought as she returned her gaze to the
room.
Serena turned around the room one more time before going to the
bookcase. Lining the shelves were some of her favorite books, as
well as those she had been meaning to read. Picking up a copy of
Jane Austen's "Persuasion"--one of her favorites--Serena sat on the
couch and read undisturbed for several hours.
* * *
Darien emerged from his study several hours later, his eyes
bloodshot, his balance unsteady, and his breath reeking of brandy.
He didn't mean to drink that much, but the image of her
unforgettable eyes kept him rethinking his plan. He had intended to
seduce her and have her come willingly to his bed. He really didn't
want things to come to this, but if they had to...
He somehow managed to work his way to her room. Pausing outside,
Darien pressed his forehead against the cold oak of the door. He
had never been able to forget her since she was sixteen and when
this was said and done, he knew he'd never be able to get her off
his mind. She was like a narcotic; possibly addicting after the
first taste.
He rapped on the door and called, "Serena?" Hearing no reply, he
opened the door and spied Serena reading on the couch. Her blonde
hair was falling gently over her shoulder and a pair of reading
glasses perched on her nose.
Serena looked up and jumped at the sight of Darien standing in the
doorway. She snatched her book out of the air and placed it on her
lap. Realizing that her glasses were on, she whipped them off and
glared at him. She really wasn't a vain person, she didn't want him
to see her with any kind of vulnerability. "What do you want?"
"Serena, I..." Darien fumbled for words as he walked farther into
the room. He gazed at her. The light green dress was innocent, but
made his blood boil. She was looked so hard and so soft at the same
time; it was an extremely desirable combination.
Serena felt herself getting off the couch and walking toward him as
if she had no will of her own. She couldn't decide who was dropping
the barrier first, him, or herself. She prayed it wasn't her, the
consequences were too dire to comprehend.
She was standing in front of him now. Darien waited a fraction of a
second before he looked down and captured her mouth with his own.
He carried her over to the couch and sat down, placing her firmly on
his lap.
Serena moaned. His mouth tasted like the finest brandy and
pleasure. She was beyond caring, she wanted--no, needed--to feel
him overpower her and sweep her up in desire. She threw her head
back and writhed on his lap, eliciting a groan from Darien.
Darien ravaged her mouth. He tasted sweetness, desire, and hope;
hope that they would be able to finish things this time around. He
picked her up and laid her on the bed, landing next to her. He
slowly kissed his way down her body, pausing to kiss the tender
white flesh of her throat.
Goodness, this man was worse than the strongest narcotic. This was
second time they kissed, and she was hooked. She pulled him up and
planted a kiss on his lips, softly nipping at them as they moved
together. Serena slowly writhed beneath him. "Darien?"
"Yes?" Goodness, this woman possessed the ability to tie him in
knots. He was about ready to give her the moon and stars. He
couldn't believe his good fortune, she was accepting what they were
doing.
"You'll be the first in a long time," Serena said as Darien started
unbuttoning her dress.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Review, review, review! I'd like to continue editing this and
hopefully soon the other chapters will come out! Unfortunately,
diamonds aren't my best friends, so I need reviews, please. :)
Send questions or comments to: silvermoonangel@yahoo.com