Dangerous Seduction

By TriGemini

Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon or its characters they belong to Naoko Takeuchi.

Chapter Four

"It all started when I got back from Europe that summer..."

It was already late in August and the weather was hot in Los Angeles. Serena Thornton was thrilled to be back in the U.S. after her long summer vacation visiting Europe. Sure, she had a great summer. However, she had been by herself the entire time. Besides, she missed her family and friends terribly. Even though, she had to admit that the trip hadn't been in vain. Since she finally got a chance to visit all the great cities and experience the various cultures. Not to mention, she didn't mind doing some shopping or checking out the local nightclubs. For Serena had always enjoyed going places. She just wished she could have enjoyed it with someone else. Apart from herself, of course, but then wouldn't anybody want that. Serena realized that as soon as she settled down things would pick up once more. She knew right off that when Diamond got the opportunity he would want to talk about getting married.

It wasn't that Serena didn't want to get married. She just felt that she wasn't ready to make that sort of commitment yet. That was one of the reasons why she went on the trip in first place because it was the sort of distraction she needed her life. Nevertheless, she knew that she was only putting off the inevitable. She knew that once she got back home things were likely to change. In her mind, she was sure that she loved Diamond. She just wasn't sure if she loved him enough to marry him. This was a bit strange because they'd been dating for such along time and it was highly expected from both their families to get married. Yet Serena wanted something more out of life. She just didn't know what though.

Therefore, she decided to put Diamond out of her mind and concentrate on other things. Like what was she going to do when she finally settled down? That particular thought had always been constantly bothering since her flight from New York City. She just wished that things could be simple. Nevertheless, it didn't seem like the answer would come to her that easily. For that reason, she tried not to dwell on the matter, because it was beginning to drive her insane by just thinking about it. A person would guess at twenty-one, life would be easy to figure out. Then again in Serena's case it wasn't.

The taxi finally came to a screeching halt in front of an apartment building. Before Serena got out, she gazed out the window. Her thoughts on the fact that she was finally home at last. She knew right then that there wasn't any turning back now. Especially, since everybody was expecting her home already. Therefore, she got out and walked through the outdoor opening that led into a courtyard. From there she had to walk up a cobblestone pathway that led to another side of the apartment building. Finally, after turning the corner and walking down three doors, Serena came to her apartment. She stopped in front of her door so she could put her luggage down and get the key out of her purse. As soon as she opened the door, she went into her apartment house.

The apartment house was elegantly decorated. The walls were painted a soft soothing pale blue, the furniture were white crème and leather (except for a few pieces), and decorated with antique lamps, vases and other sophisticated touches. Serena remembered how she insisted on decorating her own place seeing as she'd be the one spending the most time there. Therefore, she wanted to make the place feel comfortable. Making her way into the bedroom, Serena continued on in. Once she got there, she was surprised to find a huge vase of white roses sitting on her vanity table. She walked over to see if the flowers had a card with them. Therefore, after looking for a bit she finally found it. When she looked to read it, she wasn't surprised anymore of who sent them. They were from Diamond. The note read:

Did you think I would forget when you would return? Sorry for not being at the airport. Nevertheless, I'm hoping to be able to make it up to you tonight. Dinner on the terrace at The Laurel Garden reservation is for seven. I'll pick you up at six-thirty.

Love

Diamond

The Laurel Garden was an elegant restaurant that was owned by one of Diamond's acquaintances from work. In some ways, Diamond always did his best to impress Serena. Even if at times, she believed he tried too hard. However, at this time it wasn't the situation. She just wanted to have a relaxing and pleasant evening. Serena glanced at the clock in her room and noticed that it was only five-thirty. She knew that if she wanted to be ready before Diamond got here to pick her up, she would have to start getting dress at this precise moment.

Serena began to sort through her clothes that were in her closet and was trying to decide what was suitable to wear to the restaurant. Finally, after three outfits she decided to put on a long lacy blue evening dress that was entirely made up of silk and lace. It had a short V-neck, which exposed some of her skin; it was also held up with two silver crescent shape brooches. It was the perfect dress to wear to a place like, 'The Laurel Garden.' She had decided to wear her hair up in a chignon, since she didn't have much time to do much else with it. In a matter of minutes, she was ready. It was amazing what one could do in a certain amount of time given.

After she finished dressing, Serena decided to look at her reflection one last time. As she gazed into the mirror, she heard a knock at the door and instantly knew it was Diamond. She hurried towards the door so she could open it. The moment she did, Diamond stood on the other side. As always, Diamond looked quite handsome in his outfit. He smiled instantly when he saw her standing in the doorway. To him he was standing in front of a goddess and nothing else could compare to her beauty. Serena also smiled at him. Although, in the pit of her stomach she was feeling a bit nervous so she decided to break the silence.

"Good evening, Diamond!" she said courteously

"Serena…you look lovely as always," said Diamond kindly. Trust Diamond always to have some flattering comment to make. Serena felt herself blush a bit, which she rarely did unless she was somewhat uncomfortable. Nevertheless, she couldn't understand why this would cause her to feel this way. Once more, a few moments of silence slipped between them two. Until Diamond suggested that, they head out to the restaurant. Serena sat there in the comfort of silence until Diamond asked about her trip.

"So how was Europe? Did you enjoy it?" asked Diamond. inquiringly

"It was good. I visited several countries while I was there. I went to Italy, Greece, Spain, France, England, and Switzerland. I've forgotten how much I like to travel. I promised myself that I would have to do it again next year. If I can." answered Serena.

"Perhaps, it can be a joint outing?" said Diamond in an unobtrusive manner. With that comment, Serena looked at him and wondered by what he meant.

Diamond pulled into the 'The Laurel Garden'parking lot and got out first so he could get the door for Serena. In the back of Serena's mind she thought,' Diamond, as usual is always the gentleman'.

As they made their way into the restaurant Diamond told the hostess, "Reservations for two."

The hostess asked courteously, "Under what name sir?"

"Diamond Ferris..." said Diamond in a clear tone.

With that, the hostess escorted them to their table that was located on the terrace at the back of the restaurant. Diamond specifically had asked for that table. Since the view from there was positively magnificent, he knew it was the perfect setting for the special thing he had planned that night. For Serena hadn't realized that there was an ulterior motive to him asking her to dinner. Besides making up for not picking her up at the airport, Diamond had other plans. Ones that could change the way things already were.

As they, both settled into to their seats. The both of them looked over the menus to see what was available to order. Finally, after several minutes the two of them decided it was time. The waiter came by, took the orders, and then left again.

Once more, silence was between the two them. Serena was looking over at the view from where they sat. While she did that Diamond looked at her he had missed her over these months and realized things weren't the same without her around. He knew how she felt. However, he was hoping that with time she would come to love him as much as he did her. She did love him in a sense just not as intense as his emotions were for her. Diamond took in every detail about her. Her golden-blonde hair, crystal blue eyes, and the perfume she wore, and everything else that described her. At that precise moment, Serena turned to look at Diamond. She noticed his intense stare and wondered what he was thinking about. She smiled slightly at him, and he smiled back. He than took a hold of her hand brought it up to his lips, and kissed it. He than looked at her eyes, and said "Serena there's been something I've been wanting to ask you." Serena just looked at him.

"I know we've only been together for sometime. In addition, I know that you haven't given much thought about marriage. Nevertheless, I have to ask you this. Will you marry me? I know you've said that you're not ready. However, if it isn't now...when will you be? I love you and I know I can make you happy. Furthermore, I know that you care for me as well. I'm promising you. You'll be happy. So please, marry me?" he said in a heartfelt tone.

Serena just looked at Diamond. She didn't know what to say. In all honesty, she had expected this. She just wasn't expecting it so soon. He was right about one thing. If she weren't ready now would she ever be. Perhaps, she was afraid to admit to it. Nevertheless, somewhere in her mind it said, 'if you don't do it now. It's possible you may never find love with someone else. You care for him like you've said. But are you willing to give up everything just for a chance?' Therefore, Serena did the only thing she could do at this precise moment.

"Yes Diamond. I'll marry you," she answered.

Diamond smiled at the answer. He was delighted that Serena was taking a chance to do this. Perhaps not everything was lost after all. What neither of them realized. Was that with this new announcement of theirs a lot would occur in the following months to come events that nobody would have expected to occur but in the end it would it be for better or worse? If they had or hadn't.

A/N: Okay, this is the beginning of the explanation of the past between Serena, Darien, and Diamond. The mystery is still on. So, enjoy Ch. 4 until the next.