When Serena awoke next it was already dark. She put her arm on the cushion reaching around for a body. When she felt none she sat up and looked around in the dark room for a lamp or any source of light.

"Darien?" she called into the air.

No answer.

Standing up she walked into the dark hall and gently knocked on his door. Still no answer. Not sure what to do next, she turned the door knob and stepped into the dimly lit room. In the corner was Darien, asleep at his desk.

'That is so freaking adorable! Is that drool? Ewww.' She thought as she tiptoed to his snoring body.

Gently she shook him. He stirred a little with a grunt here and there but he didn't awaken.

"They made me do it." He whispered in his sleep.

'He's sleep talking! Oh I can so have fun with this!'

"They made you do what?" she played.

"Wear women's underwear."

'What the hell is he talking about?!'

"Why did you have to wear women's underwear?"

"Because I lost the bet." He snored.

"What bet, Darien?"

"I'm not telling you." He snorted.

'Like hell you're not!'

"What color was her underwear?"

"Bright green with flowers. It was so pretty." Darien smiled in his sleep.

Serena couldn't help but burst out laughing. She grabbed her sides as she fell against the wall in complete hysteria. Darien's head popped up from the desk, drool on his chin.

"What? When did you get in here?"

Serena couldn't answer. She couldn't do anything but giggle her breath short and quick.

"What's so funny?" Darien asked with a smirk.

"You- You- HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!- You wore women's…" She cut herself off with more laughs. Tears were streaming down her face and her face was bright red from the laughter.

"I wore what?" Darien prodded.

"You…HA!...women's underwear…lost a bet!" She stammered.

"I wore women's underwear?" Darien asked.

"You said so in your sleep. You said you lost a bet."

"When did I say that?!"

"Just now." Serena started to calm down.

"Heh, this is rather embarrassing." Darien ran a hand through his hair.

"So it's true?" Serena smiled.

"Unfortunately…yes. But you can't tell anyone!"

"Oh Darien, I could so use this to my advantage!"

"I'll do anything you want Serena. Please don't tell."

"Alright then. For starters, tell me what the bet was."

"It was my senior year of Med School. My friends and I went to a frat party. We were drinking and having a good time when the sorority girls showed up. There was one in particular that caught my attention. Her name was Courtney. She was gorgeous. Long brown hair, nice body, and the nicest ass you-"

"Alright Darien! Go on with the story!"

"Well my friends dared me to tell her a pick up line and ask her to go upstairs. I did. I used the stupidest line I think was ever created."

"And that was?"

"Have you heard the latest piece of medical knowledge saying that Sex is a real killer? Do you want to die happy?"

"Darien that was pathetic! So did she go upstairs?"

"No, she slapped me. The next day my friend's showed up at my dorm with a women's thong. I had to wear it for the whole day. Talk about uncomfortable."

"Well I would've slapped you too!" Serena giggled.

"Alright Serena, since we're on the topic. I told you one of the most embarrassing moments I've ever had. Now you're turn."

"Oh no. I'm in charge remember? I'm sure my dear sweet grandmother and my father would love to hear about the prestigious Doctor Darien wore a thong."

"Alright you get off this time."

"I love being me!"

"Then answer me this."

"Ok, ask away."

"Why are you still going to marry that fat, useless, old, rabid oompa loompa-I mean…Seiya?"

"Well…Seiya never used to be like this. He was so sweet to me in the beginning. Gifts, chocolates, expensive dinners…that's how it was. I fell in love with him instantly. I met him at Wal-Mart. He was stocking tampons. It was love at first sight."

"I can totally see why." Darien replied with sarcasm.

"Well, my father wanted me to marry somebody with money and closer to my age. He didn't like the idea of Seiya and me dating. But I told him I was 20 years old and he couldn't tell me what to do anymore. Well anyways, Seiya and I started dating. I gave him everything; my love, my virginity and body, mind and soul. My father found out that Seiya and I had slept together and he said that I was bound to him now. No daughter of his would be known as an easy tramp. So I agreed to it. As collateral, my father told Seiya that he would give us money as long as he married me. Seiya proposed, I accepted then a few months after he proposed he changed. He had bad mood swings. The stuff that he said to me was very hurtful. He always apologized afterwards though. Then he became very jealous and controlling. Wanting to know where I was, who I was with and when I'd be home. If there were any men in the group of friends' I was with, he went off the wall. So that brings me to my current situation. I love Seiya, but not the type of love to marry him."

"So why not call off the wedding?"

"Did you not hear a word I said? I have to marry him. My father is making me. Don't want to ruin his perfect reputation. It won't be so bad. He works most of the time and I get a 40 percent family discount from Wal-Mart."

"Serena, that's not a reason to marry someone. You're 24 years old; you don't need your father's approval."

"You don't know my father. I love him dearly but he can be a very cruel, cold man. He told me I wouldn't be a nurse and I'd be cut off from my own funds. How am I supposed to support myself with no money?"

"That's easy."

"Ok, genius. How's that?"

"Stay with me. I'll take care of you."

Serena didn't think she had heard anything so promising before. Was this arrogant, egotistical, chauvinistic jackass really willing to support her and…love her? It wasn't like he couldn't afford her…after all he is a doctor!

"You're funny Darien." She said standing up from the floor.

She began to walk away when he grabbed her.

"I'm serious. We don't have to work at the nursing home. We can move somewhere else, work at a hospital maybe. Get a bigger apartment in the suburbs. We could do it Serena. You don't have to be unhappy for the rest of your life."

"And what about my grandmother? Leave her alone here? I can't do that."

"We can bring her with us. I know of plenty good nursing homes in Brooklyn or Albany. Serena don't throw your life away because of your father and a 40 percent family discount."

"I don't know. I'd love nothing more then to be with you Darien. You make me feel things that I've never felt. You make me feel loved and safe; emotions I've never felt with Seiya."

"Then what's the problem?"

"It seems to perfect. Too good to be true. We've only known each other for a short time."

"I know but ever hear of love at first sight? Serena I want you answer me truthfully. Do you trust me?"

"Yes."

"Do you love me?"

"Yes. But-"

"No 'buts'. If you love and trust me, then take the risk. If I make you feel safe like you claim I do, then you have nothing to worry about."

"Let me talk to my father first. Who knows, maybe we don't have to move and hide our relationship."

'Did she just say the 'R' word? We have a relationship?! Well of course we do, but she actually thinks something of us!!!!! Hot damn this rocks!' Darien smiled inwardly.

"Serena?"

"Yes?"

"Do you really consider us…a couple?"

"I guess. I mean we're in love aren't we? So why shouldn't we be a couple? Why do you ask?"

"Well I wanted to make sure it was legit before I do this."

"Do what?"

Darien didn't answer. He grabbed her waist and pulled her to him. He kissed her softly, sweetly. She gently touched his cheek with her palm. Sensuously he massaged her lower back. He deepened the kiss with more force. He hungered for her as she did him.

"Serena?" He asked in between kisses.

"Yeah?" She whispered back as he kissed her neck.

"Is there a mirror in your pants?"

"No. Why?"

"Because I can see myself in them."

She made a combination of a moan and giggle as he proceeded to remove her shirt.

"Should we really be doing this?" She asked.

"Uh huh." He whispered as he played with the button on her pants, pulling them down.

"But I'm engaged." She teased.

"To me." He kissed her collarbone.

"What?" She gasped as she brought his head to hers.

"You heard me. I want to marry you."

"You do?!" She squealed.

"Of course." He smiled at her.

"Well you don't even know if I'll accept."

"Oh yes I do."

"Really? How's that?"

Darien brought his mouth down to the lacy fabric of her bra. Gently he began to kiss through the fabric. He brought his tongue out to trace along her skin. Serena moaned in pleasure.

"Will you marry me?" He asked.

"No."

He brought his hand down to gently caress her through the silk fabric of her underwear. She arched her back

"Will you marry me yet?"

"Maybe."

He grabbed her from behind and wrapped her legs around his waist. He carried her to his bed and laid her down. She brought her hands up to begin fidgeting with the buttons on his shirt.

"There is an easier way to do that." He said as he grabbed her hands.

"How?"

Buttons went flying everywhere as he pulled the shirt open. She smiled before she grabbed the back of his neck and brought his head down to hers where she consumed his mouth with her own.

Darien finished undressing them, discarding the pesky clothes to the ground. He kissed her neck and massaged the skin right above her hip.

"Will you marry me now?"

"Yes."

"Told you I knew if you'd accept."

He plunged into her, causing both of them to shudder.

"I love you…" She whispered into his ear.

"I love you too…"

Finally both reached their climax, Darien grunting as he released.

"Do you really want to get married?" Darien asked as he lay next to her.

"Yes I do. You make me very happy."

"Good. Otherwise I'll have to get a refund on this." Darien reached into the nightstand drawer and pulled out a little velvet box.

"Serena Sylvia Clark? Will you marry me?"

"I don't know. I really do like the idea of having 40 percent off my entire purchase at Wal-Mart."

"Miss Clark, are you asking for me to torture you into saying yes?"

"Maybe…" She tried with innocence.

Darien grabbed her and began his punishment…his very pleasurable punishment.

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It might be a few days before I can update again! Sorry! I hope you all continue to review though.