Hey people!! I hope I haven't kept you waiting for too long, but the good news is that I've already started on chapter 5 and do I have some surprises in store for you!! Please read and review as I love to hear from you! Remember your reviews give me more motivation which in turn lead to faster updates!!! I also want to thank Deadly Diva for everything, seriously girl what would I do without you?
To: Hopeless Dreamer 1125, SilverMo, Megan Consoer, Sere Emberwave, Seagirl, Silver Moon Goddess1, venusgoddess, stargirl, Dancer, Angelic Sazuka , aquahearts357: I'm glad to hear that you guys all love sere/endymion their my fav couple too. I'm sorry that I didn't update sooner but hopefully I'll get the next chapter out to you guys sooner. It's longer then the other chapters so I hope that makes up for it. Anyway, please continue reviewing guys, you have no idea how much your kind words really mean to me.
To o0 DaRkNeSsEz PuRiTy 0o: Will Seiya be in trouble? Well yes and no. Yep Endy is pretty cute when he gets mad and as for his jealousy towards Andrew, you'll just have to wait and see. Thanks for the review!
To sexylucifer: I'm not sure when I'll finish as I really haven't planed this story. I can't tell you what happens to Seiya, or about your other question, you'll just have to read and find out! Hehe. Thanks for the review though, I really appreciate it.
To Becx: I'm not sure if the story made sense if you weren't sure what a courtesan was, but basically a courtesan is like a glorified prostitute. However she doesn't only sell her body to men, but her company. In their own time courtesans were the most educated of women. Thanks for the review! Mwa!
To Sailor-Nekawaii: Well yes Diamond will be making an appearance in this chapter! (you were the one that inspired that bit of the story) and I added more sere/endy interaction just for you! Hehe. Thanks heaps girl!! Love you!
To Secret Heart: Hey, I didn't do much the quality of your writing really speaks for itself. And thanks for the constructive criticism, I've taken your words into consideration when writing this chapter, it was great to hear from you and keep in touch! hugs
To SilverWolf2105: I must admit I was really begin to miss your reviews. I agree, I really like Endy in this story because he's so sinful, it's positively delicious. And I think your right in regards to Sere and Seiya, but don't underestimate her she may just prove you wrong. She will be distracted, as you'll see in this chapter. Lol, no I plan on having a happier ending in this story because I'm scared that you guys will implement a strike against me if I don't! lol. It's really good to hear from you again girl! Keep reviewing, and thank you!!
To Deadly Diva: I just wanted to take some time out to say thank you for everything you've done for me I seriously appreciate it! I love making a parallel between character's personalities and stuff like furniture..it's one of my little quirks but I think it gives the reader an insight into the characters. Thanks, I like to take the anime as a guidelines and not the bible. (if that made any sense) Thanks, it took me forever to figure out Endy's plot against his father's murderers. Andrew wasn't the one that commissioned sere to take down the loredans..that was an anonymous benefactor (I'll try and clear that one up in the next chapter) But yes..he is headed for heartbreak. I know, there's something about evil endy that I find really appealing. Your right, he respects sere as much as he wants her. But Sere will use her sexuality to get guys in the latter chapters..and endy's reaction will be golden. I know, sapphire is the nice guy of the story isn't he? As for Seiya I'm not sure…he may continue to thrive for a while, but it may not necessarily be Endy that takes him out. And yeah, Sere will have another attack of conscious soon. Once again thanks for everything girl, all my love!
Now, on with the story people!
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The sound of a door slamming echoed through the hallways. The swishing of soft satin and the clatter of precious jewelry resounded off the marble walls. The angry footsteps grew louder and more determined.
Serenity leaned back in her plush crimson chair and stared at the mahogany door, a small smile playing on her lips. She found Luna's rampages amusing and was getting very well acquainted with them. She counted to three and on queue the door was thrust open, exposing a very out of breath, flushed Luna. Rage was marred into her features, from her burning eyes to the slight slouch of her shoulders. Under normal circumstances Serenity would take great pleasure in observing these details. However, on this occasion she was more intrigued by the pale cream envelope that was clutched in Luna's hands. As if sensing where Serenity's attention was, Luna waved the envelope in the air.
"How many times do I have to tell you Serenity to stay away from that fiend?" Luna practically yelled. It took great control on Serenity's behalf to not roll her eyes.
"I'm sure I have no idea-" She began slowly, her words infuriatingly calm and controlled.
"That won't work on me Serenity, after all I was the one who taught you the technique." Luna began. Her words while at a normal pitch still carried an angry tone.
"And I'm most obliged-"
"You've seen him again haven't you? Are you willing to throw everything we've worked so hard for away for him? He's up to something, I can feel it, and by God I won't let you be caught up in it." Luna's voice began raising once more towards the end of her little speech. Serenity attempted not to smirk, thinking to herself that she was already very much caught up in whatever Endymion was planning. In truth, she thought it rather exciting.
"I take it the letter has something to do with this outrage?" Serenity asked calmly to Luna's great irritation. Her tone carried only the smallest hint of mocking. While exasperated Luna handed her the cream envelope. It surprised Serenity that the seal was still in tact, however the seal was clearly Endymion's. For a moment Serenity allowed her fingers to trail over the smooth silken texture of the envelope. She then broke the seal carefully. It read:
Madam,
I have the great pleasure of inviting you to the annual Loredan masquerade. Although I assume you will arrive unaccompanied, feel free to bring a guest.
Endymion
Serenity re-read the contents of the letter carefully. Seeing that she had not been mistaken, she allowed her triumph to show freely in her expression. Endymion had made it very clear that he did not want her to arrive at the masquerade with a male escort. The sentiment was conveyed clearly through his choice of words, opting for the more platonic guest as opposed to partner.
"Well Luna, it seems that I am in need of a new dress." Serenity stated complacently and handed the letter to Luna indifferently. As Luna read the contents of the letter an increasingly red hue accumulated on her cheeks. She scrunched the letter with venom and turned to Serenity ready to embark on another tantrum. That is, before Serenity intervened.
"It would provide a great opportunity to gain information on my next target, do you not agree?" Serenity's comment caused Luna's rage to melt away. The anger quickly replaced by a mischievous smile.
"Are you going to take anyone with you?"
Serenity pondered this for a long moment. Endymion had made it very clear that he did not want anyone accompanying her. Thus her first impulse was to find a companion that would cause him the most irritation. However, there was always the possibility that was Endymion's true motive.
The man was insufferable!
Serenity pursed her lips together in frustration. She weighed the odds in her mind; a companion seemed to be a wise choice. Risking a private audience with Endymion on his own terms could prove to be most dangerous. She would take an escort with her to Endymion's masquerade, the question was who.
"Yes, unfortunately my current clientele is lacking" She uttered the last word to show the height of her distaste. Luna sighed, a sign of her agreement.
"I don't think it wise to provoke Endymion. He is a dangerous man Serenity. You have much too lose." Serenity made a dismissive gesture with her hand. However, inside she knew the significance of Luna's words. Endymion was dangerous. Yet, somehow she knew that he was playing a game with her, a game in which the odds seemed to favor her.
A knock on the door broke Serenity from her reverie. A maid stepped in and curtsied to the women. She was a short, freckled thing. Her apron was well worn, yet her cheeks were plump, her smile genuine. After all the Medici looked after their own, and that included everyone to the most obscure servant.
"Lord Andrew has asked for you in his study my lady." The maid asked demurely, her eyes cast downward. Serenity glanced at Luna apologetically and excused herself. It had been quite sometime since Serenity had considered Andrew as her master; he was now more of a lover.
Serenity made her way to Andrew's study. She was well aware that the room was reserved for the most influential of guest and very seldom used. For a moment she stood outside the intricately carved Byzantine door and took a deep breath. Her heart was racing for she was well aware that this may be her only chance to find a suitable partner for the masquerade.
She opened the door and walked in, her back straight, her head tilted ever so slightly to reveal a little more skin than perhaps was appropriate. As always when meeting with male guests, a mysterious smile played on her lips while her eyes flashed flirtatiously. The room was decorated marvelously. Oak bookshelves lined the walls, accompanied by ornate Louis the fourteenth chairs. Andrew was leaning gently by the voluptuous mantle of the fireplace, a glass of brandy in his hands.
"Monsieur Diamond, may I present Madame Aura Serenity, the most sought after courtesan in Italy." Andrew uttered the words with rich assurance and with more than a hint of pride. Serenity was stunned to say the least, but there was no trace of it in her appearance. Monsieur Diamond was a leading Medici, second only to Lorenzo himself. She turned to him and gave him a most elaborate courtesy. She also used the opportunity to study him in greater detail.
He was undeniably handsome. He had all the beauty of the fragile ice crystals of winter. His skin was pale, but yet it was luminous and striking, not sickly. His hair seemed to radiate and was such a pure blonde that it seemed to be silver. His eyes were a light grey color and seemed to posses much tenderness. The feature contrasted with his coldly set shapely mouth and sharp jaw line.
Here was the very opposite of Endymion.
However Diamond, like ice, was transparent and only carried the image of possessing the strength his namesake implied. Where Endymion naturally possessed a charm that radiated from even his minute expressions, Diamond did not. He had been trained to carry the outward appearance of charm. His superficial manners were apparent in the arrogance so clear in his demeanor. While Endymion's schemes were carried out in the darkness of the night, Diamond's were conducted in sunlight. His numerous sins were infamous-smuggling, debauchery and murder to name a few.
The most delicious thing about Diamond was that he was also the arch rival of Endymion.
"It is indeed a pleasure. There are few men who have the privilege of meeting the reigning Venus." Diamond whispered the words as he walked towards her. He gently took her hand and placed a lingering kiss on her knuckles. Serenity turned her face away in a fake gesture of modesty.
"You are most welcome to look sir." She looked up at him boldly, making sure he was well aware of her meaning. She could feel Diamond's eyes roaming over her body slowly.
"Are you free tonight? I would greatly like to get to know more about you, to see if the rumors about your enchanting charm are justified." He let the word charm roll over his lips in a mocking fashion. For a moment anger flared in Serenity's being, but she pushed it away. She could always have revenge later.
"Unfortunately not, I have been invited to the annual Loredan masquerade, but I am in great need of a partner." The reaction on Diamond's behalf was instantaneous. His brows came together and his jaw locked in fury. However before he could refuse her, she placed a finger to his lips and gaze him a seductive gaze.
"Think, you could ridicule him at his own ball, make him the laughing stock of the country. Oh, what a delicious scandal it would be!" She tossed her hair and set it dancing, while a mischievous twinkle began to form in her eyes. For a moment Diamond was stunned into silence and then slowly a sardonic smile began to form on his lips.
"Well, there seems I have much to do. Please excuse me." Diamond whispered, indicating his consent to attend the ball. Before leaving the room Diamond boldly kissed Serenity on the cheek. Serenity was repulsed by his touch, but only pretended to be maidenly shy and gasped accordingly.
With that, she was alone with Andrew.
His disapproval was clear, his anger only more plain. His jaw was clenched so tightly that Serenity feared it would shatter. His knuckles were white from his steel grip upon the glass of brandy. Serenity reached out to him but he shrank away from her touch.
"If nothing else common courtesy demanded that you ask me first. Or am I not fit to be seen as your companion?" He had whispered the words, looking at her squarely in the eyes.
"You must understand-"
"Understand what? That you just shrugged me off as if I were nothing? I am your patron Serenity, if it weren't for me you'd be nothing more than a common whore." His voice grew louder and menacing with each passing word. He slammed his crystal glass down on the table to emphasize his anger.
"Andrew, please." Serenity cried, hoping to get back into his good graces.
"Please madam trouble yourself no longer with coming to my chambers. Your services are no longer required. I shall find solace elsewhere." With that Andrew made his way to the door and slammed it on exiting.
Serenity sank down into a chair and buried her head in her hands. Her body was shaking but she would not allow herself to cry. The innocent part of her mind whispered that the pain was not worth it and demanded to know her motive for the actions she was taking. Of course to that question she had no answer. She had wanted to bring the Loredans down in order to secure her own position, but now she had accomplished that yet, she was not compelled to let the task go. As always, the rational part of her mind intersected at this point with its characteristic dark humor.
'And to think you could have been a nun.' Serenity laughed at her own thoughts and made her way back to her chambers, after all she had much to do.
Serenity sent a messenger to Diamond so they would be able to coordinate their outfits, while Luna and several other servants were busy scampering about the country in order to obtain the various parts for Serenity's costume. Diamond too would no doubt have had to pull many strings in order to be prepared for the night. The invitation had been dated for a week or so beforehand. However according to Luna, with a heavy dose of sarcasm, it had mysteriously been hindered in the mailing process.
After bathing in scented waters, the maids began dressing her. They pulled her hair up and gently placed and secured a heavy black wig over it. They dusted her skin with dark bronze powder and outlined her eyes. They also aided her in putting in her jewelry and a simple white gown. She studied her mask. It was intricately beaded. White and gold trimming surrounded the edges and the right hand side was decorated with a peacock feather.
Serenity looked at herself in the mirror and smiled slyly. She looked like a completely different person, perhaps Endymion would not even recognize her. With the disguise she'd be able to get close enough to discover his weaknesses. Her eyes began twinkling with excitement.
"Let the games begin."
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Endymion placed his glass of wine to his luscious lips and took a small sip. He was reclined lazily in one of the numerous plush chairs of his study. Opposite him sat Jadeite. Jadeite was a man many feared, yet his sharp tongue and impulsive nature had caused him trouble more than once. His flamboyance and love of fashion were infamous, as was his love of women. Yet for all his ostentatious behavior Jadeite was no fool. He was quick witted and very sharp.
"So your telling me that this new Medici courtesan plotted and succeeded to bring down both Nephrite and Zoicite?" Jadeite asked his tone verging on disbelief, yet it still held a hint of amusement. Endymion nodded, indicating that Jadeite's statement was indeed true. Jadeite threw his head back and laughed whole heartedly.
"Be careful my friend, I believe you are her next target." Endymion stated indifferently, raising his glass slightly and raising a brow. A devious smile began to play on Jadeite's lips.
"Oh, I hope I am. I'm in need of some feisty night time company."
A deep chuckle emerged from Endymion's lips as he shook his head in a bemused fashion.
"I'm afraid my dear Jadeite that you have already fallen into her trap."
Jadeite smirked. "You mean to tell me that you have no interest in the woman whatsoever?"
Endymion smiled enigmatically. "Never compare yourself to me my dear friend. You shall never come out on top."
Jadeite laughed calmly, not taking any offence at his friends comment. After all every one was well acquainted with Endymion's arrogance.
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Serenity took Diamond's hand and straightened her already rigid posture. Her heart was pounding ferociously against her chest. Meanwhile a thousand questions were running through her mind. What if Endymion recognized her? How would he react to Diamond? She felt Diamond pulling her closer and bring his lips to her ear.
"We could always skip the ball and take part in other night time amusements." It took all of Serenity's training and self control not to roll her eyes at the man. They had not been in each others company for more than half an hour and he had made countless sexual advances towards her. The man had a body of Adonis and the seductiveness of a chipmonk. She whacked him playfully on the shoulder.
"Patience is not only a virtue but an aphrodisiac." She returned giving him a suggestive smile.
With that comment they entered Endymion's lavish ballroom. Serenity was a little overwhelmed by the vibrant swirls of color and the exquisite music. Clearly no cost had been spared. On the opposite end of the ballroom was a spectacular marble staircase. The two sides of the staircase started from opposite walls then merged in the middle and spilled forth to the ballroom.
Her breath caught when she saw him.
Of course she recognized him, how could she not? His presence and demeanor were entirely too distinguished. He was wearing long black pants that were made from a silk like material. A matching shirt with white embroidery hung from his shoulders emphasizing every taut muscle. A black cape lined with red hung from his shoulders while a white mask covered the right hand side of his face. He was, in a word, exquisite. Merely looking at him seemed sinful.
Serenity took a deep breath and tried to regain her composure. She cursed all the fates for bestowing on her enemy such godly beauty. It was a law of nature that beauty should never be accompanied by intelligence. A slight smile tugged at her lips. How very appropriate that he had done what nature seemed to have forbid. Serenity returned her attention to Diamond, who was staring intently at the half exposed breasts of another woman. She pulled on his arm lightly and positioned herself in such a way that his upper arm would brush her own breast as he turned.
"Shall we dance?" She asked sweetly, smiling up at him flirtatiously. Diamond nodded, a roguish smile dancing on his lips. She allowed Diamond to embrace her in a very intimate manner, and even encouraged his inappropriate advances during the dance. All the while she could feel Endymion's burning glare on her. Although she reasoned with herself that did not necessarily mean he had recognized her. However, to her great dismay, Endymion made no effort to approach her. When two other dances passed, her annoyance grew to frustration.
Serenity waited and when she was certain that Endymion's eyes were on them she placed her lips to Diamond's ear and lead him to a secluded hall way. The moment they were covered by the blanket of darkness Diamond's lips crashed down on her own.
Serenity instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer. The kiss was not quite as intense or scorching as the one she had shared with Endymion. However, that did not mean that Diamond was in anyway a bad kisser. In fact, as he ravished her mouth Serenity remembered that Diamond was indeed a powerful man and could be very useful to her. After all Diamond could indeed prove to be a very worthwhile investment, especially after she ruined Endymion. As Diamond deepened the kiss, Serenity began to think that the intensity of the kiss she shared with Endymion was more due to the fact that it was forbidden. With that in mind, she did not stop Diamond when his hand moved to cup one of her breasts.
"Well it is delightful to see that you have taken such measures to stay true to your costumes. Such a charming couple as well, Caesar and Cleopatra." Serenity froze as Endymion's voice sliced through the air. What scared her the most was the fact that it was so light and carefree. Diamond swore softly and moved away from Serenity slightly. However, he did not remove a possessive arm from around her waist. Diamond smirked arrogantly.
"What is wrong Endymion, is no woman willing to satisfy your lusts that you must intrude on the privacy of others?" To Serenity's amazement, Endymion merely smiled at the biting comment.
"It is most astonishing is it not, how uninvited guests always posses the most vile manners?" Serenity could feel Diamond's body stiffen in anger in response to the words.
"My dear Endymion, the only reason why I attended such a common ball was because my companion, an invited guest begged me to do so."
"I'm so glad that you've finally learnt what your true place in society is Diamond. However, I never expected you to acknowledge that you were no higher than a common whore." Endymion glared at Serenity as he sneered the last words causing her to clench her fists in anger. Diamond did not miss the subtle exchange and pulled her closer to him.
"She is a delightful creature isn't she? Well endowed in some places," He let his hand wander over her breast, "and curved in others." He then trailed his fingers down the bodice of her dress to her hips. "To think, that she will grace my bed tonight and allow me to have my way with her as many times as I wish." Although normally Serenity would have stopped such actions, she was so utterly blinded with anger that she did not.
Diamond did not wait to see Endymion's reaction, rather he pulled Serenity behind him and moved passed Endymion swiftly. He walked out of the ballroom to where the carriages awaited. Only when the cold wind slammed against her features did Serenity regain her senses. If she joined Diamond in the carriage, she would not only be accompanying him on the journey home. She could not yet form intimate relations with Diamond if she hoped to secure him as a permanent investment. Her head was working a mile a minute trying to calculate a decent excuse.
"Sir, I cannot stand to see my master be treated so vilely by the likes of the Loredan. Allow me to stay a while longer, in order to gain my revenge." Diamond scoffed and his eyes darkened slightly, but he nodded his agreement. A sigh of relief escaped Serenity's lips as she watched his carriage leave. Diamond was obviously too drunk or too intoxicated by his lust to realize that Serenity staying alone would expose him to further ridicule.
Serenity climbed into the next carriage unsuspectedly. She pulled off her mask in a frustrated fashion and hurled it to the floor. The night had proven to be quite a waste. She had failed to obtain any useful information and her hopes of Endymion not recognizing her had been shattered. Luna would no doubt scowl her for not using the opportunity correctly. However, Luna's wrath was the last thing on Serenity's mind. She was far more preoccupied with other matters. Why hadn't Endymion reacted when he saw her in Diamond's arms? But then, if he did not care at all why had he interrupted them? She growled in frustration. She was awfully tempted to take out her anger on the fine upholstery of the carriage.
Serenity was so completely lost in her own thoughts that she failed to notice that the carriage was not taking her to the Medici mansion. In fact, the carriage had merely gone around Endymion's house and stopped at the back entrance.
The halting of the carriage brought Serenity back to reality. She looked around in a confused manner. She demanded that the driver tell her what was going on, but she was only answered with silence. Panic began to boil in her being. What on earth was going on?
A footman opened the door and helped her out of the carriage. The footman bowed to her elaborately and then led her to large oak doors where another servant was waiting. Serenity swallowed a lump in her throat, but did not ask any questions. Whatever was going on was clearly well planned and the servants would provide her with no information. She bit the inside of her lip to prevent any outward signs of fear from surfacing.
The servant led her through a multitude of elaborately decorated hallways. Few candles had been lit and thus the narrow halls were immersed in shadows. The old portraits that adorned the walls and the sporadic furniture all seemed ominous. Serenity could feel her heart beating against her chest ferociously. Her breathing was becoming hitched. Fear was slowly encasing her being, every instinct in her body was screaming for her to run, to flee. However, her feet only moved behind the servant and would not turn around. Outside she seemed calmed controlled, inside a violent tempest was raging.
The servant finally stopped when he reached a large set of double oak doors. They were delicately engraved with intricate patterns. The servant placed a pristine white glove on the brass door handle and pushed the seemingly unmovable doors open. Serenity glided passed him and into the room without glancing back. She jumped slightly when the door slammed behind her.
The room was dimly lit and thus she had to strain to see her surroundings. A shiver ran up her spine as her gaze fell on an auspiciously sized four poster bed. It was covered in black silk sheets that reflected the dim light and seemed to flow like liquid. The mahogany furniture was dark with sharp edges. However, the item that most caught her attention was a vase of brilliant red roses. She slowly moved towards them and let her fingers trail across one of the crimson petals. They seemed sinister, mocking even in such masculine surroundings. She gasped quietly as her finger was pricked by a sharp thorn. She watched as a small trickle of blood formed on her ivory finger and slowly splashed on the polished floorboards of the floor.
She recognized this room. How could she not when stories of what occurred within its walls were famous in all of Venice. That is perhaps why she did not flinch or even gasp when a masculine hand took hold of her own. She merely watched in silent admiration as he placed her finger between his luscious lips and began to suck. A low moan emerged from Serenity's lips as he roughly wrapped an arm around her waist and slammed her body against his. She looked up only to be faced with those haunting dark azure eyes. The sight of him suckling the blood from her finger was disgusting, but also strangely erotic.
"Endymion," she whispered. She had attempted to keep her voice cool, but it came out sounding like more of a question. She turned away from him and tried to move out of his embrace, but his grip only tightened around her waist. He remained silent as he removed her finger from his mouth and trailed his fingers along her back. He moved his fingers towards her hips as he began moving around her. His fingers found their way to her stomach as his nose began to rub ever so slightly on the back of her neck.
Serenity reminded herself again and again that the warm feeling in the pit of her stomach was due to the appeal of the forbidden. It could not be because of Endymion. She used the same explanation to account for the goose bumps that were emerging on her skin, and the fact that she was shivering slightly. She bit her lip as he moved her hair to the side and let his lips wander over her neck. He then placed both hands on the base of her neck and began trailing his fingers over her shoulders. Inch by inch. His touch set her skin on fire and left her in a passionate daze.
"What is your fee my lady?" He whispered in her ear, in the same detached manner one would use to enquire after the time. The comment brought Serenity back to reality with a vengeance. Her entire posture went stiff and her lips were pressed together in anger. Of course it made no rational sense that his comment would offend her so, after all she was a courtesan. Yet somehow, it hurt her more than she cared to admit. Since she was unwillingly to acknowledge that her only other option was anger. She turned almost violently and glared at Endymion with rage.
"I'm afraid sir that you could never afford me." She sneered, malice and anger dancing in her eyes, causing her cheeks to flush slightly. Endymion merely laughed at her outrage.
"You're lucky I offer you anything at all." As soon as the words left his lips her hand came up and slapped him sharply across the face. The sound of her hand making contact with his cheek resounded through the room. She turned on her heel and made her way hurriedly to the door. However, he grabbed her wrist and used his strength to spin her around. Their bodies slammed together in a resounding thud. Though she struggled to free herself from his grasp, he held her easily. She glared up at him only to see that he was studying her intently.
"Why did you bring Diamond here tonight?" His voice was as cold as ice.
"That is none of your concern." She replied, mimicking his tone, glaring at him viciously. In reply his grip on her tightened to the point that it was painful.
"It became my business the moment you brought him under my roof." His glare was so sinister that it seemed to posses the power to scorch her skin. She clenched her jaw together not in anger but fear. The sight of an enraged Endymion towering above her holding her in an iron clad grip was absolutely terrifying. He released his hold on her so suddenly that she almost stumbled to the floor.
"Is he your lover, or a business endeavor?" He was seething with anger. However his words brought out the steely underside of Serenity's personality. She lifted her chin and returned his cold glare.
"Why did you bring me here tonight if you are so disgusted with my behavior? Can it be that the infamous Endymion is jealous?"
"Or perhaps I was looking for a whore to fill my bed." A low growl of rage escaped from Serenity's lips at his words as tears of rage began to sting her eyes. On seeing her reaction, Endymion smiled at her mockingly.
"You are a whore are you not? Or is my knowledge of what a courtesan is inaccurate?"
"Diamond was right, you're not man enough for a real woman to want to share your bed." An instant after the words left her lips Endymion lunged at her. He grabbed her wrists and pulled them above her head pinning her to the wall with his body. He was so close that she could feel his heaving chest slam against her own.
"You flatter yourself. The only reason why I tolerate your presence here tonight is to ensure that Diamond's words were not fulfilled. I merely wanted to deny him the pleasure of winning." Serenity could feel the hair raising on her back from having him so close to her.
"Really?" Serenity cried breathlessly with courage that she did not know she possessed. "Or could you not tolerate the fact that I was enjoying his touch, that the feel of his lips on mine was electric, that his fingers on my breast almost pushed me to-"
"Enough!" Endymion growled his eyes burning. He pushed her further into the wall before releasing her completely and moving to the other side of the room. He ran a hand through his perfectly placed hair before turning back to her. A dark flicker emerged in his eyes, a fact that caused an uneasy feeling to emerge in Serenity's stomach. He stalked towards her slowly, with the calculated timing of a predator.
"You've tried my patience my dear, and that was not wise. I once gave you an opportunity to surrender to me. Yet I fear that I have to revoke the offer. You shall pay for what you have done to the Loredan and pay dearly." He did not utter the words in the form of a threat. Rather, his tone held that of what was fact, a certainty that would occur no matter what. He calmly walked towards the door and opened it for Serenity. For long moments she stared at him in awe and fear. For the first time in what seemed like an eternity Serenity started to wonder what the consequences of her actions would be.
A moment after Serenity had left Endymion angrily called a servant and gave him hurried orders. The servant in turn scurried away to hurriedly conduct his master's wishes. Endymion began pacing as he waited. He took a glass of brandy and placed to his lips, he sipped the liquid at first and then gulped down the rest hungrily. His uneasy gaze fell on the drop of red blood on his floor boards. Instantly the rage that he felt moments before returned. All he could hear in his mind was her words, telling him of how much she had enjoyed Diamond's touch. Her taunting was repeated in his memory again and again.
In frustration, Endymion hurled the glass of brandy to the wall which he had pressed her against only minutes ago. A satisfied sense of power washed over him as the delicate crystal smashed into a million peaces on impact. He closed his eyes and swore quietly, trying to gain control of his temper.
"Endymion?" Sapphire's voice had a somewhat soothing effect on Endymion's nerves. He turned to his friend and gestured for him to take a seat. Sapphire stepped on a piece of broken glass. As it crunched under the leather sole of his boot, he gazed at Endymion questioningly. Yet he did not inquire any further when Endymion failed to answer him.
"Thank you for coming at such a late hour." Endymion stated, his voice cold and business like.
"I understand that it would be an issue of some importance for you to summon me." Endymion nodded at Sapphire's words.
"I believe that Serenity's next target will be Jadeite. I want to ensure that she will not succeed in her plans." Sapphire raised an eyebrow in astonishment and removed the cigar he had been lazily smoking from his lips.
"You mean to tell me she told you her plans?" He asked his tone conveying his disbelief.
"No, but she would know that she cannot outright seduce him. He wouldn't fall for that. So that leaves her with one option; she must cut off his ability to export his goods. She must gain control over the main shipping company in Venice." Sapphire nodded at Endymion's words. It did not surprise him that Endymion could predict Serenity's actions. After all, the two seemed to think and act in an identical fashion, although neither seemed to have realized it.
"And how are you going to prevent her from doing so?" Sapphire asked, curiosity plain in his words.
"I understand that Seiya had an intimate relationship with Serenity, one that she would perhaps like to forget. I intend to promote him so that he is the owner of the shipping corporation." Sapphire's features immediately turned into a scowl.
"What he did to her verged on rape Endymion. I understand that he courted her for almost a year and discarded her merely after one night." Sapphire replied, his disapproval clear.
"Which would make it excruciating for her to seduce him." Sapphire shook his head at Endymion's words, a frown marring his handsome features.
"Why would you want to cause her such pain?" Sapphire asked, his eyes pleading that Endymion reconsider. However he recognized the look on Endymion's face. It was the same one he had carried when his father had died.
He wanted revenge.
Sapphire sighed and took his leave. He walked out of Endymion's house with a heavy heart. Yet he would carry out what Endymion had asked of him. After all, his loyalty to Endymion was unwavering.
He only hoped that Serenity was strong enough to forgive Endymion after the whole business was over.