Hey people! Thanks soo much for all the reviews I know a lot of you have been getting very anxious and I'm sorry to have kept you waiting. Hopefully I'll be able to get you the next chapter out sooner! Love you all! And happy V-day!
To: Dancer, Silver Moon Goddess1, aquahearts357, Becx, Heather and Meg , kochokwalo, SilverMo, venusgoddess, Sw-In-No-Cence Seagirl, innersoulcity, Sere Emberwave, sexylucifer , phoebe, mi/ri: Thankyou all for reviewing, once again I'm really sorry to have kept you all waiting so long. (lol I could tell some of you were getting a bit anxious) I've started chap 6 so hopefully that will be out a lot sooner. Thankyou all so much for supporting me it really means the world to me and it does give me to motivation to keep writing and see this story through to the end. Love you all!
To Li Laine : aww, you don't know how much your comment about reviews meant to me, seriously that was very sweet. Endymion is a bit of a challenge isn't he? It's hard to maintain that thin line you were talking about. I mean so many authors make him a sentimental lapdog and I really didn't want that to happen, but I didn't want him to be a complete monster either. So yeah. Thanks heaps for the review girl.
To o0 DaRkNeSsEz PuRiTy 0o: Endymion is jealous, although he would never admit it. Will they fall in love? Well you'll have to wait and see about that one. As for Endymion knowing about Andrew, well that will become more clear in the next chapter. I'll try and put some more of Endymion's thoughts into the next chapter okay? Just for you. Thanks heaps for the review!
To Secret Heart: Yep more angst is definitely on the way! And I have noticed too it is a bit weird isn't it, but hey we think alike so it makes sense in a creepy way.
To daisy31: Well you'll have to read and find out! I think Serenity is a very strong woman but hey Seiya is pushing it. And for the end, I'm not sure I haven't really planned how I'm going to end this fic yet. So we shall see. Thanks heaps for your review.
To Raven Haley: I think that if Sere and Endy ever admitted their feelings for each other the game so to speak wouldn't end. Their to damn competitive and stubborn! Thanks heaps for the review and I look forward to hearing more from you.
To Hopeless Dreamer 1125: Hopefully I won't disappoint you with this chapter..but yes things are deffiniately intense and will get even worse! Hehe. I like showing Endy's dark side their so many stories when he's just Sere's lap dog and.well it just never struck me as right. I want them to be on an equal playing field. As for Seiya..well you'll see what happens there..Thankyou so much for your kind words about my writing, it's reviews like yours that really give me the motivation to continued with this story and see it through the end. Hopefully I haven't kept you waiting too long for an update. Love you heaps!
To SilverWolf2105: Ahuh I totally agree about the opposites attract thing, but with sere and endy as much as their different their also the same. I think they claim to hate each other because they don't trust each other and are afraid of getting hurt. Well you'll see what happens with Seiya in this chapter, although I warn you some parts get a bit bleak. I so love the curiosity killed the cat quote..it's like perfect! And I'm writing a novel so when that's finished hopefully I'll be able to publish it (I'll send you through a signed copy) Thanks so much for all the support you've given me girl, you have no idea how much it means to me.
To deadly diva: Once again you have my gratitude for editing my story, I can't express in words how thankful I am to have you. You're spot on about Diamond, but the danger with him is he's stupid but has a lot of power..and that may I'm beginning to worry about Andrew too, he's like the silent victim in this story. I don't know what he's going to do about loosing Serenity, I'm not even sure if has the heart to do anything. The thing is Endymion has women vying for his affections, but I've minimised them cause they really mean nothing to him. Sere's become like an obsession for him and she's the centre of his world. So yeah, and triangles are so much fun! Yeah, she let diamond disrespect her to get to Endymion, which worked a little better than she proberly intended it too. Not long! Hehe..intruledes are short and sweet..and something substantial always follows through shortly. Once again thankyou for everything your continued support gives me the strength I need to see this through.
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Andrew stared at the parchments that lay before him. He shook his head in an exasperated manner and allowed a deep sigh to escape from his lips. He ran a hand through his thick golden locks and narrowed his eyes in an attempt to concentrate. However despite these efforts, the numbers of the Medici accounts seemed to merge into a mass of black ink before his eyes. He threw the parchments in a moment of intense frustration and began to pace the small rooms of the chamber. He didn't bother to turn around when he heard a small rap on the door.
He vaguely heard a rustle of smooth silk behind him, but made no effort to turn and greet his visitor. A muffled statement about his inability to entertain guests emerged from his lips. He could hear muttering, but was not in the least curious to witness its source.
"I thought I taught you to never fall for a courtesan." Luna's voice was clear, and although her statement was somewhat condescending, her tone was gentle and sincere. Andrew turned and inhaled sharply. He looked up at Luna, his eyes begging for her to give him the proper direction. He shook his head and buried his face in his palms.
"You did mother. I am a foolish child who did not take heed to your warnings." On hearing the anguish in her son's voice, Luna rushed forward and wrapped her arms around his shoulders. She tilted her head gently and ran her fingers through Andrew's golden strands.
"Is she really what you desire?" Luna asked quietly, leaning in closer so that her mouth was at Andrew's ear. Her voice was husky, each word drawled slowly, allowing their meaning to truly dawn on Andrew. When she was answered with silence she placed a finger on Andrew's jaw and turned his face so they could establish eye contact. She raised an eyebrow urging him to answer her question.
"Yes."
Luna nodded her head with in an ominous fashion on hearing Andrew's reply. She moved around the table until she was standing opposite Andrew. She placed her palms face down on the wooden surface and leaned in closely. Andrew's reading candles illuminated the harsh contours of her deeply set face.
"I warn you my son, she will resent you if you try to obtain her affections forcefully. However, that is the only option you have left if you truly desire to have her." Luna's dark eyes shone in the dim light, indicating the sinister plans that were forming in her mind. Andrew stared at her for a long time, unable to ascertain if he truly wished to have Serenity by unethical means.
"Why do you believe that it is my only option?" He asked, his eyes piercing his mother's in demand of an answer.
"Simply that if you do not act soon, she will belong to either Diamond or Endymion."
"Endymion?" Andrew growled the name, his eyebrows coming together in fury. "Surely, you are mistaken. She would not possibly-"
"She would, if she has not already." Luna let her glare wash over her son. She had wished on countless occasions that her son would possess a fraction of Endymion's or even Diamond's masculinity. As if sensing his mother's desire, Andrew fixed his posture and put on a very stern expression.
"So be it. I shall have her mother," he stated. For the first time in his life, Andrew was showing true determination.
"Of course you shall my dear." Luna replied, her tone once again that of a retired courtesan, light and airy.
"Yet we face one main obstacle. Who do you believe her benefactor to be? Who would not only wish but also have the means to bring down the Loredans? Who would want to destroy them so much that he would risk evoking the wrath of Endymion?" Luna listened to her son's words and pursed her lips in distaste. Indeed, Serenity's mysterious benefactor could prove to be quite troublesome.
"My son, you have much on your mind. You need not worry over such trifling matters. I shall take care of it." Andrew took Luna hand and gently placed a kiss on her knuckles.
"What would I do without you mother?"
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Serenity stared at her reflection in the mirror. It did not surprise her in the least that the person staring back at her was a complete stranger. Nor did it bother her. While she still had an air of innocence, it was not as radiant and overwhelming as it once had been. Her skin was now an ivory tone, which closely resembled the artificial skin of a porcelain doll. Her blue eyes were no longer naïve, but rather a little too worldly. Cynicism had crept into her being and caused her pragmatism to become even more dominant in her persona.
The sound of a soft knock at the door caused Serenity to break away from her thoughts. She granted the person entry in a sweet, melodic voice. A small smile formed on her lips as Luna appeared at her door.
"Andrew told me to give you this. Apparently a servant dropped it off at the mansion late last night. It seems that your benefactor is proud of what you achieved with Zoicite." She moved towards Serenity and gently removed an elegant diamond necklace from a plush velvet bag. Luna then gently wrapped the necklace around Serenity's neck. A small gasp emerged from Serenity's lips as the cold metal made contact with her warm skin. She placed her hand over the necklace in order to establish the fact that it was real. Luna then placed a delicate cream envelope in her hand.
"It came with the necklace." Serenity gently opened the envelope, not wanting to tarnish its beauty. Inside lay a note written with very elegant cursive letters. It read:
Cleopatra's beauty is nothing to yours.
A small smile began to form on Serenity's lips. 'Well', she thought to herself quietly. Her benefactor had certainly given himself away. Surely, it could only be Diamond. Satisfaction slowly began to immerse her being. After all, she already had him wrapped around her little finger.
"You have not yet told me of your plans for Jadeite." Luna replied absentmindedly. Serenity's eyebrows shot up at the reminder. She turned in her stool away from the vanity so that she was facing Luna.
"Jadeite is a prosperous merchant, yet his company deals with only one shipping company. I shall simply seduce the owner and convince him to cease his dealings with Jadeite." Serenity told Luna of her plan in an absentminded and detached fashion. She had learned that when destroying men's lives it was best to avoid sentimentality.
"And who owns the shipping company?" Luna inquired, her eyebrow rising in question.
"Ah, well you see it seems that a rather unsavory takeover took place last night. As of this morning, the company has a new owner."
"That is rather strange."
"Yes it is. A servant boy is to send me up the name of the new owner immediately when he finds it." Luna nodded and as if on queue, a small rap came from the door. Serenity granted the stranger entry. A small servant boy of eleven or so walked in. His eyes were on the floor and a red hue of embarrassment had accumulated on his plump cheeks. His mother had no doubt preached to him about the moral dangers courtesans presented. The thought caused a light smile to play on Serenity's lips.
"Did you find the name boy?" She asked kindly, tilting her head towards him in encouragement. The boy looked up at her with big eyes and slowly nodded his head.
"His name is Seiya de Barberac my lady."
The smile instantly faded from Serenity's features. All the color drained from her face, while her breath seemed to have suddenly caught in her throat. Every muscle in her body started throbbing. One of her hands flew to her mouth while tears began to sting her eyes. Her other hand reached towards the vanity, in order to gain some support. As her hand reached the highly polished wood, it knocked over a delicate jar of perfume. The bottle fell to the ground and made a resounding thud as it shattered into millions of pieces. Serenity felt Luna's hand on her shoulder, but flinched away from her touch immediately.
"Get out" She whispered the words through shaking lips. Her eyes were burning with such fire that not even Luna dared to rebuke her. On hearing the soft click of the closing door, Serenity allowed her tears to flow freely. She buried her face in her hands as violent sobs began to rock her body. Lifting her gaze, she was once again faced with her tear stained reflection. Anger welled in her being and sizzled through her veins. With all her strength, she grabbed a large brush off the vanity and hurled it towards the mirror. The glass cracked and fell to the floor lifelessly, leaving a barren hole in its place.
'Stop it!' A deep voice in her mind screamed at her. Serenity allowed her form to fall onto the bed and stared lifelessly at the surrounding walls. Just the mention of Seiya's name was enough to bring back countless memories, each a sharp dagger that seemed to sear her flesh from the inside out. She closed her eyes as her stomach began to turn in disgust. A growl escaped as she clenched her lips.
How on earth was she going to seduce him? How could she possibly bear to let him touch her again? She shook her head in denial. It could not be; fate would not be so cruel. What was left of the innocent part of her soul was screaming in agony and shriveling with anguish. However, this was the opportunity her pragmatic side had been waiting for. Slowly memories of Seiya began to once again play in her mind. She could almost feel the vibrations of his voice as he whispered professions of love in her ear. His touch along the curve of her breasts and her inner thighs was only too raw.
However, as each memory finished, it left her with renewed conviction. The anger, hatred and burning desire for revenge she had felt moments after Seiya had left her flooded back to her.
"I need a women with more, shall we say...experience?"
The resonance of his voice in her mind was a catalyst for the change that took place in her. Slowly the grief in her eyes was replaced by anger and determination. A deep voice in her mind was forcing her to face the pain. Serenity did just that. She confronted her pain, isolated it and began to use it for motivation. She wiped the tears from her face with the back of her hand. Within a moment Serenity's entire demeanor changed. The contours of her face became even more taut, her posture more rigid. Her appearance could no longer be deemed pretty because of innocence. She was now truly beautiful because of the dangerous enigma that surrounded her.
A small sardonic smile began to form on her full lips. She would merely bestow on Seiya the same favors that he granted her. She chuckled quietly, her laughter riddled with malice. Seiya would pay, and pay dearly.
Her lips pouted in displeasure and she shook her head angrily. She cursed herself silently for demonstrating such childish weakness. She had made a vow the morning Seiya left her, and to that vow she would always comply.
No man would ever get the best of her again.
Never again.
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"Did you do as I asked?" Endymion's husky voice asked carefully. A glass of heavy brandy was in his hand as he leaned casually on the balcony railing of his home, his back to the beautiful view of Venice.
"Of course," came Sapphire's cool reply. He gazed at his friend with a great deal of worry. It was clear that something had been plaguing his mind, even causing him to lose sleep. For the heavy bags under his eyes and a slight yellowing of complexion had marred Endymion's usually flawless features.
"I do appreciate what you do for me, surely you are aware of that my friend."
A slight blush crept on Sapphire's cheeks as he fidgeted in his chair. Endymion's compliments always caught him off guard, making him feel uncomfortable. However the awkwardness grew into irritation when he saw the mocking smile that was dancing on Endymion's lips.
"You should really come inside. The air is cool and you'll catch your death. I don't care how long we've been friends. I'm not being your nurse maid." Sapphire commented. His tone was completely serious while the last part of his statement was clearly nothing more than jest. Endymion threw his head back and laughed heartedly.
"It shall be a very sorry day indeed when I need you to be my nurse maid. Don't worry, amongst other things the brandy keeps me warm." Sapphire raised a questioning eyebrow at Endymion's comment.
"Amongst other things?"
Endymion nodded. Sapphire did not miss the way Endymion clenched his jaw and looked away as if avoiding something, or the thought of someone.
"You don't agree with my decision. As a matter of fact you disapprove of it entirely." Endymion lashed, glaring at Sapphire piercingly.
It irritated Sapphire to no end that while he struggled so to understand Endymion, he was able to see through him so easily. Sapphire did not need to ask what decision Endymion was asking about, his tone had made it quite clear.
"I believe that it was wrong to involve Seiya." Sapphire's voice was calm and unattached.
"Are you suggesting that she is not strong enough to handle it?" Endymion returned, raising an eyebrow in challenge.
"Are you suggesting that you care about her?"
Endymion narrowed his eyes with what seemed to be anger. He remained silent as he pondered Sapphire's words. He then turned away from his friend and unleashed his angry glare on the city of Venice. He cursed himself silently for the foolish slip of tongue.
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Serenity took a deep breath and gently knocked on the large oak door. The wood groaned in anguish as its ancient weight was moved. The moment Andrew's eyes fell on her, he moved to close the door. However, Serenity put a hand on the door and pushed her weight behind it, preventing him from doing so.
"Andrew please, all I want is a chance to explain." She whispered quietly, forcing tears to come to her eyes. Serenity had realized that in order to fully have her revenge on Seiya she would be in need of new gowns. Naturally, only the most lavish and ostentatious gowns would do. While the money her benefactor had been sending her was quite considerable in sum, she did not wish to waste it on such things. Which left her one option, to get re-acquainted with Andrew.
Andrew hesitated, a sigh escaped his lips as he submitted to her wishes and held the door open. She breezed into the room, making sure to keep her back to him. She kept her head bent as if she was embarrassed to even be in his presence. She turned towards him slowly, as if she was attempting to avoid looking in his eyes. When their eyes finally met, hers had glazed over with tears.
"Serenity," Andrew's voice almost broke when uttering her name. True, he had told his mother that he would resort to any means to have her, but in truth he could never do such a thing. Serenity's rejection had wounded his ego and that anger led to the determination he had shown in front of his mother. However, he could never force anything on anyone. His character was so sensitive and compassionate that it never allowed Andrew to enforce his will on his subjects. These characteristics were unheard of among Andrew's comrades, men who trained courtesans. However, Andrew had neither aspired to nor earned his position. His name and his kind disposition had caused many in his family to look kindly upon him. It was through the combination of his mother's will and his family connections that he had acquired such a position. The fact that Serenity had come to him was enough. If she had asked it at that moment he would have thrown the world at her feet.
"No, let me finish," she whispered quietly while pressing her hand to his lips. His eyes fluttered closed at even such a simple touch. She gently ran the back of her hand against the skin of his cheek and looked at him with what seemed genuine regret.
"Andrew, you must understand I am a courtesan. My profession dictates that I make men believe what ever they like to believe. Don't you see that if I had Diamond's favor it could work for both of us? Surely you know what I feel for you after all the nights we've spent together."
She knew it was ironic that she uttered such words in order to convince Andrew that she supposedly cared for him. However she also knew that he had not enough wit to see that she was deceiving him at that very moment.
Andrew looked up at her with a look that was dangerously close to gratitude. It was a mistake to surrender his power to Serenity, a mistake that Endymion would never make. He took her hands in his own and placed a gentle kiss on every one of her knuckles. Serenity breathed in sharply. The intimate gesture not only surprised her, but somewhat shook her resolve. Yet she desired revenge against fate itself and not even Andrew would prevent her from obtaining what she so longed for.
"It's all right, I forgive you with all my heart." Andrew whispered the words with outmost sincerity. He kissed Serenity tenderly and slowly began making love to her. Serenity had read him well, he had not seen her trap.
Serenity had never asked for Andrew's forgiveness, that was just an added bonus.
Luna had searched high and low for Serenity. After seeing her despair Luna had pitied her, and had taken great measures to come up with a solution that would allow Serenity to complete her plan without sleeping with Seiya. She had planned on suggesting that Serenity send another whore with similar physical attributes in her place. Of course, beforehand Serenity would tell Seiya that she was shy and could only conduct such things in the shadows of the night. Seiya, like all men during such times of heightened arousal would not be very mindful of small details and thus would fall for the ploy.
A disapproving snarl marred Luna's usually temperate features. The door of her son's chambers had been slightly ajar and she had not disallowed herself from taking a peek. She heard his entire discourse with Serenity and could not help but be angry. She cursed herself for having raised such a fool. If her son did not have the capacity to see that he was being deceived, she did. Luna knew exactly what Serenity was doing and it made her blood boil.
Seeing the way that Serenity was manipulating her son caused her good will to turn into a deep bitterness. Not only was she not going to inform Serenity of the ways she could avoid sleeping with Seiya, but she wanted to make Serenity pay for her sins against Andrew. With this motive in mind, Luna began walking back to her own personal chambers. Her steps were filled with conviction and her eyes were ablaze with cold fury. With a calculating coldness, she evaluated each of her options.
As she turned the copper doorknob that led to her rooms, a small smile began to curve on her lips. She moved to her Louis XIV writing desk and took out a small envelope. With a delicate hand she addressed a letter to the infamous Endymion.
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Serenity snapped impatiently at the young maid that was doing her hair. She was so harsh that the poor creature was almost in tears. As it was, she was trembling violently with fear. When she accidentally took out the wrong pin and undid half an hour's work, Serenity glared at her with fury. The girl bit her lip and scrunched up her face as if waiting for Serenity to physically beat her. Serenity sighed and closed her eyes in an attempted to control her vexation.
"You should never let anyone see that you fear them, for it immediately gives them power over you." She uttered in a philosophic tone. The girl stared at her with disbelief; a blank expression covered her delicate features. She did not say anything in return, but completely devoted herself to the task of completing Serenity's hair.
It was a great feat of self-control on Serenity's part that she was not biting her nails, for anxiety was rolling over her in waves. She reminded herself for the thousandth time that all she was doing was attending a dinner party. She was attempting to forget that Seiya would be there, that she would have to take the first steps of seduction tonight.
'At least all went well with Andrew,' she thought to herself slowly. Perhaps that was a good omen. Indeed she had been successful with Andrew. She had left Andrew's bedroom this morning and found an exquisite gown lying on her bed, a token of Andrew's love. Much had changed in her since the eve when she found out about Seiya's promotion. The last part of her innocent soul had finally dwindled leaving her to the pragmatic side of her nature. This was why she felt no remorse or even shame for the way she was treating Andrew.
On completing her hair, the maid curtsied deeply and left the room hurriedly. Serenity got dressed slowly and made sure that her appearance was the best that it could be. Nothing short of perfection would do tonight.
She only prayed that Endymion would not be present. That man seemed to have a knack for destroying her plans. Thankfully, Andrew would not be present either, for a rather important engagement had mysteriously popped up at the last minute and would keep him occupied for a large portion of the night. A sigh escaped her lips yet again, as she retrieved her fan and left her room.
As always, on first entering a social function Serenity was overwhelmed by the vibrant colors and textures. Women dressed in flamboyant gowns of extravagant material seemed to float around the tastefully decorated hall. Of course, there was a small portion of women dressed modestly, religious women who sneered at courtesans such as Serenity. Usually Serenity ignored them, attributing them with such acute narrow mindedness that their thoughts and actions were not worth her concern. However, on one or two occasions such women had greatly annoyed Serenity, and she in turn had delighted in flirting outrageously with their husbands right under of their noses. From then on they quickly learned to leave her alone.
She spotted Seiya in the crowd instantly. He had not changed in the least since she had last seen him. However, as she studied him now through un-infatuated eyes, he seemed plain, lanky and not nearly as attractive as she had remembered him to be. His attire and very manner was awkward . Yet, in that instant, Seiya was not the chief matter on her mind. She could feel a scorching gaze burning through her skin. Only one man was able to create such a sensation within her and that man was Endymion. She swore under her breath at her foul luck and hoped that everything would go well.
Serenity moved forward and greeted some of her acquaintances joining in on the gossip of the latest scandals. From the corner of her eye she could see Seiya approaching her. Her heart was pounding furiously against her chest. She bit the inside of her mouth to control the rage that flourished by the mere sight of him. The bastard had the audacity to smile!
"My dearest Serenity, I believe it has been far too long." Serenity smiled at him and tilted her head as if flattered that he would notice her. She gave him her hand not only because of the demands of etiquette, but to also stop herself from slapping him across the face. She was very well aware that the only reason he had approached her was because someone had informed him of her status as the reigning Venus.
"It has indeed. Why, I hear that you have become quite the success. Although I must admit it did not surprise me in the least." Serenity replied, her tone high pitched and flirtatious. Every feature in her face indicated that she had not a care in the world and was quite delighted to be talking to Seiya. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth. Seiya kissed her hand and then turned his head away in a gesture of modesty, and Serenity smiled back at him. Her smile seemed genuine for it was. At that moment Serenity was contemplating the different ways she could stab him to death with her dinner knife.
"May I be so bold as to ask for this dance?"
Internally Serenity cringed at the idea of physical contact with him, but externally she smiled graciously, and even blushed before taking his hand.
Dancing with Seiya was indeed a test of patience. It had not been more than five minutes and Serenity was already completely exasperated. Seiya's movements were not only clumsy, but his timing was completely off. To add insult to injury, during the dance her gaze fell on Endymion who had a scantily dressed blonde hanging off his arm. Catching her gaze, he lifted his glass and nodded to her slowly, an infuriating smile on his lips. To make matters worse, he paid her no more attention and immediately resumed his flirtations with the other woman.
"You have changed much."
Serenity returned her gaze to Seiya at hearing his voice and smiled slyly, she couldn't help but make him squirm a little.
"Yes, it's amazing how much experience one can gain in a year." Her tone was more than a little sarcastic and was the first remark that actually portrayed how she really felt, even if it was only a very minute reflection. Seiya visibly flinched and a small blush began to play on his features. Serenity watched him intently; he was eating out of her hand already. She didn't know why it surprised her, after all an acquaintance with her would do a lot for his social position and she could introduce him to many viable customers. Her stomach turned at the thought. He was still only using her to meet his own needs.
"However I would love for us to get re-acquainted again." Serenity whispered quietly, forcing herself to choke out the words. She turned away from him slightly; when she looked back her eyes told him exactly what she meant by re-acquainted. He nodded slowly, took her hand and led her away from the dance floor and to his carriage outside. Serenity clenched her jaw in anger. She cursed the fates for the hundredth time and denounced them.
The trip to Seiya's residence was a quiet and rather awkward one. He sat beside her without laying a hand on her. However for the entire trip his eyes were fixated on her breasts.
"We're here," he whispered when the carriage came to a stand still. He wrapped his hands around her waist and helped Serenity out of the carriage. Serenity gasped when her feet touched the ground and kept her gaze on the floor. She slowly bit her lip trying to push memories of their courting away from her mind.
He took her hand and led her through a dark hallway. He stopped when they reached a mediocre door, opened it and held it for her. She stepped inside past him. The room was richly furnished, but it was not as grand as the rooms to which she had become accustomed. Her stomach was protesting violently and she really felt physically ill. As a result, she began shivering slightly.
Seiya mistook this as a sign of arousal and placed his heavy hands on Serenity's shoulders. She flinched under his touch and moved away. She forced herself to go through the list of why she had to do this. Seiya moved towards her again slowly and cupped her cheek with his hand. Serenity did not flinch even though every instinct in her body was screaming for her to do so.
"I promise it won't hurt again."
For a moment Serenity merely gazed at him dumbfound, and then she almost broke out into outright laughter. Was he really naïve enough to think that he was the last man that she had slept with? She looked up at him as if his statement had calmed her.
This was all the encouragement Seiya needed, as he was growing impatient. He pressed his lips to Serenity's with what she now realized was very little skill. She kissed him back, but her eyes remained open during the kiss. He moved behind her and began undoing her dress. Serenity had to dig her nails into the skin of her palms to prevent herself from crying out.
Once he had stripped her down she moved to his bed and laid down, his form covered her instantly. For once she was glad that a man took absolutely no measure to see that she too received pleasure. The moment Seiya had removed himself from the confines of pants, he plunged into her and began his harsh rhythm. Serenity stared at the ceiling lifelessly. She groaned every now and then because of discomfort rather than ecstasy. After what seemed like a lifetime, Seiya fell down beside her, his breathing ragged, his body covered in layer of sweat. She could feel the bile moving up her throat but swallowed it down forcefully.
"I like you better as a whore," he whispered in her ear as if stating a deeply romantic sentiment. She inhaled sharply and closed her eyes. All the memories she had been avoiding rushed back to her with a vengeance. However, Serenity swallowed her pride and turned to her side so that she was facing the bastard. It took three attempts, but she finally forced her fingers to play with the hair on his chest.
"Seiya, I have something very important to tell you," she whispered quietly. Seiya merely groaned as if annoyed by the sound of her voice.
"Well you see I heard rumors that you were doing business with this Jadeite character. I'm sure you know what they're saying. It's silly of me to even bring it up." He opened his eyes suddenly and glared at her. Her face flushed with anger, how dare he presume that he had power over her!
"What are they saying?" He growled.
"That it's quite a pity for such a talented man to be mixed up with a vile thing like that Jadeite creature. That's why no one else will trade with you. I can't bear it, really you must promise me that you won't help Jadeite anymore." For the first time in his life, Seiya listened to Serenity. A smug smile began to dance on his lips, a smile that caused a shiver to run down Serenity's spine.
"Of course darling, on one condition."
Serenity pushed back tears. "What condition?"
He did not answer her question. Rather, he made his way on top of her once more. Serenity closed her eyes and allowed her mind to drift, wanting to separate herself as much as possible from what was happening to her body.
She had no idea how she managed to survive the night.
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Endymion grabbed the hips of the woman under him and pulled her roughly so that she met his thrust. His breathing was rapid and he was taking out his anger on the whore beneath him, not that she was complaining. Endymion was many things, but he had never forced himself on a woman, nor had he ever been a selfish lover. He had chosen her with great care, ensuring that she had the same blonde hair, the same blue eyes. He had almost called out Serenity's name twice, but stopped himself before the word had stumbled out of his mouth.
After reaching climax, he fell on the other side of the bed heavily. He pulled the bed sheets around his waist and opened a bedside drawer. He took out a large velvet bag filled with gold and threw it at the blonde. She looked up at him with greedy eyes, and quickly leapt out of his bed and gathered her clothes before promptly leaving.
Endymion threw his head on the pillow and growled. The woman had ruined him for life! He grabbed a pair of breeches and stumbled out of bed grumpily walking to his adjoining study. He poured himself a glass of vodka and downed the contents quickly. He had scarce finished the first glass when he began pouring the second one. He yelled out for a servant and gruffly gave the sleep deprived butler instructions.
A half an hour passed and Sapphire walked into Endymion's study. Heavy bags lined his eyes, but he looked at Endymion with a smile of amusement.
"We really have to stop meeting like this."
Endymion laughed quietly. Sapphire narrowed his eyes as he began to really study his friend. Even though Endymion could hold his liquor, he rarely drank more than a glass or two a night. But on this occasion Endymion's eyes were blood shot and two empty bottles of vodka lay on the table.
"Did she go through with it?" Even though Endymion's voice was as self-assured as ever his words were slightly slurred from the alcohol intake. Endymion's eyes darkened with anger as he asked the question, while his fists were clenched. Sapphire could not bring himself to voice an answer, but merely nodded in reply.
Endymion placed his fist over his mouth and narrowed his eyes dangerously. Sapphire could not help but feel slightly afraid in Endymion's presence at that moment. He looked as if he was ready to kill.
"Thank you Sapphire, your loyalty shall never be forgotten." Endymion uttered coldly, dismissing his friend. Sapphire, taking the hint, left without comment. As soon as he closed the door he could hear the sound of furniture breaking.
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Serenity walked to the carriage slowly and tried to ignore the dull discomfort between her legs. She instructed the driver to take her to a small cottage she had bought. She had acquired the small settling so that she would have a haven to run to when she did not want to return to the Medici mansion.
Her head was leaning against the window staring blankly at the world passing by outside. She no longer had the strength to stop tears running down her cheeks. She felt completely barren, empty. She cursed herself mentally for allowing Seiya to take the last part of her soul. Every inch of her body felt dirty and disgusted her. She felt utterly worthless. She rubbed away the tears that had accumulated on her cheeks so harshly that it could have left a bruise.
She did not deserve the luxury of crying.
The carriage came to a sudden halt and she promptly thanked the driver and stepped out. She took a moment to draw in a breath of fresh air before going into the small house that was completely hers. She opened the door slowly and stepped in, her gaze on the timber floor.
"Sleep well?" Her head shot up instantly on hearing Endymion's voice. Her lip began quivering at the sight of him. She was so distraught that she did not notice that he too looked worn and eternally tired. She placed a hand to her forehead and then raised it in the air in a sign of defeat.
"What do you want from me?"
He began walking towards her slowly. He clenched his jaw in anger on seeing the tears that had lined her cheeks. He reached out slowly, approaching her in the same way he would approach a wounded animal, as if assuring that he would cause her no harm. He cupped her face and rubbed the tears away with his thumbs. Fresh tears spilled from her eyes as she stared at him, not knowing why he was being so tender, or why she hadn't moved away.
He moved around her and started undoing the straps that held up her dress. Serenity stood still, her mind numb and exhausted. She was not in a mind set that was capable of fighting Endymion. When her dress had pooled around her feet he swept her off her feet and held her close to his chest. She gasped softly, startled by his actions. He had lifted her up as if she weighed no more than a feather.
He moved her to an adjoining room and kicked the door open. Inside a bath had already been drawn. He slowly placed Serenity into the tub and asked her if the temperature was all right. She nodded. Once she was submerged, he knelt beside her. He flicked away a stray strand of blonde hair from her eyes and placed a chaste kiss on her forehead. He stood up and moved to exit the room, when her voice stopped him.
"Thank you," she whispered quietly. He merely nodded and closed the door softly behind him.
Endymion sat in a chair, his head clasped in his hands. He heard the door click open and immediately looked up. Serenity stepped out wearing a fresh simple dress, her complexion much improved after the long bath. She once again looked surprise to see him.
"I didn't think you'd stay."
He shrugged at her words and did not move from his seat.
"I wanted too," he replied, his voice carrying the same mesmerizing husky quality that it always did. She turned her face away from him and transferred her attention a nearby window.
"Don't you ever tire of these games? Don't you ever long to be just one of them, living a simple life with security and love?" Her eyes held a look of deep regret and sadness as she whispered the words quietly. The questions were more directed to herself than to Endymion. He stood up slowly and began to move towards her. He placed two fingers to the side of her chin and tilted it so that she was looking up at him. He scrutinized her face as if searching for something before answering.
"No, for they can never comprehend what love is." Serenity looked up at him sharply raising an eyebrow in a challenging manner. A mischievous smile began to dance on Endymion's lips on seeing this. He slowly trailed his fingers across Serenity's hips, snaked his arm around her waist and pulled her to him.
"Those people," he whispered staring coldly at the moral women walking on the streets before once again resuming. "They wrongly despise excess, all they know is their daily doings in a repetitive cycle. They know nothing of passion, of wanting someone with such violent need that it turns their every living moment into hell." He placed his other hand of Serenity's neck and slowly traced his was down to her collarbone. Serenity gasped slightly and looked up at him with confusion and lust.
"Love is an excess, a madness. It blinds one so that they can no longer see the other's faults, illusion, hallucination. Like hate, it is provoked into existence by a smile, a flicker of the eye perhaps. It is the curse of humans, a test of sanity." His words grew huskier and his lips edged closer and closer to Serenity's.
Serenity looked up into his eyes and instantly regretted it. His eyes had acquired an almost black hue of lust. The proximity of their bodies was beginning to numb her mind. His heated breath on her cheek, his fingers dancing on her hips. She could almost feel his velvety lips pressed against her own.
"Which perhaps explains why it is not sustainable. Such an emotion as you describe it would extinguish itself, much in the same way that two merging flames do when they meet."
"Indeed, but it is insatiable until the flames manage to wear each other out and the battle is always spectacular." Without giving her time to reply he bent down and took her upper lip between his. He tugged on it gently causing a soft moan to escape from her. Encouraged by this, he tugged on her lip softly and then began kissing her. It was by no means a chaste kiss; each was fighting to establish dominance. It was hard, full of raw emotion and desire. Endymion pressed his hand against her back harshly and molded their bodies together while his other hand was at the side of her cheek, ensuring that she could not pull away.
He broke the kiss abruptly and looked at Serenity with conflicting emotions in his eyes. His glare was scorching; he pushed her out of his arms and walked away from her muttering under his breath.
"Not like this," was all that Serenity could decipher. The words snapped her back to reality. Her mind slowly began analyzing what had happened in the past half hour and the puzzle slowly began to form in her mind. Endymion had been here when she had gotten home, which meant that he was aware that something had caused her pain. As he had seen her the previous night with Seiya, the obvious conclusion was that he was aware of the past she had shared with Seiya. Anger began to bubble inside her as she realized that Endymion had the influence to pull off Seiya's mysterious promotion. She glared at Endymion's back with pure hatred. Her entire being was shaking with the force of her rage.
"Get out." She whispered quietly, her voice dangerously low. Endymion turned slowly and narrowed his eyes curiously. The look in her eyes instantly told him that she had figured it out.
"This is what I think about you supposed gestures of affection." Serenity spat on the ground venomously, never diverting her glare from Endymion. Endymion's fists clenched immediately in response, however a mocking smile formed on his lips.
"Who says I was showing you affection?"
Serenity was outraged, but the more heightened her emotional state became the more she was able to control her actions. She straightened her posture and tilted her head up in a display of unabashed pride.
"No of course not. You were just trying to prove your masculinity, punishing me for not falling at your feet and announcing my undying love for you!" Serenity growled.
"The only reason you slept with Seiya was to prove that you could beat me." Endymion taunted. He did not mention that he was willing to rip Seiya to shreds for merely touching her. Although he knew that his conduct was not wise he could not help but retaliate at her words. "That is futile my darling. You can never beat me. Don't you see not matter what you do I shall always win?"
"I shall repeat those words to you when you're begging me for bread crumbs and a dry place to sleep!"
Endymion tossed his head back and laughed harshly at her words dismissing her like as he would a child throwing a tantrum.
"Yes I forgot about your little plans."
"Why, if you knew what he did?" Serenity demanded ignoring Endymion's previous statement, her body shaking tears once again stinging her eyes. Her voice was bordering on a yell yet her tone was dangerously low.
"Because you're mine," Endymion growled before having a chance to stop himself. Serenity's eyes narrowed dangerously. She moved towards him so that their bodies were once again touching. She traced the outline of his jaw with her index finger. She moved her lips to his ear so that he could feel her heated breath on his skin.
"I will never be yours," she whispered slowly letting each word sink in. She then turned on her heel and began moving to the door. As her hand reached the doorknob she turned around slightly.
"Remember Endymion, only two of the men who murdered your father are dead." With that enigmatic threat, Serenity walked out of the room slamming the door behind her.
Endymion would pay, and pay dearly.