Disclaimer: Don't own anything but the plot.
Wow, so, it's been nearly a year since I lasted updated. Yeah, I had every intention to give up on the story and then I realized how much I hate it when authors don't finish their stories. So, here I am…almost completely finished with the last of my AP tests and about ready to graduate from high school. I'm going to be off to Columbia University next year…hopefully majoring in chemical engineering. ) Anyways, enough about my boring academic life. I would like to dedicate this chapter to all those dudettes still reading this story. On with the show…
Chapter Four: Expect the Unexpected
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Darien cursed superfluously under his breath as soon as he opened the heavyset door to the hell-hole he called "home-sweet-home." Just as he had expected, an impatient click of heels headed his way from the dining room just off to the right of the foyer he was currently situated in. Bending down, he threw his weight on his left hand to balance himself on the shelf. His new shoes were a pain and he wanted them off as soon as possible. In other words, now.
Slipping on his comfortable bed-shoes, Darien straightened himself and turned to smile at the woman tapping her heel persistently in front of him. "Mother!"
She waved off his blatantly feigned enthusiasm with a shake of the head. "Don't 'Mother' me. You were supposed to be home nearly three hours ago."
Darien walked over to embrace the elegant woman. "The meeting only finished an hour ago. And I know you remember the state of city traffic on such a hectic Friday night. Apparently, there's a huge-ass party at the Ritz tonight." Renée Shields stiffened at his choice of language.
"I know for a fact that the meeting ended much sooner. So you better give me an explanation I want to hear."
Holding his arms up in surrender, "Okay, fine. After the meeting, I invited some of the younger customers for a few drinks at the new bar around the corner. I'm sure you know from your years of experience that business isn't always conducted in those stuffy conference rooms. Besides, everything is so much easier and numerous folds more pleasant over a few martinis, no?"
"Don't patronize me."
"I wouldn't dare!" Darien replied with a slight smirk gracing his handsome features.
"Oh forget it." Renée walked quickly into the living room and proceeded to deposit her body on the plush leather couch. Now she remembered exactly why she had chosen this particular model over one with more "support." "Don't get too comfortable." She snapped when Darien tried to take a seat on the opposing couch.
"Huh?" Darien allowed himself to look momentarily surprised before composing himself again.
"You're leaving soon anyways. Contrary to what your head tells you, being fashionably late does not equate to missing the dinner party all together."
Another relapse of emotion. "What dinner party?"
It was her turn to smirk. "The 'huge-ass' one at the Ritz. Your absentmindedness is forgiven. After all, getting married is a very tedious affair, even for such a young and willing couple."
"You have no idea." Darien grumbled lowly.
"She'll be down in just a moment." Renée sneaked a peak at the grand staircase before turning her attention back to her son.
"Who?"
"Renée?" An usually sweet, gentle voice interrupted. Both heads turned toward the owner of the voice.
DAMN. It must be illegal for a woman that bitchy to look that goddamn SEXY. He couldn't take his eyes off of her as his senses fully reacted to her presence in the room.
Renée rushed forward to embrace the fidgeting girl. She obviously wasn't used to receiving the unwavering attention of such a gorgeous man. Even one as big of an asshole as he was. She lived a life of tired lab coats and wrinkled pant suits. But now, she looked as if she were born to wear low cut, spaghetti strapped mini-dresses that stuck to her body like a second skin.
"Honey, you look gorgeous. Doesn't she, Darien?" Renée turned her head, smiling expectantly at Darien.
Darien nodded mechanically, still unable to register anything else happening around him besides the beautiful angel standing nervously in front of him.
Renée walked over to Darien and purposefully nudged him towards her. "Enjoy yourselves. Go easy on the drinks, Darien. I want at least two grandchildren before you decide to kill yourself by drunk driving. Wait, make that three."
Darien glared at his mother before offering up his arm. He quickly opened the front door and stepped out into the cool summer breeze.
"You can let go of my arm now."
Darien glanced at her confused before noticing her glaze dropping downward toward their entwined arms. He hastily disentangled himself from her as if touching any more of her smooth, supple skin would singe him. He turned around quickly and proceeded to walk in front of her, walking only slow enough for her to keep up with him.
She picked up her pace and reached out to tap him gently on the arm. "Wait. We have to set something straight first. You and I will arrive together but that's IT. I am under no obligation to spend more time with you than I have to. This means we both get to dance with who we want, when we want."
"Sounds reasonable."
Nodding stiffly, she climbed into the front seat of his black convertible. She sighed softly before turning her attention to the passing night view. It was going to be a LONG night.
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"Welcome Mr. and Mrs. Shields. How wonderful of you to take time out of your busy marriage life to join us tonight." The hostess greeted warmly, winking knowingly at Serena.
"The pleasure is all ours." Darien responded.
"Please help yourselves to some appetizers. Dinner will be served in awhile."
Darien nodded pleasantly before dragging Serena with him in his search for alcohol. He finally found a young waiter who had been shuffling around the room with a tray full of champagne. Grabbing one in relief, he swallowed it greedily, relishing the smooth liquid flowing down his throat. Ah, life was good.
"You know, you really shouldn't be drinking that. I expect you to drive me home later. And I think your mother would appreciate it if I arrived in one piece."
Darien smirked, "She's your mother now too."
"Insufferable jerk," Serena murmured before taking back her arm, which had been nestled uncomfortably in the crook of his elbow during his heated search. "I won't bother you with my presence anymore and don't you dare 'grace' me with yours anytime this evening. Meet me at the front entrance at midnight. Don't be late." With a warning glare, Serena sauntered off to mingle in the crowded ballroom.
Before Darien could resume his search for that sporadically present waiter again, he felt arms circle around his waist, pulling his tall frame closer to a soft, supple body. "Miss me?"
He should've known she was going to be here. She absolutely adored glamorous soirees and enjoyed the attention lavished on her by young, inexperienced, but eager men. But of course, whenever he showed up at these private functions, he would be the undisputable center of her attention.
Turning around to face her, he breathed in deeply and smiled appreciatively at the taste of her deliciously spicy perfume. "Of course."
She chuckled delightedly at his answer and directly him towards the dance floor with a protective arm still nestled around his body. "Show me how much."
"Gladly."
Once on the elegantly tiled floor, Darien tugged gently at her waist, closing the distance between their bodies. He placed his hands on her hips and grinded sinfully slow to the music, earning him a gasp of pure, unadulterated bliss.
"Mm…" She moaned softly, rotating her hips erotically against his hard body. She closed her eyes, concentrating on the heavenly sensations spreading through her body like wildfire.
Darien grunted in agreement. Only then noticing that he had screwed his eyes close in pleasure, he opened them slightly to survey the room. What he saw made his anger spike immediately.
"Who the hell is that?"
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DUM DUM DUM DUUUUUUUUUM! dramatic music Author runs away and hides from angry readers. Runs back…"Next update will be posted within two weeks!" Hides again. Whew, enough exercise for one day. ) Toodles!
Ladie of Avalon