I know I know, it's late and it's taken forever to update but remember were in exam season, and both me and my editor (the fabulous Deadly Diva) have been bombarded with work. So I hope you'll all understand, and it's a pretty long chapter with our favourite men making their first appearances. I hope you all enjoy, and don't forget to tell me what you all think.
To the reviews on anon, Jedite'sFlame, ladytokyo, artemis366, Jackie, MariKris, Secret Heart , angeleyez1071: thankyou all for your reviews, you know that it's your constant support that keeps me going. I hope you love this chapter, tell me if you do and feel free to analyze the characters as much as u like. Once again I apologies about the update being so late but hopefully the next chapter will be up sooner. Love you all and thankyou!.
ToFoxibabz21: Every time I read your review I feel a little more guilty, I'll try and make the next update quicker, and I'm sorry it took so long. But hey hopefully the longer chapter makes up for it, and do tell me what you think. Thanks for the review.
To Ishq: I'm not sure whether the other characters will come into it, it was just with tourniquet I found it really hard to manage ten main characters, but we'll see maybe I'll bring them in later in the story. The three men are hard to get, but then again, let's not forget the girls who are involved. Hehe. Thankyou for reviewing.
To ssj2Lizzie: Thankyou for the offer, at the moment I have an editor but if I ever do need help then I will certainly ask you. Thanks for the review and remember to tell me what you think afterwards.
To yellow: Thankyou, it's great to know that you've enjoyed all of my stories. Do you have a favorite? Hopefully you'll love this one too. Thanks so much for reviewing, I truly appreciate it.
To teelillies: I don't really come up with amazing ideas, I just find normal stories give them a twist and put them in a strange or romantic setting. Hehe. And your right there definitely will be drama ahead although not the type your expecting. Hehe.
To Becx: oh, but you have to admit things are so much more interesting when the girls don't get along. The 30s does have this aura of intrigue and mystique around it doesn't it? I had always wanted to do a bit of research on it and this was a good excuse to start. Thanks for reviewing and I hope you enjoy the story.
To thebodyfarm : I have to say I'm biased here, so the main par are definitely sere and darien. But don't worry some of my favorite stories are rei/jed ones and I love writing about those two so they'll be playing a big big role in the story, and I'll add more of them in just for you. Enjoy!
To lambs: trust me second chapter in and I'm starting to think 'what did I get myself into' but hey, the challenge has been worth it so far and I hope you enjoy this chapter, don't forget to tell me what you think. And thanks for reviewing.
To Xiran: I love your name, it sounds and looks really cool, what does it mean? I thankyou for your kind words, and agree about the 1930s it has this certain mystique that keeps drawing people to it. I truly do appreciate your review and your compliments about my writing. Thankyou.
To Mitsukino Tennyo: I must say you've been one of my most loyal reviewers. I do hope you know how much your continued support means to me. Rei's name is rei hino, rei matrice was her grandmother, the surnames changed because rei got her father's last name. I love writing fanfics so it's my pleasure, but I'm not sure how many more stories I have in me. Lol, thanks once again. PS: you have no idea how much it means to me to know that you've told your friends about my story. Thankyou!
To daisy31: thankyou so much, it's absolutely amazing to have such incredible support. What will happen, well I'm still figuring it all out myself, but I'll tell you one thing, the bet is going to be the least of everyone's worries. It will be a catalyst for major major drama. Hehe, I can't tell you much more without giving anything away. As to it working out in the end I'm not sure, I'm still deciding on the ending. It was happy for red silk so I don't know but it's not going to be all sad I'll guarantee that. Enjoy!
To SilverWolf2105: Yeah I wanted it to have a semi modern feel, I'm glad to hear from you again, I was beginning to worry when you didn't review for a while. Like seriously with every update I really look forward to your reviews. Your right, surprises there will be plenty, especially for the guys! Hehe. I wasn't born to this, I mean I've had to spent a lot of time improving my writing, I went through highschool with all my teachers telling me I had no talent, with mundane and average stories. So yeah, its been a long hard wrong and its not over yet but hey, these days I have a lot more support. (big hugs) and hey I know it took me forever to update but I'll try and get the next one out sooner.
To Amethyst-Heart: no one reviews quite like you do, and they really make my day when I receive a review from you. Your words never cease to humble me, to remind me why I've dedicated so much of my time to fanfiction, you make it worth while. I'm not sure if I do deserve the compliments you've bestowed on me, but I accept them with the up most honor, I thank you with all my heart, although the words will never convey the true depth of my gratitude. I understand your time constraints more than you know, being a uni student myself, I know how hard it is to juggle life with academia, but never the less I do appreciate your reviews and I can't wait to hear what you think about red silk. I love the fact that you notice the most minute details, the title took me forever to figure out, I wanted it to sound sensual, be contradictory and convey the rich lifestyle associated with the story. So thankyou for noticing it, it makes all the time I spent on it worth while. I did do my research, lots and lots of it. I'm a history buff so I needed it to be as accurate and authenticity also helps make characters more realistic so it was a win win situation. I can't take credit for the grammar and spelling of this story, I'm a notorious speller and my grammar isn't all that great either, but I do have a fabulous editor, and she's the one that makes all that happen. And I'll definitely take your advice on that sentence. Thankyou about your words about my characters, I've had so many rejections in the real world lately with my writing that its been rather confronting to say the least. Your words have really helped me to keep true to what I love doing. I think this story is a tad less dramatic than my first too, but yeah, there's different sides to serenity that will show themselves eventually. As for her not being married, there is a reason for that, and you'll see exactly why in the next few chapters, it's not just that she couldn't be with darien if she were married, there's a deeper history there that will reveal itself eventually. I hope you can review again soon, I'd dearly love to hear what you think about the guys. Till next time my dear. And thankyou once again.
To deadly Diva: what can I say, I'd be lost without you, I mean seriously your not only my editor but a really good friend and you're the one that helps me out when I have serious writing issues. Your like my one woman think tank. Thankyou for being there, for being my guiding star for the past year (s?) you've been there ever since day one, and I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate you, and everything you've done for me. Thankyou thankyou thankyou.
To reviewers on arias:
To djindie, lyss, Megan, furlynn, stacey, angelfire, lostvangel, makura, UsaRose, MMHYUM, glicky, Laylia, SerenareyChiba, UsaRose: thankyou all for your reviews, you know that it's your constant support that keeps me going. I hope you love this chapter, tell me if you do seriously your comments so far have really left me a bit overwhelmed, I've never had this much response from a story on aria's ink so I'm really really honoured. Once again I apologies about the update being so late but hopefully the next chapter will be up sooner. Love you all and thankyou!.
To ningyosara: yeah I do know her, she's been really loyal and yeah, she's amazing. Don't worry mina and rei will have their fair share in this story as well. I can't tell you much but I can tell you that there's loads of drama ahead.
To xMoonPrincessx: hey reviewing is never futile, it lets me know you guys are reading my stories, enjoying them and it motivates me to write more, although sometimes other things get in the way, on the most part reviews mean faster updates so yeah. Don't worry I always take you guys very seriously. Thankyou you have no idea how important it is to me to hear someone call my writing amazing. Thankyou!
To SovernofEvil: I've definitely tried to sustain the style of this story consistently in this chapter, and I really hope that your not disappointed. But do tell me what you think, and let me know if its getting exciting. Thanks so much for your review, especially since it was WISE.
To vtong8: the amount of time I had to spend trying to figure out how the girls each got their proofs, but I hope it'll make for interesting reading, so stay in tune for the next few chapters cause that's when all the drama really begins. Thanks for reviewing.
To CappuchinoPrincezz : lol, I love your name, I'm thinking we share a caffeine addiction, yes no? well tell me if I'm right. Lol. I'll try and update soon with the next chapter, thanks heaps for reviewing.
To BonovoxSM: that so wasn't a cliff hanger, but the one at the end of this chapter is. Sorry, but I'll warn you know this story is going to be the mother of all cliffhangers, the way its going I'm going to have you all hanging after every chapter. But on the bright side, the guys are introduced in this chapter. Thanks for the review.
To kyuui: I'm not sure what ooc is so I can't really answer your question. And I really don't know if the other senshi will be coming into this, at this point I think not, just because it gets really hard juggling all those characters but they might, we'll see. Thanks for the support.
To Darrien4Serena: lol, that really wasn't a cliffhanger, that was just a convenient way of ending a chapter, the ending of this story is more of a cliffhanger. Hehe, but I'm warning you know that there will be heaps of cliffhangers in this story, but on the good side, it'll ensure that things are interesting and I'm sorry it took so long to update, I'll try and get it done sooner next time.
Don't forget to review people!
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Serena passed along the length of her room, her embroidered cream robe fluttering noisily with her hasty movements. Exasperated, she sat down not wanting to wear out the fine carpet her father had imported to satisfy one of her passing fancies. She was beginning to think twice about the challenge she had proposed.
Exactly how did one go about seducing someone like Darien Shields?
Her knowledge of his character told her that he was very different from her normal conquests. Experience had taught Serena that most men were not attracted to a woman's body, beauty or wit. Rather, she had found that men were most attracted to the look of admiration in a woman's eyes. They loved the way such looks reinforced their confidence and renewed their manhood. However, Serena knew that pretending to be infatuated with Darien would get her nowhere. Why, the man probably had a harem of willing woman with not only admiration, but true love sparkling in their eyes.
Serena swore quietly under her breath. This unladylike gesture only occurred at times of intense frustration and only when she was alone. She would never allow such a slip in front of company, no matter how much she trusted them. Darien Shields was going to be a very slippery catch. Her instincts told her that the only way she could secure him would to be to behave in the exact opposite fashion she usually did to attract lovers. She would have to insult him, take away his confidence to a degree that he could only look to her to give it back to him.
A satisfied smile began to play on full lips. It wouldn't hurt her own ego to have a man like Darien Shields tailing behind her. After all, men were all the same, some were just better at playing at the game than others. However, none would ever be as good as she was.
But perhaps, Serena was too quick in declaring victory.
There was still another hurdle in her way, and that was the problem of actually acquiring an acquaintance with the infamous Darien. What's more she wanted to be sure that he thought that she was completely untouchable before he had a chance to lay eyes on her. Her eyebrows pulled together in a dissatisfied manner. Whom did she know that would have a close relationship with Darien Shields? What's more, she'd have to be able to blackmail them in order to ensure loyalty. She almost laughed at her own foolishness.
Andrew Black.
When they had had a little fling a while ago she had helped him out of a little tight spot with another lover and he owed her. Best of all, she was quite certain that she had heard a rumor claiming that Andrew was Darien's closest friend. She quickly wrote a note to Andrew declaring that he had been neglecting her and the she desperately wanted to see him. She rang for the butler and when he arrived at her door she told him that the letter was to be delivered with the outmost urgency.
Once that was done, she sat down and smiled.
Perhaps this would be easy after all.
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Raye fingered her black lace shawl sensuously as she walked into a local tavern. She was wearing red, her signature color. The dress was in itself scandalous and completely inappropriate. Yet, no one would make the mistake of confusing her with a whore. This was not on account of her hair, which was richly piled on top of her head nor the blazing rubies that swung from her earlobes. It was on account of her arrogance, the way she tilted her head and the dissatisfied glare she gave everyone.
She walked into the tavern with such an aura of self-confidence and pride that it seemed to be the most natural thing in the world. No one would have suspected that such an action broke every single rule of a tightly bound society. She could feel eyes on her, some with curiosity and others with poorly concealed desire. She was used to being the center of attention and dismissed it easily. She walked calmly to a gaming table were a group of four men were playing a game of poker.
One of the men, who had a dazzling mane of blonde hair, suddenly threw his head back with laughter and threw his cards on the table. His fellow players gave each other disconcerting looks and muttered under their breaths. They were visibly irritated by the mischievous gleam in the blonde's eyes and the arrogant smile dancing on his lips.
Rei pursed her lips. 'So this is Jadeite' she thought to herself. She disliked him already, as she did all men who did not immediately take notice of her when she walked into the room. She walked towards the table calmly, with the grace of a panther stalking prey. She allowed her finger brush against Jadeite's shoulder, walking behind him as he turned his head. She allowed her fingers to trail along his back to his other shoulder. He turned in the other direction slowly, his smile had faded at her touch. Rei bent forward slightly, giving him a teasing glance of her cleavage as she seductively removed the cigar from his lips.
"Rei Hino," She purred, before straightening and wrapping the cigar in her own lips and taking a long puff. She then turned her attention to the man adjacent to Jadeite. She raised an eyebrow and narrowed her eyes. The man in turn sighed, got up, nodded to his so-called friends, and left promptly. Rei smiled triumphantly and took the seat.
"Deal." She instructed to the man opposite her, before taking another long puff of Jadeite's cigar. She took her cards and played calmly, a cold layer of ice coating her features. A mighty effort it was, considering the smoldering glares she was receiving from Jadeite.
By the end of the night, distraction had led Jadeite into losing a small fortune. However, he was not in the least concerned with what was to him a few loose pennies. He was absolutely enchanted by the woman sitting beside him. Not enchanted in sappy romantic way, heavens no! Jadeite was far too worldly to believe in such silly things. However, he knew that there was something very different about this woman. She didn't have the pretensions of all other women he had meet in the past. Brainless all of them, and aspiring to be 'ladies' at that. No, this Rei Hino was no lady and not only was she aware of it, she flaunted it.
It was making Jadeite's blood boil.
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Mina sighed and shook her head slowly in frustration. Malachite was sitting no more than a few feet away from her, and she had no means of communicating with him except hoping to make eye contact. It was not that she was not attractive. Mina knew she was pretty. It was just that she didn't have that something that made people turn and stare. She faded into the background, but that could also have to do with the wealthy matrons that had supposedly taken her under their wings. Her limited means meant that she had to observe the rules of society impeccably or else she would run the risk of being an old maid. After all, the older ladies had exclaimed repeatedly, what man would want to marry a penniless whore?
They had also restricted her life with a number of other hypocritical rules. She was not to be seen with painted features, while they walked around with rouged lips. Mina sighed. She was horribly tempted to stomp her foot or make some other absurdly childish gesture in order to gain Malachite's attention. She bit her bottom lip and forced herself to concentrate. She knew that she didn't stand a chance at winning the bet, but she had to seduce Malachite. Although she did not consciously understand why she longed for respect from Rei and Serena. Deep down she knew it had something to do with the fact that they were the only two living souls that had acknowledged her mind, and not just her looks and virginity.
'If only I could get him to notice me someplace where no one knew who I was.' Mina thought wistfully as she slowly rested her head against the back of her chair. She closed her eyes for a moment and then she threw them open violently. That was it. She needed a secret identity of some sort. Adrenaline began coursing through her veins and caused her heart to beat against her chest rapidly. Slowly, a small smile began to curve on her lips and she sat back and enjoyed the rest of the party with real joy.
Unfortunately Mina was so wrapped up in her own dilemma that she failed to notice Malachite's stormy azure eyes watching her intently.
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"How dare you presume you have the right to come back into this house! Get out." Desdemona Shields sneered. Her deep azure eyes were pulsating with fire while her loose strands of blonde hair had escaped their tight trap and encapsulated her face. A blush stained her cheeks and her shapely lips were pressed together tightly. Darien completely ignored his mother's tirade and calmly took his cigar away from his lips and breathed out a flurrying puff of smoke. His hands were gloved in soft ebony leather while the rest of him was clothed in the finest tailored white linen suit money could buy. Where Darien was calm and self assured, his younger brother Sapphire was quite the opposite.
"Mother you are quite over-reacting. It is not my fault if she climbed into my bed. It was quite out of my control I assure you." Sapphire staggered his words, running his hands through his dishevelled hair. It took all of Darien's self control not to break out laughing at how appallingly guilty his little brother looked. New anger flared in their mother's eyes at Sapphire's words.
"I suppose her clothes just happened to fall off and alcohol just poured down your throat miraculously too!" She snapped. Darien had to fake a cough in order to cover his laughter. The situation was truly hilarious in his eyes.
"I am no child mother! Do not speak to me in such a manner!"
Darien's smile died on his lips. He had never heard his brother use such a tone in front of a lady, and their mother at that. The situation had suddenly turned deadly serious and as a result Darien's deep azure eyes narrowed and hardened.
"I shall speak to you in whatever way I wish, especially when you conduct yourself like you were raised in a pig sty. As long as you live under my roof, you will obey my rules." Desdemona hissed, her eyes flashing and her fists clenched.
"Then perhaps I shouldn't be under your-." Darien's head snapped up, Sapphire had gone too far.
"Sapphire." Darien's voice cut through the air like a hot knife through butter. "Perhaps you should leave us for a while. Your activities last night have undoubtedly worn you out; you need rest." Sapphire opened his mouth to protest but a very pointed look from his brother told him it was best not to do so. Sapphire glared at both his mother and brother before storming out of the room and slamming the door behind him.
"This is your influence Darien. I have done nothing to deserve this! I can't even walk out of the house without hanging my head in shame." His mother whispered as she fell into a chair utterly exhausted.
"I'll take care of Sapphire's indiscretions; you have no need to worry about such matters." Darien replied easily, ignoring his mother's frustration completely.
"If you are going to show him the back exits and teach him to bribe my butlers then don't trouble yourself." Desdemona hissed, glancing away. Darien took one long look at his mother, for a moment he was silent. Then, as if he had suddenly gone mad, he threw his head back and laughed.
"Really mother, your melodramatics are entirely wasted on me. I know that you don't give a damn about what does old hens say in their sewing circles. Now tell me what's really bothering you."
"Sapphire's not like you Darien. He can't live two lives and he can't forsake the luxuries of society. He doesn't have the strength to face ridicule."
Darien tilted his head back slightly and sighed. "He was always the self righteous do-gooder type. I have no idea where he gets it from." Even his mother smiled at this last comment.
"I always hoped he'd rub off on you."
Darien smirked at his mother lovingly picking up her joking tone easily. "Please, if years of etiquette couldn't tame me nothing can. I'm just of bad cloth or something equally ridiculous." Darien replied his eyes sparkling with mischief.
"It doesn't matter what you think you naturally are, you're not getting any younger Darien. It's time you settled down." Darien fought the urge to roll his eyes. He shook his head, took one last long puff of his cigar before getting up.
"Well it's clear that you're feeling better, and I just remembered that I have a very pressing engagement." He moved to his mother and gently kissed her forehead.
"Engagement being the ideal word."
"Good bye mother." Darien replied firmly before leaving his mother's house. He could not help but smile as he made his way to his own home. His mother had tried to be firm with him in childhood. However, even then Darien could sense that her heart was not in her scolding. In time he learned that he had gained his rebellious zeal from his mother. Yet that did not mean that he understood her. He despised society and thus did not conform to its rules, however his mother was the exact opposite. She held up the rules almost religiously and he had yet to see her break any of its conventions even in private. Despite his very recent failing, his brother Sapphire was much the same.
That being said, Darien had never understood why his mother had never seriously confronted him about his behavior in adulthood. She had never once threatened his inheritance or drove him out of the house. A smirk passed his lips. Perhaps Desdemona knew him too well. For if she had tried either tactic he would have merely stormed out, inheritance and tradition be damned.
Darien climbed into his elegant Rolls-Royce and slowly breathed in the scent of the leather seats. He knew it was probably in bad taste to flaunt such an expensive vehicle during times of poverty, but most of his bad activities seemed to be in bad taste. What harm could another supposed sin do? He drove home quietly, his mind only partially on his driving. He would have to have a few words with his brother, and firm ones at that. Darien would make sure that his brother never took that tone with their mother again. However, he could not help but smile. His brother's actions had filled him with an almost paternal pride. He was glad that even if it was just once Sapphire had made his own decision.
He pulled over automatically when reaching his home, his instincts guiding his actions more than conscious thought. Darien's home was not a mansion as such, but it was no pitiable hut either. It was certainly luxurious considering the times of the depression and was much larger than what the lifestyle of a bachelor demanded. To the surprise of many, Darien had overseen even the slightest contributions in the décor of his home. Thus every small piece of furniture resounded with an outer personification of Darien's personality. It was masculine above all else, with rich mahogany wood and ostentatious Victorian designs making up most of the furniture. However, paintings of his home country France added an extra dimension of color and vibrancy to his rooms. Darien took of his coat and hat and carelessly tossed the items onto a nearby chair. He had already begun unbuttoning the buttons of his shirt as he made his way to his bedroom. He had expected to be met with the comfort of the familiar, however he was greeted only with vexation.
"Why are you still here?" He asked dryly, turning his back to her. He discarded the woman's presence entirely and he continued to remove his shirt. He furrowed his eyebrows slightly, what had her name been? Bonne, Beatrice, Becky?
She in turn sat up in his bed, allowing the ebony silk sheets to fall from her hands and settle around her waist leaving her upper torso completely exposed to his gaze. She leaned back on her arms pushing her chest slightly forward, a smirk playing on her lips.
"I was bored, and thought I'd give you the honor of my company." She purred, despite her husky tone her words carried a pretension that irritated Darien to no end. He turned to her sharply and for a moment he allowed his eyes to be take in the sight of her half naked form. He slowly moved his eyes back up her body and then settled firmly on her eyes.
"You are most kind, but I'm not inclined to entertain company at present. So if you would kindly remove yourself from my presence it would be much appreciated. I'm sure your husband would enjoy such a display more than me at present." He replied, his voice completely natural, and his eyes lacked any form of emotion as he stared at her blankly.
Her expression however morphed from hurt to rage in a matter of moments. She grasped the sheets around her waist with fury and pulled them up to cover her exposed flesh protectively.
"Do you have any idea what I went through to be here? I am not your whore Darien." The woman yelled in outrage. Darien closed his eyes and tried to control his temper. Unlike other men, his anger did not manifest itself in violence or other such primitive things. It showed itself through what could almost be termed cruelty. On the surface Darien's expression changed and his eyes almost looked tender. However, deep down he was furious.
He walked towards the woman slowly, and smiled when he saw a blush staining her cheeks as a result of the intensity of his gaze. He placed his hands on either side of her neck and slowly moved them down her shoulders and arms, caressing her skin with the action. His movements caused her to once again let go of the sheets covering her nude form. Darien allowed his gaze to wash over her slowly. He gently reached out and cupped one of her breasts, squeezing it teasingly.
"No, you couldn't possibly be my whore could you?" He whispered the words in her ear and they cracked like a whiplash. The woman gasped with shock and stormed towards the door, grabbing her clothes and then promptly exiting the room. Darien merely rolled his eyes.
He was getting bored with these games.
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Rei pulled her black shawl closer to her as a cool breeze left a trail of goose bumps on her alabaster skin. Her smile was radiant, as it always was when she was completely satisfied with herself. Jaedite's reaction to her had been priceless; she had him eating out of her hand already. Rei gleamed as another surge of pride went through her. She was going to win this bet easily.
"I'd like a word madam." The deep masculine voice behind her caused her to stop. For a moment panic began to ravage her mind. It did not last long, after all she was Rei Hino. She was not scared of some man. She turned around slowly, as if she was doing the voice a great favor. However, she could not prevent her eye brows from shooting up when her eyes meet Jadeite's.
"Yes?" She replied nonchalantly, as she flipped her head in what seemed like a careless action, but what was designed to be seductive and flirtatious.
In that moment, Jadeite experienced something that he had never encountered before. He was at a complete loss as to what to say. He had followed her from the bar, but in that duration he had never once thought of what he would say when he finally caught up to her. He could have sworn at himself and was beginning to feel very pathetic underneath her gaze. Then an idea occurred to him and a smug smile began to play on his lips.
"I believe you owe me a cigar Miss, or is it Mrs Hino?" Rei smirked back at him, not entirely certain how to reply. She choose the option that came to her most naturally, arrogance.
"It's miss. Ask one of the bar men for a cigar on my account." She replied, turning and resuming her path.
"I'd much prefer if you were to personally replace it for me. I'd be more than happy to accompany you to your home in order for you to do so." Rei felt a mixture of anger and amusement go through her. She turned back to him abruptly, walking closer to him, so that she could make it clear to him that his stature didn't intimate her.
"That's very presumptuous," she returned haughtily, eyes flashing. She saw something pass in Jadeite's eyes and in an instant his eyes seemed to darken. If she hadn't been so overwhelmed by the feelings raging through her because of their close proximity she would have recognised the look as lust immediately.
"Not nearly as presumptuous as this." With that Jadeite wrapped a hand around her waist and pulled her to him, bringing his lips down on hers. The kiss was brutal and Rei could feel her knees going weak. However, when his hands started roaming over her body she came back to her senses. She pushed on his chest as hard as she could. Jadeite, not expecting the movement, stumbled backwards.
"Who the hell do you think you are?" Rei hissed before slapping him hard across the face. With that, she turned on her heel and promptly made her way home.
Her smile returned ten fold as she moved away from him.
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Serena waited impatiently. She had practiced what she was going to say a hundred times, but her heart refused to stop racing. She brushed a stray strand of hair away from her face and ignored the urge to start banging against the door. Her ears practically perked up when she heard the sounds of shuffling footsteps approaching.
The large mahogany wood opened slowly. Andrew was standing on the other side, his hair slightly dishevelled, but that was its usual state of being. A smile crept onto his features instantly on seeing her. He pushed the door further open and outstretched his arms in order to give her a big hug. He embraced her tightly, leaving his hand on the small of her back as he guided her to the living room.
"Now I would love to believe that you came here to enjoy my company, but I know you better than that. What do you need Serena?" He asked, his tone was not that of mocking but rather teasing banter. Serena pretended to be outraged, and slapped his hand playfully.
"Andrew, how can you say such things? You take no pity on my poor heart." Serena replied, her lips pouting slightly as she imitated the flirting style of old southern belles. Andrew chuckled lightly and shook his head, urging her to take a seat. She did so, a genuine smile caressing her lips. Serena could not help it; Andrew's presence always seemed to put her at ease.
"Now I know it's something important." He smirked at her and offered her a drink, which she politely declined. "You certainly dressed for trouble." Serena tried to feign innocence but failed miserably. He was right. He knew her well, far too well in fact. She had taken extra care with her hair and was wearing a dark cream feminine suit. The blazer was very low cut and thus a soft white scarf also hung around her neck.
"Well there might be something that you could do for me." Serena replied, smiling softly. For a moment her heart constricted as she gazed into his cheerful blue eyes. Memories flashed across of her mind of those same eyes clouded with intense pleasure, with lust and with hurt. She pushed the thoughts to the back of her mind quickly. What she and Andrew had shared was well in the past, and even then something had always been amiss. It seemed they were destined to be friends and no more.
"I'm listening." He replied calmly, taking a seat opposite hers and gazing at her carefully. He was only half jesting when he had teased her about her request having to be of some importance.
"I need you to put in a good word for me to one of your friends." Andrew raised an eyebrow at this.
"Who?" He asked casually, his features relaxing in what was obvious relief. It was clear that he had been expecting something far more complex.
"Darien Shields." Andrew's head snapped up and he glared at Serena with a burning conviction that almost frightened her. He stood up and walked to the other side of the room, his back to Serena. "Andrew?" Serena questioned softly.
"No Serena." He replied simply. Serena could feel anger building up and she clenched her fists.
"Why not?" She threw back, glaring daggers at his back. He turned back to her sharply.
"Why not? Why not? Have you completely lost your senses? Darien isn't one of those old fools you play around with. I won't do it Serena." He hissed back, his eyes flashing.
"They may not all be old, but some of them certainly were fools." Serena replied, her tone uneven but her words cut Andrew deeply.
"Don't push me Serena." He whispered heatedly.
"I am perfectly capable of looking after myself. If you don't help me, I will seduce him without your help. It's as simple as that Andrew. I will do it." Serena replied, raising to her feet. Andrew swore quietly under his breath.
"Serena listen to me, Darien-" the words seemed to die on his lips, he ran a hand threw his hair before continuing, "There have been so many Serena, you'd be no different."
"That is not an issue." She replied calmly, rolling her eyes. Andrew stared at her in disbelief.
"I'm sure your father would love to know what your real morals are." The comment hit Serena with such conviction that it would not have been any different if he had physically hit her.
"And Rita? What would she think of your past?" Serena threw back. She couldn't believe that Andrew would use her father of all things against her.
"Why are you doing this? Why Darien of all men?" Andrew asked, but his tone was more that of a plea. Seeing the opportunity, Serena tried a different tactic. She turned away from Andrew and focused. She knew Andrew couldn't stand her tears, and waited until her eyes were glistening with unshed ones. She was about to confront him again when the living room doors were thrown open. Her entire body went rigid with the sound, for her back was to the door and she could not see who had entered.
"Darien." Andrew's voice sent a chill down Serena's spine and she swore inwardly. This was the last situation she wanted to meet Darien in! She pushed back the tears vehemently and pressed her lips together in an effort to control her frustration.
"May I speak to you in private Andrew?" Darien asked carelessly.
Serena could feel her frustration quickly evolving into anger at Darien's clear dismissal of her. She would allow no one to treat her in such a fashion! No matter what was at stake. She got to her feet and whirled around.
"It is usually customary to knock." The words had almost failed to leave her lips. Although this did not make them any less cutting. Serena could not help but staring at him, after all he was positively gorgeous - well built, with ebony hair and deep sapphire eyes. He oozed masculinity, charm and danger.
"I'm sure Andrew, my dearest friend and host, will forgive me." Darien replied calmly, his only gesture was raising an eyebrow in what seemed to be a mocking fashion.
"I don't believe I have had the pleasure of meeting you Mrs - " Darien continued his tone irritatingly confident.
"Darien may I present-" Andrew started automatically as if he was responding to a theatrical cue. Serena knew that his rage had not yet been fully contained after their heated argument.
"I do not wish to be introduced to ill bred boars." Serena practically hissed. She moved closer to Darien with her head held high. Although her hips swayed from side to side seductively, and more so then they usually would.
"Perhaps I should have known better than to believe rumors. They have a tendency to grossly exaggerate as they have so obviously done about you." Serena continued now standing only an arm's length away from Darien.
A smirk began to play on Darien's lips as he allowed his eyes to slowly wash over Serena's body. A dark hue started to form on Serena's cheeks are a result of his gaze, she had never been more aware of every inch of skin her clothes concealed until that moment.
"Is that so?" Darien practically purred his eyes flashing in an almost dangerous manner. "Pray, what are these rumors saying about me?"
"They claim that you are the menace of society and that you have seduced and ruined a great number of women." Serena replied slowly. She allowed her gaze to roam over him slowly, assessing him in the same way he had done to her a few moments earlier. Inside she was very glad she had such practice at lying. "Now I highly doubt that you would have been capable of the latter." Her words cracked like a whip and she almost smirked from the momentary expression that crossed his face. It was clear that it had taken all of Darien's self restraint not to allow his mouth to hang open. He shook his head and began to chuckle lightly. He leaned down casually until his lips were at her ear.
"I'd be glad to show you just how capable my manhood is in person." He whispered heatedly, and before Serena could push him away he placed a soft subtle kiss of the edge of her earlobe. Serena could feel her entire body trembling slightly as his breath caressed the skin of her neck. She closed her eyes to regain her composure and then pushed past him.
"Good bye Andrew; it was lovely seeing you again." Serena replied in a sickly sweet tone, flicking her head in a flirtatious manner before promptly making her exit, acting like Darien's comment hadn't effected her in the slightest. Andrew merely gave her an icy glare in return and almost growled in frustration. Darien waited until she was out of the room before turning to Andrew with a questioning look.
"Don't even think about it." Andrew replied shortly, going over to a small round oak table and pouring himself a glass of whiskey.
"I already am." Darien replied, his tone not apologetic in the slightest. "She's not your lover is she?"
"Of course not, I'm practically married." Andrew cried, frustration and annoyance evident in his tone.
Darien scoffed. "Engaged is hardly married."
Andrew did not even bother to dignify that comment with a response. Instead, he downed the contents of his glass in one gulp. Darien raised an eyebrow at his friend's action. Andrew was not one for liquor, especially hard alcohol like whisky.
"Who is she? An old acquaintance for certain or else you wouldn't be so concerned about me coveting her." Although nothing could have been attained from Darien's tone, the same could not be said for the look he gave Andrew. It was a look that told Andrew that Darien would not take no for an answer.
"Serena Reynolds." Andrew replied, defeated.
"You were never a good liar Andrew. There is no way that that blonde temptress is the same frigid sweetheart of all proper society." Darien hissed his eyes almost flashing with anger. He did not take lightly to being thought a fool. However when Darien looked at the way his friend was pouring himself another drink, and the manner in which his head was bent in shame it was clear that he had been telling the truth. He ran a hand through his hair in order to curb his frustration. He knew that he couldn't't press Andrew any further. For now.
"When is the rest of the party expected to arrive?" Darien asked, changing the subject purposefully.
Darien did not fail to notice Andrew pressing his lips together in anger at his question. He knew that Andrew would like nothing more to confront him about Serena, to demand that he stay away from her. However, Darien also knew that Andrew had learned from his previous experience. Andrew would have known that there would be no point. Even as his friend sighed, Darien did not experience guilt. Andrew was over reacting like he always did. He was relieved that Andrew finally gave into the change in topic.
"Malachite should be here shortly, and you know how Jadeite is."
Darien almost rolled his eyes. How could he not know how Jadeite was; the man seemed to have no concept of time. The two of them had exchanged many heated words over Jadeite's punctuality-or lack thereof. Darien was not a man that had ever been used to being left waiting.
"I have business that I need to attend to, I'm sure you three will be fine here." Andrew stated hurriedly. Darien threw a worried glance over his friend. He had not thought that his attentions towards Serena would upset Andrew to such an extent.
"There is no call for you too leave." Darien urged quietly. Andrew shook his head and gave Darien a disbelieving look.
"You don't understand, you never will. Sadly my friend, you will never understand what it is to love. By the time you do, then it will be too late." Andrew's tone held the sombre resonance of prophecy. For a moment alarm began to burn in Darien's blood however he made certain it quickly faded.
"You underestimate me." He replied simply.
"For your sake I hope you're right. Because if you hurt her Darien, I will make sure you pay for it." Andrew left leaving nothing but the heavy burden of his threatening words in his wake.
Darien sighed heavily and allowed himself to fall into one of Andrew's chairs. He ran a hand through his hair and tried to clear his cluttered thoughts. If it had been anyone else he would have gladly reconsidered her in light of his friendship with Andrew. Yet there was something deeply intriguing about Serena. She seemed like a total contradiction and Darien was determined to find out how her mind worked. He needed a challenge and someone spirited to keep him entertained on nights. He shook his head and smiled. How on earth did she manage to keep up that ridiculous image of hers? The sound of the door opening broke Darien's train of thought.
"Ridiculously punctual as always Malachite. It would not surprise me at all old friend if people started setting their clocks by your comings and goings." Darien greeted warmly, extending his hand and shaking Malachite's firmly. Malachite took of his hat and coat and set them on an unused chair before replying.
"I will never understand why it took us so long to start telling Jadeite that these meetings started an hour earlier." Malachite stated calmly. There was something akin to amusement in his tone, but one could never tell with Malachite. The man was worse then Darien when it came to keeping a tight reign of his emotions. He appeared to have no weaknesses, no feelings and no attachments. Only recently had Darien learnt that nothing could be further from the truth.
"Yet he still manages to be late. I'm sure you'll agree that takes true talent." Malachite chuckled slightly at the comment. "Care for a brandy?" Darien asked. As Malachite nodded indicating his consent, Darien slowly made his way to the corner table to pour them both drinks.
"We'll I'm glad to see that I haven't missed anything." Jadeite commented, his tone rimmed with amusement and its ever-present mocking nature as he walked through the door. It irritated Darien beyond belief that no matter how late he was, Jadeite would never rush to meet an appointment nor would he apologise. Darien sniggered before turning to Jadeite.
"I suppose for a man who seems to have missed his share of brains it would seem like nothing at all to be an hour late to a pre-arranged meeting." Darien replied as he walked over and handed Malachite his drink. His tone had been completely neutral, but Jadeite did not fail to pick up on his annoyance.
"What can I say? Being a true gentleman, I was always taught that a woman takes precedence over anything." Malachite and Darien merely had to exchange a glance to know that they were both inwardly rolling their eyes.
"Shall we get down to business gentlemen?" It was not a statement but a command on Darien's part. He made sure to give Jadeite a pointed look as to emphasise his point. "Has the shipment arrived?" Darien asked, turning his attention Malachite. It took a few moment for Malachite to reply for he had had to hide a laugh behind a cough at Darien and Jadeite's antics.
"It arrived late last night." Malachite reported.
"I'll send a man over tomorrow to collect the material. It shall take a week for it to get to the markets." Jadeite replied. Darien frowned slightly as he studied the blonde man. There was something deeply unnerving about the him. Although sorely tempted to at times, Darien could never describe Jadeite as childish or immature. Yet, Jadeite did have a sort of reckless carelessness about him that could irritate Darien beyond all belief. Then there were other times, such as these when they talked business, where he could be almost intimidatingly serious.
"No trouble with the shipment I hope?" Malachite inquired. Darien gave him a dismissive gesture in reply.
"Nothing new, just the old guards insisting they need more compensation for their pains." Darien murmured. Jadeite merely nodded and then leaned back on his chair, taking a cigar from his breast pocket putting it to his lips and lighting it up leisurely. He closed his eyes as he inhaled and a soft smirk played on his lips as he exhaled the smoke and relived a memory of only hours ago.
"Do either of you know anything about a woman named Rei Hino?"
Darien took a sip of his brandy and allowed his limbs to relax after the tension that surrounded their business dealings passed. He and Malachite had always been close, and even though he hated to admit it, he had even learned to enjoy Jadeite's company on occasion. Albeit those occasions only occurred very rarely.
"She's an outcast, ridiculously wealthy and from what I hear positively beautiful. A spitfire though, I think she even insulted the old man Stilley at his own home the other night." Malachite replied, his voice seemed to always contain a soft sombre quality like a deeply matured red wine. However, his eyes were flashing with amusement. Jadeite had never had a shortage of woman, and this was the first time he had heard him express any interest in one of them outside commenting on a her talents inside the bedroom.
"Can it be that you have decided to abandon the freedoms of bachelorhood and surrender to the humbling experience of love." Darien mocked, chuckling lightly. "If that is the case you've certainly found a woman that seems to have been made for you." Jadeite glared at Darien sharply.
"Please, the day one us gets married will be the day that I pack my bags and leave this country permanently. Really, I'd like to have a good few words with whoever it was who invented this marriage business. It's the bondage of all men, whether wed or not." Jadeite commented, taking another long puff of his cigar. He did not, and would not, think about the fire that had coursed through him at her touch, or that fact that she had been haunting his thoughts. He had spent his entire life mocking such foolish men and he would not become one of them. Not in this life anyway.
"Well as much as I would love to stay, I have to make it back to my mistress' apartment so I can make a public appearance leaving there in the morning." Malachite stated, slowly raising to his feet. "Tomorrow?" He confirmed with Jadeite. Jadeite in turn nodded.
"Tomorrow." Malachite nodded, and promptly made his exit.
"What about you?" Jadeite asked Darien.
"I think I'll spend the night here. After all I was ridiculously drunk when I was walking out of the tavern." Jadeite smirked and nodded knowingly.
"Yourself?"
"At home sulking, a rather painful loss at cards I'm afraid." Jadeite replied. He did not mention his rejection by Rei-after all that had not been apart of the planned façade. The two men sat in silence for a long while, each immersed in his own thoughts. Although Jadeite wanted to leave, he could not do so yet. He could not be seen leaving the same place only moments after Malachite. After all, the three men were not meant to be in contact with each other and they kept up the façade religiously. Darien and Jadeite had even gone so far as to act like they immensely disliked each other, which of course was not astonishingly difficult because when they had first met it had been entirely true. The time they had spent together had allowed their friendship to grow and plain dislike to die down into occasional annoyance.
The three men had grown close after they had began shipping in goods from France. After all the times were hard, and in such occasions nothing was more important than if not anything else, having the appearance of wealth. Unfortunately with soaring prices, even common luxuries were beginning to be out of the reach of what had once been incredibly prominent families. So, the men had started buying goods such as silks, lace and brandy from France and smuggling them to England. It was illegal of course, and downright treacherous. However, one thing all three of the men had in common was a highly pragmatic nature. Empty notions of nationalism meant nothing to them in the face of cold hard cash. Profit was indeed what they had achieved at incredible rates. Being smuggled, their goods did not have the immense burden of tariffs and thus could be sold at extremely competitive prices. However, strangely enough none of the men were in the deal for the money alone. Even during the depression, they had been able to maintain their wealth. Unfortunately, they had no other pursuits as such and this had become their entertainment.
After an hour, Jadeite left Darien alone to his thoughts. Andrew had not come home and Darien could not help but feel guilty. However, he could not relinquish his desire to pursue Serena. A dangerous smile began to play on his lips as he moved towards to window and stared out at the city.
It would only be a matter of time.