Champagne and Caviar

by madam hawke

In a time marred by the Great Depression and stifling moral codes, Serena, Mina and Rei make a bet in rebellion of their station, a bet designed to break the hearts of men. Thrust into a world of intrigue, blackmail and lies, the girls soon discover that

4. Chapter 4

Hey people!

What can I say, a new fic and a new chapter all in the same week, I'm spoiling you all. Yes, for those of you that don't know, I've started a new fic called poisoned honey, I've wanted to write a darker fic for a while so I did. Don't worry that won't stop me updating Champagne and caviar. But, I want you guys to tell me, would you rather me respond to your reviews through the new system on or would you rather me do it the way I always have? Get back to me on that one, majority will rule but if anyone's really really adamant then I might make an exception. Once again a big thankyou to deadly diva, wouldn't be here without her!

Sailormoon does not belong to me. (although I wish it did)

Reviews on jaitee, loringalta, Moon star, MOMOismyPeach, shannon19, snowybear,
artemis366, Shrouded Mist, sailor lunakitty, Mika-chan, darlinrandi, sexylucifer: Thanks so much for reviewing, it commonts like yours and the continuous support that keep me writing. I hope you enjoy the chapter and please don't be afraid to tell me what you think at the end! I know a lot of you didn't like the cliffy at the end of the last chapter but hey its me, and I love writing cliffhangers. Hehe. Love you all!

To ssteph: I know mina being the virgin is a bit ironic, but hey it was time for a change. I know after red silk I really missed the other characters especially rei and jed. Thanks for the review and enjoy this chapter-don't forget to tell me what you think.

To Sailor Libra24: Hey, I ain't a lazy author! I've never left any of my work unfinished! But I do understand your fustration-cause there are a lot of fantastic stories out there that will never be completed. Thanks for the review and I'm glad your enjoying the story.

To mizz scarlet: I'm very much aware of the glass house, its an amazing story and has been one of my favourites for quite some time now. I wish she'd update as I'm dying to know what happens (but as we both now good things take time so I won't complain). I'm honoured that your enjoying my stories and your comments really bought a smile to my face. Thankyou for the review and I hope you enjoy this chapter as well.

To Visionsblue: Ahh, you have to write something in the 1920s I came so close to doing it with this story but in the end the thirties won because of prettier dresses (I know I shall hang my head in shame) thankyou ever so much for your kind words, they truly meant the world to me.

To Iryl: aww, thankyou!

To yellow: ooh, if cliffhangers kill you then you better have a medical team on standby! Hehe. Enjoy!

To Foxibabz21: tell me about it finals suck! But thanks heaps for the review and don't forget to tell me what you think at the end of the chappy.

To Secret Heart: So sorry about the mix up with the last chapter, you see I put star dividers in the story on my comp then change them into WWW's for the net, but I updated so late last time that I forgot to change them..oops. Promise it won't happan again, and the dividers are up now so all it good. Happy new year too you too! And all the best.

To Georgiana: sorry about the huge chapter last week, I forgot to change my dividers when I was updating and they didn't show up when I posted, once again I'm really, really sorry. And I am working on a novel, although at the rate I'm going it won't be finished for another decade or so. Thanks heaps for the review!

To daisy31: so many questions, and yet I can't give you any answers. Don't worry though it wasn't a very big cliffy and all of your questions will be answered in this chapter, enjoy and don't forget to tell me what you think! Mwa!

To Lexi: Hope I didn't keep you waiting too long, do enjoy and leave more reviews. Hehe.

To Becx: the age old question, does Darrien want Serena, I don't know you shall have to read and find out!

To Shannon19: I thought it was time you guys saw the softer part of Rei, and yeah, Serena's like that but you'll find out why soon. Thanks for the review girl!

To Mitsukino Tennyo: Hey not at all, and you reviewed poisoned honey which soo made up for it. I know, so far the stories been set around the bet but from now on the real story begins, and thus you guys will get to know the characters more and more. Yep your right, especially in Artemis's bar, singers were expected to do a lot more than sing-but you'll see how that all plays out. Darien's not in love with her yet, there's something there but its too soon for love. As for Serena, you'll see why she's the way she is in the next few chapters. Hope you enjoy this chapter, love ya girl.

To Ishq: Hey don't worry I'd be damn annoyed too, but the fact that you still reviewed is like woah, you have no idea how much I appreciate that. Hehe, I'm glad I was starting to stress about the accuracy. I don't know, I've always seen Artemis as this really arrogant enigmatic guy, he's like the mona lisa-he knows something I don't and I guess that's why he's different whenever he's in my stories. Well, you'll get to see more about sere and andrew's relationship in this chapter and your on the right track with diamond-don't worry though the man himself will be making an entrance soon. Darien's not in love yet, its too soon for him to be. But there is something there. I know, I wanted to show you guys more of rei and the thirties so that segment was two birds with one stone. I know, but mal and mina will have some interesting turns yet. I know, but I'm finding it really hard to write the soft side of sere, but you'll see it soon enough. I know, I know, but serena's a strange creature, you'll understand her more in later chapters. Hope you enjoy this chapter and don't forget to review. Mwa, love ya heaps girl.

To SilverWolf2105: where have you been? (tries to look all mad, then sighs and gives you a big hug) well at least your back now, but you have to read my new story too and tell me what you think, I'm dying to know your opinion, I mean seriously I'm addicted to your reviews! I'm so glad you like serena so many people don't, and yeah, but then again she has been a bit evil. I love rei too, I so wish I could do what she does, ahh, imagine. Hehe. I know, but mina has a wild streak too, she wouldn't have been able to pull minevera off otherwise. I know serena and Desdemona are going to be like oil and water, it's going to be a blast to write. Hehe. Anyway, enjoy the chapter.

To reviews on aria's:

Okay first of all I'm really sorry if I leave anyone out, because the site dosen't tell me what chapter you guys are reviewing I always get confused with the old ones and the new ones so please, if I leave anyone out it isn't intentional.

To: stacey, devilsangels02, Darrien4Serena, anfie: Thanks so much for reviewing, it commonts like yours and the continuous support that keep me writing. I hope you enjoy the chapter and please don't be afraid to tell me what you think at the end! I know a lot of you didn't like the cliffy at the end of the last chapter but hey its me, and I love writing cliffhangers. Hehe. Love you all!

To lacyloss: I hope you can read this chapter and that they haven't taken your computer back, sorry about not getting it to you before. But I do hope you enjoy it and do tell me what you think

To ja9: thanks heaps for the review, one question though, what's ganbette?

To Kimmi-Chan: I know, Jadeite's got to be one of my favorite characters, but your right, and I did that on purpose, I want them all to be slightly evil, cause that's what were like in real life even if we don't admit it. Hehe. Thankyou, I work so hard on my characterisation and it means a lot to me for you to comment on it. I mean, in chapter one or two, I wrote that the boys were doing their business because they were bored. I mean, theyre rich and not working. But yeah, I know what you mean. I know the declerations did happen fast the main part of this story isn't actually the bet. Which may seem weird-and I really wanted to get the plot going or else it was going to turn into a hundred chapter epic. Lol. Don't worry though, there will certainly be development, the next few chapters will reveal the past of the characters. Not a problem it's a great book and your really should read it. Enjoy the chapter and thanks so much for reviewing.

To lydials: ahh, thankyou! I know I've gotten a lot of commonts about that orphanage incident, but all I can say is that there is more to come, there is a lot about the characters that the audience dosen't know yet, and the story is just starting. Thanks for pointing out the spelling differences, I'll go round and change it when I get a chance. Same goes for the commas. Hope you enjoy the chapter and thanks for the review!

Okay guys, on with the story!

WWWWWWWWWWWWW

Darien savoured the feel of cold vodka washing down his throat. For a few blissful moments it granted him the numbness of mind that he craved ever so much. Taking the now empty glass he held it to the light, twirling the crystal slowly. His actions were provoked by the illogical belief that the light reflected through the glass would in some way clear his thoughts. He had overreacted, of that there was no question. However, for once, he did not even attempt to question his emotions or actions. There was no reason to justify his behaviour, and the most blatantly obvious explanation was the one he refused to face. He did not have any feelings for Serena.

He allowed his gaze to drift aimlessly around Artemis's bar. He needed a distraction, any distraction from his own thoughts. His eye caught that of a young woman. His gaze wandered down her body appreciatively. She was no doubt Artemis's new girl, Minerva. He leaned back, his confidence re-emerging as he returned to his element. He winked slyly and a smirk formed on his lips. She in turn returned his smile, then looked away embarrassedly before turning towards him once again and disappearing back stage suggestively. Darien took a sip of his drink and chuckled quietly-if anything he was no longer melancholy.

Some things never changed.

A few moments passed and then to Darien's amusement a waiter approached his table with an envelope. Darien thanked the waiter and impatiently tore through the flimsy material. He unfolded the paper within and slowly read the ornate but tightly controlled handwriting.

I desire neither diamonds nor prestige, but I do require flattery. A letter, stating your feelings, is what will grant you what we both desire. –Minerva.

Darien folded the note carefully and laid it in front of him on the table. The request was indeed a bit odd, but not entirely unusual. After all, Artemis' girls were infamous for their habits. They enjoyed the luxury of picking and choosing lovers or making specific demands for their favours. While a declaration of love was queer, it was by no means hard to achieve. For a moment Darien longed to have Minerva's soft skin under his own. However, the burst of lust was short-lived and followed rapidly by a bitter wave of anguish and nostalgia.

Andrew's words came back to haunt him at that moment, the impact magnified by the remembrance of his past actions. His friend's obvious distrust of him with Serena had both hurt him more deeply than he cared to admit and provided him with a moment of realisation. He had always known Andrew had disapproved of the way he treated women, using them for his own satisfaction without caring for their feelings or reputations. He had been a selfish being all his life and his actions were only just starting to catch up to him. Every broken heart, shed tear and despairing smile hung about his neck like an albatross.

In recent months, he had spent hours staring at his bedroom ceiling, acutely aware of the warm body resting against his. Knowing with outmost certainty that the woman by his side did not have his heart, and that he did not possess hers. Knowing that it was all a façade, an indulgence of lust or an attempt to gain prestige or money. Time had finally caught up to Darien and was beginning to slowly erode his self-image of invincibility. Solitary life, which had once been a freedom, had now become a burden. He could not help but fear that he might close his eyes to life alone, with no companionship and with no one to mourn his death. A shiver ran up his spine at the sombre thought.

He sighed and gulped down the rest of his drink. Despite this, he could not admit that Serena could be the person he would be able to have a meaningful relationship with. She was too headstrong, too stubborn, too utterly like him. For the first time, he was not the one pulling the strings. He was not the one with power. It was neither a feeling he was accustomed to nor one he particularly enjoyed. Thus, he returned to where he had been when he first entered the bar -- trying to avoid thoughts of a certain blonde siren and vehemently denying any feelings for her.

WWWWWWWWWWWWW

"Who is she?" Andrew asked, quirking an eyebrow quizzically. Jadeite's head snapped up at the comment and a small blush stained his cheeks. He had not been aware that his attention had wandered.

"What makes you think there's a she involved?" He asked. Andrew merely gave him a pointed look and smirked.

"My life does not revolve around women." Jadeite stated firmly, shaking his head to confirm his own statement. When Andrew replied with silence Jadeite bit out indignantly, "It doesn't!" At this point Andrew started chuckling quietly and shaking his head with amusement.

"Being the good friend that I am, I willing to let go of the amusement continuing this situation would give me and save you from embarrassment. All you have to do is tell me who she is." Andrew replied, his words completely serious while his eyes were dancing with laughter. Jadeite glared at him thoroughly annoyed.

"And people complain about me." He muttered, half growling. "Rei Hino," he said after a moment's silence. Andrew leaned back in his chair a look of obvious amusement on his face.

"You couldn't have picked anyone more like yourself?" He asked, his voice rather detached. Jadeite waited for him to continue but he didn't say anything more.

"You're implying?" Jadeite prompted.

"Simply that you will have a very interesting relationship considering you're both as stubborn as mules."

"If we ever have a relationship." Jadeite muttered a little too bitterly.

"Trouble already?" Andrew asked, once again smirking.

"Perhaps, speaking of trouble what has happened between you and Darien?" Jadeite asked flippantly. He detected a slight flicker of annoyance in Andrew's eyes at his abrupt change of subject, but thankfully Andrew did not voice his irritation.

"Phrased like that, you make it seem that we were lovers."

Jadeite would have laughed if the statement had not been so blatantly removed from anything resembling reality.

"Be serious." Jadeite scowled, and Andrew sighed. Jadeite leaned forward slightly in order to encourage his friend to answer. Andrew ran a hand through his hair and leaned back further in his chair.

"It's nothing of import nor is it anything new. I simply don't approve of his behaviour towards a particular lady in my acquaintance." This roused Jadeite's curiosity immediately.

"Well, who is she?"

"It is not polite to pry." Andrew remarked coyly.

"The only woman you associate with apart from your fiancée is Serena." Jadeite uttered the words without thinking. However the moment they left his mouth he became aware of their meaning. "No, Darien hasn't even met her, has he?" Jadeite murmured, alarmed for both Serena and the need for no links to exist between himself and his colleagues.

"It was strange. Serena was the one that wanted to me to help her seduce him. I of course refused and got extremely angry. Fate would have it that Darien came up on us at that moment." Jadeite nodded slowly. He truly appreciated the way Andrew trusted him so explicitly. However, now he that had Andrew's trust he would never dream of betraying-especially when came to something concerning Serena.

"You never told her did you?" Jadeite asked solemnly

"Told her what?" Andrew replied. His tone was such that it made clear that he was avoiding Jadeite's question.

"That you loved her, that you still do."

"Jadeite I'm engaged." Andrew half growled. Jadeite rolled his eyes and let out a frustrated sigh.

"To the girl your parents picked out! Please Andrew, you can hardly be serious in wanting to marry her."

"Serena made her choice a long time ago. I couldn't change it then and I can't change it now." He shot back, bitterness and anger creeping into his voice.

"The only reason she ended it was because she thought it was mutual."

Andrew's clenched his jaw at Jadeite's words and turned away.

"Why do you insist on bringing this up again? She would have done it anyway eventually. You know that as well as I. To her I was only a fling." Andrew sneered, his gaze now locked on Jadeite, eyes aflame. Jadeite got up and walked to the nearby window, his thoughts returning to Andrew's earlier words. It just didn't make sense.

"It's odd isn't it, that she came to you asking help for seduction?" He remarked slowly.

"Do you think she's up to something?" Andrew asked in a half engaged manner.

"It's Serena, she's always up to something."

WWWWWWWWWWWWW

"Darien?" Malachite asked his tone almost resembling disbelief. Darien was almost as pedantic as he was when it came to business meetings. He never drank before, or during one, never. This told Malachite something was very wrong the moment he saw the half empty glass of scotch in Darien's hand.

"Perhaps we could cancel the meeting for today."

Malachite almost sighed in relief. He sat down his face wearing the ever same expression of calm certainty.

"Of course," Malachite replied easily. After all he had been friends with Darien long before they became business associates.

"I've heard that Artemis has a new girl, what's her name?" Darien began, narrowing his eyes in concentration.

"Minerva."

"Have you seen her?"

"Yes."

"Are the rumours true, is she sex on legs?" Darien asked, a smirk playing on his lips. Malachite clenched his lips and could feel a surge of indignation go through him at Darien's rarely displayed vulgarity.

"She's quite pretty." Malachite replied, knowing full well that such a comment would carry significant weight as he very rarely praised or commented on anyone approvingly. He raised a brow when noticing Darien's slightly melancholy and confused expression.

"Come, tell me what's happened. You're not at all yourself tonight." Malachite asked, worry almost creeping into his tone, but not quite.

"I received an invitation to Minerva's bed, and for the life of me I don't know why I feel guilty for considering it." For a moment Malachite saw red. His heart instantaneously began slamming against his ribs while his eyes narrowed and a scowl marred his usually complacent features. However he did not look away, despite his eyes darkening and gaining a foggy haze

"When did you receive this invitation?" He asked casually. Despite his inner turmoil, his voice was as calm as usual. Malachite did not fail to notice Darien's questioning glance.

"An hour ago."

"Excuse me." Malachite sneered, his words conveying more emotion than he had in a year. He got up so hastily that he almost knocked the table over with his abrupt movements. He stalked through the halls, either ignoring or flatly pushing attendants away who got into his way. When he reached Mina's door, he threw the doors open with little formality.

Mina let out a startled cry and demanded that he get out. However, his only reply was to carefully walk towards her. He grabbed her shoulders and roughly pushed her against a wall. He could feel her body trembling against his, and for a moment the tremor catalysed a surge of power through his veins. However, the feeling was short-lived and followed swiftly by a wave of disgust. He let go of her abruptly, and moved away from her now growing sobs.

"What do you want from me?" Came the shaky question barely above a whisper.

"I want to know why damn it! If you're nothing but a whore, why make a fool out of me? Why make me sprawl my heart over paper? All so you could throw it back in my face when you moaned in the arms of another man." He could see the look of pain flash across her face as he uttered the words and he was glad of it.

"It's not what you think." She replied shakily, raising her eyes to meet his.

"It never is." He was about to move away and out of the room when something caught his eye. It had never occurred to him that she was not a natural brunette. However, he could clearly see strands of blond hair falling out from underneath what was now clear to be a wig.

He moved towards her slowly, calmly stating that he would not hurt her. He reached out and slowly tugged at the wig. Within a moment, the black mass had fallen to the floor leaving only dazzling golden locks in its place.

"You sure as hell better be able to explain this." The sound of Darien's voice caused both of them to swirl around. Malachite threw Darien a look of questioning, one that Darien seemed to read for he replied to Malachite's unasked question.

"I had to follow you to make sure you didn't do anything stupid."

Malachite nodded slowly and turned his attention back to the girl huddled in front of him. Her face framed by golden hair had a distinct familiarity. He could of sworn he had seen her at a party of some sort, but that was laughable since a woman of breeding would never be seen never the less work in Artemis' hotel.

"You know her?" Darien asked, glancing over at her and then back at Malachite.

Malachite nodded slowly, and looked back at the girl. He sighed and pulled up a stool allowing his body to fall into its velvet embrace.

"Mina?" Darien asked, his tone verging on disbelief. Mina only cried out again before burying her face in her hands. Darien threw a worried glance at Malachite who responded by nodding slowly.

"We want an explanation." Malachite stated calmly.

"Please, you can't tell anyone-I'll be ruined." She pleaded, her voice finally returning as she dried her tears with the back of her hand. Malachite sighed and dropped his head into his hands before pushing his fingers through his hair. Finally, he looked up again and stared at her firmly in the eyes. There was no doubt that something was different about Mina. Albeit working in what was almost a whorehouse would change a person, but it was more than that. Something had changed about the way she was suddenly regaining her composure, about the way she was looking at him in that moment, with a lack of fear. She had grown up, in ways that a woman in the nineteen thirties hardly ever did.

"Tell us what happened."

She sat down on a chair opposite him, wrapping a robe tightly around her body. Her chin was firmly pointed out in what could almost be called defiance. She then tilted her head in a way that made it clear she was mimicking the gesture from someone. Malachite did not know who, although judging by the way Darien in took breath, he certainly did.

"It was all for a bet." For the first time in his life Malachite could not grasp words that seemed to be deviously simple. He opened his mouth and then shut it firmly, shaking his head.

"A bet?" He questioned, an eyebrow raised as his body tensed. He could see the hesitation in her eyes. His growing anger provoked his next words.

"Madam, if your position in society holds any esteem for you, I suggest you tell me exactly what is going on. Don't even consider deceiving me for I assure you that you will regret it." His voice had resumed its ever present detached and slightly aloof tone and he glared at her. Even though he showed no outward signs of it, he was in fact impressed by how she was maintaining her composure now that her crying fit was over.

"It was Serena's idea." With those words Malachite and Darien exchanged glances. "All three of us were assigned a man-"

"Three?" Malachite interrupted, his hands crossed lightly over his chest.

"Me, Serena and Rei." At this Darien snorted and shook his head in disbelief. Malachite simply pressed a hand to his forehead and in took a long breath in order to keep calm.

"How original, you each had to seduce a man." Darien commented offhand, leaning against the doorframe.

"So you just went after the other men for fun?" Malachite did not bother to sugarcoat his words and smirked when he saw the hurt in her eyes.

"No," Mina replied with new steel in her voice, "That was part of the bet."

"Excuse me?" Malachite snapped, his politeness masking barely contained anger.

"As I said," Mina replied raising her chin, her tone now resembling that of an adult rebuking an ill-mannered child. "It was part of the bet. The woman who won had to not only seduce her allocated man but the other two as well. In order to prove it, she needed written proof."

"Which explains the declaration you requested from me." He pressed his lips together and glared at her through narrowed eyes. What a fool he was. He had fallen twice for the same woman. However, the very things he had admired about her now seemed to be no more than figments of his imagination. The woman was neither naïve and innocent, nor experienced and sensual. She was, if anything, painfully average. He got up slowly, brushed away non-existent lint from his jacket and then turned and left the room without a word.

For a moment, Darien considered going after Malachite, but decided against it. Malachite had regained his cold demeanour, which from experience told Darien that his friend would not appreciate company. The last time he had tried to force Malachite's hand in similar circumstances had left him with a black eye for his pains.

"You should get dressed."

Mina looked up at him anxiously a blush staining her cheeks at her words. Darien gazed at her in amusement. How could such a naïve creature have pulled off the vixen role so effectively?

"I'll wait outside the door. When you've finished, I'll accompany you to my mother's home. From there you can return to your own residence without arousing suspicion."

"You are too kind sir." She replied without making eye contact.

"Not in the least madam. I never offer my services to anyone unless I intend to get something in return." With that he left the room, very much aware of the alarm that flashed across her eyes.

WWWWWWWWWWWWW

Darien watched Jadeite intently waiting for a reaction. He threw a glance at Malachite to ascertain that his friend was also perplexed at Jadeite's reaction to the news. For Jadeite, in cases of frustration, anger or anything similar, would always react with a furious temper-often breaking furniture and even occasionally a jaw or two.

However, while anger was clearly sprawled across Jadeite's features, he had not yet reacted. In every other occasion, Darien and Malachite would have been struggling to restrict him from causing any more damage. Malachite shook his head grimly and hesitantly placed a hand on Jadeite's shoulder. Jadeite shrugged it off immediately.

"So it was all an act? For a fucking bet?"

Darien nodded slowly. However, he had never been so relieved in his life to see Jadeite clenching his fists. Perhaps the boy was getting slower at comprehending information. Considering it was Jadeite, Darien believed that it could very well be a legitimate explanation.

"How are we going to make them pay?" The question set alarm bells off in Darien's held and he glanced at Malachite only to see his own anxiety reflected in Malachite's eyes. Vindictiveness was definitely not Jadeite, especially moments after receiving bad news. Hell, thinking wasn't Jadeite, let alone scheming or any sort of perception where the future was concerned. However, he swallowed his concern for the moment and replied in a manner that he believed would satisfy all parties involved.

"Each man can deal with the woman to whom he was assigned." Darien replied, glancing at both men. Jadeite smirked at his comment while Malachite nodded calmly.

"But what if they find out that we are aware of their plans?" Jadeite sneered, fists clenched.

"They won't. Mina is in no situation to expose us." Malachite replied.

"Then excuse me gentlemen, I have matters to attend to."

Darien watched silently as Jadeite got up and moved out of the room. He was glad that he was not in Rei's shoes at that moment. Only God knew what Jadeite had in store for her.

"What are you going to do with Serena?" Malachite's question jerked Darien out of his private reverie.

"Well, old man Stanton has decided to cancel his orders. Rumour tells me that it was because of his wife, a patriotic fool who considers catching a sea breeze from France traitorous. Usually, I'd just seduce the wife and convince her to see my way, but Stanton's too smart for that. He's also a lunatic when he's jealous. So the only way for us to retain him as a client is to have someone who will conveniently distract him."

"I assume this is where Serena comes in." To anyone else, Malachite's tone would have appeared completely indifferent. However, the slightly increased inclinations and the subtle sparkle in his eye told Darien that his friend was in fact very amused.

"All I need to do now is find something that will ensure her loyalty to me. With woman of Serena's will, blackmail will only work for so long. What do you intend to do to Mina?"

"That is something you shall have to wait and see."

WWWWWWWWWWWWW

Rei walked to the door extremely irritated. She was meant to be going to her nightly ride and did not want to be delayed. Alas, as always, the maids she payed good money for seemed to have simply vanished, leaving her with no choice than to answer the door herself, meaning that if it was any acquaintance that she would have no way of hiding her residence -- meaning that she would be delayed. She grabbed the doorknob and threw the door open with malice, her eyes flashing with anger and annoyance. Oh just wait until she got her hands on those maids.

Her features immediately softened and even to her surprise grew slightly red naturally upon seeing Jadeite in the doorway. She smiled at him and tilted her head flirtatiously.

"Well this is certainly a pleasant surprise. Come in." Rei practically purred as she moved aside. Jadeite brushed passed her silently, walking towards the drawing room. She followed him into the room, half surprised and half offended at his manner.

"Do you care to take a seat?" She asked, her tone icy with an eyebrow raised.

"Yes, I mean-no."

It took all of Rei's self control not to burst out smiling on seeing his nervousness. 'Like a puppy' she thought to herself amusedly. She had had many declarations of love in the past, but somehow she felt that the one Jadeite was about to make would be different.

"Rei-I have found myself, deeply attached to you. I have put it all on paper-" Rei's heart jumped at the words and she looked up at him in surprise and joy. She moved towards him slowly, placing one hand on his arm and another to his lips. She was going to do what she usually did in such circumstances, thank the man, sooth his vanity and then do away with him. However, the jolt of electricity that went through her when her skin brushed against Jadeite's velvety lips took her completely off guard. She was going to pull away but Jadeite's arm had already snaked around her holding her against him tightly.

Was this why she had ended her liaisons with Chaderin? Was she falling for Jadeite? No. She couldn't be. No, the idea was absolutely absurd.

She heard a rustling noise and looked up only to see that Jadeite had placed an envelope in her hand. She took it delicately and pressed it to her bosom, looking up at him with fake sincerity.

"May I read it now?" Rei asked quietly. She almost chuckled when he began to shift his weight from one foot to the other.

"I'd prefer it-"

Rei nodded silencing him. Men had their pride after all. She turned to face him, and a moment after she had done so she realised her mistake. Was it even possible for someone to have eyes that blue? She stared at him and for the first time became aware of how handsome he really was, of how closely their bodies were to each other. His lips came down on hers on what was at first a soft tender kiss. However, it soon turned into more. She knew that she shouldn't let him have his way, but then again what could one time hurt. She had wrapped around her little finger already. What harm could a little fun do?

She didn't discourage him when his kisses got more demanding, when he picked her up and slowly carried her to the bedroom. There they shared what could only be termed as a unique experience. They were both stubborn and fiery which led to an unbelieve amount of passion being spent. The only reminder of its existence was the beads of sweat glistening on the lovers' bodies. However, half an hour had barely passed when she felt Jadeite kiss her gently on the cheek, dismantle his body from hers gather his clothes and open the door.

"Leaving?" She asked, irritation plain in her tone. He merely smirked and nodded a polite farewell in return. A chill went down her spine, as an increasingly ominous feeling began to well in her stomach. What the hell was that? She threw the bed sheets away grabbed a robe and stalked downstairs, but Jadeite was already gone. She clenched her lips together in anger and frustration. Well, he was going to get an earful when she saw him again. If she decided she ever wanted to see him again. She walked to the drawing room shaking her head. She grabbed the letter Jadeite had given her and tore the envelope impatiently.

The words hit her with the physical force of a punch to the stomach. She took a deep breath, the letter falling from her hands. Her other hand flew up to cover her mouth and she bit into her own flesh to stop herself from screaming. How could she have let this happen? How? Betrayal and hurt soon made way for anger. Rei grabbed the nearest thing, an antique vase, and hurled it towards the wall, sniggering when it shattered. She then stormed out of the room, yelling mercilessly at any poor creature that happened to get into her way. None dared to ask why the normally heartless Rei had tears in her eyes.

The letter lay lifelessly on the plush carpeted floor, disregarded. Only two words had been etched on the white paper with black ink.

I lied.