In a blue velvet-like strapless dress, that flowed to the floor with a slit that moved up to her mid thigh, Serena strolled through the venue. Champagne in hand, she looked around trying to find a colleague to talk to. She smiled as she randomly made eye contact with fellow teacher or their spouses. Her drink was half full, but she was tired of sitting at the table by herself, so she convinced herself by the time she makes it to the front of the line it would be empty.
It was school's annual get together, a night for the teachers and faculty to get dressed up and relax. No children, just adults. Some board members of the school took this time to promote fundraising and donations, so there were people there other than spouses that Serena never met. She had asked Darien to come a little over a week ago and he said he would be here, but work was holding him up. But he promised he would make it. Serena wasn't holding her breath, she already planned to just be here a couple hours to make an appearance and then use grading as an excuse to leave.
She reached the line to the bar, pulled out her phone out of her clutch.
Text from Darien: I don't care if this meeting runs late, I am leaving in 15 minutes. I will be there I promise. I love you.
She lightly shrugged her shoulder and put her phone away. She never received a text like that from him in the past, usually it would say meeting running late, get there when he gets there. But she wasn't going to hold her breath. She was already a little hurt that even with the advance notice she gave him, he still make it.
She took gulped the rest of the champagne and continued to people watch. She caught eyes with the teacher who has the room next to her and she waved at her, signaling her to sit by her. Serena put her index finger up and then pointed to the bar. The other teacher nodded her head and Serena saw she put her bag on the chair next to her to hold her seat.
"At least I will have someone to talk too." Serena whispered to herself with a smile.
"Here alone?" A conniving voice asked from behind her.
Serena turned around and her smile faded.
"Why am I even asking? Of course you are alone. Your Doctor King, never makes time you." He smirked.
"Seiya, let's try to be professional here." Serena whispered. "We are at a school function."
"A school function you wouldn't have been invited too if you hadn't asked me to get you this job."
"I have already thanked you countless time, Seiya, what more do you want." She watched as his smile. "I don't answer that, I don't care. You may have gotten me this job, but the respect everyone has for me, that I don't have for you, I did on my own." She was about to turn around, when she felt large hands encircle her wrist.
He chuckled. "I am not done with the conversation."
"Well I am." Serena tried to release her wrist from his grip.
"Don't want to make a scene Serena...what would the board members think?" His grip tightened. "I mean this is your first interaction with them, and I am really good friends with a few of them."
Serena eyes started to glare. "I could careless about the opinion of any of your friends."
"My, my." Still smirking. "My friends, are the ones who get to choose who gets laid off and who stays."With his hand still wrapped around her wrist, he pulled her closer to him. "So I suggest that you don't forget how you got here."
"You seem to never let me forget." Serena hissed. She took a step back and again tried to free herself from him.
"Why do you resist me? I could make you so happy." He looked around to see if anyone could see their interaction. "I would worship the ground you walk on, unlike your supposed Soulmate." He tilted his head. "Where is he by the way."
Serena opened her mouth to answer.
"He is right here." A loud voice came from behind.
Seiya jumped releasing Serena's wrist. She took a step back, feeling a hand so softly tap her back. She looked up and to the side, Darien stood.
"I am sorry I was late, I got here as soon as I could." He kissed her forehead and suddenly a wave of comfort and security washed over her. Darien observed Serena rubbing her wrist. He looked back at Seiya, puffing out his chest. "Thank you for keeping her company, but if I ever catch you with your hands on her again, I promise, I don't care where we are, I will beat you to the ground."
Seiya's eyes glared at Darien.
"I know you have friends in high places, but so do I and I can make them turn the story so it looks like an accident, and I will never be charge." Darien smirked right back at him.
Darien could feel Serena looking at him confused. He turned to her. Kissed her one more time, this time get even more under Seiya's skin. "Looks like we are next. Would you like a drink my love?"
Serena smiled. "I would love one or two."
"Have a goodnight Seiya." The two turned around in unison. Not looking back but Darien swore he felt him stomp off like a four year old. His arm still around Serena's waist.
The two ordered their drinks, and walked away after the got their drinks. They walked over to the table hand and in hand and sat down. Serena's teacher friend had just left for a second. Serena turned to Darien who now had his hand in her lap. "Thanks for coming to my rescue, but when did you get here?"
Darien took a sip of his drink, then leaned in to sneak one more kiss. There was another older teacher across from them. "I left the meeting right after I sent that text, I couldn't wait anymore. They asked me stay and I apologized."
"Will they be mad?" Serena asked concerned.
Darien shrugged. "Let them, I had somewhere to be. So I rushed over here. Probably ran a few lights."
"Darien!" Serena swatted his arm.
"What?" He asked so innocently. "I needed to get here, and it looks like I got here in just enough time to get that creep off of you." He looked at her wrist, the redness was fading. "I sweat if her hurts you." Darien picked up his drink and shook his head.
Serena could feel his anger. She placed her hand on his and started to rub it. "He is not going to hurt me." She said calmly.
Darien rolled his eyes. "I don't trust him. He is too aggressive with what he wants. I hate that you are around him all the time and there is nothing I can do about it."
"I know. And..." Serena sighed. "I wish I never asked him to get me this job." She bit the side of her cheek. "I love the school and the kids, but he will never let me live that down."
"Dr Shields!" An older male voice interrupted the two. Serena looked up to see who was calling.
"Mr. Stones!" Darien greeted standing up to shake his hand.
"What is this Mr. Stones, after all you have done for my Family, Matthew will do." With his free hand he patted Darien's as they still shook.
Serena just smiled catching Mr. Stones' attention.
"Serena, nice to see you again. You are looking lovely." He then looked over to Darien. "Is she the lovely fiancé you told me about? I should have known by the way you described her eyes."
Serena blushed. "How do you two know each other."
"Dr. Shields," Mr. Stones started.
"You can call me Darien." He interrupted.
"Darien has been treating my oldest son for years." He looked at him smiling. "We had some up and down battles, but this man right here...we are so grateful for him."
Serena just smiled.
"And we are so grateful for you too, Serena. The reviews we are getting from the parents. You are already being requested for next school year."
"Really?" Serena clapped her hands together. "I am so happy to hear that."
"If you ever need anything, you call me, you already have number. It is in all the emails. I send out."
Serena's smile faded as Seiya, came from behind Matthew. His chest out again, nose in the air. He wedged himself between Darien and Matthew.
"Mr. Stones, I have been meaning to speak with you!"
"Well Seiya, I am speaking with a very good friend of mine right now, can it wait?"
Seiya turned and looked Darien up and down. Darien gave him a condescending smile. "Yeah Seiya we were catching up, he is telling me how great my love is at the school." He reached his arm back and around Serena pulling her forward.
Seiya's blood started to boil. He turned back to Mr. Stones. "It is school board related."
"Well Seiya unless there is going to be a strike or test scores are free falling, I am enjoying a conversation with my friends. Which by the way, would you two like to sit at my table?"
Serena could not help but laugh a little at the sight of Seiya's mouth dropping. "Thank you for the offer Mr. Stones, but I am going to sit here. Jennifer saved us this spot."
"Well understandable, I will save two seats unless you change your mind. But back to what we were speaking of..." He looked Seiya up and down. "Did you still need something Seiya, you are kind of in the way." Mr. Stones pointing at the space between him and Darien.
Suddenly Seiya's posture changed and he walked away trying to keep any dignity he had left.
"That can be too..." Mr. Stones looked at Serena. "You didn't hear that."
Serena just shrugged. "I don't know what you are talking about."
Darien and Mr. Stones talk for what seemed like 30 minutes. Serena excused herself when Jennifer returned to the table and the two got into their little side conversation. She could not wait to tell her what happened with Seiya. The two laughed so hard tears were flowing from their eyes. This caught Darien's attention and as a result he ended the conversation with Mr. Stones and joined Serena.
"It is so nice to finally meet the mystery rose man." Jennifer teased.
"It is really nice to meet you too." Darien responded.
Serena smiled at him. "I had no idea you knew Mr. Stones."
"Like I said I know people in high places too." He leaned in to give her a kiss, and she quickly gave him one.
"Look none of that you two...this is a work function." Jennifer joked.
"Someone should tell Michelle over there..." Serena pointed out. "She looks like she is going to need someone to carry her out."
"I am Seiya will jump on that opportunity. He can't seem to get anyone who is fully comprehensive."
"You are so mean." Serena started to laugh.
Darien couldn't help but let our a chuckle. He put one arm across the back on Serena's chair and position himself so he can keep one hand her lap. Serena looked at him, once Jennifer turned away.
"Thanks for making it tonight."