Happy New Year, everyone, and welcome to the month of January! For my job, unfortunately, it means I get to dive into the glorious time known as "tax season," so please don't hate me if I don't update for weeks at a time :( I just wanted to give you warning.
By the way, a HUGE THANK YOU to all my reviewers. Over 100?! I am BEYOND ecstatic at the response to this story. You guys are truly amazing.
I hope you guys enjoy! Thank you for stopping by and please review! I'm always open to your suggestions or if you see an error, please let me know.
Love, MU
Serena stood in front of her mirror and smoothed out the fabric over her abdomen for probably the hundredth time. She barely recognized herself, cloaked in the luxury of a shimmering rose gold chiffon curve hugging, floor length gown. She felt like a princess, or like Anastasia Steele from those Fifty Shades books she was secretly obsessed with… except without those silver balls shoved up her hoo-hah. In any event, however, Mina totally and completely outdid herself.
After happily accepting Darien's invitation and daydreaming about gowns and champagne, reality sunk in: what, exactly, went into a modern-day "ball"? The only thing she knew about balls was from the Disney manual: handsome prince, flowing, poufy gowns, carriages that turned into pumpkins in the end, and waltzing. Surely, in the modern day era, there weren't prom dresses and horse-drawn carriages.
Sure, she could have asked Darien what exactly she needed to wear. She was a writer, after all, not some socialite who attended these things regularly! And she almost did… had the text written out and everything. But in a moment of not wanting to look foolish, she deleted it. She could figure it out with a little research… she was damn good at research! And so she searched. And searched. And searched.
And it landed her in the middle of Bergdorf's, staring at a Badgley Mischka deep navy, off-the-shoulder crepe evening gown, on clearance for $750. Sure, it would max out her credit card, but it sure was pretty.
Cue Mina: former runway model, self-proclaimed fashionista, who, naturally, was shopping in the very same store, bags dangling from each arm as she talked Serena out of the unnecessarily expensive gown.
Just as any good friend would do, Mina led her out of the store and into her generous walk-in closet she shared with her fiancé. Making her way to the back of the closet, they fingered through the rows of dresses, Serena's fingertips lingering on each piece as she stroked the various fabrics of the gowns.
"It's like a boutique in here!" Serena gushed with envy. Mina certainly had great taste, and her modeling career helped her afford her unique and beautiful articles. It certainly helped that her to-be husband had a similar weakness, the two of them the most stylish people she ever met. Continuing to thumb through the articles, she paused when silk grazed her fingertips. Pulling the dress out to examine, her eyes met the faintest shade of rose gold that shimmered as the fabric swayed with each move. The bodice of dress was high necked and fitted, which gave way to a modest mermaid skirt. Turning the dress around, it had a modest scoop in the back, which appeared to round at mid-back at the most.
"I forgot I had that dress," Mina said thoughtfully as Serena ogled the dress. "It might be a bit long on you."
"Can I try it on?" Serena asked as she unzipped, her dress dropping to her ankles before Mina had an opportunity to answer. Taking the dress off of the hanger, Mina assisted her stepping into the gown, the cool fabric hugging against Serena's curves in comfort. She spun around and let Mina zip the back up, and true to Mina's word, fabric pooled at her feet.
"Damn it, you're right, it is way too long," Serena pouted as she lifted up onto her tippy-toes. She ran her hands against the contour of her hips and thighs, enjoying the fit and feel of the dress. "This is a thing of beauty let me tell you."
As Serena swayed and pouted, Mina pursed her lips in thought. The event was a mere 24 hours away, so tailoring it would be near impossible in such a short time. However…
"Ok, I have a solution, but I will absolutely kill you if anything happens to them," Mina exclaimed as she shuffled to the island in the closet.
Serena smiled back into the mirror as she lifted up the skirts, revealing a pair of rose dusted, open toe Christian Louboutin's. Dear sweet baby Jesus did she feel like she was walking on clouds.
So maybe she was more like Ana Steele than she thought. Silk gown, Louboutin's, and a hot guy likely to sex her into the night? Her shimmering lips curled into a coy smile after that thought.
Life is good.
A knock at her door startled her from her thoughts. Gliding over to the door, she opened it slowly, revealing to her the man of her desires cloaked in an exquisite tuxedo. The black, two-button jacket was crafted with artful details, including what could be silk or satin covered buttons and trimming along the lapel and welt pockets. His hair was brushed neatly and pulled back with some product, allowing her to fully drink in the richness of his beautiful facial features. Tucked under his crisp, white collar was a symmetrically tied, inky black bow tie that matched the satin of the lapel.
Dear God, he was HOT.
"Clip on?" she smirked as she poked his bow tie, unable to resist.
He raised an eyebrow at her. "You really think I wear clip-on bow ties?"
"It's too perfectly centered!" she countered. "No man can tie a bow tie that well."
"Oh really? And how many men do you go out that wear bow ties that you can accurately tell I'm wearing a clip on?" he retorted, stepping in closer to her. She tilted her head up at him, about to continue their banter, until he dipped down and kissed her.
Woah. Her skin tingled, her nerves on fire as he slipped his tongue into her mouth, the short-lived teasing forgotten for the briefest moment of pleasure. Much sooner than she would have liked, they separated, a smile on his face as he obviously profiled her. Taking her hand, he lifted her arm in the air and twirled her around slowly, a satisfied look etched on his face.
"Why, Ms. Thompson, you clean up very well," he complemented. She rolled her eyes and laughed, reaching for her wrap and her clutch to swat him with. She was just about to bop him on the arm when she felt hot air on her ear, sending tingles down her neck. "I can't wait to take that dress off of you later." He nipped at her ear and she let out a soft moan, tilting her head to the side as he planted a kiss in the rock of her neck. His hands glided softly down her curves, the material of the dress doing no favors to absorb the desirable feelings that he churned out of her. She could feel her breathing slow down as he came to her waist, his hands grasping on to them as he pressed her firmly against him. Another groan, or more so a whimper, slipped past her shimmering pink lips, as he spun her around to face him, a sexy grin splashed across his face.
"Something's missing," he said matter-of-factly as she regained her composure, causing her lips to purse in thought.
"Missing? What could be?" she began to look aimlessly on her body, until she heard a box snap open. When her eyes followed the sound, her eyes came in to contact with the most beautiful, glistening diamond earrings she had ever seen. The design appeared inspired by the 1930's, an ombre of pink to white gold holding dozens of petite, round diamonds.
"Oh, my goodness," she whispered as she stared at them. "Are, are those for me to wear tonight?"
He chuckled. "Of course. And, any other night you'd like to dress up, of course."
She stared at him baffled. "You mean, I get to keep these? They're not a rental, like Richard Gere did?"
"What?"
"Pretty Woman. Ruby and diamond necklace that Julia Roberts wore to the Opera that was worth millions," she answered breathless, still staring at the gorgeous earrings in front of her.
"Sounds like Richard Gere is a cheapskate. Baby, I bought these for you to keep."
"Wow," she replied, still in shock, before squealing and snatching the box out of his hand, shuffling over to the mirror in her bathroom. She pulled out the small crystal studs she had in her ears and slipped in the new posts, the weight of the earrings evidence that they were carrying plenty of heavy stones. She snapped the backing in place and tucked a strand of her curled hair behind her ear, staring in awe at the dangling earring cascading in her reflection. It came within a few inches of her neckline, the colors soft and complementing, nothing like the costume jewelry she had worn to any previous dressy event.
"Oh my God oh my God," she said as she slipped in the other one into place, then practically tackled Darien into her couch. "These are gorgeous. Thank you, thank you, thank you," she said, placing a kiss on his lips with each thank you. He smiled that sexy smile back at her and she smashed her mouth against his again, pouring her appreciation and thanks in the kiss. After a handful of pleasurable minutes, they separated once more, both aware that it was time to head out.
"Did you remember to pack an overnight bag?" he inquired, startling her out of her pleasure-evoked state.
"Yeah," she deeply breathed, trying to calm her body down. "It's by the door."
"Ah, yes," he said as he scooped up the duffle bag with his left arm, slipping the handle of the bag up his forearm. When he turned around and motioned at her to come along, she felt her eyes photograph the image of the dashing man before her, and he was hers.
All hers.
#
Serena had been to the convention center a number of times, but never had she seen it decorated so intimately. The walls were curtained in black fabrics with high top tables scattered around the perimeter and cloaked with shimmering red tablecloths. Each of the dining room tables were dressed with red and white cloth and large, glittery floral centerpieces stretching up towards the ceiling. There were crystal and tea lights scattered throughout, setting a perfectly beautiful romantic atmosphere. In the center of the room she noticed a stage with instruments and a dance floor, indicating that there would be dancing at some point in the evening. The room was about half-full with guests as servers, cloaked all in black, walked around with champagne and shrimp cocktail.
She stood quietly next to Darien, holding on to a flute of champagne, while he talked with his colleague about weather patterns or something of the sort. His job thoroughly confused her, so she couldn't even pretend to know what on earth he was talking about to even try to chime in. Instead, she took to looking around the room, staring in awe at some of the gowns that came through the room. Various cuts, styles, and colors began to fill out the area, and for a moment, Serena felt like she was at an adult prom.
In fact, she saw some women wearing corsages, causing her to giggle slightly.
As the minutes passed by, Darien led her around the room, stopping to chat and shake hands with multiple people about different business ventures. Of course, he was a gentleman and would introduce her, but as the time continued to move on, she found herself becoming slightly bored. She didn't know anything about his work world to even attempt to engage in the conversation, so she continued to sip at her drink and wonder about when they would eat. Just as he was ending his current conversation, she heard his phone ringing in his pocket. He pulled out the iPhone and glanced at it before swiping right to answer.
"One moment, please," he said into the receiver before turning to Serena.
"I'm sorry, I need to take this call in a quieter place. Do you mind if I leave you on your own for a moment?" he inquired apologetically. She smiled at the gesture and waved her hand to him.
"Of course, go." She felt her heart warm when he kissed her forehead before leaving the noisy room, leaving her to wander and explore the area. Slowly she walked around the large room, stopping to look at various artwork, table set ups, the instruments, and eventually to the hoer d'oeuvres table. She was just about to pick up a small plate when she heard someone make a comment.
"So, you're here with Darien Shields," a strong, female voice stated. Serena turned around and saw three gorgeous women crowd behind her. "I was wondering who he was going to be bringing tonight." Serena raised an eyebrow at the commentator, who was busy studying her ruby red nails before looking at her. "My advice, stay far away from him."
Serena glared at the woman, dressed to kill in a lacy, black dress with crimson ribbon inserted in the bodice. Her jet black hair was piled on top of her head, allowing her viewers to see her neck that was decorated with a four row, diamond choker necklace. "And you are?" Serena asked coolly, wary of what this woman's intentions were.
"Nehelenia Moore," she replied into her champagne glass, not even dignifying her introduction with eye contact. "Behind me are Prisma Black and Birdie VanAppeldorn."
Serena glared at Nehelenia in recognition for a moment before it clicked; she was recently married to a diplomat's son in a lavish ceremony that was covered one by her colleagues. It was published in multiple papers and magazines, including her own.
"How do you know Darien?" she inquired, her curiosity piquing. The three ladies let out a giggle, causing Serena to frown.
Nehelenia smiled knowingly, casting a judgmental glance at Serena. Serena continued to stand tall, but could feel her confidence wavering before the three beautiful cackling women. "Why, we used to date, of course!" she exclaimed as if Serena should know this information. "Trust me, honey, he's too much fire for you to handle."
"You don't even know me," Serena spat. "And so what if you two used to date? Like I care."
"Oh, I know you. Serena Thompson, correct? A journalist, if I am not mistaken," Nehelenia replied factually.
"Journalists, aren't they a dying breed?" the platinum blonde in light blue spoke up in a high-pitched, mocking voice. Serena stiffened to the attack on her profession.
"Only those who don't suck at their job," she replied confidently, even though she felt herself quivering.
"Hmm," Nehelenia said as she touched her finger to her chin in wonder. "Speaking so highly of yourself, and yet, the only reason I know who you are is because of a reverse google image search." The girls behind her snickered, their cattiness starting to rattle Serena's core.
"So tell me, with journalism being such a low-grade pay scale, did Darien pay you to be his escort, or are you just a pretty face he's going to pump and dump tonight?" the cropped haired woman slyly stated, her plum lipstick curling into a wicked smile as the ladies continued to snicker further.
She was about to unleash some serious commentary when suddenly she felt an arm link around hers.
"Serena! How wonderful to see you!" Ami said with a genuine smile stretched across her face. "You look absolutely lovely today."
"Ami, hi," Serena replied, thankful for the woman's interruption.
"Nehelenia, Birdie, Prisma," Ami politely regarded them. "I see you've met Darien's girlfriend, Serena."
"Ah, yes," Nehelenia replied, "Lovely woman."
"Indeed."
"Yes."
"Yes she is," Ami agreed. "In fact, thanks to her, my business has tripled in the past month since her article was published."
"Well, that is certainly fantastic," Nehelenia stated, obviously bored with the conversation.
"Oh, my goodness, Serena, are those Van Cleef's?!" Ami gasped as she pulled back Serena's hair, blatantly admiring the new earrings that Darien had given her. Nehelenia, Birdie, and Prisma suddenly looked at her ears with the briefest interest. "I have been after Zach to get me a pendant I've had my eye on from there for our upcoming anniversary. Goodness, ladies, doesn't Darien have amazing taste?" she said with a smile to the ladies.
"Hmm," Nehelenia agreed with a tight smile. "Well, it was lovely catching up with you Ami. Serena, a pleasure."
"Truly," Serena replied sarcastically as she watched the three women disappear into the crowd. Turning to Ami, she let out a deep breath. "Thank you."
"Of course. Those women are horrible, self-absorbed sponges," Ami replied as she smoothed out an imaginary wrinkle on her navy evening gown. "Ignore whatever they said. Come, you're sitting at our table tonight," Ami said as she led Serena over to one of the center-placed tables, noticing Darien had taken his seat next to who she presumed was Ami's husband by the familiarity of their exchange.
"So, that Nehelenia woman, did she and Darien really date?" Serena asked, finding herself unable to shake the comments or the exotic beauty she was blessed with.
"In college, but that was years ago," Ami replied with a dismissal of her hand. "Believe me when I say that Darien only has eyes for you, no matter what that catty woman said."
Serena nodded, still slightly shaken when she sat down at the table next to Darien. As she looked around the room and watched the guests all take their seat, she suddenly felt like she was in the setting of the affluent all trying to portray their wealth. The meal was gourmet, but it lacked soul and felt commercially prepared. The speeches were informative, but they lacked heart. The donations were aspiring, but they were overshadowed by the illusion of people pretending to care. The only person who seemed to truly appreciate everything was Ami, who was dabbing her eyes with her husband's handkerchief, constantly repeating how thankful she was for all the money. She could feel her heart warm a bit at Ami's tender response, but she was still slightly bothered, unable to push newly discovered doubts out of her mind.
"Trust me, honey, he's too much fire for you to handle."
Dinner was soon cleared from the tables as servers began to pour aromatic coffee into the dainty cups, to which Serena took a lengthy sip. She felt herself relax at the sip of coffee, a flavor that those of all classes enjoyed. She never realized how inferior she was to this world until she was mocked openly for her profession by a bunch of housewives. Did Darien find her profession silly? Would he think her to be successful? Or was she part of a 'dying breed,' as Birdie so kindly put it.
Her thoughts were startled as she felt Darien wrap his arm around her chair and gently touch her forearm, stroking it with his knuckles as he continued his conversation with Zach. Ami's husband was a kind and confident man, boldly shaking hands with everyone at the table and adding commentary as it was appropriate to interject. From her recollection, he worked as a Manager with Darien, who was technically his boss. They seemed more like brothers than colleagues, which Serena found was really nice. She didn't have that kind of relationship with her coworkers aside from brief coffee room chit-chat.
The strain of music began to fill the room. Looking up and in the direction of the stage, Serena watched as a group of men filed out to their respective instruments. Within a few moments, the bandstand began to play Frank Sinatra's My Way, and Serena couldn't help but hum along.
"You know this song?" Darien asked, interrupting her swaying to the melody.
"I adore this song," Serena sighed, feeling herself relax. "I love Frank Sinatra."
"Dance with me," Darien said as he extended his hand.
"Oh, no, I don't think I can dance like them," she said as she pointed to the dance floor.
"Yes you can. Come on," Darien said as he tugged at her arm. She looked back out on the floor, noting Nehelenia and Co. with their partners, before looking back at him. He was looking at her, and only her, with that stupid, sexy smile of his, she couldn't resist.
Nodding, she put her hand into his, and he led her out on to the vinyl tiles of the dance floor. Guiding her hands, he placed her left hand on his right shoulder before gently placing his hand on her waist. Taking her free hand, he clasped it in his, lifting it up and holding on steady, his eyes locked into hers. Together they danced, Darien leading her in perfect step to the flow of the music. As the song progressed, she felt herself relax slightly, a smile beginning to creep across her features.
She felt herself flush under his eye contact, their bodies moving closer as they progressed into the next song, becoming more comfortable and confident dancing with him. He turned elegantly, his body in tune with the music; and yet, each move was laced with control, like he was someone who shouldn't be underestimated. The warmth between them grew more powerful by the second, and she could feel her heartbeat beating in sync with their steps.
He guided her across the floor, and for a moment she felt like Cinderella at the ball, dancing in the loving arms of her Prince Charming. She allowed him to take her along the dance floor, ignoring the glances and whispers that people were echoing amongst their partners. When the song came to an end and they separated, she felt a pang of sadness, but also felt her body pool with desire. No wonder why people used to dance at balls back in the day. Being in the arms of your lover, allowing him to lead you, was truly one of the most innocent, yet lustful moments she had ever experienced.
Screw clubs. Ballroom dancing is so much more exhilarating.
They strolled over to the ball, laughing and smiling before grabbing a drink and bringing it back over to the table. The words from Nehelenia and her crew were slowly forgotten as the two of them exchanged conversation throughout the evening. Yet, as the night progressed, Serena could feel the wanton radiating off of Darien in the subtle ways he began to touch her and look at her; she, too, found herself wanting to get out of there herself. In a moment of boldness, she stood up and kissed his cheek, but not before nipping at his ear and whispering a very erotic detail that had his eyebrows raise in complete surprise.
"Really?" he asked, clearly taken aback. She smirked and nodded, causing him to quickly stand up and slip on his jacket.
"Ami, Zach, we're going to take off for the evening. Ami, a lovely job yet again. Zach, I'll see you Monday," Darien said with a wave and a handshake respectively. Serena was less in a hurry, giving Ami and Zach each a hug goodbye as they presented their open arms. In haste, Darien clasped her hand in his while she held her clutch and wrap in the other, allowing him to lead her out of the room and over to the skyway, which connected the convention center to the hotel.
"Really?" he asked her again as they stood in front of the steel plated elevator doors, waiting for them to spring open.
"Would I lie to you?" she asked with a knowing smirk.
He ran his fingers through his hair, tousling them in a way that caused them to fall over his eyes. "Shit, had I known earlier," he mused. The doors finally opened, and as a few guests of the hotel exited, they stepped on, the two of them being the only patrons on the lift. The doors closed and scaled them up the building, concluding their ascension on the 48th floor. Tugging her off of the lift, he pulled her into the hallway and over a few doors to their room.
He threw the door open and pulled her in to him, slamming it behind her as he ran his hand down her open back and clasped onto her behind. "Here I thought you were simply wearing a thong," he murmured against her lips, causing her to giggle.
"It's fun to keep you guessing," she replied as he unclasped the fabric around her neck, letting the bodice fall around her waist. He groaned before turning her around, unzipping the pink fabric and letting it fall around her ankles with a gentle plop.
His eyes roamed with greed as she stood completely naked, only wearing the earrings he given her and her heels. "Do you have any idea how incredibly sexy you look right now?" he asked with a primitive growl, a hunger laced in his voice that she nearly shivered.
He scooped her up and walked her over to the king sized mattress, the moonlight illuminating the white duvet cover interrupted as he placed her on top and within an instant hovered over her. Their lips met in carnal passion, the heat nearly overtaking their systems as their tongues slipped into one another's mouths, drinking from each other in haste. Serena felt herself practically clawing at Darien's jacket while his fingertips ran across her bare skin, her head tipping back in ecstasy as his mouth began to descend down her neck. Closing her eyes, she moaned at the sensation of his mouth on her body, the urge to strip him out of his tux and feel him pressed against her growing with each passing second.
Pushing him off of her, she leaned up against him and slipped the jacket down his arms and carelessly tossed the material off to the side of the bed. As she went to pull at the bowtie, her brow furrowed as it wouldn't budge. Her eyes snapped up at him and held eye contact, a goofy 'o' registering on her face.
"No way!" she cried out before lifting the collar of his shirt up. Her fingers slipped up the silk fabric of the ribbon, making its way to the clasp that rested in the back. "It IS a fake! I knew it!" she cried in victory as she unclasped it and held on to it, waving it in front of his eyes as she laughed.
He pressed his lips in a frown as she swung the faux bow tie in front of him, giggling as he snatched it out of her hands. Instead of tossing it off to the side, as she would have expected him to do, he wrapped it around her neck and clasped it, allowing the material to hang loosely around her neckline.
"Ah, I always knew there was a good use for these," he concluded. She giggled as he claimed her lips once more, falling under the intoxication of passion.
#
Serena walked out of the suite bedroom nuzzling the softest, fluffiest white bathrobe she had ever worn, her damp hair hung limply against the back. She began to make her way to Darien, who was reading the paper while eating a piece of whole wheat toast. Behind him, she slipped her arms around his torso and pressed her head against his bare skin, reveling in the warmth of him.
"Looks like we made the front page of the Lifestyles section," Darien greeted as he shuffled the pages back to the first page. It was a photo of the two of them dancing, looking very much like lovers, amongst various other photos from the charity.
"Aww, how adorable we look," Serena replied as she let go of him and grabbed the paper, plopping on the couch in the small living space. "Our first photo together!" Serena continued to scan the other photos on the page, a scowl unknowingly stretching across her features when she focused on Nehelenia. Darien must have been watching her, because he asked her the reason for the look.
"I was accosted by your ex last night," she simply responded. Darien raised an eyebrow.
"Who?"
"Nehelenia Moore," Serena shrugged. "Told me to stay away from you." Relief flooded as she watched Darien roll his eyes.
"Ignore her. She's been a thorn in my side for years," he responded.
"Ami mentioned she was your college girlfriend," Serena replied casually. "Sounds like quite a while to be hung up on you."
"Yeah, well, look at me," he replied smugly.
"I am, and like I said, sounds like quite a while to be hung up on you."
"Come on now, who wouldn't want to be with me? I'm rich, devilishly handsome-"
"… pompous, egocentric, vain," she replied with a smug, teasing smile.
"Hey now, it's my vain, egocentric self that made your toes curl last night," he retorted knowingly.
Dropping the robe at her feet, she raised her eyebrow at him tauntingly. "Care to try again?"
#
A discarded newspaper rattled him out of his thoughts. Taking in another deep inhale of his cigarette, he reached for the print, shrugging in why not fashion as he skimmed the articles. Per usual, nothing of interest was printed. Aimlessly flipping, he suddenly stopped and stared. Wrapping his middle and index finger around the butt, he took another deep breath of his cigarette and blew the smoke out at the paper, watching in satisfaction as the poisonous smoke ringed around the dancing couple.
As his eyes continued to focus on the couple, he took his cigarette and placed it on the image of the face of that rich bastard. With his face burned out, he stared at Serena's loving face, her smile more beautiful than he could recall. His eyes looked back over to the scorched hole in the paper.
"She will never be yours."
DUN DUN DUNNNNN.
It can't be all romance, can it?! After all, this is a romantic DRAMA.
Saddle on up, because here we GO!