Chapter 11
I Always have a Plan B
When Serena awoke it was still dark outside. She groaned irritated with herself because she had slept most of the day yesterday and now she was wide wake. She adjusted her eyes to the darkness realizing that she was in Darien's room and practically wrapped around her was Darien himself.
Even in the dark he looked handsome. Even more so when he looked innocent but oh no, Darien Shields was far from innocent. She had realized before falling asleep that he had never denied her accusations on Beryl Westbanks which meant he was only getting close to her because he was not quite ready to be unfaithful.
Serena untangled herself from Darien which resulted in a soft sore from him. Slowly she got up from the bed and looking around the room she had finally found the clock on the desk and saw that it was four thirty am.
She knew what she wanted to do. The same thing that she would have done if she was at home. She gently opened the thick teak door and snuck out of the room. Quietly as possible she made her way to the room she was originally in.
She was delighted when she found what she was looking for in the drawers. Riding gear, jacket, shirt and pants.
Rei had given them to her when she first arrived but she never had a chance to use them. She didn't pack them to go to the base because she would never get to ride there. She quickly changed and found boots in the closet. She braided her long hair not caring much for what she looked like.
She held on to the boots creeping down the stairs in her bare feet so she wouldn't wake anyone. Making her way through the living area she opened one of the large glass doors that exited to a large porch. The air was still humid but much cooler. Sat in a large rocker and put on the boots. It was pitch black out but Serena could see the lights from the small stable a couple hundred yards away. By the time she made it to the stable she decided that a jacket would be too hot and since its as early she didn't care about propriety.
Electricity hummed through the stable and Serena was taken aback by the strange breed of horse she found in here. She knew that they were Marwari horses and they were more beautiful in person than in the photos she had seen. She was drawn to an all black male. He was beautiful and reminded her a lot of Darien. The horse stood proud, its odd ears touching one another. She hoped he would let her ride him. She was giddy with the thought.
The horse approached it's gate and she walked toward him slowly. She went to pet its nose but he leaned in to her affectionately caressing the side of her head with his nose.
It was the strangest phenomena that had ever happened to her and she was immediately in love. She laughed. Love at first sight with a tall black steed. She opened the gate letting him out and he practically pranced out of his stall. She giggled at him. She went to the tack room and found herself everything she needed.
The horse was so obliging it took her no time to ready him. She led him out of the stable and quickly mounted. She pet his neck and took off on a walk until she would be outside the houses fine yard. He seemed irritated by this but she begged him to be patient. Once she reached the edge of the yard she took off.
He was fast and beautiful. She felt free and for all of the awful moments in India this happy one was overshadowing them all. She wished she knew his name as they ran in the field so freely. She longed for home. She longed for the dense forest that surrounded her home and the field she would break her horses. She missed her small ponies even more so she missed the wet, dewy air and the crisp smell of morning. She wished she could take him on a hunt around the grounds of her manor in England. He would be such a sight.
Serena stayed near the home not knowing her boundaries and the black horse obliged. She laughed loudly as the horse went faster. Yes, best day so far.
Darien awoke with a start. He was groggy and it had taken him forever to fall asleep. He had nightmares of Diamond taking Serena. He could not sleep until he went and took his wife in his arms. She didn't wake up to chew him out and it only took moments before he was out, content with her being by him. Her smell was erotic and soothing at the same time and in no time at all he was sound asleep.
Remembering how she smelled he went to reach for her but found only cold sheets. He bolted upright. Sunlight was coming through the curtains giving the room an orange glow. It had to be around six thirty and he needed to get back to base. He expected Serena to come out from the bathroom but she never emerged. He groaned angrily getting out of bed and going to the bathroom. It was empty.
He was now alarmed. The nightmares still fresh in his head. There was a knock at the door and he grabbed his rode wrapping it around him.
"Yes." He answered.
"Good Morning." Punjab walked in his head down.
"Punjab, have you seen my wife?" He questioned.
Punjab looked up from his respectful bow noticing that Mrs. Shields was not in the room.
"Sir, I have not. I assumed she was with you." He said a question in his tone.
"Bloody Hell!" Darien yelled walking to his wardrobe, pulling on pants and a shirt.
"Your boots, sir." Punjab handed him the leather shoes.
He took them hastily, quickly putting them on and storming to the room Serena originally occupied. His heart sank when he realized the bed was empty but her nightdress lay across the bed.
Panic rose through Darien's chest. Did she leave? Where would she go? Did Diamond get her?
He thundered down the stairs toward the front of the house and out to the garage. All of the cars were there then he heard it.
A bell like, tinkering laughter. He must have been hallucinating. He walked out of the back of the garage and toward the stable.
There she was, a beauty on the back of his prized Marwari horse, Baladeva. He was a skittish horse than threw him off any chance it got which is why he wasn't in the military stables. The horse refused to be broken in my Darien. At first he was scared for his small bride to be on Baladeva but she was laughing and talking to him affectionately. He watched as Baladeva followed Serena's commands and then they were racing through the field. Her laugh could be heard for miles he was sure. It seemed as if she had finally had enough and she trotted to the stable.
This pissed him off more than when she was missing this morning. By the time he reached her he was seething.
"Serena!" He snarled at her as he approached her astride Baladeva.
Baladeva snapped at him making Daeien take a step back
Serena giggled again. Giving the horse a pet. "Good boy."
"Good Morning, Husband."
She smiled at him. Her face red and hair a mess.
"Ah, I see that your permanent feature is back." She gave him a sour look.
Baldeva snorted. "Yes, I know. I am married to this mean man." She told the horse as she dismounting from the steed. Baladeva shook his mane in a disapproving gesture only to get a laugh from Serena again. She grabbed him by the reigns looking at Darien's scowling face. She approached him slowly. His eyes were dark and angry.
"It would be nice if one time you greeted me with out a snarl or a scowl." She said reaching up to Darien giving his jaw an affectionate caress looking him in the eye. She was going to ask for this horse even if it meant her playing nice. The horse would be there for her when her heart was broken by Darien and Beryl. It could be the best trade if she played this smart.
His face went from fury to perplexed. Serena removed her hand and started to lead the horse to water.
"That horse is not safe." Darien stated. "Not to mention how you just disappear without so much as a mention of where you are going."
His tone rewarded him with another laugh from her.
"You sir are more menacing than this beautiful steed. He is as tame as a baby. As if in agreement the horse nibbled at her face.
"You have got to be shitting me. Even my horse loves you." He said irritated following her.
She turned to him looking excited. "So, he is yours." Her eyes glittered.
"Yes, this brute likes to throw me off any chance he can get. But he is fast and strong." He said patting the horses flank looking away from her beautiful face.
"What's his name?" She asked excitement in her eyes. He softened toward her. She was too desirable for her and his own good.
"Baladeva, it means god of strength." He told her with a smile.
"Baladeva." She she tried the name out. "Baladeva, your name could not be more fitting. Thank you so much for such a wonderful morning. I will come back and see you as often as I can." She pet his muzzle.
"This horse is not safe, Serena." He told her fiercely going to the side of the stable grabbing a carrot and some sugar cubes for Baladeva. He handed them to her and her radiant smile, for the horse, made him jealous. It was a feeling he rarely, if ever, had.
"Deo, the stable keeper, will be here any moment. Tie him up there. We need to get back to base." He told her grabbing her hand and pulling her away from the horse after she gave him the treats.
"Goodbye my sweet Baladeva." She gave the horse a goodbye pet.
"What do you mean 'my' Baladeva? He is mine." Darien said annoyed. He intertwined his fingers with hers relived that she was safe. They began a slow walk toward the house.
"Well he doesn't like you." She said playfully.
"I think he should be mine." She looked at him from under her long lush eyelashes.
He laughed loudly. She frowned.
"You want my prize horse?" He asked incredulously stopping to look at her.
"Yes." She said firmly. "You said yourself he doesn't like you and that he loves me. We had moment of love at first sight."
A smirk played on his lips. "What would you do for him?"
She looked flabbergasted. "I thought being married to you would be payment enough."
"Nope. You being married to me does not get you Baladva." He told her, his eyes laughing.
She pulled her hand from his and crossed her arms over her chest. She narrowed her eyes at him.
"What do you want? she accused. All happiness gone from her face leaving behind narrowed and accusing eyes.
He looked her up and down making his intentions known and she made a gagging noise.
"You chose your whore over me on our wedding day. You agreed to the terms." Just the memory had her insides burning with resentment. He stood there flabbergasted.
"Never mind." she quickly said turning toward the house. "Keep him." She would be back in England soon, no need to get attached.
He grabbed her hand and pulled her to him before she could even take a step. His hand came under her chin and tilted her face toward him. She could see in to his deep midnight blue eyes and she saw… regret.
"I don't want her." He said sternly.
"You mean him? I can have Baladeva." She said pretending not to know what he meant.
"Beryl, I don't want her." He said clearly. She wanted to push his tussled black hair from his eyes. She resisted.
"You didn't deny it last night, why should I believe you now?" She said and he could see the hurt in her eyes.
"Take back the agreement and I will give you Baladeva." He told her. She eyed him warily.
"I am not giving myself to you until you are trustworthy. You have treated me with unkindness since I arrived. I don't know anything about you. My pride and my heart are worth more than a horse." She told him pulling away.
He deserved this. He was learning more about her everyday and he was still shut inside himself. She was stronger than he thought she would be. More intelligent than he could have ever imagined and she was unpredictable. More than anything… she was not a child.
"Fine. I deserve that. Okay, how about you move in to my room at the house. We can get to know each other and you can learn to trust me as I stick to the agreement of not de-flowering you."
Her faced scrunched at the phase.
"For Baladeva?" She asked a smile creeping on her lips.
He smiled down at her. "Yes. You sleeping, just sleeping, with me for my… your horse."
Her smile was as bright as the sun coming up on the horizon.
"Deal. But once again, I am getting the better end of the deal." She went up on her tippy toes and gave him a peck on the lips for no reason other than she wanted to.
"Let's go eat." She intwined her hand in his and gave him a pull. She told herself that she was just pretending for the horse. She pushed aside any feelings of her childish romances. This was not one of those.
Darien decided to wait to tell Colonel Westbanks about Diamond's true character until Commander Kingsley's letter came. He didn't want to draw attention to Serena right away but he did have the gate guard notify him every time Diamond came on base to see Beryl. For the remaining part of the week he sent Serena to the Bombay house during the day to be with Mina and Rei. Sometimes he sent Ami and Lita with her.
It was Saturday and he had to be up early to play in the polo match. He had told James about the Diamond situation and Serena had promised to stay with James and Rei during the whole match for he knew Diamond would come to sit with the Westbanks.
It was a beautiful day. Blue skies for miles and a nice breeze that would make the heat bearable.
"Don't worry about me." Serena whispered to him before he went on the field. "You should focus on winning because I am sure I didn't marry a loser."
He smiled at her in an affectionate way. This had become part of their day. A small banter between both of them. As promised she did move in to his room and he didn't touch her even though every morning he would be wrapped around her. She chastised him for not keeping to the agreement and made empty threats about moving back in to her own room.
He knew it wasn't intentional. He was just drawn to her and he knew she minded less and less everyday. They were getting closer. He was opening up more. It was a good start. A start that they should have had from the beginning.
"Darien!" He heard the cry from his former lover. Serena heard it as well and he watched as she turned to stone.
Beryl looked amazing as always but nothing compared to Serena. Serena's white day dress made her look like an angel. Beryl's red dress accentuated every part of her and an old part of him would have lusted after this look. It was true that Beryl was in love with India but he was starting to see what Rei had been saying all along.
"Lady Westbanks." He smiled as he saw the colonel coming toward them. Diamond at his side wearing an all white linen suit and a panama hat. Darien grabbed Serena's hand and gently pulled her toward him. James came and stood at the other side of her. Beryl and Diamond didn't miss the affectionate gesture from Darien.
Beryl missed him holding her hand. Diamond was never as affectionate with her as Darien had been. He was cold in a way she never imagined a future husband would be. Sometimes he even scared her. It was a look she saw from time to time and she wished she could tell Darien of how Diamond made her feel but she didn't want him to know. She had let on for so long that she was independent and free. She was digging her own grave and now she was David Diamonds intended and she had no cause to break the future engagement.
"Colonel Westbanks, Lord Diamond." He nodded. "You remember my wife, Lady Serena and my brother in law James Mathias." Serena smiled her manners coming to her second nature as she avoided Diamond's gaze.
"How could I forget such a lovely face." Colonel Westbanks told Serena with a fatherly smile.
She blushed.
"Pleasure to see you both again. Lady Beryl." Serena smiled at her.
Beryl gave her a fake smile and nod.
"Darien. You have to win today. Daddy has quite a bet going." Beryl flirted as she ignored Serena. Serena was not phased by this though.
"Ah, my wife gave me the same sentiments just a moments ago… minus the bet." Darien laughed looking down at Serena. She gave him a smile back as she knew very well that is not what she intended.
"Im sure she did." Beryl's smile faltered. In all of her time with Darien, being his lover, he had never looked at her like that. She fought to keep her heart from breaking. She knew that Darien had indeed loved her and she would fight like hell for that love back.
"Well, the match is about to begin." I should get back to my team. Darien nodded and gave Serena a quick peck on the cheek that she was not expecting. Beryl flinched.
"I am not a loser." He whispered in to her ear as he walked away content with James protective stance. Serena stifled a laugh and an unladylike comeback.
"Why don't you all come and sit with us during the match." Diamond suggested, as he held back the menace that was brewing inside of him, when Darien had left. His eyes were only for Serena.
"That's a wonderful idea." Colonel Westbanks said. "It is such a beautiful day and we would love the company. Lady Serena I would love to catch up on how your father is doing."
"I am so sorry, sir but we have already promised our company to others. Ah, I see them now. It has been wonderful to see you all again. I am sure you will win your bet." James said with a laugh and smile. "Come, Serena. Your cousin is here."
Serena avoided Diamond's glare as Beryl wrapped an arm through his and pulled him toward the field.
Mina, Rei, Ami, Lita and Seyia were all waiting for Serena and and Zack were also on Darien's team as well as Malcolm. Serena greeted the group but she was excited to see a new comer.
"Seyia!" Serena smiled and walked toward her friend. "How have you been?" She asked.
"Busy, or I would have stopped by." He he beamed back at her . "How is your brutish husband?" He winked.
"Less brutish but we shall see how long that lasts." She gave him a nudge. Seyia reminded Serena of Andrew and she treated him like a sister would a brother.
"You should come by for dinner sometime this week." She told him.
"Just let me know the day and I will be there." He smiled at her.
"I do hope you are sitting with us." She told him as they walked slowly toward their destination.
"Of course. James asked me prior to this. Lady Rei pulls out all the stops for her cousins matches."
They headed toward the opposite side of the field to a tent that had been set up. See had been correct. Rei went all out. A long table and sitting area were elegantly decorated with rugs and drapes. There were light snacks and a lot of gin and champagne. This also remained Serena of home and a day out on the lawn during an event.
Serena sat between Seyia and Mina as they sipped on champagne and nibbled on fruit. Casually chatting all the while.
Mina looked somewhat irritated and she kept giving off signals until Serena had to give in to Mina's dramatics.
"Mina, love, what's wrong?" Serena asked. Mina sighed.
"Malcolm is what is wrong. I am sure that he thinks he owns me." she spat.
"Oh and why is this?" Serena said with a smile. Darien had told Serena how Malcolm felt about her cousin. It was one of their newly accustomed pillow talks.
"He practically waited for me so no other gentleman could look at me." She said with a pout.
Serena laughed. "He is quite a catch Mina. Better than Elmer Stubbing. Speaking of which did you write your mother?"
"Yes, I did. I am not looking forward to the return letter." She giggled. "Poor Elmer."
The men came out on to the field and Serena could see Darien looking for them in their tent. She saw his irritated face when she saw that Seyia was sitting next to her. She ignored him. He also didn't appreciate that and he trotted off with his signature scowl.
"Oh dear. It doesn't help that he looks like a god on a horse." Mina flushed once she saw Malcolm.
Serena almost snorted but held back.
"I will have you and that god over for dinner soon. I will be your chaperone." Serena laughed watching the game.
"Your such prat sometimes Serena. Heavens, if Malcolm Abott thinks I am at all interested then I am sure he would propose in an instant." Mina said watching him play her eyes never leaving his form.
"Pretend you are not interested all you like, dear Mina. I am sure I know you better than that. Plus, you should get married so poor Elmer does not show up here demanding your hand." Serena smiled watching her husband play. He really was quite good.
Mina almost dropped her drink. "He…he wouldn't!" She gasped.
"Your mother is ruthless. Not only would she come herself she would plan a wedding forcing you down the aisle." Serena was only goading Mina but the words hung true enough.
Mina was quiet after that. Considering her choices as she watched the sport.
Serena was just wishing she was not attracted to Darien as she watched him on his horse. Night's in bed were getting harder to stay away from him but she knew a week was not enough time for all he had put her through. He was opening up to her and being as kind as Darien could. There was no romance aside from the occasional touching of hands or a caress of the face. She pulled away from every kiss knowing she would cave to Darien Shields.
"Half time is coming soon." Reid announced. "Who would like to go stomp the divots?"
Mina jumped up right away and grabbed Serena's hand. "We would love to."
Half time was announced and Serena was surprised to see that Seyia had followed them on to the field.
Serena had done this a few times but not recently. Everyone was laughing and having a good time. Serena almost tripped and Seyia caught her arm.
"Dear me Lady Serena, you can be quite clumsy." He laughed.
She smacked him with her parasol.
"Is that how you thank your savor?" he faked a pout.
"Please, Seyia, a pout does not suit you well and thank you. My hero." She laughed as playfully as she had on the Rubi.
James kept close but Diamond did not leave the Westbanks tent and soon the five minutes were over and Mina giggling about a few men she had seen in the stands.
Serena noticed that Darien was playing differently than before. A tad more… aggressive. She sipped on her champagne and she was discouraged as to what made him angry this time.
Darien's and Malcolm's intensity had guaranteed a victory. Serena did feel quite proud of her husband at this moment but she was not looking forward to seeing him. She was not sure what to expect.
Their lovely group finished off the champagne and readied themselves to go great their victors. Darien, Malcolm, Nathan and Zack greeted them at the tent after seeing to their gear and horses.
Amy and Lita received their husbands with large hugs and a kiss. Even Mina met Malcolm with enthusiasm on his win.
Serena was not surprised to be met with a scowl as he approached her with a glare in his eyes.
"Ah, my least favorite facial feature. I thought it had disappeared but it seems that even with a win you can't get rid of it." Serena stated annoyed before Darien could retort he was bombarded by his family.
"Congratulations, Cousin!" Rei said giving him a hug.
"Yes, wonderful playing! I especially liked the extra…umph in the second half." James said knowing all to well that Darien was irritated. Always adding salt to the wound.
Darien observed that Seyia was smart enough to go and talk to the other group.
"Everyone is more than welcome to come back to my home here for a light lunch and drinks." Darien announced quickly, his facial features not changing. This was a tradition and it was one he actually liked.
"Darien, dear, does that include us?" Beryl had walked up with Diamond to pay his team their congratulations.
"Of course. Friends are always welcome." Darien said stiffly looking at Diamond. But Diamond didn't notice. He was too busy looking at Serena.
Darien placed his hand in hers. "We will see you at the house after everyone is decent."
Serena was all but dragged to the automobile.
"Jesus, woman." He said exasperated once they were out of earshot.
"Your scowl. It's back." She told him again putting her hand to his face gently. His anger turned to irritation.
"I know what your doing. It won't calm me down." He said looking at her. She moved his hair from his eyes and his look did not cease.
"Fine. Do not tell me why you are in such a foul mood." She told him walking to the passenger side of Darien's blue roadster.
He narrowed his eyes at her and walked toward the drivers seat.
"You know exactly why I am angry." He spat at her.
She sighed. "Darien. If you haven't noticed you are always irritated with me for some reason. I am beyond guessing at this point and time."
"Well maybe you should stop pissing me off." He yelled at her.
She opened the car door. "I think I will walk. Give you some time to calm down before we have guests over."
Darien would have let her walk back had it not been for Diamond being on base. He got out of the car and went to her quickly.
"You were openly flirting with Seyia Kou." He told her and she laughed.
"We are friends, Lt. Shields. Just normal conversation." She told him.
"You, my dear wife, have been sheltered from men and you do not realize that your simple conversation is flirting." He told her seriously.
She gaped at him and then smiled smugly. "You are jealous."
"I am no such thing." He told her quickly. "I am Lieutenant Major Shields and I can not have my wife openly entertaining men."
Serena's face flared red.
"Well, dear husband, this is the second time you have accused me of being a seductress." She spat at him her anger flaring.
"Well, it doesn't help that Diamond is in front of you practically undressing you with his eyes." He retorted with spite.
She wanted to slap him again but she held back. This much was true. Darien was just too true to form sometimes.
"Let's just go." she said defeated walking back to the car. She couldn't make this work even if she wanted to. They were too different.
She had hidden the fact that her father had sent Andrew regardless of Darien's telegram. Andrew had business in New Delhi and he would be arriving in Bombay in two weeks time. If things continued this way she would go home. Darien and her would still be married but she would just live in England. It would be better for the both of them. They were too different and overtime they gained an inch he didn't trust her.
Serena was silent in her thoughts on the way home and now she would have to deal with her obsessor in her own house.
When they pulled up to their house Serena did not wait for Darien to open her door. As she walked toward the house she told herself to just be calm. She was sick of his games and his jabs at her. She was his wife for goodness sake not someone to always take his anger out on. If it wasn't her sitting next to Seyia what else would it be?
"Serena, wait." Darien called to her but she didn't. She walked in to the kitchen to make sure that her new cook, Harini, was ready with the food. When she was satisfied with that she headed to the living room where James and Rei had taken a seats.
"Rei, please. Come up stairs to freshen up." Serena smiled being the perfect host. "I am sorry I was not here to greet you, I was checking on the refreshments."
Serena could hear Darien banging around upstairs and she kept on a smile on her face.
"Sere, I am all too aware of Darien's tantrums. I however, have never seen one after a win." Rei stated in the upstairs hallway after another, thunk, was heard.
"You truly are a patient women, Rei. I for one am quite sick of Darien Shields mood swings." She confessed.
Serena showed her in to a room and was happy to see that Nalini was already prepared for them.
"He is a good man, Sere. Just give him time." Rei said. Serena just nodded.
"Where, Lady Rei, is my dearest cousin?" Serena asked amused while she slowly changed the subject.
"She, my dear Mrs. Shields, is being accompanied by a Mr. Malcolm Abbott." Rei stated with hidden implications.
"Without an escort! Rei, she is not heading to his home is she?" Serena exclaimed.
Rei laughed. "Mr. Abbott has only good intentions. Malcolm is a good man and I have never seen him so smitten with a girl. Practically love at first sight." Serena was over the moon for her cousin. Yes. Everyone would have love but her.
Serena and Rei freshened up and headed down the hall. Their conversation had changed to Mina's possible wedding and where it would be most appropriate.
The living area and outside porch was full of friends who Serena felt the need to greet each and every one including Davidson Diamond. Her gun was tight around her leg and there were plenty of people around. She avoided Darien's gaze as he replayed the game with a few men as they drank gin and laughed.
Mina was almost glowing and Serena was eager to hear about her private ride with Malcolm Abbott.
Serena walked up to her trying not to look smug. Mina was blushing.
"Well, I am assuming your ride was quite nice?" Serena nudged Mina.
Mina shrugged and took a sip of wine. "Possibly."
"You do care for the man, don't you?" Serena asked hope in her eyes. Jealously in her stomach.
"I am not saying that it's a strong feeling. I need to keep my options open, Serena." Mina stated but with not so much fervor.
"So a May wedding, next year in England." Serena gave a small laugh.
Mina gave a shoulder shrug, "Maybe to just rub it in my mother's face a bit."
"Your bad, Lady Wentworth." But Mina could tell that Serena was quite pleased.
"Excuse me, Lady Shields." Serena held back the shutter that almost ripped through her body.
"Lord Diamond. How are you?" Serena asked. There was no smile on her face. Just a mask of pleasantry.
"I am quite well." He gave a look toward Mina.
"Lord Diamond, please allow me to introduce my cousin Lady Wentworth. She accompanied me here for my wedding." Serena had purposely not told Mina about Davidson Black being Lord Diamond. Her father told her in the letter not to tell anyone. Serena was not looking forward to the response from Darien's letter asking to expose the man to the Colonel.
"Lady Wentworth, a pleasure." He told her.
"Yours as well." Mina stated. Mina was unsettled by this strange white-haired man.
"How long do you plan on staying in India?" Diamond asked Mina.
"There is no expiration date as to my journey back to England. India is quite nice and I rather enjoy it." She smiled pleasantly.
"Yes." He looked at Serena. "I am enjoying India as well."
"Lord Diamond is to be engaged to Lady Westbanks." Serena explained. A dark look crossed Diamonds face and she now knew Mina did not miss it. Mina would have to know everything.
"I have yet to meet Miss. Westbanks. Has she accompanied you?" Mina asked. Serena was so thankful for Mina's intuitiveness.
As if on cue, Darien and Beryl approached the group. Serena could not believe, yet again, that he was with her. Two weeks she thought and the reality made her more sad than she expected to be.
"Ah! Here she is now." Diamond laughed as Beryl joined the circle.
Mina and Beryl exchanged greetings while Serena excused herself from the group to pretend to check on something. She shot Darien a glare before she left. She was clear with him that she did not want people to pity her. Bastard.
She escaped out the back kitchen door and sat on the stoop. Anger flooded her and he picked at a wild flower on the ground and turned it in her hand. She didn't have the heart to tear it apart piece by piece.
"And you looked so much happier earlier today." Seyia was leaning against the house smoking a cigarette.
"I was." She smiled surprised to see him here. He looked casual and calm.
"The brute?" He asked concerned for her.
"I wish it were just him. I am just missing my family." She lied as she continued to play with the flower.
"I know the feeling." He took a puff. "Serena, you are one of the happiest, prettiest people I have ever met. I know that you can make the best out of any situation. I have seen you do it the three weeks we were on the Rubi. You stayed happy even after you found our your betrothed didn't come to marry you in England. You stayed joyous even though you were leaving everything to be here with him. Your a strong woman. Don't forget it." He put out his cigarette and gave her hand a squeeze. "You should go back in to your party." He smiled and walked away.
She pulled off a few of the flower petals when she heard the door open behind her.
She looked back annoyed.
"Usual expression." She muttered as she stood up to head back inside and to continue to ignore him he closed the door.
"Am I in for another scolding, Lt. Shields?" She asked looking up at his handsome, angry, scowling face.
He took a step off the stoop to meet her at the bottom of the stair.
He still said nothing.
She gave an exasperated shake of her head. "Lady Shields reporting for duty. I can read the message loud and clear."
"Don't pull away this time." He told her sternly grabbing her hands firmly between his.
But before she could question what he meant he kissed her unable to push away due to the tight hold he had on her. She tried to resist but she caved as she knew she would. His tongue prodded upon her lips to gain entrance and she didn't deny him. When he finally broke the kiss he pulled her too him.
"You drive me crazy." He whispered in to her hair.
"Likewise." She told him back.
"I am sorry." He said putting his cheek against her head.
"You don't even know what you are sorry for but I will accept this apology." She said in to his chest breathing him in. He was going to be the death of her.
The noise of breaking glass pulled them apart but as they looked for the noise nothing was out of the ordinary.
"Let's see to our guests." He told her. "And don't leave my side as you have already spoken to everyone."
Serena got in to bed next to Darien who was working as usual. It seemed as if he was working in an accounting book. She picked up her own book and tried to read. She understood Darien. He enjoyed power and prosperity just as her father did. They had not really spoken since he had apologized and he did not bring up Seyia or Diamond once which was a relief.
She was sick of having a consistent internal struggle.
"Do you really miss England?" He asked her, putting down his papers and looked toward her.
This was not a confession she was willing to give. Darien still was having is own internal struggle over Beryl and she did not want to give anything away.
"Of course." She stated ending the conversation and pretending she was enjoying her book.
"Do you like India?" He asked and she winced at the question.
"Sure." She said again turning a page.
"Don't lie, Serena." He said. She went with a diplomatic answer. She slowly closed the book at looked toward him.
"It, like England, comes with it's own good and bad characteristics." She told him as she placed the book on the night stand. She lowered herself off her pillows and pulled the covers up.
He laughed. "A true elite answer. You never held back on giving your full opinion before. What are you hiding from me?"
"Everything and nothing at the same time, Darien." She curled in to his side and he wrapped an arm around her. She had never done this before.
"I will find out." He told her but this was untrue. She had not told anyone of her back up plan or of Andrews arrival. It may not be fair to only give her marriage a month before running back to England but Darien had not been fair from the start.
"You play Polo very well. I never got the chance to tell you congratulations for not being a loser." She smiled in to the pillow and he laughed outright shaking her small form.
She rolled over to look at him. She was pressed up against him her neck craning to see him. He had a smile on his face that she wished she saw more often.
"Darien Shields! Is that a genuine smile? You do know that it would make me much happier if you met me with a smile rather than your regular feature of a scowl." She couldn't resist reaching her hand up and moving the hair from his eyes.
"Would it now Mrs. Shields?" He asked the smile not leaving his face. She put an elbow up and held her head in it.
"I never asked you for love or even expected it from you but it would be nice if you at least pretend to be happy to see me." She told him. It was an honest statement. Part of her internal struggle.
"There's the honestly I was missing earlier." He said as the smile faded. She took her index finger to try and stop it.
"No frowning." She told him poking at the corner of his mouth trying to push it upward in to a smile.
He grabbed her hand and turned her on her back hovering over her. He claimed her mouth quickly and when he kissed her this time it was much more gentle but still held the same effect as the all the rest. She didn't pull away this time and he kissed down the side of her neck. She let out a moan. Her hand was still being held by his over her head. He was breaking the rules and he knew it.
He needed to have her and claim her as his. He had wanted this from the moment he saw her even though he denied it. He had to hold himself back from her right after their wedding. The wedding he ruined. She didn't deserve this. She deserved to have his trust. He broke the kiss and took in a deep breath rolling off of her panting. She was doing the same.
"I broke my promise of not touching you." He said taking in a deep breath.
She took in her own. "I didn't stop you but you are not getting your horse back if that is what you were getting at."
He laughed again. He didn't deserve her.
He turned back over, leaning over her on one elbow looking in to her eyes. She was happy.
"Serena, I… want to make this work with you. I honestly don't think I have ever wanted anything so bad in my life." She looked at him disbelieving his words.
"I know that you don't trust my words but I will show you. I want to be open and honest with you about everything. I need to start now. I need to tell you something." He took in a deep breath.
"I was or, more so, I am jealous. Even of Baladeva's clear preference of you over me. I was not lying to you after the wedding when I said I owned you and I have never been so protective over one person ever. I did misjudge you prior to ever meeting you. I put up walls long ago. I have only ever opened myself to Beryl and it was hard to walk away from her. It's been hard but it's never been… this…" He grazed her face with his free hand. "And I don't even know what this is but I want to find out. I will keep my hands to myself as best I can and when you trust me… I will be there." He told her.
She leaned up and kissed him softly.
"When I trust you I may tell you what is going on in my head but your words are helping calm my internal struggle. I am a walking contradiction on so many levels but I will never be unfaithful to you as long as we are married." This is as honest as she could be for now.
He nodded and then took her in his arms.
"Sleep, Serena."
Once Again the reviews have helped me finish this next chapter! I love them so much!
I am going to admit I know exactly where this story is going but the next chapter has me in a bit of writers block. I will carry on though. Yakuza is coming along but this one is in my head a bit more as is one other story I am working on.
I like to work threw a few stories at a time so I do not get bored.
Keep the reviews coming.
ZS