Author - perfect goddess E-mail - perfect_goddess@start.com.au Title - Only You Chapter - 6 Disclaimer - <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> Darien tapped his fingers lightly over the keys of the laptop on his desk, trying desperately to concentrate on the work at hand, but it was no use. Leaning back in his chair and looking out over the city through the window, he thought about her. He just couldn't get her out of his mind, and Darien found it infuriating. He tried everything. Working, reading talking. Everything seemed to remind him of her. He even tried to talk to Andrew about it, but he had only given him a strange look and told him not to worry, and that he was smart and he'd work it out soon enough. But Darien wasn't sure if it was. Opening the laptop once more, he got back to work. The plan seemed the be going smoothly. Serena had kissed him last night, and he was sure that it meant something. The only problem was that Darien was getting drawn into it too. As much as he tried not to, Darien was falling in love with her. But, he would go on with the plan, whether he felt anything for her or not. The company was the most important thing at stake here, and Darien was going to make sure the merger was signed, whatever the cost. Just then, there was a light tap on the door. Closing the lap top once more, Darien looked up in time to see Serena walk into the office room. "Hi." He said warmly, smiling his winning smile of his at her. Smiling back, Serena sat down on the couch next to the desk. "Hello." She said, looking around the room distractedly. "Was there something I could help you with?" he asked politely. "Yes." She said, looking extremely uncomfortable. "About last night. I just wanted to apologize. I lost control, It won't happen again. I'm sorry." "Why should you be sorry?" he asked, looking at her quizzically. "Are you sorry it happened?" Serena just looked at the floor. "I'm not." He breathed. It was then that Serena realized just how close he was. Sitting next to her, Serena looked up into his dark blue eyes. Licking her lips self-consciously, her eyes darted away momentarily. Darien moved his head closer, and... "Mr Lord?" *Damn it!* Tearing his gaze away from Serena, Darien tuned to the doorway. It was his secretary, Molly. "Your mother is here to see you, sir." She said, looking at Serena on the couch next to him. "Thank you Molly. Send her on in." He replied. Dariens mother, Mrs Lord, walked briskly into the office, briefcase in hand. She had the same blue eyes and dark hair, but unlike Dariens, it was flecked with gray. "Hello son." She said, sitting down behind Dariens desk and opening her case. "Mother." replied Darien, reluctantly getting up off the couch and hugging his mother. "Ahh...Serena." she said, as Serena stood up to greet her. "Mrs Lord." She said politely, inclining her head. "Now Darien." Said his mother in a very business like tone. "About those new clients of yours." "Umm, I have to go." Serena whispered to Darien, as Mrs Lord went on about the new clients that Darien was receiving. "I'll see you later." And with that, Serena left the building. <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> "Mother!" Darien yelled. Angry and frustrated, he ran a hand through his ebony hair. "What is it Darien?" she asked irritably. "Anyone would think that you weren't interested in these clients!" "Didn't you see Serena in here? I was just about ready to... *Argh!*" he yelled in frustration. "What are you going on about, dear?" asked Mrs. Lord, putting down the papers and walking over to her son. "When Serena and made the 'deal', I also made a deal, myself." Darien explained about his plan to seduce Serena, sign the merger and then break her heart, while his mother listened in silence. "But why, Darien?" she asked when he was finished. "For the company of course. But I have a problem, I think I'm..." Darien broke off and walked over to the window. 'Yes," his mother prompted. "Nothing." Said Darien softly, leaning on the glass and looking out onto the busting street below. Mrs. Lord narrowed her eyes and surveyed her son. It didn't take a genius to work out what he had been about to say. "I can't say I support what you're doing Darien, but it's your choice. It's obvious what the most important thing in your life is." And with those final words, she left the room, leaving Darien alone with his thoughts. <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> Serena was scared. When Darien had nearly kissed her today, she had wanted it. She walked through the streets thinking about the color of his eyes and the exact way his hair fell across them. She liked him. A lot. Serena walked up the stairs to the block of apartments and into the elevator. Entering her apartment, Serena flopped un-gracefully onto the couch. Opening her diary she looked at her schedule. Omigod! Flinging the diary aside, she grabbed the cordless phone and dialed Dariens number. Somehow, she'd managed to memorize it. *ring ring* "Hello?" "Darien? It's-" 'Serena. Hi." Came the smooth reply. "Look, I know it's short notice, but I kind of have a dinner meeting tonight, and I need you to come. Are you free?" "I'll just check. Hang on." Serena heard the ruffling of papers, Darien obviously searching his desk for his diary. "Hello? That's fine. What time do you need me to pick you up?" "7." Said Serena in relief. "It's not black tie, but it's not exactly casual." "Fine. I'll see you then, Darling." Smiling slightly, Serena pressed the 'off' button on the phone and replaced it on the charger. "Oh no! What am I going to wear?" <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> The evening passed without hiccup. Darien was a perfect gentleman, and made a lasting impression on the clients that Serena was taking out. She had the deal signed and pocketed by dessert. It wasn't the dinner that Serena was apprehensive about though. "Thankyou for coming on such short notice." Said Serena when they were in the car. "My pleasure." Said Darien, giving her a genuine smile. "Only for you, Serena. Only for you." They reached the door of her apartment. "Well, goodnight I guess." Said Serena, preparing to open the door to her apartment. "Don't I get a goodnight kiss?" Capturing her lips with his own, Darien swiftly kissed her before she could make a reply. After a brief hesitation, Serena returned the kiss, wrapping her arms around Dariens neck. Dariens senses reeled. He had to remind himself that he wasn't really in love with Serena, it was just a cruel trick. But Serena's lips were so inviting, he just lost himself in the kiss and forgot about everything else. Pulling away for want of air, Serena gazed into Dariens eyes. "I want to take you out tomorrow night." He whispered. "For business?" she asked. "No." "Okay." She smiled shyly. "I'll be waiting." With a quick peck on the lips, Serena waved and then promptly vanished into her apartment, again leaving Darien alone in the corridor. <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> @}--->-----