
      Never Say Goodbye


      Author: aria


      Rated: R



      Chapter 1
      The rest of the day went by relatively quickly for Serena. There were no 
      other distractions besides Minas occasional bursts into her office. She 
      was able to get things straightened out and organized to her preference. 
      It was time to take a breather. She stood up and wandered over to the 
      window to look out at the twinkling sea of lights.
      Serena walked over to her desk and gathered her things together. Working 
      alone in her eerily quiet office didnt appeal to her at the moment. 
      Throwing her papers into a file folder, she reminded herself to get 
      another briefcase before the week was out.
      Her footsteps echoing down the silent halls, she made her way to the front 
      entrance. She waved goodnight to the night guard and walked out onto the 
      cold street.
      Serena pulled her coat tighter around her. How had it gotten so late? And 
      so cold? She quickly tucked the folder into her coat and wrapped her arms 
      around herself preparing for the walk home. Serena stopped. Was that a 
      whistle she heard mingled in with the wind?
      Dismissing it with a shake of her head, she continued her quick strides. 
      Serena stopped. There it was again. It came from behind her. Serena balled 
      her keys in her fist and turned around ready for anything.
      "Whoa!" Darien caught her easily in his arms. "Its just me."
      Serena jumped back out of his embrace. "Oh. What are you doing here?"
      He smiled easily and attempted to put his arm around her shoulders. "I 
      thought you might like a ride after what happened to you this morning."
      Serena wasnt sure what to make of that. Was he actually being nice to 
      her? She shrugged his arm off. "Thats very kind of you, but its not 
      necessary. I dont live all that far away." She took a couple of steps 
      away from him, as if it would protect her from his overwhelming presence.
      Dariens smile was devastating her senses. "I insist. I wouldnt want you 
      getting mugged twice in one day." He gently placed his hand at the small 
      of her back and led her back toward the building. "My car is just over 
      here." He led them over to a sleek fiery red car.
      She had no clue why she was letting him do this, but she went anyways. 
      "Very nice car." Serena let her eyes glide over the silky metal.
      "Thank you." He opened the door for her and helped her in.
      She slid into the supple leather seat and sighed at the luxurious feel.
      "So where do you live?" Darien easily slid into his seat and started the 
      engine.
      "Rue Greffulhe" Serena shifted uneasily in her seat.
      "Thats a nice area."
      Serena looked over at him as he sped them through the city. Why was he 
      suddenly being so nice to her? "It is."
      "How long have you been here?"
      "A few days."
      He noticed the terse answers and decided to steer the conversation away 
      from her. "I talked to my sister and she is free Monday morning. If thats 
      good for you that is."
      "Ill have to check my schedule, but I dont think that it will be a 
      problem. I look forward to meeting her." She kept her tone cool and polite 
      though she was becoming increasingly uncomfortable with him. There was 
      something about him that just didnt seem right. She decided to try and 
      stare out the window for the rest of the ride.
      Darien looked over at her and saw how tense she was. And why wouldnt she 
      be. Shed only been here a short while and shed been robbed. It was no 
      wonder that she didnt trust him.
      Serena stared at the street lamps as they whizzed past and wished her 
      apartment would hurry up and appear. The moment it was in view she turned 
      to him. "Thats my place."
      Darien pulled to the side and let her out. "Would you like me to walk you 
      up?"
      Serena was already out of the car when he asked. "No. Thats not 
      necessary. Thank you for the ride. It was very nice of you."
      "Pas de problme. See you soon." He nodded and was off, roaring down the 
      street.
      Serena waved at him and walked up the stairs to her building and headed 
      upstairs.
      Her apartment was smaller than she liked and as a result a bit cramped 
      with all of her things. Still it was better than nothing. It was fully 
      furnished and the view made up for everything. Serena walked over to the 
      window and swept back the heavy curtains to reveal the Eiffel Tower 
      glowing in brilliant contrast to the velvety night sky.
      Serena walked back into the lightly coloured room and kicked off her shoes 
      on her way to the kitchen. She quickly made herself a coffee and sat on 
      the couch facing the window. Turning on the light she picked up her folder 
      and prepared for another sleepless night studying the files.
      ----
      The weekend came and went. And like usual, Serena spent most of it in the 
      office. The rest of the time she was in her apartment. Monday morning, she 
      returned to the office feeling a little lonely.
      The greeting she received wasnt at all what she was expecting.
      "Serena!" Mina ran over to her in her usual style. "What are you doing 
      here?"
      Serena looked at her blonde friend and blinked a couple of times. "I work 
      here. At least I did the last time I checked."
      Minas eyes widened. "No! I didnt mean that. You were suppose to meet 
      with a certain Monsieur Richert this morning."
      Serena closed her eyes and ran her free hand over her face. "Oh no." she 
      looked at her watch and turned back to Mina. "Call me a cab and give me 
      the address and tell them to step on it."
      She whirled around and grabbed all the samples she prepared over the 
      weekend. How could she forget about such an important meeting? And Darien 
      would be furious no doubt. Kicking herself for being so absent minded, she 
      ran back through the office and grabbed the address off of Mina. "See you 
      all later."
      The cab arrived minutes after she got back outside. Serena took another 
      look at her watch and prayed. If she got there in the next twenty minutes 
      she might actually make it on time. She looked over the seat at the 
      traffic ahead and sighed. There was no chance of that. The traffic was as 
      bad as ever.
      It took her almost half an hour to get to the building on the address. She 
      barely took the time to look at the classically designed building before 
      rushing past he doorman. Inside was just as fabulous on the senses as the 
      exterior. The pleasant scent of roses was the first thing she noticed, 
      then it was the decadence of the furniture and art that adorned the foyer.
      "Mademoiselle?" the wiry man at the desk greeted her.
      "Monsieur Richert sil vous plait."
      He nodded. "Un moment." He dialled and spoke in hushed tones to the person 
      on the other side "Monsieur Richert is expecting you. Take the elevator to 
      the penthouse." He pointed at the gleaming metal doors around the corner 
      to the desk.
      "Merci." Serena gathered her things once again and walked into the empty 
      elevator. Thankful that no one else was there, she quickly ran her fingers 
      through her hair and fussed with her skirt. Monsieur Richert had this 
      ability to set her nerves on edge and she didnt want to give him any more 
      kindling to fuel his barbs.
      The doors slid open moments later revealing an ornately carved door. 
      Serena straightened her coat and knocked on the door. She heard footsteps 
      then the door swept open revealing Darien looking as devastating as 
always.
      He smiled warmly the instant he saw her. "Ms. Thomson, so glad you could 
      make it."
      That was it? No insulting comment? A bit confused, Serena forced herself 
      to smile. "Hello, Monsieur Richert. Thank you for inviting me."
      He smiled. "Dont thank me. Its my sister thats getting married."
      At his amusing comment, Serenas smile grew genuine. "Ill be sure to 
      thank her then."
      He led her in through the huge foyer and into the lavish living room. 
      Sitting on the inviting couch amid a stack of bridal magazines was a 
      pretty raven-haired woman.
      "Serena Thomson, meet my sister, Amy."
      Serena shook hands with her. "Enchant."
      She stood up and smiled genuinely. "Enchant. So you are the one Luna 
      trusts with her business. I must say Ive been curious to see who has put 
      my brother in such a tizzy."
      "A tizzy huh?" That wouldnt be the way that she would have put it. 
      Irritated, maybe, but not put into a tizzy. Serena arched her brow at Amy. 
      She tucked the information away in the back of her mind, as a familiar 
      figure walked back into the room.
      "Now Amy. Its not good form to be gossiping about people who are still 
      within earshot. Darien sauntered back into the room with a tray of coffee. 
      "Here are your coffees and Ill leave you two with it. Just dont mess up 
      my house Amy." He turned to Serena. "Help yourself to anything in the 
      house. And Ill want a full report from both of you when I get back."
      Amy saluted. "Oui mon capitaine." She laughed when he swiped her across 
      the shoulder. "Well be good. I promise."
      "Right." He put on his coat and waved. "See you both later."
      Serena waved. "Bye." Then realized what she was doing. For a minute there 
      shed forgotten that this was the same man that came into her office just 
      a few days before. Somehow hed turned from a tyrant into a loving 
      brother. She leaned back on the couch and took a deep breath. Something 
      shed been doing much too often around him.
      Amy smiled at her. "So how did you come to work for Luna?"
      Serena sat back up and took a sip of the coffee. "I was one of her models 
      once."
      Amy instantly brightened. "I knew I recognized you from somewhere! How 
      exciting!"
      "Yes it was." Serena remembered the excitement she used to feel when she 
      was on the runway or on a photo shoot. "Well Luna realized that I was just 
      more than a pretty face and that I had a good head for figures. And voila, 
      here I am."
      Amy looked star struck. "Amazing."
      ----
      They spent the morning talking and flipping through magazines and several 
      pages of designs Luna had come up with and were able to settle on some 
      definite possibilities.
      Serena made notes as they went along on the fabrics, colours and styles 
      that Amy preferred.
      Serena sat back and took a sip of the coffee Amy just made. "This is very 
      good coffee."
      "Thank you. Its my brothers favourite." She winked through the steam 
      rising from her mug. "So are you interested in my brother?"
      Serena nearly choked on her coffee. That was certainly direct. She took a 
      breath and looked over at the other woman. What was she to say? "Ive only 
      just met him. So I cant say quite yet." She placed the coffee on the 
      table carefully. "But to be honest, I cant see much happening between us. 
      We only seem to irritate each other."
      Amy didnt miss the look on Serenas face when she was talking to Darien. 
      There was no way anyone could miss the sparks between those two. They may 
      have accounted it to annoyance, but there was much more than that. They 
      were perfect for each other. From looks to personality, they complimented 
      each other impeccably. She decided right then and there that she was going 
      to get them together. Smiling, she apologized, "Im sorry, sometimes my 
      mouth gets away from me."
      Serena shook her golden head. "Thats ok." Her heart rate was returning to 
      normal now and it was easier to breathe. That was until she heard a key in 
      the door. Suddenly her heart was in her throat and she found it hard to 
      find a breath again. She followed Amys lead and stood up, waiting for 
      Darien to come into the room.
      He was in the middle of a heated discussion as he strode in.
      "Yes I realize what a tall order it is, but you also said that it was 
      possible." He tossed his briefcase onto the couch and kicked off his 
      shoes. "So get it done." He hung up without waiting for a reply. He fell 
      back onto a couch and loosened his tie tossing his cell phone into the 
      cushions. Only then did he seem to notice the two standing there. His 
      manner immediately changed from serious to curious. "So how are you two 
      doing?"
      Serena smiled, "Great. Were making some real progress."
      Amy nodded emphatically.
      "Good. Are you ready for a break now?"
      Serena looked over and Amy nodded again. "Sure we can break now. I dont 
      think we can do much more tonight anyways."
      Darien stood up again and straightened his tie. "I know a fabulous 
      restaurant, if no one has any objections."
      "No. No." Serena was actually looking forward to finally seeing some of 
      the city. She and Amy cleared up their things while Darien got dressed 
      again. Minutes later they were ready.
      Darien walked to the door and held out his arm to Serena. "Well take a 
      cab since my car cant fit us all in."
      Serena cautiously linked her arm through his. "Sounds ok to me."
      Amy followed close behind with an enormous grin on her face.
      ----
      An hour later, dinner was served. Serena smiled up at the waiter and 
      caught her first glimpse of what smelled so mouth-watering. LAmbrosie was 
      a beautiful restaurant. It was intimate and looked like its patronage 
      came from the cream of Paris society. Serena took another look at her 
      surroundings and sighed happily. This was certainly much better than 
      dining all alone in her apartment with nothing to keep her company but the 
      idle chatter on the TV. She wished inwardly that she could do this more 
      often, but from the looks of it she wouldnt be coming here too often. It 
      was just a bit out of her price range.
      She took a bite of her food. It was heavenly. She caught Dariens smile.
      "Its good, isnt it?" He took a bite of his own food and waited for her 
      reply.
      "Its fabulous." Serena took another bite chewed it carefully and sipped 
      at her wine. She looked over at the siblings. They didnt look anything 
      alike. He had an intense look to him. The stubborn set of his chin right 
      down to the deep piercing blue of his eyes told of a man that you did not 
      want to mess with. Amy on the other hand, was sweet looking. Friendliness 
      just exuded from her. Serena shrugged it off and attributed it to 
genetics.
      Darien didnt miss the look though. He smiled over his wine glass. "Youre 
      wondering why we look so different."
      Serena was growing accustomed to these two now. At least they had one 
      thing in common. Neither of them missed a thing. A shy smile formed on her 
      lips.
      Darien nodded. "Everyone wonders at one point or another."
      Amy bobbed her head in agreement. "Darien is from fathers first marriage, 
      Im from the second."
      "Its great that you two get along so well." Serena knew many siblings who 
      couldnt stand the sight of each other let alone hang out together.
      "After father and my mother were killed in a car accident, Darien took 
      over the company and took care of us both." She smiled at her brother. "I 
      owe him everything."
      Serena put down her glass. "Im so sorry. You must have both been so 
      young."
      Darien nodded, "I was just 18 and Amy was 8 or 9." He shrugged like it was 
      no big deal. "I cant say it was easy, but here we are now."
      Serena had to admit she admired him. Darien was indeed very strong to have 
      done all that. To be able to take care of not only himself, but a young 
      girl and a company at the age of 18 was no small feat. And now look at 
      him. Not even thirty yet he headed up one of the most successful 
      corporations in the world. She turned to the younger Richert. "So what do 
      you do Amy?"
      "I actually want to get into design. Well someday anyways. Right now Im 
      working full time trying to get this wedding going."
      Serena laughed. She could certainly see how the wedding was going to take 
      a ton of work.
      Someone caught Amys eye and she waved at them. "I see some friends. Will 
      you please excuse me?" it was the perfect moment to leave the two alone. 
      She got up gracefully. "Ill be right back."
      Serena returned her gaze to Amys handsome brother. In the glow of the 
      candlelight he looked even more attractive, if that was possible. "I 
      wanted to apologize for my temper when we first met. I hadnt had a very 
      good day but I had no right to take it out on you."
      A smile curved his sensuous lips. "And I should have waited like that girl 
      asked. Ill forgive you if youll forgive me. Deal?" he held out a large 
      hand.
      Serena took it tentatively. Instantly, pleasure sluiced through her. Dazed 
      by her bodys response to the slight contact, she tried to speak. "I...I 
      forgive you."
      Darien ran a finger lightly over the back of her hand. "I guess that means 
      Ill have to forgive you then."
      ----
      Across the room, Amy grinned widely. Things were looking good.
      ----
      The next few weeks were a definite improvement on things. Serena spent 
      most of her spare time with Darien. He showed her the city and all it had 
      to offer. And truth was she would have enjoyed his company with or without 
      the tours.
      She walked into her office this morning and found an array of roses and 
      orchids on her desk. She smiled and took a look at the card.
      ----
      I saw these and thought of you, Darien.
      ----
      Grinning, she put the card down and inhaled the wonderful scent.
      "And who are these from?" Mina walked into the room and sniffed at the 
      flowers. "Theyre gorgeous." The card caught her eye. "Darien? As in 
      Darien Richert?"
      Serena couldnt stop the blush.
      "Oh my god!" Mina started hopping up and down. "Thats brilliant!"
      Serena fought the urge to bounce too. "Please just keep this to yourself 
      ok? Now get back to work!" she smiled to take the sting out of her words.
      Mina saluted. "Yes maam!" humming a happy tune, she returned to her desk.
      Serena sat down to try and get some work done. Things were finally 
      starting to fall into place now. Feeling in a particularly good mood, she 
      turned on her radio and listened to the unfamiliar sounds of French radio 
      as she worked.
      Around noon, Serena finally surfaced from her work. She looked at her 
      watch and stretched. Lunchtime. She had already started running caf 
      possibilities through her mind when the phone rang.
      "Serena Thompson."
      "Serena."
      The voice sent tendrils of pleasure loose through her nervous system. 
      "Hello Darien." She leaned back in her chair and swivelled herself around 
      so she was looking out of her window at the busy city below. "How are 
you?"
      "Great now that Im talking to you. I was wondering if you would like to 
      join me for lunch."
      She smiled into the phone. "You have great timing. I was just about to 
      head out to a caf."
      "Good. I was hoping that Id catch you at the right time. Im waiting out 
      front."
      Serena was on her feet. "Ok, Ill be down in a second." She hung up and 
      grabbed her coat. She walked out and past Minas desk. "Mina Im going out 
      for lunch, you can reach me on the phone if you need me."
      "Ok." Mina smiled. Serena looked very happy.
      ----
      Darien was true to his word. He was waiting out front, standing next to 
      another magnificent vehicle. He quickly approached her when he saw her 
      emerge from the building.
      "Serena," he took her hands. "You look wonderful."
      Serena blushed a little. "Thanks. You look great too." She stood a moment 
      to look at the car.
      Darien smiled proudly. "Its great isnt it? Its our newest."
      Serena stared at the glossy forest green sports car and tried not to 
      laugh. In all the time theyd known each other, it may not have been a 
      long time but she never did ask what he did.
      "What?" he looked down at his clothes and then at the car. "What are you 
      laughing at?"
      Still giggling she put a hand on his chest. "I just realized that I had no 
      clue what you did until now."
      He relaxed noticeably. "I thought you knew." He opened the door for her 
      and helped her in.
      Serena slid into the cosy leather interior. She looked around in the time 
      it took Darien to round the car. It was very well made and it looked as 
      though no expense had been spared. She ran her hand over the dash as he 
      got in on the other side.
      "So do you like it?"
      "Very. Its amazing."
      "Would you like to see the one were putting out next year?"
      Serenas eyes widened. "Can I?"
      "Of course." he turned the ignition and the engine purred to life. "Want 
      to see it now?"
      "Sure."
      Darien put the car in gear and they were off. He easily negotiated the 
      traffic and even in Parisian traffic, they were there in no time.
      He pulled up to an enormous building and parked in a reserved space. He 
      got out and helped Serena out.
      "Well go straight to the back." Taking her hand, he led her through the 
      building. They were greeted by a multitude of, Bonjour M. Richert and 
      even more curious glances. He greeted everyone on their way through the 
      building. Finally they arrived at the warehouse where they kept the car.
      Darien turned on the lights and walked over to the tarp-covered car. With 
      a flourish he pulled the covering off to reveal another very sleek, very 
      fast looking car.
      "It doesnt have a name yet. But its going to be the fastest, most 
      luxurious thing on the road. Its supposed to have a speed test today."
      "Really?" she couldnt stop herself from touching it. "Whos going to do 
      it?"
      Darien smiled at her.
      "You?" incredulous she stepped closer.
      "Who else should risk their neck? Its my car, so I should be the one to 
      test it." He gazed at it lovingly then turned to Serena. "Would you like 
      to go with me?"
      Serena stared at him open mouthed. "Me?" she squeaked.
      "Sure why not? Im sure the company can do without you for a few hours." 
      He leant in closer to her. "And if they do have a problem with it, theyll 
      have to go through me."
      Feeling a little reckless, Serena smiled up at him. "Why not? Itll be 
      fun."
      "Great." He pulled the phone off the wall and dialled. "Ill get them to 
      move the test up from this evening." He quickly issued some orders and 
      hung up. "We should be ready within the hour." He took her hand and led 
      her over to an office on the far side of the warehouse. Darien unlocked it 
      and walked in. he pulled a tracksuit out of a cabinet. "Here youll need 
      this. Its flame retardant and will generally protect you if anything goes 
      wrong." He gave her hand an encouraging squeeze. "Nothing will though, so 
      dont worry about it." He walked over to the door after picking a suit up 
      himself. "Ill leave you here to get dressed." Darien walked out but 
      returned a second later. "Oh and I wouldnt recommend wearing anything 
      underneath. They get really hot." He winked and shut the door behind him.
      Serena shook out the garment and took a good look at it. What was she 
      thinking? Still shed never done anything like this before. Might as well 
      give it a try. She pulled the blinds shut and took off her blouse and 
      skirt. Serena pulled on the rough material and zipped it up.
      The building was already starting to fill up with people when she walked 
      out of Dariens office. She found him in the middle of a large group 
      already dressed in his suit.
      He saw he immediately and smiled, extending his hand. "Everyone I would 
      like you to meet Serena Thompson, She works for Teyssier Fashions."
      Serena waved hi to everyone.
      Darien handed her a helmet and special gloves and boots. "Here youll need 
      these as well. Were just about ready to get going."
      "Ok." Serenas heart was started to beat double time now. Obediently she 
      put on the new accessories. They fit surprisingly well. "Im ready to go."
      "Good. Come with me." He led her to the car and opened her side for her. 
      Serena climbed into the snug interior. Like the other car this one was 
      just as lavish and just as comfortable. Serena felt very safely cocooned 
      inside it. She looked ahead out of the windshield and realized that she 
      was practically reclined in the seat. Not that she was complaining. It was 
      perfect.
      Darien climbed in the other side and shut the door. He flipped open his 
      visor and smiled. "This is going to be a speed and performance test. If 
      you feel panicky or otherwise uncomfortable I want you to tell me ok?"
      "Alright." She nodded.
      "Here we go." He shut his visor and started up the engine. It immediately 
      sparked to life and he brought them out of the warehouse and onto the test 
      track. He waited until the men at the side gave him the thumbs up and then 
      they were off.
      The acceleration pushed Serena back into her seat. Stupefied by the power 
      of the machine, her eyes instinctively went to the speedometer. She 
      watched as the needle climbed steadily. 50, 80, 150 miles per hour. She 
      looked over at Darien. He looked as relaxed as ever. She returned to the 
      speedometer. 200, 220, 250. How fast was it supposed to go? It was getting 
      harder to move her head to see now so she gave up and settled back in her 
      seat. The cars rumbling was actually quite soothing, surprisingly enough. 
      She heard Darien let out a whoop of joy and they started to decelerate.
      Next her turned to car around at what looked like a vehicle obstacle 
      course. He looked at her as if to ask if she was ready. Serena nodded.
      He deftly put the car in gear and they were careening through the course.
      Serena watched as they turned and swerved narrowly missing the obstacles. 
      Yet he managed to do it every time with seemingly little effort. 
      Adrenaline was pumping through her veins now. And her excitement and 
      arousal were intertwining with every turn. She had no idea when it started 
      but it was unfurling like a flower in her stomach and steadily growing, 
      warming her body as it went. She struggled for a breath as Darien slowed 
      the car.
      He turned to her, pulling his helmet off. Serena could see Darien was as 
      effected as she was.
      She pulled her helmet off so she could look into his eyes. Suddenly she 
      found herself being drawn closer to him. Her body, out of its own 
      volition started gravitating toward him.
      Darien leaned closer, his eyes darkening with desire, his lips just a 
      breath from hers.
      And there was a knock at the window.
      Darien slammed back into his seat and muttered something unintelligible. 
      He threw the car into gear and drove past the men and into the hangar. He 
      stopped in front of his office and opened the door. Serena opened her door 
      and found him waiting there. As she got out he swept her up in his arms 
      and carried her into his office. He kicked the door shut with a bang and 
      swept all of his papers off his desk with one arm then tenderly laid her 
      upon it.
      Serena looked up at his handsome face. Desire and something else were 
      etched there. Fiercely he claimed her lips with his own. She tangled her 
      fingers in his hair making sure he couldnt get away from her.
      His hands found their way to the zipper and while one pulled it down the 
      other started to explore the warm silky skin underneath.
      Serena moaned softly as a large hand found her breast and started to knead 
      it gently.
      Darien slowly moved down, kissing a path down her chin and throat before 
      taking a rosy peak between his lips. Wrapping his arms around her back, he 
      arched her so he could have full access to them, plundering them to his 
      satisfaction.
      Serena wrenched at the cloth keeping her from feeling his skin against 
      hers.
      Still holding her with one arm, Darien went to work on his clothes, 
      quickly pulling the suit off of his upper body. He returned his lips to 
      her mouth again to taste her sweet nectar and pressed his hard chest 
      against her.
      Feeling his body against hers was having a mind numbing effect on Serena. 
      Mindlessly she pressed herself against him wanting to feel more of him. 
      Sliding her hands down his muscled back, she hooked her fingers in the 
      suit and pulled it down his lean hips, then lifted her own so he could get 
      her clothes off.
      Pressed skin to skin, they reached unimaginable heights of ecstasy.
      ----
      Darien and Serena lay atop the table both completely drained of any 
      energy. He pulled her close and put an arm around her. He loved the feel 
      of her against him. Somehow it made him feel complete. Like hed finally 
      found the part of him that had been missing. That was definitely a first 
      for him. Never once had a woman ever make him loose control like that. 
      Feeling a little unsettled he, moved to sit up. Turning his back to her, 
      he started pulling his clothes back on.
      Serena felt Darien pull away emotionally before he moved physically. She 
      quickly grabbed at one of the suits to hide her nudity. He must think that 
      Im totally without morals. Serena berated herself. After all theyve only 
      known each other for a few weeks. And here she was naked on his desk 
      trying not to make eye contact with him. She waited for him to turn away 
      again and busy himself with getting dressed before she quickly threw her 
      clothes back on. Using her reflection in the window, she straightened her 
      clothes and hair in a matter of seconds.
      The trip back to her office was silent and tense. Serena stared out of the 
      window the entire way.
      He stopped the car in front of the building and Serena jumped out waving a 
      farewell on her hasty retreat. She hurried back into her office without a 
      word to anyone and slammed the door behind her. Dropping her bag onto the 
      floor she re-immersed herself in her work in an attempt to forget her 
      humiliation at the hands of Darien. She viciously flipped open a file 
      folder and visually attacked the data there. She was going to forget about 
      Darien Richert if it was the last thing she did.
      ----
      The rest of the day went by quickly. No one dared to bother her when they 
      saw the mood she was in. Only Mina had the gumption to enter her office.
      "Serena?" Mina poked her head in the door.
      "Yes Mina?" Serena didnt even look up from her pages.
      "Are you ok?" encouraged, Mina took a step into the classically decorated 
      room.
      "Fine. Did you come in here for something?" Serena filed several sheets of 
      paper and pulled out more.
      "Monsieur Richert is on the phone." Mina watched for any emotion to pass 
      over Serenas cold expression but could see none.
      "Tell him Im busy." Serena fought the urge to pick up the phone with all 
      her might.
      "He says its urgent." Mina stepped closer. Serena did not look at all 
      happy. And it looked like she found the source for her current emotional 
      state.
      "Tell him Ill get back to him when I get the time." Perhaps when hell 
      freezes over. Serena looked up from her work. "Is that all?"
      Mina scurried to the door. "Yes." She quickly ran out.
      ----
      Serena finished up later that evening. She stood up and stretched. "Well 
      time for the trek home." She went through her routine out gathering her 
      things and heading outside. She walked through the door and grimaced. 
      Darien stood there waiting for her.
      Looking through him she walked to the curb and tried to hail a cab. 
"Taxi!"
      Darien followed her. "Serena."
      "Leave me alone or Ill call security." She waved her arms at another cab 
      as it sped past. "Argh!"
      "We need to talk. Let me give you a ride. You wont have any luck with 
      cabs at this time of day." He put his hand on the small of her back.
      Serena stepped away from him. "Ill take my chances with a cab." She waved 
      at another and it stopped. "See?" she got in and slammed the door in his 
      face. "Good bye Darien." And the cab sped away leaving Darien staring 
      after her on the curb.
      Serena got out at the apartment building and stared at it. Something 
      wasnt right. She slowly climbed the stairs up to her apartment. The 
      closer she got to it, the more unsettled she felt. She balled her keys in 
      her fist as she crept along the hall to her door. She stopped in front of 
      it and listened for any noises coming from inside. In the silent hall she 
      couldnt hear anything and she breathed a little easier. Unbunching her 
      keys she went to put them in the lock but noticed that the door wasnt 
      closed. She pushed at it lightly and screamed when a dark figure shoved 
      her to the ground on his way out of her apartment.
      A man across the hall came out and quickly assessed the situation. He ran 
      after the man but couldnt catch up so he came back to help Serena to her 
      feet. "Ca va, mademoiselle?"
      Serena nodded and looked down at her things. "Oui. Merci." She bent down 
      to get her things.
      He followed her down. "Here let me. I mean...um...je suis...sorry...I 
      dont speak much French." He finished helplessly.
      Serena laughed for the first time since that afternoon. "Thats ok. 
      Neither do I." She stood up again and looked at his face. Dark auburn 
      hair, green eyes and a killer smile. Serena studied him again. "Do I know 
      you?"
      He smiled warmly at her. "Isnt that my line?" he took another look at 
      her. "You do look familiar though."
      Serena smiled at him again. She did know him. "Alan Patrick? It is you!"
      Realization showed on his face "Serena Thompson. What are you doing here?"
      "Im working here now. And you?"
      "My firms sent me here for a few weeks. This is so odd." He stuck out his 
      hand to shake.
      Serena took it and pulled him into a hug. "Is that anyway to greet an old 
      friend?"
      Alan hugged her back. "Its great to see you again."
      "You dont waste any time do you?"
      Serena looked over her shoulder to see Darien standing in the hall, his 
      face as dark as thunder. "Darien. What are you doing here?"
      "I came to talk. I heard a scream and ran up."
      His words reminded her of what had happened. She looked at Darien and 
      cautiously approached her door.
      Still grimfaced he put his arm in front of her and approached the room 
      himself. Darien swept the door open and peered into the dark depths. When 
      he was sure it was safe he walked in and looked around the room. He 
      whistled low through his teeth. The room had been torn apart from top to 
      bottom.
      Serena flicked on the lights and whatever light wasnt broken came to 
life.
      Alan picked up a lamp and righted a table to put it on. "Wow."
      Darien turned to Serena. "Youre not having much luck are you?" he flipped 
      open his phone and started dialling.
      She shook her head and gazed sadly at all her ruined things. She couldnt 
      believe that this was happening to her. It was like she was being singled 
      out as a target. She pulled out her phone and called Mina.
      "Hello?"
      "Mina, its Serena. I need a humongous favour."
      "Anything."
      "I need a place to stay." She definitely didnt feel safe here now.
      "Oh."
      "Whats wrong?"
      "My boyfriends just flown in."
      Serena nodded. "Say no more."
      "If it had been any other time..." she finished.
      Serena shook her head. "Dont worry about it. See you at the office." And 
      she hung up. She thought of all the other options she had. She dialled 
      Lunas number. "Luna, I need your help."
      "Serena? Whats wrong cherie?"
      "Ive been robbed. And I need a place to stay. Can you think of anywhere I 
      can go?"
      "Not offhand." She paused a moment and Serena heard ringing of another 
      phone on Lunas end. "Hold on a moment cherie."
      Serena waited while she listened to Luna speak with the other person.
      "Serena, I think I have found somewhere for you."
      Her spirits lifted significantly. "Really? Great."
      "Here Ill let you talk it out."
      Serena heard a click and a male voice came on.
      "Hello Serena." Her stomach dropped as she turned to the other side of the 
      room.
      Darien smiled at her and flipped his phone closed.
      "Luna Ill call you back." Serena hung up as well and stared at Darien. 
      "If you think Im staying with you, you have another thing coming."
      "Where else will you go? All the hotels are bound to be booked and the 
      ones that arent will be miles out of the city."
      "Ill take the metro." She challenged.
      "You can stay with me." Alan offered.
      Darien turned to him. "She cant impose on you like that. Its easier if 
      she stays with me." He turned to Serena. "I can take you to work and pick 
      you up and my place is big enough." He smiled challengingly at Alan who 
      backed off as the other man staked obvious claim to Serena.
      Serena was bristling with indignation. "You do not speak for me. Ill do 
      what I please."
      "Youve certainly proved that this afternoon, havent you?"
      Serena slapped him across the face. "You jerk! How dare you throw that in 
      my face!" dangerously close to tears now Serena grabbed her things 
      together. "Ill stay with Alan until I find a suitable place."
      "I think youre just afraid that you wont be able to keep you hands off 
      me if we stay in the same place."
      She whirled on him again. "Keep my hands off you? I think its the other 
      way around."
      "Prove it."
      "Fine. I will. I accept your offer. But the moment I feel uncomfortable 
      Im leaving."
      "Fine by me. Just dont feel too comfortable." He goaded.
      Muttering to herself, Serena gathered whatever she could and followed him 
      out.
      "Ill see you later, Alan."
      "Well have coffee sometime." He waved farewell.