
      Never Say Goodbye


      Author: aria


      Rated: R



      Chapter 2
      Serena kicked herself the entire trip over to his place. What possessed 
      her to accept such a ludicrous offer? Pure pride and pure stubbornness 
      thats what. She was so tempted to tell him to turn right around and take 
      her back to her apartment. But pride kept her lips clamped shut. She had 
      to prove to herself and him that she wasnt interested in Darien Richert.
      ----
      Darien took quick glimpses at the beauty sitting at his side. He hadnt 
      missed the looks of pure misery in her shining eyes. Nor had he missed the 
      quick flashes of anger whenever she looked at him. Hed quickly learned 
      not to acknowledge those looks or a sudden stab of guilt and remorse would 
      overcome him.
      He knew it was his fault that she was upset. And he knew that they needed 
      to talk. But she was so adamant about not needing anyone that it was 
      impossible to get through even if he did build up the courage to try to 
      again. Instead he drove silently and hoped that he was doing the right 
      thing by bringing her into his home.
      ----
      Serenas stomach did another little gymnastics routine when Dariens 
      building homed into view. At the rate she was going she was going to have 
      an ulcer by the end of the week. The thought just tied another anxious 
      knot there. This was such a horrible idea. Silently she picked up the bags 
      that she could, leaving Darien with the rest and walked up the stairs.
      She ignored the looks from the man at the desk and walked to the elevator. 
      Darien joined her seconds later and pressed the button.
      His apartment looked as elegant and as spotless as usual. She felt 
      completely out of place in the immaculate surroundings.
      "Welcome to your new home." Darien took off his coat and motioned for her 
      to do likewise.
      "Temporary home." She corrected as she handed him her coat.
      "Your room is over here." He took her bags from her and led her down the 
      hall.
      Serena gazed at the photos hanging on the wall. She caught a glimpse of a 
      darkly coloured room at the end of the hall before he turned around. 
      Darien pointed at the room directly opposite.
      "Is this ok for you?" he opened the door so she could take a look.
      This room was light and airy, just the way Serena liked. The large windows 
      filled up most of one wall giving the moderate sized room a more spacious 
      feel.
      "Its great." She turned to him. "Thank you."
      "No problem." Darien wondered if he should try and talk to her now but 
      decided against it. "The bathroom is down the hall on the left. Help 
      yourself to whatever there is. Remember its your home as well now."
      He walked back out and Serena could see him enter the dark room. She 
      unpacked her things and looked them over. Most of her clothing escaped 
      unscathed and so had her toiletries. Unfortunately, from what shed seen 
      of her apartment, not much else survived the attack. That reminded her.
      "Darien. Did you call the police?" she waited a moment and when she didnt 
      get an answer, she walked to his door and entered tentatively. "Darien?"
      "Yeah?" he walked out of his closet in nothing more than a pair of 
      unbuttoned jeans riding dangerously low in his lean hips.
      Blushing furiously, Serena turned around. "I asked if you had called the 
      police."
      Darien threw on a t-shirt and did up the jeans. "Yes they were the first 
      call I made."
      "Shouldnt we be over there then?" she edged closer to the door.
      "Yes but thought that you might like to get changed and get away from the 
      scene first."
      He was right about needing to get away from the place but she would have 
      liked it if he had consulted her first.
      "Darien, you cant just do things because you think thats what I want. 
      How about asking me first?"
      "Of course. I wont do it again." Darien sat on the bed and started to put 
      on his shoes.
      Serenas anger boiled over now. "Dont patronize me! I dont even think 
      that youre even listening to me."
      Darien calmly finished tying his shoes and stood up, effectively towering 
      over her slight form. "Oh Im listening to you. But its not your words 
      that are speaking to me." He grasped her upper arms and dragged her to 
him.
      Serena struggled uselessly against his grip and watched helplessly as his 
      dark head dipped down so he could ravage her lips. The instant his lips 
      touched hers, the will to fight fizzled and died. Her body instantly 
      reacted to the hardness of his pressed against her. Her senses were 
      knocked for a loop before he pulled back.
      His eyes had darkened to a familiar shade of storm and passion. Darien 
      closed them for a moment like he was fighting with something deep within 
      himself. Serenas heart soared with a moment of hope. But he turned away 
      again to answer the shrilly-ringing phone.
      "Yes? Right we will be right there." He turned to Serena again. "They want 
      us back at your apartment."
      Serena nodded and brushed her hair behind her ears.
      He quickly grabbed their coats and put her over her shoulders. "Are you 
      sure you want to do this? You can stay here if you like."
      "No. I can do it." Stubbornly she raised her chin.
      Darien had to admire her nerve. There werent many women who could do 
      this. He took her hand as an offer of support and led her to the car.
      When they arrived, the building was nearly filled with reporters and 
      police. The moment they arrived the scene erupted into a chaotic mass of 
      questions and bodies. Darien bravely took the fore and led Serena into the 
      building, effectively pushing the reporters aside and shielding Serena 
      from them.
      Serena took one look at the daunting sight and put her head down, 
      following Dariens large form up the stairs. At the apartment itself was 
      crawling with police. Serena hated seeing her beloved apartment being 
      checked from top to bottom by a team of strangers. The chief inspector 
      approached them and started asking questions.
      Darien quickly answered what he could and translated for Serenas benefit. 
      She in turn, did her best to answer the questions the man fired at her. 
      The one question that stuck in her mind that she couldnt answer was, Do 
      you have any enemies or any idea why someone would be trying to do this to 
      you?. Until then, Serena truly thought that it was a random act. Now the 
      thought was running through her mind unsettling her even more. 
      Instinctively she reached for Dariens hand.
      "I cant think of anyone. Ive only just moved here. No one has any reason 
      to do this to me."
      The man nodded and took notes. He nodded again at Serena then turned to 
      Darien and spoke too rapidly for Serena to understand.
      Darien thanked him and put an arm around Serenas shoulder. "Come lets go 
      home."
      Home. That sounded so nice. She covered her face when they got outside and 
      let him lead her back to the car.
      By the time they got back to the apartment, Serena was half asleep. The 
      events of the day had taken their toll on her.
      She didnt even remember making her way to his place. Darien gently helped 
      her to her bed and took off her shoes. He gazed down at her loveliness and 
      smiled tenderly. The warm feeling that pervaded his soul every time that 
      he looked at her was getting familiar. As a matter of fact he was starting 
      to welcome it. He had to think of a way to apologize to her. he gently 
      pulled the covers over her and walked out of her room.
      ----
      The next morning the sun beat on the white curtains of her room. Serena 
      blinked a few times and looked around. Confusion hit her first then 
      realization and then panic. What time was it? She looked at her watch and 
      leapt out of bed. It was quarter to ten. She charged out of the room and 
      straight to the bathroom. Quick as she could she washed her face. When she 
      looked up again there was another reflection staring back at her with an 
      amused expression.
      "Darien! Why didnt you wake me?" Serena grabbed a towel and patted her 
      face dry. As usual he was dressed impeccably, even more so when compared 
      to her rumpled clothing.
      "You needed your sleep." He brushed a strand of hair out of her face.
      "I thought youd consult me before taking action." Serena growled at him, 
      swatting him away.
      "Im sorry. I thought youd like some rest. Besides youre not needed in 
      the office at the moment."
      Serenas shoulders slumped. "What did you do now?"
      "I didnt do anything. I told Luna what happened and she thought you might 
      like to work from here instead, for a little while."
      Serena threw the towel onto the marble counter. "Doing what?"
      "Helping Amy with the wedding and her dress."
      Serena ran her hand over her face. "Darien..."
      He put up his hands. "Its the last time I meddle. I promise." He moved 
      closer and looked at their reflection. "You look good in the morning."
      Barriers instantly erected themselves around her. Serena stared back at 
      him with icy eyes. "Liar. Now get out of here."
      Darien walked to the door. "Colette has made some breakfast and Amy will 
      be here sometime in the afternoon. Until then, get some rest and make 
      yourself at home. Ill be at the office if you need me." He chuckled. "You 
      know my number."
      Serena threw a towel at him in response. "See you later."
      With time on her side now, Serena took a leisurely bath and thoroughly 
      enjoyed the meal prepared by the housekeeper whom Serena found to be a 
      very nice lady. She helped her out with the cleaning until Amy turned up.
      "Serena?" Amy looked over at the woman bent under the sink looking for 
      some detergent.
      "Hi Amy. Just a second." She rummaged around a bit and triumphantly pulled 
      out a bottle. "Colette is this it?"
      Colette bustled into the room and nodded. "Oui. Merci mademoiselle." She 
      nodded her greeting to Amy and hurried out again to finish her work.
      Serena stood up and straightened her hair and clothing. "Hi. And to answer 
      that look on your face, I thought Id help out a bit. Its not fair to be 
      staying here and not do any of the work."
      Amy face instantly brightened. "Youre staying here?" that was an 
      interesting tidbit she wasnt told.
      "Yes. I assumed your brother told you." She recognized that look on Amys 
      face and shook her head vigorously. "No its not like that. I was robbed 
      and needed somewhere to stay. Darien was nice enough to offer."
      "Ah I see." She sat down next to Serena and wondered if she should tell 
      her that her brother had never offered any other woman a place to stay, no 
      matter what her situation or her relationship with him. She opted for 
      staying silent. Her quick eyes noticed the newspapers on the table.
      Serena saw her attention was diverted and looked as well. On the front 
      pages were pictures of her and Darien from the apartment last night. "Oh 
      my god!" she picked up the first one and stared in horror at the picture. 
      She instantly noticed the protective way Darien held her in the photos and 
      grimaced. She tried to read the headlines but failed miserably. "What does 
      it say?" she handed the paper to Amy.
      "Umm...it insinuates a relationship between you and Darien."
      "And the others?"
      "Pretty much the same."
      Serena moaned. "Fantastic."
      "Whats wrong with that? Id love it if everyone thought I was going out 
      with an amazing man like Darien."
      What was the problem? He was an egotistical chauvinistic pig thats what. 
      Serena kept telling herself that even though she knew she was wrong. If 
      the last night was any indication, he was really kind and gentle though 
      tried to hide it under a tough exterior. Serena sighed. "Nothing. Its 
      just not true thats all."
      "Do you want it to be?"
      "And what makes you so interested?"
      "I just think that you two would make a great couple."
      "Perhaps. But first we have to get your wedding sorted out. Then you can 
      worry about my relationship with your brother."
      Amy smiled. At least that was a start.
      ----
      Serena spent a few hours organizing and chatting with Amy before she had 
      to run off and meet her fianc. This left Serena a few hours alone. She 
      sent Colette home and made dinner herself.
      Darien showed up just as she got the meal out of the oven. "Smells good. 
      What did Colette make?"
      "Nothing. I made it all."
      His brows rose. "You?"
      Serena smiled and straightened her spine. "Yes, me. What? You think I 
      cant cook?"
      Darien smiled wryly. "Well see about that." Just because it looked 
      scrumptious didnt mean it was going to be good to the taste buds. He 
      dumped his briefcase and coat on a nearby chair and sat down. Then he 
      looked at her standing to the side. "Arent you going to join me?"
      She sat down. "Yes I just wanted to see if you had everything you wanted 
      first."
      Darien stabbed at the food and took a bite. "Youre not a servant, 
Serena."
      "Im aware of that. I just wanted to thank you for letting me stay." She 
      watched him practically shovel the food into his sensuous mouth. "Is it 
      alright?"
      "Very." He sat back and took a sip of wine. "Oh a few colleagues are 
      coming by later tonight. Is that ok with you?"
      "Sure, its your home." She nibbled at a baby carrot.
      "We could go somewhere else if it would suit you better."
      "No. No. Its fine." She took a sip of wine and tried not to look at his 
      handsome face.
      They ate silently for a while. Dariens eyes kept wandering over to her 
      face. So beautiful and so delicate. Just watching her cause the heat to 
      flare through him. This was going to prove to be harder than he thought. 
      Hed imagined keeping her at arms length until she could no longer keep 
      her hands off of him. Unfortunately he hadnt planned on his need for her 
      overcoming his self-control. Damn! Now hed have to keep away from his own 
      house to avoid seeing her. He wiped his mouth and stood up.
      "Theyll be here in an hour." And he left her at the table.
      Serena was so confused. One second he was humorous and light and the next 
      he was avoiding her like the plague. What was with this guy? Serena 
      finished eating and cleared up the dishes. She planned to lock herself in 
      her room with her work and leave them to their thing. What was the point 
      of making her presence known? He obviously didnt want her around. And her 
      hanging around would just make things harder for them both.
      Serena walked into her room and slammed the door shut.
      Darien listened for the slam and walked out of his room. God he was an 
      imbecile. How could he possibly believe that he could restrain himself 
      from her? He walked over to the door and raised his hand to knock but 
      stopped. He let his hand drop to his side and he walked away from the 
door.
      Serena engrossed herself in her work for the night. She couldnt help but 
      over hear the laughter and conversation from the front room. Serena did 
      her best to ignore the comments made towards Darien and his penchant for 
      beautiful women. Her self-esteem hit rock bottom there. So she was nothing 
      more than a pretty face that he planned on using and discarding at his 
      whim. Good luck to him! Hed never get the satisfaction. Shed make sure 
      of that.
      Tucking her pen behind her ear she ignored the rest of the conversation 
      and laid back to take a look at the next load of paperwork. If Darien 
      Richert thought that he could use Serena Thompson he was sadly mistaken.
      ----
      Serena woke up the next morning to the warm aroma of coffee hanging over 
      her bed. She pulled back to covers to find her bed littered with papers. 
      She must have fallen asleep while she as working. She walked out to the 
      kitchen and headed straight for the coffee. Strangely enough she didnt 
      hear anyone else in the place. She walked to the front room with her 
      coffee and looked around. There was no sign of Darien anywhere.
      Figuring he decided to have an early start to work, she sat down at the 
      breakfast table and sipped at the steaming mug. Thats where she found the 
      note.
      ----
      Had to go away on business. Dont know when Ill be back. Youre welcome 
      to stay as long as you like. Darien.
      ----
      Serena crumpled the note and tossed it aside. As if she would stay here! 
      She pulled out her phone and dialled Minas number.
      "Hi, Mina. Its me. I need you to help me find an apartment."
      ----
      Darien was in his jet heading for Amsterdam at that moment wondering if he 
      did the right thing. Of course he did. He needed to get as far from 
      temptation as possible. It pained him when she locked herself up in her 
      room the entire night. And of course it was his fault again. Why couldnt 
      he do anything right when it came to her? He forcibly pushed the idea 
      aside. What was important now was to concentrate on work and not the 
      gorgeous blonde waiting for him at home.
      ----
      Serena spent the next few weeks looking for an apartment. Darien had been 
      right though. Not only could she not find an apartment in her price range, 
      she couldnt even find a hotel! She looked around the apartment. 
      Everything there screamed Darien. She had to get out of there!
      Serena walked our front and hailed a cab. Maybe her old apartment wouldnt 
      be that bad.
      She got there and her stomach dropped. Police tape barred her entry and 
      she could only stand there staring at her door. Feeling completely alone 
      and out of luck she started crying right there in the hall.
      "Serena?" Alan came out of his apartment in time to see her first tear. 
      "Oh my god, are you ok?" he put and arm around her shoulders and steered 
      her toward his door.
      "Hi Alan." She bravely tried to fight the tears but couldnt. Weeping she 
      let herself be led into the apartment.
      "Here have my coffee." Alan handed her a steaming mug.
      "Thanks." She swiped at the tears before taking it from him." "H...how are 
      you Alan?"
      "Thats not important. Whats going on with you?" he sat down next to her. 
      "Have you been attacked again?"
      "N...no. Nothing like that." Serena took a shuddery breath and sighed. She 
      didnt even know why she was here. She had a beautiful place to stay in 
      and she had it all to herself. It was good. She didnt have to put up with 
      Darien roaming around glowering at her. And yet she was miserable. Serena 
      handed Alan back the coffee and stood up. "Ive got to go. Ill see you 
      later."
      "Serena Ive been meaning to ask you." Alan looked nervous. "Is there 
      anything going on with you and that guy?"
      "I dont think thats any of your business, Alan." Serena eyed him and 
      walked to the door.
      "No. Its just that...I just meant that...he wouldnt have a problem with 
      us going for coffee or anything would he?"
      Why should he? Serena shook her head. "No. He wouldnt. Were just 
      friends." Why did saying it out loud hurt so much? She opened the door. 
      "That would be great. Call me sometime." She handed him her card and 
      walked out the door.
      ----
      Darien sat in the boardroom only half listening to the balding man at the 
      front as he droned on about some car or something. He tapped his pen in 
      his book and sat back. This was ridiculous. What was he doing? She was a 
      woman, plain and simple. Its not like she was his first or anything. Why 
      couldnt he get her out of his mind? He looked down at the nearly blank 
      page. Hed taken a few notes here and there but the margins were filled 
      with her initials and little hearts. He stared at them accusingly and 
      slammed the book shut.
      "Uh...M....Monsieur Richert? Is something wrong?" the man at the front 
      looked as though he was about to faint.
      "Ive had enough for the day. Well meet again tomorrow morning." Without 
      waiting for an answer, he stood up and walked out of the meeting.
      He made a quick stop at his hotel room to get rid of his tie and briefcase 
      then headed out to the street. Amsterdam was a breathtaking city and he 
      decided to take in a few of the sights close to the hotel. He wandered 
      over to the canal and stood on the bridge looking down at the water 
      swirling beneath it. Taking a deep breath of the cool fresh air, he turned 
      around and leaned on the stone balustrade. Big mistake. Couple after 
      loving couple walked past him totally engrossed in each other and totally 
      oblivious to the emotional turmoil they were causing him. Envious eyes 
      watched them walk past holding hands.
      Darien gave up. This was impossible. There was nothing he could do to 
      forget about her. Shoulders hunched in defeat he walked a little ways 
      further. How was he going to approach her? Then he began to formulate a 
      plan. He was going to win her heart. Spirits lifted he walked over to the 
      nearest flower shop, grinning from ear to ear.
      ----
      Serena stared at the enormous bouquet of flowers that arrived at the 
      doorstep exactly two weeks after he left. Should she or shouldnt she look 
      at the card? Serena reached for it then stopped herself. This was stupid. 
      Releasing a pent up breath, she snatched the card from its nest of roses 
      and opened the envelope.
      ----
      Will be home soon, Darien.
      ----
      That certainly was simple. Was that a good thing or not? And how soon was 
      soon? Feeling a little panicky she put the card on the table and began to 
      pace. She nearly jumped out of her skin when the doorbell rang. She stared 
      at the door like it was her greatest enemy then laughed. Of course it 
      wasnt him. He wouldnt knock on his own door.
      Laughing still, she opened it to reveal Amy and a dark haired man. "Amy, 
      hi."
      "Hi Serena. We thought wed come by and say hi. This is my fiance, 
Taiki."
      "Hi. Nice to meet you."
      Taiki smiled back at her. "A pleasure."
      "Come on in." Serena stepped back to let the couple in. "So what are you 
      two up to today?"
      "We were going to wander through the city...oooooohhh. Are these from 
      Darien?" she leaned into the roses and inhaled their delicate scent.
      Serena nodded coolly not wanting to belie her agitation at the thought of 
      living in the same apartment with him again. "Yes. Apparently hell be 
      home soon." She waved her hand. "Enough about him. I want to hear more 
      about the two of you." She smiled as they smiled adoringly at each other. 
      "But of course I dont want to keep you from your day."
      "Why dont you come with us? You do nothing but work and sit around the 
      house. Its such a beautiful city. You should enjoy it."
      "I couldnt. Id just get in the way." She shook her head.
      "Nonsense. The more the merrier." Amy dragged her over to the closet and 
      plucked a coat off of its hook. "Youre coming along. We dont mind, do we 
      Taiki?"
      He shook his dark head. "Not at all."
      "Alright then. But I cant hang out for too long. Ive got some work to 
      do."
      ----
      Not too long turned out to be the entire morning and most of the 
      afternoon. It was actually fun to spend time outdoors taking in the 
      sights. Amy and Taiki led her through the city showing her everything they 
      could think of. By the time they dropped her off at the apartment she was 
      exhausted.
      Laughing she got out of the little car. "Ill see you guys soon ok?"
      "You bet!" Amy waved from the front passengers seat. "See you later!"
      "Bye!" Serena stood at the curb and waved until they disappeared down the 
      street.
      She headed back up to the apartment looking forward to having a nice hot 
      bath and a final look at some work before going to bed. She walked in the 
      front door and gasped at the sight awaiting her.
      The entire foyer and living room were filled with roses of every size, 
      colour and description. Dropping her purse she wandered through the sea of 
      flowers.
      "Darien?" Strong arms closing around her was her answer. She quickly spun 
      around expecting to see vivid blue eyes and dark hair. But instead was met 
      by sparkling green eyes and a shock of red hair. "Alan? What are you doing 
      here?" she stumbled back out of his arms and into another set.
      "Yes I would like to know the same thing."
      Serenas knees almost gave out when she looked up at Darien. She watched 
      as he dropped his bag by the door and take off his coat as calmly as he 
      would any day but she didnt miss the anger in his eyes. The fury there 
      was terrifying.
      "Darien..." Serena tried to speak but couldnt. At any rate he wasnt 
      listening.
      He set her aside and stalked up to the man that had dared touch her. "What 
      are you doing here?"
      Alan tired to look unimpressed by the sheer power exuded by Darien, but 
      anyone could see the thinly veiled fear on his face. "I thought I would 
      stop by and surprise Serena."
      "I see." Darien kept walking forcing Alan to back out the door. "How nice. 
      Im afraid itll have to be another day. Ive been on a long flight and I 
      just want to kick back and relax. See you some other time." He slammed the 
      door in his face then turned to Serena his face cold and inscrutable. "How 
      have you been?"
      "F...fine. How have you been?"
      "Fine. Is there any food in the fridge?" he walked past her like she 
      wasnt even there.
      "Y...yes." How could he be so cold? Verging on tears, she smiled bravely. 
      "Im just going to have a bath then get on with some work."
      "Fine." He disappeared into the kitchen.
      Serena took a shuddering breath and walked as fast as her legs could take 
      her away from him. Locking the door to the bathroom she breathe a bit 
      easier. Stuck in an apartment with Darien again. Could things get any 
      worse?
      ----
      Darien ripped open the door to the fridge and scoured in the contents for 
      something that would ease the ache inside. Hed planned an intimate dinner 
      in front of the fireplace. Hed called earlier to see if she was home and 
      was glad to find that she wasnt. It gave him a chance to send someone 
      over to set thing up. But obviously she was out with him while he was 
      trying his hardest to set things straight with them. He gripped the handle 
      to the fridge a bit tighter. He felt like such a fool. Anger and jealously 
      pumped through his veins with every beat of his heart. He stared at the 
      hall she disappeared into. He slammed the door to the fridge shut and 
      walked into dark hall.
      ----
      Serena wrapped a towel around her wet hair and another around herself. She 
      opened the door and peeked out there wasnt any sign of Darien anywhere. 
      Assuming that he was in his room or office, she tiptoed past them and into 
      her room. Sighing with relief she shut the door quietly and turned to go 
      to the closet. She walked straight into a hard chest.
      "D...Darien." She took a step back when she saw the fervour in his eyes.
      "Damn you Serena." And he plundered her lips.
      He pulled her up against him, moulding her body to his.
      Serena struggled as hard as she could but could only do so half-heartedly. 
      Truth was she needed him as much as he needed her. Giving in to the 
      sensation, she wrapped her arms around Darien and kissed him back.
      Darien was a little stunned by her reaction. Hed expected her to fight 
      him tooth and nail. But this was much better. He pressed her up against 
      the door and tore at the towels until she was completely nude. He pulled 
      away to let his eyes rake over her smooth skin. He ran his tongue down her 
      neck and nibbled gently at the lobes of her ears.
      Serena shivered with delight. It felt so good to be held by him again. 
      While he moved down her body, she went to work on his suit wrenching at 
      the buttons of his shirt. Giving up with trying to undo them she ripped it 
      apart sending buttons popping into unknown regions of the room. Serena 
      reached inside and let her hands pay homage to the smooth skin and strong 
      muscle hidden there. She pushed the clothes off his muscled shoulders and 
      watched his powerful muscles flex as he moved.
      Darien ran his hands over the siren that he hadnt been able to take his 
      mind off of since the moment he met her. Slowly he teased her breasts with 
      light feathery strokes of his tongue. He was rewarded with a soft moan 
      that stoked the heat in his belly. All he could think about was her and 
      his need for her. To pleasure her.
      Serena was quickly spiralling down the dark tunnel of desire. His 
      passionate ministrations were reducing her qualms to nothing. It was 
      amazing what he did to her body with nothing more than a flick of his 
      tongue or caress with his hands. She wrapped herself around him when he 
      picked her up.
      Effortlessly, he carried her over to the plush bed and laid her upon it. 
      He took a moment to rake a heated gaze over her naked form before 
      divesting himself of the rest of his clothing. Then he came down to her, 
      completely and gloriously nude.
      Serena closed her eyes and let him take her to the heights of pleasure and 
      beyond.