
      Once A Millennium


      Author: aria


      Rated: R



      Chapter 8
      Darien woke up and found himself bound hand and foot and slung carelessly 
      over the back of a horse.
      Groaning he touched the new lump on his head. He was getting really sick 
      of this.
      "So you awake Lord Colville."
      Darien lifted his head up to see a young dark haired boy leading the 
      animal.
      "Who are you?"
      "That is of no importance." He snorted. "Just shut up and enjoy the ride."
      Darien looked around him. They were in the forest. It seemed like one 
      minute he was resting on the bed and the next here he was hanging off of a 
      horse and staring up at trees. He turned to look at the boy again. He 
      recognized him from somewhere. He thought back to when they were carting 
      him back to the castle in the cart.
      He was Lady Catherines aide, Roland. Dariens first thought was of 
      Serena. She was in danger if Catherine was involved. She was too blind by 
      kindness to see that the other woman was trouble.
      Darien thought it best to keep quiet until he actually knew what was going 
      on for sure. He studied the situation. The boy was alone except for 
      himself and the horse. And they were in the woods. The very isolated 
woods.
      Darien smiled grimly. He could take care of one little boy, even in this 
      condition. The only thing he worried about was how close were his 
      accomplices. Roland could not do this himself so they were bound to be 
      around somewhere.
      ----
      "Roland. You took your time."
      Darien sighed. It began again. He closed his eyes and listened to the 
      voices.
      "Yes my lord. I am sorry but that woman was around and I could not take 
      him until she was gone."
      "Enough excuses." The deep voice bit back. "You should have taken care of 
      her right then and there. Then we would not have to be freezing here in 
      the woods."
      "Im sorry my lord." Answered a dejected sounding Roland. "I should have 
      thought of that."
      Darien shook his head in an attempt to get the blood flowing properly 
      again. He was sure he recognized the other voice. He listened some more.
      "Shut up! I do not want to hear anymore of your whining. Just prepare for 
      her arrival. I am sure she will not waste anytime when she hears that her 
      darling Lord Colville has been taken."
      Darien wanted to punch the sneer out of the mans voice. So he was using 
      him as bait huh? He thought wrong. Darien waited until the voices moved 
      far enough away that he could barely hear them anymore.
      The boy hadnt thought of tying him to the horse. Carefully, he slid 
      himself backwards until he reached the ground. Darien ducked behind a tree 
      and checked his boot and smiled.
      Roland hadnt checked him for weapons either.
      Thanking his lucky stars, Darien pulled his hunting knife out of his right 
      boot and another out of his left. It was a good thing he replaced them 
      after the bath. He looked around trying to find a good place to hide or at 
      least somewhere he can warn Serena from. Darien looked up. The oak would 
      be the perfect place.
      Darien made sure no one could see him then quickly cut the ropes binding 
      him and climbed the tree. Hiding himself among the sparse leaves and thick 
      branches, he waited for his chance.
      A cloaked figure rode up to the pond. Darien thought it was Serena but 
      when he took off the hood he could see that it was the furthest thing from 
      Serena.
      He Darien stared at the wild haired old man. It was the man from the inn. 
      The one Serena and Diamond claimed to be the Wiseman. What on earth was 
      he doing here?
      Darien watched as he approached the other two.
      "Ralph, how good to see you again."
      Dariens face twisted into a grimace. Ralph. He knew hed heard that voice 
      before. So he had been the one terrorizing Diamond. But why? What could he 
      gain from it? Darien truly wished he had time to fully recover. He wanted 
      to cut them down himself. Instead, seething, he steadied himself in the 
      tree and continued to listen and watch what was going on.
      "So how is the plan coming along friend?" the old man walked over to Ralph 
      who was bent over something.
      "Everything was going fine until that woman showed up." He turned around 
      to reveal a gleaming sword that he had obviously been sharpening. "But 
      things look as though they are coming back on track. Thanks to your 
      performance, of course, Hayden."
      Hayden bowed as low as his old body would allow. "I thank you, your 
      soon-to-be highness."
      Ralph clapped him on the back, laughing all the while. "This will not go 
      forgotten, my friend. I shall make you a great lord."
      "I thank thee sire."
      They both laughed heartily.
      Completely forgotten, Roland, sullenly walked back to check on Darien. "He 
      makes him a lord, what about me? I had a tough job as well. I had to serve 
      that woman for god knows how long. I had to follow her around and act as 
      her lap dog. Not to mention having to get this big oaf..." his words died 
      in the cold air.
      Darien watched as he ran over to the horse and looked around it, obviously 
      looking for him. He almost started laughing when his face paled at finding 
      nothing.
      Quickly, Roland ran back to Ralph. "My lord. He is gone." he flinched 
      waiting to be struck. When nothing came, he gingerly opened his eyes 
again.
      Ralph slowly turned to the boy. "What?" his voice had gotten so low, 
      Darien had to strain to hear it.
      "Lord Colville. He is gone." Roland barely managed to choke out the words.
      Darien watched as Ralph ran the boy through with the sword hed been 
      holding. Gritting his teeth, he held his ground. There was no helping 
      Roland now.
      Ralph cleaned off the weapon with Rolands own tunic and rose up again. 
      "We have to find Colville. With him loose there is no telling what will 
      happen."
      They ran off in opposite directions looking for any sign of Darien.
      Darien made himself as small as he could I the fork of the tree. 
      Thankfully it hadnt snowed and his footprints hadnt taken in the frozen 
      ground. His listened to their frustrated shouts as they ran around.
      Suddenly he heard another sound. The sound of a horse riding at breakneck 
      speed. Serena!
      His concentration broke then. Darien shuffled in the tree trying to see 
      where she was coming from. Then suddenly there was an agonizing pain 
      radiating from his thigh.
      He looked down to see a dagger embedded deep in his leg and Ralphs face 
      grinning evilly from below.
      "Colville! How good to see you again!"
      "Ralph. I cant say the same to you." Darien braced himself and pulled the 
      blade out then quickly wrapped the wound with strips hed ripped off of 
      his shirt. That done; he climbed out of the tree and stood before his 
      adversary. "I never would have given you credit for having brains enough 
      to do something like this, Ralph."
      Ralph punched him square in the face. And smiled when a bead a blood 
      appeared in the corner of Dariens mouth.
      A little dazed, Darien shook his head to try and clear it. "So what? You 
      kill off Serena and then the Prince? What is the point in that?"
      "Oh it does not end there. It seems Sapphire will have a little accident 
      as well." He sneered.
      "And then what? Without them the kingdom will founder."
      Ralph circled Darien in a predatory fashion. "Not if there is a new 
      ruler." He smiled as handsomely as he could.
      Darien snorted his amusement. "And how do you propose to do that? You are 
      not blood related."
      "Oh but I am." Ralph jabbed at Darien with the sword. "It seems Im a 
      distant cousin of sorts. And since there is no other heir to the throne it 
      would go to me. So its all very simple you see."
      The rage in Darien began to build to an incredible pitch. "So it all comes 
      down to greed."
      "Absolutely. What is a stronger driving force than that?"
      An arrow narrowly missed his face and drove itself into the tree trunk 
      behind him.
      "Id have to say love." Serena stepped out from behind a bush ready with 
      another arrow. She had heard the last bit of the conversation and she was 
      seething. "Darien are you ok?"
      Darien nodded. He could see the anger on her face. He could practically 
      feel it emanating from her. "Fine, love."
      Serena noticed the bandage on his leg and frowned. Like he needed another 
      wound. She could see he was fighting just to stand up.
      Darien could see where her gaze was drawn and shook his head. "Dont 
      worry. Keep an eye out for his accomplice."
      "An accomplice?" Serena looked around but couldnt see anyone. She turned 
      her attention back to the man who had his sword trained on Darien. "Let 
      him go, Ralph. Its me you want."
      "Let me think." He ran the flat of his dagger over his cheek. "No. I think 
      I will keep you both. That way you cannot interfere anymore."
      "Do not be an idiot Ralph. There is only one of you and two of us. Even a 
      dolt like you can see that you cannot win."
      "Ah but you are wounded and I have my friend lurking around here 
      somewhere. I think we are even." He grinned at Serena. "I see you have 
      taken my advice and come alone."
      "Shut up." She still had her bow trained on him and was itching to release 
      the arrow. "Why are you doing this? Youre not fit to rule. Why cant you 
      just leave Diamond and Sapphire alone?"
      Ralphs jaw clenched. He grabbed Darien and thrust the blade under his 
      chin. "I think I would be a wonderful king. All those women, the riches, 
      it would suit me very well dont you think?"
      Serena shifted her stance. She should have let the arrow fly when she had 
      the chance. Now Darien was in the way. Stupid! Instead, Serena circled 
      around the two men looking for an opening. "Youre an idiot. Dont you 
      know that without a good king there wouldnt be those things in the first 
      place?" she had to keep him talking so he wouldnt drive that blade home.
      Ralph seemed to consider this a moment before he shook his head. "It does 
      not matter. The wealth that Diamond has amassed will last me for as long 
      as I live. As for the people," he snorted. "Who cares about them?"
      Serenas finger was definitely itching now. "You dont deserve to live."
      "Serena! Behind you!"
      She was about to take a clear shot at him when a pair of wiry arms closed 
      around her waist and knocked her to the ground.
      "And here is my friend now. Serena, I believe that you have already met 
      Hayden."
      Serenas vision cleared enough for her to make out the wild hair and a 
      thin leathery face. "Its you!" She kicked at him but he evaded the 
      potentially fatal hit and drew a sword.
      "Now, now. You do not want to do that. Where would the fun be?" he laughed 
      and dragged her to her knees. "So who shall we dispense of first? The 
      woman?"
      "No, no. Colville will go first. We wouldnt want Serena to miss that now 
      would we?" he grinned evilly. "But first we have to prepare for the 
      Prince." He turned to Serena still smiling. "He will be arriving shortly. 
      We all know that." He pulled Darien to a tree. "Bring her here." He 
      snatched a thick rope out of his horses pack.
      Serena found herself being dragged over to where Darien was. Ralph quickly 
      took their weapons while Hayden tied them to the tree. Then they were 
      promptly gagged and left while they hatched a plan to execute on Diamond.
      Serena tapped Dariens hand with her finger. Gingerly she guided his hand 
      to the knife she had hidden in her belt under her jerkin.
      Darien twisted his hand as far as it would go and worked his way under the 
      leather, ignoring the way that the rough bark was shredding his skin. He 
      looked at Serena and held her gaze while he worked. He couldnt believe 
      that she would come for him alone. She had to be either in love or insane. 
      Darien shook his head. Of course some would argue that there was no 
      difference between the two.
      Serena sucked in her breath when she felt him get a grip on the weapon, 
      trying to make it easier for him to get it out. Her eyes darted nervously 
      around looking for the two greedy madmen. She couldnt believe anyone 
      could be so greedy that they wouldnt let anyone stand in their way of 
      getting what they wanted.
      She could feel the rope start to vibrate and knew Darien was working on 
      them. Serena looked over to the pile of her and Dariens things thrown 
      carelessly to the side. The moment she was loose she was going for them 
      and she knew Darien would do the same even as hurt as he was.
      Ralph was right though. Diamond would be coming. He could never just stand 
      idly by when he could help. Neither could the rest of the men. She twisted 
      her arms, trying to get loose.
      They had to stop those two. She felt the bindings loosen and brought her 
      hands to her mouth to remove the gag then turned to help Darien with his.
      "Are you ok?" she whispered. She helped him over to dense cluster of 
      bushes.
      "I think so." Even as he was saying the words, he wobbled slightly.
      "Stay hidden here." She hunkered down and stealthily grabbed a few weapons 
      for him.
      "No. I cannot let you go out there alone." He hobbled next to her 
      intending to fight at her side.
      "Darien, dont. You have to take care of yourself. I can handle them." She 
      gave him a little smile. "Dont make me tie you to the tree."
      He scowled. She would do it too. She was so stubborn. "Fine. Give me the 
      bow."
      She gave him a full quiver and the bow. "Take care of yourself." They 
      shared a long, lingering kiss.
      "You too." Darien watched her duck into the bushes with her crossbow then 
      made himself comfortable. If they came anywhere near her, they were going 
      to regret it.
      Serena peeked through the vegetation. Where were they? She could see the 
      horses. She could see all their packs and things. But she could see 
      neither hide nor hair of the two men she wanted to hurt very badly.
      Then she heard laughter coming from the direction of the pond. Gritting 
      her teeth, Serena headed in that direction. They, no doubt, had thought of 
      something really nasty to do to Diamond. She hid herself behind another 
      enormous oak and watched as they set up and gigantic net over the path. 
      She moved closer, wanting to hear what they were saying.
      "We will let the net drop onto him and then drag him into the pond." Ralph 
      was explaining.
      "Easy enough." More laughter.
      Serena moved so that she could see them more clearly. She frowned. Where 
      did Ralph go? She could see Hayden fiddling with the net but Ralph was 
      nowhere to be seen. Serenas stomach was in her throat now. What if he 
      found Darien? She listened for any signs of a struggle but couldnt hear 
      any. She put all her faith in the fact that Darien could take on the slime 
      ball himself.
      She took a long breath and started to move in closer to the withered man 
      hunched by the rope he was unsuccessfully trying to hide under some 
      leaves. Serena crept up behind him and jabbed the arrow into his back none 
      too gently.
      "Get up." She growled through gritted teeth.
      "So you got loose." He held up his hands and slowly got to his feet. "So 
      now what? You kill me? Not exactly befitting of the warrior maiden, now is 
      it?"
      Serena scowled. "Shut up. I dont want to hear anymore of your crap." She 
      pressed at his back harder moving him along. "I think Ill let Diamond 
      take care of you. Now do as I say or he wont get the chance."
      She backed him up against a tree. "Give me your hands." He did as he was 
      told and Serena tied them together. "Now sit down." She bound his feet 
      together and gagged him. "Get under that bush." She kicked at him until he 
      was completely hidden by the foliage. "Stay there and be quiet or youre 
      going to regret it." She kicked him again for good measure.
      Serena headed back over to where Darien was hidden to make sure he was ok. 
      She snuck past him trading nods. She then headed over to the path where 
      she knew Diamond would be coming in from. Ralph had to be around there 
      somewhere.
      A slimy voice greeted her, as she tried to hide herself again. "You are 
      too late." Ralph stepped out of the shadows with Diamond at knifepoint.
      "Ralph let him go." Serenas heart was tripping now. She aimed her bow at 
      his head. "Diamond. I told you not to come." She shook her head it was too 
      late for that now. "Are you ok?"
      His eyes held hers. "Yes. Are you and Darien ok?"
      "Just dandy." She circled them looking for a shot. "Did he tell you what 
      he was planning?"
      "No, but I can guess." Diamond clenched his jaw. His entire body was tense 
      with pent up aggression.
      "No I dont think you can, dear cousin." Ralph grinned insanely as he 
      pressed the cold blade against Diamonds throat.
      "Ralph you cant get away with this." Serena could see a drop of blood 
      trickle down his neck.
      "Especially with two people with a clear shot at your head." Darien 
      carefully staggered out from his spot.
      For an edgy moment no one moved or said a thing. Than instantaneously all 
      hell broke loose.
      Serena saw movement out of the corner of her eye and turned.
      Hayden had somehow gotten loose and leapt at Darien with a knife.
      "Darien!"
      Darien turned in time to see him and caught the blade in his side before 
      lunging back at the man.
      Serena only saw a flash of the fight before she heard Ralphs triumphant 
      cry. Whirling around, Serena watched as Diamond fell to the ground.
      They had obviously been struggling as well, but somehow Ralph had managed 
      to get the better of Diamond.
      "No!" With the agonized scream, Serena let the arrow fly.
      With the celebratory grin still frozen on his face, Ralph hit the cold 
      ground with a dull thud. The arrow embedded in his chest quivered for a 
      second then stilled.
      She looked over at Darien and he was on his knees breathing heavily. The 
      other man was on the ground motionless. He gave her a little smile before 
      collapsing in a heap.
      Serena looked at both men and the tears started to flow. Every emotion 
      that she had kept pent up released themselves now. Throwing her weapons to 
      the ground she kicked at them uselessly before her legs refused to hold 
      her up anymore. Sobs wracking her slender frame, she lay down between 
      Darien and Diamond, threw her cloak over the three of them and did her 
      best to keep them warm.
      ----
      Two months Later
      Serena looked out at the blossoming land and sighed happily. The grass was 
      growing into a lush green carpet; the birds were singing, the sky was 
      clear and couldnt be bluer.
      She couldnt believe that a few months earlier things looked so grim. 
      Since the confrontation with Ralph they all had been recovering at the 
      castle and waiting out the winter.
      Darien and Diamond had long since recovered from their wounds and were as 
      fit as ever. Sapphire was doing well as was Colin. Diamond even gave him 
      his own chambers and his own page. Colin was still trying to get used to 
      that. As for Chris and Evelyn, they were anxiously awaiting the birth of 
      their child.
      Serena smiled to herself. Things were looking good. She turned around and 
      took another look at herself in the full-length mirror. She started 
      grinning inanely to herself as she looked at her reflection.
      The soft silk of her dress fell in voluminous white folds around her legs, 
      trailing onto the ground. The bodice was tight fitting and was accented 
      with ribbing the same colour as Dariens eyes. The sleeves were full and 
      made from the same fabric as the skirt and when she lifted her arms, 
      Serena had to giggle. It looked as though she was flapping wings.
      On her head was a crown of roses and babys breath and jewels gleamed and 
      glittered at her ears, throat and wrists. She shifted slightly watching 
      the way the jewels played with the light.
      There was a light knock at the door before it opened slightly.
      "Serena? Are you ready?" Diamond stuck his head in and smiled when he saw 
      her. "You look absolutely beautiful."
      "Thanks." She laughed. Diamond was wearing what looked like his best 
      clothing. Serena smiled. "You look fabulous in red and black."
      Diamond blushed. "So I have been told." He took her hand and whirled her 
      around before gallantly offering his arm. "You will be late milady."
      Beaming, Serena took his arm and let him lead the way to the main hall. 
      Sapphire was waiting dressed in dark blues of varying shades. He smiled 
      broadly at her and handed her an elegant bouquet of roses and lilies.
      "Milady, your flowers." He handed her the flowers, bowed and then opened 
      the doors to the hall and walked in.
      Music started up immediately after he did so.
      Serena gasped at the lavish decorations roses and ribbons. It looked as 
      though the entire court was here as well as the wealthy from the 
      surrounding villages. She looked up at Diamond. "Thank you, for 
      everything."
      "It is the least I could do. After all you saved us all." He patted the 
      hand that was still threaded through his arm. "Ready?"
      Serena blinked a few times and took a colossal breath. "Yes."
      The walk down that aisle was the longest hundred and fifty yards she had 
      ever walked in her life. She smiled shyly all too aware of the admiring 
      gazes of the well wishes gathered there. So instead of focussing on them 
      she shifted her attention to the man waiting for her at the end.
      Her eyes were transfixed on Darien. He looked absolutely magnificent in 
      his tan jerkin and matching leather breeches. Serenas smile grew as she 
      got closer. She couldnt think of a time where he looked more anxious or 
      more adorable.
      His heart soared the moment he caught a glimpse of her. Darien couldnt 
      draw a breath. Her hair was the colour honey caught in the morning light, 
      shimmering golden waves that cascaded over her shoulder and disappearing 
      down her back. And with the daylight streaming in through the windows, she 
      truly looked like an angel floating towards him.
      Diamond led Serena to him and took their hands and put them together. He 
      leaned in close and whispered, "I wish you both all the happiness in the 
      world."
      Both Serena and Darien smiled at him as he stepped to the side.
      The priest started talking then but it was lost on Serena. She and Darien 
      simply gazed into each others eyes both totally in awe of the fact that 
      they were finally getting married.
      "Lord Colville." The man cleared his throat trying to get Dariens 
      attention. "Lord Colville, repeat after me."
      Darien never took his eyes off of her. "I, Darien Colville, take thee, 
      Serena Woodard, to be my wedded wife to have and to hold from this day 
      forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in 
      health, to love and to cherish, till death us depart, according to God's 
      holy ordinance; and thereunto I plight thee my troth." As he said the 
      words, he slipped a ring onto each of her ring, middle and index finger of 
      her left hand.
      The old man smiled and turned to Serena, nodding encouragingly. "And Lady 
      Serena."
      "I, Serena Woodard, take thee, Darien Colville, to be my wedded husband to 
      have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or 
      poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us 
      depart, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereunto I plight thee my 
      troth."
      Grinning now the man turned back to the rest of the room. "I now pronounce 
      you husband an wife. You may kiss the bride."
      And they kissed to the delight of the applauding crowd.
      They were running through the crowd when an agonized scream stopped them 
      dead in their tracks.
      "No! Not now!" Lady Evelyn stood ashen gripping her swollen belly.
      Chris picked her up and cradled her in his arms. "Shes been having pains 
      all day." He explained. "I guess the babys decided that now is the time 
      to make his appearance."
      "HER appearance." Argued Evelyn. She looked pleadingly over at the 
      newlyweds. "I am so very sorry to ruin your wedding like this."
      Serena took her hand and led the way through the crowd. "Its ok. Really. 
      Its not like you can help it."
      "Still, I am really SORRY!" her voice escalated into another piercing 
      scream.
      Serena cringed. "Anyone know what to do?" she shouted into the crowd. She 
      may be a fighter but when it came to childbirth, she had no clue what to 
      do.
      Several women came forward and led Chris out of the hall.
      Serena turned to Darien. "I think is should go and try to help."
      He looked down at his wife and sighed. "Of course." Beaming, he watched 
      her run off.
      Hours later, Serena was standing at the side of Evelyns bed holding her 
      hand trying to encourage her. She looked so tired Serena was really 
      starting to feel sorry for her. "Come on Evelyn you can do it."
      Evelyn bore down and pushed for what felt like the millionth time. She 
      started screaming at her husband who was safe on the other side of the 
      door. "Christopher! If you ever touch me again I swear Im going to kill 
      you!"
      Serena had to laugh at that but immediately stopped when the small woman 
      shot her a look that said she wouldnt hesitate doing the same to her. 
      "Sorry."
      Evelyn pushed on more time before there was a loud wail.
      The midwife came over with a crying, wriggling bundle. "Milady, your 
      daughter."
      Serena stared at the tiny wrinkled little face and suddenly felt all 
      choked up. "Congratulations, Evelyn." She took another look at the squirmy 
      little miracle. "Ill go and get the boys."
      Serena left the other women to fuss over her. Quietly she walked over and 
      opened the door. On the other side Darien, Diamond, Sapphire, Colin and a 
      very anxious looking Christopher sat in their rumpled finery.
      Wild haired Chris jumped up when he saw her. "Serena. Whats going on? Is 
      she ok?"
      "Shes fine. If I were you, I would get in there and take a look at my 
      daughter."
      "A daughter?" Chris fought for a breath before nearly running into the 
      door on his hurry to get inside.
      Serena laughed and put her arm around Dariens waist while he did the same 
      to her. "So did you picture our wedding would be like this?"
      Darien chuckled and led her back into the room. "No, absolutely not."
      The couple stood with the rest admiring the newest addition to their 
      family. They offered their congratulations again before sneaking off.
      "Dont you think theyll notice us missing?" Serena looked over her 
      shoulder to see if anyone was following.
      "I do not think that they will notice and if they do, can they really 
      blame us? It is our wedding day too." He whispered as he hurried her down 
      the hall.
      "I guess youre right." She let him drag her to their room.
      They ran into the room and before the door was fully closed Darien had her 
      in his arms.
      "Hello, wife." He gently caressed her lips with his own.
      "Hey there, husband." She mumbled back. His honeyed kisses had never been 
      so sweet and Serena found herself getting weak in the knees. If it hadnt 
      been for Dariens arms, she would have slid to the floor. But he had 
      dragged her tight against him; she was so close that a whisper couldnt 
      have snuck in between them.
      Darien plundered her mouth while slowly peeling the dress off of her. 
      Serena freed her arms and wound them around his neck tangling her fingers 
      in his hair. His tongue brushed against hers and she couldnt think 
      anymore. She couldnt tell which way was up, she couldnt see anything 
      except for an explosion of colours. All she knew was that she and Darien 
      were finally married. They couldnt forget about all the turmoil and 
      misery that they had been through and finally be together. They could 
      finally be happy.
      Frustrated with all the fastening of the bodice, Darien swung her up in 
      his arms and carried her to the bed. "I have waited so long for this 
      moment." He gently laid her down and went to work again. After a minute of 
      fumbling, he let out a growl and tore the dress off of her.
      Serenas eyes widened in shock at the ferocity of his need. Now she was 
      starting to worry. What if she didnt please him? After all she had never 
      done this before. She gulped audibly. And he had to be more experienced 
      than she. Her eyes still wide she watched as he tore his own clothes off 
      and threw them to the side.
      The sight of him nude completely took her breath away, wiping out the 
      earlier fears. Serena had never seen a man naked before. Her eyes wandered 
      slowly over his muscular physique and she was awed. Every inch of him was 
      toned and when he moved the rippling of his muscles mesmerized her.
      Darien saw the way the frightened look in her eyes darkened into desire 
      and smiled tenderly. He came down next to her and reverently ran his hand 
      over her silky smooth skin. Darien willed himself to go slowly, to be 
      gentle. He leaned over and traced his tongue around her belly button 
      stopping to dart in and out of the little hollow.
      Serena closed her eyes and concentrated on the feelings Darien evoked in 
      her with the slightest touch. She surged against him needing to feel more. 
      Molten liquid pleasure flooded her system. Everywhere Darien touched 
      sparked a whole new cascade of sensation that made her mind run amuck. By 
      the time he came down to her, Serena was sure she was in heaven.