
      Paradise v2.0


      Author: aria


      Rated: R


      Rating : 


      Chapter 1
      Serena gathered up her notes and walked into her employers office. 
      Hopefully these would please him more than her last batch did.
      Quietly she knocked on the door and waited for him to invite her in.
      "Come." Came the masculine voice on the other side.
      Serena pushed the door open and walked in. "Hi, Mr. Mason. Here are the 
      notes you wanted."
      Smiling he stood up and walked past her to shut the door. He pulled her 
      around and into his arms. "I love it when you call me that." And his mouth 
      came down on hers.
      Serena pushed at his shoulders. "Mally, is that all you called me in for?" 
      She took a cautious peek out of the closed blinds to see if anyone 
      noticed. "People will start to get suspicious if we keep meeting behind 
      closed doors."
      "Of course they wont." He wounds his arms around her waist and pulled her 
      close again. "Can you blame me? I still think you should consider the 
      offer to move in with me."
      "And what drive to work in separate cars, ignore each other all day? I 
      call that torture."
      He wasnt listening to her now. Instead he was searched her hands for 
      something. "Where is my ring?"
      Serena screwed up her beautiful face into a frown and opened the collar to 
      her blouse to reveal a ring hanging from a chain. "How in the world am I 
      going to explain an engagement ring when Im not actually supposed to be 
      seeing anyone?"
      He ran his fingers through her sun-spun hair. "Soon, well tell everyone 
      about us soon."
      Somehow Serena wasnt convinced, but she nodded anyway. "Here are your 
      notes. I have to get back to my desk."
      "Ok." He kissed her again. "Come visit me again soon."
      She gave him a curt nod before walking out of his office. Serena was 
      getting really sick of sneaking around. She was angry with herself for 
      going along with it, and angry with him for being such a coward and not 
      being able to admit it to everyone.
      Fuming, she went back to work sorting through files and organizing them.
      Her mind was flicking back between her work and how much of a chump she 
      was when a pair of well-manicured hands found their way into her field of 
      view. Just before a deep voice penetrated her concentration.
      "Excuse me. I was wondering if you could help me?"
      Serena looked up ready to snarl at the man, but found her next breath 
      caught in her throat at the sight of him.
      Her gaze was immediately met by a pair of stunning blue eyes that twinkled 
      happily back at her. Her eyes followed their own path, down a straight 
      nose to a well-shaped mouth and a stubborn looking chin.
      "Oof course. What can I help you with?" Serena could feel her face warm 
      with a blush of embarrassment at her ogling the man.
      He simply smiled, not giving away whether or not he noticed her scrutiny. 
      "Im Darien Weston. I believe I have an appointment with Malachite Mason." 
      He leant over and whispered conspiratorially, "I think hes going to hire 
      me."
      He must have been around the same age as herself and she had to smile at 
      his remark. She remembered what it was like to be looking for a job. 
      "Congratulations. I look forward to seeing you around here."
      He smiled at her, his eyes gazing into hers. "Absolutely."
      She cleared her throat and nodded at the door. "Hes right through there." 
      Smiling, Serena pretended to go back to work, but she was intensely aware 
      of his presence beside her.
      She heard him knock on the door and breathed easier when the door closed 
      again with him on the other side.
      He emerged again a little while later grinning from ear to ear.
      "Thanks Mr. Mason. I wont let you down."
      "Its a pleasure to hire someone with your expertise, Darien. See you in 
      the morning." He smiled at Darien and winked at Serena before closing the 
      door.
      "Congratulations again, Mr. Weston, was it?"
      "Call me Darien..." he let the sentence drop so she could fill in the gap.
      "Serena, Serena Jacobson." She took the hand he extended and shook it 
      lightly before awkwardly returning to her typing. Shyly she looked up from 
      the monitor. "Ill see you in the morning then."
      His voice was light and full of promise. "Bright and early."
      ----
      Serena walked into the office the next morning expecting the day to be 
      like any other. She sat down at her desk checked her email, checked over 
      everything in her to do tray and got to work.
      Malachite, she expected, was in his office. He always came in before 
      everyone to get an early start.
      And like every morning Malachite came out of his office to greet her. 
      "Good morning Ms. Jacobson."
      "Good morning, Mr. Mason. How are you today?"
      "Wonderful." He leant over and smiled, whispering, "You look gorgeous 
      today."
      Serena fingered her neckline nervously. "Thanks." She looked at the room 
      from the corners of her eyes. "Mally..."
      "I know, I know. I cant help it." He stood up and would have said 
      something else when a familiar figure strode into view.
      "Good morning."
      Serena looked up and met a smile for a smile. "Good morning, Darien."
      "And good morning to you, Serena." Almost as an after thought, he looked 
      up at Malachite and smiled warmly. "Good morning, Mr. Mason."
      Malachite looked at Serena curiously then nodded at Darien. "Good morning, 
      Darien. Let me show you to your office."
      Office? Serena watched as Malachite lead him over to the corner office. 
      She was a little envious now. An office huh? All she had was a cubicle.
      ----
      The rest of the morning went by snag free. It was rather boring as a 
      matter of fact. She managed to finish up most of her work before the clock 
      struck eleven.
      She was slowly wading through more paper work, wondering miserably if this 
      was actually getting her anywhere when a arm thrust a paper bag in her 
      face.
      "Lunch?"
      Serena smiled. "Thanks. But I couldnt eat that. Its much too greasy."
      Darien smiled back at her and blinked. "Just this once. Trust me it would 
      take more than a burger to ruin that fabulous figure."
      She blushed at his impertinence. "Thanks but no thanks."
      "Come on. I wont leave you alone until you have lunch with me."
      His voice had risen and she knew the rest of the room was watching the 
      scene they were playing out. "Fine." She answered in a hushed tone. "Just 
      keep your voice down."
      ----
      The hour they had for lunch flew past in a matter of minutes.
      Serena was laughing at Dariens humorous quips. The echoes of her laughter 
      bounced off the walls of the nearly empty lunchroom and she winced. "Wed 
      better get back before Mr. Mason realizes were not back yet."
      "Yeah, especially since this is my first day and all." He helped her out 
      of the seat and pushed the chair back in. "Lets go."
      Malachite was waiting for them at Serenas desk when they got there. His 
      frown was enough to let Serena know he was not pleased.
      "Ms. Jacobson. In my office please."
      Darien followed them in. "Mr. Mason. Dont take it out on her. I invited 
      her for lunch and we just lost track of the time thats all."
      "Thats very noble of you, Weston, but I would advise you to keep out of 
      this." And with that Malachite shoved him out the door and slammed it in 
      his face. Now he glowered at Serena. "What are you doing with that guy?"
      She put up her hand. "We were just having lunch!" Serena shoved at him 
      when he tried to calm her down with a hand on her shoulder. "Get off."
      "Honey, Im sorry. I just dont like seeing you with"
      "Anyone?" tears filled her eyes. "You want me as your private plaything 
      but Im forbidden to come into contact with anyone? Is that it?"
      "Serena..."
      She shoved at him again. "Im sick and tired of having to hide this 
      relationship!"
      "I know. But I just ask that you wait a little longer." She didnt shove 
      him when he hugged her this time.
      Somehow she was expecting a little more than that. Sighing wearily, she 
      backed out of his embrace. "Ive got to get back to work."
      He nodded. "Ill talk to you later."
      "Yeah whatever," she mumbled walking out of his office.
      Darien was waiting for her at her desk when she sat down. "Are you ok? You 
      didnt get into much trouble did you?"
      "No. Not really."
      He sighed in relief. "Good." He got off of the corner of her desk where he 
      was perched and smiled handsomely. "I would hate to be the one to get you 
      into trouble."
      Serena watched him saunter off smiling at the admiring glances of the 
      other women in the office and knew that he was going to get her into much 
      more trouble than this.
      ----
      The next day around lunch, Malachite walked out of his office and leaned 
      on her desk. "How about lunch?"
      That definitely raised her eyebrows. "Lunch? The two of us in public, for 
      lunch?"
      Yes." His smile was a little strained and she could see that he really 
      didnt want to do it.
      She shook her head. "You dont even want to."
      "Of course I do!"
      Serena noticed he couldnt even look her in the eyes. "No you dont. Its 
      ok really. Ill just"
      "Have lunch with him again?" he couldnt even fight the scorn from his 
      voice.
      "So thats what this is all about?" she hissed. "Youre jealous?"
      "I am not." He stood up and straightened his tie. "Suit yourself." 
      Malachite walked back into his office and shut the door cutting off any 
      reply.
      Serena raked her fingers through her golden hair. She had become 
      accustomed to his fits of anger. They still irked her but she was learning 
      to let them slide off their back.
      Serena started flipping through some notes that he wanted her to type up. 
      How could he be so jealous over a little lunch with a new friend?
      Fuming over her fiancs irrational side, Serena took a look over at the 
      office that Darien occupied. Was there something about him that threatened 
      Malachite so much?
      Malachite Mason owned a company, a beautiful home, cars, everything. So 
      how could he be jealous of a man when she didnt even knew what he did 
      there.
      And men always complained about women being hard to understand.
      "What?"
      Serenas head snapped up. She hadnt noticed anyone approaching her desk. 
      "Huh?"
      "Something about men being confusing?" Darien wriggled his eyebrows. "We 
      may be confusing, but not as half as complicated as the female mind."
      Serena shoved him off her desk. "Stop being irritating."
      He regained his footing with ease. "Now I know youre not angry with me." 
      He the folder he had been carrying down and looked her straight in the 
      eyes. "So who has you miffed?"
      "No one. So leave me alone so I can get some work done."
      He pointed at his watch and shook his head. "Technically its lunch, so 
      you dont have to work."
      She shook her head, sending blonde waves cascading over her shoulders. "I 
      have a ton of work to do."
      "Let me let you in on a little secret. So do I." He winked. "So how about 
      lunch?"
      Serena thought about the ugly scene earlier. "No thanks. Im not hungry."
      "Come on. Just keep me company then? I hate to eat alone."
      His smile was so charming she almost gave in. "No thank you. Now please 
      leave me alone."
      "I guess Ill have to take drastic steps now." He stood up and waved his 
      arms as if to fend her off. "Lunch? Oh no Im too busy!" his voice had 
      risen enough to echo through the quiet room. "Come on! Hey! I said I had a 
      lot of work to do!"
      Serena grabbed at his arm. "Shhhh! Shut up!"
      "Ow! Ok, ok, ok! If I go to lunch with you will you stop manhandling me?"
      She couldnt believe his guts. "Fine! Just shut up!" Serena grabbed her 
      purse and stomped over to the elevator, Darien happily following. She 
      could feel her cheeks getting red as she waited for the doors to open.
      Inside she punched the button and closing her eyes, waited for the doors 
      to close before she spoke again. "How dare you!"
      He shrugged like it was no big deal. "Hey, it worked didnt it?"
      "Is this how you get all your dates?"
      "Some." His smile evaporated when he saw how angry Serena was. "Come on. 
      It was just a joke."
      "Some joke," she mumbled. Serena prayed that Malachite hadnt heard the 
      commotion. She could just imagine how angry he would be over this one.
      Darien ran a gentle hand over her arm sending instant shivers through her. 
      She snatched her arm away, brushing off the gooseflesh. It was ridiculous 
      how chilly they kept these things.
      He didnt seem to notice. "Look. Ill make it up to. Lunch is my treat 
ok?"
      "You dont have to do that." She mumbled.
      "I didnt mean to upset you so much. Please, let me make it up to you."
      The door opened and she walked out with Darien close behind. She didnt 
      hear him following her so she turned around to find him heading in the 
      opposite direction to her. "Youre going the wrong way. The cafeteria is 
      this way."
      He shook his head and motioned her to follow him. "No, good food is this 
      way. Who can handle that stuff they serve more than once in their 
      lifetime?"
      Serena wanted to tell him that she suffered with it for the whole time she 
      had been there, but she didnt get the chance to. Darien was already 
      dragging her out the door and down the street.
      "Where are we going?" she struggled to keep up with his long strides.
      "Just a little place I know. Its not to far and its very good."
      Her jaw dropped when she found herself almost frog marched into the 
      trendiest caf in the city.
      She dragged on his arm when he walked up to the hostess. "How are you 
      going to get us in there? I heard you had to wait at least an hour to get 
      to the bar to wait to get a table!"
      He winked. "Let me worry about that." Ignoring her tugs on his arm, he 
      approached the pretty woman and spoke in hushed tones to her. She in turn 
      looked over his shoulder at Serena and nodded, blushing all the while.
      Darien smiled at Serena and stuck out his arm for her to loop her arm 
      through.
      Stunned, Serena took it. Even Malachite wasnt able to get them in. they 
      had tried on numerous occasions but he had been too impatient to wait to 
      get in.
      She looked over at her companion. Darien looked as though he did this 
      every day.
      "So is she a girlfriend?"
      "Why does it bother you?"
      Tongue-tied that he would even assume such a thing she retorted. "Of 
      course not. What you do is your own affair." Huffily, she took her seat 
      and picked up a menu that a waiter gave her.
      A scan of the list of scrumptious sounding foods had her nearly falling 
      off her seat. They were astronomical! She started shaking her head and 
      moved to stand up.
      "I cant let you pay for this! It's extortionate!" flipping her hair over 
      her shoulder she picked up her bag.
      Darien grabbed the strap before it left the table. "I said I was going to 
      make it up to you and I will. So please put it down."
      His imperious tone surprised her and for a moment she didnt know what she 
      wanted to do.
      "Please."
      His tone had humbled somewhat and she complied. "Fine, but Im ordering 
      the cheapest thing on here." She waved the menu at him like it was on 
fire.
      Darien didnt argue, but when the waiter arrived he whispered something to 
      him. The man nodded and walked off with a little smile to Serena.
      She grabbed Dariens arm. "What did you say to him?"
      He simply shook his dark head and smiled at her. "How long have you worked 
      for Mason?"
      "Youre ignoring me now." She huffed.
      "No. Im not. You will find out soon enough." He stared again, his lips 
      curving to reveal a row of perfect teeth. "So how long?"
      "A couple of years." Serena took a sip of the water set in front of her. 
      Her throat was so parched. "So what do you do?"
      Chuckling he leaned back in his chair and perched and arm on the back of 
      it. "Im the new IT manager. I thought you would have known after all that 
      time you spend with Mason."
      Staring daggers at him, Serena nearly choked on her water. "What are you 
      talking about?"
      "You know what Im talking about. You and Malachite Mason spend a lot of 
      time in his office."
      So he had noticed. "You never came up in conversation you conceited"
      "Ill pretend I didnt hear that." He took a sip of the water and placed 
      the glass back onto the table.
      "Were never going to have time to eat. Its going to take forever to get 
      our food and we only have an hour for lunch." Serena hoped that he would 
      take her bait and move onto another subject.
      "Dont worry about it." He said cutting off any argument. "So what do you 
      and Mr. Mason talk about in there then?"
      "Thats none of your business!" she slammed her hand onto the table loud 
      enough to disrupt a few patrons lunches. "Now I suggest we move on to 
      another topic of conversation or this lunch is over."
      Completely unperturbed, Darien shrugged and smiled. "Fine by me. What do 
      you want to talk about?"
      "Anything."
      "Anything but what you and Mr. Mason do behind those closed doors."
      Before she could slap him for his insinuations, he caught her hand and 
      tenderly kissed her palm.
      Serena was breathless when the sensation shot through her. The spot his 
      soft warm lips touched tingled for a moment before radiating a curious 
      warmth up her arm and throughout her entire body.
      Trembling slightly, she pulled her hand out of his possession.
      "Ah heres our food now."
      Serena stared at him as he smiled at the waiter. How could act like 
      nothing happened?
      She gave the waiter a tremulous smile in thanks and looked down at her 
      food. It looked and smelled divine. Everything but her hunger was 
      forgotten. She was lying when she said she wasnt hungry. All she had to 
      eat all day was an apple and that had been first thing that morning.
      Darien nodded at her, his eyes darkened by an emotion she didnt dare 
      name. "Go ahead."
      She delicately took a bite and sighed in blissful happiness. "This is 
      terrific."
      He had started on his food as well. "Its a favourite of mine."
      Serena took a sip of the wine he had ordered and a few questions came to 
      mind. "How often do you do this? And how do you afford it?"
      He laughed heartily. "You dont pull any punches do you?" Darien took 
      another sip of wine and shook his head. "Not often enough and I cant."
      Serena felt guilt creep up on her now. "You shouldnt have brought me here 
      then!" Immediately, she reached for her purse. "You have to let me pay for 
      half." Searching through it, she realized that she had spoken too soon. 
      All the money she had wouldnt even pay for cab fare to go two blocks! 
      Blushing, her gaze met his again. "Let me hit an ATM."
      Chuckling he gently grasped her arm and pulled her back down into her 
      seat. "I can handle it."
      "You could have made it up to me"
      "With what? A staling sandwich from the cafeteria? Give me some credit for 
      having an ounce of class." He could see she was battling with herself and 
      he smiled genuinely. "Dont worry about it. Really." His long finger 
      touched her chin, a gesture she was sure was supposed to be reassuring but 
      had her blood pressure rising in an instant.
      Blinking away the strange haze that veiled her vision, Serena smiled, if a 
      little shakily. "Thanks."
      She took another bite of her meal and shook her head incredulously at the 
      wondrous flavours mingling on her tongue. "So how does an IT manager such 
      as yourself come to have such great taste in food? I always imagined you 
      guys being fat, nerdy and pale from lack of sunlight from self imposed 
      imprisonment in your basements." She peeked up at him through her lowered 
      lashes. He was so not like that. Just a look at him sent all her 
      preconceptions crashing through the window. She caught the sardonic look 
      on his face and nearly choked. "No offence!"
      A dark eyebrow rose along with his wineglass. "None taken."
      Serena watched as he took a sip and rolled it on his tongue. For a moment 
      she envied that wine. The thought taking her completely off guard, she 
      nearly choked again.
      He rose to help her but she put up her hand and took a swig out of her 
      glass. "Im ok."
      "Youre sure?"
      She nodded emphatically. "Yes." She gasped. "Ill be ok."
      Darien slid his chair next to hers. "Perhaps, if I were to assist you."
      Aware of the stares from the other patrons, she tried to push him back to 
      his side. "Really. Im not an invalid."
      He didnt look convinced. "Ok. But if you choke one more time, Im feeding 
      you."
      Darien feeding her. Images of him delicately finger feeding her flashed 
      through her mind.
      Serena promptly put the fork down. "Im done." She looked away from his 
      eyes hating the way that they seemed to see everything, even the things 
      she was feeling deep down.
      She fidgeted with her napkin for a moment then glanced at her watch. "We 
      have to get back before MalMr. Mason freaks out. We have ten minutes to 
      be back in the office." Serena jumped out of her chair and grabbed her 
      purse, hoping that Darien didnt notice her slip.
      He lithely stood up and dumped a few bills on the table that Serena was 
      startled to realize were hundred dollar bills. She started to feel guilty 
      again about how much just one meal had cost him. Shed have to make it up 
      to him another time.
      After a few minutes of brisk walking they arrived at the building in time 
      to see Malachite pull up to the building in his sleek black Mercedes 
      Kompressor.
      Unconsciously, Serena slowed her pace and tried to hide behind Dariens 
      much larger frame.
      "Looks like our boss had himself a little lunch time rendezvous." Darien 
      chuckled.
      Serena didnt find it so funny. Eyes flashing, she looked up at him. "What 
      do you mean?"
      Smiling that infuriatingly sure smile and answered, "Just that he had 
      lunch."
      Serena would have been ok if he stopped there, but he kept going.
      "And concluding from what we just saw he went somewhere he couldnt reach 
      by walking. Why else would he do that when the best restaurant in town is 
      a few minutes away?"
      A chill swept through her and Serena could feel the seeds of doubt sprout 
      in the pit of her stomach. Damn him for being so perceptive. But it all 
      was just speculation on his part.
      Keeping silent she followed him into the building. She was shocked out of 
      her minds wandering when she heard Dariens voice again.
      "Hey want to see if we can beat him up?" his smiled had grown mischievous 
      now.
      Serena thought it was a good idea. "Ok."
      They saw that the elevators were packed so they went the only other way. 
      The stairs.
      Twenty flights later, they stood at the door leading onto their floor 
      wheezing.
      Serenas legs felt as if they were going to give out on her. But she was 
      smiling. That was the most fun shed had in a long time. And strangely 
      enough, she started to giggle.
      Darien had collapsed against a wall and was clutching his chest comically. 
      "Im glad you find giving me a heart attack funny."
      She straightened out her clothes still bubbling with laughter. "It was 
      your idea, if you remember." She tried to open the door but found it 
      stuck. She jerked on the handle a few times trying to dislodge it but 
      couldnt.
      Darien shook his head as if to say she was a weak female, but after a few 
      tries he couldnt open it either. "Ok it looks like were stuck here."
      She was shaking her head. "We cant be!"
      "Try it together?" when she nodded he continued. "Well shove with our 
      shoulders."
      Serena braced herself against the door and pushed while Darien rammed it 
      with a solid shoulder. Success.
      They pushed open the door, stumbled out and to Serenas horror the entire 
      floor seemed to be looking at them. And worst of all, so was Malachite.
      Heart sinking into her toes at the withering look he gave them; she knew 
      she was in for an earful. She could envisage him frogmarching her into his 
      office and yelling until his face resembled a beet.
      "Ms. Jacobson, Mr. Weston. Could you please join me in my office?" His 
      voice was strained, but he remained calm for the most part.
      Serena felt like a student being called into the principals office. She 
      followed Darien in and jumped a little when the door slammed behind her.
      Slowly, Malachite circled them before sitting down in his soft leather 
      seat at his desk. "Now can you explain to me what the two of you were 
      doing in the stairwell?"
      Serena could nearly feel the edge of his voice cut her. "Nothing, MalMr. 
      Mason."
      Darien cut her off. "I embarrassed Serena earlier today and I made it up 
      to her with lunch." He kept going even when Serena tugged desperately on 
      his arm. "We were heading back when we thought that coming up the stairs 
      would be fun." He shrugged as if that would explain it all." Thats all 
      there is to it."
      Malachites pale eyebrows rose. "You expect me to believe that when the 
      two of you look like that?" he waved his hand at their dishevelled 
      appearance. "Please." He glared at Serenas flushed face. "If you two 
      decided on an office romance, I would think that you would have a little 
      more tact and keep it under wraps. But this is intolerable behaviour."
      Serenas temper rose a few more degrees. She couldnt believe he would 
      think that or that he could be so condescending. She bit her tongue in an 
      effort to keep quiet.
      Darien shook his head at Malachite. "Youve got it all wrong. We didnt do 
      anything like that. It was just an innocent lunch between friends."
      "And why should I believe you?"
      He didnt back down. "Because I have a girlfriend." He produced a picture 
      out of his wallet. "Im sure you recognize her."
      Malachites eyes widened when he saw the image.
      Serenas curiosity was piqued and she took a look over Dariens shoulder. 
      Stunned she stared slack jawed at the face smiling seductively back at 
      her. She recognized her from dozens of magazines and even more billboards 
      all over town. "Youre dating her?" she squeaked.
      "Yup." He smiled adoringly at the picture before replacing it in his 
      wallet.
      Serena wasnt sure where the jealousy flared from but she had to fight it 
      down and remind herself that she had a boyfriend, no a fianc. She 
      fingered the ring through her blouse. She had absolutely no right to feel 
      this way. Yet she did.
      Malachite nodded at Darien admiringly. "Im sorry Darien. I shouldnt have 
      been so quick to accuse. Please accept my apology." He extended his hand.
      Darien took it and shook it briskly. "Dont worry about upsetting me. Its 
      Serenas delicate nature Im worried about." He patted her brotherly on 
      the shoulder. "She gets upset pretty easily."
      She shoved his hand away. "I do not!"
      Malachite waved Darien out of his office. "I will see you later, Darien." 
      He shut the door behind him then turned to Serena.
      She lowered her eyes from his for a moment then remembered she hadnt done 
      anything wrong. "Why are you looking at me like that?"
      "You honestly want me to believe that nothing went on between the two of 
      do you?"
      "Of course. I would never do anything like that." She watched him edge 
      around his desk and stalk over to her.
      He grabbed her arms and shook her a few times. Eyes burning into her he 
      leant over so she could feel his breath on her cheek. "Of course." His 
      mouth captured hers, bruising them.
      Serena pushed at his shoulders until he took a step back.
      He glared at her. "What? Dont you like my kisses anymore?"
      "Not when youre acting like this." Serena tiptoed toward the door.
      He saw how frightened she was and put up his hands. "Im sorry. I was just 
      caught off guard. You can see how I jumped to such conclusions."
      She swiped at his hand when he reached for her. "No! I cant! I cant see 
      how you believe that I would do something soso tasteless as to make out 
      with a co worker in a stairwell in the office building where my fianc is 
      the big wig!" She glared at him and opened the door, walked out and 
      slammed it behind her.
      ----
      Serena blinked.
      It felt like the first blink since she walked out of Malachites office, 
      but a quick look at her clock told her that idea was ludicrous. It had 
      been three hours now and the anger still hadnt faded.
      She twisted the stress ball she kept on her desk out of shape and pounded 
      it on the table. How could he think that she would do something like that? 
      Who did she think she was? Serena ran her finger along the necklace. 
      Perhaps they didnt know each other like they thought they did. She 
      definitely didnt realize had could be so jealous.
      Or was that what she was really angry about? Serena thought about that 
      picture Darien produced out of his wallet.
      Why would he be interested in her? Shed entertained the notion, Serena 
      had to admit that. It was flattering to have such a handsome man show some 
      interest in her. But now that illusion was gone. He was just a man, new to 
      this environment, looking for a new friend at work. Yes. Thats all.
      Serena still couldnt help the disappointment she felt. So much for her 
      ego.
      By the end of the day, Serena was officially beat. She didnt even feel 
      like driving home. Instead she played a game she remembered from her 
      college days, and went wherever the lights dictated. Red meant straight, 
      yellow left and green right.
      Before long she was on the other side of town skirting on the edge of the 
      sea.
      For a while she sat on the hood of her car just staring out at the rolling 
      waves. It had to be her most favourite spot in the world. She could always 
      remember a time where the sight, sounds and smells of the ocean could 
      salve any wound to her soul.
      Serena lay there until the wind grew chilly and the sky turned an inky 
      black. She rubbed her bare arms and slid off the hood. "I guess its time 
      to go home."
      The drive home was uneventful and went by in the blink of an eye. By the 
      time she got home she was glad to be there. All she wanted was a nice meal 
      and to soak in a nice hot bath before getting to bed.
      She pushed her door open and walked into her small apartment. Tossing the 
      keys onto the table by the door, she stretched her sore shoulder muscles 
      and turned to lock the door.
      Serenas eyes widened when an arm grabbed her around the waist and she 
      opened her mouth to scream but a big hand clamped over it.