
      Paradise v2.0


      Author: aria


      Rated: R


      Rating : 


      Chapter 2
      "Shh. It's just me."
      Serena recognized the voice and ceased struggling before he turned her 
      around. "Malachite! What are you doing here?" She forced herself to start 
      breathing slowly again. "You nearly scared me to death."
      "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to." he grinned sheepishly.
      Serena glared at him mumbling something about him trying to give her a 
      heart attack. She swept past him and into the kitchen to fix herself a 
      drink. "What do you want?"
      Malachite sighed. He was hoping that she had gotten over it by now. 
      Apparently she hadn't. "I came over to apologize about this afternoon. I 
      acted like an--"
      "Ass?" Serena came out nursing a coffee.
      Malachite nodded slowly. "Yes I guess you could say that." He shoved his 
      hands in his pocket and wandered around the room. "I'm so sorry that I 
      acted like such a jerk. I don't know what came over me." He crossed the 
      room to her in a few quick steps.
      Serena looked up at him, wondering what he was thinking. He couldnt 
      actually think that he could smooth things over with a few pretty words 
      did he?
      He put one hand on her shoulder and with the other, pulled out a long flat 
      box.
      Obviously he knew her better than she thought.
      "I bought you this." He opened it and handed it to her. "Just a little 
      something to say Im sorry."
      Serena took the box and gazed at the brilliantly sparkling jewels. As much 
      as she wanted them, Serena knew that she couldnt accept. To do so would 
      give him the message that he could do no wrong as long as he made up for 
      it with jewellery. But they were just so beautiful.
      Malachite noticed her reluctance and pounced on his chance. "Its perfect 
      isnt it?" he transferred it from the box to her wrist. "And it suits you 
      wonderfully."
      It was heavy and cool on her arm and she couldnt stop herself from turned 
      her wrist to catch the light.
      Not giving her the chance to refuse, he put the box back in his coat and 
      pulled her into his embrace. "You can wear tomorrow to my parents house."
      "What?" She looked up at him not sure about what he was talking about.
      He took one look at her blank face and sighed. He set her back and shook 
      his head disappointedly. "Youve forgotten about dinner at my parents"
      "No I havent." She wracked her mind trying to think of what lunch he was 
      referring to.
      "Of course you havent." he pulled out his wallet. "And I bet you havent 
      forgotten about getting a dress either." He pulled out a stack of hundred 
      dollar bills.
      Serena pushed them away. "I cant take that! Ill just wear what Ive 
got."
      He shook his head. "Just think of it as part of the gift." He eyed her arm 
      pointedly and thrust the money into her hands. "Buy whatever you need, 
ok?"
      She stared blankly at the wad and knew she shouldnt take it, but he 
      walked away.
      "Ill see you tomorrow ok?" He gave her a peck on the cheek and walked out 
      the door.
      ----
      Late in the afternoon, Serena put her dress on and stared at herself in 
      the mirror. The time she spent on her hair and make up were well worth it. 
      Her golden locks were swept back into a loose bun at the base of her neck 
      and her make up carefully emphasized her eyes, a feature of her face she 
      was particularly proud of. Serena smoothed her hands down her side, 
      admiring the way that the light teal fabric fell from her shoulders.
      Feeling exceptionally light hearted, Serena twirled in front of the 
      full-length mirror, enjoying the way that the weightless material floated 
      like gossamer around her legs.
      Malachite would love it. It was a little more daring than she would 
      usually wear, but it was nothing indecent. Perfectly adequate for dinner 
      with family. Well, family to be.
      She was rushing around the room trying to make sure she had everything she 
      needed when she heard the doorbell ring.
      "Im almost ready, sweetie!" Hopping on one foot and trying to put a pump 
      on the other, she managed to reach the door and open it.
      "Glad to hear it, love bug."
      Serena scowled at the figure leaning casually against her doorframe. He 
      was definitely not the person she was expecting. "Darien? What are you 
      doing here?" And looking so good in a suit?
      "Malachite was running late so he sent me to pick you up. Hell meet us at 
      his parents home." He walked in and took a sweeping glance of the 
      apartment.
      Serenas stomach lurched a little. This would be the first time meeting 
      his parents in a social situation. "Wonderful. Just let me get my wrap and 
      we can get going."
      She reached into the closet and grabbed the said article of clothing 
      before running quick inventory of her clutch. Satisfied that she wasnt 
      missing anything, Serena nodded to Darien, "Ok, ready."
      "Its about time."
      Serena would have been offended by the comment if he hadnt have softened 
      it with a smile. She dug her nails into the arm he offered in response. 
      "If I had known it was you coming, I would have taken a hell of a lot 
      longer."
      He steered her down the hall. "Ill remember that next time."
      ----
      They arrived at the sprawling estate a short time later.
      Serena and Darien both gazed in awe at the size of it as they approached.
      "Well you cant say that they dont have money." Darien pointed at the 
      bronze lions that silently guarded the gate. "But taste?" he shrugged.
      Serena had to laugh at the look of revulsion on his face. "Ill have to 
      agree with you on that one." Even then, she could feel the tension start 
      to knot her stomach. Hopefully Darien would be close by. He had a way of 
      easing her anxiety.
      Parking the car, the pair walked up to the door and rung the ominous 
      sounding doorbell and waited.
      "How much do you want to bet that were greeted by an uptight, anal 
      retentive butler?" Darien challenged.
      "You dont have to bet me, Im pretty sure youre right." The door opened 
      the instant the words left her mouth.
      A wizened man with a discreet moustache peered at them from under eyebrows 
      that could have served as the bushes that partially hid the windows from 
      view. "Mister Weston and Ms. Jacobson I presume?" he hardly waited for 
      Serena to nod before he continued. "Master and Mistress Mason have been 
      expecting you. I shall tell Master Malachite that you have arrived. Follow 
      me."
      Darien turned to her, when the butler turned away and crossed his eyes at 
      the pretentious display.
      Serena stifled a giggle and tried to keep her composure.
      Because he didnt give them a choice in the matter, the pair followed 
      closely behind trying to keep with his brisk pace. He led them through the 
      enormous foyer and down a lavishly decorated hall before arriving at what 
      looked like a well-stocked library.
      "Excuse me. Mr. Weston and Ms. Jacobson have arrived." He took Dariens 
      coat and Serenas wrap and left.
      Serena looked as curiously at the strangers as they looked at them. The 
      urge to turn and run suddenly gripped her. That was until there was some 
      movement from the group inside.
      "Serena, darling! How nice to see you again!" A tall slender woman well 
      dressed and even more bejewelled swept Serena into a friendly embrace.
      She hugged the woman back and air kissed her clumsily. "Mother Mason. Its 
      nice to see you again."
      Smiling warmly, she moved onto Darien and air kissed him as well. "And you 
      must be Darien. Ive heard some good things about you." She looked over 
      his shoulder. "Where is your other half that Ive heard so much about?"
      Darien chuckled. "Shes on assignment in Milan and gets back later 
      tonight, otherwise she would have been here."
      She waved her hand, dismissing it. "Never mind. Come in." She took both 
      their hands and pulled them into the room. "We were just about to taste 
      some wine a friend of mine brought back from the Loire."
      Mrs. Mason handed them each an oversized wine glass and filled them with 
      liberal amounts of the dark ruby liquid. "Malachite will just be a moment. 
      I think he said something about a phone call." Having said that she turned 
      her attention to the rest of the guests and smiled. "These are some of 
      Malachites friends from work, Serena Jacobson and Darien Weston."
      She introduced them all in turn, but Serena was more worried about what 
      they were about to do more than keeping names with faces. A wine tasting? 
      She hadnt a clue about wine tasting.
      Her fingers fidgeted nervously with the long stem of the glass, which she 
      nearly dropped when a hand closed over her shoulder.
      "Hello, Serena." Malachite nodded to the other new arrival. "And Darien. I 
      hope I didnt keep you waiting long." He swept up a glass himself and 
      smiled eagerly. "Im sure everyone here is as excited as I am to try out 
      this vintage. Lets not dawdle."
      Serena watched in horror as everyone instantly started swirling the dark 
      liquid around in their glasses. They all seemed to know what they were 
      doing. She quickly swirled hers and muffled a squeak when a few drops flew 
      over the rim.
      Sure that her face was redder than a poppy, Serena kept her eyes on 
      Malachite and copied him when he stuck him nose right inside the glass and 
      took a deep breath.
      Confident that she could do that without mishap, Serena did the same and 
      inhaled the incredible aroma of the heady wine.
      Listening to the others murmur comments about how woodsy and fruity it 
      smelled, she could only nod and agree. What ever it smelled like, Serena 
      liked it.
      She looked over at Darien and saw that he was nodding sagely to the woman 
      next to him as she whispered something to him. He caught her eye and gave 
      her an encouraging smile.
      Serenas gaze swept over to Malachite who was scrutinizing her performance 
      with a disapproving scowl.
      He took a sip from his glass and she could see him rolling it over his 
      tongue. The look he gave her was almost a challenge.
      Defiantly, Serena took sip of hers as well and did what he just did.
      Malachite nodded enough for her to see and then puckered up his lips and 
      sucked in a blast of air. He closed his eyes in pure bliss and nodded.
      It didnt look too hard to Serena. She puckered up and did the same. But 
      somehow the fruity wine got caught in the way of the air and found its way 
      heading toward her lungs.
      Coughing hoarsely, Serena dropped the glass sending it shattering on the 
      hard wood floor.
      Bent over, Serena didnt think she would ever rid herself of the burning 
      liquid. Still coughing, she was barely aware of someone holding her 
      shoulders.
      Her eyes were so watery she couldnt see straight, but Serena thought she 
      could see Dariens concerned face peering into hers.
      She could hear him offer an excuse and then felt herself being led from 
      the room.
      Her coughing subsided moments later and Serena could see enough to know 
      that she was in a bathroom. Taking a calming breath, Serena lowered the 
      lid to the toilet and sat down. "I cant believe that I did that."
      "Its a simple mistake." He handed her a glass of water and watched her 
      take a sip. "Is that better?"
      Nodding miserably, she took another sip. "I cant believe I did that." 
      Serena lowered her head into her hands. "I cant go back out there now. 
      Theyll all laugh at me."
      "Of course you can. Dont be ridiculous. Well just get you cleaned up and 
      youll march back in there like nothing ever happened."
      "I cant!" The tears started to flow now, and she was so upset she 
      couldnt be bothered to fight them back. "Ive made a complete fool out of 
      myself!"
      "You dont have to explain yourself to them. Besides, Im sure theyll 
      understand. They arent exactly perfect themselves." He knelt down in 
      front of her. "So are you going to let a little wine get you down? Or are 
      you going to get back in there and show them what for?"
      Serena giggled. "Youre right. Im going to get back in there and show 
      that wine whos boss."
      "That a girl." He took her hand and helped her up. "Ill leave you to 
      clean yourself up a bit and well head back."
      Serena shook her head. "Go ahead without me."
      He smiled and knew she wanted to do this herself. "Ok. See you back in 
      there." Darien closed the door behind him.
      She looked at the tear-streaked face in the mirror and wiped them away. 
      There was no way she was going to let something like this get her down.
      Quickly getting herself back together, Serena walked out into the hall and 
      strode back to the study. Just as she reached the door a familiar figure 
      stepped out and shut the door behind him.
      Serena was ready to laugh off the incident until the ice in Malachites 
      eyes froze the smile from her lips.
      "How can you be smiling after what happened in there? You made an absolute 
      fool out of me."
      "You? How could I make a fool out of you? Im the one who choked!" Serena 
      was careful to keep her voice low.
      "You are my guest and what ever you do reflects on me. That was grossly 
      careless of you. How do you ever expect to accompany me on dinners or 
      anything when you cant even taste wine properly?"
      "You never told me we were going to be tasting wine. If you had, you would 
      have known that I have never done it before. You could have at least 
      warned me!"
      "I never thought that you would be so inept that you couldnt even perform 
      a simple thing like taste wine." He hissed.
      "Ive had it." Serena could feel her lips start to tremble, but she was 
      determined not to cry in front of Malachite. Instead she wrenched the 
      necklace from her neck and shoved it back at him. "Perhaps you should have 
      this back. You wouldnt want to find yourself married to an inept dolt who 
      cant taste wine would you?" Whirling on her heel, Serena tried not to 
      stomp her way to the front door.
      Miraculously, the butler was there waiting with her wrap. She snatched it 
      from him without a second glance and stormed out the door.
      "Wait!"
      The voice wasnt the one she was expecting and she turned around to see 
      Darien hurrying to her.
      "What are you doing?" She wiped the solitary tear from her cheek and kept 
      walking.
      "Giving you a ride home, thats what." He dragged her unyielding body over 
      to his car and shoved her into the front seat.
      "Shouldnt you be living it up with the rest of them?"
      "Why? The only reason I was invited to this ridiculous affair is because 
      Malachite wanted to pay me back for sending me to get you. Otherwise I 
      wouldnt have even been invited." He shrugged. "It wasnt exactly my idea 
      of a good time anyways."
      "Do what you like." Slumping back in the seat, Serena didnt really care 
      where they went as long as it was far away from her former fianc.
      He looked over to her. "Where to?"
      "Where ever."
      He put his hand on hers and pulled out of the long driveway. "He shouldnt 
      have been so hard on you."
      She wasnt that surprised at this point. There wasnt much that escaped 
      Darien. "Sure he should have. Im completely useless."
      "No your not. If anyone is useless, its Mason. He could have clued you in 
      and at least have given you a chance to prepare yourself. He failed you. 
      Not the other way around."
      How did he always have something good to say? Serena looked at him in 
      amazement and admiration. She wished she could have some of his 
      confidence. "So where are we headed?"
      "Out for coffee. It would be a shame to put our wonderful fashion sense to 
      waste." He tugged at his tie playfully.
      Feeling playful herself, Serena smiled back at him and nodded. 
      "Absolutely."
      ----
      Serena looked out of her window at the dark sky and wondered where the 
      evening went.
      After leaving Malachites parents home, they drove up to the coast and 
      had coffee from thermos on the beach. After that they had dinner before 
      Darien drove them back to her place.
      He was settled on her couch when she brought out another steaming cup of 
      coffee. She handed it to him and sat down next to him.
      "Thanks." He wrapped his hand around it and took a deep breath of the 
      aromatic drink. "It smells great."
      Serena put hers on the coffee table and nodded, "Hazelnut is my 
      favourite." She curled her legs up underneath her, feeling perfectly at 
      ease with him. "Of course I think Id love just about anything squeezed 
      from a coffee bean."
      Darien had to chuckle at that. "I agree. I cant function without it in 
      the morning."
      Serena looked over at him and smiled. Over the course of the evening she 
      found that she and Darien had a lot in common. They both enjoyed good 
      food, a good coffee and the sea for starters. She couldnt feel any more 
      secure just sitting around and talking to him. His sense of humour and 
      confidence were contagious. Serena felt like she could conquer the world 
      when she was around him.
      The clock struck ten and Serena was jolted back to reality. "Wow. Its 
      late. Maybe you should get going. Your girlfriend might be worried about 
      you." She looked over at him. Darien had closed his eyes and seemed to be 
      contemplating something.
      "You know what-"
      "Serena, I-"
      They both started laughing when they spoke at the same time. It had 
      happened countless times that evening.
      He nodded to her. "Ladies first."
      Still giggling a little, Serena started her sentence again. "I was going 
      to say that..." she paused. What was she going to say? That she felt 
      closer to him than she did to Malachite? If he hadnt had a girlfriend and 
      she hadnt just gotten out of a horrible relationship that shed jump him 
      right here and now? She shook her head. "Nothing. What were you going to 
      say?"
      He shook his head as well. "Nothing." He eased himself off of he couch. "I 
      should get going. I didnt realize it was getting so late."
      Serena pushed aside the emotion that felt unsettlingly like 
      disappointment. "Ill see you at work tomorrow."
      Darien shook his dark head, sending a dark lock in his eyes. He brushed it 
      aside and smiled gently. "Im away tomorrow. But you will see me bright 
      and early the day after."
      A little upset that she wouldnt be seeing more of him, she bobbed her 
      head slowly. "Ok."
      She walked him to the door and opened it when he had his coat on. "See you 
      later."
      "Well isnt this cozy?"
      Serena couldnt mistake the sneer. Slowly she stuck her head around the 
      doorframe and found her very angry looking ex-fianc. "What are you doing 
      here?"
      "I could say the same about him." He glared at Darien. "Isnt your 
      girlfriend coming in tonight?"
      "Yes, I was just about to head home." He turned to Serena completely 
      ignoring Malachite. "Ill see you back at work. Goodnight."
      "Goodnight." Serena watched him walked out of sight down the hall before 
      turning her attention back to Malachite. "Now what are you doing here?"
      "I was coming to apologize." He pushed his way into the room and turned 
      around to face her. "But I guess I wasnt needed."
      "Hes a friend, Malachite. And he has a girlfriend." She pointed out.
      He smiled grimly, "It hasnt stopped other men from straying before."
      She shook her head. Darien didnt seem like the type. "I thought I made 
      myself quite clear earlier. I think that we should take some time apart."
      He stepped closer so that he was so close that she could feel the warmth 
      radiating from him. "I thought you wanted to break up." Malachite pulled 
      the ring out of his pocket and waved it in her face. "Are you sure thats 
      what you want?"
      Serena stared into the glittering gem and felt her resolve start to fall 
      away. Damn him for knowing her weaknesses. From the beginning Malachite 
      new that all he had to do was wave a diamond in her face to get her to do 
      what he wanted. She looked into his eyes and tried to see what he was 
      thinking. Tried to see if he was what she really wanted.
      "I think I need some time. You really upset me today."
      He kissed her on the nose. "I know darling and Im so sorry. I was just a 
      little stressed from the day and I took it out on you." He looked 
      earnestly into her eyes. "I swear I will never allow it to happen again."
      Serena wanted to believe him, but she could feel a part of herself wanting 
      to pull away. "I still need some time, Malachite. Please." She took a step 
      back and watched as he pocketed the ring again.
      "Fine. Just know that I wont wait around for you forever." He looked a 
      little angry but as quickly as the emotion clouded his face, it 
      disappeared again. "Will you still be coming on the trip? I would love it 
      if you came."
      He looked so sweet that Serena found herself nodding. "It would be a shame 
      to waste the weekend moping at home. But just as friends."
      "Of course." He walked over to the mirror on her wall and ran his fingers 
      through his pale blonde hair. "Im glad weve settled this. Ill see you 
      in the office tomorrow."
      He kissed her on the cheek and let himself out.
      ----
      The next few days went by in a blur and before long the weekend was there. 
      Serena was in her room packing when she heard the doorbell ring. Tossing a 
      pair of shoes into her bag, she headed to the door.
      On the other side was a slender woman with long black hair. She started 
      screaming the moment the door opened.
      Serena screamed in reply. "Raye!" Youre here!" Raye Hanson was Serenas 
      best friend since high school but since graduating from university they 
      hadnt seen enough of each other.
      They threw their arms around each other and jumped up and down.
      "Serena! This is going to be so great! Well get to catch up and soak up 
      some sun and Ill finally get to meet this fianc of yours and see if hes 
      good enough for my best friend."
      They walked into her apartment.
      "Things have changed since we last spoke. Malachite and I have decided on 
      taking a little break."
      "Oh, Sere--"
      Serena put up her hand at her friends pitying look. "Its not like that. I 
      just needed some time to think things through a little."
      Raye nodded. When Serena told her about her engagement it did come as a 
      shock. She had only known the man for a few months. It was totally 
      uncharacteristic of Serena to jump into something so big on such short 
      notice. "Thats perfectly understandable. How is Malachite taking it?"
      Serena thought about the terrible anger she saw in his eyes, and tilted 
      her head to one side. "Hes taking it as well as could be expected, I 
      think."
      Raye saw the ambiguous look on her friends face and hoped that things 
      hadnt been too hard for her. She knew that Serenas life hadnt exactly 
      been easy and when she heard about her engagement to the wealthy 
      businessman, hoped that her friend would finally find some happiness in 
      her life.
      Raye shook her dark tresses out of her face and with a glowing smile 
      pulled Serena back into the apartment. "Im sure itll all work out for 
      the best." She plonked them both down on the sofa and grinned, "So tell me 
      whats been going on in your life."
      ----
      The next morning, Serena felt as though she could use a few more hours 
      sleep. She and Raye had spent most of the night talking and when they 
      finally stopped it was only a few hours until daylight. They decided it 
      would be better to at least get some sleep.
      Serena sat up and shook her clouded head. Fighting back the urge to crawl 
      back under the covers she got up and wandered over to the windows to throw 
      them open and let the fresh air wash over the room.
      She walked out into the living room and threw a pillow on the lump laying 
      on her sofa bed before walking into the kitchen to make breakfast.
      "What do you want to eat?"
      "What do you have?" came the muffled reply.
      "The usual." Serena stuck her head into the fridge and listed what she 
      could both see and think of. "Cereal, coffee, fruit, the Chinese take out 
      from last night."
      "The take out will do fine." Raye shuffled into the kitchen and slid 
      almost fluidly into the chair. "I dont think that it was such a great 
      idea to stay up so late." She looked up at Serena as she tried to untangle 
      the knots in her long hair.
      "I know how you feel." She pulled the food out of the microwave when it 
      beeped and placed them along with plastic forks onto the table. "But were 
      going on cruise so well have all the time in the world to relax."
      "Your right." She jabbed at the noodles and slurped some up. "I cant wait 
      to get out there and lay in the sun."
      "Mmmmm. Sounds fabulous." Serena sat down with an apple and could almost 
      see herself on the beach soaking up the sun.
      ----
      Between talking and getting themselves together, Serena wasnt sure how 
      they managed to be ready when Malachite arrived. But they were when he 
      knocked on the door.
      "Hello, Serena." His gazed swept over her and then over to Raye. "I assume 
      that this is the woman Ive heard so much about." He took her hand lightly 
      and shook it.
      "Raye this is Malachite. Malachite, this is my best friend Raye."
      "Its a pleasure." He let her hand drop and walked in to grab the bags. 
      "Ill take these for you. Make sure you have everything ladies." And as 
      quickly as he arrived, he departed.
      Raven eyebrows raised, Raye waited until he was out of earshot. "He seems 
      nice enough. A little aloof, but nice."
      Serena shrugged and picked up her purse. "You have everything?"
      She fingered the strap of her purse and then looked around the room to see 
      if she left anything essential behind. "I think I do." Raye linked her arm 
      through Serenas and the two shared a squeal.
      "Lets hit the beach then!"
      ----
      They piled into Malachites car and almost an hour later, they arrived at 
      the marina. Porters took their things on board and left them to wait for 
      the others.
      Serena had never seen Malachites boat before and stood staring in awe at 
      the splendid sight of it. It was enormous.
      "Shes quite a beauty isnt she ladies?"
      Raye had finally managed to close her mouth. "Splendid. Is that a sail I 
      see?"
      Malachite practically beamed with pride. "Yes it is. I prefer sailing 
      properly." He led them on board and walked to the stern, "But I do believe 
      in being prepared. It has a back up motor just in case." He looked over to 
      the dock and saw another car arriving. "I think the others are here. Feel 
      free to look around, Ill be right back after I welcome them." With that, 
      Malachite walked off again.
      Raye looked over at Serena with a star stuck look on her face. "This is 
      incredible. I never thought I would ever get to go on one of these in my 
      life!"
      Serena nodded equally dumbfounded. "I knew it was big. Malachite told me 
      about on a few occasions, but I never imagined that it was this enormous. 
      Whenever he spoke of it he just called it his boat."
      Her thoughts got sidetracked when she looked over the railing and saw 
      Darien approaching. He gave her a friendly wave and headed up the 
      gangplank.
      Not missing a thing, Raye looked at where her friend was looking and 
      whistled through her teeth. "And the plot thickens."
      Serena waved back but stopped when she saw the blonde from the photo get 
      out of the car behind him. Only then did she notice Raye talking to her. 
      "Huh? What are you talking about?"
      "And whos that?"
      Serena hated when she had that I know whats going on smirk on her face. 
      "You think youre so smart. Thats Darien. A guy that works on the office 
      with us." She pointed at the woman boarding the boat. "And that is his 
      supermodel girlfriend."
      "Good god. I always thought that they extended their legs in the photos." 
      Raye tipped her sunglasses down so she could have a better look. "Do you 
      think if I starved myself long enough I would look that good?"
      "I dont think either of us have a hope of ever looking that good, no 
      matter how much we try."
      Raye pouted trying to hide her smile. "Thanks. Just ruin my dreams of 
      being a supermodel."
      Both of them stopped laughing when the couple walked up to them.
      "Hello, Serena." He smiled at her and then at Raye.
      "Hi, Darien. This is my best friend Raye."
      They shook hands before he presented the woman next to him. "And this is 
      my better half, Mina."
      They all shook hands again.
      "Its nice to meet you all." Mina smiled shyly at everyone and clung to 
      Dariens hand, something that irked Serena for some reason.
      Malachite walked up to them, smiling happily. "Well it looks like were 
      ready to go. So is everyone set?" Nods came from all around the circle. 
      "Well then. What are we waiting for?"
      ----
      Serena watched in amazement at how competent Malachite was with all the 
      things on the yacht. Without a hitch he had the sail raised and the course 
      set. And they were on their way.
      They ate their meal on deck and everyone was delighted with the catered 
      meal, Malachite had ready for them. Everyone seemed to be getting along 
      very well. Even Serena and Malachite were talking and laughing.
      It was like old times again and Serena found herself to be falling under 
      his spell once again. Only this time she kept a part of herself locked 
      away just in case. She hoped that he wouldnt be quite so critical of her, 
      but she knew better. Why couldnt he be more supportive of her? Why 
      couldnt he step down from his pedestal and be like a regular guy? Why 
      could he be more like...more like...
      Her gaze had wandered across the way and rested on the man sitting 
      opposite her. His eyes met hers and shining with mirth he winked at her 
      mischievously.
      And just like that she came crashing down to earth. There were no bells, 
      no fireworks, just a hard realization. She was in love.
      And it wasnt with Malachite.