As of Yet Untitled
By: Karisma
Chapter Seven
Rated: PG-13
Genre: Alt, Romance
Parini@hotmail.com

     Two days later found me still reeling from the rather large bite of 
news I had yet to digest completely. Darien was married. No wonder he had 
all the pessimistic views on loveor rather, lack thereof. This Melissa 
woman had done something to harden Darien like this. I was inexplicably glad 
that Darien hadnt just been born with such a cynical outlook on life, it 
was much better knowing that there was a reasonno matter how painfulfor 
his attitude.
    The man I had known since I was old enough to crawl into his yard had 
exchanged vows with a woman and I hadnt heard the slightest bit of it from 
anyone. My parents had failed to mention it, Darien obviously hadnt told 
me, and I apparently hadnt exactly been invited to the wedding.
     So why was I led to be ignorant of the small detail? Unlessmaybe our 
parents didnt even know about Dariens marriage! But that notion was beyond 
ridiculoushow exactly would you hide a wife from your own parents?
     All my other conclusions led me nowhere except to the undeniable 
realization that I was completely stumped. And another nagging feeling in 
the pit of my stomach was screaming at me to get to the bottom of all this 
before it ate me alive.
     I wandered around my house, pacing the length of my large room, trying 
to figure out what would shed any light in the dark corner I was in. All I 
knew was I wanted to find out why nobody had informed me and see pictures of 
this Melissa woman.
     Pictures!
     I shoved my feet in a pair of flip-flops and raced out the door to 
where the Sandborns, minus Darien and Andrew, house was. I knew Andrew was 
on his honeymoon in Europe and Darien was working (I would be starting the 
next day). Mrs. Sandborn must have been out shopping, and her husband was at 
his own office. That left the entire house empty and ready for my exploring.
     I felt a twinge of guilt as I dug out the spare key out of the flower 
pot near the door. I quickly pushed it out of my mind, this house was like a 
second home for me, I knew it inside and out. I wasnt breaking in, I was 
always a welcome guest. Satisfied with my justifications I headed straight 
for the library, the cool house forming goosebumps on my bare legs. I tugged 
my white shorts nervously and immediately walked over to where I knew they 
kept their photo albums.
     After a few minutes of rapid searching, I had flipped through countless 
thick books filled with happy pictures of the Sandborns wedding, my 
parents. I finally slowed down once I hit the pictures of the summers 
Andrew, Darien, and I had. Some of the pictures also included birthdays, 
holidays, and events our families had spent together.
    I reluctantly smiled at one particular picture that had been taken on my 
sixth birthday. Darien had been walking toward me, present outstretched in 
his hands, wide smile in place. Right when he had passed me, he pushed me 
directly into my birthday cake. The picture captured me with my face covered 
in white icing, my features were twisted in a wail. Darien and Andrew were 
on the other side of the photo, Andrew was doubling over in laughter while 
his brother was covering his mouth with one hand and pointing at me with the 
other.
     I rolled my eyes and placed the thick book back in its place. With 
dismay, I realized that there were no more albums. There werent any 
pictures here. Well, at least not the ones I was looking for. Sighing, I 
picked up a previous one and began a journey to the past.
     I dont know how much time I spent poring over the old photos, but it 
seemed like seconds.
     I laughed outright at a picture I didnt even know existed. It was of 
just us three kids. We had all made ridiculous faces, tongues out, eyes 
crossed, not to mention the fact both brothers had given my bunny-ears. I 
traced Dariens young face with a slim finger, wondering how he would look 
if he really, truly laughed, a laugh that broke past all the bonds of hurt 
and cynicism that lurked behind his beautiful eyes.
    What do you think youre doing? As if my imagination had conjured up 
the image of him, I spun around to see Darien standing behind me, frown 
marring his features.
     I snapped the book shut and hastily shoved it back in the shelf next to 
me. When I turned to face him, I stumbled over my words nervously. IuhI 
was looking at some old pictures, you know, trip down memory lane? I 
laughed and winced at how much I resembled a yowling cat.
     One dark eyebrow was raised calmly in doubt. Im pretty sure you have 
the exact same pictures at your house.
     He had me on that one. Well, I cleared my throat and crossed my arms 
over my short-sleeved shirt, hoping to gain the confidence I so easily lost 
when I was around this man. Youre probably right. Then Ill just go over 
and look at the pictures at home! With a cheery smile and practically ran 
out of the room, berating myself for the brilliant reply I had given. Just 
when I had thought I was safe and home free, Dariens voice called me back.
    Serena? He called back from the library.
     I bit my lip and slowly trudged back into the room, feeling the 
nerve-wracking sensation of impeding doom take over my body. When I finally 
was forced to look over at Darien, my mind berated me on my being so 
nervous. But as he casually walked closer to me, his steps sure and long, my 
insidesmainly my disobedient hearttold me quite different.
     Serena, he began, hands shoved in the pockets of his fitted slacks.
      He was standing a respectable distance from me, but his propinquity 
was unsettling and delicious all at the same time.
      Stop it! I commanded, focusing on what he was saying.
     While Rita and Andrew are away on their honeymoon, my mother decided 
it would be a great time to get the photo album of their wedding ready. It 
would be a surprise for them when they get back.
     I nodded, unsure of where this was going. It sounded like something 
Megan Sandborn would think of and it wouldnt surprise me if she wanted my 
help at some point, but where did Darien come in?
     Well, he continued, making such direct eye contact, I squirmed for a 
moment. My mother apparently thought it would be nice to give me the job, 
but I have no experience in the areano big surpriseand I was wondering if 
you could do it.
     Ah-ha.
      I crossed my arms over my chest, cocking my head to one side, all 
jitters gone. With a smirk, I cleared my throat. So in other words, youre 
getting rid of the job by dumping it on me.
     Darien opened his mouth as if to protest, then closed it. With a 
sheepish grinone that was completely foreign to mehe shrugged. Pretty 
much.
    I poked his firm chest, feeling the warmth radiating out of the button 
down shirt. Well, forget it. Im not going to work my butt off and make an 
albuma gorgeous album, considering its me making itjust so you can take 
credit for it and have Rita exclaim how wonderful you are and what a great 
job you did!
     Darien smiled and sighed his consent. Alright, then how about you help 
meand Ill give you due credit?
     I pretended to ponder over it for a minute. Better. I said slowly.
     Just tell me how to get started. His voice was commanding and stern, 
as if he was talking to someone at work. I cocked one brow at his tone of 
voice and he sighed again, obviously realizing his mistake. Please? The 
word was foreign to his lips, anyone could tell. No, Darien Sandborn had 
never needed to ask nicely for something and his money had nothing to do 
with it. It was the presence of power that exuded from his very being.
     I nodded, smiling at the familiarity of our light bantering. This was 
what I had grown up withmore or less. Sure.
    He also nodded, all traces of laughter were gone from his face as he 
grew serious, gazing at me. I returned the stare for some time, heat 
flushing throughout my body, before shaking my head and looking away.
     When do you want to start? I asked, twisting my head as if to glance 
around the room casually.
     He bent his head to quickly check his expensive watch. How about now?
     My head snapped back to see his face. Now? Iuh- I stuttered a bit, 
thrown by his request. Yeah, I finally got out. Why not?
     He gave a short nod and began to walk out of the room. Well go find a 
nice album, then we can look through the pictures at my apartment.
    I had begun to follow his track out of the house when I suddenly 
stopped. His apartment? What had I gotten myself into? Now that I had 
thought about it, helping Darien with this album would mean even more time 
spent with Darien. Alone.
     By this time, Darien had reached his car and was staring at me with a 
mixture of curiosity and impatience. I snapped out of my daze and swallowed 
hard. I quickened my pace and got in the car with one fluid motion. As we 
headed toward a nearby mall, I made sure my gaze was focused on something 
ahead and not the someone to the left of me.
     About one hour, two stores, and three sales clerks later, we finally 
had picked out a large photo album, we both agreed upon. The male and female 
tastes were both suited by the dark brown, leather cover with gold, 
intricate patterns on the spine.
     I had had a wonderful time shopping with Darien and all my worries 
about being in his apartment had vanished until he parked in his reserved 
spot. My laughter stilled from the humorous joke he had made about one 
particularly annoyed sales girl as I was expected to get out of the vehicle. 
I did so silently, anxiety, which I was certain did not belong, rising up 
from my stomach to my throat. We rode the elevator up in silence and finally 
reached our destination. As soon as I took my first step out of the lift and 
entered the decorated hallway, I knew I had entered his home. It was a 
feeling that made me feel ridiculously close to him.
      I followed Dariens swift steps, taking in the stone fireplace, 
nineteenth-century furniture, and the beauty of the incredibly decorated 
penthouse. We passed living room, heading straight to the elegant dining 
room, which joined with a sizable breakfast room. The large dining table was 
immaculate, cloth perfectly in order, along with the candle centerpieces, 
with the exception of a thick pile of white envelopes, flaps slightly open.
     I walked over to the stack, it being the only reason I was here in the 
first place. I focused entirely on the flipping through the photographsor 
rather, I pretended to. I was more preoccupied with Dariens dark figure 
behind me than the smiling shots of guests. I finally managed to actually 
start organizing the photos in separate piles after I assumed Darien had 
gone off into a study or some other section of his huge home.
    Hard at work I see, his husky voice came closely behind me and for the 
second time that day I practically jumped out of my skin.
     I twisted my upper back in the chair to look up at him. I hadnt 
realized how tall he was, now he was all but towering over me, me sitting 
and him standing.
     You have to stop scaring me like that, I scolded when I finally 
stopped gaping at him. I went back to the task at hand, part of me hoping he 
would leave to work or whatnot, and the other, much larger, part of me 
hoping he would sit and join me.
     The larger part won.
     Darien pulled back a chair next to me and sighing, took an envelope and 
began piling where I told him to do so. I think it took some time for him to 
adjust to me giving him orders. I figured might as well take the opportunity 
now, seeing as how I would be taking orders from him starting tomorrow.
     We worked in silence for about thirty minutes, which was fine with me 
considering every time I snuck a look at him all that entered my mind was 
the fact that he was married.  The fact that he had exchanged vows with 
someone special and dear to himsomeone he may have very well been in love 
with. The last thought watered an uncalled for seed of jealousy within me.
     I had no claims on this mannone whatsoeverand here I was angry toward 
him for loving someone that wasnt me. Proposing to someone that wasnt me. 
Marrying someone that wasnt me. And it was all preposterous. Imagine. Me 
being jealous over a guy who peed in my flower-bed as a child.
     But it wasnt just that. It was that he kissed me in that car. The way 
he had kissed me. Like there was no one else. But of course, there was. And 
before his wifemaybe even afterthere had been plenty of women. And I had 
my share of boyfriendsnothing to his long line of broken hearts, but still. 
He had kissed me when he was a married man! The thought should have sent 
disgusting shudders down my spine, instead, it sent shivers of pleasure at 
the memory of how sweet and urgent his lips had been on mine. And it wasnt 
so baddidnt Andrew say they were divorcing?
     No! How could I even reason like that?
     Besides, I was disgusted. The creep had lied to me. He had told me he 
had a desire to kiss me for the past eight years. How could he blatantly 
lied to me about something of that caliber when he had been married? I 
wasnt about to believe that he had been secretly dreaming about kissing me 
when he had shared a bed withwith Melissa. Now that thought repulsed me.
     Serena? His deep voice brought me out of reverie and I shook my head 
over toward him.
     My anger deepened at the sight of his crinkled brow, his ice-colored 
eyes, his all-together too gorgeous face.  What? I snapped.
     His reaction was not one of anger, surprise, or hurt. It was amused 
disapproval. He cocked one dark brow sardonically and evenly gazed at me, 
his face cool.
     Sorry, I mumbled, looking at my hands which were currently in the 
action of shuffling through glossy pictures of Rita and Andrew feeding each 
other cake. What did you want? I asked again, this time much more 
pleasantly.
     The expression of quiet sarcasm hadnt left his face as he peered over 
at me and finally spoke. I was wondering if youd like to move over to the 
living room, its more comfortable than hard chairs. He paused while he 
granted me a long gaze. That isif youre quite alright now.
     I ignored his remark and gingerly picked up two stacks of pictures and 
allowed him to make the way to his sitting room. When we arrived after the 
short walk and I set down the shots on the coffee table, I looked around the 
tasteful room in appreciation. It was decorated in royal blue and gold. The 
colors achieved an elegant, yet warm atmosphere with the ceramic lamps, 
strategically placed paintings, and large windows.
     You like it? Dariens surprisingly soft voice asked me from the dark 
L-shaped sofa.  He had obviously caught me staring in wonder.
       I nodded my approval and sat down what I thought was a respectable 
distance from him. I immediately began sorting through one pile, picking the 
ones that would be best to go in the album. It only took me a second to 
realize I was being watched. I turned my head to meet his once again caustic 
gaze and found myself narrowing my eyes.
      Yes? I asked pointedly, tightening my ponytail absently.
     I dont bite, you know, he said, mirth and something indefinable in 
his eyes.
     I blushed deeply, and stared the distance between us. What had seemed 
like a casual space a second ago, now was practically a yard away.
     I know, I mumbled lamely and scooted a bit over, still a good foot 
away from him. I heard Darien sigh and then continue with his work.
      A moment later, his voice interrupted the quiet. Hey, Serena. Do you 
know who these people are?
     Instinctively, I leaned over closer until my bare leg touched his clad 
one, I rubbed my sore neck and focused on the picture. My eyes widened when 
I realized it was Darien and myself dancing quite intimately at the wedding. 
How could he not know?
     I tipped my head upwards slightly, about to make a joke about his 
blindness, when it suddenly hit me how close he really was. So close I could 
make out the individual flecks of silver in his cerulean eyes. They 
certainly were hypnotizing.
     So who is it? He whispered, his voice raspy, and somewhere in the 
back of my mind I noticed he was coming closer to me.
     Us, I said softly, unable to break eye contact.
    I like the sound of that, he grinned ever so slightly. Us.
    I finally regained some of the sense I had fleetingly lost. Or lack 
there of, I shot back crisply.
    His smile never wavered. Ouch, he said good-naturedly.
    And then, in one sweeping motionso quickly I never knew what hit mehis 
mouth was on mine, pressing and sweet. Some disobedient part of me responded 
immediately, wrapping my arms around his neck, brushing his thick hair. I 
shifted toward him slightly when I heard the low growl emitted from within 
his throat, and he wrapped his arms around my waist and somewhere along the 
line we must have fallen back against the plushness of the sofa because the 
next thing I remembered, my back was pressed against the corner of the L 
the couch made. My hair had spilled out of its ponytail with the help of 
Dariens prodding fingers and I suddenly viewed the scene from a spectators 
point of view.
     A married man and his childhood friend were wrapped in a tangle of 
limbs, pressed together as if there was no tomorrow.
     That got me moving. I pushed Darien away and sat up, catching my breath 
as well as my equilibrium. When I had composed myself as much as I could and 
gathered up my blonde hair in a loose bun with my black scrunchie, I forced 
myself to look at himand not melt. His hair and clothes were rumpled as 
well, his breathing labored and he looked at me with something that was now 
quite evident.
      Desire.
     Darien desired me. Me.
     And suddenly I knew I had to get out of there. I jumped up, 
straightened my clothes, movements he watched with interest, and took a deep 
breath.
     I should goI need to goI mean, I was making absolutely no sense. I 
meanwell, bye. I all but sprinted out of the sitting room, and made my way 
through the hallway to the elevator. I had just pushed the button and was 
congratulating myself on a well-done job when a hand shot through the crack 
between the two doors. My reflex was to jump, but I immediately knew who it 
was. There was only one person it could be.
     Darien stepped in the elevator with me, his appearance calm and in 
order, which the exception of his hair, which looked as if he had run his 
hand through it multiple times.
     We stood in silence for what seemed like eternity before Dariens gruff 
voice came through the harsh pounding of my heart. It was just a kiss, 
Serena.
     Just a kiss. Maybe for him. I had never been kissed like that in my 
entire life, and here he was writing it off as an everyday occurrence. Which 
it very well was for him. Anger rose up within me once again at the thought 
of him with all those women. The emotion was quickly replaced with sadness 
at the thought I had no say over what he did with whom, therefore I had no 
right feel the way I did. And how did I feel?
     Lousy.
     Trapped.
      Anxious.
     I should have stayed in England.

****

      The ride back to my house was in complete and utter silence, and it 
all but tore me to pieces. Darien finally parked into my driveway and I 
pounced on the door, ready to spring out as soon as I could.
     Dariens voice stopped me. Serena.
      I slowly turned and waited impatiently.
     What time should I pick you up tomorrow?
      My head spun. What could he possibly mean? Tomorrow I was going to 
work
     I was planning to drive myself tomorrow.
     I saw a frown mar his features. It would be a lot easier if I gave you 
a ride, that way we leave together to go to my apartment and work on the 
album.
      I stared at him, not caring that my mouth was probably wide open. Did 
he honestly think I would go back to his apartment with him? Alone? After 
what had happened just now?
     I cleared my throat and found my voice. Actually, I wanted to check 
out some apartments after work. I smiled what I hoped was a carefree grin. 
Cant stay at mommy and daddys forever!
     His frown hadnt left his face and I had a sinking sensation he didnt 
like being contradicted. Well, too bad. There was no way the big, bad wolf 
was luring me back into his cave. He finally sighed after a moment and 
unlocked his door, standing up to his full height, obviously waiting to walk 
me to the door.
     What a gentleman.
     I followed suit and practically skipped to the steps. I had won! I had 
finally won a match with the obstinate Darien Sandborn! Glee filled my heart 
with some sick, childish pleasure. I turned to him after I had pulled out my 
key, prepared to say goodnight and that I would see him tomorrow at the 
office.
     As soon as I had shifted to face him, he reached out to stroke my lower 
lip with his thumb. The movement was sensual and mind-numbing. All coherent 
thoughts I had been planning flew out of my head as I met his smoldering 
gaze. Then, the minute I thought I knew for sure he would kiss me, a soft 
smile reached his curved lips.
      Ill pick you up at seven.
      And with that, he was off, with nothing but the distant rumble of his 
car as proof he was there at all.
      And his words! Seven! The nerve of that man!
      With a severed kick to the door and a moan of pain, I flung open the 
door and stomped upstairs, setting my alarm for the early day.
      A gentleman. What a joke.

