Long time with no writing but I would like to finish these stories. Reviews welcome. Here is an update!

Serena woke and felt disoriented as she looked to the clock but it was only three am. She felt an arm pull her closer and suddenly her world came back into focus. She had slept with Darien, but worse than that she had slept with a client. This could cost her career she knew and more importantly it would probably cost her her heart. Though, in that moment all she could think was how safe she felt in Darien's arms as she drifted back to sleep.

Serena awoke again and rolled over to face Darien. He was awake and staring back at her.

"Hi" she whispered.

"Good morning. Sleep well?" Darien replied. Serena nodded and stretched her body out.

"Please don't do that," Darien groaned covering his arm over his eyes. Serena looked at him confusingly,

"Why?" she countered. Darien shook his head. She clearly was very unaware of the affect she still had on him. He leaned over and kissed her soundly on the lips. The kiss quickly turned passionate as either of the two seemed to be in control of their bodies or their emotions. Darien pulled back slowly,

"You are irresistible." He said between kisses. Serena giggled. For once she wasn't thinking about work or her friends, she was content on having no logical thoughts at all. Darien rolled them over so that he was resting comfortably on top Serena. Darien began to nuzzle her neck, working his way down from her ear, he whispered,

"Let's spend the day together." Darien said, as he continued to kiss her.

"Fine," Serena managed to finally say, as she turned her mouth to find his. They both continued to fight for dominance. This was how it would always be between them no one the dominant but both equals, looking to pleasure each other and themselves.

Serena woke again to the smell of breakfast, she grabbed a silk robe and pulled her hair back into a messy bun. Darien looked up to see Serena coming down the stairs, looking thoroughly fucked and smiled smugly. Serena rolled her eyes at him and thought 'men'.

They sat quietly and began to eat.

" This is delicious." Serena said.

"Thanks," Darien replied, " Any plans for Christmas?" he asked.

"Just a quite night at home," Serena replied looking less lively then minutes before,

" You?" she asked.

"Same. Not going to see family?" He asked further.

"Nope." Serena replied shortly. Darien nodded choosing not to continue the conversation topic further.

"We should probably talk about last night." He said finally. Serena looked up from her food. His face was so hard to read she didn't know how to respond so she just nodded.

"Last night was one of the best nights of my life." Darien said softly. Serena smiled with relief,

"Ditto." Darien smiled in return to casualness of her reply and he continued,

"Would you please do me the honor of being my real date tonight, Serena?"

"I would be delighted" Serena replied, grinning widely. She knew that there was a lot that they needed to discuss but it this was definitely a start.

"I'm going to start getting ready." Serena replied picking up the plates and carrying them out to the kitchen. Serena picked up Mina, the two of them had appointments for a spa day in preparation for the gala.

"I can't believe that you accepted a date from a complete stranger!" Serena laughed as they pulled into the spa.

"Yah, well I can't believe that you accepted a date from a client that happens to be the same man you have sworn is your mortal enemy since prom." Mina countered.

"Touche" Serena said grinning, " There's something different about him. I mean I know I was hired to change his image but I really feel like it's all an act. I don't think he is truly anything like his actions."

Mina reached over and squeezed Serena's hand.

" If anyone can figure it out, it's you Serena. You've always been a great judge of character… How do you think we ended up best friends?" Mina asked, making light of the situation. Serena laughed, a spa day with Mina was just what she needed.

Serena unlocked her door her door and stepped inside. It was dark and there wasn't anyone home. Serena picked up a note left on the kitchen counter.

Serena,

Just ran out to get a few things for tonight. Don't worry I'll be back in time and I promise not to get into any trouble.

Darien.

Serena smiled and sent a silent prayer that he didn't get into any situation she would have to twist to the public tomorrow. She went upstairs to get ready. She really didn't have much to do since that spa had done her hair and her make up and her nails. She pulled out the bra and panties set that she had purchased. It was black lace and completely see through. She smiled hoping that Darien would see it later that night. She blushed at the thought; they had grown so close in the past few weeks that she barely saw any need for her professional help. Serena grabbed the cream colored dress and put it on. It was absolutely beautiful and worth every penny in her mind. It was strapless, with a sweetheart neckline and clung to her curves until it flared out at mid thigh. She usually didn't bother trying on mermaid style dresses but there was something about this one that she couldn't say no to. She pulled out a special pair of diamond drop earrings. She slipped on her simple nude pumps and picked up the bottom of her dress and headed downstairs.

She spotted Darien standing and watching some American sports channel. He turned it off as soon as he heard her coming down the stairs. He turned around to see Serena and found himself speechless. Serena smiled as she looked upon the handsomely slacked jawed man in front of her. Secretly glad that the dress had the desired affect.

Darien picked up a small box from the coffee table and brought it over to her. Darien opened the box and in it was a beautiful orchid. Darien became very nervous as Serena remained quiet. Darien began to close the box.

"It was a stupid idea to pick up a corsage." He said.

"NO!" Serena stopped him, " I love it. Thank you." She reached into the box to take it out and held it out to him,

"Would you put it on me, please?" Darien smiled and slid the flower onto her wrist and held out his hand.

"Shall we?" Serena nodded and slid her hand into his. Darien walked Serena out as a car pulled up.

"I rented a driver for the night." Darien answered her silent question.

A little while later they arrived at the event, it was beautifully decorated and elegant. Serena smiled and took her arm and looped it through his own.

" There's Andrew and Mina," Darien said nodding in the pairs direction. They walked towards the familiar faces. Serena hugged Mina and turned to the man she assumed must be Andrew.

"You must be Serena," he said in a warm voice. "I guess I have you to thank for the beautiful, smart date for this evening." Serena smiled and shook his extended hand.

Serena laughed and replied, " I don't think Mina did too badly either for a blind date."

Darien looked between the two and glared at Andrew, jealousy started to pump through his veins.

"Would you two excuse us for me a minute, we have to talk for a moment about a business arrangement." Darien said pulled Andrew in the opposite direction.

Serena and Mina made their way to the bar to get drinks.

"He is gorgeous and such a gentleman, he's smart and really funny, Serena." Mina gushed about Andrew. Serena smiled happy for her friend, as Mina continued to tell Serena everything she had learned so far about Andrew.

Andrew finally managed to shake Darien's hold.

" What's your problem?" Andrew demanded.

"You are." Darien spat. "I saw the way you were staring at Serena." Andrew laughed and Darien looked at him quizzically.

"You think that I'm not serious?" Darien asked. Andrew continued to chuckle.

"Darien, I know you are but I'm not interested in Serena no matter how amazing looks tonight, which believe me she does. I really like Mina, man. We are hitting it off." Andrew said,

"Plus," he added, "It's great to see you so worked up over a girl! I never thought I would see the day."

Andrew slapped Darien on the back and the two of them headed towards the ladies they had momentarily left. The four sat together at a large round table and enjoyed the dinner served and the great conversation between friends. As dinner was cleared a small band began to play lovely music that had many people heading to the dance floor. Serena smiled as she watched the people dance across the room, she especially enjoyed watching Mina and Andrew, the looked so happy and comfortable with each other in such a short time. Serena heard a familiar melody begin to play.

"Darien," Serena said excitedly, "they are playing song bird, I love this song." She smiled. Darien smiled back, standing up.

"May I have this dance my lady?" he asked. Serena giggled,

"Well of course, kind sir."

Darien led Serena out to the dance floor and pulled her into him as they began to sway to the music. Serena sighed and rested her head on his shoulder.

"Thank you for this evening, it's been magical." Darien smiled as the continued to move across the floor.

"Actually, the evening is far from over. I have another surprise for you." Before Serena could ask what it was Darien interrupted her.

"I forgot to tell you earlier how breathtakingly beautiful you look tonight."

"Thanks, you don't look to bad yourself." Serena said. She glanced around and noticed her boss.

"Look there's Mr Ackley" Serena said, nudging Darien. "Go talk to him."

Darien walked over to Charles, as Serena excused herself to go to the ladies room, which was obviously an excuse.

"Charles." Darien said, extending his hand out. Charles Ackley shook Darien's hand and pulled him into a hug, which Darien awkwardly returned.

"It's so good to see you, Darien. You look happy." Charles responded. Darien nodded and agreed.

"I am."

" You know, when I began working for your father, I made him a promise that I would always help guide you in business. I hope you can understand why I intervened with Ms. Tompson. I only meant for you to see that your world could be so much bigger than partying." Charles explained.

" I know. I'm just sorry that it took this extreme of an action to make me see it. Thank you, Charles. For everything." Darien said

Charles nodded and patted Darien on the back.

"Go on now my boy, a beautiful such as Ms. Tompson deserves to wait for no one. Even yourself. I'll see you Monday."

Darien said a quick goodbye and made his way over to Serena. By the looks she was getting he knew that it would be a never-ending battle. He would probably spend the rest of his life keeping men away from her.

"Ready to go?" Darien asked Serena reaching out for her. Whenever he was in proximity to her he seemed unable to keep his hands off her.

"Sure, just let me say a quick goodbye to Mina." Serena and Darien said goodbye and left the ballroom. They rode silently in the back of the rental.

"Where are we going? What's the surprise?" Serena asked more curious than ever.

"You'll see, we will be there in a minute."

Darien and Serena hauled up to beautiful Tokyo Park, which was now lightly dusted in snow, awaiting them was a horse and carriage. Darien helped Serena into the sleigh and pulled the heavy blankets over them and pulled her close. Serena unable to resist snuggled closer into Darien and breathed in his scent, feeling happier than she did in a long time.