A Dangerous Affair C11
By: raq-UMALI
Umalific@hotmail.com
May 7,2001

Edited by DIVA.S


Everyone I would like to Thank DIVA for editing and adding her stuff
at the right places.

***** ON with THE STORY~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A mysterious and dark figure sat hidden in the corner, forgotten by the busy 
waiters.  He sat their, huddled in the back booth drinking his brandy.  
Gauntly features held the man fixed as he sat with no emotions, no care to 
the world around him.  All his intentions were focused on a table ways wise 
across the restaurant.  

Dark brown eyes gazed intently on two maidens who sat conversing amongst themselves. 
He squinted, as his pupils stay immovable from the beauty that sat across from one 
that fairs almost the same. He craved for the body and mind for that beauty. He 
shifted uncomfortably in his low tailored suit.  "Beauty" he whispered to no one 
but himself.  His thoughts were far from honorable as his gaze traveled from her 
natural bright eyes to her full volumptuos breasts. Then grinning at the thought 
of having this woman in his confinement.

"Mina, oh my lord....  I can't believe you bought such a thing"

"Oh please... its suits me rather well" said Mina as she pulled her shopping bags 
of belongings and rummaged through them.

"Mina don't" motioned Serena as she watch Mina lift an orange lacy bisque 
from her bag. "I don't think you want to make a scene here" flushed Serena
as she already felt the staggering eyes that faced them.

"OH..my.." smiled Mina shyly as she returned her personal possessions.

"Besides... that thing looks hideous with that fur around the waist area,
what were you thinking?"

"Its not fur.. it's a boa that goes over the top.  Besides Michael will 
like it" smiled Mina. Grabbing her attention Serena stopped her movements
and stared at her cousin.

"You mean your going to..." asked Serena

"Yes, tonight and I plan to make it wonderful for the both of us" 
nodded Mina.

"Mina... are you sure about this?"

"Serena, Its time, besides I cant be a virgin all my life"

"Mina, its not about being a virgin or not, its more than that 
especially since you two are different people"

"Different?  What makes you different than I, sleeping with Darien?"

"That's not what I meant.." said Serena as she was surprised by Mina's
response.

"Serena, I love Michael and no matter what he is I stand by him".
Serena's eyes soften to the confession her cousin made and smiled.

"Mina" smiled Serena as she laid her soft hand above hers. 
"That is all I wanted to hear"

"Really?"

"Yes... but.. With what you bought you might end up scaring him away"
smirked Serena.

"OH SHUT UP" laughed Mina as she thought "really its that bad?" Serena
and Mina laughed heartily as they roused up their hunger.  It was indeed 
lunchtime and it was something they didn't like to miss.

After some time, Serena shivered and suddenly started to look cautiously 
around the café.  Mina blinked in confusion as she curiously watched her 
cousin's movements.

"What's wrong Serena?"

"Mina is it me or do you feel like we're being stared at" said Serena 
as she felt a piercing presence.  Mina at glanced around, her gaze 
darting from one man to another. She was rewarded with a few curious 
looks and a few interested bachelors that smiled flirtatiously.  But 
not one that held eyes that felt like a dishonorable stare to her.

"Well, Serena.. I'm not sure what kind of stare you were thinking 
about but there are a few men watching us at all times".  Mina smiled 
to the set of male onlookers and even kindly waved.

presence that made the follicles on her arm rise.  Someone in the 
restaurant disturbed her aura and it was not pleasant. Especially not
knowing who they were.  

During the past few weeks, as she learned her new religion, it became 
easy to read auras. She was able to read their changing moods with the 
certain change of color.  It was a trait she loved, for she was
able to distinguish those who are a menace and tried to stay away from 
them as much as possible.  Then there are those that are nothing but good.  
When it had come to Darien's aura was different.  Many colors emanated 
from his body, colors of darkness. Evil blended with a mixture of 
compassion, kindness and...others might not see it but love.

Serena looked around herself and tried to find the source.  Indeed Mina
was right, men smiled lightly towards them and even flirtatiously mingled
with their stare.  Returning their smile, her eyes moved on from one 
man to the next. Then it hit her, a confused aura from dark to light 
filtered through his body. 

Serena looked around herself and tried to find the source.  Mina was right,
of course.  Men smiled lightly towards them and even a flirtatious wink 
mingled in with their stares.  Returning their smile, her eyes moved on 
from one man to the next.  Then it hit her, a  confused aura from dark 
to light filtered through her body.

She gazed upon the man wearing a tan suit, her mind racing to show some 
sign to the identity of the man, for he looked quite familiar.  His head 
bowed and his eyes were set on his glass of brandy, one darkly tanned 
hand was resting on the glass and the other, fingers raping on the table 
impatiently.  For a few moments Serena watched the man, trying to read him.  
Only in extreme cases would Serena enter ones minds and if they are aware 
of her gifts, she would ask permission.  His whole being was bleak it was 
dim and Serena couldn't get her finger on what type of a man he was.  Some 
were physical, some were mental abusers and others just plain mad but his 
was unlikely or from what she could read not like those cases but different.
'Why do I feel you as a threat' thought Serena as she steadied her gaze 
on the man.  The man lifted his head a bit and as he did so, Serena 
recognized him.  

'Craig Galli' she slightly gasped.

Though she knew him, Serena still couldn't quite understand the different
aura's coming from the man.  From what she knew Mr. Galli was an honest man.  
Always helping whenever possible with charities and multi functions that
dealt with many organizations to help others who are less fortunate.  
'So what's with this feeling?' she asked herself silently.

**

Across the room, his mind was elsewhere but never far from the woman
that captivated his mind.  Serena was his woman no matter how it may 
seem.  The dark corrupted man sat lingering the brandy that left its 
bitter taste in his mouth.  Deep in thought he was unaware of the woman
that studied him from across the room.  'She will be mine' he thought as 
he was brought to reality by a bus boy walking pass him and loosing his
grip on the tray he held. It was inevitable, a loud banging sound echoed 
in the restaurant.  Plates and glasses clattered and shattered on the
floor, taking him out of the trance he was in.  Irritated that he was 
disturb from his thoughts he glared at the boy fully.  Other bus boys 
came and helped the young man as the manager came out yelling and 
apologizing at the same time.  It was then when the boy left his view 
open a set of beautiful and enchanting eyes bore into him.  Making 
eye contact with Serena, he first eyed her curiously.  Her gaze was 
as curious as his.  'You will be mine Miss Annesley' he thought as 
he lifted his glass to signal her of his peaceful hello.

Serena kept her eyes on him, if to stare was rude than Serena was down right 
in the neighborhood.  Curiosity was in her eyes as she tested him to open up.  
His mind was locked and as much as she wanted to dig deeper within him, she 
couldn't. It was something she did not like to do, pry in other people's minds.
Serena smiled weakly as the man lifted his glass to bid her hello.  

"Serena?".  

Mina had watched her cousin go to one man to another.  From the moment 
that she had laid eyes on the man that sat alone in the darkest corner.
She had almost been in a trance.  

"Serena?"

"huh".  Responding almost dazedly she returned her attention to her cousin.
"I'm sorry Mina did you say something?"

"Serena are you okay?" asked Mina as she looked towards the man again.  
"Isn't that Mr. Galli?" 

"yes it is".  Serena looked at Mina a little uneasy, for something made her 
stomach turn.  She knew too well that the uneasiness was directed from Mr. Galli.
Something was wrong and as much as she would like to read it from his aura 
or his mind... She couldn't get his wall to budge and she could not read him at all.

"Is he the one?" asked Mina as she went from Mr. Galli to Serena who was 
now trying to casually eat her food.  Serena nodded in affirmation to Mina's 
question.

"Is he still looking?" asked Serena

"Why?"

"Cause I still feel his gaze on me"

"Yes, he is" paused Mina as she looked on "and from the looks of things he'll 
be coming over in a minute" she ended at almost whispering tone.

Craig looked on as he still kept his eyes set on the wonderful set of blond 
hair that was cascaded down Serena's back.  He knew that Mina was eyeing him 
suspiciously but a man with his mind did not care.  Craig only had eyes for 
one woman... and she was Serena.  Craig drank the last drops of his dark brandy 
quickly, never leaving his gaze from Serena.  Wiping his mouth clean he stood 
and made his way towards the two ladies. 'I will have you yet'

Mina watched the man come closer and closer to their table.  Never did she notice 
or see a man so oblivious to her stare.  For she never left her eyes from his and 
never did he acknowledge them.  Throughout this time, he had still focused on 
one person, Serena.

Serena kept her eyes down and pretended she was eating.  Her accidental gaze to 
Mina showed that in time Craig would be there in a swift second. 'What is wrong 
with me?' she thought.

"Good afternoon Miss. Carrington?" he greeted as he tilted his hat then 
motioning to Serena. "Good afternoon Miss. Annes..ley.." he said almost lustfully.
Serena smiled at the man at first and acknowledge his presence.  A little antsy 
she may be about the man but he still was a man that she knew that was kind and 
generous her mind argued to be kind.

"Good afternoon Mr. Galli" responded the both.

"Oh.. nonsense call me Craig.  I've known you two long enough to be on a first 
name basis" he said sweetly.

"What brings you here Craig?" asked Mina curiously.

"Oh, I was just having my lunch.. and this is the best place to have it in don't 
you agree Miss. Annesley?" he moved his conversation from Mina to Serena.  Serena 
looked at the man and instantly regretted it.  She hated being stared by a pair of 
eyes that held no light. 

"yes it is... I must agree upon that.  Or else we ourselves would not be here" she 
calmly stated as a matter-of-factly. "but why dine alone Mr. Galli"  Serena looked 
around pretending she was looking for his company.

"Please... Craig will do".

"Alright Craig, it's a beautiful day.  A day to be enjoyed with others, why are you 
alone? Where is your company?"

"Well, I did not have you to accompany me," he purred.  Mina listened to the 
conversation she felt was just between the two.  Almost as if she wasn't even 
there, it was made clear that Craig had a deep interest in Serena. 'What a floozy man' 
thought Mina 'Boy if you knew what is good for you, you would stay away from Serena' 
she added and grinned a little smugly. "Perhaps you would like to join me Miss. 
Annesley on a stroll to the park".  Mina eyed Serena waiting for her reply.

"Perhaps some other time Craig, I am having lunch with Mina"

"You say so yourself Miss Annesley, It is a beautiful day a day to be enjoyed 
with others" pausing a bit Craig became more intent on taking Serena out.  
He gazed at her hand and as if by instinct he lifted her hand from the table.  
Serena was startled to the touch of another man.  Only Darien was really one to 
give her any type of endearing moves.  Sure her hand had been kissed many times 
by many men but Craig's was different.  Something about him just wasn't right. 
"A day to be enjoyed with a beautiful woman such as yourself".  Craig was high 
to the touch of her skin.  It was exhilarating and invigorating at the same time.  
As if she was opium, he was certainly addicted to her. 
"What do you say Miss. Annesley?"

Serena smiled sweetly and removed her hand from his grasp. "I don't mean to be rude 
Craig but I am spending my day with Mina.  It was something we had planned many days 
ago".  

Craig's eyes glinted in a bit of furious fire.  No was not an answer not for him 
anyways. His presence was not to be ignored by the mere blond that sat infront of him.  
Craig looked to his side and Mina watched him curiously to what he was to say.

"Mina, I'm sure you don't mind if Serena takes a stroll with me" flashing her a 
demanding glare.  Mina scowled lightly and did not fall for his tricks.  
Indeed Serena was right; this man was a bad combination of rude and floozy.

"Well, Craig, I do mind!" voiced Mina in a deadly calm voice. "My cousin and I 
had planned this outing for sometime and it did not have you taking Serena out 
for a stroll on our itinerary" Mina had enough, this man would not take no for 
an answer.

"Mr. Galli, perhaps some other time." smiled Serena.  Craig eyed Serena and for 
a mere second Serena saw a madden expression.  Then his eyes instinctively closed, 
closing the windows of his soul.  His eyes glazed of lust and wanting for Serena.  
He was obsessed, this was the only time where he had seen her without any male 
companions and he was not about to step down. Leaning down a bit, he softly 
spoke but still audible to Mina.

"Serena.. It would be best for you to come with me if you don't want a scene..".  
Serena's eye glittered with anger as she heard the man.  He was ordering her 
and what scene was he to do? The bells of the somewhat crowded restaurant rang 
as other diners entered and still Serena and Mina had to endure the man who 
could not take no for an answer.  Many oblivious to what was going on, the 
ladies kept their somewhat peaceful war with one man.  Oblivious, with the 
exception of the new comers that had just entered. 

"MISTER Galli" paused Serena in a bit of anger flaring from her body "perhaps 
I did not make myself clear... I do not wish to stroll to the park with you today, 
nor any day.  For your actions today speak that you are not a man that I want to 
be accompanied by.  So I suggest you leave and let Mina and I have our lunch".   
Serena kept her glare and so did Mina.  It was silent for a minute or two before 
Craig spoke.

"You don't want that Miss. Annesley" he seared as her anger amused him.

"WHAT DOESN'T SHE WANT?" 

The voice was deep, clear and demandingly quiet.  The voice that Serena could 
recognize at any moment in time, the voice that always called upon her.

Craig glances towards the voice that halted his next movements. His leaning body 
straightened as he realizes who had just interrupted.

"Darien!"  Serena exhaled largely as she looked at the man that was her mate.  
From the side of their table, Darien, Michael, Zen and Andrew made their way 
towards the women. Even from a far, Darien's hearing was perfect, perfect to 
as a canis hearing abilities. 

Wearing one of his finest charcoal gray suits, Darien stood tall and regal, 
his 6'2 frame and his handsome features combined deliciously. His eyes and the 
others men's were shielded by their sunglasses but still, Serena could see his 
eyes glittering dangerously at Craig.   All in all he was breathing and a sight 
for sore eyes.

Closer and closer, Darien measured Craig.  'Sweetheart is Mr. Galli bothering you? 
I sense some type of distress from you and Mina'.  Very slowly Darien removed his 
glasses.

'he was trying to get me to go for a stroll and he wouldn't take no for an answer' 
came her quiet reply. Darien's midnight blues became a deeper shade, close to the 
verge of being rather black. Safe to say Darien was not happy to hear that.

Craig kept his eyes on Darien as he made his movements.  He said nothing as he 
removed his glasses and didn't even flinch to how his eyes changed upon a blink 
of an eye.  The men looked at each other and as they measured themselves none 
flinched no one moved.  

Darien lightly chuckled inside as he watches the man slightly back down.  
Taking his eyes away he had made his move looking down at his woman and smiling fondly.

"Good afternoon love" motioned Darien as he bent down to lay a sweet butterfly 
kiss on Serena's already waiting lips.

"Hello Darling.." she affectionately exhaled from the kiss.  Light as it was, 
never a day went by where his kisses did not make her whole being shivered 
delightfully.

Craig's eyes were flaring with jealousy.  'that should be me' he spoke to no-one but 
his demented mind.  Anger swelled up from his veins as he watch the two exchange 
affectionate welcomes.  Traveling from Serena and Darien, then to the men that 
stood behind Darien.  He found eyes that pierced him like never before.  Never 
taken from him, they studied him as much as he studied Darien and Serena.  

"So.." said Darien as he returned to his normal stance.  "Its nice to see you again, 
Craig Galli was it?"

"Yes...... same here" he answered with a bit of sarcasm.

"You seemed to have been engrossed in a serious conversation" paused Darien 
"Care to share with me Mr. Galli?"

"It only concerned Serena and I".  Craig eyed Serena again.  Darien again was 
not amused by this man but still he kept his anger held at bay.  For Serena's 
sake and his promise of not letting any of his vampiric actions jeopardize his 
relationship.  If not broad daylight, this man was feast for all the men that 
stared hungrily at him.

"Well...." Darien glanced down a bit, smiling lightly "I would like to be 
included...since, it does concern Serena... my fiancée" Darien smiled largely 
to Craig's piqued response.  

Unexpected and shock was written all over his face as he heard the news.  His 
dark brown eyes moved down to see an engagement ring of some type to prove the 
news.  There it was, glistening on her left hand was the very large diamond ring.  
Staring at the diamond ring for a few it  cut his insides to sheer shreds as the 
diamond taunted him with every wink.


Stay Tune for Chapter 12

Engaged???? YES! Finally neh!

Its almost done guys and gals!  But next chapter * will * all depend on * you *! Email me and let me know how you like it and if you think you know what will happen.