Simple Sweetness

Chapter 18

Author's note: This chapter contains Lemony fresh scent.

Darien's room which was identical to her own in so many ways, was cast in a faint somber light from the single lamp. Set on the middle side table between the two double beds. Casting a peaceful spell upon the room that calmed her sobbing and steadied the painful ache throbbing in her chest. As she was soothed heart and soul by being held in his strong arms, she always seemed to find her solace there.

They remained in each other's embrace for a long time, neither willing to release their hold upon the other. It was her gentle shaking of being chilled that finally drew Darien back from the rapture of having her in his arms. With a warm smile he guided her onto the spare bed near the window.

"I'll get you some dry clothes." He stated, giving her a nervous hand gesture to just sit still.

Serena giggled softly then gave a relaxed sigh. "I'm not going anywhere tonight, Mamo-chan." She should be nervous, or feel excited by her commitment to stay the night in his room. Instead she felt nothing but peace. Smiling contentedly to herself, she began to gaze languidly about the room.

"Good, very good." He called happily, if absently from the small hall before the main beds. She could hear the dull sound of a zipper being pulled then him rummaging through a duffle bag. Concentrating on his task he paid her no mind for a few moments. Allowing her to embrace the quiet atmosphere of the room. Cast in soft shadows as the only light was coming from a weak iron and glass desk lamp. That was set on the central side table. She cast her gaze absently around the elegance of his room, with the rich wood trim and dark crimson walls. The cheery wood desk and matching entertainment stand. The fluffy comforter of gold and dark red stripes that dressed the bed beneath her. Her eyes falling upon the large open window, the long white cotton drapes pulled aside. Watching the strobbing lights of passing cars cruising down the busy street just outside. The dull roar of their engines accenting the night. Sending their lights to travel across the walls as ghostly stranger's briefly invading their room.

Serena couldn't stand the clammy shirt any longer and pulled it over her head and cast it to the floor in disgust. Leaving herself in only her gold halter top and Darien's damp tropical fish towel wrapped loosely around her waist.

What a crazy night! She finally felt relaxed and safe here with Darien. Nothing could touch her here, or hurt her still fragile emotions. Basking in the soothing surroundings and calm atmosphere. She knew she didn't want to be anywhere else but here with him.

"I wonder when Chad's coming back?" Darien cast the front door a curious look, as he walked back towards the bed with a pale blue button up long sleeve shirt. It had been reserved for tomorrow, since he only packed enough clothes for two days. But it would work as a night gown for his Sweetness.

"He's not." She smirked knowingly at him, giggling brightly at the now confused expression he had upon his face. As he passed her the shirt, inquiring silently with an eager look, for her to share what she knew.

"Chad is currently having fun in my room with Mina...and Raye." She finished raising her eyebrows up and down for emphasis. "I doubt he's coming back here tonight."

"Wow..." Was all Darien could muster, sitting heavily down beside her on the bed. His mind spinning with erotic images of the really good time Chad was currently engaging in.

Serena caught his dreamy, far off look. The smug if envious smile creeping over his features and scowled. Smacking him hard on the shoulder. "Stop trying to picture it!" she ranted with irritation. Quickly standing up and storming away to the bathroom to get changed. Slamming the door behind her, expressing her obvious disgust with him. Appalled by his obvious male chauvinism.