by Marie Kelly
Frowning softly, he thought how she confused him. His belief that all women put their own needs before that of their children was being shaken, her reaction to her nephew making him frown. Sara loved the small boy, Darius knowing that it was not just a show to impress him, David’s reaction to her testament to this. He smiled, realising that the small boy must have woken, knowing that she rushed to comfort him. Yes Sara was confusing the hell out of him.
Moving forward he gently took a cover from the end of the bed, and tucked it around her, dropping a small kiss on her head as he had. The next morning Sara woke abruptly, David’s small face floating before her as he jumped up and down on the bed. “Morning Aunty Sara”, his happy cry made her yawn, stretching her arms as she groggily pushed herself up on the bed. Frowning, she wondered where she was, the memory of hearing David’s cry during the night slowly returning as she swung her legs off the side of the bed.
“Want some breakfast?” her sleepy voice asked, David giving a happy nod before he leapt to the ground taking off out of the room. “I’ll get Darius”, he yelled, disappearing out of the room before she had time to stop him. With a long sigh she followed him in a vain attempt to head him off before he woke the still sleeping man. However, by the time she reached their bedroom, David was already clambering on top of the bed, his voice high and excited. “Uncle Darius…Uncle Darius - Aunty Sara is making breakfast!”
Darius woke with a start, surprise on his face as David knelt before him, his small features staring intently at the handsome man. His eyes flew to Sara, as she hovered awkwardly at the small boy’s words, her face apologetic, as she heard her nephew call him ‘uncle’. Darius too seemed surprised before his mouth curved into a small smile. “It’s OK…I understand” Sara gave a relieved return grin, before she pulled the small boy into her arms. “OK…breakfast; Edith mentioned that she knows how to make Mickey Mouse pancakes”
David made a “cool!” response before fleeing out of the door and down the stairs as she placed him back on his feet. Giving a laugh, she grinned over at Darius, “Where does he get his energy from?” He nodded as he pushed the covers from himself. Sara once more held down the soft sigh of want seeing him naked, averting her eyes, her voice ragged. “Better catch up with him before he talks Edith into making him Donald and Goofy pancakes too” Darius gave another laugh, “Well tell her to save me some…I will be right down”
Chapter Six
In the shower, Darius frowned. The sound of David calling him ‘uncle’ was unexpected, but no more than the way the words felt so good. What was this woman doing to him? He liked his life uncomplicated. Good intelligent conversation and great sex was all he expected from the women he was involved with. He did not want anything to do with their home life, private lives or relations. Sara had been in his life for only a week, and he was allowing children to invade his well-ordered home. With a deeper frown he determined that she would have to go, tonight he would have her leave. Yet why had the sound of ‘uncle’ been so damn good to his ears, and why was the thought of her gone so bad?
As a surprise for David, Darius organised to visit the home of a friend of his, another soccer star. David’s eyes had been wide as Jim Jones - the goalkeeper for the league leaders - insisted on giving the small boy both a signed ball and a team top which swamped the child. He chatted happily with Sara, flirting with her, his eyes admiring the beautiful blonde. Darius watched carefully, frowning softly as he realised that he, Darius Garelli - a man who never let any woman get to him - was jealous. She on the other hand seemed completely oblivious to the attention being paid to her, turning at one point to mouth a thank you to Darius, this simple action causing a strange knot to tense in his stomach.
By midday they were once more home, Sara scowling as she checked her phone over and over again. As 12:45 came and went, she phoned her mother and sister, her teeth savaging her lips, whilst trying hard not to allow David to see anything was wrong. Darius knew that she had an appointment later that day, giving her a reassuring smile as he advised her just to reschedule. She however, looked panicked at just the thought. “N…no…I can’t…I have to be there”, her hand nervously passing over her forehead. “I have to be there”, she repeated.
At 1:15 Sara was close to tears; anger and desperation written on her features. Darius took her hand in his. “Look…just cancel, I am sure that your appointment is not so important” Her eyes flew to his, a strange light within them. “Yes…it really is” He gave a frown. “Why? Who are you meeting Sara?” Her eyes dropped as she shook her head, “I …I can’t tell you” Darius felt anger as she refused to tell him. He was sick of this secret that he allowed her to keep; it was time for the truth. Raising her chin with his finger he was surprised to see the small tears which gathered on her lids, the anger melting from him instantly, surprised even more by his words.
“If it means that much, go. I will wait with David” Sara stared at him, her eyes full of hope and thanks. She knew already that she trusted him completely with her much-loved nephew, how could she not trust the man she loved? Even given his dislike of her she knew he liked the small boy. “I will be back as soon as possible”, she smiled, her body relaxing as she kissed David, promising to come and see him later that week before she ran out of the door to keep her appointment. Watching her leave, Darius felt almost disappointment. Like all women, she put her own needs before the small child, not sure why this bothered him so much.
At 2:30 Angela finally arrived, not alone. As the man joined her at the doorstep, Darius stared at him, a smile lighting his face, Angela apologetic as she explained nervously. “I am so sorry Darius. We had a flat tire…and I wasn’t able to power up my mobile …so I couldn’t phone…I am really sorry” Darius gave her a reassuring grin in return, his eyes flicking to the man behind her. “Joe?” The man moved forward to shake his hand, “Darius…it is good to see you…and wow…love the house”
Darius was surprised to see Joe Johnstone. He had known the kindly man six years ago, the two friends. He owned a plumbing company with an excellent reputation which Darius found to be accurate. Joe had always liked Angela, his attraction to her something he hid from most except Darius, his eyes full of surprise seeing them together. Angela moved forward as David gave an excited cry.
“Mum…Joe,” his genuine affection for the man obvious as he rushed into Angela’s arms. His mother scooped up her son, kissing him on the cheek, a loving smile on her face. Her eyes moved behind Darius, searching. “Where is Sara?” She looked astonished as he told her that she had an appointment, a wary look crossing her pretty face. “Y…you don’t mind?” her voice surprised before she looked embarrassed. “I suppose, given you and…” Her voice trailing off, her eyes darting to Joe as she gave an overly bright half-laugh. Darius felt unease at her words. What did she know about the appointment that made her so surprised that he would allow it?
“Where is your bag?”, she asked softly as her son grabbed her hand pulling her into the house, Darius gave her an encouraging smile indicating that she was welcome, as David showed her the gifts he had received. Waiting for the other two to return, Darius looked at Joe. “Are you dating Angela?” his direct question bringing a smile to the other man’s face as he gave a small nervous grin. “Yeah…well…kind of. She looks tough Darius, but Angela is hurting over what Nick did”, his expression soft. “She and David deserve better than him…and I have never stopped loving her…and I love that boy too”
Darius gave an approving curl of his mouth, the inclusion of David’s name filling him with warmth as he shook Joe’s hand. “I am glad they have you Joe” The honesty of his words saw Joe smile back thankfully. Soon the small group left, and Darius returned to his study. He tried to work, but Angela’s words kept returning to haunt him. On his desk he reread the credit card statement with only one item on it, frowning. The piece of jewellery was not specified, only a code, an additional charge for an inscription: “Love you forever”, the words tearing at him. Was she se
eing somebody else? Darius frowned at this thought, his stomach twisted into tight knots. He had never told her that she could not see other people; he did not think that he would have to.
At four the door opened, Darius finding himself on his feet and out of his study before she even moved halfway across the hallway. He had made up his mind. He wanted her out, wanted to rid himself of the way this woman who had done him so wrong was twisting his plans to punish her, winding him around her finger.
Hearing his footsteps, she paused, her head dropping to hide the upset on her features. Darius frowned, quickly stepping up to meet her. He took in the redness of her eyes and the way her lips quivered as she fought to keep the upset from her face, his determination leaving him. “What is wrong?” A small sniffle left Sara as she tried to bring her emotions under control. “N…Nothing…I’m fine”, her voice low and weak. Darius pulled her into his arms as she started to cry against him, a long sigh leaving him as he knew that he was not ready to give up Sara Balfour.
Guiding her into the living room, she pulled herself together, Darius dragging her down to sit beside him, his hands taking hers in his, a sombre expression on his face. “What happened?” The question saw Sara give another deep sigh as her eyes dropped to their joined fingers. “It is fine”, her voice becoming stronger, “I’m fine thanks”. She tried to draw her hands from his, his grip tightening, his look serious.
“Are you seeing another man? Is that who you are meeting Sara?” Her eyes flew to his in shock. “NO!” her tone stunned as she emphatically denied his question, warmth filling his stomach as her eyes showed her horror at him even asking. “You think I would sleep with you while I was involved that way with someone else?” Darius felt like a heavy weight had been lifted from him as he gave a small grimace.
“Sorry…I had to ask. Given our agreement…and the fact that you are meeting somebody who you will not tell me about” Sara stood quickly, her head shaking, her voice stiff. Darius saw the pain that flashed through her lovely eyes. “Thank you for looking after David…I really appreciated it. If you don’t mind…I need a drink, I will see if Edith has some tea made”. He nodded, saying no more as she left the room.
Sara could feel the stabbing pain that his words caused. He really did think the worst of her. She knew that he looked on her as a manipulator and liar, but now a whore too. The pain was a physical blow. Why did she think that he would ever feel anything else for her other than dislike? The whole reason she was there, after all, was because of his contempt and need to punish her.
Sara managed to avoid him for the rest of the day, made easier by his disappearance into his study. That night at dinner, Darius saw the way she pushed her food around the plate. She barely met his eyes before finally he put his fork down with a sigh. “OK…Sara…I get it - you are angry at me”
Sara gave a soft cough, shaking her head, “No…I’m not angry. You have made your feelings about me very clear. Why else would I be here?” her head rising to look at him, her lovely eyes cold. He sighed again. “What else am I to think Sara? You ditch David for this ‘cannot be missed’ meeting, then come back in tears? In my position what would you think?”
Sara frowned softly, her teeth nibbling her bottom lip thoughtfully. What would she think, she asked herself her brows knighting together. His voice, softer this time, broke through her trouble musings. “Why won’t you tell me? Wouldn’t it be easier just to tell me what is going on?” A manic laugh left her lips at that as she shook her head furiously, “No…No it would not” Darius sighed again, his voice growing firmer.
“I could find out Sara, but it would just be easier if you told me” A small moan left her lips as she stared back at him, her eyes pleading, “Please…no…Please don’t”, once more tears rising to her eyes, “You promised me one secret. I promise you that it is not to do with another man…you promised me” Her hand grabbed his, desperation on her face. Darius shifted nervously, a scowl on his forehead before he gave an irritated sigh.
“Fine…but did it never cross your mind that I might be able to help you?” For the first time since that morning she gave him a smile, the sadness still in her eyes. “I have everything under control…it will be fine…but thanks” Darius twisted her hand into his; lifting it to his mouth he kissed the knuckles softly, “Just remember the offer still stands” Nodding softly, Sara whispered gently, “Thank you”, her voice full of honesty before she lifted her fork, her appetite once more returned.
The next morning Darius nuzzled against her neck, Sara stretching languorously against him making small satisfied purring sounds. Their lovemaking the previous night had been intense, as both clung to the other before falling asleep in the other’s arms. Giving a content sigh she rolled over to look up at him, her hand gently stroking his cheek. “Good morning Mr Garelli”, she mewed softly, Darius giving a pained groan as desire rose so strongly within him.
“I have an early meeting, which like you I cannot miss. I just wanted to let you know that we have a cocktail party tonight” Sara’s eyebrow rose in surprise, this the first she was hearing of it. “Oh…you never said” Darius gave a small shrug before she laughed softly, “You never said…because you did not know if I would still be here…just in case you had thrown me out already”
Darius gave another shrug, a boyish grin rising to his lips “I always said you were a smart lady…but you are still here…so why don’t you pamper yourself…and maybe you will make it to the end of the week” A laugh left Sara, her eyes dropping to his. Had they really been together for over a week, the sudden realisation hitting her that in five days he would be gone, and he would throw her to the side, feeling that he had extracted his revenge on the woman who had done him wrong. The emptiness which filled her hurt and she struggled to pull a smile onto her face to hide the pain, a mocking note on her voice. “That is right…Friday is your last day…and mine” Darius gave a small nod, “That is the plan…”, although she noticed how he frowned, a thoughtful look flitting across his handsome features. Rolling back onto her side, she gave a forced laugh. “Well maybe I will just not bother pampering myself…get you to ditch me sooner”. His chuckle swept over her as she felt him leave the bed to disappear into the bathroom. That night Darius again admired Sara as she gave a small twirl for him, his eyebrows raised in pretend concentration. With her long blonde hair piled high on her head, she looked even more graceful than normal, with the curve of her neck accentuating her slender figure. The soft silvery blue sleeveless cocktail dress gave her an almost ethereal quality, and he had to hold down the soft groan of desire that once more speared through him.
“Do I pass inspection?” Her sensual voice saw him give a curve of his lips, his head cocked to the side as though paying considerable attention to her question. Sara stood still, her eyes alight with laughter. He looked stunning in his tuxedo, the blackness of the suit complemented by his own good looks. He stood with his hands behind his back and made a small unsure noise. She frowned softly not sure what he could be finding so wrong with her dress. “Turn around” His voice saw her turn as he moved closer. The feel of his fingers on her neck made Sara jump, a small groan leaving her lips as he strung a diamond necklace around her throat, a larger light blue sapphire set within a cluster of diamonds in the tear-shaped pendant which dropped against her creamy skin. Her hand flew to the exquisite and expensive piece of jewellery, seeing it in the mirror. “It…It’s beautiful”, she managed, her eyes flying to his, a smile on his handsome face. “But why?”
Darius gave a small surprised frown before a chuckle left him, “To celebrate the fact that you actually made it a week” Despite her attempts not to, her lips curled into a wide smile, her eyes dropped from his to stop the laugh which was bubbling below the surface. “Well a real milestone”, she chuckled, holding back a small moan as he dropped a kiss on the nape of her neck. A tremor skated down her spine.
The party that night had been one she was nervous about, the venue one she knew well, her family
having been patrons of the charity for years. She knew that her family and all her acquaintances would be there, the thought of all of the people she had known her whole life seeing her paraded as his latest sex toy, complete with a pet collar, she thought ruefully to herself making her uncomfortable. He however, had been nothing but a gentleman, Sara surprised but delighted at his change of attitude to her.
Darius led Sara around the room, the two stopping often to talk with different acquaintances both of his and hers. Unlike the previous gala they attended together, he introduced her as his girlfriend, this surprising Sara who felt relief seeing so many people she knew. Finding themselves alone, she turned to him, a smile on her lips as her eyes looked deeply into his, “Thank you” His look of confusion saw her add softly, “For upgrading me from ‘companion’ for two weeks” He held back the small laugh, his lips twitching, “You are very welcome”
Sara found herself enjoying the night, Darius’ hand resting on the base of her spine comforting as they walked, surprising herself as this thought ran through her mind. Laughing at a joke as they were moving from one group, she froze, her eyes staring in horror at the group who had just arrived. Darius looked down at her with concern, his eyes following where she was looking. “Is that Nigel?” he queried gently, her eyes flying to his. “Yes…how did you know?” Seeing the grim set of his mouth as he looked back over to the group, his voice low, “I have my secrets too, Bella”, before once more turning to her. “Would you like to go?”
Blinking in surprise, she gave a small shake of her head, a feeble smile pulled to her lips. “No. That man is not going to make me run away” rewarded with the approving look on his handsome features. “Bravo Miss Balfour”, he grinned dropping a small kiss on her lips, the two continuing around the room, though Sara noticed that Darius had been careful not to set a course that the two would meet, thankful for this consideration.
