Daniel

"Are you going to stare out there all morning, or are we going to finish this deal?" Garen growled. "What's got you so damn distracted?" He threw down the contract and stomped over to where I stood watching the fascinating woman. Her eyes lifted and I swear it was as if she were looking straight into my soul, then her cheeks flushed red and she lowered her gaze as her trembling fingers began typing. "Really, Daniel, a human...a fucking human?" Garen snorted as he turned away.

I felt a growl fill my chest as he huffed. "Watch your tongue, Garen," I snapped, an overwhelming sense of protectiveness filling my mind.

His eyes widened, "Damn, I didn't realize you and she had a thing. Sorry."

I sighed, my hand running through my hair, "We don't...I just...I, well, fuck...I don't know, man. I feel so damn drawn to her."

He gave me a confused look, "Have you even talked to her? I mean, I'm sure if you two just...well, maybe it would get it out of your system."

Glaring at him, I spat, "I don't just want to fuck her or drink from her, Garen. She fascinates me. She's witty, quick on her feet, hell she even managed to befriend Matt, and he hates everyone."

"Woah, she must be a saint," he laughed, "That or a miracle worker. Matt's one tough nut to crack."

I choked on my laughter, "Damn, do you realize how old you sound using that phrase?" He glared as I roared with laughter. Being a vampire has its perks, but sometimes we come off as damn boomers with our holdover ways.

"Whatever, Daniel, at least I'm not the one hung up on a fucking human secretary," he gruffed. "Now, can we please get this damn contract done?" I sighed, rolling my eyes and pulled myself away from the one way glass.

Pinching the bridge of my nose, I let out an exhausted sigh. Garen continued to be a pain in the ass all day. He complained about every detail of the contract and was less than giving in the negotiations with the board on our conference call. On top of all that, he made a point to call in Serenity to bring us coffee. The fucker doesn't even like coffee, he just wanted to watch the two of us steal uncomfortable glances at one another. Then he goes and starts flirting with her just to piss me off. I swear there are times I don't know how I've managed not to kill him in the last three hundred years.

"So Serenity, what made you choose to take on the exchange program," he asked her as she came into the room for the third time at his request. His dark eyes roamed her body a bit too closely for my comfort as I shifted in my chair. He stole a glance in my direction and sneered as he undid the top button on his shirt after loosening his tie. "Corporate law can't be that intriguing."

Her cheeks flushed in that adorable way as she cleared her throat gently. "Well, actually, my supervisor, um, placed my name into the pool without telling me." Her eyes met mine for a moment and I could hear her heart racing just as it had that first day.

"Do you regret being chosen?" I asked quietly. Her eyes dilated slightly and she shook her head.

"At first I was terrified, but now, I'm glad for the experience." Her hands betrayed her nervousness as she handed me another file I didn't really need. When our fingers brushed against one another, we both froze. It wasn't until I heard the door close that I realized Garen had left the room, leaving her and I completely alone. Guess the old cynic even realized there was something more here. "Oh, um, should I leave?"

Releasing her fingers I motioned to the now empty chair. She sat, confusion written all over her face. Her body was rigid, but her pheromones betrayed her desire. "Do I frighten you, Serenity?"

She shook her head, "No sir, you don't frighten me, but most vampires do," she said hesitantly.

I frowned, "Why?"

Her lip trembled as she spoke, "When your kind first came forward, some vampires weren't so kind. A small group began trying to take land from the locals and when they resisted, well... I was only nine when my parents and older siblings were murdered. I hid in the fields until a neighbor found me two days later, dehydrated and hysterical. I...I'm sorry, I shouldn't have..."

"Shh," I whispered, "You have no need to apologize, I asked. You simply told me the hard truth." Without thought, I lifted my hand to tuck her hair behind her ear then wiped away a tear clinging to her pale skin. "I'm sorry you have suffered at the hand of my kind before. I know nothing I can say will erase that memory or fear, but I must say how impressed I am with you. In the short time you've been here, you have managed to befriend almost every human and vampire you come in contact with. You're like a warm light that makes everyone feel better when you're around - even me." I felt the slight gasp she fought to hide and smiled to myself. I lifted her chin and met her doe eyes, "May I kiss you, Serenity?"

As if I had dowsed her in cold water, her eyes blinked rapidly and she pulled back, "What? Um, ah, I should really get back to work, sir. Please let me know if you need any more files, Mr. Ito," then she stood and practically ran out the door.

I let my head fall into my hand with a groan. I completely fucked that up. 

Author's Notes:  If you started the story before, here and forward are where you will notice the major changes.  Enjoy my lovelies!