InsaneJournal

Tweak says, "YEAH! OKAAAY!"

Maggie Jones (mother_maggie) wrote in haunted_roads,
@ 2008-03-06 21:50:00

Entry tags:

daren, maggie

Week Three: Monday
Who: Maggie and Daren
When: Monday Evening
Where:t The Towers then Salish Lodge

She hadn't meant to cancel their plans on his birthday of all days. Maggie was well known for making certain that the birthday of most anyone she knew was celebrated in some fashion. A plate of cookies, a cake, dinner... something. Especially for the man she was dating. Seemed somehow a bit more unforgivable, well it would be if it hadn't been for the fact that it had been that she was called in to cover a fellow nurses shift. All the talk she'd made over the course of the week for the meal she'd been planning... they knew not to call unless it was actually an emergency. Daren had understood, there was little that could be done.

But that didn't mean that Maggie could do her best to make it up to him. She'd spent the better part of an hour rummaging through her closet trying to find a dress for the evening. He was always trying to outfit her in some designer outfit even through her protests. Maggie had just never been able to keep the lovely garmets. Felt like such a waste in her life, worn once and never again? Instead Maggie kept just a bare few and gave the rest to charity. It wasn't just the extravagence that made the gifts hard to accept... It had a great deal to do with the fact that she felt as though she already took enough from him by the very fact that she didn't return his feelings in full (or perhaps his perceived feelings would be the more accurate description) only exacerbated the situation. Resisting the urge to find Sophie and ask her opinion on the black dress she had finally unearthed, Maggie smoothed her hair back and found a pair of heels that would suit the evenings purposes.

A nice dinner to celebrate a belated valentines day and birthday.

A note was hastily scribbled down for Sophie and stuck to the magnet bearing Sophie's name, to the refrigerator. Food was in the freezer and she would be back later. It was always hard for Maggie to walk out the door like this... she knew Sophie held little regard for Daren despite all the things he had done for them. Maggie wasn't certain where they would be right now if he hadn't been around to help out on those rare occasions where Maggie actually admitted to needing help. But he had been and she would always be thankful for it. He was a friend and she did care for him and couldn't help but accept that she did have feelings for him. She just... couldn't love him. At least not as he deserved to be loved. She couldn't. Not when her heart would always belong to one man. Even in all the years he'd been gone... It could never be replaced.

She glanced down at the simple silver watch that adorned her wrist and quickened her pace, hurrying for the small clutch bag she had set out earlier in preparation for this evening. Purse tucked under her arm and a simple black coat slung over her arm Maggie hurried out the door. She had made the reservation but she hae known Daren long enough to simply let his driver know what time they needed to be picked up and where they were going. She wanted to keep something a surprise for Daren.

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the_pretender
2008-03-10 01:17 am UTC (link)

Normally Daren was not the kind of man to actually like surprises. He was after all, a man used to being in control. Besides, in his business, surprises generally came in the form of arsenic in your wine or a horses head in your bed.

His driver knew exactly how Daren felt about such things and so, wise man that he was, did exactly as he should, and let his boss in on it. Nevermind, he and Daren both did a good job of playing dumb. Not that playing dumb ever came easy to Daren. But he made do, perfected the act over several centuries.

It was the driver that answered the door when the long-legged beauty arrived. He smiled at her, gave her a wink and then let himself out as he would need to bring the car around for the drive.

“Old dog’s been acting giddy all day.” Daren spoke as soft leather soles tapped against the cool marble of his entry. His smiled for Maggie. “Think he likes knowing that he knows something I don’t.” He kissed Maggie’s cheek and set down the two flutes he’d carried in the room with him upon the perfectly polished Cherry. Lifting his chin, he showed her the tie he'd been fussing with. Truth was he could tie it in a dark closet with both hands tied behind his back, but one thing Daren knew about human women, especially nurturers like Maggie… they liked to feel needed. Every bit as much as they liked to feel protected. “Give us a little help with this thing?"

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mother_maggie
2008-03-10 07:29 pm UTC (link)

Daren's place always made her want to laugh, not in the his taste was garish sort of way or anything. It was just the stark opposition to her own living arrangements. She didn't begrudge him at all his wealth, after all Maggie only saw the philanthropic side of it all. The good that he could do with what he had, and that was exactly what drew her to him. But that didn't change how often she still felt out of place in his world... marble floors, champagne flutes, fancy cars... it was all so far from everything that Maggie had ever known and ever wanted.

Money had never really mattered to her, so long as the bills were paid. It was when you didn't have the bare necessities that it mattered. And she hated that.

Maggie smiled as Daren's driver opened the door and gave her that little knowing wink. That he might have passed all the information onto Daren, Maggie didn't have the foggiest. Though it wouldn't entirely surprise her, not everyone was a fan of being surprised but she didn't think a dinner was anything that could be too surprising. Then again she didn't live in the world that Daren truly lived in.

Her heels clicked as she crossed the marble floor. "I'm sure he has, but he swore on never getting a home cooked meal from me again that his lips were sealed about this evening." She smiled as a kiss was pressed to her cheek. He was spot on with her, likely knew her nature than she did herself. Just as he likely knew that if she were to have the slightest inkling that he used that knowledge to manipulate her and her family... that she would never look at him again with any sort of kindness in her eyes. How much that would truly matter to him in the end though was a whole other matter.

Maggie immediately moved toward the tie that it appeared as though he was doing a better job of mangling than tying. Maggie had no doubt that he could tie it, but she did enjoy doing that sort of thing for him. She always had... not that she'd tied many ties for Bastian but she'd done other things, warming a towel in the dryer for him while he was in the shower, bringing a plate of dinner over while he worked... if she thought on it long enough the list could almost become endless and she felt as though she could drown in the memories. She tried not to let that happen anymore. As her fingers set to work on the silk that hung around his neck she shook her head. "Making a mess of this again?" A small tut tut sound followed as she quickly righted the knot and settled it against his chest. Her fingers smoothed out the lines of his suit coat over his shoulders and down his arms.

"Now there, you look very handsome belated birthday boy." Maggie said with a genuine smile as she leaned back a touch, taking in the full picture.

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the_pretender
2008-03-11 06:41 am UTC (link)

Daren’s tastes were anything but garish. But truth was, if any of his old chums were around to see him today they’d know the truth, they’d know he was putting on airs. Thing was, for a kid from the streets, he’d come a long fucking way. The things he had had been earned. Okay, with other people’s blood and sweat, but earned none the less, and Daren meant to make the best of it. He had a reputation now, and liked all the posh living that went along with keeping up.

And of course, Giving back to the community was a big part of that reputation. A huge part. Even if much of his activities were revealed today most people would look the other way. After all, a man so generous as Daren Shankley was a good man indeed. If they punished him for his bad deeds then the world would suffer the loss of all the good he’d done. Daren wasn’t making this shit up. He knew it worked. Chalk it up to centuries of sociology. He knew how people were. He didn’t get it, but he knew. Once you got shit like that, it was easy enough to manipulate.

All this fancy shit wasn’t Maggie. But she understood it was Daren. And if he were to just say oh I don’t want it now, I want to be one of the regular people, well than, that would feel fake to her. So he just kept it like it was, without too often rubbing it in her face., He did so often find chance to remind her what a benefit his money could be however. Though this was done with situation, not word, just as it always was. People would only seek help from those that weren’t always trying to shove that help down their throat.

He smirked, eye’s smiling as he took in the dark-haired beauty before him. “His word’s pretty good, I’d wager. Unless he let slip to Merryweather.” (The only other servant. She cooked, he drove, and both butled, AKA… ran the affairs of the house.) “They’re pretty tight, I think.

He was sufficiently nescient as Maggie took care of the tie at his neck. His hands slipped to her bare arms as she finished and he pulled her in softly, arms wrapping around her quite comfortably to settle at her back. He kissed her lips. “Thank you. Without you I would have spent my birthday dinner with a tie tied oafishly in a bow like a ribbon. Would look cockeyed at… where was it you said we were going again? McDonalds?”

Grinning, he kept her close to him and reached out to the first glass, handing it to her before reaching out for the other. His other arm remained wrapped around her, resting at the small of her back. “Here’s to birthdays and celebrating them all month long.” He grinned and offered his glass to hers for a toast.

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mother_maggie
2008-03-14 06:28 pm UTC (link)

Celebrating all that he had worked for over the years with a few nice things... Maggie could never begrudge anyone that. From her estimation, as skewed as it might be he had earned everything that he had worked for and deserved to enjoy it. Money was just never something she had put a great deal of stock into. It wasn't what made you happy in life though without it, it could certainly make a person unhappy, but it was only a thing and far from what really mattered.

But the time she spent with him was never about the money, even if she was dolled up in a designer dress of his purchase or eating at a far too expensive a plate charity dinner. She wasn't sitting with him because of those facts, rather she was sharing her time and conversation and her... ordinarily she would say love but it never was quite that simple anymore. She wished it could be more because he was a good man even underneath some of the rough exterior that he had. And yes Maggie wasn't as entirely oblivious as many thought.

She did see the good in someone rather than just the bad. Maggie had no doubt that there had been a few people trampled underfoot on Daren's way to good fortune but the what he did now with his money... that showed a lot to Maggie. And it was something she was more than willing to support.

"I don't think he'd dare." Maggie teased with a quirk of her lips. "Not even to tell Merryweather. He knows just how stubborn I can be and I worked hard to plan an evening for you tonight." Making any sort of plans could be a challenge between working at the hospital and working at home. No matter what anyone said, being a mother was a full time job even when your child was reaching adulthood. Only that many more worries.

His hands skimmed along her arms, pulling her in towards his chest and Maggie went willingly. His touch was always... nice, though there had to be a better word, but it was never the same. Not quite the same spark that had always been there from the moment she'd met Bastian. But Maggie had tried to stop comparisons, it simply wasn't fair. Though with the flowers that Daren had given her for Valentine's day... that resolution was growing more and more difficult to keep.

Maggie returned the kiss, lips formed into a smile as her head leaned back slightly to given him that teasing look. "You're more than welcome and it's Burger King... only the best for you." She laughed as her hands came to rest on his lapels. Her fingers smoothed over the fabric as she pressed up onto her toes. Her lips brushed over his cheek, making a path towards his ear. "And no I'm not going to tell you until we get there." Her feet lowered, but the smile remained on her face as a Champagne flute was placed in her hand. She clinked the edge of her own flute against his after the toast was made. "A whole month of celebration? Not doing anything in small measure are you." Not that she expected anything less of him.

Champagne sipped, Maggie slid her hand down his arm to find his fingers, linking them looked over expectantly. "We do have somewhere to be... young man, and I keep a tight ship. Shall we?" She inclined her head to the door and by extension the car waiting outside for them already.

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the_pretender
2008-03-20 06:30 am UTC (link)

Many other women Daren had played over the years, were impressed by the riches. In fact, most were. In today’s enlightened era, with women now in such position to earn as much, or near as much on their own, as men, it took other things to impress them. Especially in the western world. They wanted men to be sensitive. Fortunately Daren’s charm passed as such, or else masked it. If he really had to go simpering about like some mollycoddled cream puff, he’d have said fuck the whole lot of them. Fortunately he’d not really have to go to such extremes. Nor likely, would he ever have to. So many so lacking in esteem. They’re happy for even a glance. Daren just simply preferred to play with those with some strength, and a bit of strength in their spine.

“Oh I don’t know. That Merryweather can be a convincing lil tart. All two hundred fifty pounds of her.” He arched his brows and offered a teasing grin. But not near as beautiful as you. So I think you might have her beat in the convincing department.” He winked. “Poor bloke, don’t know which way to turn between all you birds.”

He nodded. “Burger King, right. Giving me the royal treatment, are you? I’ll have to return the favor on your birthday and take you to a Wimpy Bar.” He purred for the feel of her lips on his cheek and allowed his hands to move lower on her curved backside, a natural progression as she rose higher on her toes.

“Of course, Madam.” Daren, Ever the gentlemen, took her glass and set it along with his own, on the table before offering his arm. He didn’t even take the opportunity to comment on how tight her ship really was. He was that much of a gentleman.

A few moments later they were arriving in the garage, though not before being seen together by several neighbors. Daren really did like to see and be seen. And especially liked to give people something incredible to gawk at when they did. Like a beautiful woman on his arm. Preferably the most beautiful woman in the city.

Money was no object when Daren saw the perfect accessory. And he would do almost anything to gain it.

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mother_maggie
2008-03-22 02:59 am UTC (link)

Maggie saw those sort of women everyday. Women who were looking only to find material comfort in their relationships, who wanted to be praised and given a sense of self worth because a man found them appealing. It wasn't Maggie, had never been Maggie. She had her hang ups, she didn't know any woman, any person that didn't. She hated the little crows feet that were starting to spring up next to her eyes and the fact that was certain there were a few gray hairs in the dark length of her hair. But those were all simple vanities and Maggie rarely gave them much more than a passing grimace in the mirror.

They weren't the sort of things that mattered in her, in others. Maybe it made her especially naive to be anywhere near Daren if it was always the bigger picture that mattered. But she felt there was good in him, she wouldn't be standing next to him if she didn't. Certainly wouldn't let him near Sophie.

But Maggie certainly didn't know the whole picture.

Maggie's nose crinkled up slightly as she shook her head. "Now don't go giving her a hard time. I'm fairly certain she could take you." Maggie teased right back. "He just knows you need a good surprise for your birthday." Of course it wasn't really a surprise at all but that fact was far from necessary for Maggie to know.

Her head nodded, lips still curved upward. Easy carefree moments were few and far between in life anymore and she did try and embrace them, even if something was always missing. That something would always be missing. "Royal treatment exactly. And you know I would probably enjoy that for my birthday. I used to go with my parents to Dicks every year at the stroke of midnight for my birthday."

Champagne finished and they were headed out the door, her arm tucked into his. Such a different life than the one she lived every day typically. It had that fantastical element. But it wasn't anything she craved. It was just Daren and she was accustomed to it. She didn't see it as being paraded about, that sort of motivation was somewhat beyond Maggie's comprehension. She was nothing more than a single mother. Parading about was for celebrities and that Maggie was not. Even if Daren had his own status near that.

Maggie gave the driver a knowing smile as the made their way to his car. One that probably cost more than every thing in Maggie's apartment. She rarely tried to get him in her car, though it was always comical when she did. "I think someone is antsy to get his birthday dinner underway." Maggie said as she ducked into the open car door and took her seat waiting for Daren to do the same. "Get in here and stop trying to weasel it out of him." Maggie warned from where she sat as she patted the seat next to her.

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the_pretender
2008-03-22 05:24 am UTC (link)

There was always a bigger picture, and even in the “best” of people that bigger picture was only a part of an even bigger picture, one in which their true selves were revealed. Particularly with those who had money, no matter how they spent it. So often it had been earned on the backs of others. But Daren was in no way haunted by this knowledge as that poor Mrs. Winchester had been. He had no qualms about the ways his riches had been gained. In Daren’s case the bigger picture would reveal a man similar to the smallest picture… but far worse than any might have guessed.

“Oh, I’m sure she could take me. Besides, Mama always taught me never mess with the one that cooks your food.” Mama didn’t teach him shit except never trust the bitch. The part about fucking with the person cooking your food well, that was just common sense. Sense many many people throughout history were lacking. Food poisoning was rarely accidental.

Merryweather was given extra special treatment. She might well be the most spoiled cook in all of North America, certainly Seattle proper.

“Really now? Shall I withhold my dirty thoughts about you and dicks? You do make it hard for a man to always be polite, Maggie.” He groaned and shook his head as though the effort were killing him. In fact, it really was. A little.

Single mother. Working mother. Commoner. All of the above perhaps. And yet she was easily one of the most beautiful women in Seattle, even among supernaturals. Funny she didn’t see this. But that she was so modest only added to her desirability. He liked also that she seemed not at all affected by the riches, not even tempted, though it was waved in her face regularly. Subtly of course.

More than all her furnishings, her clothing, even the home she used to live in before it was sold. Not that Daren flaunted the cost of such a vehicle. He just liked the way he looked in it, and the way it felt to be in it. Some of her jewels came close, though if she knew their true value she’d never have accepted.

The driver held the door as both ducked in, though Daren was a little slower, taking the moment to watch that tight ass as she wiggled her way in. He was grinning at her once she settled and looked his way. “If you insist. But it better be good. Maybe you should do something to keep my attention until we get there.” He murmured in her ear once he was seated beside her and the door was closed. “Wouldn’t want me peaking out the curtains after all.”

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mother_maggie
2008-03-22 06:02 am UTC (link)

Ever the optimist, Maggie could guess there had been some choices that she might not have agreed with in his life. There had been choices she'd made in her own life that she didn't agree with. Falling into a relationship with him had been one of those things that she questioned often for example. But Bastian was gone. It had been years with nothing... absolutely nothing and she'd searched with every available breath of her body. Maggie didn't think she would ever truly move on but she did have to keep on living.

"Smart woman!" Maggie instantly agreed, she did have a special place in her heart for that woman. Cook with cook, not that Maggie made the fantastical meals that Merryweather could pull off. Rather she specialized in the home cooked comfort variety. "I think I need to work on teaching Sophie that lesson."

Maggie lifted a hand and swatted at Daren's arm. Nothing painful but she did let a look of surprise cross over her face. "You shall and my mother would be crossing herself and damning you to hell right about now if she were here to hear that." Maggie said with a touch of mock horror before the expression was replaced with a smile and a laugh. "I do remember dying the year I finally understood what that could mean, and I firmly believed that my mother couldn't." Probably like most teenagers didn't want to think about regardless of the fact that it was likely far from the truth.

Maggie would much rather have happy moments than any amount of beauty. Beauty didn't ensure that her daughter was raised happy and healthy, beauty didn't fill up that hole that seemed to be ever present in her heart... it didn't matter in the world Maggie lived in, as... fantastical as that world could be in ways that Daren's was not.

Maggie's legs crossed as she settled into the plush interior of the car that Daren so loved. "It might not be one of the spots downtown you enjoy but I can assure you that it will be good, even by your standards." The view alone was well worth the drive in Maggie's opinion. The food only an added bonus. Her eyebrow arched up she felt the brush of his lips so close to her ear as he spoke. "Stimulating conversation isn't going to keep the birthday boy occupied?" She asked as her head turned slowly to face him, the curve of her body coming to rest against his.

And the car was in motion, the drive underway.

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the_pretender
2008-03-22 07:49 am UTC (link)

There were a lot of lessons she needed to teach that brat daughter of hers, but one thing Daren knew aside from the part about not messing with the cook was… you don’t mess with a woman’s children. Not unless you were ready to see the claws come out. “She given ya trouble, is she?” He asked, all concerned like. “Typical teenage stuff, I ‘magine. Plus, growing without a father can’t have been easy on the kid, yeah?”

The swat brought an even bigger and more mischievous grin to Daren’s face. “Doesn’t make a lot of sense, does it?” The sign of the cross accompanied by a curse of damnation. Of course, Daren had witnessed such acts in abundance in his time. He had a knack for pissing off pious women. Was it his fault they were so fun to play with?

“And I’m certain Sophie believes the same about you.” He nodded emphatically, teasingly.

“Whatever you want to call it, I’m sure it will be stimulating.” That ever present grin tugged at his lips even as they were pressing to hers.” Teasing as he was though, he could be a gentlemen, and usually was with Maggie. She wasn’t the sort to just start stripping clothes off after all. Much room as there was in the car, he did not move away from the soft press of her body to his. In fact, his hand molded to her waist and part of her back as he pulled her slightly closer with the movement of the car. “Though, if you really rather talk, I’m happy to hear all you have to say, Madam.” His brows quirked up.

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mother_maggie
2008-03-22 09:39 pm UTC (link)

Claws and something more. Maggie wasn't a violent woman, perhaps the very opposite of that, abhorring anything physical violence and all that came with it. But when it came to her daughter... there was room for all those things to be thrown to the wind. Not something she wanted to have tested though, there were enough dangers in the world for her daughter that Maggie worried about from day to day. "Oh nothing out of the ordinary. She's as rebellious as I was at that age." Same age Maggie had been when she'd made her parents life hell. Though how Bastian made anyone's life hell was beyond Maggie's comprehension. Maggie's features tightened for a moment. Memories colliding with his words... growing up without a father hadn't been easy on Sophie. "No... No it hasn't." Maggie said simply before she blinked a few times to try and clear the strain that had worked it's way onto her face away.

"Not the most tolerant views of Christianity." Protect yourself and cast others out. Certainly hadn't been Maggie's take on faith. But her parents had been good people, she would never say otherwise. They had just been protective and unwilling to see the good in Bastian as she had at the beginning.

A shake of her head sent dark strands of hair sliding over her shoulders. "I'm a hundred percent certain she does know more than I do." Maggie replied, her tone mirroring his. Though there was probably some disturbing truth to that.

The car pulled away smoothly and headed out of the garage, taking to the streets of Seattle with ease, making it's way quickly toward I-90 and the drive ahead of them to Snoqualmie Falls. And Daren took up with his typical audacious comments, ones that always had her shaking her head and forcing a flush to her cheeks. "It is your special day, belated as it is." Maggie said with a cant of her head. She was an affectionate woman, but it was never quite the same. Moments where she felt she cheapened the acts and cheapened herself. But she wasn't dwelling on those thoughts at the moment.

That would only spoil the day entirely. Something she wouldn't do to Daren. Instead she caught his other hand with her own and laced their fingers together and pressed her lips to crook of his neck.

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the_pretender
2008-03-23 12:03 am UTC (link)

The least violent women were the most fun to watch when those claws, teeth, and all matter of anger were finally tugged forth. Maggie would be interesting. To finally let lose the politeness that she showed to each and every person. What Daren wouldn’t give to see her loosen the reigns. Something she’d yet to do, no matter how he ever got under her skin… she was withholding. That much was painfully obvious.

For that alone he should just kill Bastian.

Unfortunately that would piss off the sire, a woman with whom Daren had a decent relationship. He knew the value of allied associates, and she had long been a good one.

But he was glad now to see the conversation moving in a different direction. Maggie could become so glum when they discussed her family. Not that she would realize. And if he brought it to her attention, she’d be apologetic, and feel suitable guilty, still… there it would be.

He decided now to share a bit of truthism with her. “Speaking of Christian tolerance… did I ever tell ya how I got the scar?” He tilted his head as though she wouldn’t have a clue which scar she meant. “Nuns, in my hometown. Guess I pissed them off right good, came after me with a crucifix like they were gonna beat some reverence into me.” He looked sheepish, but always that underlying hint of mischievousness. “Guess it didn’t work.” He wiggled his brows. No, it clearly had not worked.

If Maggie’s mother saw her now she’d be begging her to return to the trouble maker Bastian. Surely she was up in Heaven now offering up prayers for that very thing. Meanwhile, Daren was having his fun with the virtuous Maggie.

“That’s right.” He said almost as if it just dawned on him. “It is my special day. What I say goes.” He growled playfully for the tender lips pressed to his lips. His own pressed into her soft hair, inhaling as he moved his face downward to once again find her lips, pressing softly, yet possessively into them.

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mother_maggie
2008-03-23 03:05 am UTC (link)

He might very well get his wish... if the fates collided just right. Not that Maggie ever thought such a future could be possible. It would take a great deal to have her claws flash in his direction, but with the things that Daren had in fact done... it was more than possible. It was inevitable.

So many truths hidden behind his charming exterior.

Maggie's head tilted to the side as his own did. Her eyes were keen on the scar that he was revealing, regardless of the fact that she did know the one he spoke of. Her fingers lifted and traced over the mark lightly as he spoke. It was moments like this, where little bits were shared that Maggie cherished. Not the wealth or riches but simple things like this. Her brow puckered for a moment before her fingers fell away and a smile replaced the look on her face. "It certainly didn't. But somehow I think that is all for the better." She just couldn't see him as a straight laced pious man.

Just how many special days he'd had, Maggie had no idea. And just how often what he said went as well. But on that mark she could guess most days. She was indulgent today though, despite the fact that she wasn't always at ease with showing him that affection. Though he did always have his ways with that. "Don't go getting too used to it," she said with a teasing nip to his lower lip.

It was a long drive after all and even Maggie could attest to the fact that conversation could only last so long. An appetite had to be worked up to make it all worthwhile. Excellent food and an even better view. She could only hope that it was a birthday he would enjoy.

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the_pretender
2008-03-23 05:56 am UTC (link)

And yet for now, he was so very very well behaved. Never once giving into any of his secret perversions. Not with Maggie anywhere nearby. Just as any job worth doing was worth doing well, the same held true with games such as this one. Thouhg, wooing Maggie was a bit more than just a game. It suited him so well to have her on his arm. And if he were to decide to run for office? Not that he would, but if, she’d make the perfect first lady. Well read, kind, and a face that people were naturally drawn to, and trusting of. Definitely more than a game.

And Daren soaked it up. He learned at a very young age how to best manipulate people. For most women, it was endearing one’s self to them. Maggie was a prime example of that. Plus any opportunity he could take to slander their church he liked as well. A good reason why religious types should never resort to violence, their enemies would be only too pleased to turn it against them.

“Thought you might say that.” Spoken with an arch of brows and an almost serious set to his lips. Nope, almost impossible. Sometimes he had the hardest time managing a serious look. Of course, that was all a part of his charm. Or so he’d been told.

Much as he’d like to have desert right now, Daren understood the benefit of patience. He took his time, not overly rushed with the kissing or touching, and after a few moments opened another bottle of the bubbly. “Might as well, since we’ve got a bit of a drive still, it seems.” Maggie liked champagne and Daren liked Maggie on champagne. Win win really.

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