MIRRORED LIFE

MIRRORED LIFE : Serena St. James tries to escape a past riddled with secrets and shame, only find herself confronted with the most dangerous stalker of all - the woman she had once called her best friend. ####### Read an excerpt: Serena eased between two men who were smoking cigars, standing by the elevators, and went over to Craig, carefully studying his profile. She noticed that Craig was deep in thought, holding a glass, as he concentrated on the sparkling Manhattan skyline. "Hello," she said, startling him. He jerked around, then smiled, seemingly pleased. "Oh, hi." He nodded, put down his glass and motioned for her to sit down. "Partied out?" "For me, yes." Serena sank into the deep red leather club chair next to his and crossed her legs. The slit in the skirt of her black velvet dress fell open, revealing a good portion of her thigh. Diana had snapped up the strapless creation as soon as she had seen it on a rack at Bloomingdale's yesterday, buying it for Serena without letting her try it on. Serena, never having worn a strapless dress in her life, had been worried that it might not fit, that it might make her look foolish, or that she'd have to walk around with her arms at her sides to hold up the top of her dress. But, of course, Diana had judged it right The dress fit Serena as if it had been custom made for her and the sensuous fabric hugged her bodice in a series of soft folds that emphasized her small waist and flared just enough to show off her curvaceous hips. The back was cut low, the side slit high, and the classic sheath created an overall impression of money, class, and style. Diana had even bought the jet earrings and necklace to go with it, as well as a tiny black se-quined purse shaped like a shell. Serena loved the way she felt tonight: sexy, sophisticated, and beautiful. She started to pull the opening in the skirt closed, but decided against it, deciding it was fine the way it was. Craig's eyes flickered briefly over her legs, then up to her face before he winked and said, "Very nice." "What's so nice?" she teased, uncharacteristically flirtatious. "The dress, the shoes, the jewelry, the hair. All of you," he said in a voice that was level and soft. Serena ran a hand along her thigh, smoothing the velvet skirt. "Diana picked it out. She's got great taste." "And the money to indulge it," Craig quickly added. "Well, I never would have bought a dress like this, even if I could have afforded it." "Why not?" Craig asked. Serena inwardly flinched, wishing she hadn't voluntarily provided an opening for Craig to ask her that question. She'd have to be more careful. "Because money has always been very hard to come by, and spending it on fancy clothes has never been a priority." Nodding, Craig said, "Well, you sure look good, and not at all like the half-drowned girl I rescued from the side of the road a few days ago." Serena traced a fingernail over the shiny wooden table-top, making small circles, thinking about bis compliment. "Yes, only a few days ago." She lifted her eyes and caught his even gaze, holding it for a moment. "Seems like I've known you much longer than a few days." "True. A lot has happened in a short time, but life with Diana is like that. Things are going to be very different for you from now on, and I doubt that money will be your biggest worry. You're in high cotton, Serena St. James." He laughed, lifting his glass in a salute. "Diana has a big heart, but she's careful with whom she shares it She likes you, wants you to succeed, and that's great. But be careful. She's been known to take advantage, and will if you let her, so try not to let that happen, Serena. You're very talented. %ung. Smart. You'd eventually make it big without her help, just maybe not so quickly." Craig took a sip of his drink, then signaled to the waiter, who hurried over. Craig nodded to Serena. "What do you want?" "Nothing, thanks. I think I overdid the champagne." "I know what you mean." He turned back to the waiter. "I'll have a Perrier and lime, please." Focusing again on Serena he continued their conversation. "I saw Diana hug you offstage in the wings tonight. She's really pleased with this concert ... and that's good." "You saw us? Where were you?" "In the control room," he said. "Great view from up there. I can see the audience, the pit, the wings. Check things out with little interference. And by the way, tell Diana the lighting tonight was superb." Serena heard the depth of Craig's commitment to Diana Devreux in his words, and noticed that the firm set to his jaw and the touch of determination around his mouth evidenced how seriously he took his job. But how deeply were they connected? she wondered, deciding to venture into the subject. "You're much more than a chauffeur to Diana, aren't you?" Serena prompted, keeping her voice as even as possible, hoping she did not sound too interested in their relationship. "I'm whatever she needs me to be," Craig quipped lightly, seeming unruffled by Serena's question. "And I try to be accommodating," he finished, lifting his chin slightly, as if waiting for the next question. But Serena held her tongue, taking in his reaction, admiring the clear-cut lines of his face, dark against the light pine paneled wall behind him. She wanted to know exactly what -accommodating" meant, but didn't dare press the subject, silently admonishing herself for even wanting to know. Craig Alexander didn't owe her any kind of explanation about his place in Diana's world. "Diana's totally changed my life, that's for sure," Serena changed the subject. "Three days ago no one could have made me believe that I'd be sitting in the Trump International Hotel in New York City, attending a party for Diana Devreux, let alone working for her." "Yep. I understand. It took a while for me to get used to mis job, too." Serena grabbed the opening to press for more details about Craig. "How long have you worked for Diana?" "Five years." "So, you've gotten to know her well. Seen a lot, huh?" "Yes, sometimes more than I'd like." Craig frowned, the tight skin of his smooth brown forehead wrinkling between his brows. He tossed back the last of his drink, then hunched over his empty glass, letting his remark settle in. "All of this may seem glamorous, Serena, but there is a price to pay. I hope you understand that." He shoved his glass aside and took her hand. "I'd hate to see you hurt... or disappointed because life, especially on the road, with a superstar is like a roller-coaster ride. Some days you're up, other days you're at the bottom of the curve... and when you're not sure where you are... hang in. It-will change, that's one thing I guarantee. Remember that, okay?" Serena wondered how many ups and downs he'd lived through, how they had affected him, and what lay ahead for her. No matter what it was, she felt ready, and with Craig to help her navigate this fast-paced, unknown world, she'd give Diana her all. She squeezed Craig's hand, then ran her thumb over his strong fingers, and looked up. "Thanks," she murmured, letting go.