Chapter Two

Purple Roses

{Kagome's P.O.V}

When I woke up this morning Sesshomaru was already gone. I suppose it was better that way. Staring at myself in the bathroom mirror, I see red streaks imprinted on my cheeks. The affects of crying myself to sleep again…

I'd really tried my best to impress him last night. I'd gone out of my way to get off of work early and come home to prepare his favorite meal—which ended up being thrown in the trash—all to make him happy. And what do I get in return? Absolutely nothing.

I wonder if he knows how much is coldness numbs me. He makes me feel so unwanted…like I don't matter to him. A dreadful feeling hits the bottom of my stomach. I did matter to him didn't I?

I take a quick shower, select a navy blue dress and some black pumps from my side of the closet, and then throw my hair into a bun. The more I think about Sesshomaru, the more I question myself. I wish I could have one day where my emotions would take a break and let me be detached like him. At this rate that'll never happen…

Maybe if I did he'd know what it felt like.

& ...

As I get off the elevator on my floor at work I notice everyone crowding around my cubicle. I approach them slowly, wondering what all the fuss is about.

Just then Sango, one of my best friends, turns around and smiles at me, "Good morning Kagome!"

"Hello Sango," I greet her skeptically "What's going on?"

"I guess it's been a while since this has happened huh?" Sango practically gushed. I must've looked confused because she raised an eyebrow, "The flowers."

"What flowers?"

A few of my co-workers crowding my desk looked back at us and scattered. My eyes widened at the sight before me.

Royal purple roses. Dozens of them. Arranged delicately in crystal vases on my desk, around my computer and along the floor. I couldn't believe it.

"Guess you weren't expecting them?" Sango walks to my side and sighs "Must be nice."

"No, I wasn't." My heart flutters as I gawk at my pleasant surprise. There's only one person who could've done this. Sesshomaru…

"Help me find the card," I set my purse on my chair—the only place not covered with roses—and look around excitedly. This was the change of heart I was waiting for. Maybe Sesshomaru finally noticed how upset I've been lately and decided to apologize! I knew his romantic side would come around eventually.

"Got it!" Sango beams handing me a tiny yellow card with a piece of tape on the back.

I grab it anxiously and rip open the edges. Suddenly the smell of lilac and Armani assaulted my nose.

"Well," Sango tip toes behind me to look over my shoulder as I hold the card, damn near speechless, "Who's Naraku Kana?"

I hold the card closer to me then move out of her sight a little, "N-Nobody. I mean, just somebody I ran into."

"Hmm, doesn't seem like just somebody."

"Trust me Sango; I didn't even know who he was until I ran into him on my way to Marimoto's office yesterday…Literally."

My eyes dropped to the message on the card,

Dear Kagome,

I hope your day is as faultless as your smile.

Until we meet again,

Naraku Kana.

"He must be apologizing for yesterday." I managed to fight off the smile forming across my lips. I had to admit, a part of me was disappointed that the flowers weren't from Sesshomaru. I should've known better. But the fact that Naraku went through so much trouble…I was absolutely flattered.

"Some apology," Sango winks at me "I wish someone would do that for me."

"I guess I owe him a thank you."

Sango nodded and asked if I'd meet her for lunch. After I agreed she left my cubicle and I finally had a moment to gather my thoughts. He wrote 'until we meet again'. Would I get the chance to see those lavender eyes one more time?

Oh stop it Kagome, you're not even available for something like that…

I shook the idea from my head. Naraku was probably just being polite. He seems like the type who would. Besides, I couldn't go around entertaining thoughts of seeing Naraku Kana now could I?

{Naraku's P.O.V}

I purposely asked my assistant to hold all business phone calls for one hour. It was just enough time for me to sit and wait for Kagome Higurashi to call. I'd left the number to my personal line on the back of the card and if I'd pegged her right, Kagome would be ringing any minute.

I folded my hands behind my head. Although we'd only met briefly I could tell that Kagome would be an interesting addition to my little black book. Simply put, she was beautiful. More than attractive. Creamy skin, deep blue eyes, long jet black hair and legs for days. Oh yes, the animal in me wanted to tear her back out.

But there was something else.

It's been such a long time since any woman has captivated my attention, if even for a moment. When I first laid eyes on Kagome…something intrigued me. Something I needed to figure out.

I closed my eyes.

I could practically imagine my tongue trailing up those velvety thighs to a place so sweet and low. I chuckle to myself. All of that would come in due time.

It was only a quarter after ten before my office phone began to go off. I didn't have to look at the caller ID to see who it was.

I picked up on the third ring, "Hello?"

"Um, hi. Can I please speak to Mr. Kana?" Her voice was more mesmerizing than I remembered.

"Kagome please, call me Naraku."

"Oh, how did you know it was me?"

I chuckled, "Just a lucky guess. Did you receive the flowers?"

"Yes, I did. As a matter of fact, that's why I'm calling. I just wanted to say thank you. They're so beautiful."

"Your very welcome miko. Although that was not a proper apology on my part."

"I hope you're not apologizing for the way that I ran into you." Kagome said quickly "Because that was entirely my fault."

"I'm apologizing for not being able to deliver the flowers in person."

"Oh."

"And I'd be honored if you'd allow me to take you out to dinner tonight."

"Mr. Kana—"

"Naraku."

"Naraku," Kagome breathed and I could feel myself getting hard as she spoke my name "That's very nice of you…but I'll have to decline."

My eyes opened. Did she just say no?

"brunch then?"

"It's not that I don't eat dinner…It's just…at the moment I'm involved with someone. And I wouldn't want to send the wrong message."

"I completely understand Kagome. Maybe next time?"

"Maybe. Well thank you again Naraku, I have to get going now."

"No thank you miko. Have a wonderful day Kagome, goodbye."

"Goodbye."

I cracked my neck on one side. Hmm. Not necessarily the conversation I was hoping to have but that was okay. My interest had definitely spiked. It seemed as if I'd have to do a little bit of chasing.

Fine by me.

Naraku Kana always gets what he wants. This time, I'll just have to try a different approach.

{Kagome's P.O.V}

It took me a while to wrap my head around the fact that Naraku offered to take me out to dinner. A small gesture, I know, but I guess it's been such a long time sense a man has shown me…appreciation.

When I left work, I asked the janitor to clear the roses from my cubicle. Of course they were beautiful, and I'd spent most of my day staring at them, but I knew that leaving the flowers would be a bit too suggestive. Instead I kept one for myself.

I reached into the pocket of my coat and pulled out my purple rose. It still smelled of lilac and Armani, even after sitting all day without water. I smile. If Sesshomaru ever saw this he'd freak out.

Speaking of Sesshomaru…

I glance at the bedside clock. It's almost eleven and he still hasn't come home. I put my rose away, deciding to find a more suitable spot for it later. Then I call my Sessho…

He answers on the fifth ring, "Hai."

"Sesshomaru? When are you coming home?" I ask him. For some reason his breathing is very labored…almost as if he'd been running before answering the phone.

"I'll be there when I get there." Sesshomaru hisses at me.

Suddenly annoyance overwhelms me. Here I am worrying about him and trying to make sure he's okay and all I get in return is an attitude. Not even an explanation! Sometimes I wonder why I even bother caring so much about him. I guess I can't help myself…

"I just wanted to make sure you were okay…it's getting so late."

"Kagome I'm a grown man. I don't need you watching my every move like some teenager with a curfew."

"I wasn't trying to—"

"I have to go."

Click.

It's useless. He blatantly disrespects me and no matter how much I tell myself to get used to it…I can't. What's worse is that I allow him to do it. I allow him to overpower my self esteem.

I burry my head in my hands. I wish I had someone to talk to…someone who would listen to me and consider my feelings for once. I know it sounds selfish and I shouldn't let my emotions get the best of me…but what else can I do?

I wipe my tears before they get the chance to fall and reach for the only thing that I hope will comfort me. My purple rose…

I hold it to my chest as I climb into bed and pull the covers up to my chin. There's something about lonely nights that unleash your mind to wander. And as I closed my eyes, the smell of lilac and Armani carried me to sleep.

xoxo

Courageous Pearl