A/N: I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh...
Happy Valentine's Day everyone...
Special thanks to Gekkou Hana, for helping me get this right.
Chapter 8
Outside Influence
Kaiba started to walk towards the elevator for the second time. He knew it was ridiculous, but he was hoping she would open the door and…and… That was the part that had him unsure. Did he want her to invite him in to continue the tryst?
Damn his feet. This was the third time he stopped in his tracks.
Was that the click of the door?
Turning quickly, he only saw a man setting out a tray to be collectedby room service.
Why had she said no? Sure, they could have continued the tension and teasing for days—but she looked so appealing. Too appealing for her own good—and his piece of mind. What was even worse—she reacted so deliciously. Warmer and richer than the finest wine, or the most decadent luxury. To have been granted as much reaction as she had, there had to be more to it than instinct.
She was a virgin?
She was a virgin, plain and simple. Given the first taste of forbidden fruit she had responded delectably. His body was still reacting to her scent, which refused to stop lingering. Hell, his hands were even shaking a bit.
Finally, he arrived at the elevator. How come earlier it seemed as if they had floated to her room, but leaving it took forever? Because he wanted her—no, he needed her.
Why?
Things as frivolous as women were tenuous at best. A man could replace one with another and trick his mind to accept the new one just as easily. He stared back down the corridor at the door he longed to be on the other side of. His fingers hesitated to press the call button. What if she came out and he wasn't there? Sighing and shifting his weight from one foot to the other, he tilted his head back and groaned.
Growling, he finally pressed the button. Blue eyes remained trained on her door, but it never opened for him. She never called out for his return, and he would not earn a second invitation this night. When the elevator doors opened, he stepped inside and made his way up to the penthouse. He cursed his testosterone and hormones for driving him to distraction, and then he cursed her lack of them.
Slipping his card into the lock, he was thankful it flashed green quickly. He was in no mood to argue with a door at this point. Good old-fashioned keys were the way to go, not computer devices. He knew he was mad now—he was insulting technology.
Slamming the door behind him, he stalked over to the bar and the mini fridge. He grabbed a glass. A drink would calm his nerves and help him sleep, that and an ice cold shower. He slipped his hand into where ice should have been, and found it empty. Maintenance still hadn't fixed the icemaker. Hadn't he placed a call in yesterday morning? Why the hell should he pay penthouse prices if he was going to receive sub-standard service? He filled the glass with whatever amber colored liquid was in one of the decanters. Taking a sip…he realized how stupid and insane and…before he could stop himself, he threw the glass against the wall and watched it shatter.
Quickly, the door he had thrown the glass at, flew open. Mokuba moved into the room and surveyed the damage.
Damn. Kaiba ran a shaky hand through his hair, and turned away from his little brother.
"Redecorating?" Mokuba quipped sarcastically.
"What are you doing in my room?" Kaiba ground out. He really didn't feel like sharing his frustrations with his younger sibling at the moment.
"Nice manners," Mokuba chuckled as he walked around the mess and then whistled low. Looking back at his older brother he smiled, "So, what exactly did the glass do to you?"
Kaiba growled, this wasn't what he needed. Mokuba's sense of humor was tiresome at times, and right now he wanted to sulk.
"There was no ice for drinks. I called maintenance yesterday and still it's broken." Kaiba explained, hoping it would be enough and the nosy boy would go back to bed.
"So you pitch a tantrum?" Mokuba walked closer and smirked. He knew there was dirt to dig. "This should be interesting, big brother. Did you and Ashlyng have a fight—I hope?"
Venomous midnight black eyes, devoid of blue turned on Mokuba.
"Whoa!" Mokuba held his fingers up to form a crucifix. "What the hell has gotten into you? Throwing things, and giving me—your dear, sweet, loving brother such satanic looks? Seriously Seto, get a grip." Mokuba plopped down on the couch and sat there for a moment while Kaiba glowered. "Wait a minute, you came back after your date with Ashlyng." His violet eyes opened wide, "You were with Anzu!"
Kaiba's eyes instantly returned to the familiar blue. Again, he ran a hand through his hair. He no longer knew what he needed.
"Yes, I was. So what?" Kaiba threw himself into a chair and picked up some papers he had been meaning to scan.
Mokuba leaned forward and snatched the pile from his big brother. "Hell no! You won't lose yourself to busy work right now. I refuse to let you get out of this. Tell me, what happened with Anzu?" Mokuba moved to sit on the coffee table and looked at Kaiba, his expression was clear—he was going nowhere without a suitable explanation.
Letting out a long exasperated breath, Kaiba tried to think of where to begin.
"Anzu and I have been talking almost since the day we arrived." He started.
"Tell me something I don't know. Remember I was there when the three of us had breakfast." Mokuba couldn't help but smile. Anzu was getting to his brother. He knew it! He did that morning when Seto pretended not to care, and yet all but forbade him to date Anzu.
"She's different from the days back when she cheered that geek squad on." Seto complained. "I think she grew a brain."
Mokuba smiled brightly, "Nah, you grew a libido. She always had a brain and was pretty, smart, sarcastic and just wow, but you never noticed it because you were too caught up in the game. Now that she's standing on her own merits you can honestly see her for who she is. The two of you together…wow…"
Kaiba shook his head, "you don't understand. There isn't an 'us,' she's just something to keep me from drowning in work." Standing up, Kaiba paced the room. Somewhere below, in a cozy suite, slept a girl he craved.
Mokuba frowned, "What did you do?"
Shaking his head as he walked, he could still feel her skin beneath his fingers and her taste was still lingering on his lips. Had she fallen asleep, completely forgetting him? Or was she still thinking about him? He closed his eyes, what if she hated him? Did it matter, honestly? She had hated him for years, or at least she disliked him immensely—a person like Anzu didn't hate.
Clenching his jaw and turning from the door, which led to the balcony, he faced his brother again. "I wanted to advance to the next level and she froze." He folded his arms across his chest and picked a point on the wall to stare at. For some reason it was tough to face Mokuba, his little brother—who probably had more sexual experience than he cared to think of.
Mokuba tried to figure out the statement. Oh boy, had Seto wanted to sleep with Anzu? Mokuba really didn't care to think about that, and the mental images made him shudder. However, if Seto wanted Anzu, did it mean he was more than casually interested in the girl? Mokuba had always had a soft spot for Anzu, possibly she could work some of her charms on his big brother.
"Seto, I don't understand," Mokuba tilted his head.
"I wanted her and she refused. What is there to understand?" Kaiba growled and stalked around the room again. "She looked amazing tonight, and her scent just lingered. It didn't even feel like it was me doing the pushing. All I know is it went out of control from there."
"You wanted to sleep with her, but then didn't?" Mokuba gasped.
"I would have, if she wouldn't have stopped me." It was a weak answer. He realized there were two of them there, and she wasn't completely innocent. In the same breath, he wished he were with her, several floors below doing things to make her forget her own name.
"So when do we tell Ashlyng the good news?" Mokuba chirped.
Kaiba reeled and turned to look down at him. "I'm not losing Ashlyng over this. Anzu is entertaining but Ashlyng could open doors for Kaiba Corp. I have to look at the alliance aspect of things. If I was looking for a vacation spot I would go to Anzu, but I'm looking to build a large empire in the technology field. Anzu appeals to me physically and intellectually, but Ashlyng brings so much more to the table." Even as he spoke the words he felt a dull ache inside.
Mokuba's eyes turned cold. "I'm glad you didn't use Anzu—she doesn't deserve that."
Kaiba fixed Mokuba with a glare. "I wouldn't have been using her. She is an interesting person and anything that would have happened would have been mutual."
"Like I said Seto—she doesn't deserve that." Mokuba snapped.
"Damn it Mokuba, I have nothing to offer Anzu. I have too much invested in Kaiba Corp. and Ashlyng can help in so many ways. Her father holds power, and the dinner I had with him sounded promising. If I lost Ashlyng—who knows if her father would still see me in a positive light. Hell, I'm balancing a tight rope. If Cronin paints me the wrong way—he could tip the scales out of my favor. I can't risk it." Kaiba slammed back down into a chair.
"So you would prefer to be with that cold hearted viper to being with someone like Anzu?" Mokuba asked as he stood up. "Somewhere along the line Seto, your priorities got so screwed up. Kaiba Corp. is a technology giant. If people want to hire us on anything but our company aspects—then to hell with them. You deserve happiness, and Anzu could bring you that. Anzu is human, not reptilian like that Ashlyng bitch."
Kaiba turned quickly and fumed at Mokuba.
"You know nothing about Anzu, except for what she was like when we were children. Another thing, you know nothing about Ashlyng—you've never given her a chance. Don't toss out opinions on people when you know next to nothing about them." Kaiba growled.
"You just don't learn Seto." Mokuba shook his head. "You realize Ashlyng uses you for your name. Romancing a tycoon—especially a young handsome one—gets her into magazines and on entertainment shows. She's a publicity hound. You're a meal ticket for her, and she feels generous when she tosses you scraps. She is a nobody—a nobody with a famous name. She has no talent, I doubt her intelligence, I could hold a better conversation with a rock, and as for looks…" Mokuba shrugged, "she's her own biggest fan in the looks department. Ashlyng wants to be worshipped Seto; Anzu is a woman a man could love. I hope you see that before you do something stupid."
Mokuba got up, "and the reason why I'm in your room is because I wanted to congratulate you on the contract we just won. I guess I can also congratulate you on being an ass." Without another word Mokuba slammed out of the room and went to his own.
"Just perfect," Kaiba grumbled to the now silent room. Mokuba and Anzu now hated him.
Ashlyng didn't, he rolled his eyes.
He wished he could call Mokuba a liar, but every word was true. Ashlyng could possibly offer him things, and yet the price was high. Anzu could offer him nothing except companionship and healthy sarcasm; she had wit and charm and grace. She defied him and intrigued him and tonight she had set him on fire.
Caught by his own trap. He should have known better than to think of her as a plaything. Now she was the master and he was the puppet. He sighed as he walked from the living area into his bedroom. Collapsing on the bed he let out an exaggerated sigh.
He wanted her, more than he had wanted any other woman.
"I take it you just don't want to play with me?" He accused her.
"I don't want to play with anyone who's still playing the field."
His mouth curved with faint amusement. "You're missing a lot of fun."
"It wouldn't be for me. Sex without some bond or love is meaningless Kaiba."
"Okay, you made your point." Lithely he went to the door. "I know when I'm not wanted. I'm sorry you feel like this. You'd have enjoyed it and so would I."
"Try a different flavor ice cream next time," she bit out, sarcastically.
His blue eyes darkened. "That wasn't a nice thing to say Anzu, but I'll forgive you." Picking up his jacket, he went out, closing the door behind him.
Anzu would hate him after that display. He even had the audacity to offer her forgiveness. He had treated her like a flavor, she deserved better than that. Falling asleep on his bed, in his clothes, wasn't something he had done before, but he couldn't bring himself to do much of anything else. He would wake with a stiff neck and sore back.
Mokuba walked around the lobby the next morning looking for a certain hotel manager. He knew she was a hands on type person, so it wouldn't take too long to track her down. Smiling seemed to be contagious in the lobby, all of the workers were always so happy and things flowed very nicely. He knew it had to have something to do with Anzu. She always did have a way about her, and with people.
"Excuse me?" He asked one of the receptionists, "Where is Miss. Anzu Mazaki?"
The pretty blonde smiled at him, "I believe she's in conference room A."
"Is she busy or can I go and see her?" Mokuba asked he didn't want to disturb Anzu and get her angry with him as well.
"Not at all Sir, she's in there planning the dinner for the wine competition. Personally," the girl leaned closer so he could hear her whisper, "she's been working since five this morning. I think she's in need of a distraction."
Mokuba smiled, "Thank you," he looked at her name tag, "Elizabeth."
"You're welcome Sir," she smiled.
"Mokuba," he corrected and winked at her. Hey, he could flirt a little—even though his purpose was to set things straight between Seto and Anzu.
He walked through the lobby to the conference halls towards the back of the hotel. When he came across the room Anzu was in, he smiled. There she was, going over paperwork and sipping orange juice from a crystal glass. Doing something mundane and yet, she never looked prettier. Seto was an idiot.
Clearing his throat he walked into the room, "Good morning Anzu," he smiled happily at her. He was even more annoyed at his big brother when she blushed deeply. She was probably embarrassed about the events last night.
"Good morning Mokuba, is something wrong?" She asked. Please don't let it be about last night, she cringed silently.
"Well, aside from the stupid fridge in my room being broken, no." He confessed. "I've been calling maintenance for a few days now, and no one has come up to check the thing. How can I drink all my sugary favorite sodas without ice?" He sat down next to her and plopped his chin in his hand. "So, how are you doing?"
Anzu smiled, and let out a held breath. Thank God he wasn't there to find out about the almost sex, she sort of engaged in, with his big brother. The embarrassment of it would have killed her.
"I'm good, I have a lot to do before we have the wine awards, but I'm chugging along." She signed a few more work orders and then focused on Mokuba. "Your fridge is broken? Maybe the temperature is set too high to make ice, sometimes our guests have problems with the thermostats. If you want I can take a look at it.At timesour maintenance staff is overwhelmed. I apologize." Anzu stood. It would be good to do some busy work as opposed to sitting there with a stack of papers. She honestly had no idea how Seto Kaiba could be thrilled to sit behind a laptop or before a stack of mundane paperwork.
"Well, here's the thing. I have to get to a meeting. Seto is probably there already and spitting nails that I'm running so late. Maybe you could run up and check it without me?" He pulled Seto's key from his wallet, but she held up her hand—refusing it.
"I have a pass key, what's the room number?" She asked.
Mokuba smiled, "Penthouse four." This was easier than he thought. "You are such an angel. It'll be nice to catch a sugary caffeine buzz when I get back. I can do a little Seto haunting." The two walked to the elevators, where they parted company.
If Mokuba would haunt Seto, she'd restock his fridge with Mountain Dew and Red Bull, in addition to fixing it. She smiled at the thought of Seto being a frazzled mess.
Seto stood in the center of the room, a low slung white cotton towel around his hips. He would take a hot shower now. It had been important to call Ashlyng and see if she would attend the wine awards with him. She had agreed to thatand dinner as well. Hell, if he would have pressed the issue—she would have come over even sooner. It seemed she was more than eager for him since he had left her wanting last night. Turning from the phone, he went into the elaborate bathroom.
Anzu slipped her key in the door and walked in. She frowned when she saw the shattered glass on the floor. What had Mokuba been up to? She knew housekeeping was working on the floor, and she would tell the women to be mindful of the broken glass.
The small fridge was behind the bar. Walking over, she heard water running in the master bedroom. That was odd. Mokuba had left. She knew that.
"Hello?" She called out. Placing a hand over her mouth, she realized that Mokuba could have given her the wrong room number. This was pretty much breaking and entering—invading privacy if she was caught. How could she have been so stupid? She was going to kill Mokuba! The water stopped, and Anzu panicked. Not even thinking she quickly slid behind the bar and crouched, hoping that whoever was renting this room would be benevolent.
Kaiba walked out of the bedroom and scanned the living room. He could have sworn he heard someone shout 'hello'. He had to be imagining things, and yet—it was bothering him now. He had a lot of confidential papers in his room, and he wasn't one to use the safe. Looking around the room again, he heard a soft gasp. It came from behind the bar. He quirked an eyebrow as he walked over. An intruder? Corporate espionage? He looked behind the bar and spied a very flustered, very red Anzu Mazaki.
"What are you doing?" He asked, in a very amused tone.
She looked up and noticed his state of dress, or rather—undress. The towel didn't hide too much from her very active imagination. Slapping a hand over her eyes, she started ranting an apology. It was a ramble, saying a lot and yet saying nothing tangible.
He leaned his hip against the bar and smirked, this was too precious.
"Can I ask what you're doing in my room?" He started when she stopped babbling.
"Mokuba told me the ice cube maker was broken in his room. Mokuba told me he was going out and if I could fix it—he would be so thankful. I didn't realize you were sharing a room." Her voice, which had started strong, ended softly. She was still kneeling down in front of the fridge, with the door open, and that combined with the cold temperature of the room made her shiver. Then again, it could be blamed on Kaiba—and how little clothing he was wearing.
"This is my room, and yes it is broken actually. I believe my brother was having a bit of fun at our expenses by telling you it was his room—and empty. However, I don't think you can fix it with your eyes covered." He chuckled at her frustration.
"If I would have known this was your room." She looked everywhere, except for at him. "I honestly have no excuse. I do apologize. The only thing I can say, in my defense, is that I fixed the thermostat problem with your fridge. It was too warm for the unit to make ice. Within an hour or two you will have plenty of ice cubes." Anzu stood then, on shaking legs and focused her eyes on the door.
"How did you get in here?" Kaiba asked in an even tone.
Mokuba practically skipped through the lobby after he left Anzu at the elevators. Yes, there would be hell for him to pay later, but it was worth it. He couldn't force a dragon to drink water, but he could dangle radiance before the dragon and hope…
A/N: Thank you everyone for reading! I hope you enjoyed it. Also, thank you to all of you who reviewed and let me know what you thought. I hope my shadow readers are enjoying this as well! I am posting my responses here, but as soon as my profile page refreshes they will be there with the other chapter responses as well. If you have reviewed, I have responded. Look for it there, thanks!
