Chapter Eight

Mr. Ryoko proved to be completely different than what Kagome had expected. He appeared to be roughly her own age and was tall, well-built, and stylish in a pair of grey slacks and a red silk shirt that was unbuttoned at the neck. He was also blessed with perfectly defined features and unusual light brown eyes that appeared to be an almost pale amber.

She wasn't impressed. That, and she just knew those were contacts.

Mr. Miagi smiled at the future museum patron. Kagome could practically see the wheels turning in his head. She wouldn't be surprised if he already had his contacts in collections buzzing to spend the promised donations on new acquisitions.

"I'll just leave you to business," he said after he made the introductions.

Kagome turned to Mr. Ryoko after her boss retreated to his office; she offered a small smile and bowed before saying, "I had thought to begin the tour in the Feudal Era room. It is the most popular of all our collections. Would that be acceptable, Mr. Ryoko?"

He smiled, displaying blindingly white teeth set off by dimples. "Please, we mustn't be so formal. Lee will do. The Feudal Era room sounds perfect, Kagome."

Kagome bit back the retort on her tongue at his commandeering the use of her name. He was a potential donor for the museum and in light of his acceptance of Sesshoumaru, Kagome didn't want to let Mr. Miagi down.

She led the way to the room, their footsteps echoing in the swiftly emptying museum as the visitors left for lunch. Pointing out certain items of interest to Ryoko, Kagome felt her irritation slip away at how intensely he listened to her. Undivided attention as a tour guide was a rare treat.

"…And that's the Ming Dynasty room. The gala event we have planned for Thursday promises to bring in new visitors as we expand our collections with seasonal exhibits loaned from other museums," Kagome explained enthusiastically.

Ryoko whistled appreciatively. "I'm sure that will be an important event. Will you be in attendance, Kagome?"

She nodded. "Mr. Miagi is a generous employer. All employees of the museum are invited, along with one guest. I think there are still some tickets, if you would like to attend," she added helpfully.

He smiled wryly, "I imagine I would have a difficult time locating a companion at such short notice. It's been a long time since I was in a serious relationship."

Unaccountably discomfited by his revelation, Kagome earnestly replied, "Oh, but you needn't worry about bringing someone. I'm sure there will be plenty of people to speak with; others will come alone as well."

"What about you, Kagome? Will you be coming alone?" he probed softly, smiling gently.

"I haven't asked him yet, but there is someone I would like to come with me," she said, missing the flash of irritation that flew through Ryoko's eyes at her answer.

"Ah… he must be a lucky man, then."

Deciding to forgo correcting him on the 'man' remark, as really, it didn't matter, Kagome grinned. "Well, let's hope he knows that."

She wasn't completely oblivious to his intent, but even had she not met Sesshoumaru, cookie-cutter men had never appealed to her. Nice enough, Ryoko wasn't her type. Not that she had ever had a type, she thought. Images of Sesshoumaru, his masculine grace coupled with the intense heat that had burned in his eyes that morning as he kissed her, had her blushing while she ducked her head to hide it.

Mistaking her blush, Ryoko smirked. This would be easier than he had thought.

And so they moved from one room to another. Irritation mounted within the woman again at each inquiry that hinted more at her private life than the museum. She fended him off with vague replies before drawing his attention to yet another artifact.

Finally, Kagome thought, as they reached the end of the tour. They were standing in front of Mr. Miagi's office once more. She was running out of patience, and his queries had grown less subtle. Where had the polite man gone? Surely, her mention of already having a date in mind for the gala should have been a large enough hint that she was not available?

It was five minutes till one, so she had enough time to make her lunch date. Sesshoumaru would be there any moment.

"And so, as you have seen, Miagi's Museum of History is dedicated to the preservation of Japan's history and it's cultures, past and present. Thank you for taking interest in the museum," Kagome wrapped the tour up, preparing to direct him to her boss' office.

Sensing his imminent dismissal, Ryoko took hold of Kagome's hand. "I do hope this isn't where I am sent off with a pat on my head." His lips twisted wryly. "I was hoping I could take you to lunch. To further my education on the merits of donating to the museum, of course."

She extricated her hand from his grasp. "I'm sorry, Mr. Ryoko. I already have plans for lunch. Thank you for the offer, but I must decline." Please come out of the office! Kagome silently begged her boss.

His smile dimmed. Ryoko's eyes turned hard. "Oh? And who is the lucky fellow, if I might inquire?"

Kagome narrowed her eyes on him. One man unexpectedly turning nasty on her that day was enough. She stepped back, putting distance between them. She tilted her chin proudly. "I am seeing Tashio Sesshoumaru."

Rather than the shock she expected, Ryoko raised a brow. "So, the rumors are true then. You don't know what you are doing, Kagome."

"I did not give you permission to be so familiar, Mr. Ryoko." Kagome said even as she wondered what he was talking about. Then again, she really didn't care.

Sango had given her more than enough to chew on.

She turned her back on him and knocked on the office door. Her boss opened it, smiling widely at Ryoko.

"Ahh! I trust the tour went well?"

Before she could reply, Ryoko interjected smoothly, "I was just asking Miss Higurashi for another hour of her time to run a few questions by her about the financial aspects of running a museum." He shrugged his shoulders. "Regretfully, she said she has other, more important, plans than museum business to attend to." His expression of masculine forbearance suggested that he suffered for the negative reply.

Mr. Miagi's normally vague eyes sharpened on Kagome's stilled figure. He turned a bright smile on Ryoko. "Ah, well, it is a lady's prerogative to be difficult at times, no? Of course a young woman would rather spend her lunch time with other, more diverting things than business. But, no matter. I shall undertake to answer any and all questions you might have. I still remember Mrs. Miagi and her penchant for keeping me waiting every night for dinner." Grumbling about women and their penchant for causing a man's gout to act up, he guided Ryoko into his office.

Ryoko couldn't refuse without looking like a complete cad and soon disappeared into the cluttered office.

Just before he shut the door, Mr. Miagi winked at Kagome after giving her a shooing motion.

Kagome chuckled, the tension that had seized her at the horrible realization that Ryoko had attempted to wrangle her boss into making her break her lunch date with Sesshoumaru dispelled.

"What has you distressed, Kagome?" Sesshoumaru asked from behind her.

Kagome whirled around. He stood there, solid in the bright light that streamed in through the ceiling windows. Kagome smiled. "It's nothing. Have I told you how much I love my boss, Sesshoumaru? If I haven't, consider yourself told."

Eying her warily, Sesshoumaru considered her flushed cheeks and the lingering scent of her anger. Since he knew her boss, he was not perturbed with the notion of her actually 'loving' the male, though he would have preferred a different word choice.

Unsure how to reply, he settled on a standard, "Hn."

Kagome linked her arm with his and turned him around to the main doors. "Since it's just lunch, I don't need to get my purse from the office. How about I choose where we eat today?" she asked as they left the museum.

He shrugged nonchalantly. It was then that Kagome noticed his attire. Rather than the suit she expected, he was dressed in his standard long-sleeved polo shirt, this one black, and khaki slacks. "Casual day at the office, Sesshoumaru?"

He stiffened, but remained silent as he opened the door of the Porsche for her, shutting it after she had settled onto the leather seat.

Confused, Kagome waited until he had taken the driver's seat and had started the engine before asking, "Sesshoumaru? What's wrong?"

"It is nothing, Kagome." Navigating the car, he kept his gaze directed on the flow of traffic. "Where is this place you wanted to eat?"

She gave him directions, watching him warily. Something was wrong; she knew it. And she wouldn't let him get away with fobbing her off. Not when there was so much at stake.

The Porsche pulled into the parking garage located behind the restaurant a few minutes later. She laid a hand on his arm, stalling him from leaving the car. Here, in the privacy of the vehicle, she wanted answers. "Don't tell me it's nothing, Sesshoumaru. It obviously bothers you, so please tell me."

He raised a brow. "You are not one to lecture me on secrets, Kagome."

Her brow furrowed in confusion. What was he talking about? she wondered. Then it dawned on her. She groaned. "I wasn't trying to keep secrets, Sesshoumaru. I just didn't want to upset you. It really was nothing."

He looked unconvinced, so she gave up. "I gave some guy a tour of the museum. He was a creep, but my boss took care of him for me so I was free to come to lunch. That's all."

Sesshoumaru closed his eyes, forcing his youki to remain calm lest he frighten her. Creep? That was a strong word, coming from her. What had he done to merit the insult? Had he laid hands on her? If so…

"Who is this 'creep?'" he demanded to know.

"I'd rather not say. I would not like to wake up to the headline that you are in jail for assault, thank you very much." She laid a reassuring hand on his arm. "Sesshoumaru, really, it's okay."

He sniffed lightly and brought her hand to his nose. A hint of male musk lined the fragile skin there. Indignant, he rubbed her hand between his palms, covering the strange male's scent with his own.

Kagome stared at him wide-eyed. "What are you doing?"

"He touched you, and now I have his scent," Sesshoumaru replied, dark promise hooding his eyes.

She snatched her hand back. "Sesshoumaru! Don't you touch him, do you hear me! I mean, he didn't do anything but act like a jerk! It's not worth you getting in trouble with the law. What he did was nothing compared to getting manhandled by…" Her mind catching up to her mouth, Kagome let her sentence die. Suddenly, she couldn't get out of the car fast enough.

Sesshoumaru engaged the door locks. Kagome flinched as they clicked down. He loomed over her in the small car, backing her into the door. "Manhandled?" His voice whispered over her skin, making her shudder.

Kagome gulped. "Eh, hehe." She tried to smile, but the effect died as his eyes glowed into her own, daring her to lie to him. "I took care of it, Sesshoumaru," she finally spit out desperately.

Angry didn't even begin to cover it, Sesshoumaru thought as he took hold of her shoulders to shake some sense into her, if need be. Her wince, when he knew damn well he hadn't touched her hard enough to warrant such a reaction, was the final straw.

Without even attempting to ask permission, he slit the sleeves on her suit jacket and blouse with a slash of his claws. The steadily darkening bruises, foul splotches in the shape of a man's fingers, stood out in stark relief against her peach-hued skin.

Breathing heavily though his nose, Sesshoumaru fought for control. "Who did this?" he growled out, almost feral as his eyes bled crimson.

Frightened, Kagome knew better than to tell him. Not in this condition. "Sesshoumaru, please calm down! I don't want you to get in trouble!" she cried out, tears forming in her worry that he would do something rash.

His instincts screamed at him to find the threat, to force her to reveal to him the name of the man who had dared touch his female. The acrid scent that invaded his nostrils, however, urged him to calm her. To reassure Kagome that she need not fear him, nor should she fear for him.

Caught in a maelstrom of conflicting desires, his control on his form threatened to slip. He buried his nose in her hair, pulling her from her seat to cradle her upon his lap. He took in deep breaths of her essence, fighting to retain his humanoid body.

Startled, Kagome had let out a yelp when she had been dragged into his lap. When his cold nose buried itself between her neck and shoulder, however, she relaxed in his hold. Tentatively, she ran her fingers through his hair, trying to pacify him.

Her aura reached out to his. She barely managed not to recoil at the malice that darkened it only because she knew it was not directed towards her, but her assailant. Concentrating on soothing him, she wrapped her arms around him, holding him close.

Time lost all distinction as the pair sat there, the car idling in the parking garage. It was when Kagome began to sniffle into Sesshoumaru's hair that he pulled back.

Regarding her with clear eyes, Sesshoumaru huskily murmured, "Your fear was unnecessary, Kagome. I have no intention of losing myself to the justice system. Dry your eyes," he commanded. Even if he cherished each tear as a sign that she cared enough to feel fear for him, not of him, he couldn't abide the sight of her sadness.

She smoothed out his shirt awkwardly. She pulled away as far as the confined space would allow. The steering wheel at her back didn't allow for more than breathing room between them. "Sesshoumaru, how old are you?" she asked.

Thrown off by the question, he answered automatically, "I will have reached my 200th year by next month." He regarded her quizzically. "Why?"

"Have you ever been serious about a female?" she asked rather than answering his question.

"Why are you asking?" He would know where she was going with this.

Kagome absently smoothed another wrinkle. "Just answer me, please, and I'll explain."

Capitulating to her request, he scrutinized her weary eyes for any sign of where this was heading. "There was once an engagement. It ended before the mating."

"Why?"

He narrowed his eyes on her before looking off. "She had been contracted to mate this Sesshoumaru fifty years ago. The engagement was created between my father and the female's sire. Before the mating was to occur, she ran off with her human lover. It has been said that they had moved to America."

"So, she left you because she loved him and couldn't mate you?" Kagome felt heartless for pestering him on it, but she needed to know.

Sesshoumaru snorted. "Hardly. She had not known to whom she was promised until the night before the mating. Then we met. That night, she left with her human. Had it been only for love," he sneered dispassionately, "she would have left much sooner."

"You said you viewed mating me as honorable repayment for helping you use the jewel. Yet, you also said I was the one you wanted because I was attracted to you. Which one is it, Sesshoumaru? Do you want me, or do you find using me, in that way, less disgusting than another woman?" Kagome finally asked.

Her every sense was trained on his answer.

Muscles locked, Sesshoumaru froze before allowing his gaze to fall into her own. Intellectually, he floundered to find an answer that would not damn him. Alternately, his instincts demanded he ease whatever it was that worried her.

"I want you, as a male desires a female," he finally replied. "That want has nothing to do with the jewel. It is only a bonus that you are capable of aiding me in its use."

Intensely interested, she didn't give up. "What about your lordship, Sesshoumaru? What if you lose that because of me?"

Comprehension dawned. He swore colorfully while Kagome's eyes widened in surprise. "Who has been filling your head with doubts?" he asked, frustration evident in his gravely voice.

She waved away his question. "It doesn't matter. They are good questions, Sesshoumaru. I need to know if you realize what could happen if you mate me. Just dating has so many people upset."

He growled lowly, irritated. "Every angle of the situation was dissected before I made contact with you, Kagome. I will not pretend to a disinterest in the Western Lordship, as I was raised to it. But I will not allow it, the opinions of the people within the territory, nor my own Father, to decide my mate or rule my life."

Kagome stared him down. Intense blue clashed with fiery gold. Finally, she gave a sharp nod of her head. Her doubts were extinguished by the certainty that cloaked his words in rock-solid finality. "Okay."

"Okay?" he repeated, nonplussed.

Claiming a clawed hand, Kagome laid a small kiss in the palm. "You're a big boy, Sesshoumaru. I know now that you know what you're doing; what you chance by choosing me. I have enough respect for you to allow you to make your own decisions. To not try and make them for you. Besides, who wants to be a lord anyway? All work and no play," she joked weakly, trying to lighten the air.

Lifting a brow, Sesshoumaru peered down his nose at Kagome. "Your doubts were spawned from the belief that I did not know my own mind?" He didn't know whether to be insulted at the blatant insinuation that she had judged him to be a feeble-minded adolescent or relieved that her mind was now at rest.

She smiled apologetically, shrugging within his arms. "It's not like I know you all that well yet, Sesshoumaru. Or anything about youkai maturity, for that matter. At least I asked before jumping to erroneous conclusions."

He scoffed, "Yes, there is that. Perhaps I should be the one asking the questions, now that the topic has been brought up. These questions have not come from out of the blue."

Kagome's somber gaze met his evenly. "I'm sure that, while I would like my friends to understand and accept, I'm not going to let their opinions sway me. Let alone people I don't even know or care about." She cleared her throat and dived in, "I'm sorry about what Sango said last night, by the way. If it's any consolation, Sango's more concerned about your being a lord than anything else. She thought she was giving me friendly advice."

"You will forgive me if I reserve judgment on her merit as a credible friend." Especially when said friend seemed more interested in leading Kagome from his side, he thought morosely.

Figuring that he had a right to be upset with Sango, Kagome decided to change the subject. "Well, in light of the revelations on my part, perhaps now you will be willing to be upfront and tell me what this is about?" she asked, toying with the collar of his shirt.

Knowing better than to attempt to change her mind, disaster having been recently averted, Sesshoumaru decided to reciprocate her openness. "I am no longer employed by Jidai, Inc.."

She gasped. "What! Oh no, Sesshoumaru! What happened?" She grabbed his hand and squeezed it.

"There was a difference of opinion among upper management," he hedged. He would not have Kagome feel guilty that his father had fired him that morning upon the realization that his arguments held no more sway in the light of day than they had earlier.

"Let us see how well you do on your own in the world, Sesshoumaru," his father had declared. Soon you will come to realize that no woman is worth it, least of all one who will be dead and gone in a mere youkai moment."

Paradoxically, while he was angry that his sire would not give up, would waste their time on yet another attempt to bring him to heel, Sesshoumaru was relieved. He had not been satisfied in his position within Jidai, Inc.. Taking orders from another was not to his liking, even his own father.

Kagome bit her lip. "It's because of me, isn't it?" she asked in a small voice.

Sesshoumaru silently damned his father. "It is not the end of the world, Kagome. I have been managing my own investments for a century now. It will be a small matter to set up my own business, should I so choose." His gaze hardened. "Or, I can take this time to further my training for the Grand General title." Without his sire to train with, he would be hard-pressed to find another sparring partner. Still, nothing was insurmountable once he put his mind to it.

Kagome decided to have faith in him. She had always sensed that nothing would be beyond him, provided he wanted it enough. She wondered if she fell into that category. Either way, she would be sure to find out.

"I'm starved," she blurted out.

Sesshoumaru blinked before a deep chuckle escaped. He unlocked the Porsche and helped her slide out over his knees before standing. "Then let us eat," he said, his own appetite whetted. For food or something else, he couldn't differentiate.