The trip to Osaka, although eventful, was quite a success and now Anika was really glad to be home.

As she opened the door of her apartment she was greeted by the most mouth-watering aroma. Alex stepped out of the kitchen wearing a blue apron with a mess of splatters on it.
"Welcome home Red."
"It's good to be back." She muffled through his hug. "You've been busy."
"Indeed I have. Why don't you put your stuff down and I will have dinner ready."

Anika dropped her bags down in her bedroom, kicked off her shoes and undid her hair then walked through to the dining room where she found a huge bouquet of red roses. Alex had surprised her with dinners before but this was more than usual and she suspected it was his way of dealing with the plane crash. He needed to know she was okay and would do anything he could to make sure of it.

Anika was about to go thank him when he walked in with a beautiful roast chicken. He had really gone all out for this meal.
"Wow Lex! It looks wonderful. And the flowers!"
"It's my pleasure." He smiled. "Now please have a seat while I get the rest."

She sat down to a meal of roast chicken with asparagus, sautéed carrot and potato bake.
"Geez Lex! Everything tastes so good, and all my favourites! Thank you."
"You're welcome Red, you've had a hectic week, thought it would be a nice surprise."
"And you were worried. Even though I said I was alright." From the look on his face Anika knew she was right. She reached over and held his hand, "Lex, I really am okay and thank you for worrying about me. You know that if something was wrong I would have told you."
"I know that, but I wasn't there and this is all I can do now. I am worried. I am so very worried that this is not the end."
"I know what you mean."

They finished their meal just happy to be in each other's company, knowing that a few days ago things could have been very different.

Anika helped Alex clean up, much to his dismay, but she had to help. He had even got dessert for her and like everything else tonight it was her favourite, tiramisu.
"This is divine Lex, I didn't know you could make it."
"I didn't, that awesome Italian place near my apartment did." He snickered.

Alex left soon after, leaving Anika plenty of time to get a good rest. Even though tomorrow was a Saturday she would likely spend the day in the office playing catch up.

She made herself a nice cup of coffee and curled up on the sofa watching television. She had no idea what was on, she was not exactly paying attention. It had been an eventful and at times awkward week but she had enjoyed working that closely with Kaiba. She drained her cup of the wonderful liquid warmth and walked to the window. She just stood there looking at the twinkling lights of Domino below her, like silver and gold sequins on black velvet and let out a huge sigh. It was wonderful to be back home.

Anika was at work early the next morning. Even though she had done a lot of work while away with Kaiba, there was still a mountain waiting for her here.

She worked through everything and was done by eight. She was rather pleased with herself even if her stomach was not. Anika was ravenous having only had a takeaway pesto and mozzarella sandwich; she decided that good old, fashioned, greasy take outs was in order and drove straight to the drive through for a cheese burger and chips with extra tomato sauce for the chips.

She tossed her keys and bag on the kitchen counter and flopped down on the couch, meal in hand. She had not had a proper cheeseburger in ages; it felt as if the angels sang when she bit into the soft bun and gloriously succulent patty. She amazed herself at how quickly she demolished her meal.

Anika was in full relax and pamper mode so she drew herself a lovely hot bubble bath with scented candles all around the bath tub. She lost track of time and was not quite sure how long she lay there but she was properly pruney when she got out. She slipped on a short black chemise with a low cut back and lace trim. It was rather sexy but the fabric was so luxurious, it was one of her favourites.

As Anika was about to climb into bed when there was a sudden loud knock on the door. The only other person who had free access up to her penthouse apartment was Alex and the urgency of the knock worried her. She rushed to the door, pulled it open and stood face to face with Kaiba. Well given Kaiba's height and since Anika was barefoot, it was more like face to chest.
"Kaiba! Wha..." Anika did not have time to finish her question; Kaiba stepped into her apartment and swooped down towards her crushing his lips against hers in a moment of pure unadulterated passion. Anika had a moment of hesitation but only a moment and met is vigour with her own ferocity. She let every ounce of the attraction she felt towards him pour into this lingering and powerful kiss. Kaiba slammed the door shut as he pushed through and pinned Anika against her wall with his body. One hand on her shoulder the other slipping down the fine satin down to her leg. Anika reached to touch the side of his face, wrapping her arms around his neck. The feeling of Kaiba's hand on her bare thigh sent shivers down her body. She wrapped her legs around him as he lifted her up with his strong arms.

Somewhere in the back of her mind a little voice brought her back to her senses and she pulled away breathlessly breaking the kiss. She looked back at Kaiba, passion burning in his cobalt eyes. She leaned her forehead against his, they both breathing heavily. Kaiba slowly let Anika slide back down to her feet.
"Kaiba." It was the only thing she was able to say in that moment.
Kaiba silenced her; he had something to say before she said anything else. "I want you; I have wanted you for a while. I ignored these feelings... stirrings within me. They are distracting and frankly, alien to me but I find myself more and more attracted to you."
Anika's jaw dropped to the floor. Kaiba, of his own accord and under no threat of torture admitted his feelings and his feelings were for her. She could not believe what she was hearing.
"Kaiba, follow me." She led him to her lounge where they both sat on her plush white sofa.
"Kaiba, I didn't know you felt this way. Are you sure it's not just because we spent so much time together this week. I mean we went through quite an ordeal together."
"Anika I think I am smart enough to know why I feel the way I do." Anika appreciated how honest Kaiba was being. Sure he was a little cranky but that was normal and she knew it was not easy for him to talk this candidly about his feelings.
"I don't mean any slight on your intelligence Kaiba. It's just that..." Anika looked away from Kaiba trying to find the right words.
"It's just what?"
Anika decided to be honest and say it to him as quickly as possible. Like ripping of a band aid.
"Kaiba I have been really attracted to you for ages now. The more time I spend with you the more I like you. I mean you are intelligent, interesting and really really good looking. I find it hard to look you in the eye because I'm afraid I'll get lost in them. It's just that we work together, is this a good idea?"
Kaiba gently held her chin turning her face towards him. "If you want something you have to take it. If you are powerful enough, you can deal with the consequences easily. I think you and I have enough power to do that, don't you? And I knew you were attracted to me."
"The coffee shop." Kaiba nodded. Anika felt his gaze over her and suddenly realized how she was dressed. She abruptly stood up. As she was about to walk to the bedroom to get her satin robe Kaiba grabbed her hand.
"I don't mind what you're wearing." He said with a smirk as he pulled her to his body. The closeness was a problem, Anika could not concentrate.
"You don't mind but I need my wits about me." Smirking, Kaiba let her go. Anika rushed to the room to grab her matching robe. She absentmindedly went about tying the belt, her mind was racing, her heart felt like it was in her throat. She could not believe what was happening. She could not believe how much she wanted it to happen. Anika never felt this way about anyone, ever. She took a deep breath and headed back to the lounge.

Anika sat beside Kaiba, "I can't believe how much you affect me." She turned to face Kaiba, "I spoke to Alex about my feelings, and he says it was blatantly obvious that there was an attraction between us and I could not deny it, but I couldn't tell him that you felt the same way because I had no idea. He and Mokuba saw our reaction at the coffee shop."
"Yes, I know. Mokuba spoke to me about it and I denied it but he is my brother and knows more than anyone gives him credit for. I do feel the same. I've said it already Anika. I want you and I get what I want."
"I don't want to be wanted as a possession. I want to be treasured, I want to feel affection and I definitely don't want to be used. I'm not saying you would do that, I am just telling you what I expect."
"That's understandable."
"I don't expect you to have time for me every single day and I don't expect us to see each other every day either, but I do think we should have some sort of daily contact. I trust you and expect you to keep that trust."
"You are negotiating terms of a relationship. This makes for an interesting change."
"I suppose it would be for you. Understand this Kaiba, I'm not like others. I'm a woman who is successful and confident, when I am in a relationship I am not looking for a crutch, I am looking for companionship."
"Fine."
"Good."
And so there was an awkward pause which Anika could see Kaiba was enjoying a little too much.
"Why are you smiling Kaiba?"
"I got what I want."
"You know, you are very cocky."
"I can be." He smirked.
"You haven't asked me you know." Anika said to Kaiba, to which he rolled his eyes.
"Fine. Will you go out with me?"
"Your tone did not suggest that it was a question but the answer is yes." Anika teased. "Tonight was very out of character for you."
"Everyone has different sides to them. Whether you get to see it is up to you."
"Can I get you some coffee? I promise it's good."
"We'll see how good it is."
Anika busied herself in the kitchen getting out her mugs and pouring out the coffee. Kaiba walked in just as she was done and Anika handed a steaming hot mug of fresh aromatic coffee. He took a tentative sip which amused Anika.
"It is good." He declared.
"Like there was any doubt."
Kaiba and Anika spent some time in the kitchen just chatting, mostly Kaiba asked questions and Anika answered. He put down his coffee and stepped over to Anika leaning her against the kitchen counter. He looked at her and lightly brushed a hair away from her face, Anika was mesmerised by him, he leaned in and lightly brushed his lips against hers. Anika raised her lips to meet his; softly, gently nipping his lip. Connected by this tender kiss, all they could hear was the sound of their beating hearts.
"Kaiba?" Anika whispered.
"Yes?"
"Thank you for asking me." Kaiba smiled and kissed her again. He whispered, "Call me Seto."