Title: Bitten
Summary: After an incident that should have killed Kagome, she found herself under Sesshoumaru's care and protection.
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha and Co.
Author's Notes: Oooh! I love the reviews! I'm glad you liked the previous chapter. I'm actually a little pressured but I don't think this chapter would be able to live up to your expectations. I still hope you like it. R&R!
Chapter 9: Kagome's Time
"I think Sesshoumaru and Kagome should jump in together," Miroku said cheerfully as they eyed the well.
It was already sunset and Kagome was definitely nervous. She was going to bring a very powerful demon to her time and a very volatile hanyou. It didn't take a genius to realize that what she was about to do would be very dangerous, not to mention stupid. Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha were not exactly the closest of siblings and bringing them together in a world unfamiliar to them was absolutely not a good idea. Although she missed her family so much, she was not stupid enough to go through with it. After worrying her lips for a few minutes, she turned back to her friends and sighed deeply.
"I don't think this would be a good idea," Kagome finally said hesitantly. "I really should not go back to my time. This isn't necessary," she finished in what she hope was a cheerful tone. However, she averted her eyes from her friends knowing full well that she could never hide anything from them.
"You are allowed to be happy, too, Kagome," Miroku said gently. "Sometimes, you are too selfless for your own good. Be selfish sometimes," he joked.
Shippo hopped into Kagome's arms and smiled at his adoptive mother. "Miroku's right, Kagome-chan," he said encouragingly. "Besides, if you're worried about Inuyasha's behavior, I'm sure Lord Sesshoumaru would keep him in line."
Inuyasha appeared beside Kagome and lightly hit Shippo on the head. "Keh! You should be more worried about him than me," he said defensively then looked away. "But if it makes you feel better, I think Sesshoumaru is right. You need your family right now." He paused then sighed harshly. "And I promise not to do anything even if the asshole provokes me."
"This Sesshoumaru will not initiate any conflicts," Sesshoumaru said monotonously. "With anyone."
"See, there's nothing to worry about," Sango said. "Go home and get some rest. You really need a change in environment and I'm guessing your family misses you, too."
Kagome was overwhelmed with the support everyone was giving her. She smiled radiantly at everyone. "Thank you so much," she said sincerely.
Inuyasha walked towards the well and waited. "Then hurry up," he said impatiently. "It's almost dark."
Laughing, Kagome let go of Shippo and stood beside the well, reveling in the enchantment that was calling to her being, calling her back to her time. She closed her eyes as she let the warmth tickle her skin. She turned to Sesshoumaru and smiled. "I'm ready," she said and was no longer surprised when she felt Sesshoumaru's arm wrap around her waist.
In the blink of an eye, Kagome felt herself floating through the portal. She turned to the demon lord who was looking at her intensely. In this portal, she could feel everything he was feeling. It was as if their connection was made stronger and that he could no longer block it. He was a swirling mass of repressed emotions and Kagome was overwhelmed. There were so much he was feeling that she did not know where to start but what made a very distinct impression was the feeling of longing and sadness.
Her heart went out to the demon lord who has everything anyone could ever want—fame, power, riches, good looks. And yet, he longed for simple things that other people took for granted.
Everything happened in a span of a few seconds but Kagome was forever changed by the experience. In the instant that the barrier of Sesshoumaru's mind blocked her again, Kagome knew that the reason why these things happened was because the demon lord needed her.
"I'll always be here for you, Lord Sesshoumaru," she said sincerely when their feet finally touched the bottom of the well. "Remember that." She smiled at him when she saw the momentary surprise in his eyes. Then she giggled and jumped up to get out of the well before Inuyasha appeared.
Sesshoumaru did not say anything but followed her up. It didn't take long before Inuyasha joined them.
For a moment, the three of them stood awkwardly inside the small well house. She took a deep breath and tentatively stepped towards the exit. Her hand was already poised to open the door when Inuyasha stopped her.
"I just remembered that you now have sensitive sense of smell," he said hesitantly. "Don't breathe too deeply. It would be more bearable if you breathe with your mouth."
Kagome smiled and nodded, remembering the first time Inuyasha came to her time. Without another word, she opened the door after holding in her breath. Then she took a tentative sniff and cringed. "Ugh," she said. "No wonder you fainted that first time."
"Hey! I did not faint!" Inuyasha protested.
"Yes, you did!" Kagome said and childishly stuck her tongue out at Inuyasha. Her eyes then sought out Sesshoumaru and she noticed the slight wrinkling of his nose. She giggled at this and his eyes narrowed but the amusement was there. "Welcome to my time, Lord Sesshoumaru."
His lips tilted ever so slightly before he became serious again. "Your time smells… different," he said monotonously.
Kagome laughed out loud at that. "Thank you for being so diplomatic, my lord," she said while wiping the tears from her eyes. "But that is the understatement of the century." After giving him another small smile, Kagome's steps became lighter as she finally stepped out of the well house.
"Mom! I'm home!" Kagome said as she opened the door. She knew that everyone was at home. She could hear her mom cooking udon. Souta was playing another one of his video games and her grandfather was taking a nap in the living room. She was definitely home and it felt really good.
-+-+-
Sesshoumaru was momentarily caught off guard the moment they were enveloped by the enchantment of the well. The warmth of the well combined with Kagome's aura was intoxicating. When he looked into Kagome's eyes, he was surprised to see the soft smile on her lips as she looked at him. It was then that it hit him that for the first time since Kagome turned into a Garou, Sesshoumaru could not feel any of her emotions. He was disappointed. Being near her and feeling different kinds of emotions through their connection was fascinating. But the warm feeling that was enveloping his being was comforting.
He was thankful and slightly disappointed when the journey to her time ended. Finally, he could feel her emotions. This time, it was different. She was happy and he did not even need the connection to determine that. Her steps were light and her face was glowing with excitement. However, it was her eyes that caught Sesshoumaru's attention. They were bright and, as much as he scoffed at this expression, even her eyes were smiling.
The moment their feet touched the bottom of the well, he knew that he was in a different place. For one thing, there was a roof above them. Sesshoumaru glanced back at Kagome and saw something in her eyes that he could not quite define. Then she uttered words that had surprised him. She said it with sincerity that he was surprised. His guard slipped for a few seconds. He also knew that Kagome saw that small slip. The miko definitely confused him.
When finally, Inuyasha joined them, they stood awkwardly and the miko became hesitant. Her hesitation, however, did not diminish the happy glow in her. Kagome was merely nervous and Sesshoumaru understood her predicament.
Then Inuyasha broke the awkward moment by warning her about her sensitive sense of smell. Sesshoumaru could not define the emotion he felt as he watched them banter comfortably with each other. Despite Inuyasha's gruff exterior, he could clearly see the fondness he has for the miko. Sesshoumaru almost scoffed as he remembered how Inuyasha was acting like a jealous mate every time Kagome went with him on their nightly training. Yet, the hanyou did not even know what he was feeling towards Kagome. The imbecile even chose the dead one over her.
His inner musings was interrupted when Kagome's laughing eyes sought out his. Sesshoumaru felt the vestiges of the bitter emotion fade away when he became the sole focus of the miko's gaze. He also knew that she caught the slight wrinkling of his nose when he was finally assaulted by the foul smell in the air. Now he can understand what Inuyasha was referring to. He almost smiled when Kagome giggled in amusement at his discomfort.
"Welcome to my time, Lord Sesshoumaru," she said with a small smile.
He resisted the urge to smile again and put his mask back on. "Your time smells," he paused, trying to find words that would not be too harsh. "Different," he finally finished.
Her answering laugh was amusing. Kagome's next words almost made him smile again. Sesshoumaru slipped a glance at Inuyasha when Kagome turned to walk to the small house. He could clearly see possessiveness and jealousy in his face.
"Mom! I'm home!" Kagome's excited voice called the moment she slid the door open.
Sesshoumaru was assaulted by the comforting smell of cooking. Despite being human, Kagome had never reeked of bad odor. He was also thankful to note that her family also smelled pleasant. Maybe, their visit would be bearable.
-+-+-
"Are you sure he's safe?" Jii-chan asked skeptically as he eyed Sesshoumaru warily.
They were sitting around the dinner table, her family sitting opposite her, Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru. They still haven't told them of the new developments in her life. Of course, she had told them who Sesshoumaru is.
"Kagome, whatever it is, you can tell us," her mom coaxed her with a soft smile.
She looked to both Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru for support before sighing audibly. They had finally finished eating and as usual, her mom sensed that this was not her usual visit home. Taking off the enchantment on her eyes that she had donned on before entering the house, she looked straight into her mother's eyes. Her mother gasped in surprise.
"Your eyes," her mother trailed. "What happened?"
"It was an accident," Kagome began. She then proceeded to relate everything that had happened and the things she found out about the nature and needs of Garou. Silence ensued after her narration. Kagome had begun fidgeting with her hand when her mother spoke up.
"At least now you would be able to better protect yourself," she said sadly. "And you now also have another protector," she said with a soft smile towards Sesshoumaru.
"Does this mean you won't be coming home?" Souta asked sadly, voicing the question that everyone was afraid to ask.
Kagome opened her mouth to speak but closed it again when she felt the tears threatened to fall. She knew that this was the time to say goodbye. She swallowed hard and tried to talk once more but Sesshoumaru squeezed her hand. She should not come back here anymore. Sesshoumaru dipped his head when she looked up questioningly up at him.
"Kagome won't be able to go home as often," Sesshoumaru started. "Whenever possible, either I or Tachi would accompany Kagome here."
Souta beamed at the news. "That would be okay!" he said cheerfully. "Kagome is the only sister I have so it would totally suck not to have her around even if it's just for a few days at a time."
"Now that that's settled," Jii-chan said gruffly. "What is your intention towards my granddaughter?" he asked addressing Sesshoumaru.
Inuyasha began to sputter indignantly while Mrs. Higurashi was just smiling fondly. As usual, Sesshoumaru remained stoic.
"Jii-chan!" Kagome burst out, her face was red in mortification. "It's not like that!"
"Isn't it?" Jii-chan demanded stubbornly.
"Mom," Kagome whined.
Mrs. Higurashi smiled fondly at both Kagome and Sesshoumaru before turning to the old man. "Father, you are embarrassing Kagome," she chided softly.
Jii-chan squinted at Sesshoumaru then at Kagome before nodding. "I think my granddaughter will be in good hands," he said before nodding solemnly to himself. "You have my blessing. Just be sure to let my great grandchildren to visit me."
Kagome choked on her tea before glaring at her grandfather. "Jii-chan," she warned.
The old man raised one hand and nodded. "I won't say another word on the matter," he said.
"Thank you," Kagome said primly before resuming her tea.
After that, the dinner progressed smoothly. It was decided that Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru would share Souta's room after a short exchange of unpleasantries between the two. Souta will sleep with Jii-chan in the meantime. Kagome had also decided that they would only stay for a week at the most, enough time to spend with her family and to see her friends. She would also drop out of school permanently, knowing that she will never be able to live a normal life. She now belonged to the past. Surprisingly, the decision was easy enough, relieving even. It was as if a burden was lifted off her shoulders.
Kagome stared at the ceiling as she tried to sleep but her keen senses made it difficult for her. She could hear the noises on the street, even at this distance. Finally, she gave up around midnight. With a sigh of resignation, she stood up and padded silently to the kitchen. She was sipping her chocolate drink when she felt Sesshoumaru's approach. She settled in comfortably and waited for his entrance.
She almost dropped her mug when she saw him enter. The gorgeous demon almost gave her heart palpitations when he entered wearing only the black pajama bottoms that she found in her dad's left over clothes. Luckily, he was too busy inspecting his surroundings to look at her immediately. She was able to paste on her serene smile before his eyes landed on her negligee-clad form.
Kagome almost rolled her eyes at her stupidity. She did not know what made her wear this outfit. Usually, she preferred wearing her safe and comfortable pajamas but tonight, when her eyes landed on the midnight blue silk negligee that her mother gave her on her 18th birthday, she was not able to help herself. Before, it barely showed any hint of cleavage but after her transformation her breasts were filling it, giving anyone who looked an eyeful. Before, it stopped just above the knee. Now, it stopped mid-thigh. It did not help her that she had forgotten to wear the matching robe.
Warmth began to spread through her when she came to the realization that they were both wearing very few articles of clothing. Something ached within her, something she had never felt before. Sure, Sesshoumaru had seen her wearing nothing but this time seemed different.
-+-+-
"I see you're also having difficulty sleeping," Kagome said with a small smile as Sesshoumaru entered the quaint kitchen. "I can't blame you there. It's too noisy here. Chocolate?"
Sesshoumaru looked at the miko, scanning her quickly. He noted the expanse of skin exposed by the garment she was wearing. "Chocolate?" he forced himself to ask, inclining his head but his senses reeled. He felt his body stir. He sniffed and a sweet calming scent enveloped him.
He watched as the miko stood to prepare his "chocolate" and his eyes immediately focused on her round bottom then down to her long shapely legs. It seemed that the peaceful atmosphere of her time was bringing about feelings that cannot be brought forward with the many dangers in the Sengoku Jidai.
Forcing his eyes away from the miko, he sat opposite her, trying very hard not to look at her and failing miserably. It was stupid to react this way especially since he had seen all of her. Besides, he was used to seeing the naked female Garou so what was so special about this one to make him react this way? She was even covered, although not by much. The creamy expanse of skin teased his senses, making him want to know what else was being hidden from him. The fact that he knew exactly what it was and how it would look made his imagination go wild. He could feel his body reacting to her.
"I never imagined how noisy this place is until I came back with such acute hearing," Kagome continued to talk as she busily made the drink for him.
Sesshoumaru took this opportunity to compose his raging hormones. Luckily, he was adept at masking his scent. The oblivious miko turned around and placed the drink in front of him, giving him a glimpse of a pink nipple. He almost groaned aloud at the sight. She smiled at him before going back to sit opposite him.
He took a tentative sniff before taking a sip of the hot sweet liquid. It tasted good.
Kagome beamed despite his lack of reaction. Surprisingly, he realized that the miko could read him quite accurately. She was sensitive to his minute reactions. It should have made him uncomfortable but knowing it was her made it different. He was somehow glad that someone understood him.
"So, how far away from you can I go without going insane?" she asked casually.
"Not very far," he answered half-truthfully. Sesshoumaru did not know why but he was reluctant to let her go away from him. He was already so used to her presence that he cannot think of being very far away from her. "I must be within your sensing distance."
Kagome looked at her mug, her eyebrows drawn in concentration. "That means I have to bring you with me to school," she said in resignation. Then she looked up in embarrassment, her face turning red. "Not that I don't want you to meet my friends. It's just that they would assume the wrong thing and you might get angry. They are even worse than Jii-chan and seeing me with an attractive male such as yourself would make them conclude that you and I… we… uhm… Oh hell," she gave up her rambling with a slap on her forehead.
It was amusing to see her so distressed this way. The more he thought about it, the more he liked the idea of people assuming that they were "together" as Kagome put it. During dinner, he did not feel the usual abhorrence he should have felt when her grandfather assumed that he was interested in her in that way.
"It is of no importance," he said firmly. "This Sesshoumaru would accompany you to this school."
"All right," she sighed. "It's not as if I have any other ideas. But please, just be patient and go along with my explanation."
He nodded and proceeded to watch the enticing miko through his peripheral vision as he pretended to look around.
"Anyway, I should go get some rest," she said, standing up. "Or at least pretend to. My mom would worry if I don't. You should get back too."
Sesshoumaru tried hard not to shudder at the thought of sharing a room with Inuyasha. Despite his efforts, something must have given him away because the miko giggled in amusement.
"He's not that bad," she said. "Walk with me?"
He did not know what came over him but he stood up and began to walk with the miko in companionable silence. Just being around her brought peace to his mind, something that had been long absent in his life.
-+-+-
"Do I have to pin you on the Goshinbuku?" Kagome threatened Inuyasha. "It's hard enough explaining Lord Sesshoumaru's presence to my friends. Don't make it harder by making me explain yours."
"Yeah, Inuyasha," Souta piped up. "Let's just stay and play some video games. I got this new stuff since the last time we played."
Inuyasha crossed his arms, trying to be stubborn but Kagome saw his ears twitch, showing his interest in what fun the video games had to offer. The hanyou eyed Sesshoumaru warily then Kagome suspiciously and then Souta longingly. He was really a little boy at heart and Kagome had to bite the inside of her mouth to keep herself from smiling at her friend's antics.
"If I stay, Kagome would be alone with Sesshoumaru," Inuyasha said doubtfully but she could sense that he really wanted to stay and play with Souta.
"What's wrong with that?" Souta piped in innocently.
"Nothing, I guess," Inuyasha said grumpily.
"Then you'll stay and play?" Souta asked excitedly like an eager puppy.
Kagome almost laughed aloud. Inuyasha, despite his grouchy ways was a softy, especially when it came to little boys. The combination of Souta's pleading and the video game did the trick.
"All right," Inuyasha said in an irritated tone but Kagome saw the fondness in his eyes as he looked at Souta. "We'll play."
Souta grinned widely and eagerly took Inuyasha's hand, dragging him inside the house. Kagome followed their progress with a fond smile before turning to look at Sesshoumaru who was staring at the closed door. She knew that the demon lord had never seen this side of Inuyasha before.
"Inuyasha is brash, impulsive, hot tempered and stubborn," she said with a fond smile. "But his heart is in the right place, most of the time. Don't be too hard on him." She knew she wouldn't get a response from that comment so she smiled widely at him as if she didn't say something so mushy. "Before we go, I need to cast a spell that Kaede taught me before we left." She closed her eyes and concentrated before lightly touching Sesshoumaru's cheeks and forehead. When she opened her eyes, she saw that his demon marking were gone, at least the ones on his face.
She openly surveyed her work, satisfied with the over all effect. After rummaging her father's things she had found a pair of khaki shorts that would fit Sesshoumaru nicely and a black long sleeved shirt that had been loose on her father but was now complementing Sesshoumaru's broad chest and fair complexion. She had begged him to let her braid his hair to cover his pointed ears. Lastly, she made him wear her father's black sneakers, thankful that her father was always fond of buying shoes that are too big for him. When her eyes met his after her open survey of her person, she felt something akin to a kick in the gut. Sesshoumaru was one hell of a looker and she knew she would be the envy of many.
"You look great!" she piped up, unconsciously running her tongue on her suddenly dry lips. "Let's go then!"
-+-+-
Sesshoumaru followed Kagome as she skipped down the stairs. The little miko didn't realize that she had been eyeing him with interest. Well, he was doing the same to her. The difference was that he was doing it discretely. He had watched her unconsciously lick her lips. The sight of that tongue of hers running through her soft lips did crazy things to him.
She looked good enough to eat in a simple white skirt that barely reached her knees, violet top described by her mother as haltered when she suggested Kagome wore that and something that she called open-toed sandals of the same color as her blouse. She had let her hair to remain loose on her back, cascading in soft waves that sparkled healthily.
Everything in this time was different from his. It was confusing if not for Kagome's chatter explaining everything to him from the television to airplanes. This world was interesting just like this girl.
"We're here," she said as they entered a building teeming with humans her age. "We're just in time for lunch break so we'll see a few friends of mine."
He could feel her anxiety and he nodded to assure her that he would "play along" as she so aptly put it.
"Kagome!" a high pitched voice called out.
Sesshoumaru saw three girls running to their direction. They were all wearing the garment the miko used to wear before turning into a Garou.
"Long time no see," Kagome said cheerfully, excited to see her friends despite her anxiety. "I would like you to meet L—Sesshoumaru. Sesshoumaru, meet my three best friends, Eri, Yuka and Ayumi."
"Your grandfather said you were out of the continent because of some illness that you needed to be treated abroad," Yuka said with a mischievous smile.
"I guess you met your boyfriend there, did you?" Eri asked with a sly smile. "He's gorgeous!"
Kagome opened her mouth to speak. She was already red in embarrassment and she was shooting him apologetic glances. "Actually— " she tried again to cut in.
"And you look great! You seem healthier," Ayumi said. "Maybe Sesshoumaru is good for you."
That is because I was never ill in the first place, Kagome's thoughts ran through his head. He was amused at her evident unease but he really did not mind being called her "boyfriend", already knowing the meaning of the word as she explained it to him through their thoughts. What these humans thought did not bother him the least.
"So why aren't you wearing our uniform?" Ayumi asked.
"That's because I'm dropping out," Kagome said sadly.
"Why?" the three girls chorused.
"I'm moving out of the country," Kagome said. "Something came up and I have to leave permanently. It's just something I have to do."
I can't do this! I am so not good at lying! Sesshoumaru heard her thoughts clearly and decided to help her. He took her hand and squeezed it reassuringly, noting the round-eyed stares directed at his large hand covering Kagome's smaller one. He knew what they were thinking and it was the best he could think of. "Kagome is coming with me," he said firmly.
The three girls squealed and it was all he could do not to cover his ears. He also felt Kagome flinch, knowing full well that she was experiencing the same ringing in her ears.
"You mean you two are getting married?" Yuka demanded. "So soon?"
"Isn't Kagome too young?" Ayumi asked
"Is she pregnant?" Eri asked, round-eyed.
Maybe it was not such a good idea to say that but it was already done. "We are not getting married yet," he answered. "She will study abroad with me and no, she is not pregnant."
"You are one lucky girl," Eri said.
Kagome blushed deeply. "I am," she said sincerely and smiled at him. That small smile from this single slip of a woman made him feel confusing things that he had never felt before.
"O-oh," Yuka said. "Slut alert," she whispered.
He heard Kagome groan before pasting a huge smile on her face to greet an approaching girl wearing the same clothes as the other girls except that her skirt was shorter and her blouse a little too short, showing off skin whenever she so much as walked. The girl was wearing the rogue geishas in his time used for their lips and cheeks and her hair was so red it must have been dyed. She walked with an exaggerated sway of her hips and her smile was that kind of smile women used to seduce men. Compared to Kagome who was naturally beautiful and graceful, this woman was definitely artificial from her appearance to her movements. Sesshoumaru had to suppress an instinctive shudder as the woman's eyes landed on him and a spark of interest lit her eyes as he surveyed him.
"So nice to see you Kagome," the woman said in her best bedroom voice which was nothing compared to Kagome's cool relaxing voice that becomes a little husky in the morning.
"Nice to see you too, Hikari," Kagome said sweetly. Not! Her mind countered and Sesshoumaru almost grinned.
"Haven't seen you in a while," Hikari said nonchalantly. "I suppose you haven't heard the news that Hojo-kun and I are together now. So, where have you been? I hope your illness have already gone away."
Uh! It's not as if I wanted Hojo's attention in the first place, he heard Kagome say in her thoughts in exasperation. "Oh, I've already heard that one," she said allowed. "Eri told me over the phone a few months back. "Anyway, I've been away for a few months."
"She's been out of the continent being treated," Ayumi interjected.
"And she met her boyfriend there, Sesshoumaru," Yuka said triumphantly.
He could feel the miko feeling uncomfortable but he could also feel her disdain towards the insignificant mortal. Instinctively, he placed his arm on Kagome's shoulder and looked at the artificial woman with distaste.
"Isn't he absolutely gorgeous?" Eri asked. "And because you are such a good friend of Kagome's, you would be the very first to know that she is permanently dropping out of school. She will be studying overseas with Sesshoumaru."
Sesshoumaru could see the satisfaction in the eyes of Kagome's three friends as Hikari's eyes narrowed in envy.
"So, you're pregnant and getting married early?" Hikari sneered. It was all he could do to stop himself from clawing the malicious smirk off her face and from the gasp from Kagome's friends Sesshoumaru assumed that they wanted to do the same.
"Actually," Kagome said with disdain. "I'm not yet getting married. There really isn't any reason to since I'm not pregnant. It's just that I decided to have my education abroad and Sesshoumaru is the swaying vote for me to accept a scholarship there. Unlike other people, I have brains."
"What exactly do you mean by that?" Hikari asked.
Kagome smiled sweetly but there was a glint in her eyes that told Sesshoumaru that sweet Kagome would not be pushed around. "Exactly what I said, Hikari," she said. "Now, if you'll excuse us, we have matters to attend to."
Sesshoumaru allowed the miko to lead him inside the building followed by her three friends, leaving a fuming Hikari behind.
"Nice one, Kags," Yuka said proudly.
"As if she could ever compete with you," Ayumi said smugly.
Eri giggled. "She kept bragging about her and Hojo-kun," she said. "The poor guy only wanted you. Unfortunately for him, Hikari set eyes on him because of you and Hojo was too nice to say no to her."
"Someone should really teach him to say no," Kagome said. "He's a nice guy." Too nice for me, he heard her continue in her thoughts.
Sesshoumaru felt satisfaction when he heard that, not that he was interested in the type of man the miko wanted. He just did not want any complications and having someone she loved here in this time would make her stay in his time complicated. His growing attraction to her had nothing to do with his satisfaction.
End chapter