Sakura sat stiffly on the sofa, surrounded by other geisha's. They all sat calmly compared to her. Their faces were painted traditionally and their dark hair was pulled into tight buns. Sakura stuck out in a bad way. Her face was bare and her hair was a pastel pink. Each woman was sure to glance her way as they gossiped and giggled with the woman they sat next to. They already counted her out.

Suddenly, there was silence and Sakura was quick to find out why.

"Hello, ladies," Itachi said as he stepped in the room, flanked by a masked ninja. They all stood and bowed to him. Sakura followed suit, a half-step behind everyone. She was the last to sit back down with a now pink face. He paced the room, looking at each of them. "As you all know, I will only be choosing one of you and that is based on how you performed earlier." His eyes strayed on Sakura for a second longer before he moved on. "The duties of the woman I choose will start tonight." He grinned.

Sakura watched a smile light some of the geisha's faces. She even swore she saw some blush through the thick layer of white makeup on their faces. She was disgusted at their eagerness to jump into bed with him.

He cupped his chin in his hand and went over to one of the geishas. He bent forward and looked as though he would kiss her, but never did. He went to her ear. "Sorry. You weren't good enough." The geisha nodded and stood. She bowed to him respectfully, and left.

What an asshole! Sakura thought. How can he judge them so? What a pig!

Itachi went around the room and dismissed girl after girl, but not Sakura. There were three left, including her. She shifted uncomfortably when he eliminated another girl. She glanced at the other geisha. She was still calm, sure.

Itachi approached her and smirked. "Now you, my dear," he said, cupping her chin, "were amazing. I remember you vividly." The girl grinned and fluttered her eyelashes. "Unfortunately, you aren't my type, honey; too clingy. I don't want attachment. Please leave."

Sakura's jaw dropped as the geisha left the room, leaving her alone with Itachi and the ninja. The foul man turned to her, approaching slowly, methodically. Sakura stood and backed away a step. "Wh-why?" she choked out. "I never-we never…"

"That's exactly why, Ebony."

She unconsciously continued to move away. But Sakura's back soon met a wall. "I don't understand."

He stopped his body an inch away from hers. "You intrigue me. No one has ever denied me what I wanted – until I met you that is."

Sakura inched to the right. Itachi shot his hand out, blocking her path. "But you seemed so angry."

Itachi smirked. "I was frustrated, yes, but I knew that I would have you either way." Sakura looked away. "What's the matter, Ebony? Shy? You seemed so confident when I first met you."

"I – uh – I…yes. I'm shy." Sakura was trying to bide her time. "So, we shouldn't do anything tonight. Maybe if I got to know you better-"

"No," Itachi said quickly. "I will have you tonight." He leaned forward, but Sakura kept her head down. Annoyed, he twined his fingers around her neck and pushed her head back. In a flash, he descended on her, his mouth enveloping hers.

Sakura's eyes widened in shock and disgust. When his tongue forced her way into her mouth, she instinctively bit it. Hard.

Itachi roared, cursed, and slapped her. "You will pay for that. I was attempting to be nice, but it appears I'll have to be a little rougher with you. Fine by me."

Sakura coughed when his restricting hand finally let go of her throat. Her head was swimming from his slap. She was surprised that he would hit a female like that. There was no doubt that any other geisha would have blacked out. Then she felt his hand snake through her hair and grip it roughly. He nearly dragged her out of the room, leaving the masked ninja standing there. She glanced at him. He stood there, his hands fisted at his side. She was surprised to find that one of Itachi's lackeys actually seemed to have some semblance of a heart in them.

She gasped as Itachi pulled her forcefully forward. Sakura stumbled up the stairs, his hurried pace hard to keep up with. He brought her to another set of stairs, which led them to the third floor and Itachi's personal chambers. He thrust the door open and yanked her inside. Slamming the door shut, he started for the enormous bed.

The room was humongous. The colors were dark and broody and all of the curtains were closed. The inset lights were on, illuminating the expansive room. The bed was the centerpiece and covered in a black comforter. To the right were a couch and television and another door, which most likely led to his bathroom. There was a dresser pressed against the left wall and a closet door next to that. Large paintings of dark intangible objects were scattered over the walls.

Sakura only saw a dark hell, her mind bypassing its elegance. There was only one thing left to do. Beg. "Please, Itachi. I don't want to do this. I can't."

Itachi barked a rueful laugh and dragged her to the bed. He threw her on it. "I don't care, Ebony. What did you expect when you came here? Hmm?"

As soon as Sakura landed on the mattress, she scrambled to get away, but Itachi was on her in an instant. Her heart thudded erratically and sweet beaded down her temples. She couldn't do this, she just couldn't. It was too much. She had to fight him off. She had to reveal herself and kill him. It would all be over if she did.

But then the Hokage's words came into her head. If she killed Itachi, his devilish plan would come to fruition. His followers wouldn't hesitate to launch a missile of destruction. She didn't want anyone else to go through the pain of losing someone they loved as she had. Sakura couldn't give up now.

"I…I just…I'm just nervous," she lied. "I don't know if you'll like my body. I don't want to disappoint you on my first night."

Itachi hovered over her, looked down at her with calculating eyes. "Tell me something, Ebony. How many men have you been with?"

"Just one," she admitted. "And only one time." The thought of her and Sasuke nearly brought tears to her eyes. She swallowed them.

A smirk curved his lips. "I made the right choice then. You are practically a virgin; a very desirable trait. I can teach you many things, Ebony, and I am looking forward to doing so." Sakura could only nod. "Now then," he said, beginning to untie her kimono. "Let's just see what you are so worried about."

Sakura clutched the sheets as her silk garment slid open, revealing her body to him. She looked at the ceiling, trying to ignore his eyes scanning over her.

Itachi's hand caressed her cheek the slid down her side and over her stomach. "You are fearful of nothing," he finally said. "I have seen many women, but your body is far superior. All have been slight, but never in shape. You are defined, lovely."

Sakura took no joy in the flattery. She just tried to ignore his touch, his invasive eyes. She felt the bed shift. Itachi's face was centimeters from hers. His lips came down on hers, slower this time, more careful. He was smart at least. Sakura wouldn't hesitate to bite his tongue off. Still, she didn't kiss back.

Itachi pulled away. "Loosen up, Ebony." He was getting annoyed.

Sakura couldn't help but compare him to Sasuke. Sasuke was patient with her, accepting. Itachi was not. He was already getting aggravated. It made her happy to see his feathers ruffled.

When she didn't answer, Itachi took things into his own hands. "Fine. Have it your way." He slid a hand down her stomach and slipped it into her panties. He stroked her with one of his fingers and watched her face all the while.

Sakura tensed up instantly at his touch. Her knuckles turned white as she fisted the sheets. Itachi massaged her expertly. Even with all of her will, even when all she thought of was her disgust of him, Sakura's body was betraying her. Slowly, but surely, it was bowing to his machinations. He inserted the tip of one finger inside her, only to pull it out right after. Sakura bit her lower lips, closing her eyes. No! No, no, no, no, no! But she couldn't stop it. Her body caved, releasing for him.

"That's it. Come for me."

He burrowed his finger in her and massaged her methodically. She shuttered in release again. Sakura cursed aloud. Itachi inserted another finger. It hurt at first, but her body yearned for him after a moment or two and her legs instinctively opened wider.

"I knew you wouldn't hold out long. No one ever does. I'm too much a man for any woman to handle."

Sakura opened her eyes and scoffed. "Please. I can handle you. Only one person can truly arouse me in bed. He was the first and only man I ever slept with and he is twice the man you are, Itachi."

Itachi growled ferociously and pulled out of her. His eyes bore down on her with vile hatred seething in them. He grabbed her jaw forcefully. "You think so, eh?" Sakura nodded, committing herself to her words. His eyes narrowed. He pushed her head to the side and restrained her hands above her head. He proceeded to tear her underwear off her body and then pulled his pants down just enough to reveal himself to her. He didn't hesitate and thrust into her, going as deep as he could on the first one.

Sakura cried out in pain.

"What's the matter, Ebony?" he growled. "Too much for you? I guess the other man didn't even compare to my size."

Sakura took in a deep breath. "Actually, he was twice your size, but knew how to do it right," she bit back. However, she would come to regret it.

Itachi snarled and continued to savagely thrust into her. Sakura felt her body ripping in two. It no longer succumbed to him. It battled against him, refusing to finish. The pain was indescribable as he continued. The experience wasn't sensual. It wasn't gentle or caring. Itachi wanted her to suffer through it, and she was. His hands gripped her wrists like iron and with each round he pushed into her, Sakura screamed in agony.

Then she felt it. He released inside her, spreading his seeds throughout her body. It was sickening. But he was done at least. Itachi removed himself and pulled his pants up. Sakura couldn't move, she was afraid to. She was in pain just laying there and she didn't want to experience what the pain would be if she moved.

"You should have rethought your decision for coming here, Ebony. Now, you are under my control and I will have you whenever and wherever I want. To me, you are nothing more than a distraction and trust me," he said, pushing some hair out of her face, "I usually like to be distracted numerous times a day. Now get out."

Sakura looked up at him, her eyebrows furrowing.

"You heard me, girl: Get. Out."

Sakura grabbed her kimono and rolled out of bed. She felt the worst pain in her life then and she was horrified to see that she was bleeding when she looked down. Sakura wrapped the silk around her and agonizingly headed for the door. On her way out, she heard Itachi mumbling something about getting new sheets and his floor steam-cleaned.

She closed the door behind her and almost jumped out of her skin to find a ninja there. Of course Itachi would be guarded at all times. She nodded to him, trying to hide her discomfort. She wobbled past him, unbearably aware of the blood dripping down her leg. Apparently, the masked ninja was as well.

"Are you alright?" he asked. It was the same ninja as before. Sakura could tell by his voice.

Sakura nodded and continued down the hall. Her legs felt weak; like jelly. As she reached the stairs, and took the first step down, she stumbled. It felt as if the pain pushed her. She was shocked to feel strong arms around her waist, steadying her. She looked to find the ninja there.

"Allow me to escort you."

Sakura had to accept the help. She knew she needed it. "Thank you."

He slung her arm around his shoulder and guided her slowly down the stairs. He led her to her room and opened the door. He brought her inside and immediately to the bathroom. He set her down on the side of the tub. "I can call for medical help if you like."

Sakura looked up at him and shook her head. "No. That's alright. You know, you don't seem like you belong here," she said. "Aren't you supposed to be callous and rude?"

The ninja folded his arms. "I'm new here. Itachi has yet to rub off on me."

She smiled. "Be sure he doesn't."

The ninja nodded. "I will." He turned to leave, but paused at the door. He looked over his shoulder at her. "Be careful. Itachi will only push harder if you continue to resist."

Sakura nodded and watched him leave. She kept her eyes away from her lower half as she turned on the water and striped down from her kimono. She was careful as she washed herself off. It was a slow process and a few times, sots of pain coursed through her. Sakura cursed under her breath. She cut the shower short – when she stopped bleeding – and toweled off. When she went back to her room, she was shocked to see another ninja there, but his one was female. Her face was covered, like every other ninja there, but her form was clearly visible in her tight uniform. Itachi was a sick man.

She bowed. "I was informed that you may need medical attention."

Sakura reluctantly nodded and sat on the bed. She stayed quiet as the medical ninja examined her, wondering if it was the other ninja that informed her. She let the sides of her mouth quirk up a bit. Then she winced as the female ninja probed her. She was being delicate, Sakura realized, but she was still incredibly sore.

When the ninja finished, Sakura pushed the towel back down and waited for her evaluation. "Well," she started, putting her utencils in her bag, "Itachi did a number on you. You should avoid physical work for a few days. Likewise, I want you to refrain from sexual contact invoivling your pelvic region. The pain should subside by tomorrow, but you still need to be careful."

Sakura nodded. "Thank you."

The medical ninja nodded. "You're welcome and if the pain continues, or you start to bleed again, please let me know." The ninja didn't wait for her to consent and left the room.

Sakura crawled back on her bed and curled up under her blanket. She didn't bother changing into something else. She was tired and just wanted to sleep. But every time she moved the slightest bit, pain shot through her, reminding her of what she just went through. It was hard to keep her nausea down. The thought of Itachi inside her was the worst image she ever had and she was disgusted by the way she acted before he became fierce. How could she left herself give in so easily? Damn you! She cursed to herself.

Sakura shuttered and curled deeper into her ball. She couldn't sleep. The night replayed in her mind over and over and over again. It was unbearable and Sakura couldn't hold her tears back anymore. They streamed down her face, staining the pillow beneath her head. She hated this. She hated crying because of the man she loathed most in life. The fact that he had so much control over her infuriated her. This was never how it was supposed to be. Sakura wasn't supposed to be seducing him – not that she was doing a good job of that. She wanted to kill Itachi. She wanted to tear him apart limb from limb. But that wasn't happening. Instead, Itachi was tearing her apart, from the inside out, in the most degradable way possible.

How did I let this happen….?

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

When Sakura woke the next morning, she felt odd. After she fell asleep last night, she felt calm suddenly. Even as she slept, she felt warmth settle over her, envelope her. She felt safe, which was strange in itself. As she drew away from the pillows, she stretched out her arms and the towel slipped off her body. She frowned and gathered it around her as she slid out of bed.

Her dresser was packed with garments that Sakura guessed were picked out by Itachi. All of the underwear was lace and racy. The closet was full of scanty kimonos that would barely cover her up. She growled and changed into the most conservative one she could find. It was a deep blue with white flowers printed up the side. The length reached mid-thigh and there was a deep V in the front. Sakura sighed and smoothed her hair back. As she ran her fingers through her hair, she now realized that the communication device was gone.

Her eyes widened and her breath caught in her throat. What if it fell out last night when…She couldn't finish the thought. Sakura raced over to her bed and pulled back the blankets. To her utter relief, it was there, snuggled in the sheets. She lifted it to her hair, sighing.

A knock came to her door. "Miss Ebony. You are expected downstairs for breakfast."

Sakura knew that voice. It was the ninja that helped her to her room last night. She opened her door only to find him gone. For some reason, she was distressed to find him gone. She shook her head and focus on what was to come. She pulled the kimono down to cover more skin and left the room. She headed to the first floor and towards the dining room. On her way, another geisha passed her, the girl's face bright and amused. She glanced at Sakura as she passed and headed up the stairs.

Sakura entered the dining room to find Itachi sitting at the head of the table. She held back a grimace at his smirk.

"Good morning, Ebony."

She took her seat at the other end. "Morning," she replied bitterly. "I see you have others here for your satisfaction."

"I do." He crossed his arms on the table. "I always have some handy when the first girl doesn't perform well." Sakura scowled. "The doctor informs me that you won't be able to much physical activity."

"I have you to thank for that." Sakura really had to watch her tongue. She was supposed to be pulling Itachi towards her, not pushing him away. "Besides, you have others to satiate you while I cannot."

Itachi looked at her, an amused smirk on his face. "You don't get out of your duties that easily. There are many ways, Ebony, to pleasure somebody." He stood from his chair and prowled over to her. Standing behind her, he leaned down to her ear. "Eat up. You'll need your strength."