Chapter Ten:

Rin was frozen with fear as Naraku started to push up his sleeves like always did before he threw her around. Before one sleeve was even pushed up though there was a streak of white and Sesshomaru was between them.

"Rin, who is this?" Sesshomaru's voice was cold and calm. Rin gulped at the thought of what he was about to do when she answered the question.

"This is my uncle." Naraku smirked.

"Yes, her only last living flesh and blood. Now, I have business to discuss with my dear neice. So move, or I'll do it for-" Sesshomaru had Naraku by the neck before he could finish his sentence. He was glaring up at Naraku's wide surprised expression as he gasped for air.

"Normally, you would already be dead, but due to your relation, you're going to leave with your life." Sesshomaru threw him to the ground. Naraku looked up in amazement. "Leave now and never come back here. You are never to speak to her again. Do you understand? If you do not comply, you will not be on this earth much longer." Naraku glared at Sesshomaru before getting to his feet and walking out the door with a smirk on his face. Rin could feel herself about to faint when Sesshomaru's arms embraced her frozen form. He kissed the top of her head and pulled back to look at her. He lightly grasped her chin and pulled her shocked gaze to meet his. "Rin, are you alright?" She snapped out of her frozen stupor to nod. She took in a deep breath and exhaled before speaking again.

"Thank you." She smiled up at him with her big brown eyes. The sun from the kitchen window was beaming in and showing Sesshomaru the secret golden specs that no one knew resided in Rin's irises.

He smiled at her before she turned around to continue cooking. Eventually everyone else did show up at Rin's, each knock startling her. They all sat and talked about the night before everyone parted for the day. Rin and Sesshomaru were the only two left by lunchtime. They were sitting in silence, each reading a book, Rin laying on Sesshomaru's lap.

"You should call your boss and explain that you can't work anymore." Sesshomaru broke the silence. She looked up at him with a glare. "We agreed last night."

"No we didn't. You demanded last night."

"Rin." His voice was much softer this time. "You have to understand my reasoning."

"I do but this has to be my decision. Besides, I was going to go into work and discuss things with my boss. He's very understanding. I'm sure even if I don't dance, he'll want me to stay on as a bartender."

"No."

"Why?"

"Because my mate has no place working in a bar. I know I can't get you quit all your jobs, but this was is the least acceptable." She crossed her arms and pouted.

"Well, I have to go in tonight. It wouldn't be right since Mr. Nagasaki's the one who took care of everything for everyone last night. I can't repay him by quitting the next day. Just let me have tonight before you let your demon out again." She smiled at him trying to reassure him everything would be fine. As she looked up with pleading eyes, Sesshomaru couldn't help but give in to her demands.

"Very well, but this is your last night." He had a feeling it was not going to be a good night at all.

(later that night)

Mr. Nagasaki was very disappointed that Rin was quitting but he understood when she explained her situation. He was Koi fish demon himself and he was pleased to hear Rin's exciting news. He told her she would be welcomed with open arms and an open tab if she ever wanted to come to the club again. She was thrilled at his generosity. Sesshomaru had come to watch Rin without her knowing. It was not a good night for that, it was S&M night. She wore a skin tight leather swimsuit with her sides exposed, long black leather gloves, fishnet stockings and tall black high-heeled leather boots. When Sesshomaru saw her, it took everything he had left in self control to not rush up to her and throw his jacket around her to cover her. In the back of his mind, however, he wondered if she was allowed to keep the costumes for his future use.

The night was going as usual for Rin when it was her time to dance on the speaker. Mr. Nagasaki had only one request on her last night; that she dance to 'Motivation' by Kelly Rowland. She hated that song because how disgusting everyone danced to it, but considering how generous he had been, she couldn't refuse. As the music dropped, she saw Sesshomaru in the corner, staring at her. Great, she thought as she started to move. The song was so dirty, it was hard to not dance like you were having sex with an invisible dick. Rin did her best to not look so vulgar, but judging by the crowds reaction, she wasn't succeeding. She was so relieved when the song finally went off. She jumped down from the speaker and headed for the dressing room in the back, not waiting for the security guard. She was just ready to get out of her uncomfortable clothes and into something looser so she could go home. She hoped Sesshomaru would stay with her again. As she was drifting into her thoughts of her soon to be mate, someone grabbed her arm and she jerked around to stare into the deep blue eyes of a familiar face. He had long black hair braided down his back and a wicked smile. She knew him from high school.

"Rin? I thought that was you. How've you been?" He asked.

"Oh I've been fine thanks, how about you, Bankotsu?" He at the fact she remembered his name. How could she not? He's been after her since ninth grade.

"I'm good. You looked great up there by the way. We should hang out sometime. You know? Catch up." He smiled.

"Yeah maybe sometime later, I have to go change. It was good to see you though." She waved as she hurried away. That guy gave her the creeps. She shivered as she walked into the back dressing room. She got dressed in her street clothes, grabbed her bag, and gave everyone farewell hugs before leaving. She walked out the back door like she always does before realizing she didn't have the regular bouncer with her since she was leaving earlier than normal. The back door opened into a creepy and dark ally like something out of Gothom. She began to walk towards the main street when someone threw one arm around her waste and one over her mouth to muffle her scream. She struggled to break free.

"Now, now, stop fighting me Rin." Bankotsu breathed into her ear. "I know you want me." She threw her elbow into his groin and ran. He caught her seconds later. Apparently she missed a direct blow, but he was mad now. He grabbed her hair and slammed her into a wall face first. She let out a scream before coming in contact with the brick. "I told you to stop-" and just like that he was gone, mid sentence. Rin fell to the ground, her head throbbing. She felt a stream of blood run down her face and it was hard to see. She heard shuffling, then a blood curtailing scream. Rin was very close to unconsciousness when she felt herself being picked up, bridal style. She inhaled his familiar scent and felt his warmth. She smiled as she let herself drift into the abyss of dreams knowing she was safe in his arms.

…

Rin slowly opened her eyes. She was in her room. The curtain to her window was drawn to make the room dark but she could see the sun was up. Shit, I have work. She sprang up only to fall back down when a pounding headache hit her. She laid down as she winced in pain, trying to remember what happened when she felt a smooth touch caress her face. She opened her eyes to meet the warm, amber gaze of her mate-to-be looking at her lovingly and concerned.

"You need to rest so your head can heal." He said in a sweet tone to further calm her.

"What happen-" Her eyes shot open as she remembered being attacked by Bankotsu.

"Do not worry yourself. He has been dealt with. Are you glad you no longer work there?" She let out the breath she didn't know she was holding and nodded slightly before wincing in pain again. "Get some sleep. I've already taken care of getting you out of work today…" She was already back asleep as his words trailed off. He loved watching her sleep. He began to drift into thought of his intended and what she could possibly be dreaming about. He had never wanted to protect something so much in his life. She was by no means weak, just in bad situations. He sighed to himself and laid down beside her, taking her into his arms to hold her close. He would never let her go.