A/N: I am posting this early because I love you guys!

Chapters 9 and 10 are supposed to be divided into 3 chapters. But I decided to squeeze it into two chapters so I can focus an entirely different scenario on Chapter 11. (See additional notes below)

Chapter 10-Closer

Ren was still frowning by the time they wrapped up the shooting for the beer commercial he was endorsing. All day, he could not concentrate on his last day of the shoot. His face was all worked up in a cloud of fury. He could barely control his voice as he listened to the directions given to him, trying so hard to remember his lines and act like he was enjoying himself, when the truth is, all he wanted was to board the next flight and go straight home to throttle Haruka's throat for being so damn hard-headed.

He was really worried when she did not answer his calls.

He normally calls her up twice a day when he is out of town; in the mornings or afternoon to check things with her, and at night when she has anything to report. Yesterday was an exception. He called her with barely suppressed excitement to inform her that they would be arriving a day earlier. They managed to finish the shooting earlier than the timeframe estimated by the beer's marketing team. He was eager to ask her what she wants him to bring home as a souvenir from the trip, but found that he could not reach her.

Assuming she was still out, he shrugged it off and continued with his work. Half an hour later, he received a message from Jim, the driver he had hired for Haruka, informing him that she let him go off early. Jim was given instructions to stay by Haruka's side at all costs, given her nature of attracting unwanted attention when you least expect it. And that was the first time she did that, and Jim, minding his instructions, but not wanting to distress Haruka, tipped him and the night shift porter to keep an eye on her once she comes home.

It was a sensible of the old man to inform him that. Because after another hour and he have yet to receive a report that Haruka had returned, he began to worry that she might have encountered some mishap again.

Trying not to be too presumptuous, he sent her a casual message, hoping she would send a reply after receiving it.

Nothing.

He sent another one, in between takes. Still nothing.

Annoyed and exasperated, he began to recklessly send messages every other takes, ignoring Aki's warning glance. He was worried. His precious kitten is still not home. And he could not sit still. He needed to be constantly in motion, constantly doing something, to keep him distracted. But his thoughts kept coming back to his silent phone.

For the next hour he impatiently waited for her to answer his calls. He cajoled, pleaded and sent threats to no avail. When finally, he could not take it any longer, she finally send a message.

I can take care of myself, thank you very much. I just lost track of time shopping for my things. Do I need to report to you my whereabouts every second of the day? I'm not in jail and you are not my jailor. This is ridiculous! I'm going to sleep, don't bother to call me.

He breathed a sigh of relief when he saw her name across the glowing screen of his smartphone. Dear God, I pity the man Haruka will marry someday. He tried to call her again, but she did not pick it up.

She's probably as crossed as a termagant. When she's in a disapproving mood, he swore he could feel her skin and hair crackling with vibrant energy. Her eyes would sparkle like jewels on fire.

He knew he was acting like a besotted fool, drunk at the success of his first attempted conquest of her. Had he not have a scheduled flight to New York the next morning, he doubt whether he can still manage to control himself as soon as he saw her drowsy eyes look up at him invitingly.

Under his watchful gaze, the tension marring her beautiful features banished as she sipped her first champagne during dinner. The bubbly liquid worked miracles in making her loosen her reserved inhibitions. He enjoyed the time spent with her, feeling at ease with her listening as he reminisce about his old high school life. By the time the last course was over, he knew he had triumphed. There was no mistaking the sweet desire coloring her glowing eyes. She wanted him. And if she wasn't so damn stubborn and young, she would have realized it a long time ago. She just keeps in clinging to her self-righteous, outdated morals.

She wanted him, of that he is most definitely sure, however much she tried to avoid being alone with him. Oh yes!, he thought to himself, he did noticed how much she tried to avoid being alone with him as much as possible. But the more she avoided him, the more he thirsted for her.

And he wanted her more than anything he had ever craved for in his whole life. His fingers practically twitch everytime she absentmindedly pushes a lock of her hair away from her face, or when she stares off in a distance, looking so damn vulnerable and pretty at the same time. He won't be satiated until she declares she love him as much as he loved her.

He paused.

Loved. Is he falling in love with her? But that is absurd. Love is only a feeling manufactured by greeting cards and enterprising companies who earn a lot during Valentines day. There's no such thing as love. He only needs to look at his father and mother or count the number of songs about heartache and anguish. And he only needs to remember how much of a wreck he was when Anri was gone. He never wanted to feel helpless that way again.

Anri…

"Ren!" Aki interrupted his thoughts as he barged into his room, pulling a small suitcase trolley and his briefcase behind him. "Are you ready? Our transport service will arrive in 15 minutes."

He nodded without a word and slid a couple of clean shirts inside his hand carry duffel bag before slinging it over his shoulders. He took one last sweeping look around his suite before closing the door behind him and following Aki out. The modest, but charming hotel was too girly for his taste with its delicate papered lilac walls and vases of field flowers. It was a good thing that he is not allergic to pollen.

They took the lift and came down to the first level, where the rest of their team are casually killing time while they wait for a transport van to take them to the airport. A few of the hotel guests' children are playing on one corner, squealing and running after a fat tabby cat who serves as the hotel's mascot, hiding between potted palm plants and small ornamental bushes.

On one corner of the lounge area, a dark-haired woman in a straw hat, large, dark sunglasses and sundress stood on one side, casually reading a message from her mobile phone. Possibly waiting for her husband. For a moment, Ren studied her, while Aki exchanged a few words with the director. There was something familiar about the woman that he could not put a finger on. He continued to look without trying to openly stare at her. Something about the shape of her mouth. Had he seen her somewhere before?

"Ren, I've been meaning to tell you." Aki said casually as they waited for their transport service near where the woman was standing. She continued to wait casually, ignoring the two of them. "You need to concentrate on your work. The management is pressuring us to release the album soon. They are summoning us for a meeting in three days time."

Ren stopped staring at the woman and felt himself go slightly red. It was the first time that Aki reprimanded him. He felt guilty. The shooting went well, but he knew Aki saw through his charade and realized he wasn't doing his best during the last day. Thankfully, the rest of the team did not realize that he was not in his best form. The director may have, but after several takes of the last scene, he was satisfied with the result. But Aki, no. He has a sharp eye. And he could tell that his attention is not entirely focused on the project.

"I'm sorry, Aki. I know you are angry because I am not concentrating enough." He bowed his head a little in shame.

Aki stared at him for several moments before answering. "Ren, you must know that part of me is still against you monopolizing that young girl's life. I know you like her; no- like is not a politically correct term here. I think you are almost obsessed with her."

He made no comment on Aki's remarks. Bull's eye. He silently pondered where the conversation is going and knew once Aki has started, he will not stop until he said his piece.

"Haruka is a talented girl. The first time I saw her in that restaurant, I immediately hit on the notion that she is good enough to make it in the business." Aki stroke his chin thoughtfully. "However, the timing is not right for her, and I applaud the way the girl is mapping out her future. Though she works for you, she takes time with her self-studies. I like her spirit and her determination. It takes guts to go where she plans to go."

Ren gave a small nod at his manager, encouraging him to continue now that he has started. "Go on."

"I know what you are planning, Ren. The moment you brought her back home, I knew you intend to claim her as your own. And I don't like it. I don't like it one bit. I don't want to pry into your private life. I am more concern with my first priority which is you focusing your energies on your work. You have incredible talent and creativity. We have come so far with this, and I intend to see you through." Aki sighed.

"Thank you so much, Aki. I sincerely appreciate all the help and support you have given me." He humbly replied. He could see that Aki hesitated before continuing.

"Ren," he said seriously, "I've watched over you these past few years. I know how much you hated the constrictions placed by your father and the sacrifices you made to gain your freedom. I do believe you need to enjoy your life and your career. I've seen how many hours of hard work you put in to get to where you are now. And in exchange, you equally partied hard, making up for the lost time when you were growing up under the watchful eyes of the legendary Takumi Jinguuji." he paused, running a hand through his hair, "The thing is, I am speaking to you now, not as your manager, but as your friend. You should be careful when handling Haruka. I get the feeling that whatever it is you are after, I am afraid you will succeed. And after you get what you want, I can sense trouble lurking in the horizon."

Ren felt a certain chill skate down his spine. Aki never talks this way to him. He knew he disapproves of him bringing Haruka back in Japan, but kept quiet about it and welcomed her with open arms. He do not want to alienate Aki. He is a brilliant negotiator and manager. But he is left with no other choice. He never wants to let her out of his sight for fear that she might disappear just like Anri. Haruka is someone special.

He was reminded of the time when he received a call from her friend and was told that she was in jail. Lucky for her, it was only jail, and not some life or death situation. Haruka had already occupied a part of him unconsciously, without him realizing it, until he saw her walk to the interrogation room and looked up at him with her huge liquid-gold eyes. How can he deny his intense attraction to her as she stood in the threshold, scared and frightened about her future, yet trying to be brave like a proud queen?

He intends to pursue her until she gives in. If he let this opportunity slipped through his fingers, he would spend the rest of his life wondering. Whatever it is that captivated him about the girl, he intends to make the most of it.

Ren took a deep breath, to show Aki that he values his opinion and concerns. "I understand, Aki. You don't need to get so worked up on this. I got Haruka's situation under control. I cannot promise it won't cause some mayhem, but I give you my word that I will not mix my personal life with my professional life."

Aki was looking at him, studying his face, slightly convinced, but still worried. "I hope you take heed of my warnings." He saw the group of white vans approaching the entrance drop off, and the rest of their party began gathering their gears and equipment. They quickly joined the others and boarded too. "God, I wish you would also listen to your own promise." He said as he buckled his seat belt.

oOoOoOo

The large group of people quickly boarded the white vans. Scrambling around for their luggages and camera equipment, it took them a good fifteen minutes or so to clear the driveway and lobby entrance. As soon as the vans pulled out, the entire lobby was quiet as a tomb. The group of children playing in the lobby, took their quarry outside the hotel gardens and pool, where the cat could be heard meowing in protest amidst the flock of adoring young fans who tickle her nonstop.

She took off her sunglasses and hat, shaking her dark glossy hair until it fell down her back, like black waterfall on white skin.

She puckered her lips thoughtfully, biting the end of the glasses' temple arms. Who would've guessed he'd be here.

"Are you ready?" a tall young man spoke near her ear.

She looked up, unsurprised at his sudden appearance. He was holding out her bleu roi Birkin bag for her, and she took it gratefully, before putting her sunglasses back on. She handed him her straw hat, and the young man stuffed them quickly inside a velvet hatbox before pulling her luggage outside, where a waiting, sleek Mercedes Benz had just pulled up.

"Did you had a good time staying here?" the young man asked. He looked like a handsome college kid, wearing a casual lavender silk polo shirt and dark jeans.

She nodded, neither saying yes nor no. She was deep in thought. She entered the waiting car and sat comfortably. As soon as the man placed the entire luggage in the trunk, he got in the front seat and signaled for the driver to go.

It was a few minutes before she spoke. And her voice sounded like a tinkling of bells. "Roland, do I have a full schedule next week?"

The young man in the front turned around to look at her, "I believe so. You will need to meet the other investors for the annual report in the Caribbean island, together with your late husband's family. And one of your close friends is getting married the following week. We have already accepted their invitation in Madrid. The wedding gifts are on their way as we speak"

She gave a soft sigh and leaned back. "I supposed that is for the week after." It was a statement, not a question. She studied her nails casually.

"Of course."

"Very well. The third week?" she was determined to go. She can wait a couple more weeks. But no more than that.

"The end of the third week is free." Roland nodded.

"See to it that I have as much free time after the third week. Cancel my other irrelevant appointments." She said, looking out of the window and watching the rows of vineyards along the way. "A new investment has just emerged and I would need time to study it."

oOoOoOo

Haruka paced back and forth across Ren's living room. It was dark outside, and the heavy rains had not abated. She received a call from Jim where he relayed that Ren's flight was delayed a couple of hours because of sudden thunderstorm. The pilot was forced to delay his take off in Seoul after a stopover.

She turned on the television and increased the volume. The sudden noise from the tube comforted her a bit. It made Ren's penthouse apartment homey and not so cavernous. She kept hearing her echoing footsteps everytime her sandals clicked against the parquet floor.

I hope Ren is okay. She thought, and then shook herself. God, I hope they are both okey, she amended to herself, when she remembered that Aki is with him too.

She caught a vision of herself in the mirror covering one wall of the living room. She wondered whether she should change into her normal jeans and shirt. Whatever possessed her to wear the tan slacks and red chiffon blouse? She wanted to look older, that's what she said when she was asked by the sales assistant what kind of look she was looking for. And she was charmed into buying far too many clothes than what she intended to buy in the first place. All she wanted was a nice outfit to lift up her mood.

Her hands skimmed from her ribcage to her hips, smoothing the stretched fabric on her body. Was it too much then? She sighed. She was supposed to be focused on why she is angry with Ren. Mentally listing all the things she needed to say.

She went to the breakfast nook and sat on the stool. She prepared everything for his arrival: the vases were filled with red roses. It bought color to the otherwise stark white vast room; the fridge was filled with the usual supply of snacks and fruit. A dinner is already prepared and waiting in a microwaveable container, ready to be reheated anytime. The specially prepared food was delivered a little more than two hours ago.

The stack of bills paid and receipts is already compiled inside a manila folder. They are all neatly labeled for his professional accountant in preparation for his taxes, and her pen and calculator are placed on top of the file, all too ready for her monthly accounting report.

You look like an anxious wife waiting for the husband to come home, the voice inside her head sniggered.

She let out a few colorful curses. She dropped the remote control on the counter with a clatter and stood up. This is crap!

She glanced at the clock above the kitchen door. 10:45pm. And her stomach is now growling from hunger. Making a split-second decision, she sprinted towards the other side of the breakfast nook counter and took out the bottle of red wine inside the wine chiller. She needed a stiff drink, to calm her nerves and this is the only alcohol around. She hated resorting to drinking just to remove her nervousness. What will she say to him? He called twice more after her last angry message.

She poured a generous amount of the ruby-red liquid inside a crystal wineglass and gulped down half the contents. She instantly reddened. Damned it! What the devil was she thinking swallowing the red wine like water? She momentarily forgot she was hungry.

Too late now. She told herself, swallowing a few more gulps of wine. Had her father been alive, he would have been outraged at the way she drank a red wine. Her father loved wines. He used to have a small cellar filled with vintages that caught his fancy. And her mother loves red wines in particular.

She rummages through one of the food containers and stole a slice of tomato and cucumber and began to nibble it. He would be home anytime soon.

oOoOoOo

When Ren arrived at his apartment, he was aware of two things: one, he knew she would be waiting for him; two, he doesn't know what to say to her when they are finally face to face. He shook his head. This is the first time he would be tongue-tied in front of a girl. And he is not looking forward to a tongue lashing from Haruka for the actions he had done.

He entered the foyer of his penthouse apartment, to see all the lights turned on. He noted lemon and pine scent used to polish the timber floors. Something floral filled his nostrils, including the smell of cooked food. The tantalizing homey smells brought a nostalgic feeling into the room. It somehow reminded him of the smells he used to associate in his family home. For a brief moment, he felt like a five year old kid again, coming home from preschool, where he used to run around the house, excitedly waiting for his father to come home, while his mother supervise the preparation of food in the kitchen.

Did he enter into the wrong apartment?

He dropped his keys into a black lacquered bowl at one of the wooden side tables before he kicked off his shoes and walked barefoot. The television was turned on and set at a low volume. The rain was still pouring outside, and streaks of lightning lit up the darkened sky. The rumbling of thunder could be heard faintly.

There was no Haruka waiting for him.

She probably got tired of waiting because of the flight delays and probably went back to her own place to sleep. And she forgot to turn off the lights and television.

Feeling disappointed at the discovery, he dropped his bags with a dull thud and headed straight to the kitchen, where he opened the fridge and rooted around until he settled on bottled water. He popped the cap open and drank thirstily, his eyes roaming at the packets of food waiting for him. At least there was food waiting for him. He, at least, know how to operate a microwave without relying to Haruka to feed him.

Then he froze when he saw a lock of reddish-gold hair resting on the armrest of his white sofa.

No! Feeling his heart thundering in his ears, he almost dropped the half empty bottle of water on the counter and sprinted towards the sofa. How long was it when she is unconscious? She'd better be all right.

He found her snoring gently in a sitting position, her head lolled to one side. Her cheeks were flushed red, mouth half-open. An empty wine goblet stood on the coffee table in front of her, along with an open bottle of red wine and a half-eaten salad and a fork dropped on the timber flooring. Again.

She fell asleep waiting for him.

Thank God, she was not hurt or anything, he muttered to himself, feeling ill at the thought of what went through his mind as he almost ran to her side, dreading what kind state she might be in. He was almost on the verge of pulling his mobile phone and calling an ambulance. Ah, the perils of meeting this girl. His life became a wreck since day one.

She looked so soft and vulnerable lying there on the couch, her red blouse open at the throat, exposing her white neck, tight slacks hugging every slender curve of her body. She looked scandalously delicious, like a forbidden, ripened fruit waiting for him to pick and eat with gusto.

He sat on the floor right beside her, letting his fingers play with the ends of her hair. He let his mind relax, feeling blissful that he is home and safe, sitting down beside this beautiful girl who occupied his thoughts 24/7.

He scooped her up in his arms and carried her easily, noting with slight dismay how light she is. Haruka has a healthy appetite, but apparently, their small spat over the messages may have resulted in her losing appetite. Or so, he would like to think that she was affected more than what she lets on.

He frowned. With the clothes she was wearing, she looked like a tart, trying to look all grown up and failing miserably. Like the time when he met her at the Red Butterfly. Who selected her clothes? He liked her plain jeans and shirt, casual looking. Because even if she would be wearing a potato sack, it's her fresh-faced clean looks and mesmerizing eyes that never fails to distract him.

He carried her to his room, pulled back the covers gingerly and placed her to one side gently, so as not to disturb her. But she barely stirred from her heavy sleep. He stood, looking down at her, recalling the time when he carried her to bed back in Paris, after rescuing her from jail. How time flies. Did she grew more breath taking in the span of just four months?

Pretty soon, she would be 18, a nice legal age.

For what?

For what he have in mind that is.

What the.. He cursed under his breath as uncontrollable lust surge through him, and he fought back, trying to dampen the fire inside him that flared suddenly.

He felt like a pervert, drooling over a girl. A not so innocent girl, he amended to himself, remembering that Haruka is no longer the innocent he is almost fooled into thinking. After all, given the first impression he got from her, when they met the first time, she was already working her way into the streets. Playing dangerously with fire, trying to earn her keep.

How easy it would be to take advantage of her right now. Sleeping on his bed, ready and waiting. Drunk with red wine. He knew deep down that she wouldn't have the power to resist. She has low alcohol tolerance, a surprising revelation he found out during dinner. If he would follow his wicked conscience, it would be piece of cake to imbue her with more alcohol and have his way. He felt himself harden, and his jeans feel uncomfortably tight.

Ah damned it!

He pulled his black scarf down and dropped it on the floor. He ruffled his long hair, damp from the rain before he unbuttoned the tops of his shirt and removed his leather jacket. Next, he unbuckled his belt, making as little noise as possible. He slipped off his jeans, exposing his hard, taut stomach. He is only wearing his boxers now. He felt the hairs behind his back stand up in anticipation. He swallowed hard.

He climbed his bed, placing his knees on both sides of her. He looked down at her sleeping face. The lack of awareness, emboldened him further as he lowered himself down her soft body. His nostrils flared as he took in her sweet, sweet feminine smell, combined with the apple scent of her shampoo. He felt the smooth, silky material of her blouse brush his chest, making his nipples rock-hard with need. He bent his head and nipped her earlobes with his teeth, trembling with shameful excitement. Her breast are small, yet stood small and proud, big enough to fit his hands. A surprising discovery, given her slender, underdeveloped body still needs to fill out.

He let his fingers ran across her jawline, down her throat, resting on the top of her mounds, warm, soft. He buried his face on her neck, licking the tender skin between her throat and shoulders.

Haruka stirred gently, slowly turning her head away from him, as her head seek to make itself comfortable on the pillow.

"Ren."

He frozed. Is she awake? He tried not to crush her with his weight, and he pulled away from her, expecting to meet her accusing eyes with his guilty ones.

"Ren", she mumbled. "Ren." And then she gave a slow, sad sigh of resignation, as if telling him unconsciously, come get me, You own me, after all.

Fuck…Fuck, fuck, fuck! He swore loudly to himself. Not like this! What the fuck is he thinking, indulging himself with her softness like a sultan forcing himself on a helpless, captive maiden. Fuck, fuck, fuck it!

Feeling like he was suddenly doused with cold water, Ren quickly moved away from her and laid down on his back on the other side, ashamed, guilty, and hating himself for acting like a starving sex maniac.

He doesn't want to take her like this! It would hurt his ego for resorting to such underhanded tactics, taking advantage of her in such as state. When he makes love to her, he wants her to come to him willingly. He wants to make love to her with her eyes open. He wants to see the desire in those damned golden eyes. He wants to see her whimper beneath his touch, wants to see her face blush as he buried himself inside her-to the hilt, if need be. Not like this! Goddamned it! Not like this!

He stood up, went to his bathroom, splashed water on his face and brushed his teeth, his hunger for Haruka forgotten. He pulled on some clean shirts and pajamas, turned off all the lights, before getting into bed beside her. He continued to study her face before he leaned in to give her a chaste peck on the cheek. She mumbled as he brushed a day's old beard on her soft skin, and he chuckled softly.

He rested his head on the other pillow, blinking in the darkness. He would have her. One of these days she would succumb to him. She had already showed signs of her impending surrender to his seduction. He just needed to iron out a few kinks in their so-called professional relationship. A few more weeks and she would be his.

Ren fell asleep, suddenly exhausted, imagining the look of desire on her eyes looking up at him.

oOoOoOo

She woke up, feeling her body ache, her eyes heavy and tired. It felt like there are weights tied to her eyelids. But she knew she had to wake up, lest she would be reprimanded for being late. The first thing she saw was the plain, white painted ceiling instead of the cream-colored ceiling of her room.

She blinked. She is definitely not in her room. She bolted right up and stared at her surroundings. The thin black sheet she was clutching fell to her lap.

She was lying in bed. Inside Ren's bedroom. She recognized the plain, Spartan room with its black lacquered dressing table, and a tall cabinet drawer propped on one side of the wall that she always see whenever she needed to go to his huge walk-in closet and hang his clothing.

She immediately glanced down to check her clothes and breathed a sigh of relief to find out that she's still wearing them. It would be embarrassing if she crawled into someone else's bed with nothing on except her birthday suit.

But how the hell did she managed to get in bed in her groggy state? She groaned softly, when a dull headache sharpened. How am I supposed to work today?

It was only when she gently lowered herself back to bed, that she noticed someone breathing next to her. Someone with the name of Ren Jinguuji.

What the..

She almost let out a yelp, but caught herself in time when she saw his face. He looked thoroughly exhausted and tired from his delayed flight. A raucus coming from her would cut short his resting time.

Ren.

She's supposed to be angry with him, but seeing him lying there, sleeping is a relief. She was worried about him last night, drinking glass after glass of the wine and forcing some food into her mouth, until she fell asleep. He probably was the one who brought her to bed so she can sleep in a more comfortable position.

Haruka tentatively scooted nearer, hands hovering in mid-air. A lock of his hair covered his face. She brushed them away gently, touching his forehead.

He looks like a modern-day Endymion in deep sleep. His high cheekbones are tinged pink, lashes curling like a girl's. And his hair is super smooth and silky, like golden syrup. She especially like his nose up close. Straight-edge, smooth, with no bumps. It reminds Haruka of male marble statues she always observe at the Louvre.

She lightly touched his face, playing with his eyelashes as if to count each hair one by one and ran a finger on his lower lip. He did not stir, still breathing evenly, the air exhaled, warm.

Her fingers continue to caress his lip, remembering their softness, when she pressed her own to his one windy night, long ago. They looked delicious enough to nibble.

"Please be careful with my lips, I might not be able to sing if you keep on caressing them out of shape."

She gasped and dropped her hand quickly. She was staring so intently at his lips that she did not notice his eyelids fluttering open.

"Don't think-" she quipped, moving away suddenly, but he caught her on the waist, and held her with in place with his hands. She stared down at him, their lips mere inches from each other.

"Don't think what?" he murmured, his breathe warm against her cheek.

Her heart was pounding loudly, she was afraid he would feel it through the thin cotton shirt he was wearing. Her breasts were crushed against his chest, and his long fingered hands spanned across her ribcage, holding her close. Too close.

Haruka clamped her mouth shut and refused to continue. Honestly, Ren likes to tease her to death, drive her crazy with his demands and rage at her like a tyrant.

"Oh-ho! Giving me the silent treatment, cherie?"

"You are forgetting something." She retorted, trying to push him away with her hands on his hard chest. "You owe me an explanation for your outbursts over your messages."

He gave her a half smile, sleepy eyes looking at her meltingly. Damned those eyes, Haruka thought with irritation. He only need to look at her and her knees weaken. It's horribly disgusting.

"I know." He answered quietly. "I'm sorry"

Her eyes widened with surprise. She was expecting his lecture. She was ready to argue with him. She was ready to shout at him and lash at him. Instead, he plainly apologized. Is he sick?

"You are apologizing?" she said slowly, unbelievably.

She felt him shrugged nonchalantly. "I should have made things clear for you. It was my fault. Entirely my fault. I should have explained to you the reason I was adamant that Jim stayed with you at all times. I was afraid that you will get into more trouble. And I am far away from you. I might not be able to help you in time."

He began to stroke her back gently, gently tugging the ends of her long, long hair.

She opened her mouth to speak, but he beat her into it, holding up a finger against her lips, effectively silencing her.

Sshhh.

"Haruka, I know you are fiercely independent. You wield your freedom with as much gusto as an old man enjoying his tobacco pipe. But I wish you will see the wisdom of self-awareness. You've lived safely through sheer luck, and it has gotten into your head. You are a woman. And violent crimes nowadays are being inflicted on women with impunity. I hope you realize that. I just want you to be safe at all times." He looked at her with such tenderness, she was almost afraid to break contact with his eyes.

She did not know that to say with his speech. She never had anyone to rely on for such a long time. She was used to living alone, trying to skirt around the edges of street crime and violence that she often witness while working late hours. She could not help it. She tried to stay as inconspicuous as possible, wearing loose jeans and hoodies to cover herself, so as not to attract minimal attention. And so far, she got along fine.

But, she could understand what he was trying to say. Admittedly, there are times when she could be as hotheaded as an adolescent kid going through a phase. And Ren was probably referring to the way she reacted back then during the tenant's protest that occurred in her apartment that landed her in jail for five, long days. Not to mention when she hit an older man in the head with a bottle; the same night where she meet him at the private lounge room.

He had come for her when she needed him most. He saved her twice. It would do her good if she listens to him once in a while.

Her annoyance vanished. She is getting tired of being riled up with him. Maybe it's time to lower her defenses against him. After all, if he has wicked intentions with her, he could have done it the moment she arrived at this apartment. He had plenty of opportunities to overpower her, given he knows how to subdue men with his judo and karate skills.

"I'm sorry." She said quietly. "I will be more careful next time, so you will not worry over me. You need to concentrate on you work, after all." She said humbly.

She saw astonishment color his face. And then he broke into a beautiful smile, which lit up his eyes, turning the ice blue color into a more vivid shade of blue.

"Thank goodness, you're attitude is a lot more amenable today." He remarked in wonder. "It must be the alcohol. Although" he added sternly, "You are underaged, and I am disappointed to find you indulging with these stuff with an adult supervision."

She colored guiltily. "I am not! I just needed a drink, and this is the only remedy I can find." She explained lamely. Blast it.

He laughed. She had almost forgotten how nice his laugh is. It relaxes his facial muscles, making him more handsome, the sharpness less defined. He looked like a changed man. Something good must have happened while he was away. She's looking forward to working with a more comfortable and relaxed Ren.

Her heart pounded louder in response to her thoughts. He is looking more and more like the prince she originally thought he was.

And you told me, you wouldn't fall for him, the voice inside her head said sarcastically. What a big, fat liar you are turning to be, Haruka.

A/N: That was too close. Sorry, my dear Monochrome Blade. Your much-anticipated chapter is still in the works. But don't you worry my dear; it's all inside my head. I get goosebumps everytime I try to review them before I go to sleep. It's still unwritten, and I keep on refining it. LOL. But I hope that small bit of, umm, indulgence that Haruka dreamed in Chapter 9 is enough to whet your appetite. Hehe.

Anyway, I got a request from Dramione (I hope I got your name right), about a story between Haruka and Ringo-sensei.

I saw the links, and I could not stop squealing like a high school girl. LOL. I will try to think of something. Just be patient.

As usual I thank you for all your reviews and support. If you noted something on my works, please send me a message, and I will try to amend it. I've got lesser and lesser time to proofread my work.

I'll see you guys in the next chapter.

How about a nice review to kickstart the Year of the Dragon for me? Gong Xi Fa Cai!