Chapter 55:

*Rika*

I looked in the mirror located in the small bathroom off Seto's office. I smiled. Once again, he impressed me. The navy dress with swirled rhinestones was absolutely gorgeous.

"You know Seto, it's amazing but not exactly what I call a skater dress." I said stepping out to greet my now handsomely suited boyfriend.

"Perhaps not, but you look beautiful." He said coming up to me before running his hands up and down my arms.

"We're going to be quiet the power couple tonight, matching down to a 'T'". I pulled on his tie so that my lips could meet his. He smirked returning my kiss and pulled me against him. His kisses ran along my jaw and down my neck. His fingers teased the thin straps of the dress

"Perhaps I can be lucky enough to for you to let me take his off later."

"In your dreams." I chuckled and pulled back.

"Indeed, but either way I'm a very lucky man tonight. I get to show the whole world, you are mine."

"True." I smirked reaching up once more to kiss him. Our moment was cut short with a knocking on his office door. He didn't respond wanting to enjoy our last few seconds alone.

"I love you." He whispered before stepping towards the door. I smiled. He never expected me to say it back and it always made my heart flutter. Although this side of Seto was seen more by me than anyone else, it was still a rarity.

"I love you too, Seto." I said softly before he reached the door. He only cracked it to see who stood on the other side. I went back into the bathroom to finish my light make up and tie my hair up in a bun.

"Mr. Kaiba, sir, it's a half-hour prior to the guests arriving. The ballroom is ready for our final inspection." I heard Roland's voice carry thru the office.

"I'll be down in a few moments. Have everyone ready incase some are early."

"Yes, of course." I heard the door click. Then Seto appeared in the bathroom doorway and leaned against the threshold.

"I will need to leave, are you done?" I put one last bit of gloss on. I used to not wear a lot of makeup but I have definitely enjoyed starting to dress up for Seto.

"Yepp." I said popping my lips.

"Quick fidgeting. You look beautiful as always." He said brushing a few fingers against my cheek. I blushed at his comment.

"Let's go downstairs and make sure no one messed anything up." He said taking my hand to lead me out of his temporary office.

We soon were walking into a large ballroom that was on the back half of the Kaiba Dome. You would never know this was here from the outside. Seto continues to amaze me with his designs with every project he pursues. It was tastefully decorated but tasteful for the semi-formal event. There was a fountain in the middle that of course endorsed his Blue Eyes and several tables with refreshments.

"Um, Seto exactly how many people are going to be here tonight?"

"Close to one hundred and twenty-five if everyone shows. Several media outlets and new casts were notified of the exclusive event as well as other important business partners and investors. Everyone wants to know what Kaiba Corp has in store after the Dartz disaster."

"It's an excellent idea. Launching your tournament as the grand opening event of Kaiba Land. Brings in the duelist community as well as your family appeal with the theme park itself."

"Correct, that is the plan."

"Mr. Kaiba, any changes you would like made?"

"No. Everything seems to be in order for now." Roland nodded.

"So do I need to keep my distance tonight or?"

"No, I want you with me unless I need a private moment to discuss business. I need you near me at all times given today's events."

"Whatever you want Seto."

People slowly started to fill the large space and Seto seemed to be constantly moving. Sometimes he would have a hand on my back to guide me but otherwise, there was little contact as we rotated around the room. He still had to keep his cold persona up to the world no matter if we were officially announced as a couple. He still was the heartless CEO to all but me and Mokie.

"We'll be starting in about fifteen minutes. I'll send you backstage with Roland when he goes. You'll be introduced just before Yugi as the top contender in the tournament bracket." Seto said as we walked towards the stage. However, someone blocked our path.

"My my my, Seto, who do we have here?" I heard them ask him before looking at me. Two red flags went up immediately in my head. First, was the fact that it was a female who stopped us, second, she used his first name so freely and not in the fangirl manner, it was almost endearing. Something that Seto didn't allow anyone to use so informally besides me.

"Anastasia, we need to get backstage to finish preparations. It is almost time for the duelist presentations." He snapped. He was dismissing a woman whose beauty could be unmatched. Her dark brown hair held a copper sheen in the lights and was past her waist in perfect waves. Her makeup was flawless and her red dress was nothing short of a designer. She was from a rich family no doubt but she held a very familiar gleam in her green eyes: cold and calculative.

"That may be so Seto, but I want to meet this beautiful lady, go ahead if you must." Seto shook his head slightly refusing to leave me with her.

"Rika Magruda, and you are?" I offered my hand.

"Anastasia Mercier, it's a pleasure to meet the girl who has finally tamed Seto."

"Not tamed, I have no control over what he does. I'm just lucky to spend time with him." I chuckled knowing it was the truth on so many levels.

"Not in that aspect my dear. You have done what many of us have tried to do, keep him to yourself." Her words confused me. Seto never seemed to give any woman a second glance and he has never once mentioned any other relations before. However, given his initial tone, I could tell she had some sort of past with Seto. It became evident this woman was obviously trying to get a reaction out of one of us. I felt small stirrings of jealousy starting to rise in my stomach and looked at Seto. He simply rolled his eyes signaling this was nothing to be worried about and I could ask him later about this Anastasia Mercier.

"Well, I do try to keep him honest." I said sweetly and looped my arm through his.

"That's all we can ask for. I suppose I'll be seeing more of you this week Rika, may the best woman win. Now, where is that Joey Wheeler at?" She smirked before walking away. I was confused as to why she was looking for Joey but soon let the thought leave my mind as I focused once more on Seto.

"Who is she?" It was my turn to snap. I did not appreciate another woman casually addressing him. No one was near us so I expected answers.

"The daughter of a prominent business partner in New York, but sadly she is also the North Eastern Regional Champion so therefore was invited by my brother. We've met a few times over the years at different events. We were acquaintances at one time but it has been well over two years since I last saw her."

"We're you ever more than that. I won't judge you, Seto; I just need you to be honest with me." I didn't want to ask but I needed to know.

"There was one time it was more physical. I was still under my stepfather; he essentially forced us into relations. He wanted to seal a deal and to do so I had to please his daughter. I was not a fan of the arrangement but I had to protect Mokie at all cost so I did as I was told. Ana got what she wanted and my stepfather got his newest investor."

"You slept with her then."

"Yes, but nothing ever happened after that. She has often admitted that I have a pretty face but can't stand my personality. She is trying to get a rise out of you before the tournament. She may look harmless but she rivals my drive to be the best in all aspects of her life. She simply wants to distract you by trying to instill false ideas in your head." He said looking down on me. His cold persona was gone for a moment and his eyes were soft and loving.

"I swear to you on my Blue Eyes, I love you and only you." There was no other significant thing in his life to swear by other than his brother. He also knew I would tear the cards to shreds if I found out he was lying to me. He was serious in his words.

"Good because I love you too, Seto. No one will come between us." He smiled softly before leaning down to kiss me briefly.

"Now, that is all settled, I believe we have a tournament to start. Rolland! Let's get started. Time is money and Miss Mercier just cost us several minutes. I do not want her near Rika the rest of the tournament unless they are opponents. I want her actions followed closely."

"Yes of course, but we are waiting for one more challenger that has not arrived." Rolland said hesitantly.

"Then he's disqualified. Didn't I make it clear that…" Seto was about to rant but I put a hand on his arm to draw his attention to a man strutting across the room towards us.

"I think he's here." I interrupted. The man coming towards us was dressed head to toe in purple with white chiffon undersleeves and a maroon vest. His hair also matched being a lavender tint as well. This dude is a real freak if judged just by his fashion choices.

"Pardon my tardiness, traffic was a nightmare. But I rose to the occasion." He said pulling a rose out and offering it to me. I knocked it away.

"By the way, 'er Kaiba, I am Zigfried."

"I don't care who you are. Show some respect if you want to stick around. I may not be participating but it's still my tournament. Now finish your registration so you can stop wasting my time." Seto said forcefully. Zigfried simply smirked at Seto's anger. He was taunting him in his own way now. I'm not surprised. There are so many egos in one room. But rest assured, my boyfriend has the biggest, and people will attempt to deflate it.

"Rika, let's go. I'm taking you backstage myself."

"Roland prepare for the duelist introductions."

"Yes sir."

"Rika," Seto stopped just inside the entrance door to look at me.

"Yes, Seto?"

"I need you to keep a sharp eye on each of the other competitors. I have a feeling one of them is responsible for the hacks. Maybe not directly but they are involved. Let me know if you see anything suspicious."

"Of course, I want to find out who's behind this as much as you do." He didn't smile just nodded and I watched as each of my opponents was lining up to go out on stage.

"It's a very diverse group to say the least."

"They're all ranked duelists despite their odd choices of attire. Mokuba picked the top duelists around the world."

"Why aren't you dueling Seto truthfully? We haven't really talked about it." I asked quietly. I wanted to make him look at me but he was scanning the duelists one by one. I knew better than to pester beyond my question if he didn't answer.

"I need to focus on rebuilding my company and ensuring this goes on without another disaster. Dueling is the base of my company so I will duel again but right now I need to be on the business side of things. Besides, I have you representing me. You need to ensure Wheeler or any of these other losers don't make it to Yugi. I want to see you face your brother…and win." He looked down with a familiar smirk.