A/N:

Responding to the reviews!

FafaCute -"Let me make a guess. Those 4 guys are ichigo, byakuya, grimmjow, and ashido. I wonder if it's true or not. I will patiently wait for your new chapters. I hope ukitake will be okay soon.. and it's nice to know tht ichigo wanna meet rukia again." - Those are good guesses for the other three guys! Let's see if you're right!

Ichirukitrash4ever - "woah! Didn't see that coming. Ichigo is a tsundere! lol Keep saying that boy, we know you'll fall for her xD This is getting more interesting. Can't wait to read the next chapter!" Yes Ichigo is a tsundere bi-polar person in the story lmao. Thanks for the continued support!

jobananasan :"Oh my god! LOL! I knew it! I knew he was gonna pay off that medical bill! Daaaaaaaaaamn...She really really made quite an impression on him! And he's so protective of her already. Wow...

"Maybe if he fucked the whore a couple more times, he'd get over his hunger for her."-Man, I hope not! I hope the more he has her the more he wants her. Like a drug, I guess. I know that's dangerous and verging on toxic but hey. I'm IchiRuki through and through. I'm so happy he couldn't get into it with that other woman. Hehehehe...I hope Rukia has completely and thoroughly ruined him for other women forever. *smirk* Anyways, he's a damn freak! LOL! Can't get enough of her so he masturbates with her underwear. Is he gonna keep stealing her underwear every time he comes to her? *chuckles* Why do I get the feeling he's gonna mark her, somehow...I don't know how but somehow...I mean he's a Mafia boss so he's used to getting what he wants, including women. And he definitely wants Rukia. I really do hope he makes more appearances in the story. He has to, right? Especially if he's bringing in party drugs and investing in Shunsui's club. Maybe he'll want to personally see everything is going alright.

I've read other IR Mafia AU fics but only a couple of them have made me wary of Ichigo. In this fic he flat out scares me. Like, jeez! He really would've killed Shunsui right there on the spot, huh? Holy crap...Well, I'm glad Shunsui's still alive. And Rukia getting angry when she found out what Ichigo did...She's a sweetheart. She'll probably scold Ichigo when he comes back for another round. I wonder if she'll tell him that it was Shunsui who proposed the idea but then backed out...I just have a feeling Ichigo will find out one way or another that it was Shunsui who planted the thought in Rukia's head. I'm praying for Shunsui's health and safety. *chuckles*

I hope we get a little more of what everyone's thoughts are regarding the Ichigo/Rukia situation. I'm sure we'll see how the other escorts feel about Rukia rocking the boat. But I'm also interested in knowing what Lisa and Shunsui think about Ichigo being all different with Rukia. Are they even thinking deeply about it? Or are they just 'Meh, whatever. He's just a cruel heartless mob boss. Nothing to see here.'

Regarding Rukia's contract, I'm wondering if Shunsui will actually honor it. I mean, if she becomes popular with certain men, powerful men, I would think Shunsui would find that good for business and not want her to go. What if he convinces her to stay a little bit longer? But then I don't think she'd want to continue doing this, right? Especially if she has to take care of Jushirou. Speaking of Jushirou, I hope his surgery goes well. Crossing my fingers he survives.

So four men will fall for her...And they're all connected? I'm guessing besides Ichigo, it'll be the painter, the gallery owner, and the buyer of the painting. *shrug* Was the painting of a little girl? If so I think it's actually Rukia. She's wearing a hoodie to hide evidence of physical abuse. Maybe Hisana painted it. And Hisana married Byakuya but she died. If that's the case then it's not the painter but her widower who falls for her.

Can't wait for Ichigo to go back to the club and choose Rukia. AGAIN. He doesn't fuck the same girl twice, right? I'm dying to see everyone's reaction! Hehehehe...Especially the other escorts. *smirk*"

Another amazing long review from you! I think Ichigo might be stealing other things besides her underwear lol. What other IchiRuki Mafia fics have you read? I haven't read any to be honest with you! Shunsui will surprise Rukia later on about something. Yes all the men are somehow connected to Rukia. That's a good theory! Good clues with the hoodie part! Let's see if your theory about the painting is correct! That will be revealed later down the story.

Chapter 9: The Second Harem

Wednesday found Rukia back in the service; this time, she was more comfortable than she had been when she first started. Her heart was feeling lighter now; her dad had had his operation yesterday. He was out of danger now. He could be discharged after three days. As for her, she only had to suffer for four days, then she could leave this dark period of her life behind completely.

A different group had come into the service today and – from what Rukia could see – these were normal business men. They were still the rich kind, but they did not exude the dangerous aura that Ichigo's group had. Shunsui told her that Ichigo was the Don of a Mafia group who was only known as 'The Vizards' in black market circles. Rukia was still confused as to why the dangerous guy had so generously paid her for that night. She was loath to think of him as benevolent since he had choked Shunsui that same night. Who knew what went on in the mind of such a frightening man? Rukia wished she would never encounter Ichigo again. She doubted she could escape unscathed like she did the first night if she did. She had been merely lucky back then.

Shunsui informed her that Ichigo's group did not return yesterday. If her lucky streak continued, she wouldn't encounter the mob boss again during the whole week of her employment. She was crossing her fingers for that outcome.

The group they had today were the top dogs of one of the most prestigious law offices in the country, the Kuchiki & Kasumiōji law offices. From what Shunsui whispered to her, they had just successfully won a case, and, of course, where else would they celebrate? They reserved the services of Death Gods for the night. Most of the men were in their thirties to sixties. Rukia wondered if any of these men even thought of their wives before coming to the escort service. It was not that it automatically meant men coming to the escort service would want sex, but if they had the opportunity, why wouldn't they go all the way?

The men had already picked their escorts and she was thankfully not chosen. However, it did not mean that she could call it a night. She had to stay around the vicinity in case she was called to serve the men drinks in their rooms. As of now, she was free to spend her time anywhere. Seeing no one on the balcony overlooking the skyscrapers of downtown Karakura, she decided to catch some fresh air.

She went out and braced her arms on the rails as she inhaled the cold air of the night. The December winds and the view of the buildings bathed in bright lights of the Christmas season made her feel relaxed. If only she could be trapped in this moment forever… She closed her eyes to feel the winds gently whipping her face.

"It's relaxing here, isn't it?" A deep voice Rukia did not recognize said behind her. Caught by surprise, she whipped her head in the direction of the voice and saw a tall man leaning on the wall on her right side, hands in the pockets of his slacks. She totally missed the man when she entered the balcony earlier.

Rukia shrugged her shoulders and answered back, "I guess." In her mind, she was contemplating if she should go back inside and leave the man whose peace she had probably invaded. However, a rebellious thought entered her mind. It was not as if the man owned the balcony. It was for anyone within the premises of Death Gods. So she stayed put, merely ignoring the man, and continued to gaze at the wonderful view of the city in front of her. She could feel his stare on her bare back though.

She felt him stand beside her and join her in her observation of the urban landscape of Karakura at night. She briefly tensed, but when she felt him settle some distance from her, she relaxed a bit. Who knew if this weird guy would assault her in this balcony – or worse – push her over the rails? Feeling totally awkward now, Rukia attempted to open up a conversation. Damn, this was one area that she still needed more practice on.

"Were you one of those men from the law office? I did not see you earlier." Rukia asked the guy in her dull voice as she stole a look at him.

With the guy closer to her now, Rukia was able to observe him completely. He was tall, maybe almost the same height as Ichigo at 5'11", with the same lean but muscular build. He was probably in his early thirties. He had the look of a Japanese mestizo and a stoic air about him, which was totally different from the predatory vibe that she got from Ichigo before. The man had long black hair with white headpieces on top. He was good-looking, no doubt. His slate grey eyes could probably seduce any woman at his feet. This guy probably had many girls falling at his feet, Rukia couldn't help but think he reminded her of the CEO leading men that she saw in the Korean dramas on TV.

"I was, but I went here right away and let my employees have their fill of ladies," he answered her in the same deep, stoic voice.

That awed Rukia. "That's new," she said. The guy looked back at her. She glanced at his direction with a lopsided smirk. "Not here for the sex, eh."

"No, I wasn't," he answered quietly.

Seeing that the guy probably was not interested in their little talk anymore, she went back on observing the view. He stunned Rukia when he moved closer to her. He was more handsome from that angle.

"I may not be interested in sex tonight, but I think I could have a nice conversation with you inside…" Rukia gestured at the name plate pinned on her dress. "Shirayuki," he finished.

And who was Rukia, or Shirayuki, to refuse a client? Even if there was no sex involved, she could still earn for accompanying the client in the entertainment room. She could add the money she earned from this to her allowance for the coming classes after the Christmas break.

Attorney Byakuya Kuchiki was not interested in getting a whore for tonight – or more like he'd never been interested in any girl after his wife died five years ago from an unknown illness. That was why when the other associates of the law firm he owned were having a field day choosing their ladies for the night, he had quietly slunk away to the balcony and lit his cigarette. He had to wait an hour until he went back home.

If it hadn't been for the fact that his father, the senior Kuchiki, was adamant on him socializing with other women and his constant jibes of wanting an heir, he would not have even come here. As if he would actually associate with a whore, Byakuya scoffed inwardly. Really, what was his father thinking?

He was musing on these things when he saw someone enter the balcony and go straight to the rails. It was a short girl, wearing a figure hugging backless white dress. The build of her body reminded him of someone he knew long ago. Probably one of the escorts here, he thought, but he was not sure. This girl looked different from the other escorts. Younger than most too. From the side, he could see the tattoos encircling the girl's entire arm. It was when the girl lifted her head and inhaled some cool air that Byakuya was able to catch a glimpse of her face.

HIsana! His heart stopped. Needing to see her face again, he decided to speak up from his hiding place.

"It's relaxing here, isn't it?"

The girl was probably startled by his sudden break of silence and she whipped her head to his direction, eyes wide as saucers. She…almost looked like his Hisana. Except that her eyes were more deep-set, dark, and mysterious than Hisana's shy, almond shaped ones. Her lips were thin compared to Hisana's fuller ones. There he was, foolishly hoping still. He wanted to berate himself, but that was not his nature, so he went silent yet again.

Staring into her gorgeous orbs reminded him of the violet rain painting in the museum that he and Hisana would visit often when she was alive. Was she the woman in the painting? Her figure looks identical to the image. No, impossible. That painting was created before that girl was ever born. But, why am I getting some strange, dark connection between the two?

The girl went back on ignoring him after replying to his earlier query. Somehow, even though he saw that she was not at all like his Hisana, his interest was aroused. When girls saw him in the vicinity, they usually flirted with him right away. But there was the girl, a few paces away, and she did not at all seem interested in him. This was something new to him.

Was she really one of the whores here? Byakuya was displeased at the thought of this young woman being part of such a disgusting business. But who was he kidding? It was impossible for someone who was not an escort or a client to be in the premises of the Death Gods Escort services. Observing the form of this young woman, from her shiny black hair, to her slender tattooed arms, down to her petite torso, that peachy ass, and her creamy white legs, he thought it was such a shame that she ended up here.

Thoroughly curious now, he went closer to her, settling a few inches away when he saw her slightly stiffening. He could not blame her for that. He probably seemed like a creepy freak there. But he needed to know more about her.

Byakuya would admit that he was shocked when the young woman spoke up again, this time, initiating the conversation. He was fascinated to hear a strong, a bit alto, yet still feminine sounding voice coming from her. He did not know what he was expecting exactly, but he thought her voice would sound at least similar to Hisana's sweet, demure voice. This woman was just showing him how unlike she was from his deceased wife.

She was confirming if he was part of the law office who celebrated the service tonight. He responded positively. When she fixed him with her piercing glance, but smirked at him in an amused way, Byakuya had already conceded to himself that after five long years, a girl had finally caught his curiosity.

He was even more pleasantly surprised when she did not press for more and left him alone with his thoughts. Usually, girls tried to get and keep his attention, which annoyed him a lot. This woman was surprising him in all the right ways.

Later that night, Byakuya would realize that he was not thinking the usual way when he asked the woman, Shirayuki, to accompany him in the entertainment room, just to converse with her. He was still standing by his original decision that he would not fuck anyone tonight.

Rukia found herself in a quiet conversation with the man who introduced himself as Byakuya. It was not the lively chat that you would expect from a typical flirting escort and her client. Instead, what they had was a conversation punctuated by an occasional silence that amazingly did not seem awkward at all.

From what she could see, Rukia and her current client were alike in many ways. For starters, they definity shared a strange resemblance to each other. It seemed that they both did not like talking too much. The man across her had a cold demeanor, which she matched with her icy one. It was probably a good thing because the silence did not bother her.

"So… how old are you?" she heard him question her.

"19."

Byakuya took a sip first from his glass of scotch first and fixed her with his icy stare. "Why do I find it hard to believe that? You look much younger than that to me."

She clucked her tongue. "That's your problem, not mine. Besides, Death Gods are strict in matters like that."

"I suppose." He glanced at her again while he was shaking his glass lightly. "What brought you to this place?"

"Why do I feel like I'm in an interrogation?" Rukia shot back.

The man chuckled slowly, slightly startling Rukia. This was the first crack in the man's icy exterior that she had witnessed all night.

"I'm sorry. It seems like I carry the lawyer in me even in inappropriate places like this."

It was Rukia's turn to chuckle. "You're right. This place is not appropriate for people like you."

"How so?"

"This place is for sex-crazed men, not weird lawyers not interested beyond chatting it up with a whore."

He looked back at Rukia with slightly amused eyes. "You nailed it."

Rukia couldn't help the twitch in her lips that threatened to become a full-blown smile. It seemed like the week was continuing to be kind to her and gave her a cool client that was not even interested in sex. What could be more perfect than that? Rukia felt like she was having a good time.

As he had promised himself, Ichigo came to the Death Gods that Wednesday to see that little whore again. It would be the first time that he was determined to do it again with the same woman twice. To understand why this was happening to him, he wanted to find out what made the sex with Shirayuki unique. He surmised that maybe after one or two fucks, the novelty of the woman would wear off and he could return to his normal state.

He arrived at Shunsui's office again to ask for the whore. The man visibly paled right after seeing him, making him smirk a little. It seemed like he scared the manager a bit.

"S-sir Kurosaki! I did not expect you to come tonight. I would have arranged an advanced accommodation for you and your men!" said the manager as he stood up to greet him.

He scoffed. "No need. I came here alone." He put one hand in his pocket, "Where's the girl?"

Shunsui immediately had an accommodating look on his face. "Which girl, Sir Kurosaki? Some of the girls are attending clients from the Kuchiki Law Office. I'm afraid that only a few of the girls are available for the night."

Hearing that made Ichigo's blood boil. The idea of another man fucking his little whore did not sit well to him. He had her first!

"Where's Shirayuki?!" he all but snarled.

The anger in his voice made Shunsui's knees tremble. "A-at the entertainment room, Sir…"

All at once, Ichigo made for the room where Shirayuki was. He could feel himself seething. How dare that whore go with another man behind his back? He was going to give it to her until she understood that he owned her until he stopped wanting her.

He heard small chuckles as he reached the entertainment room. Once he stepped inside the room, the first thing that he saw was that little smile playing on Shirayuki's lips. So she was capable of smiling after all…

After his initial surprise, it just pissed him off more. The bitch was enjoying her time with the bastard! He went to her and yanked her arm none too gently, forcing her to stand up next to him. He was holding Shirayuki's arm tightly.

"Hey!" The man in the suit she was with stood up, face indignant. "Can't you see she's talking with me?"

"This bitch is mine!" Ichigo snarled at the man.

"I paid for her time. Get your own woman."

The man's words made Ichigo laugh out loud. "Like I fucking care." He then dragged Shirayuki out of the room, holding her arm like a leash.

"I will take this to the manager!" Shirayuki's lawyer client threatened, but the mob boss was already out of the room.