Info: Starting with this chapter, it gets more detailed about Ari's work. So here is some background info to keep in mind. Fiber-optic cables are strands of glass fiber (this is what Nihm mainly manufactured) that transfer information at the speed of light by the use of lasers. They are commonly used in computer networks, thus Omaka Enterprise's and Kaiba Corp's need for them since both develop gaming software and hardware. Does your brain hurt now? Okay, on with the story.

Disclaimer: I don't own YuGiOh.

Date with the Devil

Chapter 7

"Good evening, Ms Nieche," the unfamiliar man bowed respectfully. "I will be your driver this evening. Mr. Kaiba was held up for a few moments at the office and requested that I escort you to the event as planned."

Ari couldn't voice her relief, but it shined in her face. "Okay. Thank you." At least I won't be trapped in a car with that infuriating man before I have to face my old colleagues. I doubt he would in any way ease my nerves.

On arriving, she whispered a silent thank you to Mokuba when she saw the finery of the other guests. The driver had given her Kaiba's invitation that she might gain access to the conference without trouble. Of course he wouldn't need to bring his invitation. Everyone knows who he is, she thought a little bitterly as she smiled at the doorman.

On second thought, maybe it isn't better facing this alone. She seriously contemplated hiding in the ladies room for a few minutes, but was recognized all too quickly.

"Ari Nieche, how lovely to see you! Such a shame, Ashine dying like he did…."

Okay, so I figured out something worse than spending an evening with Kaiba in public, she thought. Pasting a fake smile on her face, she tried to nod in passive agreement. Her pain remained hidden out of habit. A part of her reasoned that it didn't matter if people knew the truth. The secret was only important when he was alive, but she couldn't bring herself to break the habit of deception.

"Ari?" a hesitant voice spoke behind her and she turned away from the latest counterfeit comforter.

"Lil?" She was shocked to see her former secretary and it showed.

Lil chuckled. "I'm so happy to see you." She gave the younger girl a sisterly hug. "I heard you had fallen on some rough times."

Ari reciprocated the embrace eagerly. "I did, but things have gotten better." I can't believe I just said that. "What have you been doing with yourself?"

Lil suddenly stiffened as an arm wrapped around her shoulders. "You know Joko Omaka," she said softly.

Ari's pale eyes narrowed at the man. "Mr. Omaka," she said with strained respect.

"You do look well, Ari," he smiled grandly. "Tell me, who are you attending with? Surely you didn't get in on your own."

"She's with me," a deep voice spoke before she could retort and she was shocked by the relief that penetrated her being.

"Seto Kaiba," Omaka grinned. "You don't usually attend these affairs. What changed your mind this time?"

"An unexpected cancellation in my schedule," Kaiba returned darkly.

Like alpha wolves, Ari thought as the tension in the air crackled. And leave it to Kaiba to point out this conference isn't important enough to warrant scheduling into his plans. She wanted to grin, but refrained.

"Ari," Lil whispered as she gently touched her arm. "We have to talk some time."

"Of course," Ari returned.

"Lil," Omaka spoke with distinct authority. "Come. They are about to begin the lecture."

Ari felt a stab in her heart at Lil's subdued reaction. She's exactly where I don't want to be.

"Ari."

She looked up at Kaiba for the first time since his arrival, realizing the sharp note of command his voice usually held was significantly softened.

"She was my secretary at Nihm," she said.

"I remember," he returned, offering his arm.

Her lack of hesitation to take his arm convinced him her brief encounter with Omaka had sufficiently rattled her. They were half way across the room when Ari became acutely aware of the strength beneath her fingers. She glanced at her hand draped over his arm. It looks way too comfortable there, she decided.

"Are they going to feed us?" she asked suddenly to upset the direction her previous thoughts were taking her in.

Seto chuckled unexpectedly. "I'm pleased you care, and yes, they will."

Is he still dwelling on my starvation exploit? He is never going to let me forget that.

"Mokuba was right," he said suddenly and she looked up in surprise.

"What do you mean?"

A wicked gleam lit those cerulean eyes. "Moonlight," he said.

Ari dropped her gaze to hide the rapid rise of color in her cheeks. I'm going to kill that kid!

It didn't take long to discover why Kaiba hated the gaming conference. Aside from the fact that he was antisocial, the lectures were endlessly boring. Ari resigned herself to folding her napkin in as many different forms as possible, which were surprisingly many, to keep herself awake. She was so involved with it that she failed to see she was entertaining Kaiba as well.

Leave it to her to find something to do, he thought as he watched her create something that looked like a cross between a swan and a dragon.

He almost hadn't recognized her when he arrived at the conference. Dressed in silk with her beautiful long hair free to curl about her face and shoulders, she looked a far cry from the innocent girl he knew her to be. I could watch her all day, he thought absently while she continued with her diversion unaware of his attention. Suddenly her hands froze and her stare was riveted on the speaker. Kaiba glanced at who could possibly have anything of interest to say.

Nio Sain of Sain Fiber-optics. Sain Fiber-optics had been struggling in Nihm's shadow for decades, until Nihm fell. Ari's pale stare narrowed when Sain regaled the audience with hints of a development that would revolutionize gaming hardware. After a moment she gave a quiet, unladylike snort and returned her attention to her napkin, mumbling something that sounded suspiciously like 'you wish' under her breath.

I'll have to have a word with Sain about this development. I have a feeling he's not as far ahead of the game as he thinks. Seto glanced at Ari again. Not as far ahead as Nihm was.

Dinner, dessert, and eighteen conversations later, Ari found herself amply worn out. It had been mildly satisfying to know that Sain's gloating was based on ignorant conviction, but that wasn't enough to carry her through the false sympathy everyone felt compelled to express over her losses.

She retired to her seat in hopes of removing herself from the mire.

"Are you enjoying yourself, Ari," Omaka asked, taking a seat beside her.

Her blood went cold. "I was."

"Working for Seto Kaiba seems to suit you. I've never seen you look so," he ran a finger down the length of her arm. "Precious."

She pulled away and fought the urge to rub her arm fiercely. Creepy old man. "What do you want?"

His sculpted face turned serious. "Does Kaiba own you?"

Her tired eyes flared. "I'm not property," she snapped.

"Of course not. You have a brilliant mind and deserve recognition for it."

Ari frowned and glanced across the room to where Kaiba was in deep conversation. Why does he have to look so good in a tux? They always said the devil is a handsome man.

"What do you want, Omaka."

"I found Sain's boasting quite facetious, did you not? Especially since Nihm, or more specifically, you have been developing hardware that supersedes his technology."

She looked at him sharply. "Nihm is dissolved."

"But you never stopped working on it, did you. Name your price, Ari. I can make you a wealthy, independent woman again."

Wealth, independence…tempting offers. But this is Omaka, my enemy. Or is Kaiba my enemy? They both are. Both want to control me and one believes he does, so….

"I'm listening."

Joko Omaka smiled. "At another time, when you are not watched so closely, we will discuss a suitable alliance."

"No alliance," she returned. "An equal exchange, no strings attached."

"And Kaiba? He won't let you go so easily."

Her gaze flickered towards her boss. "He'll have to."

"I think you underestimate him. He and I have much in common."

"Being?"

His dark eyes sparkled. "We don't like to lose."

Ari was having second thoughts in that moment. If I had the money, I could get out of Kaiba's reach. But every plan of mine so far has failed. I didn't want to lose my creation in a buyout, but now Omaka is willing to pay me for full patent? Something doesn't feel right.

A sudden terrifying thought occurred to her. I'm locked in a contract. What will he do if I betray him like this?

"Omaka," a voice spoke behind her and she nearly jumped out of her seat.

"Kaiba. What do you think of Nikuna's hold on the market?"

"It won't keep," Kaiba spoke without emotion.

Ari sat still as a statue, afraid any movement might betray her thoughts.

"I agree. Ms Nieche was just telling me how much she enjoys working with one of the foremost gaming corporations."

Ari cringed internally as she felt a cold stare fall on her. Omaka you idiot! Are you trying to tip him off?

"I see," Kaiba said softly.

"I envy you, Kaiba," Omaka said as he stood. "For your acquisition."

Ari stiffened at the words, angry tears stinging her eyes. Even he sees it. Everyone sees it, believes it!

"I'll keep that in mind," was the icy return.

Turbulent thoughts overwhelmed her. Omaka was sending mixed messages in his words to her and his exchange with Kaiba. He's toying with me too, isn't he?

A possessive hand alighted on her shoulder and her thoughts shattered.

"What did he want," Kaiba demanded.

She shrugged his hand off. "Nothing. Omaka Enterprises is greedy and presumptuous."

"Hmm," he murmured.

"Nikuna will be hard to match. There's much he isn't sharing," she said to change the subject.

"Such as?"

"A merger with Kendum." She looked up at him. "Strictly hush hush, of course."

Seto took the seat beside her. "Where did you get this information?"

"His little cocktail mistress has a loose tongue," she said softly. Kaiba followed her gaze to the flighty lady in flashy dress.

"Not a reliable source."

Ari picked up her glass and studied the contents. "She's been with him for three years. Don't underestimate the bitterness of the used and abused, Kaiba."

He glanced sideways at her. Are you including yourself in that number? "Did she tell you anything else?"

Ari grimaced. I can't believe I'm willingly helping him. "They know about Kaiba Corp's interest in virtual gaming," she said softly.

"I see. What else did these people tell you?"

Aside from how awful they feel that I lost the only important person in my life and went bankrupt and had to sell my soul to the devil just so I could eat?

"Clarion is going to split. The board and CEO have different ideas so everyone is taking their shares and running…." She rattled off a list of facts she had been slipped by the other trophy girls attending the conference and for once had Kaiba's complete respected attention.

Finally she looked up at him with those startling eyes. "Have I proven myself useful?"

His dark blues were curiously unnerving as they studied her. "I don't like how you said that."

"I'm sorry," she said quickly and glanced away. I'm too tired to battle with you.

Seto frowned. "I don't like how you said that either."

There's no winning with him! So she said nothing.

This side of Ari Nieche left him puzzled. For the last few days she had been uncommonly subdued, her spark of defiance all but smothered. He didn't like it. But her avoidance tactics were not lost on him. Something more had passed between her and Omaka, something she was determined to hide. Perhaps Omaka's suspicions were akin to his own. Ari still retained Nihm research.

Ari blinked slowly and realized she had been staring into her punch for too long. I'm exhausted.

"Kaiba," she spoke hesitantly and dared to meet his searching gaze. "If it isn't too much trouble…."

Her eyes were dull and beseeching. I should have noticed, he scolded himself. Before she could finish her request, he was helping her to her feet. Ari offered no argument, letting him steer her through the crowd, effortlessly fending off inquiries and potential conversations and before she knew, they were in the limo.

Okay, so he is good for something, she admitted wearily.

They rode in silence for some time. Ari was too worn by the conflict of the evening to maintain a hostile front, or to notice his watchful gaze.

Omaka must have stirred something up. Is she contemplating another one of her foolish schemes?

"Did he make you an offer?" he asked suddenly.

Ari stiffened at the question and he knew he hit on the mark. Well now, this will be interesting.

"Who," she asked innocently as possible.

Kaiba was not fooled, but he was amused as always by her evasive attempts that inevitably ended in failure.

"How much did he offer?"

"I don't know what you're talking about."

He captured her hand and her heart all but stopped at his electric touch.

"You're a very poor liar, Ari," he warned.

When she discreetly tried to free her hand, his grip tightened.

"How much did he offer," Seto demanded again.

"He didn't," she said.

"Maybe he didn't give you numbers, but he offered something."

"Is that a crime?"

"No, so why are you afraid to tell me?"

Her eyes flashed. "I'm not afraid of you!"

He smiled knowingly. "Then why are you trembling?"

Ari closed her eyes and struggled to tap into a reserve of calm, anger, anything. Strong fingers caressed her wrist and she clenched her jaw in an effort to retain her fragile composure.

"Your pulse is racing," Seto observed. "How far do you think your pathetic lies will take you? You can't hide anything from me, Ari."

Last straw! She fiercely pulled her hand away, the force of sudden release slamming her hard against the door. She swore, eyes brimming with restrained tears.

His expression was grim. "You did it to yourself."

Ari glanced away, hugging her bruised shoulder. Curse you.

I would like to take a second to thank those who have been following my story, but not reviewing. You know who you are. *wink* I just didn't want you guys to feel left out.