Disclaimer: I don't own YuGiOh and the "waking dream" quote is from John Keats' Ode to a Nightingale.

Proof of Ownership

Chapter 18

The storm had abated some in fury, but Ari was happy to return to the warm, dry hotel. Having been unable to find what she was looking for in the half hour Kaiba allotted her the day before, she had visited two more art stores. Victory in her search removed the unease the morning had instilled in her. Like a giddy child, she hugged the expensive drawing pencils under her jacket as if the rain could damage something already wrapped in protective plastic.

"We have a package for you, Ms. Nieche," the clerk informed her as he returned her key card. "I shall have someone carry it up for you."

"A package? No one knows I'm even here except—."

"I believe it is from Mr. Kaiba," the clerk said with a tight smile.

"Oh. Thank you." What is he up to now?

Once alone in the room, Ari stared at the large rectangular package sitting on the bed as if it were Pandora's Box. Well, I can't stand here like this all day.

Surprisingly, her hands did not shake as she broke the seal and opened the box to reveal a mass of tissue paper. Ari hesitantly pulled the paper back and gasped.

"It's—it's—well now I know where Mokuba gets his taste!"

Her fingers grazed the emerald velvet to confirm her eyes were not deceiving her. A woman's natural eagerness took hold and she pulled the gown from the box and held it high for inspection. The deep green off-the-shoulder bodice was embroidered with an intrinsic cream pattern, the princess cut waist flaring elegantly into flowing waves of velvet. It only took a glance to see the gown would fit like a glove.

Ari blushed as she considered how Kaiba could possibly know her measurements that well. Included in the box were a matching pair of shoes and a cream-colored velvet wrap.

"What on Earth could this all be for?" she murmured, breaking free from the spell of wonder. An intelligent thought finally occurred to her and she found her cell phone.

"Kaiba," the gruff voice on the other end rattled her confidence slightly.

"What is this?"

"What?"

"This dress. What is it for?"

"Oh." She heard him sigh wearily. "It could not be avoided. I have to attend a charity auction this evening."

"You contribute to charity?"

"It's for orphans," he said simply.

Oh. I understand. Mokuba said they lived in an orphanage for a few years before….

"Okay," she agreed softly.

"Be ready by seven," he ordered and she heard the connection die.

Staring from the phone in her hand to the dress on the bed, another thought occurred to her. Is it a kindness that he is taking me? Or is he afraid to leave me on my own any longer than he has to?

I should be used to this by now, she decided as the last few hours passed and she dressed. Though the sleeves left her shoulders bare, the velvet was warm and hugged her curves as if it had been sewn onto her body. It was a little lower cut then she would have chosen for herself, but then she had often been accused of being overly modest. She decided to pin most of her hair up, leaving a few curls to dangle.

The ensemble had yet one more surprise for her. A small black velvet box was tucked away in the toe of one of the shoes. Curiosity ignored caution and Ari opened it to stare at a stunning diamond pendant. Instantly, she snapped it shut. Taking a few quick breaths, she peaked at it again.

"Oh my stars," she whispered, her hand fluttering to her throat. She had removed the chain and key she always wore and hidden them safely in one of her tennis shoes and her neck felt naked without the weight.

"But I can't wear this!" she gasped, finally closing the box and setting it back on the bed. "W-why would he even buy that? It must be worth nearly three thousand dollars!" A soft click shattered her nerves and she turned toward the door in time to see the handle turn.

Seto barely recognized the woman standing before him. Only her wide timid eyes were familiar as she stared at him with a deer in the headlights look. I must have caught her in the middle of some very intriguing thoughts, he realized as he looked her over.

Was it a vision or a waking dream? Keats words described her best. Plain, simple Ari Nieche was breathtaking. His unexpected entrance had left her no time to conceal her chaotic thoughts and she was a woman unveiled before him, radiating a splendor men throughout the centuries had lived and died to own. Mine, he thought suddenly, possessively.

"I-I'm ready," she said as she turned away to gather her wrap. His steady stare was unnerving and she felt as if she would soon fall to pieces in her fragile state. She offered an insecure smile when she neared him.

His eyes narrowed as he inspected her attire, noticing her bare throat. "You've forgotten something."

"I couldn't—."

"Nonsense," he cut her off as he found the small box and led her to the mirror beside the door. "I'll not have you looking like a bargain treat." He removed the necklace and tossed the box aside.

Ari stood very still as he draped the gorgeous diamond around her neck. A bargain treat, she thought ruefully.

"How much did he offer," she asked suddenly and Kaiba glanced up at her reflection.

"What?"

"Omaka."

He glanced down as he secured the clasp. "You don't want to know."

"Please," she said and he met her eyes in the mirror.

"Eight."

"Hundred? Thousand?"

"Million."

Ari stared at him, her hand unconsciously touching the sparkling diamond at her throat. Eight million dollars. Nihm's last factory upgrade was barely seven point five! She swallowed hard.

"For ten I would have let him have you," Kaiba said suddenly and she spun around, eyes flashing at insult.

"For a day," he finished, amused by the rage he inspired. She's beautiful when she's angry.

"You arrogant jerk!" Her words stung with venom.

His temper flared and he grabbed her arm even as she tried to step away when the blue eyes flamed.

"Let me go!" she demanded immediately as she tried to pry his fingers loose.

"You seem to have forgotten your place, Ari," he growled as he secured her other arm and she was forced to meet his scalding stare. "You belong to me."

"Not like that I don't!" She retorted, determined not to be subdued.

"In every way," he growled and she froze in her struggle.

He wouldn't! He couldn't!

"You wouldn't dare," she whispered.

"And if I do?"

"I'll—." What? What could I do?

Her hesitation was enough. Seto crushed her body against him, sealing his mouth over hers even as a startled cry echoed in her throat. Ari struggled futilely, for he held her so tight she almost could not tell where her body left off and his began. The force of his thundering heartbeat disrupted her own.

His kiss deepened, compelling her surrender and she resisted as much as her two-faced heart would permit. Her fisted hands went limp against his chest, overwhelmed by his domination.

He's embracing my soul and will learn my deepest secret if I don't stop him! I will be broken in humiliation I can never return from!

Her body was betraying her, beginning to respond to his demands. No. NO!

Kaiba jerked back, a vicious swear cutting loose as he wiped at his lip.

Suddenly free, Ari stumbled out of his reach.

"You bit me!" he growled in distinct shock.

Trembling in fear and secret pain, she backed further from him. He regarded her hunted expression with growing unease. Not entirely a stranger to women, he knew he had been on the verge of conquest. She had no choice but to endure his cold passion and in the end abandon herself to the proof of his ownership. For a moment, for a slight victorious moment, he had broken through her defenses. She was his. Fight as she will, she can't hide from me forever!

Ari felt as if her breath had been torn from her with shreds of her soul. Only a man I love could hurt me so much, she realized achingly. His kiss had not been true and her heart served her well in the end, revolting against a lie that would only serve to crush her. That same heart was ready to forgive him for his cruelty, but she could not let it be known.

Master and possession waged a silent war across the distance between them, words unable to resolve the battle any more than their own stubborn wills. Finally, Seto made a decision.

"We're going to be late," he spoke darkly, frost dripping from his words.

Ari's hand curled timidly over her breast as she nodded submissive agreement. And then?

It should have eased her anxiety, his casual movements as he gathered her cream velvet wrap off the floor and offered it to her, his blue eyes frigid and empty. She hesitantly accepted it, wondering what turmoil brewed beneath the ice. Never before in face of her defiance had he been driven to such pure jealous rage. What made him stop? Part of her treasonous heart craved his fury. Let him consume me! I don't want to exist like this anymore. Not like this! Not alone! He will forsake you! Like all who have come before. When his objective is achieved, he will toss you aside like the worthless creature you are and you will be alone, a heart incinerated by its own desperation.

Ari dropped her head and followed the object of her heart's torment down the hall and into the elevator. Tentatively touching the cold stone around her throat, she closed her eyes in defeat.

I love him.