Disclaimer: I have recently come into possession of a Maine Bear. Apparently, that does not give me any legal rights to YuGiOh. Honestly, it says so on the card.

Sold!

Chapter 19

Seto glanced sideways at her, but her gaze was riveted out the window. Something has changed. She changed, but I can't quite figure out how or why. Her silent obedience was in sharp contrast to the defiant spirit he knew thrived inside. In retrospect, what he had done had been little different from the liberty her friend in the park had taken. Yet Ari had struck that man with all the scorn inherent to an insulted woman.

He thoughtfully ran his tongue over his tender lip. There had been no scorn in her eyes for him. She wasn't insulted, she was—. The realization stabbed him sharply. She was scared! He glanced at her again, her slender hands hugging the cream wrap tightly around her bare shoulders as she stared off at the passing city. Not of me…of something more.

Ari's stare flickered dully over the passing landscape. The storm had eased to a soft drizzle and her thoughts turned to Mokuba. She had called him after Kaiba told her about the charity auction and had promised that if the weather agreed, she would convince Seto to return to Domino that evening. Now fear bottled her words. Forgive me Mokuba, but I don't know if I can—.

The limo stopped and Ari swallowed hard. Just smile like nothing is wrong, like your heart isn't breaking, like you did after Kaska died. With that distracting thought, she didn't think twice about accepting the hand Kaiba offered and he drew her out of the car with graceful ease. Camera's flashed and she heard him mutter something disagreeable under his breath as he took her arm and guided her down the carpet into the luxurious banquet hall. Ever the arrogant gentleman in the public eye, one could never guess the occurrences of less than an hour before.

Ari slipped her wrap off her shoulders and allowed her hungry eyes to drink in the elegant beauty of the hall. Vivid murals sprawled across the walls and into the cathedral ceilings amid ivory and gold etched pillars. Grey swirled marble beneath her feet echoed with the shoes of the wealthy and charitable gathering for an evening of social prominence. Glancing into one of the large mirrors, Ari was startled by her own reflection.

Like a portrait, she thought suddenly of the woman wrapped in emerald velvet with a crown of curls pulled together on her golden brown head, dancing over bare shoulders. Her eyes glimmered in brilliance she had never seen before. Like blue topaz gems, they seemed to shimmer and she did not know the woman before her anymore. Is this—is this what love does? Now my eyes conspire with my heart.

Her stare shifted and she caught sight of him watching her with the same gaze she remembered seeing in the eyes of a certain hologram. Does he see it too? She turned away from the mirror and met his stare bravely, a timid smile breaking through her reserve.

Extraordinary, he thought suddenly. There was a distinctive radiance about her that reminded him of that day in Honshu when she had kissed that other man. His eyes darkened at the memory and Ari's smile faded uncertainly. Averting her glance, she fell in step beside him as they followed the other guests into the larger ballroom set for an evening of dining and entertainment.

Her fake smile was put to the full test instantly as numerous acquaintances greeted Kaiba and made idle chitchat with the young CEO. Women flirted, men boasted, and Ari smiled. It seemed everyone knew Seto Kaiba and all made a point of mentioning how honored they were he had taken the time to attend the function.

"Now you see why it could not be avoided," he murmured when there was a lull in conversation.

"Sucks to be you," she returned wryly and was relieved to hear him chuckle.

"How civil of you to agree."

"I wasn't—," she stopped when she met his mocking stare. "Right. So what kind of charity auction is this anyway?" She was relieved the tension between them had abated to the point of conversation.

"Ever been to one before?"

"No."

"They usually auction off antiques or whatever interesting things others have donated. Sometimes they surprise me."

"Do you ever buy anything?"

"Only if I really want it. There's a five hundred dollar plate fee for dinner and usually I make a donation. They do the auction for added entertainment."

"Five hundred dollars per plate?" her eyes got big. "That had better be really good chicken."

"I think it's steak and lobster tonight," he replied with faint amusement at her unrefined comment.

"Oh, well then, what a bargain."

She glanced around the crowd and found herself comparing her appearance with the other ladies. Much to her chagrin, she had to agree with Kaiba's "bargain treat" logic. These women were inherent wealth, or attending on the arm of it and flaunted exquisite gowns and jewels. Ari felt a little jealous over the gorgeous solitaire around her throat as if the other jewels were taunting its simplicity. She adored the pendant and her cheeks colored at the memory that would forever cling to the icy gem. He knows me well, she realized as her fingers danced over the modest stone. I suppose that should scare me too.

Motion pulled her from her thoughts and an uneasy chill shivered through her. Instinct reached for security without hesitation.

Seto glanced down in surprise when he felt her warmth step into him, her fingers wrapping around his arm with the desperation of a frightened child. Her tension struck him harshly and he followed her gaze, knowing what he would find.

"I did not expect to see you here, Kaiba," Omaka grinned, his dark greedy eyes flickering over Ari's delicious figure.

"Likewise," Kaiba murmured. His arm slid possessively around Ari's velvet waist and pulled her closer.

She gratefully leaned into him for refuge, her head resting against his chest. I'm safe with him. I know that now. Perhaps he may break my heart, but he will never sell me to the likes of Joko Omaka. Not even for eight million…why does he value me so highly? It had never occurred to her to wonder until now.

"You look well, Ari," Omaka smiled at her.

"I know," she returned, emboldened by Seto's embrace. She could almost envision his smirk at her reply.

"I wonder, Kaiba, are you taking part in the auction this evening?" Omaka suddenly turned business-like, but the chill did not leave her.

"What do you mean?" Kaiba asked darkly.

"Mrs. Yoko," Omaka called to an older woman draped in diamonds and sapphires.

"Mr. Omaka, Mr. Kaiba!" She smiled brilliantly as she glided towards them. "It is a pleasure to have you both join us tonight."

"Mrs. Yoko is on the committee supervising the event tonight," Omaka explained and Kaiba nodded courteously towards the woman.

"This is Ms Ari Nieche," Omaka suddenly introduced the young woman. "She works for Kaiba Corp and I believe would be an excellent choice for your auction."

"Oh indeed!" Mrs. Yoko exclaimed. She grabbed Ari's hand and pulled her from the safety of Seto's arms. "Trying to hide yourself in his shadow, shame on you, child! You are too charming for words!"

"What? I don't—," Ari glanced helplessly at Kaiba who bore the same confused expression, if not a little hostility seeping into his dark blues.

"Oh, it's nothing to worry yourself about, dear. Tonight we are auctioning off the privilege of spending a few hours with some of our eligible angels. I am certain that you would fetch quite a price."

"But I—."

"It's for charity," Omaka said suddenly, but his gaze was riveted on Kaiba. "For the orphans."

Ari half feared Kaiba would slug Omaka right then and there in front of Mrs. Yoko and the whole of Japan's noble society.

"Indeed, it's for charity, Mr. Kaiba," Mrs. Yoko bubbled forth and he turned a frosty smile upon her.

"Of course."

Ari's eyes widened slightly. He isn't even going to try to stop her? Her thoughts froze as his frosty smile turned towards her.

"For charity," he spoke and his cool voice conveyed the point so sharply she winced. Don't make a fool of me.

"Oh, this is fine! You are a dear, Mr. Kaiba. Come along, Ari, child. There is so much to do!"

Ari cast one last wretched glance at Kaiba as she was dragged away.

"Now this will be interesting," Omaka murmured, sipping his champagne.

Kaiba turned a lethal glance on the older businessman. "What do you hope to gain from this," he growled.

Omaka shrugged. "You wouldn't let her go for eight mill, but tonight you will have to let her go for less. I find it intriguing, don't you?"

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen," Mrs. Yoko's voice boomed in the room and all turned their attention to the small platform as she graciously welcomed everyone.

"We have an exciting auction planned for you this evening, friends. Bring out your checkbooks, men, because we have the most beautiful and eligible women in Japan with us tonight, willing to spend the rest of the evening with the most generous of our guests!"

Amusement and eagerness filtered through the crowd as Mrs. Yoko welcomed forth the first of several women willing to partake in her fiasco.

I can't believe I let myself be duped into this, Kaiba growled to himself. Perhaps I should make a bid when Ari comes out. She'll probably hate me for it, but still….

"Lovely, aren't they?" Omaka spoke beside him. "I just might have to make a bid tonight. After all, it is for charity."

Seto turned a heated gaze on the man. "I see what you're intending."

"You are a sharp man, Kaiba. Tell you what. If you don't bid on her, I won't bid on her."

"What?"

"That's what you want, isn't it? For me to stay away from her?"

Kaiba clenched his teeth. "Fine. We have a deal."

"Good. I think she's next."

I can't believe he didn't try to stop her! How could he let me go through this? Unless…unless he intends to bid on me himself. How demeaning! And a little reassuring. Ari took a calming deep breath as a young man reached out to her and escorted her onto the small platform where Mrs. Yoko took her hand and beamed out at the small crowd.

"Ms Ari Nieche is an esteemed associate of Kaiba Corporations, attending this evening with the one and only Seto Kaiba who has graciously permitted her to take part in our auction. Now! Who would like the opportunity, perhaps your only one, to steal this lovely creature away from Seto Kaiba for the rest of this evening?

Laughter filtered like a wave through the crowd as bids shouted out. Ari searched furtively and caught sight of Kaiba standing disagreeably on the edge of the crowd, arms crossed and… not bidding. She wondered if her surprise and offense showed on her face when Mrs. Yoko suddenly shouted out a jubilant 'sold'.

"For two thousand four hundred to the handsome gent in the corner! Congratulations and thank you for your generosity!"

Ari felt lost in a cloud as she was led out of view and down the steps to be collected by who ever had won the bidding. Why wasn't he bidding?

"Hello, Ari," a soft voice broke through her thoughts and she turned towards the young man holding his hand out towards her. "This is an honor."

Her breath froze within. "Matzu."