Disclaimer: I do not own YuGiOh.

In Love and War

Chapter 20

It could have been five, ten, maybe even twenty minutes that she stood staring at the door, key card in hand yet so far from the lock. The clock in the lobby had told her it was a little after midnight and as tired as she was, she could not bring herself to open the door. The unknown terrified her.

Leaning against the opposite wall, Ari reflected on the unfortunate evening. After the auction, Kaiba spoke only four chilling words to her. Don't be too late. She wasn't, not exactly. In truth, she and Matzu had parted ways around eleven. She had spent the last hour in her solitude in The Shanada's lounge, pondering over ginger ale.

"You really care about that little Kaiba kid don't you," he had said when they were relatively alone.

"Why?"

"I think it's sweet," Matzu smiled disarmingly.

"Oh."

"I'm sorry, Ari," he said suddenly serious. "I didn't mean to insult you before."

"It's okay," she murmured.

"I just can't understand how you can stand to be with him."

Ari glanced away hoping the brilliance in her eyes could not be seen. "I've accepted it."

"You mean you've given up," he returned, his voice hardening.

"There is no point in continuing this, Matzu," she said softly.

"I see," he spoke so quietly she almost couldn't hear him. "But I'm afraid that we cannot accept that."

"What do you mean?" she turned towards him warily.

"We want the rest of the program, Ari, and the prototype. We want everything you promised us in the beginning and we aren't taking no for an answer."

She took a step back. "I don't understand—."

"I think you do," his eyes darkened as he looked her over. "You should have kept your end of the deal. I suppose it wasn't warning enough the first time, but the next time there may be no one to help you."

"The first time?" The first time… the first time me and Mokuba were attacked!

"You snake!" she hissed, her fingers curling in anger.

"You're a sweet girl," he continued unflinchingly, "and I know you don't want anyone to get hurt. Really, it all comes down to your decisions, doesn't it? Where do your loyalties lay now, Ari?"

"Leave him out of this! He's just a kid!"

Matzu shrugged. "I wish I could help you but you've made it clear you don't want my help. Omaka is not a man to be messed with and I'm afraid that's a lesson learned too late for you. Give him what he wants, Ari," his eyes softened slightly. "Please. You have one week."

One week. One week to decide if I should betray Seto to protect Mokuba. I should just tell him the truth but how can I tell him I've been selling out behind his back from the start, especially now? I would lose everything! There must be a way to protect them both and to save my inheritance. I swore to Kaska I would never let Omaka have what we worked so hard for. There must be a way.

She raised her eyes to the door in front of her. I'm so lost.

The door clicked softly as she turned the handle and stepped into the dimly lit room. It took a moment for her eyes to adjust, to focus on the lithe figure sitting in dark expectation. He was facing her, a glass of red wine setting with its companion bottle on a table beside him.

There was something breathtaking about his stillness. He had discarded the trimmings of his tux and looked as comfortable as a cat watching an unsuspecting mouse. His white shirt opened carelessly at the throat adding an indifferent attitude to his calm, but she knew he was far from indifferent.

I wonder how empty that bottle is. What is he like when he drinks? She draped her wrap over a nearby chair and willed herself to cross the room to face him. It doesn't matter. For once in my life, I will take a chance.

His narrow eyes followed her movements with the cool certainty of a predator, his expression stony as she knelt gracefully at his feet, folds of velvet settling in soft ripples around her form. Bravely, she lifted her eyes to meet his.

"If you forgive me, I will forgive you," she entreated softly.

"Spend one evening with another man and suddenly I'm not so bad." His words were crisp, entirely untouched by any hint of inebriation, and they hurt.

Ari looked down silently at her hands arranged neatly in her lap.

"Didn't I tell you before, he was only using you?"

Her shoulders slumped in defeat. I believe you now. I should have believed you then but I was so desperate for someone to—.

"You didn't know who he was, did you," Kaiba spoke with soft realization and Ari looked up surprised.

"What do you mean?"

"Matzu Omaka. Had I known he was your boyfriend—."

"He's not my boyfriend!" she snapped fiercely, pained by the truth he had revealed. Matzu, you snake! Joko Omaka's son! Why didn't I see it! Her fury died swiftly when she saw blue eyes flash. She glanced away to hide the betrayal she felt in her heart. Used me. That's all I'm good for anymore. To be used and thrown away when I have nothing left to offer.

She really didn't know. Seto leaned forward and gently tilted her chin up. "You poor naïve little fool," his words were so soft she almost didn't hear. His eyes narrowed suspiciously as they probed hers. "What did he do."

"He didn't do anything," she returned quietly, honestly. Matzu didn't try to do anything. We only talked and I can't tell Seto what we talked about. Never. Her thoughts faded off as she realized his fingers were trailing through her hair.

"I wonder, how forgiving are you?"

Be still, be silent, submit and accept, she told herself as he kissed her. Tender and searching, her heart cried in response.

He's testing me, she told herself as his gentle kiss reached into her being to linger and taunt her. She held herself still and unresponsive with the greatest effort she could muster from her dwindling strength when she wanted nothing more than to surrender to his will. Somewhere within the internal battle, she felt soft curls spill down over her shoulders, suddenly freed by his questing fingers. An aching sigh attempted escape, but she mentally captured it and imprisoned it deep in her soul.

"You are forgiving," he murmured as he broke the kiss.

The taste of sweet red wine lingered on her lips and she unconsciously swept her tongue over the flavor. Seto watched her instinctive reaction with a slight smile. She had struggled to remain cold to his touch but she was a warm creature. He wanted to relish the silk of her glorious hair, bury his face in the sweet waves of vanilla that proved to be far more intoxicating than any alcohol he had ever encountered.

She watched him curiously and he could only guess at the questions she now wondered.

"You should wear it down more often," he said finally as he draped a perfect curl over her shoulder, his fingers grazing her bare skin. "It suits you better."

"Is that a suggestion or an order?" she asked softly.

He arched a brow and leaned back slightly. "A suggestion, of course."

Ari smiled timidly. "Duly noted. May I make one as well?"

Amusement twitched across his lips. "Sure."

"Next time, we auction you off."

Seto chuckled deeply. "I'm not so sure I would fetch as much as you. You did take the highest bid, you know."

"Only because they were all so eager to have something the great Seto Kaiba owns—," she blushed furiously at her own words and the quirk in his brow proved he hadn't missed it.

"You're right. You wouldn't fetch much," she said quickly.

"Oh?"

"You're handsome enough, but that personality of yours isn't exactly delightful." Sheesh, I'm just digging my hole deeper.

"Fair enough," he agreed, laughter lacing his voice.

Ari sighed quietly with relief as she gathered her skirts and her feet beneath her, realizing after the fact that she had used Seto's knee to pull herself up. Why did that seem so natural, she wondered as she wearily crossed the room and turned on the light beside the bed. He didn't complain, a part of her argued, so why should you analyze the action?

Warm hands stole around her velvet waist and pulled her back against a warmer body. Caught off guard, an army of butterflies erupted in her stomach.

"Ari," he spoke near her ear. "Would you tell me if someone tried to hurt you?"

"Of-of course," she stammered, closing her eyes as she struggled to control her tumbling emotions.

"I don't believe you."

"Who else would I tell," she returned simply, stifling a gasp as his arms encircled her completely, trapping her securely in his embrace.

"You must always remember," he spoke as he leaned his head against hers. "I will never let anyone hurt you."

Ari opened her eyes to find her arms resting over his like interlocking puzzle pieces. Taking a deep breath to steady her nerves, she was assaulted full force by his scent, unhinging her defenses completely. Had he asked anything of her in that moment, she would have given it.

"I believe you," she whispered.

"Good." He planted a tender kiss on her bare shoulder and released her.

Ari stood frozen for a moment, head and heart swimming. Does he suspect? Why would he—?

"Seto," she spoke suddenly as she turned to face him.

His cerulean eyes were unreadable. Seto? "Yes?"

"I promised Mokuba we would come home tonight if it was possible. Do you suppose—?"

His smile stopped her, the most genuine smile she had ever seen grace the face of Seto Kaiba. "Collect your things, and we'll go."

Her timid eyes lit with relief and pleasure as she turned to comply, unaware of his warm watchful gaze following her every movement. Home. Yes, Ari. We will go home.

"Eeeeeaaaaaaahhh!"

Solid impact cut her shriek short and she moaned as her blurred vision cleared. Bright blue-violet eyes took form above her.

"Gee! Are you okay, Ari?" Mokuba asked as he tried to stifle his laughter.

"Next time you decide to jump on the bed, make sure I'm not in it," she moaned.

"Well, technically you aren't…now," he said with a grin.

She glared half-heartedly at him from amid the blankets she had dragged down with her. Without warning, she lunged at him and pulled him off the bed into her arms. He shrieked with laughter as she tickled him mercilessly.

"Stop! Stop!" He cried.

"Say uncle!"

"Never!"

Ari renewed the tickle attack with greater zest and Mokuba squealed. "Uncle! Uncle! I give!"

Ari loosened her hold and he slumped against her, wheezing with lingering laughter. "Okay," he gasped. "I promise I'll never wake you up by jumping on your bed again."

She hugged him and planted a kiss on his forehead. "I'll forgive you if you help me up."

Mokuba leaped up and dragged her to her feet. "You two must have come in really late. I never even heard you get home!"

Ari rubbed the back of her head that had slammed on the floor when she fell out of bed. "It must have been after one in the morning."

She only had intermittent memories of the late night return. Having been half asleep herself, she had relied heavily upon Kaiba's direction and followed his commands without argument. Get in the car. Get in the helicopter. When her obstinate fingers refused to obey he had effortlessly brushed them aside and buckled her restraint himself and ordered her to close her eyes. His shoulder was then promptly demoted to the position of pillow. Ari blushed at the memory that was shortly followed of him carrying her either to the limo or from the limo to the mansion. Not once did it occur to her to wonder why he would go through such a troublesome night until then.

"What time is it?" she asked as she scooped up the blankets and dumped them on the bed.

"Quarter after ten. I let you sleep as long as I could. Seto made me promise not to wake you too early."

How considerate of him. Come to think of it, he's been very considerate lately. Well, he tends to be kind when he gets his way. I only wish he would be kind because…. She stopped herself there. Such foolish hopes would only serve to pain her more.

"When did he leave?" she asked as she shuffled through her clothes.

"Eight. That's late for him," Mokuba hopped onto her bed, his feet dangling.

Scooping up her clothes, she shuffled towards the bathroom. "Could you grab me some breakfast, Moki?"

"Sure!"

Ari dressed and brushed her long hair free of tangles. Halfway to pulling it up, she hesitated.

You should wear it down more often. It suits you better.

Her fingers lingered in the curling mass in memory of his touch. This won't do at all! Finally she pinned just a few strands out of her face, pleased with the effect. It does make me look more mature, she decided, shaking the length out down her back, and not so plain. Returning to her room to straighten out the bed covers, she found a small black box on the nightstand. She didn't have to open it to know what it held, but she couldn't resist.

It was so beautiful she wanted to cry. It isn't fair, she sighed as she snapped the box shut on the gorgeous necklace and put it in her pocket. Not at all.

Who should I betray? Kaiba Corp, being Seto, or Mokuba? Must I choose between the two? The dilemma occupied her mind all day and she wasn't expecting a resolution to come as quickly as it did. It struck her as she sat in her office, finishing the portrait she promised Mokuba with the pencils she bought the day before. The blue-violet pencil kissed the page with loving grace, endowing life upon the drawing pulled from her mind's image. The eyes became real, human, and answered her with words she was surprised to find originated within her own heart.

"It was right in front of me the whole time," she murmured as she stared at the picture. "I was too blind to see it."

Glancing up at the time, she was relieved to see four o'clock approaching. Kaiba had been in meetings all day so she had not been able to see him, not until four. Warmed by the discovery of a solution, she closed the sketchbook and headed out of her office.

I hope he is in a good mood.

It was hard to guess, with his usual formidable expression firmly in place when he glanced up from his desk.

"I wasn't expecting you to come in today," he spoke.

"I had nothing better to do," she smiled slightly in hopes she might break through his frosty air.

"Lucky girl," he murmured. "What do you need? I'm very busy today."

Her smile faded. "I thought you would want to return this," she said as she placed the small black box on his desk.

Seto barely glanced at it. "I wasn't intending to."

Ari stared at him speechless for a moment. "I-I can't keep this."

"Consider it a bonus if you must," he said with an absent wave of his hand as his eyes remained on the laptop screen.

She blinked back a dejected tear as she reclaimed the box and turned it over in her nervous hands. A bonus.

"I would like to return home."

Kaiba's focused thoughts scattered as her words reached him. He looked up at her down-turned face irritably. "We've been over this before, Ari."

"I know that man hasn't been found but there are some things I need to do, please." Her voice was soft and pleading and he half expected her to drop to her knees and beg.

Seto considered her for a moment, his gaze lingering on the long curls trailing over her shoulder. Just last night he had been swallowed by those magnificent curls as she slept innocently on his too convenient shoulder. She wore her hair down today. Did she do it because…no. It's not possible, but then…she has seemed so eager to please lately.

"I will have Sojo take you wherever you want to go," he finally said and she lifted her pale eyes with the same glittering gratitude Mokuba often showed when he received a new toy. From a woman like her, the look could utterly defeat a man. "But you will remain at the mansion until that man is found."

"Thank you, Seto," she smiled softly and turned away to leave him to his work.

"I bought that for you, Ari," he spoke suddenly and she stopped, looking down at the box in her hands.

"Why," she murmured though recollections of fancy gowns and bargain treats filtered through her head.

"Because I wanted to," was the simple reply.

He wanted to. Blinking back the oncoming rush of desolate tears, she ran out of the office without looking back.

A/N- At this point Ari has four secrets from Kaiba. 1) She has the fiber-optic cable prototype that will enable solid holograms. Remember the deposit key she wears around her neck? 2) He still doesn't know that she had previously been selling out pieces of her holographic enhancement program to Omaka. She stopped, but he never knew she was doing it in the first place. 3) He doesn't know that Omaka has threatened her in order to receive the rest of the program and the prototype. And 4) Most importantly to her, Kaiba doesn't know she loves him. As regards number 4, Kaiba has noticed the changes within Ari, but his suspicions are yet to be confirmed and are a little shadowed by his own muddled emotions.