I'm not the best at lemons, limes are more my style but will work on that in future chapters. Thanks to those who have read this so far and I hope it is meeting your expectations.
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the Inuyasha series or characters or any other copy written stuff that I may have referred to or used in this story. And my life sucks because of it. j/k
From Our Past
Chapter 6 A Lunch Date
Kagome stepped out of the steamy bathroom after her long hot bath. She put the time in there to good use by thinking about the night before. Inside she knew that both Sango and Shippo were right about how foolish it was to get involved with him so quickly but still there was something else that tugged at her soul that told her it was right. He was more then just another handsome guy. She even contemplated that perhaps it was the demonic attraction. She couldn't over look the fact that he was absolutely gorgeous and built like a god. Musing she shook her head and began to brush out the tangles of her wet hair.
No matter how she looked at it there was something that told her heart and soul he was the one ment for her. She smiled at the blush that appeared in her reflection. The thought was so innocent it reminded her of the silly notions school girls put in their diaries. Sighing to herself she started to wrap her hair into a tight bun. Perhaps taking it as they went was the best way to look at it and not get her hopes up too high. After all one thing was still very clear. She hardly knew him at all and he was working for the company she was investigating based on some pretty bad accusations. She was brought out of her thoughts by the sound of her cell phone on her bed. Calmly she walked over to it and looked at the number of the caller. The bright words simply stated 'PAY PHONE # 340'. Strange, who would be calling her from a pay phone. She glanced at the alarm next to her bed and it read 8:45 a.m. Knowing it had to be someone who knew her because she didn't just give out the number at random she answered it.
"Hello Kagome here." She waited patiently for the other person to say something.
"Do you always give your cell phone number to strange men?" The familiar voice said on the other end.
"Inuyasha? I thought you weren't going to call until 10:00. Did something happen?" She asked surprised.
"Not really just making sure you didn't give me a fake number. Just kidding." chuckle on the other end of the line Kagome rolled her eyes and giggled back at him. "You didn't answer my question." He said in a sexy masculine voice.
"Well you are pretty strange...." She started.
"Hey that could be considered an insult if I didn't think I was strange and a dangerous sort of guy." He cooed.
"I live for danger." Kagome licked her lips subconsciously just thinking about how dangerous he could be. Then she heard some talking in the back ground and tried to concentrate on it.
"Come on Inu we gotta get to our stations." She thought it sounded like Miroku but then she heard a muffling sound from his hand over the receiver. As quick as it happened he was back.
"Sorry for the interruption but I have to get to work. Anyway I had to call earlier because we will be with a client till around 1:00 will that be a good time for you guys for lunch?" He asked hopefully.
"Oh...well....actually we still don't have all of our day scheduled yet. Is there a way you can call me back a little later or perhaps I can call you?" She looked around frantically for a paper and pen remembering she left her pad and pen at their suite earlier that morning. She waited patiently after hearing some more muffled voices.
"Ummm.... sure. I don't have my cell on me so you can call Miroku when you find out." He gave her the number and she quickly began resite it to herself so she would remember until she found a pen to write with. "Well ok then. Hope to hear from you soon. And by the way now it is up to you to make the date since you have the number." He giggled on the other end and it made her smile. "Oh and if he doesn't answer leave a message on his missed calls and I will get back with you."
"Ok I will let him know as soon as I can. Talk to you later." She hung up her end then raced out to the office to get a pen before she forgot the number. Sango was watching Shippo set up his equipment that arrived while Kagome was in the bath. All she saw was Kagome race in chanting 'pen, pen, pen' then as soon as she spotted one on the desk she snatched it up with a gleam in her eye that was scary.
"You ok Kagome?" Sango asked timidly.
"Oh sure. Inuyasha just called and I have to call Miroku back as soon as we find out what our day is like. They want to have lunch at 1:00 if we can." She quickly wrote the number down as she repeated it to herself once again.
"I thought you said you were with some Inuyasha guy last night. Who is Miroku?" Shippo stopped what he was doing and looked at them confused.
"Oh Miroku was Sango's date last night." Kagome confirmed still looking at the phone number smiling.
"Oh man you have a boyfriend. It figures." Shippo said deflated.
"He isn't my boyfriend." Sango fumed indignantly.
"Great!" Shippo grinned enthusiastically. "The fox isn't out of the competition yet." His grin was even bigger as Sango's face turned several shades of red.
"Um...Kagome? Are you ready to go yet?" Sango looked pleadingly at Kagome.
"Yeah sure. Anytime is ok by me." Kagome was still smiling at the phone number in her hand.
"Ok I will go call Charlie to pick us up." Sango inched her way past Shippo and out the door.
"Woof!" He said gruffly and grinned as she slid past him quickly. His eyes glittered with mischief as he watched her escape. He chuckled deep in his chest and went back to what he was doing.
"I like her. She is so timid it is easy to tease her." He continued to muse to himself. Kagome just shook her head and then retreated out the same door leaving him to finish by himself.
Natai set her suitcase down inside the hotel bedroom then walked over to the balcony drapes to open them. Lobo stood leaning against the door frame watching her intently. 'What I wouldn't give for a mate like her.' He thought to himself. The light flooded the room bringing more cheer to the dull surroundings. Natai looked at the view for a bit then turned around to see Lobo's intense glare. His yellow eyes glowed from the shadow he stood in. She flashed him a sultry smirk then retrieved her bags to unpack.
"So when do we have to meet with the contact?" She asked with out looking at him and flopped her bags on the bed unceremoniously. She could feel his heated gaze on her. She heard him shift his weight and come closer to where she was.
"Tomorrow morning usual time. Think you are up for it?" He stood behind her tempted to run his hands up and down her body like he always wanted to but thought she might just take his head off with out a second thought.
"I won't be going, you will." She stated flatly. Ignoring the closeness of his body she calmly walked past him to the closet and hung up her clothes.
"Why?" He asked dryly feeling the rejection from her. He knew she wasn't revolted but that there was probably no attraction there for her. He wasn't ready to accept defeat though.
"I think you already know the answer to that. Besides I know my little friends will be following me since we are this close to their home base. I will go jogging just like normal and while their attention is on me you will be able to slip out and go meet Kagura for the rest of the information." She turned around to find him less then a foot in front of her. She stifled a gasp of surprise. He was definitely a perfect picture of what a bad boy thug would look like. He stood almost a head taller then her with dark tanned skin that flowed over his rippling muscles tightly. His shaggy brown hair gave him a wild untamable appearance that only enhanced his rugged face. The deep yellow of his eyes could bore a hole into your soul.
Subconsciously she stepped back into the closet door. He smiled at her wolfishly and placed a large hand on either side of her head as he leaned in closer. His eyes never leaving hers. He could smell her emotions as plain as if they were written on her face even though her clear blue eyes showed nothing. Cautiously he sniffed around her face then slowly moved his nose to the nap of her ear and inhaled the gentle scent of her hair. It reminded him of a freshly cut tangerine with a suttle spicy scent. She placed her hands on his muscular chest to hold him back from entrapping her completely. He closed his eyes as he nuzzled her neck just below her earlobe. Another scent started to emit from her. One he had always hoped she would have, arousal.
"You smell nice. But then you always do." He continued to nuzzle her gently as his desires began to build.
"This is pointless you know that." She whispered holding in the moan she felt in her throat. "Naraku would kill you and then torture me for allowing it." She stated flatly.
"I know but there are times like this when I start to believe it would be worth it to throw away my instincts for self preservation." He growled and ran his tongue lightly around the edge of her ear sending a shiver through her body. He smiled at her reaction but stepped back when she pushed harder on his chest. "He doesn't deserve you." Lobo sighed trying to get her to look just once more into his eyes. Her eyes sparkled with the tears she was holding back. Her fingertips ran a trail as soft as a pedal down his cheek and across his lips before she looked down ashamed of her own reaction.
"Perhaps. But I don't deserve anything that he has given me yet he did. My very life is his." Her voice was cold and emotionless. She couldn't bring herself to look into his judgmental eyes. It hurt too much to have him this close and know that no matter who it was she could never feel their touch or love. She wasn't really attracted to Lobo and she was pretty sure that he understood that concept but still his actions were only another painful reminder of what she could not have. Naraku would never let her be completely happy. So it was better for her own sanity to just not play the games with someone like Lobo. To lead him on was asking for his execution when it was something she could have avoided. Why did she even care? That was another question that she could not find an answer to.
"Your wrong!" His voice was almost a growl. "You deserve more then he has given. He is using you and...." Her head snapped up and glared at him. Maybe he didn't understand.
"Stop! That is no way to talk about him in the open." She hissed. "You are talking foolishly because of lust. It could be your death if you continue with this." She whispered and looked around the room as if the walls had ears.
"I know." He chuckled. "For you I would live every day with that danger." He caught her chin and made her look into his serious eyes. "I have never had this admiration for a female before you. I would follow you to my grave if that is what happens." He grinned then walked to the bedroom door to leave. Her eyes followed his disappearing form marveling at his declaration and wondering why.
Kagome and Sango sat at the table waiting patiently for their lunch dates sipping on ice tea while chatting. They each took turns glancing at the entrance in hopes of seeing their late companions but still trying to be discreet enough that the other would not see them looking. After almost thirty minutes Kagome was beginning to think they were stood up. She chewed on her bottom lip trying to think of how to break the news to Sango. The girl seemed pretty anxious and didn't want to hurt her feelings unnecessarily. Finally Kagome saw the two missing men rush through the door. Both looking around desperately with the look of fear. Miroku was the first to spot them and waved happily. His face was flushed with relief as he tugged on Inuyasha's sleeve to get him to follow.
"Well we were just about to give up." Sango stated flatly but still looked stimulated by their arrival.
"Yes well we are sorry about that. The meeting went longer then planned. They almost decided on eating there but we managed to talk them out of it." Miroku beamed with satisfaction since the girls seemed to accept this excuse. Inuyasha just took his seat next to Kagome with out saying anything. Miroku sat across from him next to Sango with a sigh of amusement at Inuyasha's flushed face. "You seem a bit winded my friend. Will you be all right?" He asked with a sarcastic tone. Inuyasha glared at him.
"I am fine thank you for the 'concern' but it is nothing." He spit back at him trying hard to control his temper. He lifted his hand for the waitress to come over and ordered an ice tea.
"Do we get to know what is going on between you two or do we get to play the age old game of lets guess what is up your butt?" Kagome asked smiling a little too giddy for the other three at the table.
"There is nothing to discuss." Inuyasha said dryly and looked at the menu.
"But you shouldn't keep secrets from your new love interest Inuyasha. It could come back to haunt you." Miroku sneered at him.
"Hey I didn't ask for your help so lay off with the attitude." Inuyasha snapped back hotly. Miroku waved a hand in front of his face.
"Then you should have taken care of the problem a long time ago but no you have to let it drag out and make the rest of us suffer." Miroku said with distaste.
"It is my business and I don't need any advice from you." Inuyasha leaned on the table. His eyes shooting daggers at Miroku.
"You made it my business when I had to pay for it. If you would just grow up and get your balls out of her purse then this would have blown over a long time ago." Miroku glared back at him just as mad and leaned on the table toward him.
"Hold it you two!" Kagome put her hands between their faces and pushed them away from each other. "If you are going to get in a fist fight then please at least have the decency to take it else were or we are leaving. I personally don't want to make a scene in a public place." Kagome was standing up and leaning on the table looking at each of them with that angry mother look. Sango cleared her throat causing Kagome to glare at her for interrupting. Calmly Sango pointed around at all the people who were staring at her for the display she was putting on. "Oh. Sorry!" Kagome turned a bit red then bowed and set back down looking at her hands in her lap. The two men looked at her dazed then Inuyasha started to chuckle at the whole situation. The waitress came back and took their orders.
When the meal came Kagome had a hard time eating due to her selfconciousness. She felt like everyone was staring at her waiting to see what she would do next. Inuyasha nudged her arm lightly and smiled.
"You better eat. After all it isn't every day that Miroku picks up the tab." He snickered at the evil glare Miroku gave him.
"If I didn't know how much of a hair brain you actually are then I would think that you left your wallet at home on purpose." Miroku sneered with anger renewed. This time it was Sango that stopped them before it got too far. She gently laid a hand on each of their arms that was closest to her and squeezed hard getting their attention quickly.
"Now," she said calmly looking back and forth between them to keep eye contact as best she could, "before you start in again and get Kagome upset, I think it would be better if you just explained what happened earlier so we can finish enjoying this delicious lunch in peace and not disturb the other people here." She took her hands away from their arms and each immediately grabbed the abused appendage and rubbed the spot she had gripped.
"Damn you have some strong hands there woman." Inuyasha checked his arm for bruise.
"I think my hand has gone numb." Miroku added still rubbing his. Sango sighed inwardly then gave each a glare.
"I suggest you start talking or it will get worse." Her voice displayed calm and control but her eyes flashed with death's glare. Inuyasha glanced at Miroku then at Kagome. His face became deflated and he leaned back in his chair waiting for Miroku to drop the bucket on him.
"Well you see it started at the meeting." Miroku flashed Inuyasha a winning smirk which earned him a low throaty sound like a growl. The growl didn't faze him as he kept on spewing out the tale. "It ran late because of some personal calls that Inuyasha kept getting every ten to fifteen minutes during the whole thing. I will give him credit for taking care of them as quickly as possible until he finally refused to accept any more. Then as we were leaving the building we were accosted by a lowly version of a female that had been keeping our illustrious friend here busy on the phone for most of the meeting.
She went through her usual pleas for him to take her back but he kept telling her no. She pulled the big one and started to blubber about her money problems and that he was her last hope. If he didn't help her then she would have to sell herself in the streets. Our hero would have none of that since she was 'his responsibility' and looked in his pocket for the money she said she needed. It didn't take long before he realized he was missing his wallet so we dashed back to his office to get it but it wasn't there. Finally after looking for several minutes he remembered leaving it on the dresser in his hotel room.
Now this is where I come in to the little tale. Since I am supposed to be his best friend he cons me into 'loaning' her the cash. Being the gentleman that I am," this got a grunt out of Inuyasha but it didn't faze Miroku at all and he continued with his story, "I gave her that cash happily with the promise from the little blood sucker that she would pay me back as soon as she could." Kagome placed a hand over his and smiled.
"That was very noble of you Miroku. I don't see what the problem is." Miroku patted her hand gently then picked it up and kissed the back of it earning yet another growl from Inuyasha.
"Yes noble. Well even though it might be considered that the sum was for more then what most noble men would consider a gift. After she leaves our company I inquire from Inuyasha why he could have dumped such a charming and very pretty young lady. It is now he informs me of the many reason why he is no longer interested in said female. It seems the woman is even more irresponsible then he is in every day life. She has many bad habits none of which include drugs or alcohol thank goodness but after hearing all these little quirks in her personality I have come to the conclusion that I should not have loaned such an amount to such an unworthy leach on life." He sat back and sipped the rest of his tea in contemplation.
"I didn't twist your arm into loaning her that. You were more then happy to after she let you rub her back side. Put that down as one of the many reason we are not together anymore. She is almost as lecherous as you. And I already told you I would pay you back as soon as I get my wallet so you don't have anything to worry about. Just remind me later. You are more pissed off that she was using her body to get you to do what she wanted. That is what you are mad about." Inuyasha snickered. Miroku just shot daggers at him with his eyes.
"Um...well this has been interesting but we do have to get back to work. You have my cell number." Kagome started to get up but Inuyasha grabbed her wrist as she leaned over to get her purse. She looked up at him and he could see a sadness there he didn't like.
"Let me walk you out." He said and stood still holding her wrist but picked up her purse and handed it to her free hand. The concern he felt was almost overwhelming and it scared him a little. 'What could be wrong?' He thought to himself as he and Kagome walked out to the street while Miroku paid the tab for lunch. As soon as they were clear of the door he pulled her off to the side and cornered her against the wall. She hadn't said a word or even looked at him since that little confession concerning their lateness to lunch. "Ok I know something is wrong. If we are even going to think about a relationship we have to be honest with each other from the start." He leaned down a little to see her eyes but she stared at a crack in the sidewalk. He sighed feeling defeated before anything even happened. He lowered his head until his lips were next to her ear.
"I know it seems bad but it isn't." Slowly he inhaled her scent to keep himself calm.
"Was it the same woman from the night club last night?" Kagome's voice was barely higher then a whisper but he heard her.
"Yes it was Kikyou." He rubbed his cheek against her hair wanting any sign of affection she was willing to offer to end his torment. "She is not a part of my life anymore. It is just that she is in a rough spot is all." Kagome turned and looked up at him. Their noses almost touching. She could see the sincereness in his eyes but she was still unsure. Slowly she raised her hand and placed it on his cheek.
"I just have to wonder how often this sort of thing will happen. How do I know that I won't end up regretting..." Her sentence was cut off by his lips pressing against hers. He pulled her close to his chest. His kiss was almost over the edge with desperation. The passion she felt from him was more then just that of a passing fancy. Her heart longed to have more but her mind would not hear of it until she was certain. They only broke the kiss when they were interrupted by Miroku and Sango calling to them from the limo.
"No regrets." Inuyasha pleaded. "Just give us a chance to try and make it work. I told her not to come back. I will do my best to make sure you never have any regrets about me. All you need is to trust me." He kissed her again but the horn on the limo stopped the passion that was building. "Before you have to go I wanted to ask if you would do me the honor of being my date tomorrow night at a banquet. Our corporation holds a banquet every year to award people for their contributions toward the benefit of humanity. It is formal and there will be allot of stuffed shirts there, boring speeches and such but there is dancing as well as a wonderful buffet. Please if you could fit it into your schedule I would be more then...." This time he was stopped by her pressing her lips to his.
"Of course I will come. What time and where?" She smiled up at him. His face was a bit flushed and he suddenly realized they were standing at the limo door.
"Well I could come pick you up if that would be ok?" He looked at the limo driver but the man only nodded then glanced at Kagome.
"How about we pick you both up at your hotel in the limo? That way we all will arrive together." She smiled at him but all he could do was nod in agreement.
"All right around 6 p.m. would be good. The banquet starts at 6:30." Miroku waved good bye as the limo pulled away from the curb. He then turned back to Inuyasha and patted his shoulder. "I think tomorrow night is going to be a big night my friend. I have this feeling."
"I hope you are right." Is all Inuyasha said as he watched the limo disappear out of sight. Deep inside he had a bad feeling that he would end up screwing things up again. He asked her to trust him and prayed that she would see past all the bad things that seemed to follow him around like a plague. His life has certainly been a series of one mishap after another. His biggest mistake still followed him like a black cloud waiting as if he should follow it to hell. He shuddered to think he almost married Kikyou before he found out what she was really doing. All he could do was to pray it all worked out for the better....just this once for him.
The morning greeted her with sun and warmth as she stepped out of the hotel to start her daily jog. Just like normal she checked her shoes for tightness at the door then adjusted the headphones to her ears and hit the play button as she took the first step down the sidewalk. She had decided to take an odd way to the park that the clerk at the front desk of the hotel had told her was down the street from them. Gleefully she dashed through alleys and jumped over dumped trash cans. Definitely a different type of scenery but it would get her to where she wanted to be faster then taking the sidewalks.
Her silver haired pursuer didn't lose her since he had already decided that it would be to his advantage to stay on the roofs as much as possible to avoid her detection. Sometimes he was sure she knew he was there but then she would keep going as if nothing had caught her attention at all. It still made him nervous. He was fairly confident he could hold his own against her long enough to get away but that would be it. She was the best from everything he read in her profile. A deadly beauty that definitely deserved every bit of his respect and that he would give her gladly if it would save his life. Although today was different and he was not looking forward to it.
While he followed her Miroku was to keep an eye on the hotel and let them know if anything unusual happened. That wouldn't be too difficult for him to handle. But still he was having a hard time forgetting the conversation earlier that morning.
Flashback
"What do you mean deliver this while I am at it? If you want it delivered then you give it to her." Inuyasha scowled.
"That is not possible and you know it." Iyoutai replied coolly.
"Easy for you. Do you even know who her target is?" A cold shiver ran up his spine just thinking about it.
"Yes but that doesn't change things." That icy voice drifted from behind clasped hands that tapped gently against thin lips.
"So who's the poor bastard this time? Anyone I know?" Inuyasha played with a magnetic stress relief toy that set on the top of the desk.
"You could say you know them. It is I." The smooth coolness never even broke his emotionless face as he spoke of his own expected demise. Inuyasha looked at him in shock.
"Aren't you worried?" He quickly forgot about the magnets and stared at the man in front of him.
"Why worry over something that may happen? I am not worried. I trust her. Now do what you get paid for and go." The disgust was almost audible in his voice as he held an envelope in front of him. Inuyasha grabbed it as he turned to leave. His hand was still on the knob when he turned back to look into the man's emotionless eyes.
"You are one crazy son of a bitch." He stared at the man for several moments.
"I have been told." Long fingers searched through the papers that rested on the wooden top of the desk. He gave no other acknowledgment that anyone had even been in his office just a few moments earlier. "Another thing Inuyasha." He said smoothly with out even looking up to be sure the hanyou stopped. "Our informant said that 'your girl friends' turned in a report stating that they had made contact with the suspects. I do hope you are handling this matter maturely."
"Feh!" Was all Inuyasha said as he stormed out and let the door close on its own.
End Flashback
His thoughts came back to him as he followed her into the lush park. There were plenty of trees to keep him hidden from view for now but he knew they still had a long way to go before she would turn back.
Lobo walked down the pier toward the lone figure of a woman in a dark trench coat. He tucked the motorcycle helmet under his arm and removed his leather gloves. After throwing them into the helmet for safe keeping he leaned against the railing near the bench she sat on.
"You have the info with you?" He didn't take the time to look at her but instead kept his gaze on the joggers that ran down the beach front below the pier. They reminded him of another jogger he kept in the back of his mind.
"Of course!" She snapped. "I am more competent then some on this crew. If I were the lead this would be over with quickly and efficiently." She sneered and held up her perfectly manicured finger nails to inspect them.
"Are you suggesting that our team is lacking in leadership?" Lobo kept his voice low but felt like ripping her head off.
"Well there have been problems in the past. I am just saying that things would be different if I were to head this. Believe me when I say that certain people are losing their usefulness in the organization and need to learn their place." She continued to examine her fingers until she heard a low growl emit from the leather clad biker next to her. She casually glanced up to see him snarling at her.
"You should show more respect to your betters woman! Now give me the information so I can get back before I am missed." He growled.
"My betters? Please!" She scoffed. "That will be the day. I'll have you know I am better then she will ever..." Before she could finish her sentence a clawed hand was around her neck cutting off her air supply and she was being held mere inches from his snarling fangs. His anger flowed over her in waves of uncontrolled emotion.
"You would do better to watch your tongue woman. You don't have a clue what you are talking about or who. She could kill you with out a thought and before you even knew what was happening. If I were you I would watch my back. The only reason she has not taken care of you yet is because you are warming her master's bed. But be warned, her patience will eventually grow thin. I for one will not stand in her way and I believe there are few who would." He shoved her away from him as he let go. She fought to remain standing as she gasped for air. After a couple of painful breaths she straightened herself and brushed the hem of her coat as if dusting his essence off her.
"Perhaps, "her voice was a bit shaky but she controlled it well enough to hold her dignity, "but the truth is still the truth. Things are going to change. Now about that information. Naraku has changed his mind and wants me to be more involved directly by staying at the hotel with the rest of you. Sort of a home base if you want to call it that. Our little unsuspecting detectives are doing well and have already made contact within Iyoutai's organization. We should have more information by the hit date." She looked up at him with a earnest face. His eyes furrowed as he scowled.
"You can't be serious. She is going to blow a fuse. Shit!" He turned and leaned against the rail again with his hands nervously. He didn't want to see the look on Natai's face when she learned this.
"It is no concern of hers. Naraku wishes it and there is nothing she can do about it. Now where is the car?" She started to walk toward the parking lot but stopped when Lobo chuckled deviously. "What are you laughing at?" Angrily she spun around to confront him but her mouth dropped open when she saw what he was holding out to her in his hand. She swallowed but accepted the helmet that was offered to her. He was still snickering as he started to walk while putting the leather gloves on his hands.
"I hope your legs don't get too cold." He continued to chuckle as he waited for her to grudgingly get on the back of the bike behind him.
Natai found a small clearing in the park that was uninhabited and decided to take a little time to work out a minute to stretch her muscles. She flexed her arms then her legs one at a time concentrating on the movements. After she felt the muscles relax from the stretches then she began to move in slow movements that reminded Inuyasha of a ceremonial dance. Sweat began to bead up on her bare skin after a while showing just how much control she was using to keep the movements slow and perfect. Sheer beauty was the only thing he could call it as he watched her intently. Her eyes remained closed even though she knew there were a few passer bys that had stopped to watch her elegant ballet of martial arts. She brought her palms together in front of her and bowed to an invisible master then opened her eyes. A small smile graced her lips as the spectators applauded her performance. Shyly she turned and bowed before sprinting off back to the motel.
Inuyasha followed just as before even more impressed with her. He often wondered how anyone could not admire her for all her accomplishments even if she was the most skilled assassin that he knew of. Regardless she was still amazing. Beauty and grace seemed to flow through her very soul but he also wondered just how deep that beauty ran. Did it go all the way to her soul or was she just a deadly flower waiting for its next victim. He would have to find out sometime but for now he had another errand he must perform before she reached the hotel. With that thought in mind he sped up until he was almost a half a block ahead of her and remained there until she was in the alley across from her hotel.
The hairs on the back of Natai's neck stood on end as her senses came alive. Coming to a stop she concentrated hard on that feeling. She was being stalked and she knew it but from where she was not sure. Then a 'thump' from behind as something hit the ground made her freeze. Her fingers curled like claws ready to fight if she had to as she slowly turned around to face her aggressor. The man before her was definitely a surprise. His long silver hair flowed around his well built frame in the gently breeze that flowed through the alley. Amber eyes starred at her fiercely but she could not tell if he was ready to attack or still sizing her up. He reminded her of someone from a long time ago but she could not allow herself to be distracted. Slowly he raised his arm toward her. Her eyes left the blaze of his eyes to flow down his shoulder and arm to his hand where she saw an envelope he was holding out to her.
Cautiously she reached forward but remained on guard just in case it was a trick. His whole body stiffened as her fingers touched the paper. She smiled inwardly knowing now what was hidden behind his solid stare. He was afraid of her. This gave her enough confidence to relax her unwavering stance a bit while she took it from his out stretched fingers. Her eyes never left his as she brought it closer to her. Quickly she glanced down at the elegant hand writing in gold pen on the front of it then back at him.
"May I ask what this is?" She looked into his eyes again watching for any sign of deceit.
"An invitation." Was all he said as he watched her as well. She could tell he was nervous and decided to have a little fun.
"From whom?" She took a step closer to him as she tapped the envelope on her other hand. His eyes never left her while she moved around him slowly. He didn't move but kept his eyes doggedly on her movements.
"Iyoutai, he wants to meet with you." He said flatly. Suddenly she leaned close to his ear when she was behind him. Involuntarily his muscles stiffened with pent up tension. His heart raced as she ran her hands lightly up his sides and back until they rested on his shoulders. She gently pulled the ear piece from his communication device from his ear and let it dangle down his front. With a clinched jaw he waited for the inevitable to happen. With out it he would not be able to call for help if needed. To his surprise her nimble fingers began to massage his tense muscles gently. He could smell her scent now and it was very intoxicating to say the least. Every nerve in his body was straining for control over the muscles that melted under her caressing touch.
"Are you going to be there?" Her breath whispered against his neck lightly sending a chill down his spine. Slowly she massaged down his back. "You are so tense." She leaned close enough he could feel her soft breasts pressed against his back. He sucked in air quickly when she slid her hands all the way to his butt and squeezed. 'I can't believe she just groped me!' His mind screamed. Gulping he held his control and didn't bolt away from her. The last thing he wanted to do was show her his fear. Frantically his mind fought for something to say quickly.
"Yes...but...I have a date." He spit out hotly. Before she could get the wrong idea he continued. "You are the personal guest of Mr. Iyoutai." His body began to shake from the control he was using to keep it in place.
"Figures. All the great looking men are always taken. What is a girl to do?" She sighed heavily and walked around to his front. Again she captured his eyes with her deep clear blue ones. "You sure I can't change your mind?" One hand rested on his left shoulder while the other with the envelope was slung lazily over his right. She bit her lip with a smirk on her lips then leaned in and brushed her lips softly across his waiting for a reaction from him. When nothing happened she pressed them more firmly and with more feeling. She felt his hands on her waist then slowly they wrapped around her back pulling her closer to his chest. He ran his fingers lightly up her spine then back down causing her to gasp and he took advantage by sliding his tongue into her mouth to explore. She moaned as the passion of the kiss began to build and knew it was time to break off the little game she started before she took it too far. Reluctantly she slowly pulled away from the kiss slightly breathless. She took a couple of steps away from the embrace they had just shared.
"Damn!" He sucked in air then let it out slowly to regain his own composure. "That wouldn't be considered the kiss of death would it?" He looked at her warily not sure what to expect next.
"Do you have a mark on your head?" She smiled at him seductively.
"Not that I know of." He snorted at the thought.
"Then just consider it a friendly peck." She grinned sweetly then looked at the envelope again.
"If that was a friendly peck then you must be hell in bed." He said before he thought about what was coming out of his mouth. She snorted and looked at him.
"Some might agree with that and others wouldn't. Care to find out?" She giggled at the look of shock on his face. "I was only kidding. You really need to loosen up more or you will die of a heart attack." He smirked back at her.
"So are you coming to the banquet?" He clearing his throat to change the subject.
"How do I know this isn't a trap?" Her eyes held a more serious look this time. He smiled at her reassuringly.
"It is a public function with allot of innocent people. Iyoutai would not jeopardize his guests in any way. Besides I think you could probably handle just about anything that was thrown at you." His smile grew at her snort. She smiled at him slyly.
"Ok I will go." She smirked while reading the card inside.
"All right, it is a formal dinner. There will be a limo at your hotel to pick you up at 5:30 p.m. this evening. He will call for you from the front desk. The only thing Mr. Iyoutai asks is that you come alone." Inuyasha bowed to her then turned to leave but stopped and turned back toward her. "Oh and one more thing, they will be checking for guns at the front door. Unfortunately there are some factions that will be attending that have grievances against each other. It is our attempt to keep the peace during the festivities." He once again turned on his heal and jogged down the alley. She watched him until he disappeared around the corner of a building. Grinning to herself she sprinted toward the hotel.
'What is this feeling? I have not felt like this for so long I almost forgot what it was like to be excited about something. Could it be that I am actually looking forward to this banquet? Perhaps I will have the opportunity to end this before the set night. That would show Naraku that I am still worth something more then that stupid bitch Kagura.' She thought to herself while trotting up the stairs to her room. Then other thoughts came to mind that were not as jovial making her feel a bit depressed. 'What do I care anyway? He will only find another to replace her in that case. Just like always. It isn't like he ever really cared about me anyway. I am nothing more then another possession. How many times have I heard that?' Slowly she turned the knob and walked inside. Her mouth dropped open when she saw the one person she didn't want to see at this point in time.
"What the hell are you doing here?" She spit out like an angry cat.