A/N: I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh...would I be going to college if I did? Anyway, I have something to clear up. The Star Wars trilogy is awesome, however, when your friend buys the new DVD set and you watch all 3 Friday night, then all 3 on Saturday and when cable goes out Sunday they watch it again you grow weary. Heck, one of my favorite lines is in The Empire Strikes Back... When Princess Leia says, "I love you," to Han and he says "I know." How classic is that?! Love it! Darn this chapter is long...sorry in advance...I'm bored over here w/o cable.
Chapter A
The first rays of sunlight entered the room causing Iolite to stir. She gently stretched like a feline and sighed contentedly. Opening her eyes she noted Kaiba was not in the bed with her. She sat up slowly and scanned the room. His laptop was missing. She shrugged. He had gone to work, she laid back down. She absently stroked the pillow where his head had rested the night before. She smiled. He was amazing. He might exude a frigid exterior, but there was far more to him than that. Looking at the clock she realized she had slept 8 full hours. It dawned on her that he had caused her insomnia to retreat for the night. Slowly she rose, showered, dressed and headed for the kitchen.
Raine was sitting at the table reading a paper and drinking his coffee. He smirked at her cheerful disposition. "I take it you slept well?"
"I slept fine."
"Kaiba left an hour ago, he said you were still sleeping."
"I was." She eyed Raine suspiciously. He was digging for dirt and she wasn't prepared to give him an inch, she was still mad at him.
"What are your plans for today Princess?"
She smiled, "I plan on meeting the staff and playing with Mokuba."
"Well, Mokuba won't be here until after school."
She hadn't thought of Mokuba as going to school. She frowned, she would miss him. "I guess I'll have to do some work then."
"Don't start trouble Princess."
She smiled at him as she grabbed her mug and left the room. She hooked her laptop up and started typing away madly.
First she checked for mail from Ryan, there was none, so she left him a quick note.
Ryan...I have a lot of explaining to do. I want to do it in person, but I'm not sure when I will see you. Things have changed, and while I'm no longer in danger, my personal situation is different. I made a desperate move and I hope you let me clarify before you kill me. ...Iolite
She wanted to sign it 'yours' or with some sincere salutation, but found she couldn't. How do you tell the man who loves you, who has loved you for as long as you could remember that you married someone else? She sighed.
Moving on half-heartedly, she hacked into Cathway. She wanted to take a direct entrance, but if she did she could be traced. She checked accounts, made sure Mortimer's interests were still well hidden. She then changed several paths within the infrastructure and set up a trace on interests for another company her brothers were in league with. She would search and destroy, it might take a little while, but eventually she would prevail.
A sly smile crossed her lips as she closed out of her company. She decided to hack into Kaiba Corp. She had found a backdoor several months ago when she originally planned on raiding him. She knew his computer techs weren't aware of this door, as her insider had been paid handsomely and employed above his abilities. She checked his files; Kaiba was brilliant when it came to managing his corporation. He always held the majority interest in his company, so if someone were to attempt to take it over they could never compete with his shares. Mokuba also held interests so, it was assured that the Kaibas would hold on to KC for a good long time. She liked that idea. She checked to see what he was doing at the moment; if he was logged on she could spy on him. She discovered he wasn't logged in. She tried to find his interoffice mail, she thought about reading it, but resisted the urge. She chided herself for not being as cutthroat as she could be. If she didn't know him she would have investigated his mail thoroughly. The phone rang and she nearly jumped out of her skin.
"Hello?" She asked tentatively. She knew Kaiba had no way of knowing what she was doing, yet...
"May I please speak with her royal highness?" Came a feminine voice.
"Speaking...who is this?"
"This is Mirium Tenatu, Mr. Kaiba's secretary."
"Please call me Iolite, what can I do for you?"
"Mr. Kaiba has arranged for the two of you to have lunch at one today, he has asked that you be punctual."
"Please tell Kaiba that I am unable to attend, due to a conflict of interest. Thank you." She hung up the phone in a huff. He had the audacity to have his secretary call to order her about? She would have said yes if he had asked, but she would not be ordered.
An evil plot hatched...she'd get even with him.
Slowly she began typing an invite to lunch for all employees of KC...
Due to all of your hard work and effort I, in my infinite generous ways, have decided to indulge you all with lunch. Please go to your favorite restaurant today and order to the hilt. I will gladly pick up the tab as a gesture of my munificence. Just charge it to the following account#098709. Your humble CEO...Seto Kaiba
She giggled as she set up the account in the payables department. She blocked the ability to delete the account using several hacking techniques. She wasn't a slave to him and she wouldn't be ordered about. How dare he think that a call from a secretary with an order would make her jump. Kissing him the night before was amazing, but it didn't change that fact that she would not be submissive to him. She hit the send key and out went 'Kaiba's' offer to his employees. If he allowed the offer to stand he would lose a bit of money, however, if he tried to take it back he'd look horrible. Either way her point would be made.
"I'm sorry Mr.Kaiba, but your wife refused your invitation." The secretary cowered before the intense stare of her boss.
"I don't believe that I offered it as an invitation, it was an order. Did you tell her that?" How dare she refuse me?!
"Would you like me to call her back sir?"
"No, you're worthless. Go file papers or something, seeing as I want this done correctly I'll have to take care of it myself."
He picked up his phone and dialed home. It rang until one of the servants answered.
"Put my wife on the phone," he growled at the flustered help.
"Yes sir," she stammered.
A few minutes passed, Kaiba looked at his watch twice. First she refuses him and then she keeps him waiting. She was insolent and he would have to start addressing this.
"What do you want Kaiba," she sighed as she picked the phone up.
She actually has the nerve to sound exasperated? "You will be here at one o'clock for lunch today."
"No, I won't." She replied flatly. At first she thought he found out about the lunch thing, but now she realized it was her refusal to obey that caused him to call.
"I'm sending the limo at 12:30, be ready." He was standing firm.
"Go right ahead, it will return to you empty."
"Highness..." He was about to go on a tirade about her place in his life when he heard a click and a dial tone. She hung up on him!
"I won't be bullied Kaiba." She spat at the phone. "I'm a far cry from the girls who throw themselves at you. No price on earth could call me to your heel." She stopped, realizing that she was yelling at the phone.
"What have you done now?" Raine asked as he entered the room.
"Why do you assume it's something I've done? Why don't you assume it's Kaiba's pig-headedness and ego?" She fumed at him.
"Because Princess I know what a temper you have and I know how you enjoy goading the man. I wouldn't be surprised if he tossed you over his knees and paddled your bottom."
Her eyes widened, "I'd kill him if he spanked me. You and Kaiba can go to hell together!" She started her retreat when the phone rang, "Tell him I have no interest in speaking with him, my answer is no."
Raine picked up the phone. Kaiba was fuming. She refused him and hung up on him. He explained to Raine that he wanted her there under any condition that might need to take place. Raine laughed as he pictured a bound and gagged Iolite being tossed into the trunk of the limo.
When the limo pulled up Raine told her it was time to go.
"You go and meet my husband," she was annoyed, "I have to finish this book."
"Do I have to drag you like a child, or will you cooperate?" Raine was growing weary of her antics.
"Fine," she spat, "I'll go, but see if I say one word to that man."
"I think he might find your silence more appealing."
"Go to hell Raine."
They arrived at Kaiba Corp. on time. Despite all of her efforts to delay and postpone it was now 12:55 and she was standing outside his private elevator. She was stuck wearing a short black skirt and light blue blouse. She had tried pulling the 'I don't want to wear this' card and kept changing. Raine put an end to that game when this outfit was yanked on. He smiled, as he looked her up and down, she looked like a lady as opposed to a tomboy. He wondered if Kaiba would notice the difference. Her hair was pulled into a loose bun on her head.
When the doors opened into his office she stepped out, flanked by Raine. She walked over to the chair in front of Kaiba's desk and sat down, demurely crossing her legs. Raine left and went to stand outside the office. Kaiba was on the phone. A few more minutes and a few "Uh-hum's" later he hung up and looked at her.
She met his gaze evenly. "I don't like being ordered around Kaiba."
"I didn't mind being ordered around last night," he replied with an evil grin on his face. He noted how her cheeks blushed. "Are you mad I left without kissing you good-bye?"
She had no reply for him, he had rendered her speechless.
"Are you ready for lunch Highness, or should we begin our lessons?" His eyes settled on her lips.
"I want food Kaiba," she challenged, "Nothing else."
He smiled as he watched her stand. She looked amazing. He watched as she tried to casually pull her skirt further down her thighs, the heels she was wearing made her legs look even more curvaceous. She was stunning, and she was all his. They approached the elevator. She tried to stay away from him, as he tried to make as much contact as possible. He liked the fact that he unnerved her. She wasn't scared, or intimidated, traits that he enjoyed in other women, but instead she was confused. He liked that. He was also fascinated at how she came to life when he touched her, how she called him 'Seto' when they were intimate.
They soon arrived at the restaurant. She noticed how all eyes turned to them when they entered. She could hear the whispers. Who is she? I know I've seen her before... Seto Kaiba has a new toy? Wonder how long this one will last...
She was far from embarrassed, in fact, she was furious. She linked her arm with his as they navigated their way to the back. A half circle booth waited for them behind long drapes.
"We hope this is to your liking sir, on such short notice we can merely wait for the restaurant to clear as opposed to clearing it."
"It's fine, just accept no more customers until we leave," Kaiba warned, his eyes were defiant.
She slid into the booth, he slid in from the other side and settled in next to her. Great...now I have to sit next to him? At least if we had a table we would be forced to sit across from one another. I'm simply an object he craves, nothing else. Is this what he does to all the women he wants?
She crossed her legs away from him and started flipping through the menu. She frowned when she noticed how little she liked on it. She should have royal taste buds, but alas, she preferred the kiddy menu to adult fare most of the time.
"Is something wrong Highness?" He asked, not looking up from his menu.
"Everything is fine. I'm just having problems finding something to eat. I don't like rich foods."
"Maybe we should order you chicken fingers and French fries like Mokuba..." he suggested dryly.
"Could we?" She jumped at his suggestion.
He slowly turned to look at her and noticed that she wasn't kidding.
The best part of her whole meal was the dessert she ordered, chocolate mousse with raspberry sauce. Kaiba hadn't let her order chicken fingers, hence, she mainly pushed her food around the plate. Now they sat there in silence. She wasn't interested in conversation with someone who could so easily push her buttons.
"So," Kaiba finally spoke, "would you like to know where we are going after this?"
"I'm hoping I get to go back home while you get to stay in your office."
"My companionship annoys you that much?"
She looked away, she feared he would see her eyes soften at the thought of him.
"We're going to a business meeting." He announced.
"Whom do you have a meeting with?" She tried to sound bored.
"Your boss's secretary called me this morning. We're going to have a talk with Mr. Cathway himself." Kaiba watched her face.
She paled at the thought of meeting the boss of Cathway, seeing as it was her. Who would claim to be her? She swallowed hard and turned to Kaiba. Was this a trick, did he know her secret? If not, it could be a trap. Maybe her brothers had found out and were using this to get to her.
"I don't think it's a good idea."
"Why not?" He asked, knowing he was missing something.
"He wouldn't come looking for me, I'm a lowly worker, why would my boss come for me? It has to be a ploy."
She tried to turn away, but Kaiba caught her chin. "You're a first rate hacker and a corporate raider. I know you're high up on the food chain at Cathway, why lie and tell me otherwise?" He could see the panic in her eyes. His blue eyes narrowed on her.
"I'm not that good..."
"I liked the lunch bug you put in our system," he smirked. "I should teach you about my...generous...or...how did you put it...my munificence, Highness."
His hand slid up her back and stopped. He pulled the clip out of her hair, as it tumbled down her back he began caressing her neck. "I want you to wear your hair down, you look angelic this way, it hides the demon lurking below the surface." His mouth trapped hers. His tongue demanded entrance and she gasped as he took advantage. Her heart pounded as he plundered her mouth, she hardly had the common sense to respond before he withdrew.
"Now Highness, tell me why you don't want to see your boss."
She was mystified, she tried to think of a lie, but he had so thrown her she couldn't concentrate. "I...I...anyone could pretend to be him, to get to me...and I..."
She felt his hand sliding up her thigh. He moved in close to her mouth again, "the truth Highness. Why would this be a ploy?"
She attempted to focus, but with him so near it was impossible, she searched his eyes and realized how ragged her breath was. He nibbled on her bottom lip, his tongue stroking its curve. "He has no use for me. I was a risk towards the end..."
He made his way over to her neck where he was running hot kisses along her ear, breathing warmly at the entrance. "You weren't a risk, you're an amazing hacker, skills like yours are demanded in a raider's mind. You will tell me the truth."
"Is there anything else we can get you?" The two were startled, Kaiba had to practically pry her fingers off his thigh. He smiled at her as he led her out of the restaurant. They rode in silence to the hotel for the meeting. She had tried to convince Kaiba that it was foolish, but he insisted.
When they arrived they were led into a waiting room. Kaiba sat, she paced, and Kaiba's guards were poised at the door. When she heard the doorknob turn she store at it. The door slowly opened.
There he stood, in the doorway. His eyes searched the room, when they locked on her his heart lept.
"Ryan!" She cried out and ran to him.
"Princess!" He gathered her up in his arms and held her tight against him.
He was crushing her against him, holding her so high she had to look down at him. She was smiling radiantly at him. "What are you doing here?! I should have known it was you!"
Kaiba stood, jaw clenched, his hands in fists at his sides. He didn't know how to approach this. He wanted to kill him. His stomach lurched.
"I know things have gone from bad to worse. I wanted to be around when the coronation happened. You look amazing."
She laughed as he rubbed his unshaven cheek against the soft skin of her neck. She tore into fits of giggles and demanded to be released. "Do you ever shave?" She asked as she rubbed the now red skin on her throat.
"Now where would the fun in that be?" He slapped her backside playfully.
Kaiba cleared his throat. Her eyes went to his immediately. She saw he was furious.
"Oh...um...ah..." She was stammering as she walked back towards Kaiba. His arms were now folded across his chest and his glare was deadly. She stood within inches of him and then turned back to Ryan. Ryan didn't look anymore pleased. She was now caught between a rock and a hard place.
She looked at the cobalt blue eyes filled with unspent rage. His body language spoke volumes about how he felt: the folded arms, the stance he had taken, and the arrogant way his chin was up. Was he jealous?
Ryan was fire to Kaiba's ice. Ryan wasn't as tall as Kaiba, nor was he as formidable; he was, however, dangerous. They were having a staring contest and she could only imagine what they would do next.
"Ryan..." she began with a tremor in her voice, "This is my husband Seto Kaiba."
"Seto," she realized his eyes were on her now, "this is Ryan, my..."
She had no idea what to say. Her boyfriend? Not anymore. Her friend? Not to Ryan. Her business ally? Not for long she imagined. Kaiba's eyes were boring a hole in her.
"Acquaintance?" Kaiba suggested.
"Her fiancé," Ryan corrected.
A/N:
Solo girl: I'm glad you're liking this...hope I sufficently cleared up the Star Wars comment!
ssp: wow...I mean wow! Thanks for the ton of input. I'm not into bashing or a lot of other things I have read. I have seriously gone over your review several times. I've done quite a bit of what you said already. Hopefully, now that I've set up Seto and Iolite's relationship, you'll start to see her character come into her own. She is about to start stumbling...
Frosty: I love Star Wars too...darn did I put both feet in my mouth or what?! I'm taking a fiction writing class, a sci-fi class, a criminal justice class, and an intro to criminal justice class, oh, and a math class (flame me if you like, but I HATE math...no appologies for that statement). Luckily my parents think it's better for us to stay here until power is restored at home. So, I get to stay in AC (VERY important in sunny Fla.). My friends are hating their lives at home. I'll have a ton of work to make up, but I'm so ahead it isn't even funny...I'll just need a math tutor...hmmm got Seto's number lol?!?!
whitejellO: Yep it is mary sue-not a mary-jane, my mistake, blame it on the brain cells I've been losing thanks to the stress of being in Florida (need I say more? lol) I'm glad you liked the chapter, it's kind of a favorite of mine. As for Kaiba being an expert, I would sure love to know! Don't worry her flaws are starting to show...more to come as well...promise!
Tenshi: No, she's not omniscient, she can't see the future. The dream was more of a 'you want Kaiba, not Ryan' thing. Mortimer was there 'cause he scares the hell out of her. He'll show up soon too. Ryan is going after Seto, not her, not yet...I still am up in the air on him.