To The Reviewers: you are all amazing, beautiful, lovely, stupendous, gorgeous, intelligent, and wonderful...did I mention amazing? Thank you so much for all of the support that you have given me. I appreciate it greatly. It is great to know that you enjoy reading this story just as much as I enjoy writing it. I hope you like this chapter just as much!
A First for Everything
Chapter 4
Kagome's mind raced, trying to think of a good response. She had to bite her tongue to force down her initial reaction. She had wanted to call him a fucking bastard, but her better judgment decided against it. Sparked with emotions, she glared at Sesshomaru, her eyes never leaving his. She wondered how far she could push him and how far her limits extended.
'What the hell,' she thought.
"No, that makes it seem too much like a one night stand. They are supposed to be in love after all, but if you wanted, we could add a scene where Matt leaves Julie a rude note in the morning," she retorted, watching him closely for any reaction.
Sesshomaru widened his eyes minutely; entertained at the fact that she would say such a thing. He watched her eyes glisten with hopes of victory. She was a lively one, and a brave one. Obviously she had faith that he would not back down at the contract after her remarks. She was right, but he could not let her know that. Closing the folder in his hands, he ran his fingers over the manila surface.
"I guess it is safe to assume that you were not fond of the note?" he inquired, his amber eyes losing any traces of emotion that the once held.
The corners of her mouth twitched up, threatening to turn into a smile. She could tell that he was pushing her as well; or just using her as a source of entertainment.
"Yes, it is safe to say that," she said.
"What is so wrong with the note? I hardly found it offensive," he stated, lifting his head up in an arrogant manner.
He had seen her hide back a smile, and although he would have enjoyed seeing her smile, it was much more fun getting a rise from her.
Kagome shifted slightly in her chair, uncrossing her long legs only to cross them again from the other side. His eyes followed the action, interested in the toned calves and thighs as they moved before him. He had taken her, he acknowledged smugly, and what a ride it had been.
"Only the fact that you knew I was a virgin. You knew, and you didn't care," she pouted.
She wasn't quite sure why it upset her as much as it did. After all, she did not resist him. 'It's probably the cocky attitude that bothers me so much,' she thought, mentally nodding to herself in approval.
"Did it really matter? Besides, you didn't seem to mind," Sesshomaru noted, loving how her eyes narrowed at him in annoyance.
"Know it all, cocky snot," she mumbled to herself while giving Sesshomaru a death glare.
She had set herself up for that one and there was no way she could think of a comeback for that.
"What did you say, Kagome?"
She jerked her head up slightly, shocked that he had heard her mumbling. "I said, why don't we look at the contract," she lied, hoping that he would believe her.
Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow at her, shifting his chair closer to the desk. 'Check mate,' he thought, mentally congratulating himself. She was clever, but she had set herself up for the spike.
Nodding his head to her, he finally tore his gaze from her. "Very well."
Reaching into a drawer in his desk, his long hair fell over his shoulder, causing the silver strands to create a gleaming backdrop for his elegant face. He pulled out a small stack of papers attached to a clipboard.
Stretching his hand out, he placed the contract on the desk before her. Leaning back in his chair once more, he crossed his legs in one swift, effortless motion. His elbows came up to rest upon the arms, his fingers clasping together in the air just under his throat. Tossing a glance at the contract, his gaze moved back up Kagome's body, his eyes displaying nothing but seriousness as he reached Kagome's face.
"As you know, your contract is for 3 million dollars. That is quite a substantial amount for a first time novelist; however, the company was quite impressed by your effort. If you agree to the contract, 1.5 million will be given to you after signing, and the remaining 1.5 million will be given after the novel is released. We will handle all marketing and publishing decisions. You may review the contract and ask any questions," he informed her, his voice so serious that it almost seemed harsh.
Kagome was uncomfortable under his gaze. She squirmed slightly as she nodded her head. She understood why this man was capable of controlling half of the industries in Japan. He was intimidating.
She reached for the contract, pulling it from the table into her lap. Leafing through the pages, she read through the legal document. Most of it seemed standard to her. When she turned to the next page, she stopped reading and snapped her head up to look at Sesshomaru.
"What is this?" she asked, her eyes quizzical.
He waited for her to continue, but she did not. Sighing, a bored look glazed over his facial features.
"What is what? Much to your dismay, I am not a mind reader."
Kagome's cheeks flushed slightly, embarrassed at herself. She laughed nervously, bowing her head and darting her eyes to the contract.
"Opps. Well it says that I have to present everything that I write in the future to the company. You can either decline the work and auction it to other publishers, or accept it for any amount of money that you wish to give me."
"Yes, that's right," he confirmed.
With her head still bowed, she regarded his carefully through the veil of her dark bangs.
"And how did I know that you aren't going to rip me off?" she asked, her tone skeptical.
"If your work is not worth of a decent investment, then I would put the novel up for auction," he replied coolly. "However, if this book is any indication of the future, then I would not worry if I were you."
Kagome lifted her head, tilting her head to the side. "Isn't Inuyasha supposed to be here to review the contract with me?" she inquired.
Sesshomaru closed his eyes, shaking his head softly before reopening them. "Inuyasha understands and accepts the contract. Although the signing amount is significantly higher, it is the same contract that we use with signing any author," he educated.
Sighing, she flipped through the pages once more. Her brows creased together as she thought. 'Should I trust his word?' she thought. She shrugged her shoulders.
"Alright. May I borrow a pen?" she relented.
Smiling softly, Sesshomaru reached into his suit pocket, pulling out a gold pen.
"A wise choice, Kagome."
She looked up as she reached for the pen, all motions stopping as she saw his smile. He was gorgeous when he smiled. She was staring, but she couldn't help it.
"Can I help you with something?" he asked coyly.
Blushing, she grabbed the pen, bending over to sign the contract as she said, "It's nothing really. You just look good when you smile."
She was too busy signing to notice his smile widen and a spark of satisfaction run through his eyes. Standing up, she handed him the contract as well as the pen. He accepted the contract, but handed the pen back to her.
"And you always look lovely, Kagome. Keep the pen...as a parting gift," he told her.
Blinking, she looked at the pen before taking it. "Thank you," she said, smiling faintly.
Pulling her purse onto her shoulder, she began to turn away.
"The money will be wired to your account tomorrow morning," he called out to her back.
She paused, the golden pen still in her hand as she half turned to him. "Sesshomaru?"
"Yes?" he responded.
"Did you give me 3 million because of...what happened the other night?" she asked softly, almost cautiously.
"No, I didn't. But it is nice to know that you are just as talented at writing as you are at...other activities."
Blushing once again, her eyes narrowed. "Goodbye, Mr. Tashio," she said tightly, turning and striding to the door.
"Until we meet again, Miss Higurashi."
'Damn him, damn him, damnit,' Kagome thought as she reached for the golden handle on the door. But why was it bothering her so much? Was it because she had given him her virginity? It had to be.
Swinging open the door, she strode out, shutting it loudly behind her.
"Good day, Miss Higurashi," a voice called out.
Startled, Kagome flinched slightly, turning to the direction of the sound. The secretary was bowing to her. 'At least she's not a bitch,' she thought.
Smiling at the woman, Kagome bowed slightly. "Goodbye, ma'am," she cheerfully replied, walking to the elevator door.
As she waited for the doors to open, her heart rate began to slow. She didn't even realize that it had accelerated. Kami, what a mess she was in. The whole time she had been torn between wanting to slaughter the man and wanting to kiss him. She hoped that she was just a fling to him, 'which I probably am,' then he would let the subject lie. It would be easier on the both of them.
The doors slide open and Kagome walked in, resting upon the sleek slides after pushing the 'M' button. Absentmindedly, she began clicking the pen in her hand. 'What...pen?' she thought. Looking down at her hand, she opened her palm, revealing the golden implement that Sesshomaru had given her. Suddenly her eyes widened and her jaw dropped.
"Shit! I forgot to mention the condom!" she yelled, bringing her hand up to slap herself in the forehead.
Sesshomaru sat, amused by her sudden display of anger at his comment. After all, he was just complimenting her. His gaze traveled down her backside as she walked away, remembering what she looked like without clothes. She looked much better naked, sprawled beneath him.
It did not jar him when slammed the door in her wake. It only caused him to chuckle. He liked how her emotions were always sprawled across her face, allowing him to read everything she felt. And this spitfire only cost him 3 million.
An egotistical smirk crossed his face. He had reached his decision. She had given him her first, so he might as well give her a first as well. It was only fair. Kagome Higurashi should feel honored. She would be the first woman to ever sleep with Sesshomaru Tashio twice.
The smirk was still plastered across his face as he reached for the phone and dialed some numbers. His fingers tapped lightly against the contract-the piece of paper that would allow him to complete his task.
"What?" answered a harsh voice after the second ring.
"And I've missed you too, brother," Sesshomaru replied dryly.
"What do you want, fluff n' stuff?" Inuyasha grumbled.
"Miss Higurashi just left my office. She signed the contract. Oh, and you were right, she was very attractive," he said, his fingers beginning to form a beat.
Inuyasha growled through the phone. Sesshomaru could just imagine him clenching his fists right bout now.
"Is that all you want, fuckhead?"
"No, it's not. I want you to switch Miss Higurashi's hotel. I want her to stay in the Crescent Hotel. Take care of it," Sesshomaru ordered, his voice becoming flat so his point would be made.
"Feh. That hotel costs too much," Inuyasha whined.
Sesshomaru scoffed into the phone. 'Cheap bastard.' "I will pay for it. Just have it arranged as soon as possible."
"Fine, but why?"
"She's an important client. Besides, I prefer the way silk sheets feel against my skin."
Sesshomaru waited, counting the seconds until Inuyasha would realize what he had implied. 1,2,3,4...
"You dirty bastard. Did you fucking touch her?" Inuyasha bit out, his voice rising slightly in aggravation.
'4 seconds, he's getting quicker.' "No," Sesshomaru said.
It was true, he hadn't done anything to her today, well at least physically. He could hear a slight sigh of relief over the line. Then Sesshomaru decided to continue.
"Well I didn't touch her...this time."
"WHAT! YOU FUCKER! WHAT DO YOU MEAN?"
Fluffy's eyes narrowed as he pulled the phone slightly away from his ear.
"What do you think I mean? Yes, I've tasted her before," he stated calmly.
"I'll fucking kill you! Stay away from her!" Inuyasha barked.
"Why do you care so much, darling brother?" Sesshomaru prodded, annoyed in his violent display.
"She doesn't fucking deserve it. I've seen you ruin too many women!" he screamed.
A smash rang out through the receiver. No doubt that his brother had broken something in his rage. Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed and his voice frosted over into an icy threat.
"May I remind you who you work for, Inuyasha. You are in no position to tell me what to do. You will do as I say, and you will do it now."
A loud growl was the last thing he heard as he slammed the phone into the cradle.
Kagome reached up to her dresser, inattentively picking up a brush. She ran it through her raven locks, smoothing it into a glossy sheen. Looking in the mirror, she checked her reflecting, scowling slightly as she caught sight of something.
'Is that a grey hair?' she thought.
Leaning closer to the mirror, she lifted her hand to the strand. Her finger ran over it and she stopped as the strand came loose.
"Wait a minute..." she muttered, pulling the strand out of her mane.
"This isn't mine..."
The strand was twice as long as her own hair, as well as being an unusual silver color. Recognition raced through her mind. She pouted, frustrated.
"Ughh! He used my brush! Couldn't he at least clean it out!"
The phone rang, disturbing her rage. She stomped over to the phone, picking it up while strangling the silver strand in her palm.
"Hello?"
"Hello, Kagome," came a silky voice.
Kagome stiffened, not immediately knowing who it was. "Who is this?" she asked.
"Forgot so soon? I am Sesshomaru Tashio," he explained, his low voice making her shiver.
'Oh no,' she thought. "Hello, Mr. Tashio. Is there something you need?" she asked politely. 'Remember, he's your boss.'
Sesshomaru held back the desire to make a rather...provocative reply. There would be plenty of time for that.
"Yes. Your presence is required on Thursday for a dinner. I will be introducing you to the CEO's that will be handling your accounts."
Kagome breathed out a sigh of relief, happy that he had not made a sexual comment for once. "Alright. When and where?" she replied, pulling out a piece of paper and a pen from her bag.
"The Hitalne restaurant at 8 pm."
Kagome nodded, jotting down the information on a piece of paper-using the gold pen. "Ok, I will see you there then."
Oh, and Kagome," he added, his voice dropping an octave, "wear something nice. Goodnight"
"Bye."
After she heard a click, signaling the end of the conversation, she stared at the phone in her hand. That voice he had used made her breathless. She could barely remember her name. Kagome sighed and put the phone back on the hook. Shaking her head, she tossed the hair in the trash before walking away. She would have to be on her guard around this man.
TBC...