A/N: Just so you know, the book idea that I gave to Kagome is based on an actual book called The House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski – highly recommended book.

A First for Everything

Chapter 20

All she could focus upon was the strong arm that was trapping her waist and the warmth from the chest pressed against her side. Every few strides, the arm wound tighten and relax, almost as if checking to see if she was still firmly pressed beside him. The lean fingers brushing against her stomach made jolts of electricity flow throughout her, even though their skin was separated by the fabric of her dress. With the way she was pressed, half of her body was clasped against his chest, forcing her to walk a half step ahead of the man. In turn, the man's own left leg was pressed against her right, pressing against and following her own leg.

She risked a glance up at the man as they finally exited the restaurant and he continued to half-drag, half-carry her to their awaiting car. Her bright blue eyes widened slightly as she took in the serious expression pasted upon his face. Blushing slightly, she looked away, turning her gaze to the ground. She did not need to worry about where she was walking; she knew that the man beside her would make all of those decisions. 'I guess my comments can wait until the car,' she thought vaguely as she continued walking.

Her mind recalled all of the situations that had occurred that night. She recalled everything from his light annoyance at the beginning of dinner, his ordering of her food, which had surprisingly been without insult, throughout his casual conversation with her at dinner, and his rescue from Akito just minutes ago. 'Strange,' she thought. 'It almost seemed as if he wanted me to be there tonight. But that can't be right. Something tells me that the Fluff Lord doesn't really enjoy anyone's company. But still…why won't he let me walk on my own?'

Her attention only snapped away from the ground when she was suddenly stopped. Her leg, which had continued the forward motion, propelled her entire body, bringing her slightly away from the man. With a growl, the arm around her body tightened, forcing her body back once again, only to land flush against the man in an ungraceful manner. She let out a slight grunt with the action, her hands coming up to grasp the man's arm for support and stability. Looking up, her gaze collided with the amber orbs that she had become so familiar with.

"Were you planning on walking home?" Sesshomaru asked coldly.

Frowning, Kagome looked away, trying to pull slightly from Sesshomaru's grasp. However, his arm merely tightened once again, preventing her from straying. "No," she responded. "Unless you were planning on leaving me here. I am sure that Akito's offer would still be good if you changed your mind, or maybe even Hojo would give me a ride."

Growling lightly, Sesshomaru pushed her forward with his body, directing her towards the car's door. "Get in," he commanded icily.

Kagome immediately felt a pain of regret wash over her. After all, it had been Sesshomaru who had saved her from the clutches of Akito's touch. He had been the one to allow her a taste of fame. And what had she done to repay him? She had snapped back to him when he had finally started to seemingly treat her with kindness and respect. Had she ruined any hopes of a truce between them? Was any hope of an escape from threats and animosity possible now? Sighing Kagome lowered her head, nodding silently as she allowed herself to be helped into the leather expanse of the limousine.

Silence reigned over both. He slid in silently beside her, the soft rustle over fabric over the leather amplifying and surrounding her. The closing of the limo door rang out like a gun shot, making her start at the sound. Her heart pounded against her chest. Kagome swore that Sesshomaru would be able to hear her erratic beating from his position across from her. As the car began rolling, the wheels moving against the pavement was evident, mocking the tension that filled the expanse of the car. She did not know for how long they sat in the silence, but each moment felt like an eternity.

"I began work for a new book," Kagome stated as she stared out the tinted window, not knowing if Sesshomaru would respond or not.

"Hmm," was her only response.

"Inuyasha said that it would be best to run the idea past you before I went to far into it," she responded slowly, her eyes darting over his darkened reflection.

"I see," he muttered.

Silence came over once again. Kagome stiffened in the uncomfortable atmosphere. Should she resume conversation or did he not care about her plans? 'If that's so, then he better not complain when I turn the book into him,' she thought.

"Are you going to tell me the plot structure?" said the deep voice that interjected her thoughts.

Swallowing, Kagome nodded her head silently, knowing that Sesshomaru was watching her reflection as well. Her pink tongue darted out to her lips, running over them to wet the suddenly dry appendages. "It's about a house…" she began.

"A house?"

"Yes, a house, one that expands and collapses due to the resident's emotions," She finished nervously.

"I see," Sesshomaru answered once again.

Licking her lips nervously, Kagome's hand reached out to the door handle, clutching the metal desperately. "Should I continue working on it?" she asked.

Sesshomaru's head turned to the woman, noticing her tense position. His mouth tightened, displeased with her reaction. He did not like the fact that this woman was afraid of him. Glancing over to the window, he saw her blue orbs, now a midnight blue, watching him and waiting for his response. His eyes softened slightly as he watched her. In turn, Kagome's own eyes widened slightly as he saw her mouth fall slightly agape. Did she notice? Immediately, his eyes hardened once more, narrowing slightly before turning away. Why did it matter so much to him that she was plastered against the car door? Why did it matter that he felt as if he should be gentle with his answer?

"Do as you please."

Kagome could not help the small gasp that escaped from her throat. Her back stiffened at his words before her body melted against the seat, collapsing and folding into the leather. The delicate hand upon the door slipped away smoothly, cascading to the soft seat beside her in shock. The words repeated themselves in her mind, each time coming closer and closer to sinking in. Her mouth closed and she blinked repetitively as she processed the statement. He was allowing her to do as she wished.

They were both quiet once again, each lost in their own thoughts: Kagome thinking of her newly awarded freedom and Sesshomaru thinking of his new allowance. Sesshomaru sat stiff and still, his lean frame stretched straight, clinging onto his pride. Kagome was still slouched, no longer caring if she appeared regal or ladylike. Both knew that this night had brought something new to both, and both realized that things were most likely going to change. But the question on both of their minds was: Is this for the better or the worse?

After a few moments, Kagome spoke, her voice ripping through like a scream despite the low tone that she used. "Thank you."

Sesshomaru glanced over at Kagome, quirking an eyebrow at the woman. "For allowing you to write a book?" he asked sarcastically.

"No," Kagome replied just as softly as before. She turned her head slightly; making sure her long, ebony hair shielded her eyes as she regarded him from the corner of her eye. "Thank you for everything you have done tonight."

The thin, silver brow lowered itself with her words, the impact and weight of the phrase roaring in his brain. His golden eyes roved over her body and over the space of the car. He let out a slight puff of air before running a hand through his silken strands.

"Hnn…" was his answer.

The sleek limousine rolled to a stop, the slight halting motion drawing a slight grunt from Sesshomaru. The action seemed to snap each from their quiet states. Sesshomaru turned his head, holding it high as he glanced over the still slumped woman. Kagome, sensing his attention upon her, turned her head to stare back at the regal man, tilting her head upwards slightly to look directly into the man's eyes. After a moment, it was Kagome who spoke first.

"Well," she began in a quiet, yet slightly cheerful voice, "Thank you once again…"

"May I come in?" Sesshomaru interrupted smoothly.

Kagome started a bit, shaken from the unexpected question. Blinking repeatedly, her brows furrowed together in confusion. "What?" she asked.

"May I come into your residence?" he restated, his eyes calmly boring into her.

"I don't know…" Kagome began softly, trailing off her sentence. She instinctively lowered her gaze to look at the car's carpet.

"Kagome," Sesshomaru stated simply, his deep voice changing into a seductive tenor that Kagome could not resist.

"Alright," she whispered before opening her door and sliding out, leaving Sesshomaru still sitting in his seat, slightly shocked that she had given in to him. She paused after she had rose, her pale hand about to close the door before she said, "Well, are you coming?"

Sesshomaru raised his pale eyebrow in amusement. He had not been expecting her to comply so readily. 'It is the least she could do,' he thought arrogantly. 'After all, I was the one that prevented Akito from soiling her.' Smirking proudly, he snorted at her comment. Why wouldn't he be coming? Opening his own door, he paused to roll down the darkened divider for his driver.

"Stay here until I instruct you otherwise," he ordered coldly before gracefully exiting the car.

His long strides carried him up the concrete walk way, easily catching up to the elegantly dressed female that was waiting for him by the entrance. Gliding to her side, he craned his neck so that he could stare down at Kagome. In turn, she tilted her head upwards to stare back at him. He nearly growled at the way her slender throat became exposed, the pale skin illuminated in the soft moonlight, making the flesh even more enticing. His eyes moved from her exposed skin when she shifted uncomfortably. Her head lowered, causing her hair to slip forward, hiding the soft skin from his eyes. Sesshomaru frowned as he turned his head to the door. That little glimpse was enough to trigger flashes of her taste and touch throughout his mind. 'Damnit,' he thought.

After she had turned away, Kagome did not hesitate to open her door. She slipped inside to the darkened area of her home. She silently opened the door more, allowing Sesshomaru to follow her in. Once he entered, she shut the door, flicking on a small lamp before walking away. She could feel Sesshomaru's eyes following her. She knew he wanted her. Did he know that she wanted him as well and was fighting as hard as she could to prevent herself from acting upon her desires?

"Would you like some tea?" she asked delicately, not even turning towards him. She would crumble under his gaze if she looked back now.

He did not respond, but she could feel his presence directly behind her. Taking this as approval, she moved forward, navigating through the dimly lit living room and to her kitchen. She flicked on a counter light, placing her purse down on the table before moving to get the kettle from a cabinet. From behind her, she heard the light scraping of a chair against the tile, signaling that Sesshomaru was taking a place at the table. Who would be the first to speak?

Sesshomaru watched Kagome busy herself with making tea. She shuffled about, filling the pot with water and getting the cups ready to serve. She did not turn to him nor did she say a word. As he studied her rigid movements, he could not help the thoughts that plagued his mind. There was something that he wanted to ask her, yet his pride did not allow him to. It was eating at him as he spent more time focusing upon her uneasiness. He knew that her nervousness was due to his presence. He might as well as, it would not disturb the atmosphere too much. Swallowing his arrogance for once, he cleared his throat.

"Why did you not resist tonight?" he asked as if disinterested.

Kagome paused for a moment, weighing her response before busing herself once more. "You made it fairly clear that I was coming tonight," she responded dryly.

"Yes, but you did not fight the decision. There were many things you could have done to escape the dinner tonight, yet you did not," Sesshomaru replied calmly.

Kagome snorted, tossing her head up. She turned towards the man, her eyes shining in defiance as she met his gaze. "In case you forgot, you were the one that told me to behave. I thought it best to comply seeing as though you control my career," she sharply retorted, almost hissing out the last words.

"And it seems as though you are heeding that warning adequately," Sesshomaru answered back in a counseled tone.

"I do not appreciate being forced into these situations," Kagome shot back, turning to fully face the man in front of her.

"It does not…" Sesshomaru began, only to be cut off by the hissing of the tea kettle.

Kagome jumped in surprise, her anger blinding her from her surroundings. With a sigh, she turned back to the stove, removing the kettle from the burner and turning off the heat. She shook her head slowly, knowing that the conversation would be lost because of the interruption. What did it matter? Did she really expect him to drop the threat completely and allow her to do as she pleased? 'Fat chance in hell,' she thought with a snort.

She felt a presence behind her and immediately tensed. An arm wrapped around her waist, gently applying pressure to pull her back. Kagome resisted for a moment. The arm stopped moving, waiting for her reaction. Without thinking, Kagome leaned back against the strong chest behind her, the arm draped about her molding to hold her close. She raised her head, turning it slightly to the side as she gazed into amber eyes.

"Does it upset you?" Sesshomaru whispered, dropping his face until he was inches from her.

His eyes flickered from her own blue orbs to her lips, trying to decide which looked more tempting at the moment. Her eyes, shining and full of life, captured him and sucked him into her presence. There were times where he did not notice his surrounds as he lost himself in her eyes. But her lips filled him with something different: Lust and desire. The full, ruby appendages memorized him and made him long to touch them. He could feel his body react as he remembered their taste. However, he could not forget their intoxicating combination, when he had them both. Sesshomaru remembered their sweet taste and how they swelled under his own when he kissed them. And as he lay inside her, the way her eyes glazed over in passion as he tended to her needs. There was something about this woman that he could not name.

"Wouldn't it bother you?" she responded, subconsciously licking her lips as his breath heated hers.

"Hai, it would," he answered silkily, moving even closer to Kagome. "I would not tolerate it."

"Then why must you do this to me?" she asked, lowering her eyes to his parted lips.

Sesshomaru did not answer. Instead, he quickly closed the gap between them, crushing her lips beneath his own. He grunted slightly at the contact, the warm silk of her lips driving him into an almost feral state. His arm tightened around her as he tilted his neck, moving his lips against hers hungrily. His tongue darted out, caressing her lips and enticing them to open. After a few passes, she opened, allowing the hot cavern of her mouth to become rediscovered by Sesshomaru. He dove in deeply, becoming aroused and needy with each kiss. Slowly, his arms came up, roving over her stomach and hips causing Kagome to moan.

Suddenly, Kagome jerked back, breaking off their fiery kisses. Kagome's wide eyes stared up at Sesshomaru, her lips parted, wet, and swollen as she panted. Sesshomaru growled at the loss, the sight before him causing his need to develop even more. He grabbed her, lowering his head to regain her taste once more.

"No," she huskily whispered, despite the slightly glassy expression of her eyes.

"No?" he questioned pulling against her again.

No, Sesshomaru. Don't," she responded, twisting to get out of his grasp.

Scowling, Sesshomaru released her, turning away quickly. He closed his eyes and took deep breaths, trying to contain his urges. He could hear her heavy breathing and still feel her warmth. It was not helping his condition. She had said no. As much as he wanted to continue, she had still said no and he must respect that. He would not rape her. He would not sink that low. Kami, how he wanted her!

Opening his eyes, he began to walk away as she called out to him, "Where are you going?"

"Do you wish for me to stay?" he inquired as he made his way to the door.

"I…."

Sighing, Sesshomaru paused at the door. There would be other times for this. He was feeling particularly generous at the time. "Kagome?"

"Yes?"

He opened the door, walking half way out before softly saying, "I would not take your restrictions too seriously."

And then he was gone, shutting the door to the wide eyed, jaw dropped expression of the shocked Kagome.

A/N: It's done! WOOOOOO! It took me long enough, ne? Sorry about the delay, I have had too much stuff to do for school. I hope to get back to my regular routine, but don't get offended if I start to take longer – classes are getting more demanding. Anyway, let me know how I am doing!