A/N: Oh boy...running out of ways to say I own nothing of Yu-gi-oh, the only thing I own is my way of twisting thing...in other words: my plot...

Chapter 23

Spinning the Tangled Web...

Serenity wished she could crawl into a hole and die. Kaiba's grip was tightening and she could see his patience was wearing thin. Then again, had he ever had any patience? Her musings caused him to squeeze his hands on her waist. The gasp she released regained her scattered attention.

"There is so much to tell you Seto," her eyes dropped to his chest. For some reason confessing everything into those blue eyes would be an equivalent to torture. She managed to look up and scanned the room. It was horrible. The air itself seemed very stark, cold and foreboding. At least he had a bathroom that was his own. Damn, no windows. Roland had hoped for a window.

"Why don't we just get out of here and then you can tell me whatever you need to I hate this…hell hole." He was anxious to get his life back on track and sitting here in this room wasn't conducive to that. She wiggled on his lap and he smirked, he would make this permanent tonight. Now that she was in his life, and in love with him, she would never leave his side again. Love for him was elusive, but a woman to love him was remarkable and precious. He had toyed with the idea of returning her love, and in time he knew she would dust out the cobwebs around his heart.

"That's just the thing Seto. You aren't exactly free." She blushed from embarrassment at having led him on, then again had she? Honestly she hadn't had time to say much of anything thanks to the kiss…and everything that accompanied it.

"I'm just saying that she seemed rather close to Seto Kaiba when she was in that hospital." Max tried to convince Tristan of Serenity's allegiance to the CEO. "He was curled up in the hospital bed with her and she didn't seem to mind at all. She's playing you Sir, I wish you would see that." Max wanted to throttle the stupid kid, but the boss would hardly appreciate that.

Tristan sighed as he plopped down onto the office chair behind a desk that was allocated to him. His father was grooming him for learning the business as well as dueling. Being compared to Seto Kaiba's shadow was pathetic and he hated when his father reminded him over and over how successful Kaiba was, and how dim-witted he was in comparison. Well, there was one thing he knew he had. Serenity was his, not Seto Kaiba's.

Max folded his arms across his chest; his eyes scanned the room at the charts of duel cards and the magic card sheets that littered the boy's desk. He was 21, but was still a boy in so many respects. The office was a mess, there was no organization, much like his mind, Max supposed.

"Serenity has expressed an interest in me, she hasn't even mentioned Seto Kaiba." Tristan growled. "How dare you question her motives! It's obvious she cares for me or else she would be standing there trying to convince me that it was wrong to imprison Kaiba and all…just like Yugi." Tristan had a far away look in his eyes; it was regretful that Yugi had to turn on him like that. He had been Yugi's back up for years and now when he needed Yugi on his side, he was cast away and accused of heinous things. He shook his head to clear his thoughts.

"How do you explain them being in bed together Sir?" Max asked in a sarcastic voice, he would love to hear this.

"Kaiba was probably trying to take advantage of her. She was too sick to fight back so he pressed his advantage. It's just the type of cad he is." Tristan fought down the rage he felt. From now on Kaiba wouldn't be allowed to breathe the same air as his sweet Serenity.

"We also saw her shopping in town. She was hardly running for her life. In fact, she was disguised so no one would recognize her. Do you think she didn't want to be noticed so she could stay with Kaiba?" Max asked in an attempt to shake reality into the insolent boy.

"She probably had to go along with whatever he wanted to save herself. She did tell me he was cruel to her." Tristan began to idly flip through the sheets of magic card explanations. He didn't want to have this conversation any longer. He took a pen and began outlining some questions for the hunters regarding certain cards.

"What if she slept with him Sir?" The question hung in the air as Tristan attempted to quash his anger. The pen snapped between his fingers as he rose from the chair.

"You go too far!" Tristan growled. "She is pure and wouldn't even dream of kissing a man, let alone get into his bed. If you insult my soon to be wife again I will have you dealt with severely!" Tristan looked around the small office. His lesson was over, it had been worthless as far as he was concerned, because Serenity was the only thing on his mind. "If you insist on challenging her feelings I will arrange a loyalty test for her. Once she proves how true she is you are to back off and stay off…understand me!" Tristan wanted to rip his throat out.

"Very good Sir, I think it may be a good idea to start updating the security system as well." Max replied. He had to keep reminding himself this kid was his meal ticket. He was making money hand over fist in this association and so keeping the boy happy and safe was paramount.

"I keep telling you, and I grow tired of repeating myself Max, this is my home not some damn fortress. I will not have my every action taped, nor do I wish my friends to be taped. We have plenty of security outside on the grounds, and if you're concerned about a certain CEO forget it. We have so many rare hunters running around there is no way he could evade recapture if he did manage to leave his room." Tristan was adamant about this issue and was getting weary of being questioned about it time and again.

"It would be in your best interest." Max almost growled at him.

"No, it would be in yours to keep Kaiba under lock and key. I believe a guard is enough, I won't change my lifestyle to suit him. My suggestion to you is deal with it the way it is." Tristan struggled to keep normalcy in his home. Especially now that Serenity was here, if she had to see the cameras Max wanted to put in day in and out, would she stay around? He doubted it and she was the important part of his life, not dueling or his father's company.

"I know your father would be angry if Seto Kaiba escaped without relaying the knowledge we need." Max sighed heavily. Trying to reason with Tristan was like trying to reason with a brick wall.

"He's locked in a maid's room with no window...only one door leads in and out. Surely your 'rare hunters' can keep an eye on a single door. Or are they even less intelligent than I thought they were!" Tristan was done with the discussion. He sat down and began flipping through his deck, trying to remember all the special abilities of his cards.

"What do you mean I'm not free?" Seto lifted her off his lap, forcing her to stand before him. She moved back and he quickly gained his feet. "Where are Mokuba and Roland? Where are my men? What the hell is going on!" He was livid.

"Roland and I are working together to get you out of here. Unfortunately no one knows where Mokuba is. It's like he disappeared off the face of the earth. Roland still has men out looking for him." She began to pace in front of Seto Kaiba as she began relaying everything.

"If I'm not free how the hell are you here?" He asked as he grabbed her upper arms and forced her to face him. "What kind of game are you playing Serenity?"

"Actually it's a plan we all came up with…" She started.

"Roland and my men?" Kaiba asked with a quirk of his brow, somehow knowing he was going to hate her answer.

"Not exactly…" she tried to divert her gaze away from him. He was going to be furious with her and she hated that fact.

"What…exactly…" He asked as hereleased her and then folded his arms across his chest. He was not happy and that was the understatement of the century.

"Well, I'm here to get the lay out of the house. To find out where you are in the proximity and see if I can figure out a way to get you from in here," she motioned with her hand to the room, "to out there." She looked at the door, waiting to hear Mai's voice and dreading leaving him.

"You came in here all alone?" She could see the anger flash in his eyes. Did the temperature of the room actually drop 20 or 30 degrees?

"Of course not," she rushed to his side, grabbing his arm in an effort to reassure him. "I'm here with Mai, Mai Valentine. We're scoping the place out." Did she dare tell him how she was playing Tristan?

"This isn't a game Serenity," he hissed through clenched teeth, grabbing her arms again and giving her a bit of a shake. "These men are dangerous and until now they had nothing that could convince me to give up my secrets. If they capture you my hand will be forced…" He looked at the discarded robe on the floor. It was a sad attempt at infiltration on her part. "Did you think they wouldn't catch you because of your disguise! What is Mai stalking the halls wearing the same stupid get-up!" He couldn't believe she would place herself in such peril to save him. He wasn't sure if he should shake her until she realized how stupid it was or kiss her into complete submission. She was risking her life for his, she was in love with him. Her eyes looked up into the blue depths of his with confusion like a doe caught in headlights.

"Mai isn't disguised." Serenity let slip. "You see we have this plan. She's distracting the guard outside your door while I talk to you." Her head was nodding like it was the best idea she had ever had.

Seto shook his head in an effort to gain some control. A decoy was all that was keeping his Serenity from the rare hunters? This was insane. Her life meant nothing to them and if she was caught only God knew what they would do to her.

"You have to get the hell out of here while you can." He grabbed the robe off the floor and attempted to push it over her head. She was trying to fight his efforts as he shoved her towards the door. "They won't think twice about killing you, or worse, torturing you and raping you. These aren't amateurs and I'm not willing to risk your life to save mine."

She turned to face him, struggling to hold back her tears. "The only person you care about is Mokuba, why do you care what happens to me? I'm a nuisance remember? Because of me you're in all this trouble…" She struggled against him, trying to stay away from the door as she ranted.

"You saved me that day in the museum." Kaiba started, "Umbra was coming toget me after he took care of the man whose murder you witnessed. I had been set up but you stopped it. I owe you and I hate owing people." That was it, he felt indebted to her. He might have an attraction to her, but it was more about being indebted than true feelings.

"But Seto, you saved me in the hospital. You owe me nothing." She felt like crying, here she was in love with him and all he wanted to do was repay a debt.

"I didn't do it very well, if I had you wouldn't be here right now. Besides, if I save you this time you'll owe me." He smirked as he caught her wrist and tugged her closer. "For now I need you to leave and don't come back."

"I'm not some simpleton Kaiba. I have a plan and I will execute it. I have everything right where I want it and things are falling into place nicely." She pulled her hand away from him and placed her hands on her hips. "I have a secret weapon." She giggled softly as she motioned to her figure, she could see he wasn't getting it.

"What's this 'weapon'?" Kaiba asked, shaking his head. Whatever it was she had to know that playing with fire equaled being burned.

Mai struggled to keep the rare hunter's hands at bay. She tricked him into a friendly game of duel monsters. If she won she would get his rarest card and if he won…well…he simply couldn't win and that was that. She made a mental note to herself not to wager her virtue on a card game. She didn't like it and Joey would flay her for it.

Thankfully her play was a bit more aggressive and he was down by 1500 life points. She kept wondering what was going on behind closed doors, but then cringed when her mind wandered there. All Mai knew was that Serenity had better be a good girl. This game of Duel Monstershad to be won in her favor, oh...and Tristan had to be trained for a bit longer. There was so much at stake and even one wrong time lapse could spell disaster for them all.

"Well? I'm waiting. What's this weapon of yours?" Kaiba looked at her with cold eyes. Whatever came out of her mouth next he was sure he would hate. He just didn't realize how much he would hate it.

"I know the son of the man who kidnapped you." She shrugged, he obviously wasn't getting the fact that she was the weapon. She would have to explain it,and try not to meet his eyes.

Tristanwants me to be his girlfriend and God knows what else…Hey he thinks I'm in love with him too. Did I mention that? I'm doing my best to lead him on into thinking I want him as much as he wants me. I haven't had to kiss him yet, but I'm sure that's coming. You don't have a problem with this do you, Seto my love!

"He's part of Yugi's gang – so!" Seto was hardly interested.

"Well, he isn't really part of Yugi's gang anymore…they are on the outs. Yugi tried to convince him to set you free and Tristan wouldn't agree. He told Yugi he wouldn't help him if he got in over his head. It isn't good." She looked at the floor as her shoulders slumped in defeat. " Joey isn't happy either."

"Oh no! Please tell me you haven't asked them for help! Anyone but them Serenity!" Kaiba started pacing the room as he ran his hands through his hair. It was humiliating to have them help him. His worst enemy and that…that…dog!

"My brother is not a dog…" Serenity seethed.

Kaiba stopped and looked at her from a few feet of distance. Had he said that out loud? He was losing his mind.

"Whatever." He whispered as he stopped pacing and turned his attention back on her. "How come I get the feeling I don't know everything yet." His eyes were intense and she could swear it felt like he was boring a hole into her.

"I just left out one minor detail…but it's so small and unimportant." Her fingers displayed what appeared to be an inch with her thumb and index finger. It had to be illustrated as a minute point or he would have a cow. Exaggerate it less…the distance between two fingershad to seem more profound than what she was doing with Tristan (at least that's what she had to make him believe). She began to absently fiddle with a lock of her hair. Damn, she needed a haircut, and a stall tactic. She twisted it around her finger again and again, seeming to have forgotten the question. She sighed and blew a puff of air up at her bangs.

"It's bad isn't it? It has to be for you to be so scared to even tell me." He took a step towards her and she took two back. Where the hell was she going to run in this cube? Answer, nowhere. She was trapped in here with a slightly miffed Seto Kaiba. She was about to tell him something explosive and in a few seconds he would become an irrational Seto Kaiba. How does one sugar coat the fact that they are romancing the enemy of the man they love? Even if it's for a good cause it still sounded horribly awful.

She rolled her eyes and sighed heavily, dropping the hair back onto her shoulder. She started concentrating on her nails. "Well, um…damn it…there just is no good way to say this…"

"Then just say it all ready, my patience grows thin and you have to get the hell out of here soon." Kaiba glared at her.

"Fine." She closed her eyes, balled up her fists and let out a deep breath. "I'm dating Tristan. But not in the conventional way." There it was out. She opened one eye slowly. If he were going to kill her she would rather die with her eyes closed. When the fatal blow didn't come, she risked a glance.

He was just standing there, staring openly at her. Huh…maybe it wasn't going to be as bad as she thought.

"Oh thank God Seto, I thought you would be angry. I'm glad you aren't." No change in his expression, so far much better. "You see, Mai and I had this idea that if I lead Tristan on I can get lots of access to this place, maybe even get you a room with a window. Though I haven't figured out how yet," she turned from him, seemingly lost in her own thoughts. "It's working, he's falling for it all right. He's kind of stupid and always has had quite the crush on me. I've even managed to evade all types of touching. You would have laughed if you had seen him try to hold my hand. I mean, I allowed it, if I didn't he would have known something was up, but I found things to do with my hands to make a second hold impossible. I think he's getting frustrated." She giggled and then looked at him.

"Have you lost your mind?" He asked with a strange expression on his face. He wasn't sure if he had heard her right. If he had it would all come to an end-now! No girl of his would be community property. He had theundeniable urge to kill Tristan. He wanted a one on one confrontation with the moron. "You let him touch you!" Seto was enraged. Only he was allowed to touch her, she was his and being so, no other man had a right to touch her.

"There's no other way Seto. I have to get you out of here and this is the plan. If you can come up with something else, well then - I'm all ears." She moved closer to him, suddenly wanting him to chase away any ghostly remains of Tristan from her body and mind.

His hands squeezed her shoulders. "You're going to get yourself killed Serenity."

Instead of showing intense anger towards her he closed his eyes and threw his head back. "Damn this all to hell! I feel so powerless and now here you are risking yourself to save me. Where the hell are my staff and my brother? Why do I have to rely on Yugi and company to save me time and time again?" He looked back at her. "I won't allow this…I forbid it." He growled.

"It isn't your choice anymore Seto. I'll save you no matter what the cost." She placed her hands on his, which were still on her shoulders. She squeezed them just as she heard Mai's signal. She had to leave him, now her tears did fall, but Seto Kaiba caught them.

A/N: I decided to put this out before anything else. I kind of left things hanging last time and a few of you didn't understand why they would have a 'moment' at such an awkward time. Let me clarify. First off...Kaiba believed her showing up signaled he was free. He merely took it that she was sent to unlock his door and greet him. In such a case-why not celebrate? Serenity, after being annoyed by Tristan, and not sure whether or not Kaiba was, in fact, alive just gave in to her emotions and feelings. I wanted it to read as ironic and this chapter focuses on that. Tristan is spouting how he wants to marry her and how she hates Kaiba and there she is all over him, proclaiming her love. Any questions? Any questions? If so...review me or e-mail me. Thanks so much for all the splendid reviews-have I mentioned how awesome you guys are. (That would be the second reason for the quick update...as a thank you to you all!)