A/N: Don't own Yu-gi-oh at all, only my plots…please don't sue-I have nothing of value (except my puppy and if he keep resisting the housebreaking-I'll hand him over gladly).

Chapter 27

Sleeping with the Enemy

Serenity managed to, once again, sneak back into the room Mai occupied. Quickly she tugged the hood back and then pulled the robe over her head. Mai was still shaken from her episode with Max, but dared not say anything. She was too afraid it might complicate things in Serenity's mind. It had been a scary and tense moment for Mai, what if Mokuba hadn't interfered? Would Max resort to rape? She shivered.

"Are you ok Mai?" Serenity asked as she shoved the robe back into the bag. Quickly she zipped it and plopped it on the floor. Umbra had come in handy, she had to make a mental note to Mokuba that Umbra-though not on their side-was at least 'in' on things. She looked back at Mai.

"Earth to Mai? Are you there?" Serenity tried again, softly waving a hand before Mai's eyes.

"Huh?" Mai shook her head, trying to rid it of Max. "Sorry hon' I can't seem to keep my wits about me." Mai rubbed her arms.

"Why don't you stay in here? I'll go and see if I can't put our plan in action." Serenity walked over to the door and paused, turning. "Lock the door behind me. I'll tell Tristan that you have a headache and needed some rest."

"Without me watching your back and running interference you're vulnerable." Mai warned. Serenity put her hand up and shook her head.

"Stay. I know what has to be done. Let me go do it while I have the courage Seto gave me." She smiled, weakly, at Mai.

Mai raced to the door after Serenity left and bolted it shut, still not happy, she shoved a chair under the knob. If Max tried to get to her that would delay it until she could find an alternative way out. Satisfied, she sat on the bed and waited, silently praying that Serenity succeeded so they could be finished. She never wanted to come back to this place; it was too dangerous. She wanted to be with Joey-only Joey.

"Tristan?" Serenity asked softly as she played with her food. Dinner was miserable without Mai. She didn't want to be alone with him and yet, the only way to save Seto was to be alone with Tristan. The conversation had lagged. They really had nothing in common anymore. They would have discussed dueling, but she didn't want to hear about the cheating he was being taught. Talking about the old days and friends were off limits, seeing as he had destroyed all of his friendships. She could discuss New York but, honestly, didn't want to share anything she had shared with Seto with Tristan.

"Yes, Serenity?" He smiled at her, but noticed her hands were now buried in her lap. He so wanted to reach out and hold one, maybe caress her soft skin, place a kiss on her palm.

"The other night you sort of shocked me with Kaiba." She shrugged softly, not meeting Tristan's eyes.

"I've apologized for that Serenity, I mean, you have to know it was Max directing that. I would have saved that kiss for a more private time. Max wanted to make sure we knew where your loyalties were." Tristan looked very concerned, was she still cross with him?

"I understand that," Serenity offered meekly. "I just wanted to offer you a belated thank you." She sighed as she examined her nails in her lap. She knew the part she had to play. If she seemed eager he might catch on, and for Seto's sake, that couldn't happen. "I mean, he did horrible things to me Tristan. Being his captive was awful. When I thought of it, later, I realized how that kiss must have affected him." She finally looked up at Tristan and smiled. "He looked really mad." Quickly her eyes dropped. She couldn't seem like a maniacal witch.

"He was furious, I thought he would break away from the guards and kill me." Tristan chuckled. He was so caught up in his recollections he missed the flicker of hatred in her eyes.

"He deserved it for what he did to me." She shrugged subtly.

"He deserves more than that for what he did to you." Tristan caught her eyes with his, noting the soft brown color. He was so dense he couldn't see her true feelings.

"You shouldn't be so cruel Tristan." She giggled. "Do you remember the train ride we took? I remember it fondly." She smiled, hoping it didn't look false.

"I do," he whispered, remembering the time they had spent alone together.

A coy smile accented her soft lips. "Maybe we should show Kaiba just what we mean to one another." She offered.

"How Serenity?" Tristan asked, hanging on her words.

"Well, maybe he could see us together and then he'll know he has no hold on me." She turned away, wondering silently if her acting skills were any good.

"He saw us yesterday, when I kissed you." Tristan offered.

"You know him," Serenity dismissed the thought with a flippant wave of her hand. "He probably thought that was an act."

Tristan lost himself in thought over her statement.

"Maybe we could walk past his room and hold hands, pretend we don't know he's watching." She offered, looking at him sideways. Was he buying this? Had he caught her? Her breath held as he mulled things over.

"That would work if he could see us." Tristan frowned.

"What do you mean?" Serenity asked, sounding a bit surprised.

"His room has only one way in and out, leaving the door open isn't an option." Tristan shrugged.

Suddenly, Serenity felt someone approach her from behind.

"Why don't we put Seto Kaiba in a room with a view?" Max's voice sounded from over Serenity's shoulder.

Serenity swallowed hard. Max scared the hell out of her, what was he up to?

"Would that work for you Miss. Wheeler? Then you and Master Taylor could parade your 'love' under his window, while he watches on helplessly." Max shrugged, seemingly impassionate.

"But I thought you said he needed to be guarded." Tristan looked at Max.

"He can still be guarded and have a window, can't he Serenity?" Max asked, innocently.

Panic welled in her body, she was scared now. Honestly scared. Something was going on here, something she knew nothing about. Seto had told her that the rare hunters were stupid, that she could outwit and out maneuver them. Could she? She had no choice, if she wanted Seto saved.

"I guess, I mean, I don't know your security measures." She shrugged, but kept her eyes focused on Tristan. He had to think she was his. She felt as if she were a cornered animal of prey. Here she was in the same room with men that could destroy her, playing a game that could get her, and everyone she held dear, killed.

"Maybe we should move him to a room with a window." Tristan smiled, thinking how sweet it would be to show that snob that he had the girl-Seto Kaiba had lost this battle.

"It could make things 'interesting' for Seto Kaiba, I mean, the boy is clearly bored in his room." Max lifted his com-link and ordered Kaiba to a different room. One that had a window.

Serenity was in a terrified frenzy inside, but on the outside she sat demurely. If they sensed her fear, the game would reverse and everyone would be in jeopardy.

"Could we take a walk Tristan?" Serenity offered. She hated being alone with him, but it was better than being near Max.

"You can take your walk in a minute dear, first Master Tristan must call his father." Max sat down diagonally away from her. He wouldn't do anything to her, it seemed, at that distance.

"I'll be right back Serenity and then we can take that walk." Tristan smiled as he left the room.

After the door clicked shut Max turned towards Serenity. Her heart ceased beating and her mouth dried up quickly. She was scared to death, digging her nails into her palms-sure that she was drawing blood.

"It seems I found a spy on the grounds." Max announced, not directly to her, more to the room. Immediately she thought of Mokuba. Had he been found?

"A spy?" She asked, trying to be uninterested.

"A small one, with red hair-like fire." Max's eyes turned to her. "I had a feeling you were in leagues with Seto Kaiba-no woman with your spirit would fall for Tristan the sap." He smirked at her ashen look. Her eyes were wide and the blood seemed to drain from her features. She prayed she wouldn't throw up on him, but couldn't guarantee it.

"W-what makes you say that?" She tried to keep her voice even.

"You can stop pretending, I know about your rendezvous. I caught you coming out of his room." His evil grin turned her blood cold. "What were you two doing in there anyway?"

"I-I don't know w-what you're talking a-about." She had to gain her composure, her eyes darting to the door Tristan had left through.

"You can knock off the shy-innocent act. Besides, now I'm in a very interesting situation. I could use this knowledge-tell Tristan of your treachery and then torture you before Seto Kaiba's eyes until he spills everything…" His leer caused her heart to palpitate.

"Please…" She whispered.

"Or, I could switch plans, change teams. I know Seto Kaiba is impossible to break-believe me I have tried. I may have a shot using you, however, can I risk it?" He stood and circled around her. "I have a bird in the hand now. If I set him free I could demand a nice pay off for it-through your interference I could earn a pretty penny from him-could I not?" He was behind her now, his hands resting on her slim shoulders. "How much do you suppose he deems his life worth?" His hands closed in around her throat, not squeezing, just proving his dominance.

"I'm sure you would be paid handsomely." Serenity offered, hating the feel of his hands on her skin.

"How inside are you my lovely?" He began caressing her neck now, in a way that made the bile rise in her throat.

"I could assure you of monetary rewards-if that's what you mean." She stammered. She'd never tell him of Mokuba.

"I know things are getting dangerous here," he chuckled, "I no longer trust my own men. I have a feeling in my gut," he leaned closer to her ear, his rancid breath penetrating her senses, "that Seto Kaiba has men in here. I don't know who they are but in my book, protecting my own ass is far more important than loyalty." He ran his tongue up her cheek. She flinched, wanting to wipe it, but scared to move. "If you betray me, you little witch, you will be introduced to pain far beyond anything you can imagine."

"What do you want from me?" She whispered.

"I will allow Seto Kaiba to escape tomorrow, providing you have 5 million dollars wired into my bank account tonight." His fingers started sliding up and down her arms, sending horrid shivers down her spine. She closed her eyes, fighting the urge to flee.

"I have no money," she lamented.

"You know how to get in touch with those that do. Would you like your lover back tomorrow-warming your bed?" He moved close to her ear again, she swallowed hard. "Have you missed the feel of him against you?" His tongue stroked the shell of her ear. She swiftly pulled away and stood, facing him.

"Why should I trust you?" She growled, somehow finding the strength that Seto had given her. "What's to argue against you turning on me? The money could be wired and you could go back on your word. There is no trust." Her eyes glowed in fury, her hair wiping around her like a war goddess.

"I see why they have such interest in you-maybe you'd like to test your talons on me small falcon?" He smirked at her and licked his lips. He began to approach.

"I nailed Tristan earlier and I was being nice to him. If you dare touch me again--I will show you what true pain is." She warned.

"Loyal to the CEO eh? Is he that good?"

"Go to hell." She spat.

"I've been there, I think I'd like to retire in pleasure. Preferably with that saucy vixen who locked herself in the room upstairs."

"Stay the hell away from Mai." Serenity took a step towards him. "If you touch her my brother will take great pleasure in disemboweling you."

"I take what I want you little bitch. I'm offering you a way out. Take it or leave it." He folded his arms across his chest, waiting for her response.

"You'll get 1 million tonight-the rest after Seto is freed."

"Shall we seal the deal with a kiss?" He ran his tongue over his crooked and yellowed teeth. Vermin, that's what he reminded her of-a rodent.

"Only if you wish to sing high soprano, asshole." Serenity was barely holding it together.

Max handed her a card then turned towards the door, "Your lover will be freed tomorrow if the money is in this account tonight. Afterwards I expect the rest of my payment to be forwarded."

"Deal," she whispered. He left her in the room. He heart was raging wildly. She might as well have made a deal with the Devil himself. The door opened and in slipped Mokuba. She could barely look up.

"Are you alright? Max just left and barked about some order of moving Seto." Mokuba looked at her small frame, it shook softly. "Serenity?" He came close and touched her shoulder.

She jumped violently and pulled away from him. "Don't touch me!" She cried out softly, then placed a hand over her mouth.

"What did he do to you!" Mokuba looked at her with the concern of the world. His eyes so softly expressive and empathetic-she wanted to cry. "He didn't…"

"Rape me?" She bit her lip and trained her eyes on the floor. "He might as well have. He caught me in Seto's room. He is the reason for moving Seto-I struck a deal with him."

Mokuba's eyes narrowed, "He caught you but didn't turn you in?"

"He wants money and lots of it." She handed him the card. "You have to wire a million dollars into his account tonight, then after Seto is freed tomorrow another four." Her shoulders slumped. "I had no idea what to do," her eyes met his imploringly. "Did I make a grave mistake?"

Mokuba closed his eyes and shook his head. "We'll play his game. Does he know about me?"

"I would never betray you." She answered simply.

"I'll take care of this-get out of here tonight as soon as you can and, hopefully everything will turn out right tomorrow." He looked at the girl before him. Who knew she had such tenacity? She always seemed so timid, did her love for Seto change her? Maybe Seto's love of Serenity changed him as well. One could hope.

Mokuba slipped from the room. Serenity sat at the table and rested her head on her arms. The stress was so intense, she could hardly breathe.

When Tristan reentered the room she didn't stir, not until he placed his hands on her. She let out a scream and turned so quickly that she fell out of her chair and curled herself up into a ball, wrapping her arms around her knees as she stared up at him.

"Are you alright?" Tristan stayed back, clearly he had missed something.

"I-I this whole thing…rare hunters…Max…this fortress…prisoners…Tristan, it all scares me so much." She tried to think fast, but failed miserably.

"It's ok, maybe we should just get out of here, maybe go for a walk in the park?" Tristan offered.

"If it's all the same to you, could I go home? I'm feeling a bit spooked and just need some rest." Slowly she rose to her feet. Trying to steady herself, not wanting any assistance from him. Her mind was moving too fast, would Seto get out in the morning? Would Max double cross? Would Tristan catch on? What had Max done to Mai?

"Of course Serenity, I'll send someone to go get Mai and then I'll see you both out myself." Tristan offered.

They walked out of the dining room and Tristan told Mokuba to go get Mai. Serenity breathed a sigh of relief. Mokuba was the only safe thing in this damn place.

"Will I see you tomorrow?" Tristan asked her.

"I don't think that would be a problem." She offered. What the hell did Max have planned? She may have to come, or she might have to stay away-how was she to know?

"Good, maybe we'll just get the hell out of this place and do something fun-like a movie." He wanted to touch her, but her earlier reaction stopped him.

Mai joined them soon after, Mokuba was fast on her heels.

They pulled out of the driveway and barely turned the corner when Mai pulled over and started crying. Joey, Yugi and Roland pulled the van behind them. Quickly Mai threw herself into Joey's arms. Yugi entered the car with Serenity and the two drove in silence while both wondering what had happened to Mai.

"This game is too dangerous." Joey said as he paced the room, his eyes barely leaving Mai. "You two could die in there and I'd be-helpless in a van outside. This ended today."

"It has," Serenity offered. "Max switched sides. I struck a deal with him."

Slowly she explained it all to them, no one interrupted as she explained everything.

"Then it's over?" Joey asked.

"I guess now we just sit and wait." Serenity shrugged. She stood and left the room without another word.

A few minutes later she was curled up, fully clothed in the bottom of the tub. Max's words and actions caused her to feel so violated. She was rocking softly and crying. This was the nightmare to end all nightmares. She said a short prayer. Hopefully, it would all end tomorrow.

Only Seto could make it all go away.

Sometime, late at night, a lone figure walked through the halls of the Taylor mansion. Most of the rare hunters were asleep, the night crew were at their posts. He noted the placement of Seto Kaiba, not really understanding why the man had been moved to a more pleasurable room. Slowly, he moved to a lone door at the end of the hall, without thought he opened it.

Max looked up from the computer screen and laid eyes on his boss.

"Mr. Taylor, we weren't expecting you back so early," his eyes darted to the screen, noting that the wired funds were safely tucked away. He closed out of the screen.

"You were getting no where with Kaiba so I decided to come home and reason with him myself." The man scanned his room, his eyes stopped on a picture of his son. Tristan might look like him, but the boy hadn't inherited any of his business savvy or intelligence. It was a shame. Too bad he wasn't more astute like Seto Kaiba, a son a man could be proud of.

"I've tried all forms of torture, but to no avail, it seems whatever Gozaburo did to him made him immune to physical attacks."

"Have you found his brother?" Taylor senior asked.

"Not yet Sir. The boy dropped off the face of the earth." Max shrugged, wishing he had covered his tracks more, how would he explain his bank account?

"Incompetent," Taylor muttered under his breath. "Leave me, I have things to do. Tomorrow is my last day to block Kaiba Corp.'s patent on the duel technology I desire."

"I was just finishing something up Sir…" Max struggled.

"Are you implying your work is more important?" Taylor's eyebrow quirked.

"Um…no Sir…I just." Max stammered.

"Then get out." Taylor growled.

Max looked helplessly at the screen, he was screwed-big time. He walked around the desk and towards the door, casting one last glance over his shoulder, would his demise would come quickly? Had he gone wrong? Hopefully, Taylor wouldn't find the account.

"Oh Max?" Taylor said in a voice that was frighteningly calm. "I think we have some matters to discuss come morning."

A/N: Next chapter will be a doozy…that is all I shall say…please read and review and I'll thank you all for it! Promise! Thank you for all the reviews and inspiration thus far-you are the greatest!