A/N: Firstly I do not own Yu-gi-oh

Second, I believe that Rebecca Hawkins is Mokuba's age, maybe just a touch younger. Could someone give me her exact age in relation to their ages, meaning Kaiba, Serenity and Mokuba? I have Serenity at approx. 20, Kaiba at 23—which would make Mokuba 18…making Rebecca 17? If I'm far off let me know…okay? If not, then I'm pretty much going with those ages. I don't think they're too far fetched. Thank you!

Oh, and thirdly...from now on I will post my answers on my profile page...I will only keep the two most recent ones as I answer every review...so, if you review (know I love ya for it) look for my response on my profile page...I couldn't bear it if this were to be taken down for answering reviews...and I feel the need to answer...you take the time to let me know how I'm doing--it's only right! Look for it all there!

Chapter 32

Action, Not Words

"What do I do?" Serenity asked a wide-eyed Rebecca. "I don't want to deal with this! I came to New York so I would never have to see him again!" She rolled her eyes and pressed her back against the door, was this her effort to hold him back? He was here, had chased her all the way to this location, why?

Rebecca bit her lower lip and shook her head no. "Don't open the door, whatever he says and whatever you do—don't open the door." The pretty blonde started backing away, not able to take her eyes off the barrier, and raced down the hall. Serenity was left to play barricade.

"Please leave me be, Kaiba. Haven't you hurt me enough? It's over…" Her voice threatened to crack, as tears trickled down her cheeks. Somehow she managed to not let it waiver. If she did that, he would know. When the heart rules the mind, weakness follows and fools give in. She was no fool.

"Serenity, open the door. You're being unreasonable." It was his warm voice, like silk purring against her ear. It was a demand, but a soothing one. One a lover might ask in a warm bed during a thunderstorm. Her heart thudded in her head, as much as her mind refused him, her damnable heart was ready to betray and throw the door open.

Kaiba switched from the door to the bay window and rapped on the glass gently. She jumped and turned, a shiver raced through her body—head to toe. Brown hair and deep blue eyes, not narrowed but questioning, appeared. He was looking at her—watching.

Tossing a blanket over her head, and hiding like an infant looked good right about now. Seto looked amazing, standing there in his black turtleneck and dark blue trench coat. Even through the gauzy curtains she could see his form and his eyes, and she wanted him. Swallowing hard, she managed to break eye contact and turn away.

"Just open the door. There is no way around this, I'm going no where until you hear me out." She could feel panic, even as her hand reached for the door. He watched as she neared the latch, in a matter of seconds she would be in his arms, where she belonged. His pulse raced.

"That's it…let me in." She looked towards the window and then at the lock. Twisted in two directions; torn between resistance and surrender.

A shrill sound cut the silence. Her gasp was sharp and snapped her out of her daze. She looked towards him as he backed away from the window. Siren? Was it a siren? Rebecca came running into the room, further pulling her out of her trance.

"Idiots didn't realize I have a cable modem…I called the police online. Let Kaiba choke on that fact." She led Serenity over to a rocking chair and forced her to sit. "Stay here while I get rid of our uninvited pests." Serenity nodded, dumbly watching as Rebecca walked through the front door. A door she herself longed to run through. Her mind could almost conjure how it would feel to touch Seto. Did she care if he used her? He was like a drug. How could he be so intoxicating? Why was she so dense that she couldn't see the forest for the trees? Rebecca would get rid of him and he would go home…leaving her here…without him. Tears streaked down her pale cheeks unnoticed. War wounds etched on ivory skin, she had sworn not to waste her sorrow on him. Giving into the urge made her angry.

Rebecca burst out of the house as two police cars pulled up. Her smug look of satisfaction irked Kaiba to no end. She approached him and folded her arms across her chest. Arrogance begets arrogance. His blue eyes attempted to bore a hole through her being. She might be taller now, but he could still swat her like a bug.

"Same brat as I remember from some years back. Where is your teddy bear?" His snide comment didn't quash her smile.

"She wants nothing to do with you, why not leave her alone? You once told me to use my head and now I'll return the favor. Use yours—go back to Domino and forget her. Let her get on with her life, she's done with you." Rebecca was being quite forceful, using a tone Kaiba didn't appreciate. "I know what you did, and as much as I know what a jerk you are, even I didn't think you were capable of something so horrible." She shook her head and looked away as the police approached.

"You have no idea what I'm capable of kid," his blue eyes frosted over. The last thing he needed was this little know-it-all getting in his way. His arms folded across his chest, he'd deal with her once he dealt with the police.

"Is there a problem?" The approaching office asked Rebecca.

"Actually there is." She sneered at Kaiba and then looked at the lieutenant. "This man is trespassing on private property. He was also trying to gain entrance to my home. I believe that would be considered harassment…officer…Sir." She looked at the man, batting her innocent blue eyes. "They even cut my phone line, so I wouldn't be able to call for help…I was frantic…"

The lieutenant turned to Kaiba, who was shooting daggers at the young woman. Kaiba was fully aware that this little twit could never be 'frantic', deranged and idiotic yes, but frantic…never. She knew what she was doing, had always had a stiff upper lip—with a major dose of attitude. She could be accused of being frantic as much as Kaiba could be considered giddy.

"Is this true? Did you cut the phone line? Are you harassing her?" The cop directed his question to the taller CEO.

"First of all," Kaiba said in a commanding voice. "I did nothing to the phone lines that must be her imagination, which is over active—obviously. Second, my girlfriend is here. We had a bit of a fight, and I am simply here to try and resolve it." He shrugged and turned his attention back to the front door. Would it be too much to hope for—maybe she'd come out on her own?

"If you weren't invited you are trespassing." The officer pointed out.

"There were no signs on the driveway warning that it would be trespassing to knock on the door." Kaiba countered. "Had I been a well informed passer-by, I would have attempted a phone call."

"Hard to do when you cut my phone line!" Rebecca growled. Kaiba was way too cool and smooth for this. She was getting quite aggravated.

"Miss, you don't have a sign posted at the end of the driveway, do you? And he wasn't forcing his way in, was he? I don't see any signs of kicking in the door, or jimmying the lock…" The officer shrugged.

"He cut my phone line! That's damaging my property!" Rebecca bit out—her eyes narrowing on Kaiba, who suddenly looked quite bored. He was studying his nails and looking up at the sky as she continued her tirade.

One of the other officers came around the side of the house shaking his head. "No cut phone wires Sir."

"You fixed it didn't you?" Rebecca accused. "Officer, surely you must see that…"

"What I see is that he came here, maybe not invited, looking for his girlfriend. I'd like to question her." The lieutenant remarked, as he scribbled something down on his pad.

Kaiba's ears perked, question her? That could be an in for him, if she wouldn't open the door, now she would be forced out—perfect. He was sure once she saw him she would let him explain.

"Now? She can't come out here with him…" Rebecca pointed at Kaiba. "She doesn't want to see him. Do you realize what he put her through? No way!"

The officer looked at Kaiba, "Did you physically harm your girlfriend? Is this a domestic abuse case?"

Kaiba was taken aback, "I would never hurt her." He growled.

"You did hurt her!" Rebecca snapped.

"I want to see the girl," the officer demanded.

"I'm here," Serenity called out from the doorstep. Slowly she walked over to them, trying to remain calm and collected. This was the first time, since the night in his arms; she was face to face with him. She knew he would see that she had been crying, that she was upset, but she prayed he wouldn't see she was still in love. She would hide that, keep it, it was hers and she would be damned before she allowed it to be used against her.

She would remember this moment, the clear sky, the crisp breeze, and the warm air. She would remember the crunch of the stones beneath her feet and the way the leaves flickered above her in the treetops. This was the day, the moment, and the instant that she would let him go. Looking into his blue eyes would destroy her, so she looked into the officer's.

"Has this man hurt you ma'am?" He asked, noting the bruise on her cheek. It was from Taylor, cleverly disguised with make-up, which was washed away by her tears. Rebecca's eyes widened, while Kaiba's eyes narrowed.

"You hit her!" The feisty blonde cried out, pointing an accusing finger at the CEO.

"No! Rebecca, wait," Serenity wouldn't let them accuse Kaiba of that. "He didn't hit me, this was from something else—someone he tried to protect me from."

The cop and Rebecca looked at Kaiba, who gave a curt nod.

"What would you like us to do?" The cop questioned the two girls.

"Just escort them from the property, please." Serenity looked at the ground as she said the words.

"Serenity— don't do this." Kaiba looked at her and, instinctively, grabbed her upper arm. "I need to talk to you." He wanted her to look up at him, to acknowledge him. He would have dropped to his knee there and then, if she responded to him positively.

"There is nothing to say, your check spoke louder than words Seto Kaiba." She shrugged her arm, and he loosened his grip, letting her go. He noticed she wouldn't look at him, not at all. Could it be she was afraid to? That he would see something in her eyes?

"Go home Kaiba." She turned on her heel and slowly started walking back to the house. It would be so easy to throw her self into his arms, but she denied the urge.

"I'm not giving up on you Serenity…" He growled. "I have no intention of leaving here without you."

"You are leaving here without her. Get in your car and drive away…" Rebecca challenged as blue eyes shot daggers at her. She was far from intimidated. "You don't scare me, so stop trying. Go home or the good officer will kick your ass off my property." Rebecca stormed away.

"You win the battle kid…but not the war…" Kaiba promised. She shot him a look that would kill most men, but he found it amusing and smirked at her—blue eyes watching her through his bangs. He walked his way over to the car, ever mindful of the house to his right. He looked it up and down, wondering where she was in there, could she see him? Was she attempting to see him? He would be back and then they would talk. He slowly moved into the Mercedes and slammed the door.

"Drive." It was a simple order barked at his chauffer.

"But your brother…" The driver attempted.

"I said drive, are you having problems understanding direct orders?" Kaiba was looking for a fight now, and he would take it out of this innocent person's hide if he felt the need.

Slowly the limo crunched its way down the drive and turned right out onto the street. They would park around the corner and wait for Mokuba there. If the driver dared to question him again he would be fired. Kaiba checked behind them to see the other car stop as well. Now he would sit and wait. He had no idea if Mokuba's plan would work, but his brother seemed to be getting good at stealth missions.

Rebecca made iced tea and brought in two glasses for her and Serenity. She handed one to her distraught friend and sat down across from her. She thought for sure Serenity would cave in, and run to Kaiba on sight, but she seemed stronger than that.

"You'll forget him Serenity. He always was a creep. It doesn't seem like time has changed him at all." Rebecca huffed. "Same stuck up rich snob as he always was. Don't let him get to you…there are more fish in the sea." Rebecca settled back in her chair and sipped her tea. Serenity stirred hers and sighed. Would she ever get over Kaiba? Did she really want to?

"There just has to be a way to let him go." Serenity whispered. "I simply have to figure out how…"

"Scared girls like you usually just write serious guys off." The male voice startled the two of them enough to send Rebecca plopping off the couch and onto the floor. Mokuba chuckled as he walked over and tried to help her. "It wasn't my intention to catch you off guard…but this is a better side of you…" He snickered even as she slapped his hand away.

"Don't touch me!" She picked herself up, quickly and made her way to the phone. "Get out or I call the police. Non-negotiable…you have five seconds…"

"You are such a pain in the ass—has anyone told you that lately?" Mokuba asked with a lop-sided grin.

"I'm a thorn in the side…your brother is a pain in the ass." She snapped back. Her eyes widened as he grabbed the cordless phone from her.

"I need two minutes with Serenity and then you can call the police…" He informed her and winked.

"No deal…you give me the phone and I won't call the police if you leave now." She moved closer and tried to grab the phone. He raised it over his head, at a now typical Kaiba height of six feet, there was no way she would reach it. Though he did like how she was pressing against him during her efforts.

"Your mouth makes up for your vertical impairment…" Mokuba played a game of keep away, which caused Serenity to giggle.

"Mokuba—lay off…" Serenity finally stood and walked over, holding out her hand for the phone. "Give it to me…you can have your two minutes and then I'll give the phone to Rebecca."

"Hey, maybe in two minutes I can charm her enough that she'll ask me to stay." Mokuba shrugged as he watched the pretty blonde flush red.

"Will hell freeze over in that time as well?" She retorted.

"Come on, you can do better than that…" Mokuba tempted.

"Yeah, I could kick you…in the proper location…and end the bloodline…" She stuck her tongue out and sat down on the couch, mindful to cross her legs. Mokuba watched her with a gleam of interest. Serenity caught it and, despite her foul outlook on love, she smiled. Mokuba deserved happiness.

"Your two minutes Mokuba…" Rebecca chastised.

Mokuba turned violet eyes on Serenity and lost his smile. "I know why you're avoiding Seto…"

"Well, obviously! You were there when he had the stupid checks handed out." Her voice had a small catch in it.

"Yes, but then I went to confront Seto…remember? Or were you too busy running away before you realized I wouldn't let him get away with something like that?" Mokuba was accusing her.

"Mokuba I…" She tried, but his hand shot up, silencing her.

"You were afraid…still are…frightened like a child…not bold like the woman I know you are capable of being…" He searched her face.

"Scared of being hurt by your brother…yes I am…so I'm taking my heart out of the equation." She folded her arms across her chest.

"Was your heart in the equation?" Mokuba asked, seriously. "I mean, I know you told him you loved him and you rescued him, but did you ever think of what would happen once there were no obstacles?" He watched her expression change, she was thinking about it.

"I loved your brother and he gave me that check…"

"It was an error, Serenity. You never even gave him a chance to explain. He flew here—on your heels—and you still denied him a moment of your time. Why? I think you need to ask yourself why you fled. Anger or terror? Were you that incensed with Seto, or were you terrified because now there is nothing to keep you two apart?"

"Your two minutes are over," Serenity turned away from him, biting her lip. She was furious, pure and simple—not scared…

"Seto isn't leaving, not until you talk to him." Mokuba moved closer to the door.

"Is he going to move here forever? Because she'll never talk to him, not if I can help it." Rebecca shot a smug look at Mokuba. He licked his lips and she blushed, as she crossed her eyes at him. He smiled at her and tilted up her chin.

"Keep fighting it…Rebecca." It was a practical purr and she felt her knees weaken.

"Ass…" she growled.

"Yeah, maybe, but an adorable one…" He winked as he opened the door and left.

"Adorable my foot!" Rebecca challenged under her breath. "He's as bad as his brother!"

Serenity sat back down and went over his speech. Was she afraid of no obstacles? That her and Kaiba would have to deal with a relationship, not bad guys, scaring her? Heaven help her, because nothing else could. He would wear her down, she was sure of that. Eventually she would have to see him, but not anytime soon. She would leave in the morning for a new place…and escape him.

"You didn't get through to her either, did you?" Kaiba asked as Mokuba entered the car. "She's being stubborn."

"She's scared." Mokuba replied, shrugging.

"Of what, Tristan?" Kaiba asked narrowing his eyes and looking out the window.

"No, of you." Mokuba pulled a soda out of the mini-bar and opened it, chugging it down. Who was Rebecca to call him an ass? Little brat…well, not exactly 'little' anymore… She was all grown-up. He bit his tongue as he thought of her. Geez, not her…anyone but her… He rolled his eyes and sighed. Why did he have to pick a challenge…just like Seto? He had girls fawning all over him. Why choose a girl who was clearly repulsed by him? Then again, she had blushed…

"Why of me?" Seto still concentrated on the scenery.

"She has to face you now, nothing holding either of you back. Your feelings are bared, well, at least hers are." Mokuba shrugged as he replayed the events of the day in his mind. "What next big brother? This idea sucked…"

"I take her…" Kaiba said it so simply, so—purposefully.

"Take her?"

"Tonight. We're going back and I'm taking her. I made certain arrangements, while you tried to reason with her. Seeing as there is no reasoning, I'm taking her." Kaiba shifted and looked at his watch. "Once the lights go out—I go in and she leaves with me…willingly or gagged—makes no difference to me." He was done—this was ridiculous. She loved him and as soon as he had his say things would go back to normal. He felt the ring pressing against his chest, he would be grateful when it was on her finger so he could be finished with the box…

Serenity twisted again. Sleep was illusive and her mind kept trying to wrap around Mokuba's comments. Was she afraid of Seto? Of loving him? It would be in the real world now, no James Bond novel…not that she was a Bond girl. Would it work? How could it? She turned again, looking out the window and up at the moon. She could see it from her bed, the moonlight splashing down on her.

Slumber was not going to happen anytime soon. She rose out of the bed and crossed the room, sitting down on the window seat. She loved him, had no doubts about that. It took every ounce of strength not to launch into his arms. He looked amazing, and she wanted him, but…and there it was…the nameless thing. Mokuba said Seto had made a mistake. Why would he chase her, if he had paid her off? Mokuba had been angry as hell with Seto, and yet now he was on Seto's side. None of it made sense. She rested her forehead against her knees, which she was hugging to her chest.

The door opening caused her to look up.

"Rebecca?" She called out towards the dark at the other end of the room.

"Guess again…" Seto's voice responded.

She gasped, jumped, and then quickly stood. In the spill of moonlight, in her white nightgown—she was like a vision to him. He approached her and stopped just short of grabbing; remaining in the shadows, just out of her line of vision. She could make out a simple murky shadow. Her heart raced. His eyes raked over her again and again. No Rebecca, no police, no annoyances. She looked panicked, but she wasn't screaming or running.

"What are you doing…?" She whispered, trying to find her voice.

"I've come to get you." He moved closer, stepping into the light. "No more games Serenity."

"I'll scream…" it was a small threat, she wasn't sure if she could find her voice if she tried. "I will…"

"Go ahead, your friend…the brat…is indisposed of…" He smirked.

Serenity's eyes widened, "What did you do to her? If you hurt her I swear…I'll…I'll…" what would she do? Seto was bigger, stronger and faster. Whatever had been done to Rebecca had taken place already.

"Mokuba is…seeing to her…comfort." Kaiba moved closer and stroked a finger down her cheek. Her eyes were so wide and doe-like his heart quickened. She swallowed hard.

"What do you want?"

"Your compliance," he shrugged. "It will be so much easier if you just walk out of here with me. Fighting would be useless; surely you see that…I don't want to hurt you."

"You would hurt me?" Her voice squeaked.

"Not intentionally, but if you struggle you could harm yourself. I would hate to see that happen." He moved closer and she stepped back. "Where are your things?"

"I'm not going…" She shook her head.

He frowned, "You are. Get your things."

"I…I want to change…" She stammered. He would leave the room and she would lock the door, climb out the window and run off…barefooted.

"Fine…go ahead." He had no intention of leaving.

"You would stay and…watch?" She was horrified.

"I know you, you would attempt to escape. You won't be hurting yourself." He picked up her backpack. "Are you through stalling?"

She nodded. Did she have a choice?

"You can change when we get there."

"Where is there?" She asked as he grabbed her wrist. A million jolts of pleasure originated from that contact. Could that be why she wasn't fighting?

"You'll see…" He turned for a moment. Looking down at her. Fighting the urge to kiss her, but needing to so badly he could taste it. Her eyes scanned his and then gasped as his fingertips traced her lips. "I won't hurt you…" it was a soft promise.

"You already have…" She felt a tear trickle down her cheek.

He frowned, "let's go." He pulled her out of the room, down the dimly lit hall and stairs to the front door. The chauffer was there and Kaiba handed him her bag. He looked at her bare feet; the loose stone driveway would shred her delicate skin.

"Where are your shoes?" He asked, annoyed that he hadn't let her put them on.

"In my room somewhere," She looked out at the limo and felt like throwing herself onto the floor in a tantrum. It would only prolong the agony and why resist the inevitable? She gasped when he approached her. He grabbed her upper arm and tugged her close.

"No," she whispered at his touched. His eyes no longer looked cold—that frightened her. He gently scooped her up in his arms. He shivered a bit. It had been so long since he had her like this, in his arms. He would bring the walls between them down.

She wrapped her arms around his shoulders; cursing herself for having to touch him. It felt too good, too right. His hair felt too soft, his scent too intoxicating, his mouth too close, his heartbeat too rapid. She wanted him, despite everything—the check, the betrayal, nothing mattered in those moments. He carried her to the limo. Gently he slid her into the open door and she scooted across the seat. The opposite door was locked, she was hoping it was open—she could have raced out. He moved in beside her. His blue eyes searched her face by the interior light of the limo. His fingers stroked the bruise on her cheek.

"No more harm…only healing…" He promised softly.

A/N: Yes, those of you who had your radar alerts on caught it…Mokuba and Rebecca… Let me hear how you liked or hated this chapter. Thank you for all the wonderful reviews! You guys are great… Look for my responses on my profile page! I always answer you all, so if you wrote me I wrote you!