A/N: Ownership of Yu-gi-oh never implied-just borowing the wonderful characters for my own imaginative purposes. If the creators sue me I guess they can have my mind, or at least, what little (and I seriously mean little) is left of it...

Thank you Iris Omega...you are a great beta!

Chapter 11

Let The Girl In Your Heart Tumble Free

Serenity stood there gaping at Seto Kaiba. Her jaw opened and closed a few times, but nothing came out. She felt her face burn hot from the embarrassment that she now felt. Had she really thought the worst of him? Did she honestly believe that he would allow Mokuba to be that unleashed? Mokuba wasn't like that anyways—the child was too sweet for that type of behavior. What had she been thinking?

Anything to make him seem more like a monster than a man. Anything to make him into a villain and less appealing. Yes, damn it, he's appealing! Fine, so there!

"I just... well, it seemed as if... you know that the impression was... well..." She paused for a heartbeat. "Shoot, Kaiba! You know darn well you walked me right into it!" Her face twisted and her nose crinkled as she fumed at the blue eyes that seemed to dance with glee—sick, twisted glee, but glee nonetheless.

"Serenity." He approached her and tilted her chin up. "You refuse to believe that I am anything but inherently evil. If I had told you what I was doing, you would have thought it was in order to seduce you." His lips lingered close to hers; she could almost taste coffee on her lips.

"Y-you... you're trying to s-seduce me?" she stammered as her eyes became half-lidded. She shouldn't sound so darn weak. She could withstand his attempts... couldn't she? Really, if he pressed the advantage, she could easily... well, at least half-heartedly... oh, hell—could she trust herself at all anymore?

"No," he countered as his lips softly brushed hers before quickly pulling away. "No seduction, I just want to take your challenge—play the game and win."

I want your heart, Serenity...

The smug way he said it caused her eyes to snap open. She took his coffee cup and splashed what little was left of its contents in his face.

"Pig!" She stormed to the door as he took his handkerchief and wiped his face. He was surprised—he wasn't even mad at her. He was really enjoying the chase too much to be angry.

"Would you have rather I told you I wanted to seduce you? Would that have been the appropriate answer?" He snickered.

"I hate you!" she seethed as she opened the door to leave. Then she thought better of it. Slamming the door shut, she turned to face him again.

"Why do you want a woman who clearly doesn't want you?" She stomped her foot and slammed her fists against her hips. "I have given you no indication of want or desire to even be in the same room with you!"

"You dragged me in here, Serenity, you shut the door, and now you can leave but yet you choose to stay." He tossed the cloth on the desk. "Who wants to be with whom?"

"Are you implying that I want to be with you? That I enjoy making your life miserable by forcing you to sit next to me, to grope me, to... to... to kiss me?" She swallowed hard. What the hell was she doing? She was giving him so many openings it was insane!

"First of all, Serenity..." He stepped forward, towards her. "I never forced you to sit by me and I have never groped you. That would imply I'm the sort of man I loathe and detest." He stepped a bit closer. "As far as the kissing is concerned..." He had her trapped against the wall now, a hand on either side of her head. Her eyes were wide and desperately trying not to stare at the mouth she long to feel pressed against hers. "I'll spare you of it from now on."

He wouldn't kiss her anymore? He wouldn't kiss her anymore? The words swirled around her head but wouldn't register. He had to—he just had to. It was part of the game they started.

"What do you mean?" she managed in a strained whispered.

He knew she was trying to mull things over in her mind. This proved she had enjoyed the kisses—this proved it. She was panicking that he wouldn't do it again.

"Fine, Kaiba, I don't need anymore kissing from you." She'd show him. "There are plenty of fish in the sea, and, personally, I like the ones free of sharp teeth." She was blatantly staring at his mouth; it had felt so nice last night.

"Are you comparing me to a shark?" The smile that graced his lips made her knees feel like jelly. He licked his lips slowly, with intention. "Would that make you bait?"

"Bait?" She growled. He was comparing her to bait? What type, she wondered, a dead fish at the end of a hook, or a night crawler? It was insulting either way.

"How dare you insinuate that I'm bait?" she demanded. When had her hands fallen onto his shoulders? "That is a horrible thing to say!"

"If you knew more about sharks, sweet Serenity, you would know that everything is bait to them." He felt her fingers tighten on his shoulders; it was working. "Your mind works in ways I enjoy exploring. I say bait and you think of a tackle shop. Do you know sharks even think of other sharks as bait? Any struggling in the water or a drop of blood from miles away can bring a shark in, to circle, thus making that creature prey for said shark." His fingertip traced her lower lip. She was intoxicating.

"Am I your prey, Seto Kaiba? Are you the shark circling me?" His eyes were bluer than she had ever seen. The deepest parts of the ocean took on this hue, this magnificent azure that she longed to lose herself in. Could a person drown in another's eyes?

"I would never attack you." His voice was raspy. "I just want to be invited in, to revel in the waters with you." He licked his parted lips. She lowered her lashes until her eyes were softly closed, anticipating his kiss.

Suddenly, cool air was on her skin—he had withdrawn his warmth. Her eyes snapped open. He left her standing there... wanting.

"Kaiba?" she nearly cried out.

"Yes, Serenity?" His voice was calm and cool, as if they hadn't just battled wits yet again.

"I don't know what you want from me," she managed.

"I want your laughter."

"What if I made a deal with myself to not laugh at any of you? What if my plan all along was to find solace and peace? What if I think I'm better off without a man to have to worry about?" She couldn't believe she was blurting out all of this. "What if, instead of trying to find the man of my dreams, I was dodging unwanted attention?" She was spilling her inner-most thoughts to him.

"It doesn't matter how or why it started. I intend to hold you to your verbal agreement," he reminded her. He had every intention of winning this challenge she had set, and he wanted not just the promise of her attention, but her actual heart.

"Duke and Tristan will give up if I ask them to—why won't you? I don't get it. You can have any female you point to. Shoot, there were so many women wrapping presents out there most likely with the sole intention of catching your eye. Why not go for someone like that? Someone who would give their eye teeth for you... just to be in the same room as you!" She shrugged in helplessness. "Why me?"

He turned towards the window, watching the Christmas lights slowly blink on throughout the town. Beautiful reds, greens, blues, and golds twinkled along the skylines. Between the freshly fallen snow and the kaleidoscope of colors, it was hard even for him not to feel the spirit of the season.

"My parents loved Christmas," he whispered. "We had so many traditions I can scarcely remember them all. The tree, the ornaments, the cookies, the anticipation and the togetherness; it felt... warm." He turned his deep blue eyes towards her. "That's why I wanted to know if you liked Christmas."

She was beginning to understand the man before her. He wasn't such a monster—such a cold, callous creep. "You have started traditions with Mokuba," she whispered. "The sleigh ride, the presents for the orphanages, and the decorations at the mansion."

"What are your traditions, Serenity?" He moved closer to her as she began eyeing her fingers. They were moving onto dangerous ground. She could fall for a man like this... she could want to fall for him. Besides, she knew that too much sugar ruined a cake, Kaiba was in no danger of being ruined-there was a bit of salt in him. She closed her eyes and he took it as an invitation.

Slowly his lips moved onto hers. One of his hands tilted her chin up while the other found the small of her back, pulling her close. Her fingers slid up his arms and tangled softly into his hair. Gently, he caused her lips to part and the sweetness of her mouth around him nearly made him panic. How could he want someone so badly? Her tongue twirled around his, tasting the coffee; it was bitter, but he was so sweet. She tilted her head so he could have better access, and he quickly picked up on her cue. Eagerly, they savored and delighted in the confection of the other's mouth. Kaiba pulled her closer as she pressed her body tighter into his.

He pulled back softly, not leaving much space between their lips, "I won't initiate a kiss with you again Serenity. You will have to take the lead." Blue eyes, putting the finest sapphires to shame, searched her delicate features. She had enjoyed the kiss, had responded like no woman ever had, but did she want more?

Slight movement caused his eyes to leave her's. She moved her fingertip over to his mouth and traced his lower lip. He was sarcastic and rude, cold and manipulative. How could this attract her, fascinate her, and cause her to crave more? The light from the window cast warm shadows on his skin. He closed his eyes as her silky fingers stroked over his cheeks, down to his chin.

"Why aren't you stopping me?" she asked in a husky voice as she continued her explorations, moving down his neck.

"Because, unlike you, I know what I want." His voice was a low, raspy growl.

"You never told me why you want me. I'm just a school teacher who earns a menial income, who has no power or prestige... and, if you saw how I dueled, you would laugh yourself stupid." She set her sights on his lips again, softly stroking them as a smirk began to turn up their corners. Her heart skipped several beats, and she released the breath she was unaware that she was holding.

"I have everything a person could want." He reveled in her touch, not making any sudden movements, for fear of frightening her, as if she were a timid doe. "Money, power, a corporation men would kill and die for. I could do anything, Serenity. However, at the end of the day, do you know what I enjoy most?" He parted his lips slightly under her fingertips, his tongue tasting her. She gasped slightly and pulled back, but he grabbed her wrist—softly, but snugly.

"What?" She asked, timidly, afraid of the sensual taste he had just taken.

"Mokuba."

It was easy enough, matter-of-factly stated. She really had no doubts about his statement. Mokuba was his world. It was poignant and touching.

"The reason why I do everything is for him." His eyes caught hers. "He fulfills a major part of my life."

"I have friends and a brother, too," she whispered. "They mean a lot to me, as well. It still doesn't explain why you want me."

"Your life wouldn't depend on mine. I could make you happy, but you could also be happy on your own. I don't want a woman who needs me, Serenity—there are plenty of those." He rolled his eyes. "I want a woman who compliments me."

She swallowed hard. He was making this distance thing so difficult. She was going to refuse him; she had to. Damn pride... it was because she was too prideful. When had she become that way? Probably from all the codling and the, 'no, we'll do it for you.' She had been overprotected and was now resentful of it. Was that her gripe? Had this cold man made her realize that?

"I don't know what I want anymore, Seto Kaiba." She bit her lower lip as she shook her head. Slowly she raised her eyes to his. The only thing she did know was that she wanted to kiss him again. Slowly she licked her lips, rising on her toes to move closer to his lips. His eyes closed as he strained to lessen the gap, yet keep her in control. This would be the first kiss she gave him willingly, and he would savor each sensation.

The door flew open with speed and a loud crashing sound. "Big brother, Serenity! We're ready to go! Everything is wrapped and ready!"

Serenity watched as face after face lit up at the wonderful toys, dolls, bikes, and stuffed animals. She had never felt so elated before. Kaiba stood back, watching from a remote corner, but Mokuba was in the middle of everything, having the time of his life. The laughter was contagious. She found herself playing with X-Boxes, finger paints, and board games. Mokuba was playing chase with some of the boys, and the little girls were playing with Barbies. For a few hours, they seemed to forget that they were orphans. Seto Kaiba had given them the greatest gift of all, Serenity supposed. They were children tonight, and they felt wanted. Even though he didn't participate, he was the catalyst.

They left the orphanage, and Serenity actually smiled as Kaiba slid in beside her in the limo. He noticed the smile, but said nothing.

"Can we get something to eat?" Mokuba asked before Kaiba closed the door.

"I think Serenity needs to get home," Kaiba answered. "But, if you're hungry, we can go out after we drop her off."

"I bet she's hungry too, big brother! Aren't you, Serenity?"

"I don't want to intrude..."

The next thing she knew, Kaiba was telling the driver where to take the three of them. Butterflies took flight as she realized that she had decided on this dinner. She was no longer the tricked member of this group. No scheme had taken place; she was there because she wanted to be there. The scariest realization was that, even though she enjoyed Mokuba's company, she was more interested in Kaiba's at the moment.

It was a small restaurant—not the grand Italian place they had dined at the other night. This was a rather small, quaint establishment. As they entered, Kaiba and Mokuba took their shoes off.

"Shoes off," Kaiba commanded her.

Oh great, Serenity thought to herself, she had to take her boots off? She had struggled to get the knee-high boots on this morning, and, through the course of the day, they had swelled. Add that to the thick socks and she was willing to wait for a doggy bag—to put over her head.

"I didn't say clothes off." He smirked... yet. Her expression was priceless.

"This may not be such a great idea," Serenity whispered to Kaiba.

"What's wrong?" he asked, clearly annoyed. What was her problem now?

"I have to take my boots off," she murmured, tugging on his wrist.

He looked at her, and then took in her form. She looked nervous and very tense.

"It will be easier to sit cross-legged on the floor without your boots on. It's the custom to remove your shoes in this restaurant."

Serenity sat down on the small step and began tugging on her boots. Mokuba quickly came over to assist in her plight. He tugged and she pulled back her leg. After a few hard tugs, Mokuba stood there panting and looking at her in helplessness.

"Did you use glue, or what?" Mokuba rubbed his hand.

"I didn't think they would be coming off until tonight..." She quickly looked up at a smirking Kaiba. "When I was at home... alone."

Seto quickly moved in front of her and grabbed her boot, rapidly tugging it off. His hands moved to the next; he lifted her leg up and gave a tug, sliding her a bit on the floor, but pulling the boot off nevertheless. Her skirt had ridden up a bit, giving him an eyeful of her legs. They seemed to go on forever. They were quite lovely, despite the socks, and she was beautifully proportioned. Once more his eyes roamed over her, and she was quite aware of it. She shot him a dirty look. Served him right, he thought in amusement, he was eyeing her as if she were a piece of merchandise to be bought. He had no business doing that.

Shoeless, the three followed the waiter to the dining room. It was softly lit with the walls draped in gold silk while the floor was carpeted in a richer gold and scarlet print. They were shown to a low table—no more than two feet off the ground—and seated on plump cushions.

"They obviously don't believe in lounging back while you're eating," Serenity joked.

"You'll be surprised how comfy it is," Mokuba assured her.

"It just takes a bit of getting use to," Kaiba explained. "It is easier if you have short legs." He motioned towards Mokuba.

Serenity giggled.

"Hey! That's not nice, big brother. You know I'll be as tall as you someday, maybe taller, and then I can kick your..."

Mokuba stopped at the blue eyes that were narrowing on him.

Serenity laughed at their antics. They were adorable together.

"I have no idea what to order." She shrugged helplessly.

"Can you trust me?" Kaiba asked her. He watched her eyes on his—they were changing. No longer did they stare in accusation and anger. Her eyes were almost dancing in the low light. A slight chill slid down his back. She would be his; he could almost feel it.

"Nothing spicy and nothing fishy... oh, and I hate mustard." She closed her menu and placed it before her. She would trust him. "You're very sure of yourself, Kaiba. You know that if you order something for me that I hate, it may count heavily against you." She leaned in closer to his ear. "I am quite famished." She could smell the scent of his cologne, and tried to take a deeper breath without him figuring it out.

"It's part of my success," he stated.

"In business?" she offered.

"In all aspects of my life. I also believe women prefer decisive men. Do you agree?" He smirked.

"Decisive, not conceited, Kaiba. Don't cross the line. I find it very unattractive."

"Ah, Serenity..." He leaned into her as Mokuba continued to fidget and read his menu. "In order to find something very unattractive, at some point you must find it attractive."

His warm breath against her ear sent shivers down her spine. He knew what he was doing, and he knew he was doing it well. She would have to put a stop to this soon—yes, soon. But not right then; there was no reason to kill the mood right then.

The three enjoyed their meal. Small talk, recounts of the day, and thoughts of Christmas were the main topics. Kaiba sat mostly in silence, taking Serenity in. He was learning more about her by the second. However, he needed more information. Though he knew he wanted her, he had to figure how he had lowered her defenses that night. She was smiling and laughing, thoroughly enjoying herself. Her smile was breath-taking and brilliant.

All too soon they had finished dessert. Kaiba had done an amazing job choosing her meal, and she would tell him so later.

They all stood and made their way to the door. Mokuba and Kaiba slipped their shoes on easily, but Serenity was having great difficulties. The suede of her boots caused them to be even more difficult to pull back on. She was so frustrated she looked as if she would cry. Even with Kaiba's help, there was no way they were getting back on.

"Oh well..." She shrugged. "I am wearing thick socks, and the limo isn't parked far... I could make a run for it." She stood up and walked to the door, boots in hand.

"What kind of a gentleman would I be if I allowed you to walk to the car, through the ice and snow, in socks?" He approached her quickly, blue eyes flashing in amusement.

"Oh God, no...Please, Kaiba, don't toss me over your shoulder... not in front of everyone… I would die of embarrassment..." She wedged herself in the corner between the door and the wall. Just imagining her ass in the air, over his shoulder, was enough to make her want to crawl under a rock and die. What if he slapped her again? She slipped on the marble on landed on her backside, wincing at the hit.

Gently, he bent down to her. He slid one arm under her knees and the other around her back. "Hold on, or I will drop you," he whispered against her cheek. Quickly, she wrapped her arms around his neck. He stood with her cradled in his warm arms. She fought the urge to kiss him on the spot. Sapphire met amber as Mokuba opened the door into the cool, crisp, wintry night.