A/N: I don't own Yu-gi-oh or any of the characters...
Thank you Iris Omega for editing... The late outting of this is as much my fault as yours...sick and lazy...
No response to reviews, not because I didn't enjoy each and every one, but because I keep delaying the release of this chapter to write responses. I think you would all rather read the story than my responses, so I decided to just post this minus my little quips. I hope you can all forgive me. I thank you all so very much, your reviews keep me going--know that okay? I just feel yucky and uninspired...shoot me if you feel the need...I am sorry. Thank you goes out to all who reviewed and love this story! Hope you enjoyed this chapter as well! I think my writing the next chapter is better than responding and holding back. I will resume responses next chapter...do you all still love me, or should I hide under my desk?
CHAPTER 16
Teasing a Dragon...
"What are you thinking?" Kaiba asked Serenity as they rode in the elevator to the ballroom. She had been very quiet, which wasn't like her. He had managed to scoot them past security, and now here they were, entering through the staff's entrance. He thought about making a grand entrance with her on his arm, but decided against that. It might have been too hard on her; the press could be brutal. Mokuba, meanwhile, was entranced with the hand-held game he was playing.
"I've never seen this part of the hotel before." She shrugged, a little disappointed that they weren't walking in together. Well, they were, but this way seemed like he was trying to hide her. "Are you sure... I'm not..." The doors opened, stopping her. He knew something was wrong.
"Mokuba." Kaiba stopped his brother as the boy exited the elevator. "Wait with Roland." The raven-haired boy, who looked so formal in his tux, stood there with Roland and a bodyguard. Kaiba closed the elevator doors and then turned to her. "Is something bothering you?" He tilted her chin up and searched her delicate features.
"I don't belong in this world, do I? I'm a school teacher, Kaiba." She shook her head. "That's why we're going up this way instead of using the front door... isn't it?"
He frowned at her statement. "When have I ever hid you?" he questioned and then looked at her, with impatience, for an answer.
She stood there, thinking for a moment. He had taken her to two public restaurants, on a sleigh ride, visited her apartment, picked her up in a parking lot, and came to her classroom twice. She looked up at him—smiling slightly. "Never."
"I'm protecting you from the insanity down there. However, you'll just have to get used to it after Christmas Eve." There was a smirk on his face and a distinct twinkle in his blue eyes. She smiled and giggled.
"You keep baiting me, Kaiba." Her hand suddenly decided to stroke through his hair.
"I'm not the one afraid of us..." He leaned down, closing the gap between them, and kissed her—breathless. He pulled away, not wanting to get too involved in that activity. The night was still young and he had every intention of getting quite cozy with her, but not until the opportune time.
He finally opened the doors. Serenity looked quite unnerved, while Kaiba looked very sure of himself. Roland handed his boss a handkerchief and pointed silently to his own lips, indicating Kaiba to wipe. Seto did, and then noted the pink smears on the cloth. He groaned. She drove him to total distraction.
"Are you coming?" he asked her. She jumped slightly—being ripped out of the waking dream-state his kiss had put her in. She nodded her head and took his offered arm.
This was so different than the last party she had attended not too long ago. There, she had walked in unescorted; now she was on a highly desired man's arm. Heads turned as they descended into the ballroom. These heads were those of his employees and business associates. All the men were dressed in tuxes and the women were competing in dresses akin to what you would expect to see at the Academy Awards. The room—which resembled a cavern in Serenity's mind—was decked out for the Christmas season. All the tables were elegantly trimmed with the finest china, and centerpieces of holly with white and red roses sat above the tables on silver perches. Candles and Christmas trees, fairly lights and glistening bells adorned the room. Descending into the room was like stepping into a different world. It seemed Kaiba Corp. had gone all out. She gripped his arm tighter and he slipped his free hand over her clenching one.
Mokuba raced over to the Viennese table, unnoticed by his big brother who could barely keep his mind focused on the party. Introductions started immediately. She was amazed at how elegant her name sounded rolling off his tongue. She was introduced as 'Miss Wheeler' again and again. She had the urge to write it on a blackboard and underline it. She stayed by his side, holding on to his arm for dear life. Not knowing any of the people who gathered around slowly—yet in a style reminiscent of vultures—was nerve-racking. Finally, Kaiba excused them and pulled her out onto the dance floor.
"You can breathe now," he instructed, moving in a simple manner—nothing fancy to make her look foolish. She wasn't even sure if her feet were touching the floor.
"You know everybody..." Her eyes were wide as she scanned the room. "How do you remember everyone and everything about them?" Finally, her eyes locked with his blue ones, which was a mistake—made evident by her blush.
"I may be ruthless in business, but a good employer has to remember everything. Success is partially owed to those who work for him." He shrugged, never breaking eye contact.
"I've heard so many stories about you..." She giggled.
"What have you heard?" His eyebrow quirked.
"That you're a tyrant who goes on firing sprees when the mood strikes you. That your employees cower and hide under desks. You never sound... nice."
He grunted, and her eyes opened wide. "Serenity, if I did that, my company would suffer. I know I have a temper, but I'm not stupid. Constant firing, rehiring, and retraining would cause monetary losses for my corporation. I expect my employees to do a good job, but, if they can't, they're replaced. I don't fire anyone because of my own moods. Hell, I'm driven, not psychotic... In order to succeed, you need to have reliable workers who give you one hundred and ten percent. One way to achieve that is through perks and incentives, not with threats. No one would offer new ideas or innovations if they were afraid of me. " His face disappeared into her neck as he pulled her close. "I like the familiar—no replacements. When I see someone who knows how to get it right, I fight like the devil to keep them... satisfied..."
Her heart was pounding. She realized that he was talking about his company, but there was an undercurrent of their relationship in his speech, as well. He pulled back and continued to spin her around the floor. She struggled to keep up. Thankfully, he could lead very well. All she had to do was try to follow.
"You've improved..." He finally tugged her off the dance floor. Her head was still spinning as his arm slipped around her. "Not much of an improvement, however. Actually, it might just be that you're willing to learn." He pulled her into a quiet corner, pointing up towards the arch they were under. Her gaze followed his finger. Mistletoe. "Are you willing to learn?"
Suddenly, his mouth was on hers. Her fingers dug into his shoulders as his arms slipped around her waist. It was a warm and gentle kiss, but too short for her taste. She pouted as he pulled away.
"Don't worry," he whispered against her lips. "We have all night to perfect that tradition." Once again, they were off. He made 'Kaiba small-talk,' and had short, to-the-point conversations. She found herself relaxing in his company. His hand would splay across her lower back or his hand would take hers and pull her after him. It seemed natural. How frightening it all felt, when had he made her so at ease? He didn't smile, crack jokes, or even laugh at funny banter—he simply listened and acknowledged. She realized he always paid attention, even to the most mundane conversations.
She excused herself, after a few hours and several dances, to use the ladies' room. Slowly, she made her way through the crowds of people. She was greeted with smiles and small waves. Everyone seemed nice, and... dare she say, 'happy?' For years, she had heard of him being a tyrant. She was beginning to realize that he was simply a shrewd businessman. He wasn't what she had been expecting. He had shown glances into his personality, and she was beginning to realize that he was intense, but a man as well. A robot, or computer, couldn't love Mokuba the way he did, and his company wouldn't prosper if he wasn't mindful of his employees. Pulling him out of context was dangerous, but that's what most people did. Sure, as a duelist he was a bit... arrogant... okay, he was an egotist to the extreme... but he was also very good. Actually, he was very good at a lot of things. She blushed as she looked at her reflection in the mirror, and then slowly began to reapply some lipstick and touch up her eyes a bit.
"What are you doing to me, Seto Kaiba?" she murmured. She made her way back into the crowds and began to search for him. Someone his height was easy to spot.
He was talking to a sugarcoated Mokuba, whose head was down. Kaiba held a plate of sweets piled up haphazardly. Neither looked happy.
"What's going on?" she asked. They both looked up at her. Suddenly, it was as if she belonged... as if it were now a trio as opposed to a duo. It felt strange.
"I'm in trouble..." Mokuba relented.
"We did this at the last party, Mokuba. Didn't you learn anything?" Blue eyes were narrowed on the small, and very upset, younger boy.
"I won't eat until I get that sick. Geez, Seto, I'm bored... this party is always boring. I would rather be anywhere but here." Mokuba folded his arms across his chest.
Kaiba frowned. "Have Roland take you home."
Mokuba looked up at him with worried eyes. "Am I in trouble?"
Kaiba shook his head. Usually, they left these affairs early, mostly due to boredom and annoyance. This time, they had stayed longer than usual, due to... her.
"We could all leave, Seto," Serenity offered. "We've been here for several hours. We've danced and talked, and..." She leaned in close to his ear, and he leaned down—sensing she wanted to be discreet. "My feet are killing me…"
Mokuba looked up at her and she winked down at him. He smiled.
"Fine, we'll all go," Kaiba agreed. "Back to the mansion." He heard Serenity's small gasp. He looked at her. Did she want to go home?
She looked at him and blinked a few times.
"Did you want to go home?" Kaiba asked, sounding a bit hurt.
"What would we do at your place?" she asked tentatively.
"We could watch a movie." Mokuba smiled.
"We also have a game room." Kaiba smirked at her. "You like games... maybe we could play a few... and you can see what a gracious winner I am. For future reference, of course."
He looked so confident, staring at her through his bangs. So confident and so damn hot. She nodded. "Sounds like fun." A smirk found its way to her lips. "Are you a gracious loser, too? Because I don't recall you handling defeat well."
"We've both grown up since then..." His eyes lingered on her, causing pink to flush her cheeks.
"Well..." She turned her nose up at him. "Hopefully, you've matured a bit since your tantrum days..." She placed her hand on Mokuba's shoulder to guide him and started to walk away. She wanted the last word.
Suddenly, his hand was on the small of her back and his breath was against her ear. "I like how you've matured, Serenity. I hope my maturity pleases you, as well..." His voice was a purr and her head spun with his implications.
"So, this is your game room?" Serenity walked in as Kaiba opened the door. There was a pool table, a sectional around a wide-screen television, a foosball table, a chessboard that was set up for play, and also a bar with stools around it. He flicked a few light switches, and then started a fire in the fireplace. She smiled; it was warm, and yet... fun. She liked it. Cabinets were filled with board games and books lined one of the shelves. Ah, to be rich... This room was probably the size of a normal house.
"Would you like to play chess?" Kaiba offered.
"I'd rather spare you that humiliation." She threw a quick smile at him.
She moved towards the pool table. She knew how to shoot quite well. Sometimes it paid to have a brother who liked to hustle at the local billiards hall. She then noticed the dartboard hanging near the bar. She loved darts; she was quite the ace. Joey constantly tried to get her to help him scam. He would never learn that she didn't do that and wouldn't consider it... until now.
"How about darts?" She shrugged softly. "A little skill is required, but it won't require scheming and calculated moves."
"I always calculate my moves, Serenity." He licked his lips as he approached her, causing trembles of excitement to ripple across her skin. He made his way across the room, stripping off his jacket and yanking off his bow tie. Turning to her, he asked, "Anything you wish to... discard... before we begin?" His eyes traveled up and down the red gown, which clung to her sinfully.
She blushed, cleared her throat, and smiled. "I don't think you would throw straight if I did that. Could you calculate it into your play?"
"Try me." Seto approached her and opened the dart case. She had no doubts they were aerodynamic and perfectly weighted.
"Show me what you've got, Mr. Kaiba... impress me." He moved in close, to kiss her, but she backed away—out of his grasp. She seductively hopped up on the pool table and crossed her legs. The slit showed off quite a bit of skin and his blue eyes darkened. He selected his dart and stepped to his mark.
Serenity watched as Kaiba twirled the dart in his fingers; he was showing off. She smiled at him coyly and licked her lips. Teasing the man was amusing as hell—dangerous, but amusing. Nimble fingers caressed the perfectly weighted device.
"Is this going to take all night, or are you going to throw that darn thing?" She examined her nails as if bored with his little show. Out of the corner of her eye, she watched him line up the shot, execute the perfect release, and hit a bull's eye. It figured. He excelled at everything else, why should this be any different?
He looked over at her and folded his arms across his chest. She slid off the pool table and walked over. Despite her confinement in the hugging gown, she moved quite gracefully. Brown eyes looked over at the board, and she moved quickly—tugging the dart out. It was an expensive dart set... professional instruments... not like the cheap ones at carnivals. If she could toss a carnie dart, and muddle along with Joey's cheap board (kicking her brother's backside each time), this would be a piece of cake.
"Ten bucks says you can't mirror my shot," he challenged. Blue eyes danced as they drank in her slight form, made all the more appealing by the curve-fitting dress. No one could best him in darts; no one had ever even come close. Serenity had no shot—she was a teacher, not a bar-shark.
"Oh, ye of little faith." She backed up to where he was, silently thanking Joey for all his lessons and her own practicing. Seto Kaiba was about to be rudely awakened. The small dart flew from her fingertips and hit her mark—dead center. "I should have bumped you up to twenty." She snickered as she blew on her knuckles and rubbed them on her chest in a mock show of supremacy.
"A bit sure of yourself?" He clucked his tongue. "The mighty fall when their arrogance gets in the way."
"Have you learned that lesson yet, Mr. Kaiba? If memory serves me correctly, no one can challenge you as far as ego trips are concerned." She was delighted with the way his eyes narrowed.
He tried to grab her, but she managed to walk around his attempt. It was a sly, and very intriguing move on her part. Her feet managed to side-step him more than once, so far, that night.
"Twenty says you can't hit two in a row..." the red-haired vixen challenged. She winked at him and hopped back up onto the pool table. The slit up the side of the gown revealed her legs, once again, as she crossed them. His breath caught as his eyes wandered up and down the silky skin of her thighs. He felt like throwing his jacket over her legs; if he covered her up, he could concentrate.
"Twenty dollars?" he scoffed. "That's a sucker's bet, you know. I never miss when I aim for something."
She smiled and slowly nodded. "You talk too much, Kaiba... so much air is wasted on vain statements that need support rather than attitude. Take your shot... make your move..." Her fingers slid up her leg, all the way to the top of her lacey thigh-high stocking. She slid her finger underneath the silky band and smoothed it out, causing his eyes to jerk reflexively to her fingers and her legs.
He cursed under his breath. Growling, he approached the board and pulled the dart free. He refused to look at her as she sat on his pool table—it was too distracting. She started swinging her left leg, slowly, which was crossed over her right. A perfectly shaped leg. A leg he longed to run his hand up. He stared at the dart in his hand. He couldn't hesitate—it would mean he was unsure. He lined it up and let it fly. Bull's eye, again. He nearly let out the breath he was holding. Hopefully, he wasn't showing her his momentary panic.
"There, now you owe me twenty." He leered at her legs. "Unless you'd prefer to try again? Or, maybe we could barter..."
"Congratulations, Mr. Kaiba." She walked over to him and undid his top button. Her fingers caressed the slight amount of exposed skin. He looked so adorable, she wanted to kiss him, but she would save that for her victory. "As for bartering... what could I possibly offer you?" She straightened her gown, pulling his eyes to her figure once again. "A man who owns or could buy anything..." She was baiting him and he was amused as hell that she had the audacity to tease him. How he longed for the moment when she would laugh...
"If you win, I treat you to breakfast," he offered as he licked his lips and grinned at her. It was reminiscent of the wolf in "Little Red Riding Hood." She wondered if he realized it.
"You're too sure of yourself. How about lunch, instead?" She walked over to the board and pulled out the dart again. Examining it, she decided to tease him. "Well?"
"Lunch," he grunted. Breakfast sounded way more suggestive.
The dart flew, and, naturally, she hit her target. She smugly turned to face him. "I get to pick the place." She tapped her fingers on her lips. "I'm thinking Paris..." It was a jest, something she never intended to hold him to.
"Done..." He smirked at her parting lips. She looked a bit shocked at his approval. Taking her out of the country to the most romantic place... how could that be bad or denied?
"I was joking," she whispered as she moved closer to him—paling noticeably.
"I wasn't," he assured her. "I know the most wonderful café, and Paris at Christmas is amazing... you'll love it."
"Kaiba, I can't just jet off to Paris with you," she tried to argue.
"Then you shouldn't have suggested it." He kissed her mouth quickly. "I will never renege on a bet. You'll be going to Paris for lunch, my sweet..."
He tugged the dart out of the board, while she fumbled with thoughts of him and Paris and Christmas. It was insane. She watched him insolently line up another shot.
"How often have you missed?" she asked, the wind temporarily removed from her sails. She approached him, standing to his side, as she fought the urge to kick him.
"I never miss," he replied pretentiously.
She watched him aim, and she slowly whispered, "If you make this shot, I'll sleep with you..."
The dart flew and hit somewhere on the wall near the window—not even near the board... quite far from the bull's eye.
"Never say never, Mr. Kaiba... you'll lose every time." She snickered as his eyes opened wide at the deviated dart. She wasn't sure if he was more shocked at his miss or her offer. It didn't matter—he had missed, all the same. That was all she was concerned with. "It's too bad, you could have used the tension reliever... you look a bit... uptight..." She giggled as he turned his face to her.
"You think you're amusing, don't you?" He shook his head. Sleep with him... If he hadn't let the dart fly, she would have been his. But he would have never claimed her—not on a mere bet. "Let's see how funny you are at the top of the Eiffel Tower, Miss Wheeler."
"You can't hold me to that, Kaiba." She huffed as she leaned against the pool table, slipping out of her shoes. Her feet were officially killing her. Her soft little whimpers drew his attention to her feet.
"I don't understand why women don't wear sensible shoes." He scooped her up and brought her to the couch. Once he deposited her, he sat down and placed her feet in his lap. She bit her lip as he started rubbing her left foot first, which caused her to wince a bit, and then the right. He was actually quite gentle; she was surprised. His hair fell in his eyes as his hand stroked up her right leg, rubbing her calf and then moving behind her knee. Serenity giggled, he looked up at her and gave her a wolfish grin. Her eyes grew wide as he tugged her closer and raced his hands up to her waist. She was beyond nervous and slightly ticklish, so his action resulted in peals of laughter.
Serenity tried to resist, causing them both to lose their balance and tumble onto the floor. She then found herself resting, comfortably, along the length of his body. His breathing was just as rapid as hers and his arms were wrapped around her.
"How did we...? I mean, I should have landed on the bottom." She looked confused as she realized that he had managed to flip her over in the course of the fall. He bore the brunt of the impact.
His fingers stroked up and down her back, over her bare skin. Her eyes fluttered closed as she bit her lip. Could this feel any better?
"I guess this proves that I'm worthy." He chuckled as he slid one hand into her hair—freeing it from its clip. It cascaded down on them like waves of fire. He was certain she would try to move, so he shifted her between his thighs and pressed his legs against her to pin her there. She was caught between the couch and the coffee table.
She braced her arms on his chest and stared down into his eyes. It didn't feel like he had any intention of letting her go. She smiled as she traced his lips with her finger. He was warm, felt wonderful, and his cologne was driving her insane. Slowly, with purpose, her fingers wandered down to the button she had opened, she undid the next one and watched his eyes go wide.
"What now, Mr. Kaiba?" she whispered, her voice lowering a notch. "Shall we play another game?" She playfully tapped him on the nose with her finger. He waited two more seconds after that to pull her into a mind-shattering kiss. She could hardly get her mouth settled on his before he demanded more. They had driven one another insane all night. This was the end result of the teasing. Every ounce of pent-up energy was being experienced in the tangle on the floor.
With great reluctance she managed to pull back. Staring down into sinfully blue eyes, she found herself breathless.
"Did you want to kiss me when you picked me up?" she asked, sounding like she had run a marathon.
"What?" His breathing was rapid. "No... I..."
"Who's lying now, Mr. Kaiba? I could smell the peppermint." She nipped his lips as he smirked.
"I figured you would want to kiss me... so I was prepared." He growled as he caught her mouth again. He was quite ravenous, and she was so aware of everything at that moment. She parted her lips for him again, and he quickly took divine advantage. Soon, she found herself returning his soft growl. Pulling back, she looked at him. The room seemed to spin.
What was he doing to her? His hands slid up and down her back, as her fingers stroked his chest.Slowly, he roamed back up, pulling her in again--more demanding than ever. She gasped at the hunger, but still managed to make her own demands of his mouth. He softly stroked her neck and shoulders, pulling soft whimpers from her throat. He was sinfully good at this, her mind reeled as she pulled away. His breathing was ragged and she was panting softly.
"I can't think straight..." She mumbled.
"Then don't think," He kissed her again as his hand dove into the thick curls spread across her shoulders. She had only a moment before he deepened the kiss, exploring ever part of her mouth. She never felt like this before, never wanted so much, how could this be Seto Kaiba? He was supposed to be cold, this was as far from cold as hell was from heaven. She managed to drag herself away and looked down into his eyes--eyes that bore into her being. She slid down his body and rested her head against his chest, his heart was as erratic as her own. They were in dangerous territory.
"Big brother!" They both heard Mokuba and quickly scrambled into a better position. He slammed into the room with a pizza box, followed by Roland, who was carrying plates and napkins. "I was starving, and, since none of us ate at the party, I figured that this would be a great idea."
"Yeah, just great..." Kaiba was obviously annoyed at having been interrupted.
"It's a wonderful idea..." Serenity beamed. She was slowly starving. Besides, she needed a distraction... badly.
"Should I get the sodas?" she asked.
"Make mine a cup of ice," he grunted, for her ears only. She turned wide eyes on him and then winked...