A/N: As promised, here is the next chapter! Didn't have time to reply all the reviews this time round as I was rushing between school work and completing this chapter. Sorry! But I hope this extremely quick update makes it up!

Warning: Colourful language which you all should be immune to by now.

Byakuya tossed and turned as he listened to Rukia's steady breathing beside him. It had been almost an hour since their talk and Byakuya had a hard time falling asleep. He was fully aware that Rukia was now facing his back as she slept. The idea of her almost naked right next to him was keeping him from sleeping and Byakuya had scooted as far as he could to his side of the bed. Apparently, Rukia seemed to have shifted over as well as she lay curled against his back, one arm draped over his torso.

Byakuya was feeling slightly hot and bothered and he considered if he should take a cold shower instead. Finally deciding that an icy shower would do him some good, he carefully removed Rukia's hand from him and slipped out of bed. The slight movement seemed to have woken Rukia as she opened her eyes sleepily and she gazed at him.

"Where are you going?" she murmured.

"Shower." Byakuya replied.

"Don't," Rukia protested sleepily. "You smell nice already."

The feeling was weird. Speaking to Rukia in the dark in hushed tones in a hotel suite and her calling him back to bed felt intimate. Byakuya cleared his throat uncomfortably as he proceeded to the bathroom.

"I will be out in a second." Byakuya replied as he grabbed a fresh set of shirt and pants from the wardrobe.

He disappeared behind the bathroom door before she could answer and Byakuya suddenly felt slightly guilty. He had promised to make her feel safe an hour ago and now he was returning to his usual jerk self. Byakuya didn't want to but he desperately needed a cold shower. Stripping himself, he quickly stepped into the cold shower and gave a small shiver as the cold water ran down his body. He thought about what it means to be protecting Rukia and then a nagging voice appeared in his mind.

It does not matter. She is drunk. She will forget about what happened when she wakes up in the morning.

A part of Byakuya did not want Rukia to forget about this but another part of him told him that it would be best if everything returned to normal. How they were just partners in a fake relationship and nothing else. Byakuya was conflicted on what he should do. Deciding that he had enough thinking for the night, he quickly toweled himself dry and changed.

He opened the bathroom door to find Rukia sitting up groggily.

"That was like three thousand, five hundred and forty-two seconds." Rukia said.

"You counted?" Byakuya asked, slightly amused.

"Nope," Rukia chuckled.

"Go to bed, Rukia." Byakuya said gently as he simply stood, trying to avoid to go near the bed again.

Frowning, Rukia looked at him. "Aren't you coming to bed?"

Byakuya shook his head as he headed down the platform step and walked towards the bar.

"Are we drinking again?" Rukia asked happily as she leapt up and followed him.

Byakuya raised his brows as he opened a brand new wine bottle and poured himself a glass. He polished it off in a few seconds as Rukia came over and grabbed a glass.

"None for you." Byakuya replied as he took the glass away from her hands.

Rukia said nothing as she blew her stubborn bangs, clearly annoyed.

Byakuya watched her and then he suddenly said, "Rukia, about what I said…"

"What did you say?" asked Rukia, her attention now on him instead of her hair.

"About those hurtful things I have said… I did not mean them." Byakuya replied and he quickly took another swig of his wine as he looked away.

"Really?" asked Rukia.

Byakuya gave a small nod as his eyes flicked back to Rukia and saw her gave a tiny smile.

"Thank you." She said and with that, Byakuya watched as she walked towards him and suddenly she reached out and grabbed his collar and pulled him down to her.

Caught by surprise, Byakuya found himself facing Rukia, their faces a few inches apart and without warning, Rukia tip-toed and brushed her lips on his cheek.

It was only a brush on his cheek but Byakuya knew at that instant that there was something more than just protecting her.

Rukia slowly let go of her grasp on his collar and was about to move a step back when Byakuya found himself wrapping an arm around her as he brought her back to him. Her face displayed confusion but Byakuya noticed that she wasn't scared. He slowly bent down and pressed his lips against hers. There was a small murmur of surprise from her but she fell silent as he kissed her again, this time longer.

Byakuya knew he was in dangerous waters and he would probably regret this later on but at this moment, he knew this was what he wanted.

He felt her slowly kissing back and Byakuya could tell she was inexperienced. Byakuya didn't mind, of course, and the thought of her perhaps never having a lover before thrilled him. Her kisses were uncertain but she seemed eager as her hands were clutching on to his shirt again. Byakuya decided to take a step further as he coaxed her to open her mouth which she did and he slid his tongue in to taste her. The taste of alcohol was still in her mouth. Apparently, she did consume too much. Byakuya heard a small whimper from her as he pulled her in, closer to him. He could feel her breasts through the shirt she was wearing as she pressed up against him and Byakuya held back a groan.

Byakuya felt that this time with her was different. Different from the previous time they were making out in his study. The previous time felt rushed and urgent but this time, Byakuya wanted everything to go slow. It wasn't that he wasn't filled with lust, he was. He was getting all hot and bothered again and he was throbbing almost to a painful extent but this wasn't just about him. It was about Rukia too.

Byakuya felt Rukia's breath quicken as she continued kissing him, one of her hands was now on his hair, tugging them gently. Her other hand was scraping her nails gently on his back and this time, Byakuya moaned. The last time he had sex was a year after Sakuya disappeared. He was drunk, depressed and desperately needed release. A famous actress was conveniently trying to seduce him and Byakuya caved. It was quick and Byakuya had quickly sent her away after that, vowing to himself that he would not act in such a careless manner ever again.

But this time, there was something else other than needing release. He did not want to do it with some random model or actress. All he wanted was to throw the petite girl in front of him on the bed and make love to her for hours.

Wait a minute… Did he just used the words 'make love'? That was not possible. He doesn't love Rukia. There was something, he would admit. But love? Very unlikely.

Rukia's lips soon left him and she broke away from him, flushed. Taking the opportunity, Byakuya took her hand and led her to the side of the bed. He gently pushed her down on to the bed as Rukia stared up at him, her eyes wide. It was dark but they could still see each other through the bathroom light.

"A-Are we going to…?" She whispered in the dark.

Her voice was timid but not hesitant.

"No," replied Byakuya as he pulled the covers and tucked her in. "We are going to sleep."

"O-Oh."

Byakuya could not see her expression as she snuggled her face into the pillow but he thought he heard a slight disappointment in her voice. Or maybe, that was just what he hoped she felt. It wasn't as though he didn't want to have sex with her. He did but not in this way. Not when she was drunk and would probably regret it the very next morning. With a heavy sigh, Byakuya went to his side of the bed and with his back facing Rukia, he slowly fell into a sleep.

The pounding in Rukia's head started in the morning as she groaned and tried to continue sleeping. Without opening her eyes, she reached for the covers and covered them over her head as she tried to drift back to sleep.

The ponding seemed to get heavier and louder as she let out another groan.

"Rukia, are you in there?"

A familiar voice called out to her. It seemed distant but it was clear enough for her to hear. Again, the pounding continued. Rukia struggled to open her eyes as she got up groggily. She realised that the pounding wasn't just in her head. She followed the sound of the pounding and stumbled over a step as she made her way to the door.

Strange, why does her room seemed so big all of a sudden? And what's with the platform step? Sleepily, she opened the door a crack and the familiar orange head popped into view.

"I knew she would be here!" Another voice shouted in relief.

Kurosaki Ichigo pushed the door open and Rukia just continued to stand there as her friends gawked at her.

"Is this a bad time, Rukia?" Kira asked, his face turning pink.

"What?" mumbled Rukia, still hazy from sleep. "Is it time for breakfast?"

"N-No… It's not." Shuuhei replied as he turned away from Rukia awkwardly.

"Maybe we should give Rukia time to change." Matsumoto said as she led the boys to the door. "Let's wait outside for her."

They were about to step out of the door when a voice spoke behind Rukia.

"Rukia, if that is Renji-

Why was there someone else in her room? Isn't this her shared room with Matsumoto? And most importantly, why did that voice sounded like it belonged to a certain Yakuza leader?

Rukia whirled around to see Byakuya heading out from the bathroom fully clothed, and apparently, her friends were staring too.

As though someone had sent her an electricity jolt, Rukia gave a startled jump and gasp as she turned back to her friends.

"What are they doing here?" Byakuya asked, his grey eyes staring at the group sternly.

"W-We came to find Rukia," Kira explained. "Sorry to barge in but we couldn't find her this morning."

Rukia's eyes widened in horror. What happened? The last thing she remembered was going up to Byakuya's suite and they were drinking and Byakuya had left her alone while she continued drinking…

"Oh no, oh no," Rukia whispered frantically to no one in particular as she stared at her surroundings.

She was definitely in Byakuya's suite. And she had no recollection of what happened last night. A sudden image of her giggling flashed across her mind and Rukia gulped. Why in the hell was she giggling like that?

"Rukia, you should change first. We'll wait for you outside." Matsumoto said as she pushed the boys out of the suite.

The door closed behind Matsumoto and Rukia quickly glanced down to what she was wearing. It was a men's shirt she did not recognised and suddenly Rukia realised she wasn't wearing any underwear. Her face turning hot, she tugged the dress shirt down as far as she could and turned around to look at Byakuya.

"What did you do? Why am I dressed… like this?" Rukia hissed.

Byakuya looked at her calmly as he replied, "Nothing."

His calm attitude was pissing Rukia off as she made quick small steps towards the bed trying to locate her clothes and underwear.

"They are still on the bathroom floor." Byakuya said.

He seemed to have noticed what she was looking for as Rukia turned her head to find her underwear and her dress from last night was indeed, on the bathroom floor.

"What happened?" Rukia asked again.

She was truly frightened and confused. She could understand if she got drunk but why would she be wearing nothing except for a men's shirt which she assumed it belongs to Byakuya. She made her way to the bathroom and shut the door behind her as she quickly changed and put on her underwear. She noticed that they were still damp and very cold, but Rukia didn't care.

"Do you not remember a single thing?" she heard Byakuya ask through the door.

"No," Rukia replied as she slipped on her dress. "Tell me."

Rukia opened the door to find Byakuya standing in front of her, his face serious and it scared her a little bit. Did something really happen last night?

Byakuya suddenly leaned in to her and whispered in her ear huskily, "Do you not remember this?"

And his lips brushed against her cheek so fast, for a split second, Rukia thought she had imagined it. Rukia stumbled back, her face hot as she struggled to speak.

"D-Don't do that!" She stammered.

She noticed an odd look on Byakuya's face as he straightened up.

"You really remember nothing, do you?" He asked seriously.

Rukia shook her head. "Did something happen between us?"

Rukia was afraid of the answer but she have to know. There was no answer from Byakuya and Rukia froze. Did something really happened? It couldn't be. As far as she knows, Byakuya seemed devoted to Sakuya and she was nothing to him like he said before so…

"Nothing happened between us." Byakuya replied finally.

Rukia let out a breath she didn't realise she was holding. "Really?"

Byakuya nodded as he stepped out of her way and Rukia walked past him.

"Why, do you want something to happen?" Byakuya asked.

"O-Of course not!" Rukia replied as she made her way to the door. "Nothing can happen between us!"

Before Rukia reached for the door handle, she turned around and asked, "So, what happened after you left the suite last night?"

"I came back to find you drunk." replied Byakuya.

"That explains the headache…" muttered Rukia.

"You were making a fool out of yourself in the hot tub." Bykuya continued.

"What?!"

"You were soaked and you changed into my shirt and fell asleep on the bed." Byakuya finished before Rukia could interrupt him any further.

"I-Is that all?" Rukia asked, her hand on the door handle.

Byakuya gave a small nod and Rukia wrenched the door open.

"Good," she replied. "Sorry about last night. I didn't mean to cause you any inconvenience."

And without waiting for his reply, Rukia bolted out of his suite. She caught sight of her friends who were waiting for her near the lift and walked towards them.

"Rukia, you could have sent us a text that you were going to sleep in his room. You got us all worried when we couldn't find you this morning. Thank god, Matsumoto thought of the idea that you might be spending the night with Kuchiki Byakuya." Shuuhei said.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to worry all of you. I didn't plan on sleeping in his room either." replied Rukia.

"So, why did you suddenly decide to spend the night with him?" Ichigo asked in an accusatory tone. "Shouldn't you be spending time with us?"

Rukia knew why Ichigo was so riled up but of course, the others didn't know as they looked at Ichigo strangely.

"Yesterday after what happened, Byakuya and I talked and… I just fell asleep in his room." Rukia replied.

Matsumoto laughed and nudged Rukia playfully. "Come on, Rukia, I think you did more than sleeping last night judging that you were only in his shirt this morning."

Rukia could feel her face heat up instantly as Ichigo scowled even more.

"Wait, what happened yesterday?" Kira asked.

Rukia darted a frantic look at Ichigo but Ichigo was now jabbing the elevator button as though it had offended him in some way.

"N-Nothing happened. I just bumped into Byakuya when I was in the lobby asking for more towels." Rukia answered.

The elevator soon arrived and the group went in. Rukia could see that everyone seemed to have accepted her explanation except for Ichigo was just staring ahead at nothing in particular, trying to avoid Rukia's gaze. They soon arrived at the café and Rukia almost groaned out loud as she noticed that there was a table already reserved for them. The chefs hurried out of the kitchen and greeted them as Rukia and her friends just stood there awkwardly.

"Rukia-sama, this table is for you and your friends. Please let us know if you have any cravings for anything. Our chefs will make them for you." The manager said as he bowed.

"A-Alright, thanks." Rukia said as she smiled.

The group of chefs and the manager then bustled off leaving Rukia and her friends alone. Everyone took their seat dutifully except for Ichigo who was now staring at his seat in disdain.

"What's wrong, Ichigo?" Kira asked, concerned. "Are you feeling okay?"

Finally snapping out of his trance, Ichigo shook his head. "I'm not hungry. You guys can go ahead."

And before anyone else could say another word, Ichigo was out of the café.

"I'll go find out what's wrong." Shuuhei said as Kira nodded and the both of them left Rukia and Matsumoto alone.

Matsumoto didn't seem to be affected by what just happened as her eyes roamed around the menu that was placed specially for them on the table.

"What do you think of caviar, Rukia? I haven't tried it before. Have you?" Matsumoto asked.

Feeling terribly guilty by what just happened, Rukia blurted out, "I'm sorry. It's all my fault."

Looking up from her menu, Matsumoto raised her eyebrows. "What are you apologising for?"

"For everything. I didn't expect Byakuya to show up and mess things up." Rukia replied, almost tearfully.

Putting down the menu, Matsumoto reached out and patted Rukia's hand.

"Don't be silly. Nothing is messed up. Kuchiki Byakuya didn't mess up anything." Matsumoto replied.

"But Ichigo…"

Rolling her eyes, Matsumoto pounded her fist dramatically on the table.

"Ignore that blockhead, Rukia! He'll be fine after a while. Or after I punch some sense into him."

Rukia let out a small laugh. "Really?"

Matsumoto nodded. "Yes, really! I bet Shuuhei is actually punching some sense into him now."

Feeling slightly cheered up by Matsumoto, Rukia smiled.

"What happened yesterday?" Matsumoto asked suddenly.

Rukia could feel herself flush with embarrassment. "I-Ichigo, h-he…"

"Confessed his love to you?" Matsumoto finished off.

Rukia widened her eyes. "How did you know?"

"Oh, that sneaky little bastard!" Matsumoto rambled on furiously. "I told him not to do it already!"

"You told him..?" Rukia echoed. "You knew about his feelings?!"

Matsumoto gave an airy wave of her hand. "Not just me, of course! All of us knew!"

"All of you knew?! For how long?"

Matsumoto pondered for a moment before replying, "A few years, I think."

At Matsumoto's words, Rukia almost toppled out of her chair.

"Y-You mean, Ichigo has feelings for me since a few years ago?" Rukia stammered.

Nodding, Matsumoto said, "You were the only one oblivious to it. But it doesn't matter now. You're with Kuchiki."

They were soon interrupted by loud voices as Shuuhei and Kira brought Ichigo back to the table.

"So, is everything okay now, Ichigo?" Matsumoto asked pointedly to which Ichigo nodded reluctantly.

"Great, I'm famished." Shuuhei said as he headed to the buffet table.

Rukia was in a daze and breakfast passed by in a blur. She was aware that Kira had brought her a plate of food and Rukia had just finished whatever that was on the plate. She wasn't in the mood to eat but didn't want to worry her friends. She had pretended to smile and nod along at her friends' conversations but her mind was still flashing images of the times she and Ichigo had spent together in the last 15 years. They were siblings and best friends… or so she thought. How could he have harboured those feelings for her for so many years?

It was Christmas Eve and the resort is filled with guests. Unluckily for everyone, the snow was so heavy that they were all trapped in the resort, with nowhere to go.

"I was still hoping we could ski." Kira said wistfully as they all settled in the boys' room.

Shuuhei handed mugs of hot cocoa around and the five friends started chatting. Rukia could feel that Ichigo was avoiding her and she was okay with it. Probably because she would have preferred to stay in her own room to avoid him too. Ever since he came back to the breakfast table, Rukia could see that he was trying to smile and act normally but he refused to have any eye contact with her. He would quickly look away when their eyes would meet accidentally. Rukia knew that Ichigo wouldn't want to spoil everyone's mood for Christmas so he probably acted as though everything is okay. Rukia is fine with it. She needed time to sort out her thoughts too.

Just then, Rukia's phone vibrated and the name Kuchiki Byakuya flashed on her screen. Not even sure why she was suddenly blushing, Rukia retreated from the group as she answered.

"What do you need?" she hissed.

"Come to my suite this instant." Byakuya said through the phone.

"What? Why?"

Rukia heard a sigh from the other line and then Byakuya continued, "I have a business meeting and my client wishes to see you."

"B-But, why? What did you say to them?" Rukia asked, shocked.

"Nothing. Apparently, he is good friends with Mr Chang and happens to hear from the staff that you were here when he arrived earlier this morning."

"I can't. I'm busy." replied Rukia.

"Are you really?" Byakuya replied, his tone slightly impatient. "Or do you need me to drag you up here myself?"

Rukia gritted her teeth as she managed to reply, "Fine. I'm coming up now."

The line went dead and Rukia looked up to see her friends looking at her curiously.

"Who's that?" Matsumoto asked.

"Um, I have to get something done." Rukia muttered apologetically. "But I will be back soon."

Apparently, the look on her face gave her away.

"Kuchiki needs you now, does he?" Shuuhei asked.

Rukia nodded guiltily.

"It's fine," Shuuhei replied with a smile. "Go ahead. There's nothing much to do here anyway."

With a thankful smile, Rukia waved to her friends and rushed out of the room.

Five minutes later, Rukia pressed the doorbell and the door opened to reveal Byakuya in a crisp suit. Rukia thought he looked extremely handsome but of course, she kept the comment to herself. Upon entering his suite, Rukia noticed that a dress was already laid out on the couch with a pair of silver heels on the floor beside it.

"It's just a meeting. Do I have to wear these?" Rukia asked as she walked over and stared at the dress.

One look and Rukia could tell that it cost a fortune.

"Dressing up is a form of respect." Byakuya replied as he clasped his watch on. "Get dressed now."

Picking up the dress, Rukia headed to the bathroom and closed the door behind her. She slipped in the dress but then realised that she couldn't reach the zip at the back. After several failed attempts to accomplish the task by herself, she opened the door and poked her head out.

"I can't zip myself up from behind." Rukia called out to Byakuya.

Byakuya did not say a word but he walked over and pushed his way in as Rukia staggered backwards, caught by surprise.

"Hey!" she protested as Byakuya spun her around. "What are you- I'm not dressed yet!"

"Zipping you up." Byakuya replied calmly as he pulled the zipper upwards.

Rukia blushed as she bit her lip. She thought she felt Byakuya's fingers briefly touch her back but she wasn't entirely sure. He seemed to be taking an awfully long time with the zip and with every second, Rukia felt as though she could just die from nervousness.

"Done."

Rukia felt his breath against her ear as he whispered the word and she quickly whirled around to face him. Her mind immediately brought her back to what happened this morning when he had done the exact same thing and had also brushed his lips against her cheek. What was that about?! Since nothing happened, he really shouldn't have teased her like that. She was frantic enough already.

"Why do you keep doing this?" stammered Rukia, confused.

"What?" Byakuya asked, his face displaying fake innocence.

"Don't pretend you don't know." Rukia muttered in annoyance as she walked out of the bathroom.

Rukia put on the pair of heels as Byakuya stood in front of her.

"Why are you not wearing the engagement ring?" Byakuya asked suddenly.

Rukia stilled. In truth, she had kept it in the coin compartment of her wallet as she didn't want her friends to see it. Dating Kuchiki Byakuya was bad enough. But being engaged to him? She would never hear the end of it.

"It's in my wallet. I'll get it once I'm done." Rukia replied.

"You are not answering my question."

Rukia looked up to see a pair of grey eyes staring back at her seriously.

"I didn't want my friends to know that we're engaged." Rukia replied truthfully. "Dating you is bad enough already."

"Why is that so?" Byakuya asked.

"Well, it's not as though it's a secret that you're a Yakuza leader." Rukia replied as she stood up from the couch.

"What do you think of it?" asked Byakuya as he opened the door to let the both of them out.

"Of what?" Rukia asked.

"Dating someone from the Yakuza."

His question stumped Rukia as she stared at him as they walked towards the elevator. There was no emotion on his face as he walked on. Rukia never really thought about the question. She was only fake-dating him so why would she even think of the question?

"It's not impossible," Rukia replied slowly as she pondered over the question. "But it's not going to be easy. Unless the other party is a member of the Yakuza too."

Byakuya was now looking at her, an odd emotion in his misty grey eyes. "What if it is you?"

Rukia let out a laugh. "Impossible!"

Her reaction made Byakuya raised his brows slightly. "Why?"

Before she could stop herself, Rukia blurted out, "Because I'm a-

Thankfully, she stopped herself in time and bit her lip. She almost let the cat out of the bag. Sneaking a look at Byakuya, he seemed interested to know her answer as he was now looking at her, expecting her to finish her sentence.

Rukia cleared her throat. "Because I'm just a waitress in a club. I'm a nobody."

She finished her sentence off with an awkward laugh as they headed out of the lift and walked towards her room.

Rukia quickly entered the room as Byakuya waited outside for her. She slipped the ring onto her finger and joined him as they made their way to the conference room.

"So what if you are just a waitress?" Byakuya asked.

Rukia was surprised. She thought he would drop the issue but he seemed keen to hear more of her opinions.

"Because people from the Yakuza are normally rich and powerful, they end up with people like actresses, models, socialites. They never end up with waitresses."

Byakuya made no reply as the pair walked in silence. They soon arrived at the conference room on the first level and Byakuya held her hand and led her into the room. A man who was almost the same age as Mr Chang was seated at the table and he smiled when Byakuya entered.

"Kuchiki Byakuya, good to see you again." The man smiled.

Byakuya shook his hand as he took his seat across the man and Rukia sat next to Byakuya.

"So, this young lady is the famous Hitoshi Rukia, I presume." The man said.

Rukia smiled politely and shook the man's hand.

"Komijou-san, the deal we talked about earlier," Byakuya said in his business voice. "I have found Shojiko Kyoya."

Komijou laughed. "Always straight to business, Byakuya. And good job. As I have promised, I have Hinako back in Tokyo with me."

Rukia could not understand who they were referring to but Byakuya seemed pleased.

"May I ask what you are planning to do with Hinako?" The older man asked Byakuya.

Byakuya took a sip of his green tea and then set it down. "To send him to his death."

His words shocked Rukia as she gave a jump. Thankfully, the two men were not paying any attention to her.

"People like Hinako needs to pay." Byakuya continued calmly. "I do not appreciate him being a spy for Ichimaru."

Komijou nodded in agreement. "Be careful of Ichimaru, Byakuya. He has been lying low recently and knowing him, he must be up to no good again."

Byakuya nodded. The two men continued to talk about the recent stock prices and Rukia felt a chill. Byakuya had just said that he was going to kill someone and they still had the mood to talk about stocks. It seems like she was the only one in the room who was starting to feel uncomfortable. Will her fate end up like this Hinako person? She was a spy after all. A spy for the police. Rukia felt her hands turn cold and clammy as she twisted her dress in her hands nervously.

Furthermore, she just heard that Byakuya is planning to kill someone. Was this considered evidence? Should she inform Soi Fon Taichou? Feeling slightly sick as the image of Byakuya finding out her real identity and then pointing a gun at her made Rukia shiver. Abruptly, she pushed back her chair and stood up as both men stared at her.

"Sorry, I need to go to the bathroom." Rukia muttered as she let herself out of the room.

She hurried to the bathroom and after checking all the stalls and ensuring that the bathroom was empty, Rukia dialled Soi Fon's number.

On the third ring, Soi Fon picked up.

"Taichou," Rukia stammered. "I just heard that Kuchiki Byakuya is going to kill someone."

"Who?" Soi Fon asked immediately.

"Someone who had been spying on him. Can this be counted as evidence to arrest him?"

"No, it isn't enough, Rukia. We need more. He has killed before and we need evidence on those too. And on his drugs business. Just one murder isn't enough."

In that instant, Rukia didn't know why but the first feeling she got was relief.

"O-Okay, I got it." Rukia replied shakily as she ended the call.

Rukia looked in the mirror to see a very pale version of her staring back. She was not sure why but for now, she didn't want Byakuya to get arrested. But another part of her was afraid of what Byakuya might do when he finds out her real identity. Will she die in the hands of the Yakuza just like her parents did? The image of her parents dead on the ground brought a sob as Rukia quickly covered her mouth with her hand to stifle the sound. There's still so much for her to uncover and she wasn't even near the truth yet. Who had killed her parents?

There was a sudden knock on the door and Rukia jolted out of her thoughts.

"Rukia," came Byakuya's voice. "Are you done?"

Blinking back her tears, Rukia opened the door to find Byakuya with an expression on his face that looked very much like concern.

"Are you alright?" He asked.

Rukia nodded as she avoided his eyes. "Has Komijou-san left?"

"Yes," Byakuya replied. "I told him it seemed as though you were not feeling well and that I needed to take care of you."

His words surprised Rukia as she whipped her head up to look at him.

Noticing her reaction, Byakuya calmly replied, "I just needed an excuse to end the meeting. It was getting boring."

Feeling disappointed, Rukia nodded. She could still feel Byakuya staring at her and it was starting to make her feel uncomfortable.

"If there's nothing else, I would like to go back to my friends." Rukia said softly.

She was about to walk away when she felt Byakuya's hand on her arm.

"What is wrong?" He asked seriously. "Are you sick?"

In truth, Rukia really was starting to feel unwell. She wasn't sure if it was from the news of the murder or the lack of sleep recently or maybe she had just gotten a cold. She wasn't surprised if it were all three that had made her feel sick.

"I don't know. Maybe I just need some sleep." Rukia replied as she avoided his gaze again.

"Come with me," Byakuya ordered as he dragged her inside the elevator and pressed the button to the level of his suite.

"What? Why?" Rukia asked.

"I will get my doctor to come here as soon as she can to take a look at you." Byakuya replied.

The elevator reached his floor and Byakuya continued to drag Rukia into his suite. He closed the door behind him and led Rukia to the bathroom.

"Change." He ordered and closed the door between them.

Rukia took her clothes that she had placed them a while ago from the rack and started changing. She took a glance around the bathroom and suddenly, she saw an image of Byakuya carrying her out of the hot tub as she giggled. And another image of her changing in front of him as he retreated out of the bathroom hastily. Images of last night were popping into her mind and Rukia paled as everything suddenly came flooding back.

Everything from the playfulness between them and how she ended up wearing his shirt and nothing else. How she had refused when Byakuya had offered to bring her back to her room. And how she had told him how hurt she was at his words. And worst of all, how they had kissed and she even thought they were going to have sex. And then, Byakuya had rejected her. Feeling very ashamed of her behaviour, Rukia gritted her teeth and exited the bathroom, fresh tears threatening to spill.

"Where are you going?" Byakuya asked as Rukia walked towards the door in anger.

"Away from you." Rukia replied furiously.

Her hand was on the handle but before she could turn, Byakuya had pulled her away and was now staring at her.

"What are you talking about?" He demanded, a firm grip on her wrist.

Finally, the tears fell and Byakuya seemed startled as he stared at her, confusion on his face.

"Rukia," he started but Rukia looked away.

"Do you think it's funny what happened yesterday?" Rukia asked hotly as tears continued to fall.

She saw the confusion on Byakuya's face disappear.

"You remembered." He replied calmly.

"Why didn't you tell me what happened this morning?" Rukia continued. "And you still teased me about it today with all your whispering and stuff!"

"Rukia, I was merely teasing you. Do not read too much into it." Byakuya replied, his tone softening.

"So, what am I? A plaything to you?" Rukia asked furiously. "Did you get all the fun you need from yesterday? I know I was drunk but the least you could do was be truthful about it! If I don't remember this, are you planning to tease me forever?"

"I did not tell you because I was afraid you would act this way!" Byakuya replied angrily. "I never treated you as a plaything. And you were the one who acted in that manner first!"

His outburst shocked Rukia as she fell silent. He seemed angry but his grip on her was still firm. But he was right. She was the one who got drunk and started 'harassing' him and she was the one who initiated the kiss. But a huge part of Rukia was upset that he had rejected her when she thought they were going to have sex. It is not as though Rukia wanted it but which guy on the planet would say no to sex? Rukia wasn't stupid. She knew how guys love sex but to be rejected in the face like this… It was too embarrassing and hurtful. At least now she knows how unattractive she was in his eyes.

"You're right," Rukia finally said as she pulled away from his grasp. "I was the one who started it. I'm sorry. I think we should stop seeing each other for the time being."

Byakuya blocked her path swiftly again as she attempted to escape.

"What are you talking about?" Byakuya asked angrily. "We made a deal."

Right. The deal… Rukia pulled the ring out from her finger and thrust it into Byakuya's hand.

"Maybe you should think about getting a new person to play the girlfriend role." Rukia replied, her voice cracking. "I'm sorry, I'll pay you back what I've owed you."

"This is not about the fucking money!" Byakuya retorted as he swung her around to face him. "Do you really think I would give a damn about that amount of money?"

Rukia made no reply as she gazed at Byakuya, slightly terrified. She had never seen him this mad. Rukia did not know what she should do or say. She really didn't know the answer to Byakuya's question either. His stare on her was intense and overwhelming.

"About what I told you yesterday, did you think I was joking?" Byakuya continud. "I just want to protect you, Rukia, but why do you keep running away?"

Rukia remembered the look in his eyes yesterday. They seemed serious and he didn't seem to be lying. But Rukia knew the answer to his question this time round. She was running as he was a dangerous man. Too dangerous for her. One who could easily end her life if she slipped up.

"I'm sorry," Rukia mumbled as she turned to leave.

"Stay," She heard Byakuya say. "Stay here with me."

Surprised at his words, Rukia turned around to see Byakuya staring at her seriously. He was not joking but Rukia didn't understand. They had only met roughly one month ago and it wasn't possible that he had feelings for her. Furthermore, he had rejected her yesterday.

The thought brought another embarrass flush to Rukia's cheeks as she mumbled another apology and dashed out of the room before Byakuya could say another word.

Byakuya frowned as he closed the lid of his laptop. It had been one week since Rukia had rejected him and bolted. They had not contacted since. He had left the resort bright and early the next morning and after that, he had not heard a word from her. Byakuya was not one to put down his pride and contact her first. After all, she was the one who left. So why should he make the first move? Byakuya admitted that he felt things were still not resolved between them even though she had clearly stated she didn't want anything to do with him anymore. Was he that repulsive to her? First time, getting shot down by a woman. He really had to hand it to Rukia for making him feel so affected. Byakuya opened his desk drawer to find the engagement ring inside and stared at it. He had been so mad when Rukia bolted after mumbling an apology. Byakuya had not expected himself to ask her to stay but in a moment of rashness, he did and Rukia bolted. He didn't know such a simple request could make her run for her dear life. After Rukia had left, Byakuya felt very alone for the first time in his big suite. It was too quiet and stifling and Byakuya suddenly realised that his life had always been this stifling until Rukia appeared.

He initially found her to be too much of a chatterbox at times but as time passed, he had found himself being oddly attached to her silly questions and ramblings. Byakuya sighed as he closed the drawer and stood up. He was not going to waste his brain cells and time on this anymore. He had a promise to keep and he was going to do it.

Two hours later, Byakuya found himself growing increasingly annoyed at the situation. Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez was staring at him, his lips curled into a mocking sneer as the girl named Miyo stood in the room, confused.

"Do you really intend to fuck all the waitresses in my club?" Jaegerjaquez snarled.

"I have no intentions of that." Byakuya replied coldly. "I am merely requesting that you transfer her to my club at a reasonable fee."

Jaegerjaquez laughed. "Like hell if I would believe you! What happened to the petite one? Rukia, was it? Are you sick of her already?"

Byakuya's eyes narrowed. He knew the subject of Rukia would come up and he was prepared for it.

The girl in the corner seemed startled upon hearing Rukia's name as her eyes darted between the two men.

"Leave Rukia out of this." Byakuya replied.

Jaegerjaquez seemed amused and it bothered Byakuya more. He really didn't want to waste any more time on this but he had made a promise to Rukia. He could have appointed Renji to do it in his place but he doubted Jaegerjaquez would agree to speak to Renji.

"How about a trade for Rukia and this girl?" Jaegerjaquez smiled. "Seems like a good deal for you since you seem to be bored of Rukia already. How about it?"

"Rukia is off limits." Byakuya replied firmly.

Jaegerjaquez chuckled. "So you want to have two at one go, eh? Didn't know you were the type, Kuchiki. Good for you!"

"Well, how about you let me pop her cherry first and then I'll hand her over to you?" Jaegerjaquez suggested as he leered at the girl to which she immediately shrunk back in horror.

Byakuya really couldn't give a damn who Jaegerjaquez fucks but Rukia's whole purpose was to keep this girl away from harm. Cursing Rukia inwardly for causing him so much trouble, Byakuya took out a file and handed it to Jaegerjaquez.

"Since money is not going to solve the problem, how about this deal in exchange for the girl?" Byakuya asked as Jaegerjaquez leafed through the papers.

"Are you serious, Kuchiki? You know how much I want to clinch this drug deal." Jaegerjaquez asked cautiously.

Byakuya gave a nod. "All yours in exchange for her."

Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez stared at Byakuya in amusement as he finally nodded, "Fine. Take her and leave. Seriously, Kuchiki, you have to stop trying to fuck all my waitresses."

Byakuya exited the room with the confused girl following him soon after.

"T-Thank you very much but why?" Miyo asked, confused as she stared at Byakuya.

Byakuya ignored her as he took out his mobile phone. Still no messages from Rukia. He tucked his phone back into his pocket, visibly annoyed.

"Call this number. Everything will be arranged for you." Byakuya replied icily as he handed Renji's name card to the girl.

Byakuya left Jaegerjaquez's club but the sound of footsteps following him behind made him glance back. He noticed that Miyo was still following him and he shot an irritated look in her direction.

"Do not follow me," Byakuya instructed.

"B-But I need to understand why, Kuchiki-sama." Miyo said. "Why did you save me from him? You could have just left me there and let him-

Before she could finish, Byakuya interrupted her, "Do not think much of it. I did it only because of Rukia."

And without waiting for her reply, Byakuya got into his limo that was waiting for him outside the club and sped off.

Rukia sighed as she stared at her phone gloomily. She watched as the time changed from 23:47 to 23:48. One week since she had last talked to Byakuya. She didn't mean to run out of the room the other day but she was confused by Byakuya's words and it frightened her how much she actually wanted to stay with him when he had asked her to. She should not be feeling that way. It was purely work. She should not be wanting to spend more time with Byakuya.

Rukia's phone vibrated and she quickly flipped it open excitedly. The name 'Miyo' flashed across the display screen and Rukia felt disappointed all over again.

"Rukia, what happened?" Miyo asked as soon as she picked up. "Kuchiki-sama seems to have transferred me to work in his club and when I called his assistant, Abarai-san, he told me to start work tomorrow."

Rukia was surprised. She initially thought that Byakuya would have forgotten all about it as he had more 'important' matters to attend to. And from how she behaved the last time they talked, she wouldn't be surprised if he never wanted to see her again.

"Rukia, are you there?"

"Sorry, I was spacing out," Rukia replied. "Well, isn't that great, Miyo? You don't have to work with Jaegerjaquez anymore."

"It is," Miyo replied uncertainly. "Grimmjow-sama scares me too much. But what I don't understand is, how are you related to Kuchiki-sama?"

Rukia didn't know how to answer. Apparently, this girl doesn't read newspapers or magazines if she didn't know the answer.

"We're just friends." Rukia replied simply.

"Oh, okay. Thank you Rukia. Kuchiki-sama said that he did it only because of you." Miyo replied.

"H-He did?" Rukia asked, feeling the familiar flutter in her stomach.

"Yes, I really hope he isn't anything like Grimmjow-sama."

"Don't worry," Rukia found herself replying. "Byakuya is nothing like him."

"Well, alright, I have to go. Kuchiki-sama is throwing a party tomorrow and I have to work as a waitress there so I have to sleep now."

A party? Usually, Byakuya needed her at parties to play his fiancée. So why hasn't he called yet? He must be seriously furious with her.

"Where's the party at, Miyo?" Rukia asked suddenly.

"Um, it's at the Umibe hotel."

"The one near Fujita beach right? Got it. See you there tomorrow, Miyo." Rukia replied and then snapped her phone shut.

She was going to attend the party. She just needed to thank Byakuya about Miyo and then she'll leave. That's all. Feeling slightly excited about tomorrow, Rukia bounded off to her closet as she started sifting through what she should wear to the party.

A/N: Review before you exit the page, won't you? ;)
I apologise if there are any grammatical errors or typos as I do not have a beta and my eyes are all blurry now after typing the last half of the chapter after a long lecture.