Please Note : I do not own Inuyasha, nor any of its characters. (I also do not own Bridgerton, on which this fanfic is loosely based. If you have not seen Bridgerton yet, this story does not provide any spoilers for the series. But seriously, go watch it.)
There are various songs noted throughout the story if you would like to listen to what inspired each scene.
(There will be non-consent and attempted rape in this story. If those two things are triggers, please do not read this work.)
I hope you enjoy the story, please leave a comment if you do!
…
Chapter 1:
(Thank u, Next – Vitamin String Quartet)
"Mama! Mama, come quickly! I can't find my dress!"
Kagome was careful not to raise her voice any more than a proper lady should, but she struggled not to become frantic. After all, tonight was the first ball of her debut and appearances were everything.
Her mama strode into the room, the perfect picture of grace and elegance. She couldn't help but smile at her eldest and only daughter. She hadn't the slightest doubt in her mind that Kagome would have many offers of marriage, hopefully ones that would save them. Lord Higurashi had lost most of their money over the past few years, and although no one knew, not even Kagome, their money was beginning to run out as he struggled to secure investments.
"It's still in the drawing room, dearest."
Lady Higurashi had ordered a lovely, expensive dress that screamed wealth and privilege. Too much was at stake to risk anything less.
"Thanks Mama!" Kagome gave her a quick kiss on the cheek before going to her chambers and donning her gown with the help of her lady's maids.
"Oh," one of them gasped. "My lady, you are most beautiful."
Kagome studied herself in the mirror, swaying the white dress gently from side to side. The empire waist hugged her figure as the top pushed her ample breasts slightly above the neckline. If the almost improper neckline weren't enough to secure a suitor, tiny diamonds and sequins had been sewn into the bodice and a very expensive diamond necklace was draped on her neck. This dress would surely win her a husband, one who would love her, respect her, and dote upon her.
"Mayhaps Lord Hojo will be there tonight my lady." A maid giggled.
Kagome's cheeks turned a lovely rose color. Her and Hojo had been friends since they were mere toddlers and he was a most advantageous match indeed. She glowed as her ladies did her hair up and donned a tiara of diamonds and a long fluffy white feather upon her head.
"One thing is for certain my lady," the maid smiled while doing Kagome's rouge, no one will be outshining you tonight."
No, Kagome thought beaming. Tonight every eye would be on her and nothing would stop her from finding her true love.
….
Golden eyes glared out from a carriage as it passed the Higurashi house. If there was one thing Duke Inuyasha hated more than attending balls, it was the Higurashi family. While he would have much rather preferred riding his horse to the ball, he wanted his arrival back in town to be a secret to society until the opportune moment.
His aunt was overjoyed when he told her he in town for the season to pick a bride, but his only intent was to ruin one. He could deal with the overbearing mamas and their fake daughters. After all these years that felt like an eternity, he was going to get back at Lord Higurashi. And revenge was going to be oh so sweet.
….
Lady Ayame's ball was in full swing when Lady Kagome arrived, and her mama had planned it that way. Kagome's heart fluttered with anticipation as she approached the double doors to the top of the staircase. She made certain in her nervousness she did not crush her dance card as she smoothed her dress.
"Ready dearest?"
Kagome nodded to her mama, giddy with excitement. While her father was supposed to be here escorting her, he was not sober enough to do so. The plan was to tell everyone he was ill, which wasn't exactly a lie.
As the footmen opened the doors, charming music, warm bright light, and wonder greeted Kagome's eyes. She had waited her whole life for this. Her grin was contagious, bringing further warmth into the room. She spotted her best friend Sango in the crowd, also debuting tonight, who gave her a wink.
"That's Miss Kagome Higurashi," a mama said in too loud a whisper. She didn't sound pleased. But Kagome was not here to impress the mamas, she was here to impress the lords and the smiles on their faces told her all she needed to know as she reached the bottom of the stairs.
"May I have this dance, my lady?" A very well-mannered and pleasing voice asked.
Kagome calmed herself and swept into the perfect curtsy, "I would be flattered, Lord Hojo."
She took his extended hand with grace and allowed him to lead her out on the dance floor.
"You look absolutely lovely," he said as he twirled her, "And it seems I am not the only one who noticed."
Kagome blushed; she was being watched. A deep, calming breath filled her lungs. She had trained her whole life for this moment, after all. "You flatter me, my lord."
Hojo's hand was properly situated beneath her shoulder blade, just as it should be. He had never been indecent or improper in all the years she'd known him. He was faultless. The epitome of a model husband.
"It has been the honor of my life to grow up beside you, Lady Kagome. I hope you will afford me the opportunity for many more memories in the future."
Kagome could manage nothing more than a polite nod, her cheeks beginning to burn from smiling overly much. It was only her first dance and he was going to call on her tomorrow! Could this night be any more perfect?
…
Inuyasha had crept in through the side door of the mansion so he wouldn't be forced to make a ridiculous entrance. Silently, he stood in the back of the room, watching the naïve Lady Kagome dance with the insufferable Lord Hojo.
He had not had the pleasure of seeing her so close before and it made revenge even more enticing. Eyes travelled from her sweeping raven hair to her small waist then back up again. As her breath quickened from dancing, her breasts rose further up the teasing bodice. Never in a million years would he have guessed a bastard like Lord Higurashi would have produced such a lovely daughter. Inuyasha grinned as he turned slipped back into the shadows of the hallway. Oh how he would enjoy breaking her.
...
This was truly the night of Kagome's life. Her dance card was full early on, much to the dismay of many a suitor, and she had permitted Hojo to have the last dance of the night. Everyone knew what that meant, she favored him for marriage.
(Take Me to Church – Vitamin String Quartet)
The orchestra began a slow melody as Hojo offered Kagome his hand.
"I believe this is my dance," a rough voice sounded behind them, quite loudly.
Gasps sounded across the room as Kagome turned to face the man who had interrupted the happiest night of her life. Her auburn eyes traveled up his body quickly: a fitted dark navy dress coat that seemed made for his muscular body...a handsome face...silver hair and white dog ears.
It was a demon.
Kagome shouldn't have been so surprised, as hostess Ayame was a demoness herself. Since the laws had been overturned a year ago, it was perfectly legal for them to be out in society. But Kagome knew the difference between what was legal and what was proper. Her father would never allow her to marry a demon. Therefore, this entitled jerk had just wasted her last dance of the night.
"Of course," Hojo bowed out gracefully, giving Kagome an encouraging smile. He was faultless, even in defeat. Moreover, Kagome would see him first thing in the morning and none of this would matter. She remembered her manners and curtsied, but did not know how to address the detestable demon before her.
Clawed hands grabbed Kagome's gloved ones and pulled her up unceremoniously, leaving her stunned. But it was more than his feral mannerisms keeping her silent. Since they had not yet been introduced, it was not proper for her to speak until he did so first.
Kagome had no idea who this demon was, but he had serious audacity to ruin her night like this. Finally quelling her anger enough to look up into his eyes, she looked up only to find him grinning at her with the sexy, arrogant smile of a rake. Her cheeks turned red as she looked away.
"Forgive me, my lord," Kagome gritted very low, staring at the wall over his shoulder, "but I do not recall being introduced to you. Surely I would have recalled such an event."
All eyes in the ballroom were fixated on them. Who was this guy? She had never seen him before and had been educated on every eligible bachelor in town, even the demons.
"Introductions are overrated." His warm voice whispered in her ear, causing her to stiffen, "I know you, and that is all that matters."
His clawed calloused hand slipped painstakingly slow from her shoulders to her lower back.
Kagome could no longer hide her shock.
"Sir! Have you no decency?" She struggled to keep her voice low and her face masked, "With a knowing gesture like that, someone might think we are lovers."
Inuyasha spun her gracefully out, enjoying as he reconnected his hand with the soft skin of her back that was exposed by her dress. Kagome was suddenly very aware of how close their bodies were as his thumb gently rubbed the silk of her gloves up and down against her palm.
"Would you like that?" Suddenly her scent assaulted Inuyasha's demon nose and pictured her lithe body naked beneath him, writhing in pleasure.
"Like what, my lord?"
Inuyasha smiled, this was too easy. He leaned close to her ear, "If we were lovers."
Kagome's control over everything was spiraling. How dare this insolent little jerk! "That will not happen, sir. I am a lady. I am to be wed."
He very much enjoyed toying with her naivety . "We don't have to wed to enjoy the pleasure of each other's company, my lady."
Just let go of his hand and leave him here. Would serve him right, treating a lady this way. He is so insignificant I wasn't even taught his name.
"In your dreams." The words were meant to exude confidence, but spilled from her lips in a stuttering mess.
Inuyasha watched as the diamond at the end of her necklace rose up and down quicker on her breasts. He envisioned her in his chambers, wearing only the necklace on her delectable body. Sleep was not something he needed to fantasize.
The song seemed to go on forever, but the music finally faded.
Kagome went to pull away, but the demon did not release his grip.
"I assure you, my lady," he breathed huskily, "you will most certainly be in my dreams tonight. Perhaps you will find me in yours."
Suddenly, she wanted nothing more than to leave as his fingers fell away. She made straight for her mama until a feminine form blocked her escape.
"Kagome," Lady Kikyo laughed, "you must tell us, how long have you known Duke Inuyasha?"
Kagome nearly fainted.
