Chapter 2- Brunch, Bias, Battlestar Galactica
Kaiba woke up early the next morning, still processing last night's events. The sun slightly peaked in through the balcony windows, the rays warmed his skin as he laid in bed.
He stared at the high ceiling of his bedroom, recalling the texture of Salem's skin, and the way her large light brown eyes bore into his deep blue ones.
"Fuck…" Kaiba thought to himself.
His hands trailed down his sculpted abs, caressing the skin with the pads of his fingertips. He let out a sigh as he grasped onto his member under his pajama bottoms.
Kaiba's bedroom door suddenly flew open, he quickly made himself look as innocent as possible.
"SEEEEEEETOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Mokuba drunkenly shouted, as he pounced on his older brother's supposedly sleeping form.
Kaiba grunted as Mokuba laid on top of him as if he were a part of the mattress.
"Get the fuck off me!" He grunted under Mokuba's thick black hair.
"Setoooooooooo, I have smother you with my affection, because I'm sooooo full of LOOOOVVEEEE!" Mokuba yelled, turning over and snuggling his older brother.
"You reek of alcohol, and you're way past sloppy drunk….In fact, how are you drunk? You dropped me off at my car at 7pm."
"Welllllll, since it was up to me to give Pegasus a ride, Me, Yugi, Joey, AND Pegasus all went out for a drink...Te'a picked Yugi up from the bar when we got to like….three drinks….Pegasus finally called himself a cab...Ugh, Thank God, I didn't want to spend a car ride with that train wreck.."
"Hmmm...Pegasus is the train wreck in this situation, huh?"
"Mmmm, yeah….So, it was just me and Joey for like...a while...It was so FUN! He knows all these hidden places around town...I wish I hadn't gone to boarding school in America while you….you know...grieved...if I had stayed in Japan, I'd at least know where to have a decent time.."
"Are you at any point going to explain why you're still drunk at 6am?"
Kaiba was able to wriggle an arm out from Mokuba to check the time on his phone, also seeing an array of text messages...From Yugi of all people.
Mokuba snatched Kaiba's phone from his hand and threw it across the room, making a low thump as it hit the carpet.
"You're paying attention to me right now, Seto…"
"Mokuba! Get off me!"
"No! I'm trying to tell you that I'm in love!"
"With who? That girl you brought to my office almost a month ago?"
"WHAT? No? She was...fun..but not..JOEY...fun….He was...amazing...Like…so amazing…"
"...What are you saying…"
"...I...came back here...with Joey...to my old room...and…"
"And?"
"And...He's still here...he slept over...in my bed...after…"
Kaiba throws Mokuba off of him onto the floor, earning a startled yelp from the eighteen year old.
"What the fuck are you telling me right now?!"
"I HAD SEX WITH JOEY WHEELER AND IT WAS AMAZING!"
Kaiba felt the floor dip violently and his eyesight blur.
He shot out from beneath his sheets and stood over his younger brother.
What the fuck? Sex? With that….that...What even is he now?
Kaiba thought for a moment. Joey isn't as bad as those fame seeking hussies Mokuba was always hooking up with...wherever and whenever. And Joey is...at least...a good person...right?
No, this is inappropriate.
Joey is too old to be having relations with someone Mokuba's age.
Kaiba was going to deal with Joey Wheeler, but only after his date with Salem. Mokuba was way too drunk to be yelled at and Joey was most likely asleep, wasting the oxygen in the Kaiba Mansion. .
"Seto? Are you upset? With…."
Kaiba sighed and sat on the floor with his brother. He looked into Mokuba's eyes and said,
"I'm not upset..Well, I am...upset...but"
"Seto, I know that even with how "woke" the world is now...our stockholders, they're just...they would never...especially with how much they talk…"
Mokuba started to hiccup and threw his arms around his older brother. Kaiba froze, it's been so long..since Mokuba...wanted to be this close...No. He's drunk. But...This is real...What he's feeling is real.
"Mokuba...I..How can I fix this?"
"Fix? I'm not broken, Seto! Just because I like women and men doesn't mean there's something wrong with me!"
"No, no… That's not what I'm saying, Mokie...You..know how I felt-feel about the pharaoh."
"Then what do you mean?"
"Mokuba...about your first...you know, experience?"
Mokuba pulled away from his his brother and sighed. As if he instantly sobered up, Mokuba stood up and walked over to his brother's bed and plopped on the comforter with a loud pouf!
"This...wasn't my first...experience...as you put it."
"Excuse me?"
"I'm not exactly...well not at all...but not a virgin..in that way…My first sexual experience...was actually...w-with a guy...at school...years ago."
"Oh."
"Oh? That's it?"
"No it's not...Just...explain? Or don't...I don't know.."
"Seto...please...I need...someone to talk to….Joey's asleep and-"
"Mokuba, just...I don't know...about him. This has nothing to do with...your preference…"
There was silence.
Mokuba started blankly at the carpeted floor, before laying back onto the bed.
"Yugi wants me to tell you not to do it."
"What? Do what?"
"Do you like her? At all? If anyone else acted like that at dinner...I mean she was right...Pegasus is a total chode...but...I don't know…"
A chode?
"What are you saying, Mokuba?"
"I'm saying you'd never be interested in a spoiled brat in the form of some...social justice...elitist...drug lord...if she didn't….look...like…"
"Like?"
Mokuba stood up and walked towards the door.
"Just check your messages. I personally, like strong women...and men...The point is, I think she's strong and lovely...and...what's the word...Passionate...about social issues...but if you really look at what she is...I..Just...I'm going to bed...with Joey...We'll be out by tonight...I know you don't want him hanging around here…"
Mokuba walked out of Kaiba's bedroom and disappeared down the hallway.
What the fuck...just happened. Kaiba got up from the floor and closed his door with a sigh. He knew that Mokuba was sexually active...but...this...No...This is a big deal...Joey being in his house and having slept with his baby brother is a big deal.
But, Kaiba also couldn't get over what Mokuba mentioned about Yugi. He went to his phone and looked through the messages.
Six.
Six text messages from Yugi. Great. Kaiba didn't remember ever giving Yugi his number but...What the fuck?
Yugi: I'm sorry to text you so late, Kaiba-kun.
Yugi: That woman we met...She...reminds me of...him. Atem. What he would have wanted to do for the world if...he'd stayed.
Yugi: I just want to say…
Good God could he have not gotten to the point in one fucking message?
Well I guess he was drunk...off of what? Two drinks..at 10pm? Wow. Even Kaiba thought that was lame.
Yugi: She won't replace him.
Yugi: Don't...go through with this "date". You weren't subtle. I'm sorry, just...as your friend.
Yugi: She CAN'T replace him. I'm sorry Kaiba-kun...just...don't do this.
FUCK THAT.
"Who the fuck does Yugi think he is! NO ONE TELLS ME WHAT TO DO!" Kaiba thought to himself grabbing his wallet from his bedside table.
He took out the card Salem gave him at last night's dinner. It was a slate grey card with embossed blush pink writing.
Trendy.
Eh.
Kaiba turned the card over, the back was white, left blank for memos. Her handwriting was in beautiful slanted cursive and obsessively neat. A time, date, and address scribbled in blue pen.
12pm tomorrow, see you then, Tanin. Brunch. Can't wait to see your "breakfast-wear".
Breakfast-wear?
Oh God it's like I'm texting Pegasus.
No.
"She's female. Daytime is the best time for her to be alone with someone...like...me. "
Kaiba tapped on his conversation with Salem.
He was going to, at least, give this a shot. Kaiba wasn't going to let Yugi decide decide his fate for him.
Seto Kaiba: I'll see you at noon.
He looked at the time. Great now it was 8:30 am. There shouldn't be too much traffic on a Saturday morning.
Kaiba thought about what Mokuba said, calling Salem a "spoiled brat".
It's true, if any one of those women in the portfolios acted like she did, he would have been turned off. Uninterested.
So then why was he doing this?
His phone buzzed. A message, from her.
Salem Wolf: Yes, of course.
Salem Wolf: I'd actually like to apologize for my behavior last night.
Salem Wolf: Mr. Pegasus had been badgering me weeks before my hiatus was even announced, for a meeting. I was so tired of his shit, and I was too jet lagged to give a shit about what I said in front of your friends.
Ha. Of course he was.
Friends? Also laughable.
"Hmm, it seems we both were having a bad day yesterday." Kaiba thought as he crafted his reply.
Seto Kaiba: Pegasus is a nuisance. Although you came off strong, you were eloquent, and quick witted. I wouldn't have done better in your position.
Salem Wolf: ...That's...incredibly understanding of you...I wouldn't even agree to meet me with the way I've acted towards you.
Salem Wolf: What has you so interested?
Kaiba thought out an answer. What does have him so interested? Is it that he would have behaved the same way? No. That's not it. Why is he being so understanding?
Seto Kaiba: It's just something about you...in your eyes…
"Well formed thought asshole. What the fuck. She obviously feels bad and is apologizing. Her communication skills are...well what you'd expect of an Ambassador who isn't supposed to be doing her job….which is communicating and negotiating." Kaiba thought as his phone chimed several times.
Salem Wolf: My eyes?
Salem Wolf: Um...Okay then. Your eyes are nice too, I guess.
Salem Wolf: You'll have to explain more in person.
Salem Wolf: You see, you're the first person I've taken seriously in regards to, how did you put it? "Connecting as fellow creators"
Salem Wolf: I have appointments to attend to, but I'll see you as scheduled at noon. Sharp.
Seto Kaiba: Noon. Sharp.
Kaiba locked his phone and decided to get ready for the day. With Mokuba out of commission, Isono off duty, and him having to take at least one day off a week, he was going to make the best of it. With this...woman...and brunch…
Ugh…
What the fuck is breakfast-wear?
He went into his shower and let out a contented sigh when the hot water hit his upper back.
"No strange dreams about Atem last night…" He thought to himself as he turned the water pressure up.
Kaiba let the hot water run over his whole body, he poured his best soap into his hand and smelled sandalwood waft into his nostrils.
Fuck.
Wait.
Why was he using his best soap for this woman he doesn't even know. Let's be honest, though. When would he ever use this vegan, gluten free bullshit.
In fact, he had so much shower and body crap from a campaign he did a couple years ago. Something about using only "cruelty free" cosmetics. Mokuba urged him to do a full e-magazine spread with articles, to make sure he stayed "relevant".
Ugh. When has he ever cared about that?
Technology, yes, needs to stay relevant, up to date, but Kaiba couldn't give two shits about what in trend now...But knows anyway...Thanks to his little brother.
He cut off the water and stepped onto the soft white bath mat on his light colored marble floor. A thought suddenly popped into his head.
It had been years since he'd met another entrepreneur from a different culture. Do Arab people give gifts upon first meeting?
Shit.
They definitely do.
Kaiba remembered how Pegasus talked for hours at dinner about how the Egyptians "showered" him with different gifts upon his arrival in Cairo.
Ugh.
This is a whole thing.
But, he could just give her some of the many soaps, oils, or facial mud that was just sitting at the back of his bathroom cabinet. All of them are new and unopened...so that's not weird, right?
"What the fuck is facial mud?"
Fuck.
He needed help and Mokuba was asleep and/or fucking Joey Wheeler in this big ass mansion right now.
"I'll just put a little bit of everything in here." He thought as he arranged soaps, hair oils, bath bombs, and face masks in a gift bag he found at the back of his closet.
He put the bag on top of his desk while he shed his towel in search of "breakfast-wear".
Casual.
This looks like a residence but a place that could have several employees working...So dressy casual? Autumn dressy casual. Yes.
Kaiba decided on wearing a blue shawl neck button down cardigan over a white T-shirt, he paired it with a dark pant and a brown chelsea boot. He slipped on one of his favorite watches on his right wrist and took a look at himself in his five way mirror.
God damn…
It's been a long time since he dressed so...casually...For anything.
He had long retired the white trench coat and was still trying to find himself in his clothing but this...felt...amazing.
He looked...good. And not just okay, good but attractive good. He felt good. For the first time in a while.
"This is a stupid thing to feel happy about. My appearance will go, in time...just like everything and everyone else." Kaiba thought to himself.
He can't even have that.
A moment of real self appreciation.
Not before his mind reminds him that sooner or later everything turns to ashes right in front of your very eyes.
Kaiba sighed and walked out of his large closet. He looked at his phone.
11am. Damn. It took him two and half hours to get ready for this...date.
No messages. Guess she really had appointments.
He took the light blue gift bag of his desk and strode out of room, locking the door behind him. As he passed Mokuba's old room, he heard a long low groan...
Oh no.
Oh God.
If it was Mokuba or if it was Joey he didn't want to stay long enough to find out.
He ran as fast as he could downstairs and into the garage that housed his many cars.
Which one?
Salem was a woman of wealth right? Which means she won't be turned off by an expensive car. Kaiba spotted his dark blue Tesla.
Yeah.
Yeah that seems appropriate.
Kaiba took the corresponding keys off of the hook by the door and unlocked the car with the remote. He slid into the driver's seat and took a deep breath.
Was he really about to do this?
He put the gift bag in the passenger seat and pulled out of the garage.
Salem was stepping out of the shower when her phone buzzed. She sighed and walked out of the bathroom to her bed and checked her messages.
Seto Kaiba: See you at noon.
Wow. Really?
She knew her behavior at dinner wasn't the best first impression, and fully expected Mr. Kaiba to be offended and no longer
"interested".
Interested.
"Why does he want to meet me? This makes no sense...I should apologize…" She thought as she replied to Kaiba's message.
Salem had never had a "gentleman caller" before and had no idea what a date entailed. She figured daytime in her own home with full staff around would be safest, and it would keep her at least somewhat out of the media.
After all, even she knew that going out with Seto Kaiba in public could cause her a lot of trouble.
Her phone pinged and she sighed.
Oh.
He understands?
Is it because he's just as difficult to please or he just wants the date that badly?
"This is going to be brutal. I've never "dated" anyone, or even had any interest...Why am I humoring this man.."
Salem walked into her closet and sighed at her arrangement of clothes.
Breakfast-wear.
Right.
She decided on a short white fit and flare dress with a teal lace overlay. The dress she wore last night was way too form fitting, and even a blind man could see the way Kaiba's friends ogled her before she left.
Salem put on silver earrings and tousled her long curly hair with jasmine oil.
She tried her best to tame her mane and sighed.
"This'll just have to work...Makeup definitely isn't happening today."
She looked at her phone and saw more messages from Kaiba.
What the hell?
"So he likes my eyes? Um...okay then…"
She replied to his text cautiously and locked her phone. Salem knew today was going to be interesting but before her brunch date with a man she barely knew, she had some deals to make.
Kaiba found himself driving through a private road leading up to a large...very large house. The front of the house was perfectly manicured, and covered in different types of flowers.
Trees full of wysteria lined the sides of the house and the roads, and there were bushes full of hydrangeas leading up to the front steps.
He pulled into the long driveway and saw that at the top of the steps were pink clay pots full of tulips. The front doors were painted a slate grey and had a long metal handle going up the length of the door.
Wow.
This house was well taken care of, and not to mention the entire surrounding property.
Kaiba's hands were still gripping the steering wheel when a knock on his window jerked him from his thoughts.
He glared out the driver's side window to see a young man in a three piece dress suit. Navy blue with a yellow tie. He wore a pin with a gold symbol on it on his left lapel.
The young man knocked on Kaiba's window a second time and he grumbled internally, beginning to lose his patience.
"Get your grubby hands of my car, asshole." Kaiba seethed to himself.
He took his time getting out of his car, expecting to be towering, if not nose to nose with this...child, but as soon as he shut the door to his Tesla, he saw that the young man stood a couple inches taller than him and was built with more muscle.
Hmmm. Definitely security of some sort.
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Kaiba. My name is Anansi, Ambassador Sala's Chief of Security. I've been instructed to show you to the garden, but first I must check your bag."
Anansi's voice was deep and thunderous, a surprise for how young he looked in the face. His skin was light tan, and he had eyes that were a deep green and incredibly piercing.
"Your bag, Mr. Kaiba." Anansi commanded, running a large hand through his wavy black hair.
Kaiba silently handed Anansi the gift bag, taking the awkward tension as more time to study this man.
His suit was well tailored and it looks like no expense was spared on the fabric and stitching. He took his time inspecting each element inside the gift bag, his face becoming more hardened as he studied it's contents.
"Are you done?" Kaiba asked impatiently, he noticed Anansi took a longer look at the tiny vial of Eucalyptus oil than the rest of the contents.
Anansi put the oil in the gift bag and returned it to Kaiba with a nod.
"This way."
Kaiba followed Anansi around the side of the house, down a stone trail that went to an expansive backyard. He was led to a covered patio, where a polished stone table sat covered in different fruits and breakfast pastries.
An older woman came from what looked like a seperate entrance from inside the house carrying a covered tray and set it on the table. The maid? The cook? She smoothed the pink apron covering her black dress and gave Kaiba a warm smile.
"Please, have a seat, sir."
Realizing that he was now standing by himself...When the fuck did Anansi leave...He mechanically moved towards the tufted chair and sat down, visibly tense.
This date was a bad idea.
This date was a horrible idea.
The woman in the pink apron lifted a strange contraption from the table, it looked like something out of a physics lab, and motioned towards the empty coffee cup in front of Kaiba.
Ah. Pour over coffee.
Kaiba gave a curt nod and she poured the dark liquid in his white mug. He noticed she was wearing a pin like Anansi's but it was green in color.
He tried to get a better look at the symbol on the pin but at that moment the woman said,
"Lady Sala will be joining you shortly."
She gave a delicate bow and disappeared into the house.
"How is she late to a date that's in her own house? This is ridiculous. I'll have some coffee, give her the gift and find an excuse to leave."
Just then he heard commotion in the house and what sounded like Salem giving orders in English. She confidently strode through the patio doors and Kaiba's jaw dropped.
Her dress, her hair, her face…
"Oh my God her legs...She's stunning…"
"Good afternoon, Mr. Kaiba. Thank you for joining me on such short notice."
Kaiba smirked at her as she sat down in the chair across from him, she moved her bouncy curls out of the way of her chest, revealing a tasteful but stunning cleavage.
Oh no.
"How formal. What happened to that little nickname you gave me? What was it again?"
"Stop flirting with her you idiot. Coffee, present, leave."
Salem smiled as she poured her own coffee, she immediately lifted her pink mug to her lips and took a sip. She gave a contented sigh as she put her mug down with a thud.
"I may have acted too familiar with you too soon, Mr. Kaiba. I apologize if you found it disrespectful."
"Quite the opposite. No one in their right mind would ever try and give me a pet name, so when you did, I didn't know how to react. Which, I'm not used to being in a state of uncertainty."
"So, what are you saying?"
"What ARE you saying, you dumbass. Don't tell her you're completely turned on by her calling you Dragon. DON'T tell her anything. Just say thank you for the coffee, give her the present. Leave. NOW."
"I'm saying I found your no nonsense approach to my random request, and then the flirty pet name..riveting."
"Stop. Fucking. Talking."
Kaiba took a sip of his coffee in order to keep from embarrassing himself any further.
Salem smiled and mimicked his motions, sipping her coffee as well.
"Flirty, pet name...Funny you took it that way." She said, as the same old woman from earlier entered with more covered silver trays of food.
Shit.
The food is being served.
Kaiba realized he's lost his chance to gracefully exit.
"Way to go, idiot."
A savory smell entered Kaiba's nostrils and his stomach growled against his will. The green-pinned woman uncovered the trays to reveal scrambled eggs, an array of cheeses, pancakes, waffles, hash browns, and vegetables.
Oh God.
Salem gave the older woman a warm smile and told her something in Arabic. The woman curtised and left the two of them..alone.
Oh no.
Kaiba couldn't help but notice the perfection of Salem's skin. It's like she doesn't have pores. She locked eyes with Kaiba and they both froze.
"Say something dummy."
"Why did you want to meet with me?"
…."Say something, idiot!"
Kaiba watched silently as Salem began to put food on her plate.
"Please, help yourself. I'll be offended if you don't eat."
"I don't know." Kaiba finally said, kicking himself for the vague response.
"The food is safe, Mr. Kaiba."
"No, everything looks delectable. I'm saying I don't know why I asked you for this meeting."
Salem paused in her actions, looked Kaiba dead in the face and said,
"Then why are you here? I don't mean to sound rude or ungrateful, I'm glad you think enough of me to drive all the way here on what must be one of your only days off. But, I don't like my time being wasted."
"Ms. Wolf-"
"You may call me by my first name."
"Which first name?"
"Whichever one you like, Mr. Kaiba. They are both my name. I'll respond to either."
Kaiba sighed and avoided Salem's gaze. This was difficult. How could he explain...everything. He couldn't...there's no way he could without sounding insane or worse...lonely.
But he was lonely. He hated to admit it but when the hope of having the pharaoh come back to him died, everything went...cold.
Kaiba turned his attention back to Salem, unsure of what to say.
"The present, jackass. Give her the present."
"I brought you something." Kaiba said robotically, handing Salem the gift from across the table.
She gracefully took the bag and placed it near her on the table, not making a motion to open it.
"Are you going to answer me, Mr. Kaiba?"
"Seto."
"What?"
"If I can call you Salem, you can call me Seto. And, as for why I wanted to meet you...There's something about you.."
"My eyes?" She said, rolling her large eyes as she began putting food on Kaiba's plate.
"There's something familiar about you. It's just strange that I didn't know about you before. I would know if there was an ambassador in the world as young as you are. It's like you came out of nowhere."
Salem smiled and took a bite of her pancakes. Some syrup stuck to her lip and she licked it off revealing her pink tongue.
Kaiba's face visibly reddened and he cleared his throat and started to eat his eggs, surprised the food was still hot.
Salem noticed Kaiba's face flushing and she let out a melodic laugh.
"You could have just said that you're attracted to me."
Kaiba nearly choked on his food. She let out a giggle and sighed,
"There's no pressure, Seto. Let's just have breakfast and talk. I'm having a good time."
"She's having a good time? Really? I'm acting like I've never been around a woman before, and she's having a good time? Shit...this is still a date. Ask about her, dummy."
"So, how did you come into politics?"
"How does anyone end up anywhere?"
"But what made you choose politics? Not a lot of teenagers care about foreign policy, so...how did you-"
"I studied law, first. I saw corruption in my own family and wanted to find ways to stop it. As you know, I come from wealth but I was in no way given everything I wanted."
Sounds familiar.
"How do you mean?"
"My parents were old fashioned. They wanted to keep me stupid and docile so they could marry me off to whoever could get them what they wanted. They didn't care about what I wanted, and they didn't care about their followers. Just money and power."
"Followers? And 'were'? Are your parents no longer with you?"
"They might as well be dead, they are to me. And yes, followers, their political followers."
"Ah, I see. So where do your business ventures fit into all of this?"
"Did you really ask me out so we could talk about my business ventures?"
"I'm just curious. About you."
"Well, what about you, tanin? How did you end up on my Facebook page wanting a meeting? I know about your business and your projects, what I really want to know is what you hope to get out of this date."
Shit.
"Think, idiot. What did Mokuba say? A real connection? Just saying that sounds stupid and cheesy."
"You want know about me?" Kaiba asked, trying to avoid her last question altogether.
Salem nodded and continued to enjoy her meal as if the air around them wasn't tense.
"My father was Gozaburo Kaiba, former President of Kaiba Corp. and, like your parents he was cruel and only cared about money and power."
"Anyone who does a google search could guess that much, tanin. My question is why would he let his son take over at such a young age? You were how old? Sixteen when you became president?"
"If you know that much, Ms. Wolf, then you know that he died around the time I took over."
"I didn't realize he was ill."
"You know he wasn't. Everyone knew he wasn't."
Kaiba shifted uncomfortably in his seat and continued to say,
"You're like me, Ms. Wolf. I meant what I said in my email about how their aren't a lot of people our age who are...capable of what we're capable of. I want to get to know you…I want to get to know you very well."
Salem put her fork down and smirked. She noticed that Kaiba had barely touched his food and sighed.
"Let's continue our conversation inside where it's more comfortable. The food will be waiting for us in the kitchen if we get hungry later."
Salem stood up, making sure she took the blue gift bag with her as she led Kaiba inside the house.
Kaiba entered what looked like a chef's kitchen with large marble countertops. The kitchen opened up into a spacious seating area with white leather couches surrounding a beautiful hammered copper coffee table.
Salem saw him taking in his surroundings and said, "I have a special surprise waiting in the lounge. Please follow me."
Kaiba blinked and silently followed her further into the house. He watched as her dress swayed in tandem with her hips, and her beautiful caramel legs switched back and forth.
He was led into a large room covered in purple and pink drapery. In the middle there was a huge Persian rug with floor pillows surrounding a low table. Atop the table were a variety of chocolates and cheeses and different bottles of wine and liquor.
Kaiba couldn't help but be reminded of the pharaohs chambers, as he saw Salem gracefully sit on one of the large pillows and set the blue gift bag down next to her.
She looked up at Kaiba and gave a warm smile.
"Oh God she's beautiful. She looks so much like him."
"Please, come sit." She said, gesturing to the spot across from her.
Kaiba moved without thinking and joined her at the small table, not once taking his eyes off hers.
He took long look at her full lips, and high cheekbones.
"Oh Fuck."
Salem smiled at Kaiba again, this time with hint of playfulness behind it.
"What's your poison, tanin? I also have non-alcoholic choices but...you and I both know that's no fun."
"Bourbon."
"Bourbon? You don't want to start a little lighter?"
"Well, what's your poison, Ms. Wolf?"
"As I said, you can call me by my first name. And, how about I make us both a gin and tonic...to start. We'll save bourbon for another time."
Salem walked over to the corner of the room where there was a small bar and took out two glasses.
Kaiba watched as she poured tonic water into the glasses and shook the gin in a cocktail tumbler with lime and ice, before pouring a portion into each glass.
Salem put both glasses on a tray and sauntered over to Kaiba. He took a glass off of the tray and she set her glass on the table, making sure to set the tray down on the floor within reach.
"Shukran, Ms. Wolf."
"Oh my...Your Arabic is beautiful, tanin. Afwan."
"I only know a few words, nothing impressive."
Kaiba took a sip of his drink.
Whoa.
Salem made the drink strong. She isn't playing games.
"Stay calm, jackass. She's five feet tall and probably not even 120 pounds, she'll call it a night before things get out of hand."
"I apologize. Is the drink too strong? I prefer stronger drinks...If you're going to do it then do it all the way, mish kida?"
Salem took a delicate sip of her drink and moved her long hair from her shoulder again. She laughed and set her drink on the table.
Kaiba found an opportunity to get more information from Salem. What better way to learn more about a person than to drink with them.
"Do you like games, Salem?"
"That depends..tanin...what kind of games?"
Her voice became more sultry as she took another sip of her drink. She readjusted herself on her pillow and rubbed at the point where her neck met her shoulder.
Hmmm. A sore spot?
Noted.
"Then, how about you and I play a drinking game?"
"Hmmm. I'm interested. What are the rules?"
"Just answer the questions honestly. If your answer relates to me in any way, I have to take a drink and vice a versa. If you don't want to answer, you can pass by finishing your drink, and filling it with anything that's on the table, not at the bar."
"Is that to make sure we aren't just filling our glasses with tonic water? What makes you so sure that you won't want to pass on any of my questions?"
"Well, Ms. Wolf, that's assuming you know what questions to ask."
Salem let out a chuckle and said,
"I agree to those terms, tanin. You are a guest in my home, you first?"
Kaiba smirked at Salem and relished the smile she gave in return. He thought at what to ask first.
"Start slow, she's smart. She's most likely already caught on to what your playing at."
"Okay then, Ms. Wolf. Let's start simple. Where were you born?"
"That's an easy one to not relate to...Well played. I was born in New York, at a military hospital."
Kaiba glared at Salem and took a drink. She smiled and let out a huff of air.
"My, my. It seems your strategy backfired on you?"
He stayed silent and averted his eyes from hers.
"Shall we move on?"
"Ha. Sure, tanin. Where were you born?"
"In Japan, in a military hospital."
"Ah... yes. Makes sense." She said taking a sip of her drink.
Kaiba blinked.
What?
"Makes sense?"
"Mmmn, is that one of your turns, tanin?"
Kaiba shuddered at the timbre of her voice. He could hear every single word resonate in her chest and the vibrations sent shivers down Kaiba's spine and landed right in his groin.
He decided to get brave, he's already drinking in the middle of the goddamn day with a woman he barely knows, he might as well go for it.
"May I come closer?" He asked, almost whispering.
Salem smiled and gestured to the pillow next to her.
Kaiba crawled over to Salem on all fours like a predator. His eyes locked with hers and he found it impossible to stop next to Salem. She slowly leaned back on the large pillow as Kaiba's muscular form towered over hers.
Salem couldn't take her eyes off Kaiba as he placed his legs between hers, causing her dress to hike up, revealing a lacy white thong.
Kaiba's eyes roamed all of over her body, stopping when those big brown eyes met his. He watched her chest rise and fall slowly, paying extra attention to her large breasts. He raked his gaze up her body, over her beautiful collar bones, and finally landing on her lips.
Oh God they look so soft.
The corners of her mouth perked up into a mischievious smile. Salem felt Kaiba's arousal press against her leg and he stifled a groan. He smirked back at her and leaned in to whisper in her ear,
"It's still your turn, Madame Ambassador…Or...are you distracted…"
He took in the smell of jasmine radiating from her hair and neck.
Oh Fuck.
Salem slid her hands up Kaiba's arms and let out a shaking sigh as he grazed his hot breath over her neck.
"I'd say you're the distracted one...tanin.."
She widened her legs and ground her hips suggestively against his, and tangled her fingers in his hair.
Kaiba let out a low guttural growl as he rubbed his hips against hers, his pants becoming obscenely tight. He made his way from her neck and hovered over her lips.
Oh God.
His brain shut off the moment he felt the warmth of her body on his. A kiss wouldn't be the end of the world...Right?
Salem's breathing was uneven and her face was flushed from Kaiba's ministrations. She noticed Kaiba staring at her lips as she licked them, and bit her lower lip. She gave a subtle nod, urging him to continue.
Kaiba brushed his lips against hers and felt his lips burn.
Oh, fuck...she feels just like...like him.
He pressed his lips against hers with more confidence and earned a small moan from Salem. He felt her return the kiss in earnest, he ran his tongue along her bottom lip, begging for entry. She acquiesced quickly and he slipped his tongue into her mouth, exploring every inch.
Her lips are so soft...ughn... fuck..and her tongue is so silky.
Kaiba placed his weight on his forearms on either side of her head to deepen the kiss. He began grinding his hips against her warm core and moaned into her mouth.
She dug her nails into the fabric of his cardigan, and mewled beneath him as he ran a cold hand down her side to grope her ass under her dress.
"Fuck….everything is so firm…"
Kaiba broke the kiss, breathing heavily. He needed more of her. But he wasn't ready for...sex...not yet..not on the first date.
He looked at Salem and saw her face flushed and eyes half lidded, overwhelmed with lust.
Kaiba brought his lips to her ear and nibbled on the shell.
"Oh...tanin.." She moaned, biting her lip.
"I want you...on top on me…" Kaiba whispered in her ear.
Salem looked into his eyes and nodded. She had never done anything like this before, if she knew it felt like this...well fuck she wouldn't have waited so long.
Kaiba sat up and leaned against one of the large pillows. He stared at Salem with lust-filled eyes and gestured with his pointer finger for her to climb on top of him.
She got on all fours and slowly crawled between Kaiba's legs. Kaiba took her chin in his hand and planted another passionate kiss on her lips.
"Straddle me.." Kaiba moaned into the kiss.
Salem placed her legs on either side of Kaiba's hips, successfully sitting on him, feeling his erection against her equally hot core.
Kaiba placed his hands on Salem's hips and leaned in to kiss her neck.
She wrapped her arms around Kaiba's neck, enjoying his warm lips on her skin.
He began to rock her hips back and forth to create friction between them. He worked his lips back to Salem's, kissing and nipping them as their movements became more frenzied.
Salem's underwear was now soaking wet from her arousal, and she was so close.
Kaiba was also reaching his climax and wrapped his arms around Salem's slim waist for more leverage.
Fuck.
This is dangerous.
He barely knows the woman and yet…
Salem let out a strangled cry, muffled by Kaiba's lips, as her orgasm shook her body violently.
Kaiba kept moving his hips, working Salem through her orgasm as he reached his. He groaned low in his throat as he bit the sore spot on Salem's neck to muffle his moans. He thrusted his hips a few more times, as he came down from his high.
Salem was breathing heavy as she rested her head on Kaiba's shoulder. She placed her hands on Kaiba's chest and moved to look him in the eye.
That was...Amazing...Holy shit…
Kaiba looked back at Salem and moved a lock of hair out of her face. God she's beautiful. He grabbed the hair at the base of her neck and pulled her in for another passionate kiss.
Suddenly, Kaiba heard someone clear their throat from the doorway. In a flash, Salem was off of his lap and on the other side of the table. He turned to see Anansi standing in the frame, his expression unreadable.
Shit.
How much did he see?
How much did he hear?
Salem smiled and cleared her throat, she spoke to Anansi in English,
"Was there a pressing matter? I told you I was not to be disturbed."
"My apologies, My Lady. Is Mr. Kaiba going to stay for dinner?"
"Was this something you needed to come ask me in person?"
"Well, My Lady, it looks as if I came at an opportune time. You and Mr. Kaiba must be ravenous after your, what did you say this meeting was about? Something about "connecting"?"
"You forget your place. Get out of my sight." Salem's voice became threatening and low.
Anansi glared at Kaiba, and Kaiba scowled right back.
Ha. Jealous.
Kaiba understood now...Someone has a crush on their boss.
"I'd love to stay for dinner, Salem...He's right..I'm..Famished." Kaiba said, getting up and walking over to Salem, pulling her flush against his body.
Salem smirked up at Kaiba and turned her attention back to Anansi.
"Mr. Kaiba and I are going to wash up before dinner. Now, leave."
"Yes, My lady."
"I shouldn't have to ask you twice." Salem said as Anansi turned on his heel and disappeared into the house.
It suddenly dawned on Kaiba that he didn't have clothes to change into...and his cum was drying, making his boxers stick painfully to the tip of his penis.
Goddammit all.
Salem let out her beautiful laugh and took her drink off the table. She downed it all in one gulp and looked at Kaiba.
"I see your blatant sexual attraction, and raise you a real conversation...We can soak in my hot tub while we wash your clothes before dinner."
Great…
Now this woman is washing his clothes because he was so horny, he didn't think of the consequences of cumming in his fucking pants.
He needed to get out without offending her...he knows he wants to see her again...but only with...a clean pair of pants.
Salem was waiting for him in the hallway when he snapped out of his thoughts.
Oh...but a hot tub...this gives him a chance to learn more about her and...maybe see more of her?
Ugh…
Kaiba hated himself for not being able to control himself around this woman...But he needed to at least have more of a conversation…
He followed her to a stone room where she started to measure out detergent...oh for the washer...This is so embarrassing.
She smiled and said,
"There's a bathroom through there and you can just throw your clothes in here, and press start. There are large towels you can use to cover yourself. I'll meet you in here in a couple minutes, I'm going to change elsewhere."
Kaiba looked at her and wondered how she could be so understanding.
"Shukran, Salem. You should open your gift...something in there might prove...useful." Kaiba said taking her hand and kissing the soft skin.
"Afwan, tanin...And I'll take a look. I'll give you some privacy while you change."
Salem walked out of the room and Kaiba sighed.
Fuck…
He looked at his watch. Damn...4pm...
No. This is good. Kaiba's interested, and she's interested. Unless he royally fucks things up somehow, the rest of the evening should go fine.
Salem made her way back to the lounge to find the blue gift bag, only to find that it was gone.
What?
No. She left it right here...Anansi…
She growled and stomped off to chew out Anansi for moving her things.
Salem stormed into the kitchen to find Anansi sitting at the bar on his laptop.
"Where is it?" Salem commanded.
Anansi feigned confusion and closed his laptop. He shook out his wavy locks and gave Salem a playful smirk.
"My Lady I-"
"Don't give me that "My Lady" shit. What did you do with the gift Seto brought me?"
"Ahhh...So he's "Seto" now?"
"You're on thin ice right now, you ass. Where is it?"
"Oh the bag full of bath bombs, and massage oils? You know that's something only your husband should give you…"
"Anansi. You're very important to me and I value your experience, but this is crossing the line. Don't make me have to ask you again."
Anansi sighed and walked up to Salem, towering over her. She stood her ground and glared at her so called "security".
"I threw it away. You two have no business doing what I saw in there."
"Excuse me? I am your boss, you are my employee. You do NOT dispose of anything, unless I specifically order you to, do you understand me?" Salem's voice was pointed and unwavering.
"Yes. I am your protector. He is a stranger to you, your culture, and not to mention that little project you have...He didn't mention that he was interested in your research?"
"He's not interested in that-"
"Oh and what gave you that idea? Because he said he wasn't? You're a genius, My Lady, so think with your brain, not your pus-"
"Khulass. Enough. You do not make those choices. You will apologize to Mr. Kaiba during dinner, and I won't be having this conversation with you again."
Salem stormed out of the kitchen, knowing that Kaiba was waiting for her in the laundry room, probably freezing in just a towel.
Kaiba sighed as he wrapped the plush towel around his waist and watched his clothes toss and turn in the washer. He went over the day's events in his brain and rolled his eyes.
How could he do this?
He's just met this woman and he gave into his basest instincts the minute she batted her eyelashes at him.
"Lost in thought, tanin?"
Kaiba jumped and turned to see Salem in a two piece swimsuit with a see through wrap covering her legs.
Oh...well that's no fun...But appropriate…
"Jumpy, are we?"
"I was expecting the sentient ball of steel wool you call, Anansi."
Salem blinked and let out a loud cackle.
"Oh my fucking God, what? Holy shit, tanin. I didn't expect you'd actually have a sense of humor."
"Isn't that why we're on this date, Madame Ambassador? I'd love to know what makes you tick."
"I think we both found that out when you got on top of me and grabbed my ass."
Kaiba swallowed a bubble of laughter and caught Salem looking at his chiseled form.
Ah. So she likes what she sees.
Well. He couldn't complain either, her stomach was flat and her curves were enticing.
Not to mention, her breasts, good Lord.
She lead him through the house to a separate exit leading to a different part of the backyard.
They walked towards a steaming, bubbling inset hot tub, it was connected to a large pool that was surrounded by grey lounge chairs.
Salem took off her cover up and smirked at Kaiba as she slowly stepped into the water. Her lips curled into a cheeky grin as she as the water reached her collar bones. She sighed and stretched her arms out across the stone.
Kaiba slowly moved towards the water, gripping his towel so hard he felt the blood leave his fingers. He stepped into the water feeling his towel get heavier the closer he got to Salem.
He sat close to her but far enough away as to hopefully mask the obvious erection he was sporting.
Fuck this is bad.
"Think dummy. Conversation…"
"How did you end up with the Medjai as your Chief of Security?"
Salem chuckled and scooted closer to Kaiba. He visibly tensed.
"The Medjai? How do you know about the Medjai?"
"You know, in that movie with the cursed mummy. That's what Anansi looks like." Kaiba deadpanned.
Salem laughed again and sighed,
"If that wasn't funny, one might think you're racist, tanin."
"How is that racist? I'm just saying that's what he reminds me of. It was better than a sentient ball of steel wool. And would a racist do what we did?"
"Racists can have friends of a different race, just as serial killers can have friends that are alive."
"That's...a radical comparison."
"But an accurate comparison nonetheless…"
The air became tense suddenly.
Fuck.
"Apologize, idiot."
"I'm sorry, Salem. I didn't mean to offend you…"
"Offend me? No, no tanin. You were just making a joke and I thought it was funny...It's just...Anansi...he's helped me in ways I'm not exactly ready to talk to you about yet...but just know, he's my security at such a young age for a reason…."
"And that reason being?"
"...I...I can't...yet. I'm sorry…"
"No..I..I get it...You know, I have an employee that's helped my brother and I in ways that...I don't know...I'd never be able to repay him…"
"Oh?"
"Like I said earlier, Gozaburo was a cruel man...Not everyone believed me when I tried to explain the extent of his cruelty."
Salem swirled the water in front of her, staring at it with sad eyes.
"He was...abusive..yes?"
"What makes you think that? Did you experience something similar with your parents?"
Kaiba wasn't ready to divulge everything about his past, but if he can bargain with her...he can probably learn more.
Salem smirked and looked up at Kaiba.
"All parents are abusive in someway and then call it love...Has it been hard for you...to be with people?"
"Are you asking if I've been with other people?"
"If you're willing to answer…"
"Yes. Yes I have. I never dated...it was just...meaningless sex...except for Atem."
"Atem?"
Shit. Fuck. Oh no.
Kaiba froze and realized his huge slip up.
Fuck.
Salem tried to meet Kaiba's gaze, when she failed, she asked again.
"Is Atem...an ex?"
"Ummm...sort of…"
"Sort of?"
"He-"
"He? Oh I didn't realize you're bisexual… or pansexual?"
"I don't know what I am…"
Kaiba was feeling very vulnerable now. It didn't help that he was in front of his current person of interest, in only a towel, trying to explain who..what...when..Atem was.
Salem sighed.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable...it's just...I've never..been with anyone...and If I had know that it felt like that-"
"It never feels like that!"
"What do you mean?"
Kaiba was wracking his brain trying to explain the burning sensations...the desperate need for touch, and the complete loss of self control he only felt with the pharaoh...and now with her.
"Salem...it...never feels like that...You felt it too right? The energy and the need?"
"Did it feel like that...w-with Atem?"
Kaiba sighed and adjusted his towel. He sank further into the water and looked up at Salem.
"It did...but he..died...a long time ago.."
"Oh.."
The silence was thick. Salem didn't know how to continue and Kaiba had completely lost any interest in staying for dinner.
Salem moved closer to Kaiba and put her hand on his thigh.
Kaiba felt his skin burn with need.
"I'm sorry, tanin...I know we moved pretty fast today but...I like you...and I want to get to know you...and your mind. "
"I like you too, Salem…"
Kaiba took her cheek in his hand and kissed her wet lips.
Oh God there it is again.
Salem broke away and got out of the water. She was getting too hot and Kaiba's kisses weren't helping.
"We should get your clothes, and rinse off while they dry…I'm actually pretty hungry…"
Kaiba tried to hold back his laughter but failed and let out a hearty chuckle...This is nice.
Anansi was overseeing the lesser servants set the table as he heard Salem's laugh coming towards the dining room.
"Ah, My Lady, we'll be-"
Salem and Kaiba entered the dining room arm in arm. As if they were lovers…
Salem gestured for Kaiba to sit at the table as she approached Anansi.
"Didn't you have something to say to Mr. Kaiba?"
She joined Kaiba at the table, waiting for Anansi to start his apology.
Anansi saw that Kaiba's clothes had been freshly washed and Salem was now in an oversized cashmere turtleneck that was tan in color, with black leggings.
What were they up to?
Madame definitely isn't ready for a relationship...so then what?
Kaiba brought his attention to Anansi, wondering what this colossal idiot would have to say to him.
"Yes...As a matter of fact. I do…" Anansi began, knowing that what he was about to do may ruin the friendly relationship he's had with Salem over the years.
"I did some research on you, Mr. Kaiba and I found that you built a space station a couple years ago?"
"Yes, so?"
"So, I noticed that your employees stated you went to the space station, and didn't come back for how long? Months?"
Kaiba's heart stopped. This asshole is trying to discredit him in front of Salem. She can't know yet...if ever, about the pharaoh, the spirit world, and even the technology he used to get there.
"No answer, Mr. Kaiba?"
"Anansi what is this? You were supposed to be apologizing-"
"My Lady, I've found new information on this man, which as your security must warn you about. He was raiding Egyptian tombs, and building a space station to achieve some sort or time travel or reality change. He obviously failed which is why he's back, and now he wants to steal your technology, to complete a project he obviously failed. He's dangerous."
Salem was silent. Her mouth was agape and she was shocked at Anansi's accusation.
Kaiba hoped she'd find the whole thing to be ridiculous, and hoped that she didn't believe in time travel or the idea of putting the multiverse theory to actual practice. Although, he didn't know what technology of Salem's Anansi was speaking of.
Salem cleared her throat and looked at Anansi. She felt her eyes get hot and her anger start to build.
"Salem? Are you alright? I don't know what technology he's talking about." Kaiba said, glaring at Anansi for his attempt at sabotage.
"Yes. I'm fine. Anansi...you believe that I have made an error in judgement by allowing Mr. Kaiba into my home today?"
"Yes, My Lady. Yes I do."
"Ah. I see. And you, and you alone, did this "research" with company resources to vet a man who would have no way of knowing about my technology, projects, and current progress on said tech?"
"Yes."
"Then, Anansi, you've given me no choice. You are here by suspended from your post as my Chief of Security-"
"What?!"
"For a month. Your number two will take over-"
"Jackson? Jackson can't give you the personalized care that I can-"
"That's precisely the problem, mish kida? You've become to comfortable with our friendship and have crossed several lines-"
"Lady Sala, please-"
"You are dismissed. Please leave the premises immediately."
Salem sent a message on her phone and two men in black suits appeared.
"Gentlemen. Anansi will be going on vacation and can no longer be on premises. Please make sure he turns in his key card, badge, and company pin."
The men approached Anansi and he glared at Kaiba.
Kaiba smirked back at Anansi and took a sip of his water.
See you later, Medjai.
He gave Anansi a wink before taking Salem's hand in his and kissing it gently.
"Sala, please, he'll ruin you.."
"Khulass! Gentlemen, please!"
The two men pulled Anansi from the dining room, Anansi kicking and screaming Salem's born name.
And suddenly, there was silence.
Salem sighed and reached for the bottle of red wine in the middle of the table. She expertly uncorked it and poured a healthy amount into Kaiba's glass, and then filling hers just as high.
Kaiba smirked as he watched Salem take a gulp of wine and shudder. He leaned back in his chair and look at the beautiful spread of food, no longer hungry.
"He's a good man, tanin…"
"Excuse me?"
Salem sighed and pushed her plate away, also no longer hungry.
"Anansi. He cares too much...The suspension is only for a month so you and I are able to get to know each other better, understood?"
"Of course, Madame Ambassador. I was worried that we'd have to avoid your chaperone every time."
"You? You were worried?"
"Mmmm I guess "inconvenienced" is the correct word."
"Ha. Sure. And "every time"? You plan on seeing me again?"
"Only if you'd like to see me again?"
Salem smiled and laughed. She took another sip of her wine and set the glass on the table.
"Of course I do. Maybe you could tell me more about this, time travel mission you went on." She said laughing.
"Mmmm, Maybe you could tell me more about your thoughts on all that?"
"I'd like that very much Mr. Kaiba."
"Me too, Madame Ambassador."
Author's Notes:
Sorry for the late update!
I didn't have an editor on this chapter and the spacing got all fucked up, ugh!
Some translations:
Shukran- Thank you.
Khulass- Enough
In chapter 1 Kaiba said Marhabaan which means Hello.
Please leave a review and find me on tumblr- QueenBEWD, twitter- Qbewd