Atem inhaled deeply and sighed, nuzzling his head into Salem's neck. He buried his nose into her wild curls, enjoying the smell of roses and oud.
"Mmm.." He hummed, carefully pulling her closer to him.
"Oh. Good morning…" Salem chuckled, stretching lightly.
"Be careful." Atem said, watching Salem's back arching as she began stretching and yawning.
Salem sighed and sat up slowly,
"Atem, it's been weeks, I'm completely healed. Get downstairs. I have a surprise waiting for you." She said standing up and yawning once more.
Atem exhaled slowly through his nose as he raked his gaze up Salem's body. He cleared his throat as he noticed Salem's taught buttcheeks through the sheer fabric of her lace baby doll nightie.
"Good God, it was no wonder Kaiba couldn't keep his hands to himself…."
He ran his fingers through his spiky hair and sighed as Salem walked into the bathroom and shut the door.
He got out of bed and walked out of the bedroom, accidentally running full force into Jackson's chest.
"Ah! Jackson, you're so quiet." Atem said rubbing at the tip of his nose.
Jackson glared at the young royal,
"She's been healed for weeks now. Why are you still sharing her bed. It's wrong and inappropriate." He said crossing his arms.
Atem rolled his eyes and adjusted his tunic,
"What's wrong with me feeling protective over someone I care about?" He knew Jackson didn't like that Atem was slipping into Salem's bed every night, but Atem couldn't care less.
But, Atem also knew that if Salem didn't want him there, she would have said something by now.
Jackson glared at Atem and turned his back,
"Your time here coming to an end, brat. Enjoy it while you can." He grumbled, leading Atem down the stairs and into the lounge.
"Whatever, servant." Atem said with a scoff, stopping in his tracks when he saw a full traditional middle eastern breakfast spread on a large floor mat.
He drooled slightly as he stared at a skillet filled with shakshuka, a bowl filled with spiced chickpeas, fresh hummus, and greek salad. As he studied the mat more, he saw a large bowl filled with beautiful marinated olives.
"Surprise.." He heard Salem muse from behind him.
He blushed lightly as she walked passed him, the sway of her hips enticing him to follow her further into the room.
He watched her gracefully sit on one of the floor pillows that surrounded the feast in the middle of the room.
"Come sit." She said warmly, gesturing to the pillow on the other side of the mat.
Atem's gaze wandered from the inviting pillow to Jackson's glare. He tried his best to ignore the guard's heated stare as he walked to the pillow and sat.
"This looks amazing, Salem." He said, feeling his stomach growl.
Salem chuckled,
"It's my way of saying thank you. You've been such a big help to me this last month." She said, adjusting the sleeves on her black turtleneck and smoothing out the pleats on her short pink skirt.
"You mean so much to me, Salem. Of course, I would be here for you…" Atem said, eyeing Salem's curves.
"You're very important to me too, Atem. Which is why, in addition to this breakfast, I would love to give you a goodbye present." She said, pouring herself some of the homemade chai tea that sat at the edge of the mat.
Atem furrowed his brow,
"A "goodbye" present?"
Salem nodded,
"Well, yes. Yugi's wedding is next week. I haven't spoken with him yet, but Seto has told Jackson that everything is in place for your move…"
She trailed off, fixing Atem's plate of food and holding it out for him.
Atem swallowed a lump in his throat.
His move.
That's right.
That's what all of this was for.
He sighed as he gratefully took the full plate from Salem,
"I didn't realize...It's all happening so fast.." He said, setting the plate in front of him.
Atem jumped as Salem's watch beeped loudly. He gazed at her, confused, as she tapped the screen and nodded at Jackson.
The guard obeyed the silent command, and left the lounge, closing the door behind him.
"I know it's difficult Atem. It'll be hard getting used to things at the Kaiba mansion. But, you can of course come see me whenever you like." She explained, handing Atem a small gadget.
Atem took the gadget and stared at it,
"What's this?" He asked, examining the small silver remote. It had a singular button in the middle of it's sleek design.
"Oh, it's not the actual gift. It's just a little something I've been working on while I've been indisposed. If you ever feel overwhelmed, you know, living at the Kaiba mansion, just push that button." She said, taking a bite of her breakfast.
Atem pocketed the remote and smiled sadly,
"Thank you. I wish I didn't have to go."
"Well, Atem. Like I said before, it's your choice. I would love to have you stay with me, but Seto needs you. You keep him grounded. Try things out. Just for a little while." She said, sipping her chai.
Atem sighed and gazed longingly at Salem. He would try.
For himself.
If things with Kaiba don't work out, he knew Yugi and his friends would be there for him.
He knew Salem would support him too.
"You're not eating. Do you not like it?" She asked, tasting the olives that were on her plate.
Atem shook his head,
"It's not that. Everything is beautiful." He stared at his plate sadly.
Salem smiled,
"As for your goodbye gift. Take the day to tell me what you want as a gift. It can be anything you'd like." She said, finishing off her plate of food.
Atem's eyes pricked up,
"Anything?" He thought of the possibilities.
Yes.
Salem nodded slowly, refilling her cup of tea.
Atem ate his food at a glacial pace. He wasn't sure if he should say something now or wait.
No.
He needed to say it in person while they were alone. If Jackson found out what he was asking, the guard would never allow it.
"I know what I want. But, it requires some materials…" He stated bravely.
Salem raised an eyebrow and set her tea down,
"I'm listening…"
Atem waited in Salem's bedroom patiently. He was pacing back and forth nervously.
He was shocked that Salem was open to any of what he had asked of her. Especially considering her last sexual encounter.
He was glad she had agreed because he had to know.
He had to know if what he felt was more than the feelings of a protective friend.
"She had even said she had feelings she couldn't quite describe…." He thought to himself as he looked at his reflection in the bathroom mirror.
He made sure to dress in easy to remove clothing and took extra care in trimming nails. He sighed looking around the bathroom.
He knew he wanted them to start on the bed...No..Maybe the tub?
Yes!
The tub.
Atem went into the bathroom cabinets and took out mint bath salts and rose candles. He set everything out on the counter and sighed.
Was this really okay?
He shook his head and took a deep breath.
Of course it was!
Salem wouldn't have agreed to it if it wasn't!
Right?
He walked over to the large tub and started to fill it with hot water. He poured the salts into the water, enjoying the mint scented air.
He stood up and walked over to the counter, lighting the candles carefully. He inhaled the smell of roses and sighed happily.
"My, my how romantic…" He jumped and looked at the bathroom door.
There Salem was, looking as splendid as ever.
"Good evening, Salem...I took the liberty of starting us a bath and there's wine next to the bed...Listen I just-"
"Shhh. Atem, it's alright." She hummed, walking up to the nervous pharaoh. She took his hands in hers and smiled,
"I'm safe with you and you're safe with me. Trust your instincts, my king…" She said placing his hands on her waste.
Atem pulled Salem close and ran his hands down to her hips, nuzzling his nose against hers as he felt her toned buttocks through her short skirt. He brushed his lips against her lightly, feeling the white hot tingling of arousal as Salem slid her hands up his chest and around his neck.
He closed the gap between them and eagerly pressed his lips against hers, moaning softly. He relaxed as he felt Salem's slender fingers in his hair. He hesitantly traced his tongue along Salem's bottom lip. He gasped as Salem parted her lips, allowing him to explore her mouth.
"Mmmnn.." He moaned, enjoying the feeling of their wet tongues massaging each other.
Salem broke the kiss and licked her lips,
"You should probably shut off the water…" She said, dazed from their first kiss.
Atem blinked and nodded, walking over to the tub and shutting off the faucet.
The tub was only half full but he figured that was a good thing.
He turned toward Salem and curled his pointer finger, silently calling her over to him.
She sauntered up to Atem and gazed into his crimson eyes,
"How would you like me?" She purred, biting her bottom lip as Atem yanked her close by the waistband of her skirt.
"In the tub…" Atem managed as he kissed her forehead and unzipped her pleated skirt. He kissed her cheek and stroked the outline of her jaw with his thumb.
"Mmm, in the tub? Are you sure you don't want to start on the bed? I purchased the items you requested.." She said, her words trailing off to a low hum as Atem shimmied her skirt down her legs.
"I would like to take you in the tub first…" He said, pulling Salem's turtle neck over her head.
Salem chuckled,
"First? Is this going to be an all nighter?" She smirked at Atem's reddened cheeks.
He nodded slowly as he raked his finger down her toned stomach. He knelt in front of her and kissed her lower belly, shifting their positions so she was now sitting on the edge of the tub.
He kissed up her thighs to her groin, lightly biting at the lace of Salem's panties.
She shivered.
"Mn.." Atem hummed into her core, kissing her clothed clit. He smirked evilly when he heard Salem gasp and sigh.
"Atem...Atem, wait.." She breathed, running her fingers through Atem's spiky hair.
Atem looked up at Salem from between her legs. His pants were becoming uncomfortably tight at the sight of Salem above him, her eyes half lidded and full of lust.
"What is it?" He asked gently.
Salem released a shaky sigh,
"Are you sure this is a good idea...When Seto finds out.." Atem put a finger to her lips and shook his head.
"I care for you. I want my first time to be with you. Kaiba doesn't deserve to have my new body first. I feel safer this way…" He said hooking his fingers around the hem of Salem's underwear,
"Please, allow me to continue…" He murmured, kissing Salem's inner thigh.
Salem nodded and lifted her pelvis to allow Atem to slip off her panties. She moaned loudly as Atem licked and sucked on the sensitive bud between her legs.
He groaned at the taste of her, enjoying her natural juices and scent. He pulled away when she started to shake.
"No. Not yet… I want her to orgasm while we're connected…"
"Oh, you little tease…" Salem moaned, breathing heavily.
Atem winked at Salem and licked his lips, making his way to his feet. He pulled off his tunic and threw it onto the bathroom floor, jumping when he felt Salem's warm hands rubbing him through his trousers.
He moaned lightly, playing with Salem's curls as she untied the loose fabric around his waist. He stepped out of his pants and leaned over to give Salem's soft lips a chaste peck.
Salem giggled,
"You're so sweet and gentle…" She said, running her fingers along Atem's twitching shaft.
Atem sucked in air though his teeth, his eyes fluttering at the sensation of Salem's hands on his erection.
"It's nice…" She purred, giving Atem's hardened cock a long lick.
"Angel...get in the tub…" He moaned, reaching for Salem's bra and tugging on the strap desperately.
Salem kissed the head of Atem's penis and unclipped her bra, tossing it aside. She turned her body on the ledge, dipping her legs into the large soaking tub.
"I think it might be easier if you sit in the tub and let me straddle you…" She looking up at Atem, who was trying to calm himself.
He nodded and stepped into the tub, sinking into the warm mint scented water. He became nervous as Salem waded into the tub. She leaned forward and fully enveloped Atem's thickness in her mouth, humming when the ex king let out a low moan.
Atem tangled his fingers in her hair and let his head fall back, his moans echoing loudly throughout the bathroom. He whined when Salem pulled away and straddled his hips, her wet core ready for what was to come.
She kissed Atem passionately and looked into his eyes as she hovered over his weeping member. She broke the kiss and smiled warmly,
"Are you ready, habibi?" She asked, kissing his cheek.
Atem nodded,
"Yes, Angel...Please." He said, placing his hands on her hips, slowly lowering her down, moaning as he was surrounded by the tight, wet, heat of Salem's pussy.
"Oh, Gods…" Atem moaned. He kept her hips still as he tried to slow his breathing.
"It's okay to cum, habibi...It's your first time with a woman, I understand…" Salem breathed, wrapping her arms around Atem's neck.
"No. Not yet...You can move now, just, go slow…" He huffed, kissing Salem's forearm.
Salem kissed Atem's forehead as she started to move up and down, the slow rhythm driving her insane.
Atem moaned as he felt Salem's walls twitch around him,
"Gods, you're tight…" Atem moaned, stilling her hips once more.
"It's been a while for me too, habibi...I won't last long either. Let me move..It's okay to cum. We have all night." She said, nipping at Atem's earlobe.
Atem breathed and gasped as Salem tried to start the rhythm again. He held onto her hips and moaned as she increased the pace. He caught one of Salem's nipples in his mouth and suckled lightly, enjoying the way she clenched him tighter when he gave her nipple a small bite.
He gripped the sides of the tub, the water sloshing around him and Salem as she rode him harder.
"Salem, Ahhhnn, I'm close!" Atem moaned through clenched teeth.
"Me too, darling…" She breathed, a high pitched whine escaping her lips as she felt a familiar fire deep within her belly.
Atem threw his head back and wrapped his arms around Salem's waist, thrusting his hips upwards as Salem's walls lost control around him. He let out a low groan as he painted Salem's insides with his cum.
He slowed his thrusts and rested his head against Salem's chest, relishing her gasps as her legs shook. His hips slowed to a stop.
Atem could barely hear himself panting over the sound of his heart beating in his ears. He kissed Salem deeply and lifted her off of him so she could sit comfortably on the other side of the tub.
Salem sighed and let the warm water cradle her body,
"That was good.." She said smiling weakly.
Atem chuckled,
"Was? The night's not over yet." He said with a smirk, flicking water in Salem's direction.
Mokuba growled and threw his phone at one of the walls of this living room,
"What the fuck!" He stood up from his lavish dark purple couch and paced back and forth.
He ran his fingers through his messy black hair and opened his laptop, grumbling to himself as he checked his stock portfolio.
"What the actual fuck…" He had gone over his portfolio several times in the last hour.
Forty-nine percent.
Forty-nine perFUCKINGcent!
"One of my investors fucked me! All of my American investors sold their shares but one of them was to sell me their two percent. That fucker sold it!" He thought, looking into the U.S. Kaiba corp stock.
"This is bullshit!" He yelled, realizing that who ever bought the extra two percent, was the same buyer who purchased from the rest of his shareholders.
Meaning even though he was the CEO of Kaiba corp U.S., he didn't own it.
Shit.
He stomped over to his phone and tapped through his contacts,
"Isono, I know you're busy but I need your help and your discretion. Someone purchased 51% of the U.S. branch from our shareholders, the account is private meaning I can't see who's ass I have to kick. Will you do some research for me? No one can know. Especially, Seto."
"Of course sir. It felt like things were quiet on our end, now we know why. I'll contact you when I have a lead." Isono said from the other line.
"Good." Mokuba hung up and slammed his phone on the counter.
Mokuba didn't know who would be stupid enough to try and cross him. But, what he did know is that when he found out who did it, they were dead.
"I'm coming for you, fucker."
Salem moaned against Atem's lips as he thrust himself into her deeper. She gasped as he pinched her nipple, twisting the pert nub between his fingers.
Atem gripped the sheets with his free hand and moaned in Salem's ear, biting on her earlobe gently. He grunted with each thrust as he prepared for his impending orgasm.
He kissed Salem's neck and whispered in her ear,
"What number are you on, Angel?"
Salem whined and shook as she tried to answer.
Atem groaned and stilled as he came thickly inside of Salem. He kissed her full on the mouth as he pulled out of her.
He collapsed next to her and chuckled breathlessly,
"Was that two or three orgasms, Angel?"
"Mmm, I lost count…" Salem sighed, trying to catch her breath.
Atem sat up and stretched, grabbing his glass of wine off of the bed side table. He took a large gulp of the fine liquid and clicked his tongue,
"Kaiba really sent you a bunch of vintage bottles?" He asked, watching Salem sit up and fumble around the bed for their next adventure for the evening.
She nodded and sighed,
"As much as he didn't mean to hurt me, he knew Mokuba was extorting me...I just, I'm not ready to forgive him just yet...I need him to show me that he wants to stay in my life..." She said clicking the dildo into the strap on.
Atem set his glass down and crawled up to Salem, wrapping his arms around her.
"You never have to forgive him if you don't want to. He needs to be held accountable, even if he didn't mean to hospitalize you…" Atem said, kissing Salem's shoulder.
Salem smiled weakly and stood up, ignoring the fluid seeping out of her. She buckled the straps and put her hand on her hip,
"Learning about this is really all the good that came out of that experience." She said pointing to the medium sized dildo strapped onto her pelvis.
Atem chuckled and raised an eyebrow,
"Well then get over here you lovely creature."
Salem crawled on all fours to Atem as he laid on his back. She sloppily sucked on her index finger, soaking it in saliva.
Atem shook with excitement as he felt Salem's finger swirl around his hole lewdly. He gasped as she pushed her finger into him slowly, waiting for Atem to tell her to continue.
He breathed and nodded, trying his best to relax as Salem moved her finger in and out.
"Angel, mnn, add another finger, please…" He moaned, pushing his hips back against Salem's soaked digit.
She nodded and added a second finger, blinking at Atem's member as it twitched back to life.
"Oh.." Salem hummed, stroking Atem's half hard member with her free hand,
"Someone's enjoying themselves…" She purred, moving her fingers in an upward scraping motion. Just as Atem had directed.
Atem let out a breathy laugh,
"How can I not, Angel?" He said, whining lightly when Salem removed her fingers.
"Are you sure about this? I know that Seto wants to redeem himself in both of our eyes. Do you really want a synthetic...thing...to be the first inside of you?" Salem asked, sitting crossed legged at the end of the bed, starting at the strap on awkwardly.
Atem sat up and sighed. He certainly didn't want to punish Kaiba. Especially, when the CEO knew his actions were incredibly disgusting.
The ex pharaoh himself knew that without Yugi's guidance, he would still be the sadistic spirit he once was.
He knew that punishment and the silent treatment would only cause everyone more pain.
Redemption.
"Shit." Atem said, trying to mask his face as his eyes began to well up with tears.
He was in love with Kaiba and with Salem.
Fuck.
Salem unbuckled the strap on and set it at the edge of the bed. She crawled up to Atem and held him close,
"It's okay, habibi. Let it out." She said, her voice low and soft like velvet.
Atem sobbed quietly, overwhelmed with his own grief. He nuzzled his head in to Salem's neck and let his tears roll down his cheeks.
He couldn't turn his back on Kaiba. He realized that the reason Salem wanted to forgive Kaiba was because cutting him off from her love and friendship wasn't going to help him get better either.
Even when Atem was on hormones and cruel to Salem everyday, she stood by him to make sure he would succeed. She had killed his cruelty with love.
That's what he and Salem needed to do for Kaiba.
Kaiba needed a chance at redemption and Atem was now fully willing to give him that chance.
Even if Salem wasn't quite ready to face Kaiba yet.
Atem jumped when there was a sharp knock at the door. He quickly wiped at his eyes and pulled the blanket over his body.
Salem sighed and went into the bathroom to find a robe. After she covered herself, she calmly walked up the small steps and passed her desk to her door.
"What, Jackson?" She spat as she opened the door.
"Oh. Er. I apologize for the late night intrusion but your accountant has been trying to contact you about a large purchase you made this afternoon. I wanted to make sure it was you who had purchased the stock and-"
"Yes, Jackson that is correct. No one else has my account information." She said, trying to shut the door.
"Wait, My Lady. Are you sure this is wise? Purchasing the majority of stock in your own company is one thing, but why-"
Atem listened closely to the hushed conversation.
What could have happened?
"Jackson. You're overstepping. It's none of your business why I make the decisions I make. Besides, as well as his stock, I made sure to buy majority shares in the rest of my businesses as well. I don't want a repeat incident." Atem heard her say, trying to understand what she was talking about.
He shivered when he heard Jackson speak in a low threatening tone he the bodyguard wouldn't normally dare to use against Salem,
"Sala. You're slipping. You aren't a bad person so don't act like one."
"Silence. I'm merely protecting myself. I don't need my bodyguard to tell me how to buy and sell stock." She growled.
Atem heard Jackson sigh before he answered,
"Lady Sala. What you're doing with the watch-You can't go down this path, you'll get hurt again. As your bodyguard, it's my job to make sure that doesn't happen. The last thing I want is for you to fall."
"Fall?"
"Yes." Jackson finished.
Atem's heart pounded in his chest as he heard Salem scoff,
"The watch is my creation and I'm aloud to do what I want with it. This conversation is over. Get back to your post and do not disturb me for the rest of the evening."
Atem turned onto his side and shut his eyes as he heard Salem shut the door. He slowed his breath, wondering what Jackson could have meant. He sighed when he heard the bathroom door shut and the shower start.
"What could she have done to make Jackson think she was acting like a bad person? She would have told me if she was up to something...right?"
He felt himself doze off slightly before his phone buzzed loudly. He groaned and checked the message, knowing that it could only be one person.
Asshole: We need to talk about our strategy.
Atem sighed and rolled his eyes, laying on his back and holding the phone over his face as he began responding to the text.
Atem: For what, Kaiba?
..
…
Asshole: Are you serious? Yugi's wedding. The wedding is at the Kifune Jinja Shrine in Kyoto. It's about four and a half hour drive.
..
…
Atem: When will I be able to see, Yugi and his friends?
..
…
…..
Asshole: … I've booked our check-in for a day before the ceremony. I've already contacted your friends and told them that I have a special gift for Yugi and Te'a and that they should all be in attendance in the hotel lobby once they've settled in.
Atem blinked at his phone,
Atem: So then you've already strategized.
..
..
.
Asshole: I guess I have...There was something else…
..
…
Atem: Oh?
..
…
….
…
Asshole: I've spoken with Jackson. And, Isono has been briefed on the details of our situation. Everything should be fine if you would like to move in...tomorrow instead of after the wedding.
Asshole: I feel as thought it would make the transition easier and less stressful for you.
Asshole: It would give you time to get used to the Kaiba mansion and learn the layout.
Atem groaned internally.
This was a difficult decision to make.
He had just spent a romantic and lust filled evening with Salem. He didn't want to up and leave right after he's figured out his feelings for her!
He needed time to think.
He needed to talk this over with her at the very least.
Atem: I'll have an answer for you in the morning. I need to think about it.
..
…
Asshole: Please, Atem. I need you.
..
Atem: Goodnight, Kaiba.
Atem sighed and put his phone on the bedside, looking forlorn as Salem was walking out of the bathroom. He gazed into her eyes and sat up,
"Angel...Can we talk?"
*wipes sweat from forehead* I'm tired y'all…
Shakshuka- a dish of eggs poached in a sauce of tomatoes, chili peppers, and garlic, commonly spiced with cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, and nutmeg.
What will Atem decide to do?
Find out in the next chapter (which is also the WEDDING)! We're finally closing in on the second act of this story.
I would be more excited, but there's a whole THIRD act left…
Follow me on tumblr for story/chapter updates! QueenBEWD