A Kiss for Shelter

by ArsinoetheXXVII

What if the courtesan was not the first to fall? One night is all it takes. And in Fate's hands a seed takes root. An honorable man will take responsibility and face the unexpected. Beyond passion, beyond possession and obligation he'll want for more, but find a soul unwilling to bow to him. Still with a little effort Byakuya might get what he'd forgotten he always wanted.

25. Chapter 25

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.

Word Count: 370

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A Kiss for Shelter

My House…

Upon her gentle yet unwavering insistence he had allowed her to return to her mistress. 'I would have her hear it from me.' She had said.

He had agreed to her other terms as well though he had opposed them.

Byakuya was not pleased with the idea of the girl residing in the old guest house. It was farther than any of the other buildings on the grounds from the main house (rumor had it one of the previous clan head's had it built specifically for his in-laws infrequent-too frequent- visits). It was an older structure and fully surrounded by forest. While he didn't doubt its stability, its visibility and accessibility were an issue.

Nevermind that he was certain every time he ventured there now he would picture her in the throes of passion.

But she had been adamant. Argued that it was the only place that would afford her the privacy she desired.

In the end he had conceded, yet he was most displeased. How had she worn him down? But he knew he had allowed her the win- he could easily get her to capitulate after all had been settled. Just as he knew he had lied through his teeth about forcing her hand. He would never have allowed her to walk away without being sure he would not be denied the opportunity to raise his child.

The captain took a breath as he faced the double shoji of the main conference hall. The staff waited beyond.

He steeled his expression, pushing all thoughts of the woman's obstinacy to the back of his mind. He could show no wavering when addressing his staff. They would be informed that a guest had taken up residence in the old guest quarters and that she was not to be disturbed. If she should engage a member of the staff so-be-it, but otherwise none were to hinder her comings and goings.

She would be assigned a personal maid- whether she wanted one or not- to fetch her meals, help her dress, bathe, and see her clothes laundered. He already had an individual in mind. If she had thought he would be passive in this, she most certainly had another thing coming.