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.

94. Chapter 94

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.

Word Count: 249

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A Kiss for Shelter

Soothe

Byakuya could still feel a slight tingling burn at the back of his throat and he took another sip of the cool mint tea before setting the cup aside and fixing his sights on his 'ward's' back.

If she felt his gaze she did not acknowledge it, sweeping her full hair into a messy bun atop her head. Her fingers idly combed at the wayward hairs at the back of her neck and the noble's focus grew more intense.

Finally she turned to him with a rueful smile, "I should have told you I'd invited him. I apologize, my lord."

His eyelids fell over his eyes to shutter the hungry glow that had alighted within the metallic depths. "It is no matter."

When Rukia was home, Renji could be accounted for at a dinner or two. He had never so much minded his lieutenant's presence, especially since it seemed to please his younger sister so. But, he'd felt strangely imposed upon this evening when he realized that he would not be sharing a meal with Xochitl alone.

"Still," She said as she smoothed her white chiton over her belly, "It was not my place."

He watched her a moment, noting how her fingers lingered over the roundness of her middle, her gaze now turned aside. With a silent sigh he outstretched his hand in offering.

She caught his movement and looked up at him. Her cheeks flushed with bronzy color, but she crossed the room to take his hand.