AN: Trying to keep this story short, but somehow, it appears to be longer than I had expected! Well, I'll let it write itself out within reasonable limits ;)!
Again many thanks to my dear readers – really appreciate all your comments! Felt quite bad that my last update took so long and this is kind of a continuation so decided to get this chapter out asap. Please see my replies at the end!
Last chapter:
Tsukushi caved and gave in to Tsukasa's agreement to be his mistress. After their night together, he was shocked to discover that her lack of experience. This led him to question his opinion of herand hired someone tofind out why she would need the money ... ...
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Rui: Efficiency is a state of the mind.
Sheen: Why do you say that?
Rui: What does one need to be efficient?
Sheen: Ability and willpower?
Rui: Duh!
Sheen: I wish you'd be a bit less cryptic sometime … … oh … he's gone again.
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Chapter 16 – Revelations Part I
A masculine hand reached for the cell phone and flipped open the mouthpiece before the first ring had ended.
"Yes, speaking." There was long pause.
"I see," the tone was wooden. "No, nothing further, thank you." The phone was mechanically replaced on the table as the tall figure slumped wearily over his desk, burying his face in his hands in a gesture of total defeat as a low groan was torn from his chest.
How could he have misjudged her so? What would he not give to undo the grievous wrong that he had unwittingly done her? However, it was all too late. She would never forgive him … damn, he would never forgive himself. He sunk further into the dark abyss of despair as he tortured himself by thinking of what could have been. Knowing her, he understood that he had completely ruined any chance of happiness that he might have had with her … …
A knock on his door roused him from the stupor that he was in. "Mr Doumyouji, the file that you requested for is here."
"Leave it outside with my secretary … …" The words died painfully on his lips.
"Yes sir." He remained silent as the footsteps died away. Heaving a sigh, he finally reached for the telephone with a heavy heart. The past was history. It had never been his style to dwell on past events but instead to be proactive. He had to take steps to protect her first and then try to make amends, if he ever could. His hand tightened around the receiver as he quickly pressed a few numbers. There were quite a few calls that he had to make … …
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She was fighting against the looming consciousness, her instincts telling her to remain in the blissful oblivion of her unconscious state for as long as possible. However, despite her paltry attempts, the darkness was receding as her senses came slowly awake. She closed her eyes more tightly as she tried hard to block out the memories that were forcing their way into her head, trying instead to focus on her mild headache and the physical surroundings, attempting to think of anything else. It was a bad choice. Several foreign sensations hit her at once – the pain in her head, the softness of the mattress, the silkiness of the sheets against her bare skin, the dull, throbbing ache in her lower regions, and the stickiness between her thighs. It was all too reminiscent of the events that took place last night … …
Slowly, her eyes opened in spite of herself and she swallowed the lump in her throat as they took in the unfamiliar, luxurious surroundings. It was too much to hope that it had just been a nightmare. Swallowing again, she squeezed her eyelids shut as she tried to dispel the image of Tsukasa, his eyes darkened with desire and his face flushed with passion, his roaming hands and mouth, his forcefulness … … She shuddered. He had been so … eager, so impatient, using her as if she was a practised whore.
That's what he thinks you are, a small voice in her head reminded her. It continued relentlessly, and yet he knew just what to do and where to touch didn't he? In spite of the pain, in the end you did experience a moment of … …
"Stop!" Her voice reverberated through the room, the loudness of it shocking herself. Talking to herself was the first sign of madness … …
She jumped at the brisk knock on the door and cowered beneath the sheets when the door opened and the butler stepped in, bowing slightly as he kept his eyes respectfully on the carpet.
"Good morning miss, I hope you slept well." She flushed deeply at his statement, but he continued smoothly. "I will be sending Su up to you shortly to assist you with anything you need. Please let us know when you would like breakfast and if you would like a bath to be drawn up."
"I would … would like a bath to be drawn up please," Tsukushi turned even redder as she stammered.
"Oh course, I will see to it directly. And if you have any further requirements, please let us know," he said politely and quietly left the room. Almost immediately, an elderly woman entered the room, left a bathrobe on the bed and disappeared into the bathroom. Soon, the sound of running water was heard.
Within minutes, the woman done, "please ring the bell when you have finished your bath, miss, and breakfast will be sent up to you."
Her response was a soft mortified "thank you." The moment the door was shut, Tsukushi grabbed the bathrobe and pulled it on. She slid off the bed, choking back a gasp as her movement caused the throbbing pain to magnify into a sharp, burning sensation for an instance, before finally dulling again. However, the physical pain was nothing compared to the emotional turmoil which the pain had wrought. Biting her lip, Tsukushi limped painfully to the bathroom before locking the door behind her.
Alone at last, she kept her eye fixed on the floor, averted from the mirror as she slid off the bathrobe and stepped into the bath. The tender flesh revealed was bruised. Her hips were marked with longish bruises inflicted by fingers that had gripped too tightly, and there were oval-shaped marks scattered over different parts her anatomy that were caused by lips that had sucked too hard for too long. However, the most heart-wrenching bruises were located on her inner thighs, half camouflaged by the streaks of dried blood and the remnant evidence of Tsukasa's passion. The burning sensation that she felt when she sank into the hot water was mercifully brief and she blanked all thoughts out of her mind, feeling a sense of relief as her body slowly relaxed and numbness took over … …
She slowly drifted back into awareness, a series of loud knocks on the door and someone frantically calling for her finally reaching her through the fog.
"… you there? Miss are you ok? I'm coming in if you don't answer me … …"
"Stop," she hurried called out as a key was inserted into the lock, not wanting another person to be privy to her nakedness so soon. "I just fell asleep in the bath, I'll be coming out soon." She hurriedly got out of the bathtub and dried herself before slipping onto the bathrobe. The thick material chafed at her skin that was sensitive after being nearly rubbed raw and soaked in hot water for so long. When she emerged, the expression of relief on the maid's face did not escape her.
"Miss, Dr Clarkson is here to see you."
"I didn't send for anyone." The surprise on her face was palpable.
"Young master sent for her, miss." She frowned and looked away the moment Tsukasa was mentioned. "I'm sorry but he was rather insistent," the maid apologised helplessly at Tsukushi's obvious displeasure. Swallowing against the lump in her throat, Tsukushi managed to choke out her agreement. Young master indeed. What other choice did she have but to obey the commands and wishes of her Master? She thought bitterly. After all to Mr Doumyouji she was just a commodity that he had purchased and enjoyed.
She felt ten times worse when the medical examination was over. Although Dr Clarkson was a woman and her manner was nothing but professional, it took everything in her to keep from screaming when the good doctor examined her for tearing. Her face burned when the doctor informed her that there was only a little tearing and she could continue to have intercourse if her partner was gentle, although it would be preferable to abstain for a few days. She wanted to die from the mortification when the doctor proceeded to administer the morning-after-pill and immediately put her on birth control.
Her breakfast was served after Dr Clarkson had departed and she sat down to it after changing into a fresh set of clothes that was sent up for her. However, the little appetite that she had, had vanished with the latter's visit. She picked at the lavish layout in front of her, barely tasting the few bites that she managed to force down. There was a hollowness in her chest and her self-esteem had plummeted to an all time low. Tsukushi felt like an idiot for ever thinking that Tsukasa had respected her as an employee and a friend. His callous treatment of her had shattered all her illusions – he was driven, practical and brilliant at his work, but he was inhumane and just as relentless in his personal conquests as in his business ones … …
The morning passed by in a blur and before she knew it, there was a phone called for her. Her voice quavered a little as she took the receiver from the maid and voiced a tentative, "hello?"
"'Kushi!"
"Susumu!" The unexpected sound of her brother's voice brought a smile to her lips before it was replaced by a worried frown. "Oh no, how did you get to school today? I'm so sorry that I didn't call."
"'Kushi, I walked to school. But school's just ended and there's this guy who says that he's been sent by your boss to take me home. I didn't know him so … … Hang on, he wants to talk to you."
"Hello, Miss Makino," she jumped when a slightly familiar voice came over the phone. "This is Tama, I'm Mr Doumyouji's butler. I was just carrying out Mr Doumyouji's instructions to bring Master Makino to your new accommodations. All your belongings have already been moved there as he thought it would be more comfortable for Master Makino."
Tsukushi felt a rush of anger at Tsukasa's presumptuous behaviour, but managed to rein it in, "thank you, could I speak to my brother please?" After convincing her bewildered brother that everything was fine and that he should follow the old man, she hung up the phone and walked to the front door only to be stopped by a couple of male servants.
"Sorry Miss, Young Master has ordered that you are not to be permitted to leave the house until he comes back." Tsukushi took a step back as her hand automatically went up to her mouth before turning and rushing back to her room as fast as she could. For the first time since entering the house, she flung herself down onto the couch and allowed herself to weep for everything precious that she had lost including her freedom … …
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It was a nightmarish day, as bad as he had expected. Once the announcement was released, Tsukasa was hounded by reporters everywhere he went and in the end he holed himself up in the office, tasking his temporary secretary to keep the paparazzi off his back. Out of sheer desperation, he got the company's publicist to hire another helper to answer to the numerous questions on his behalf.
"This won't keep them away for ever," the publicist had advised him quietly. "You will have to hold a press conference one day with … …"
"I know," he had cut him off with an impatient gesture. "Arrange one first thing Thursday morning, and keep them off my back till then. I expect all of them to be notified by tomorrow and tell them that if I am approached by a single one of them before Thursday, the deal is off."
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Tsukasa did not turn up that day or the next or the day after that. Instead, he gave orders for Tsukushi to be escorted by Tama to her new accommodations in the afternoon of the second day. Her younger brother had greeted her with delight but some confusion.
The house was located at a relatively remote area and was large by her standards, although it would be considered small when compared to Tsukasa's mansion. There was a garden, a gym and a swimming pool. He also hired two maids, one who doubled as the cook, as well as a gardener who chauffeured them around when required. The house was tastefully furnished and Tsukushi could only be grateful that the master bedroom was at one end of the house, whilst the next largest room that had been obviously decorated for Souta was right at the other end of the house. There was also a buzzer in each room for summoning the servants and an intercom that connected all the rooms.
After taking a tour with her enthusiastic brother, they sat down and she had to quickly fabricate a tale about coming into a large sum of money after Tsukasa had engaged a lawyer to finally win the long legal battle against a fictitious insurance company by proving that the deaths of their parents had been accidental. Also, she told Souta a half-truth – she was currently going out with Tsukasa - in order to prevent any surprise caused by his expected visits and had to hide her pain at his obvious delight of having an older "brother" to talk to.
In the meantime, she had contacted the administrative staff at the hospital and given them the green light to go ahead with the arrangements for the kidney transplant. She also informed Tama to notify Tsukasa that she had to make a trip to the hospital the following week to finalise all details, not wanting to speak to the man himself. Although relieved to be left alone, she was also plagued by doubts about herself and pondering what Tsukasa really wanted from her. Surely he would not have gone through so much trouble and expense if he had only wanted that one night with her?
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Tsukasa heaved a sigh of relief at the end of another long day. The media had left him strictly alone after his publicist had conveyed his message. He mentally reminded himself to give that guy a raise. He had been forced to go for dinner the night before with his parents and the Sumimotos. It had been a necessary evil but it had been far from pleasant. Tonight, he was finally free of all commitments and he found his thoughts returning to Tsukushi as they constantly did over the past couple of days.
He had read the report from Dr Clarkson with a mixture of relief and consternation as it confirmed that it had been her first time and that he had not caused any physical damage. The daily updates about her were less positive, however. Apparently, Tsukushi had appeared to be in a daze and had spent much of the first day in her room where the maid had heard her crying. His conscience had smote him with a vengeance and he had decided to reunite her with her brother. He was later informed that at least she smiled in the presence of her brother and appeared to be happier, although she still kept to herself and hardly spoke.
Heaving a sigh, he went to his cabinet and poured himself a stiff drink. He had resolved to face her later that night. However, he would have to muster up sufficient courage before he could do so. After a few drinks, he was feeling more confident. He decided to have a few more to strengthen his resolve. By the time he polished off half a bottle of his brandy, he was feeling extremely good about himself, although he was having a little trouble with his coordination.
"She's sleeping, sir," the maids informed him respectfully when Tsukasa entered the house. He dismissed them with a wave of his hand and slowly made his way to the master bedroom. He closed the door quietly behind him and headed for the silent figure huddled under the sheets. His breath caught when his eyes fell on his sleeping angel. The soft moonlight flooded the room, illuminating her features that were relaxed in peaceful slumber and highlighting the pale ivory arm that was flung carelessly across the pillows. Before he knew what was happening, Tsukasa found himself bent over her and his lips brushed against hers lightly as he gently pulled back the sheets.
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She was relaxing in a beautiful garden, watching the colourful butterflies fluttering amidst he scented flowers. One butterfly landed on her face, its fluttering wings brushing against her lips. Then suddenly she was surrounded by several more butterflies, their wings brushing lightly against all parts of her anatomy, making her giggle and shift uncomfortably as they began to brush against the more sensitive parts of her anatomy … …
Then she was having a marvellous wet dream. Her faceless lover was suckling at her chest, skilfully twirling his tongue around rapidly hardening little nubs before gently pushing her legs apart … … It was such a realistic dream. She could almost feel her breathing speed up and hear her breathy moans as the skilful tongue moved lower and started attacking a more sensitive part of her anatomy … … Soon, her stomach was tightening and she was feeling a lightness and trepidation that she had never felt before … ... Even as her consciousness was hovering on the thin line between sleep and wakefulness, she could feel that something was very wrong. Something was urging her to wake up and she fought against the waves of sleep … ….
Tsukasa knew the moment she jolted awake as her entire body tensed and her hands immediately reached for his head.
"Noo … oh ... stop … … stupid medicine … … stop … please … …" He blatantly ignored her cries, continuing his actions with more vigour as her hands tightened in his hair. She tried to push him away but she was too far gone. With a strangled moan, she came hard in his hands. He was in a similar condition. Unable to stop himself, he crawled up her body as she was still shuddering and joined their bodies with one slow, smooth thrust. Her inexperienced body came again as she writhed beneath him … ….
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"Sir," a soft voice next to his ear woke him up. "You wanted to be woken up at dawn, sir."
With a grunt, Tsukasa signalled for the maid to leave and then slid out of his bed and stumbled to the bathroom with half-closed eyes. Due to his throbbing head, he did not notice the unfamiliarity of his surroundings until he had commenced brushing his teeth. With a muffled curse, he quickly washed up put on the new suit of clothes that had been prepared for him by the maid before stepping out of the bathroom.
Tsukasa saw to his relief that Tsukushi was still asleep, probably worn out by their activities the night before. She was an extremely passionate creature in spite of her unwillingness to give in to her wild side. He could not regret his actions, but he wished that he had been more in control of himself and that they had an opportunity to talk before the press conference today. With a new resolution to do so the moment he returned, Tsukasa gently covered her up with the sheets that had fallen to her waist, knowing that she would be embarrassed if she woke up to find herself in such a state.
After fixing a drink to cure his slight hangover, Tsukasa declined all offers of breakfast except for a cup of dark coffee. He nodded when his chauffeur greeted him and tried to relax on his way to the office before getting ready to face the mob of reporters … …
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Tsukushi's eyes opened sleepily and she glanced over at the clock. It was around seven in the morning. It was time to wake Susumu up and send him to school. With a sleepy sigh she tried to get out bed, only to realise that her body was aching all over. The shock of her discovery instantly brought back the memories of last night and her face burned with humiliation as she recalled the heavy smell of alcohol about Tsukasa and the wanton way in which she had reacted to his advances. How dare that unscrupulous, drunken rake seduce her in her sleep! However, she could not control the way her treacherous body instantly reacted when she remembered the gentleness of his touch and his patience as he practically worshipped her body, bringing her to her first orgasm and then again and again … …
There was no time for further self-recriminations as the alarm on her clock went off and she busied herself getting breakfast ready and preparing Souta's lunch. As usual, they had breakfast together and then she walked him to the bus stop in spite of his protests and waved him off. Out of habit, she turned on the television on her return before heading to the kitchen to get some more tea.
"… … true Mr Doumyouji?" She paused at the name that was mentioned by the announcer.
"Yes, it is." The extremely familiar voice made her run back into the living-room and Tsukushi found herself staring at Tsukasa's face on the screen … …
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ice-dwine: Hey thanks for reading and sorry for the Ray/Rui confusion. You probably would have figured it out by now but just in case, certain escorts prefer to use a different name for their clients to remain "anonymous" to a certain extant. So Rui basically chose Rui as his alias when he is at work and only close friends know his "true" identity. Rui's reaction? Oops sorry, didn't manage to incorporate that in this chapter – too many other things happening :)
peachINVU: Thanks and I hope this update is soon enough!
I-Smiles-U: Thanks so much and I hope you like this chapter too.
Thread-Spool: Yes, I feel the same way about reviews. I guess I really enjoy reading about different perspectives so when I review I try to add in my own perspectives, but you're right. Sometimes it feels like I'm just writing praises! So sorry to hear about your household and I hope you did not fall sick!
Piglet: So glad you liked the last chapter - this chapter is even longer! I just couldn't find a good cut-off point I guess ;)! Yes, yes that face was Rui's :) You are right!
sweetpeakit: Ooops I realised that I may have been too carried away by my descriptions. Sorry, didn't mean to make it seem like Tsukasa tortured her – I guess the bruises in this chapter ain't making things better too eh:) You brought up some very interesting issues, I will try to answer them one by one.
1) Was it rape?
I would say legally it isn't rape. Circumstances have forced her hand. However, she has consented and she has received payment for her consent. Taking an analogy, if you were paid to do a job which you detested and your employer had to beg you to help out, he didn't hold a gun at your head and you still agreed to do it, regardless of how much you secretly hate the job. Morally would be more of a grey area. However, there's always no straight right or wrong answer when it comes to the latter.
2) Why didn't she say anything?
She was taken aback by his accusation and he didn't exactly give her time to deny his accusation. Moreover, in that situation, she would probably be too worried about what was to happen than to start arguing over this issue. Moreover, there was some misunderstanding between herself and Tsukasa. She would have believed that what was going to happen would take place regardless of anything that she said.
Thanks for raising such interesting questions, you really made me ponder over them!
Mochi: Wow, thanks so much for the compliment! You really made my day!
catmum56: Thanks so much for your encouraging comments! I'm afraid this chapter is still focused on T&T because of the many issues that they still have to sort out. Will try to incorporate them back into the plot as soon as more events unravel!
just a reader: Is this chapter spicy enough ;)? Sorry for the racy nature – I'm afraid this story will be more so than my other two because of the storyline. Hopefully, it's not overly done!
Kensingtonkid: Thanks so much for your kind comments and wishes! I had great fun reading your opinions! Hopefully, my explanations for Tsukasa's actions in this chapter are aligned with your thinking as well?
leavemealone49: Yes, and I hope you find this chapter more timely than the last one !
Sonydjsnmix: Hey thanks ! So glad you like it :)