Chapter Five: Strictly Invitational

II
II
II
II

Author's Note: Wow, thank you all so much! Especially for sticking around with me! Here's the next chapter.

II
II
II
II

"Presenting an exclusive performance by Madame Gisella's Young Girls."

The coarse voice of the presenter heightened the expectations of the audience, but a girl in the crowd knew that her sisters would perform well.

Clapping along the rest of the exclusive party, the curtains were lifted as the show began.

II
II
II
II

Thunderous applause greeted the finale of the vibrant show of colours. Standing up along with the rest of the room she blew her friends a kiss which only they noticed.

Smiling back at her they bowed one last time before the curtain fell.

Sakura turned to sit back down at their front row seats. Across from them she could see the governor and other men that looked as though they were in positions of authority.

There were plenty of single men for her friends to charm tonight.

"What did you think?" asked Sakura when she saw the Duke's eyes were on her, she could feel him tracing the outline of the plunging neckline of the new gown he had gotten her earlier that afternoon.

"I think you look beautiful."

Sakura almost choked on her drink, he was way to blunt about what he wanted.

"Patience my dear," Sakura scolded mockingly. "Tonight's our night."

A high-pitched cling echoed through the room as all heads turned to the governor who had started tapping on his glass.

"Thank you all for coming today, distinguished guests and patrons of our lovely city. We're gathered here today to celebrate our city's anniversary of independence."

A few wild cheers erupted across the room. The governor took it all in his stride as he smiled and continued.

"I would like to Duke Gautier for organizing this wonderful event." Polite applause followed, "and also a quick welcome to Colonel Li and his regiment which are stationed here for training."

Sakura turned to see the Colonel who she had met a few days ago sitting in the table behind her. He wasn't wearing the uniform today, just a casual outfit that still looked as though he was in position of authority.

Quickly turning around when she saw he had caught her staring at him, she engaged into conversation with the Duke to try and wash the colour from her face.

"You organized this event?"

"I did," he replied indifferently.

Out of the corner of her eye she saw the girls had been let loose into the crowd. Meilin was going for straight towards the governor, glaring at any other girl who even attempted to look at him as a target.

Typical Meilin.

"Let's dance," said the Duke, as he gave her his hand. Taking it, she got up beside him and moved towards the dance floor. One of Chopin's Nocturnes was playing the background as they moved together.

Duke Gautier's rough hands unconsciously moved towards Sakura's small, delicate hips as he pressed her against him. Other couples on the floor moved aside when they passed.

Sakura felt the Duke's warm breath on her neck, sending shivers throughout her body as he started kissing it.

"I –

She started moving away from him, unsure of how she was feeling about doing this publicly. In private it was okay, it was only her and him but with everyone's eyes on her…

"Hush," he replied, pulling her closer towards him. Looking around the room she saw Gisella eyeing her as she broke away from the stare and turned the other way around.

"Something wrong?" he asked uncaringly.

"Its nothing," replied Sakura, entwining their fingers.

"There's someone over there I need to talk to, I'll only be a short chat," continued Duke Gautier as he undid his fingers and walked over towards another figure that had been lurking in the shadows.

Sakura had been left alone at the dance floor. Walking in the opposite direction, back towards her table she sat and gulped down another glass of some high-class beverage she wasn't familiar with.

A small wisp of smoke ran past her as she turned to face a man with amber eyes and copper brown hair.

"You smoke?" asked Sakura, surprised.

"What of it?"

"Just surprised."

"So, are you going to punish me for smoking?"

"No, you'll just die," replied Sakura in jest.

"Gautier smokes, you don't seem surprised. Where is he anyway?" said Syaoran, indifferently, a small grin tugging on the side of his lips.

"Who?"

"Your fiancée." He replied.

Sakura could tell he knew something that she didn't; it was in his smug expression. He was so sure of himself.

"I'm here."

Sakura stiffened, turning around when she felt a cold hand on her bare shoulder. The Duke had come just in time to hear the last sentence.

"Oh, I was wondering when you would come and rescue me," said Sakura, changing her tone as she stood up.

"You haven't been trying to steal her from me have you?" he asked as Syaoran smirked.

"I have my own Gautier," he replied, as the Duke laughed out loud.

"I was joking my boy! But you know there are many single girls in the crowd tonight who wouldn't mind. Aimee would never know."

"No thank you, it was nice to meet you both again," said Syaoran as he walked away in the opposite direction.

Sakura stared at his retreating back. He had surprised her with his words. His fiancée was in a distant town and would never know, and still he had turned down the offer.

"He's a good man that boy," remarked the duke who followed his own comment by a roar of laughter.

"Hmm?" murmured Sakura turning towards the Duke to loosen his collar. "It's getting quite late, let's make our exit."

Gautier smiled a hungry look forming in his eyes as he wrapped his arm around Sakura's waist leading her towards the marble staircase.

Walking past the governor, Sakura opened her eyes wider unable to believe who was on top of him. Meilin was straddling the man, kissing him with no care for anyone around her and he didn't seem to mind either as he pulled her closer.

"Should we?" asked Sakura as they stopped watching the two.

"Your honor?" asked Duke Gautier, as the governor broke away from the girl on top of him. Aware of his disheveled appearance he wiped the faint remains of lipstick of his lips. "Where are the private rooms?" he continued, as the governor smiled in understanding.

"Follow me." He said, as Meilin got off him. Both couples walked together ascending the marble staircase with the governor and Meilin on his side, leading the way.

Sakura caught the boasting grin Meilin shot her, shaking her head. She was being paid more anyway.

They finally stopped in front of a door in the long corridor as the Governor and Meilin entered the one beside it, slamming the door behind them.

Walking into the room, they heard shrieks of laughter from the other room as the both of them smiled.

"Let's have our own fun."

Gautier shivered, inwardly smiling with delight as he watched Sakura start to dispense of her clothing. She gazed deeply into his eyes as he approached her, both one thing on their mind.

"Turn around," ordered Sakura, before he came close enough to touch her.

Single-handedly she began to unbutton his jacket, tossing it aside it when she had finished. Looking around the room she saw a glittering gem hanging onto the end of a necklace that had been left idly on the table.

Quickly darting over she grabbed the gem, putting it into the pocket of the dress she had taken off.

Turning the Duke around she threw herself onto him, engaging him into a passionate kiss, her tongue teasing him to want her more as he responded to her moves. Duke Gautier stumbled his way towards the large king-sized bed, throwing her down as he climbed over her.

"Love me," gasped Sakura. Duke Gautier looking down at what he had paid for as he took it.

II
II
II
II

Author's Note: Sorry it's shorter than usual, but I will make it up to you in the next chapter. Argh, I say sorry way too much. Expect an update in the next few days. Review please!