Disclaimer - I do not own CCS or any of characters.
Madison smiled as one of the board of directors concluded his presentation. It seemed her company would be getting that tidy little profit at the end of the financial year. All her hard work had finally paid off. A nice holiday would suffice, somewhere hot and near the beach. She'd invest in a little cottage surrounded by a garden and a huge backyard and a bedroom view of the beach so she could catch the sunrise and it's setting.
A polite little cough broke her thoughts and she blushed at being busted daydreaming shamelessly. She composed her features and looked toward the door where her secretary was trying to catch her attention and behind her . .
Madison rose with all the grace and elegance that she had been born with and glarred not at her secretary but the obnoxious piece of work behind her. Sapphire eyes gleamed at the look and she saw him smirk. She looked at her businessmen and gave a small smile of apology.
" Please forgive me gentlemen. I will be back with you currently. " she bowed and then walked toward the door.
She stepped out into the hallway and closed the door behind her quietly. Her secretary startled to babble about how the man wished to see her and she held up her hand silencing her.
" Chiyo, I know why Mr Hiragizawa is here, please return back to the front desk. I can handle this. "
" Yes Miss Daidoji. " the young woman shot Eriol an appreciative look and then walked back to the greeting area.
Amethyst eyes pinned him with agravation.
" Why are you here? " she snapped.
" Such manners Duchess. " Eriol rose his eyebrow. " Do you save them for me? "
" I'd rather tell you where to go Mr Hiragizawa, but since that requires time and effort I'd rather not waste my time. "
" Ah, that's right. You're a time saver aren't you Duchess? " he replied. " Do you ever take time to relax? "
" What I do with my time is none of your business Mr Hiragizawa. Now tell me why you are here, otherwise get out. "
" See, your still harbouring that rough spot. Still sore but that kiss huh? " Madison scoffed angrilly.
" You think I'd waste precious memories on you? " she asked increduously.
" I've broken a few hearts in such a short time. I'm not surprised you're bitter. "
" What! " her voice pitched and she looked around making sure no one could hear her. " You are more arrogant than I first gave you credit for! " she stepped close to him and glarred, her eyes flashing fire.
" One, I care nothing for you, two, I would not waste my precious time with you when I can be out there making beautiful gowns for beautiful women all over the world. Three, I'd find more entertainment sitting on the coach watching a movie that makes me cry on Saturday night with a bowl of ice cream than I would ever have with you and four, " she paused for breath, " You have five seconds to tell me why you are here otherwise I call Jerry. "
He smiled and she wondered what the hell he could find to smile about.
" My dear Duchess I wonder if you realise how much you just revealed about yourself to me. " he smirked and she bristled.
" That's it buddy. Cop or no cop I don't care. " she looked passed him to the reception ready to call out for security and before she knew, she was being kissed and kissed senseless at that.
She tensed as his hands came up to claim her waist. She gasped and then pushed away from him.
" How dare y- "
" Don't. " it was one word but full of command. " I'm enjoying this and I don't want you to ruin it by getting all haughty and uppity on me Duchess. " he traced her cheek softly.
" How dare you - "
" You already said that - "
" - Come in here acting as if you have every right - "
" I wear the badge, my rights are more than yours- "
" - I will not be forced upon by some sex-craved lunatic - "
" I am not sex-craved! "
" - Who thinks he is God's gift to women and thinks he can get away with it! " Tomoyo fumed. " Now get out. I never want to see you again. EVER. "
With that she turned and opened the door and slammed it in his face. She ignored the look of stunned surprise on the directors faces and sat down and tried to calm her ruffled feathers. They were just beginning once again when the phone on the end of the table rang and they all looked at it in surprise. Sighing, Madison reached across and picked it.
" Daidoji, What is it? "
" You have a really nice office in here Duchess. You really have that artistic flare. "
Madison starred in horror at the reciever in her hand before she put it back to her ear,
" Please do not tell me that you are in my office? " she asked trying to count to ten.
" I more or less did. Now are you going to come in here and talk to me or not? "
" I swear I will have Jerry in there to remove you personally. " she threatened.
" Hey why not? I haven't spoken to Jerry Merks since we were in college together. " His voice replied.
Her back went ram rod straight with fury and she slammed the phone down and the pulled the plug out of the wall. She looked up at found twenty pairs of eyes on her and she gulped. She coughed and then picked up the report she had been looking at.
" I believe that we should pull our funds from this boutique and go with the one that you were suggesting Daniel. "
" Going from this report we've had more hiccups and profit loss because of the lack of service and quality of product from this organisation than we have in any other part of the world. Not only is the owner irresponsible, but untrained and to us - useless. Cut them from our list of suppliers. "
" Yes Miss Daidoji. " Daniel bowed and sat down.
" Now, to the designs you promised me - " there was another knock on the door and Madison swore she was going to burst into tears of frustration if this kept up.
If it was him she swore she would wrap her hands around his annoying neck and screw the consequences, she was going to wring it and wring it hard. She excused herself and plugged the phone back in and pressed one. She spoke into the phone and placed the reciever down and smirked. That should fix him. She found everyone watching her once more and she looked out the window.
" My, isn't it beautiful weather today. You know what? " she snapped the folder closed and looked at them.
" I think we'll conclude this at my mother's house where we can sit in the sun and drink. " she smiled. " And then, I think we can have the rest of the afternoon off. How does that sound. "
They all starred at her in shock and she smiled. Just then the door burst open allowing the commotion outside it to be revealed. Eriol was argueing with three men and not looking very happy about it as he stormed into the room and glarred at Tomoyo.
" Sorry Miss Daidoji - " one man began.
" Alright, " Eriol cut in glarring at her. " I tried playing it cool. I was willing to talk to you calmly and professionally and give you some time sort yourself out, but now I'm pissed. You've gone too far Duchess. "
Madison's gaze flew to her directors.
" Gentlemen may I introduce you to Mr Hiragizawa of the Police Department. Will you give us a moment dozo? "
" Oh no. " Eriol cut in striding toward her. " You wouldn't give me and audience so now we do it my way. "
He stood in front of her, grabbed her wrist and slammed a cuff onto it, before cuffing the other amongst the startled gasps of her empoyees. Madison eyes flew up to his full of shock.
" W-W-hat are y-y-you d-d-oing! " she stuttered freaked out.
" Miss Daidoji you are coming with me down town where you will be placed in protective custody. You are now considered a target of the Morimoto case which Li has re-opened. You are being placed in our care until further notice. You are reqiured to come with me. "
Madison dug her heeled shoes into the carpet.
" What are you talking about? " she demanded anger taking over her fear. Sapphire eyes flashed angrilly down on hers.
" Miss Kinomoto is in danger and so it has been called that you and her family will be put in lock down until we can either decide what we do with you or until the threat is over. Now please follow me. "
" But - " she pulled against him ignoring the pain in her wrists.
" Don't make me put you in temporary arrest Duchess. " he said angrily glarring.
Her eyes flashed hatred.
" The name is Daidoji. Remember it. " she raised her chin until her head was a hair's breath away from his chin.
" It's all you'll ever be to me. " and with that, back straight, chin out, she walked out of the room ahead of him.
Eriol had to admire her spunk. He nodded to the men starring at him and the doorway and smiled. He'd better watch his back after that little episode, but that she-devil drove him to furiating measures. He ducked her head as he placed in the back of his un-marked car and then drove down town.
He walked her into the holding room and unlocked the cell and waited for her to walk in. She turned around and glarred at him in contempt. She held her hands out in front of her and waited for him to unlock the cuffs. She refused to rub them in his presence, but then again maybe that might make him feel bad to see her rubbing some life back into them after he had put them on. She proceeded to rub her wrists and glare at him as she did so. He didn't need to know that they hadn't hurt her in the least.
" How long am I expected to be in here for? " she asked.
" That depends. I'm thinking of chalking up your time to a month for that little stunt you pulled back there. You wouldn't even allow me to tell me why I was there. "
" I wonder why! " she demanded. " You were too busy with your sleazy inuendo and cheap shots! "
" Sleazy! " he repeated shocked. " I am not sleazy! "
" That is in the eye of the beholder. " she turned her head away in disgust sticking her nose in the air.
" Hey is everything all right back here? " another office asked as he came into the room.
" Just fine officer. " Madison replied looking at him briefly.
" You will remain here until someone comes in here and briefs you on the situation. " Eriol replied.
" Hmmph. " Madison turned away from him and sat down on the bed and refused to look at him.
" Fine then. " Eriol shot angrily and slammed the door closed.
Madison waited until the outer door had closed and it was all quiet before she put her head in her hands and began to cry.
Eriol muttered all the way up to the office he sharred with Li and slammed the door. He sat down and grabbed the nearest folder and started scanning its contents and cursed the she-devil all the way back to her fiery home and back.
Four Hours Later . . .
Madison stood up and wrapped her hands around the bars of her temporary home. She looked beyond the door that lead to this room and tried to see if any one was out there.
" Excuse me? " she called politely and smiled when a young officer stuck his head in questioningly.
" May I bother you for a moment sir? " she called.
" What is it? " he asked walking in a little more.
" I was wondering if Mr Hiragizawa has given any orders for me to be briefed? He said that someone should come down and brief me about me being a target? " her amethyst eyes appealed desperately.
The young officer shook his head.
" Sorry, but there has been no order from him or anyone else. I'm sure that something is being worked out. "
" No, please, you don't understand. " Madison pleaded. " My friend, you see, is in danger. That's what Hiragizawa said. I need to know what has happened to her please. "
" Look. all I can do is place a call and see what I can. Give me a moment. "
" Thank you. " she called as he left and went back to her bed and sat down.
She sighed as she looked up at the ceiling. When Hiragizawa let her out of here, he was going to cop a mouthful. How dare he embarrass her the way he did in front of all her employees.
Several minutes passed and then the young officer was back. He shook his head at her inquiring look.
" Sorry, but Mr Hiragizawa isn't answering his phone or his pager. You'll just have to sit tight I'm afraid. "
" Oh, " she looked down and her hands tightened in her lap.
" Look, can I get you anything? Something to drink? Some lunch perhaps? " he asked. She looked up and smiled prettily at him.
" That would be wonderful, thank you. Mr - ah? "
" Sousikii ma'am. " he bowed.
" Sousikii. " she nodded and smiled again. " Thank you. "
She watched as he smiled and ducked his head in embarrassment as he walked out.
She tucked her leg behind the other, crossing them at the ankles, her hands resting in her lap. She was a true lady in every sense. She closed her eyes against the headache that was coming. How could he do this to her?
Eriol stretched and yawned as he came in the following afternoon. He only wished he could have stayed in bed. He walked up the stairs and walked passed the other offices before he came to his own. He was about to enter it and begin his work when Daryl, one of the other men that worked in the lower levels, called out to him.
" Hey there Hiragizawa. "
" Hey. What's up Daryl? "
" You plannin' on doing anything with that hostage downstairs? " Eriol frowned.
" Hostage? "
" Yeah you know that pretty thing you put in there yesterday morning? Black hair, and legs to kill. Just wondereing what your planning on doing with her since no orders came through and she's been sitting there waiting for all this time. Sousikii called this morning to make sure that she was released if nothing was done. "
Eriol froze.
" No one went down to brief her? "
" Nope. Thought you were going to put in some sort of order for her to be. No one said anything else. "
Eriol went cold. Oh shit.
" And she's been down there all day? "
" Yep. "
" And all night? "
" Yep.
Eriol gulped. Double, triple shit. He was going to be ripped apart and quartered by a woman who didn't even come to his chin.
" Guess you better get down there. " Daryl replied raising his eyebrows and walking away.
Eriol ran. He flew down the several flights of stairs and jumped the last remaining length and barreled into several people as he ran as if his life was at stake. He flashed his badge and didn't even pause for clarification before he ran into the holding area. There he paused gasping for breath as the young man on duty looked at him dryly.
" You forget someone? " he asked looking toward the cells.
" Ah, no. . " he replied between gasps.
" Boss will bust your arse you realise. " he said sitting back and handing out the keys.
" Please don't remind me. " Eriol said as he took the keys and made his way as calmly a he could.
Madison stood up as he walked in and her back straightened. He unlocked the door and waited for her to step out.
" I'm sorry. " he said before she could say anything. " Someone was supposed to come down and brief you. I'm sorry that you had to wait. "
" And I suppose that that will take place now? " she said not looking at him.
" Ah, well. " Eriol swallowed and she turned to look at him. " Not right now. You see, the order got lost in transaction and so we'll have to let you go until we can arrange for the meeting to take place. "
" So I've spent all this time waiting for something that was never going to happen is that correct? "
Uh oh. She was way too calm. He took a step back as he watched her eyes light with fire.
" Yes. I am sorry. "
" You are the most - " she broke off and calmed herself. " I presume I am allowed to go then? "
" Huh? Oh yeah, yeah. You can go, for now. You should get another phone call today or tomorrow. Just come back and ask at the front desk and you will be directed. "
She nodded and left him standing there and he wondered where the fire had gone? Wasn't he supposed to be roasting over a spit right about now with her dancing evilly around it?
She had received the phone call the next morning and was making her way up the stairs towards Hiragizawa's office for the briefing she was supposed to have received yesterday. The anger and humiliation she had experienced at his hands was simmering under the surface, but she refused to lose her cool. She would act with maturity and a calmness that was expected of her. She would deal with this and then move on. She was just about to knock when she heard yelling.
Frowning she opened the door a crack and listened and her blood went from simmering to breaking point.
" What the hell was the meaning of leaving her down there rot! " Jiang roared.
" It was never meant to happen sir. " Eriol winced.
" It wasn't meant to happen at all Hiragizawa! " Jiang roared again. " You were meant to pass the order along! What is your excuse for leaving Miss Daidoji holed up all day and night! A standed holding is a few hours, not twenty four plus! "
" She was supposed to be placed under our care yesterday! That was a direct order from Xiao Lang! Her and the family are not supposed to be allowed to walk the streets at all! Do you realise how screwed up this is! "
Jiang turned around and tried to calm his temper.
" I know that you're a rookie kid, but this is unbelievable. Why didn't you follow through with the order? "
" I kind of . . . forgot. " Eriol cringed.
There was dead silence.
" You forgot? " Jiang asked his face red with rage.
" I got holed up with everything up here and - and - "
" You mean to tell me - " Madison threw the door open and stood there looking at the both of them. " That the order wasn't 'lost in transaction' like Mr Hiragizawa claimed? I was down there to rot until someone reminded you that I was there? "
" Ah Miss Daidoji, please this has been a terrible mistake. " Jiang said. " Please come into my office and we'll talk this over."
" I am not finished with Mr Hiragizawa. " Madison replied looking straight at Eriol.
" You left me there because you FORGOT! "
" Duchess, please let me explain - "
" Silence! " she shouted and he jumped. " You loathsome, horrible creature! " she yelled. " I hope you burn in hell! Mr Fu, you will be hearing from me I assure you. " she turned away and walked away before the tears could fall.
" Duchess please. wait! " Eriol ran out of his office and ignored the stunned looks from everyone. Jiang followed closely behind.
Madison pushed the button and the elevator doors closed before Eriol could stop them. Jiang came running up behind him and glarred at him.
" If she sues, your history. " he warned.
Jiang knew who she was. Miss Daidoji was an heiress to an empire. She had more money than a person cold possibly know what to do with. No matter that she gave half of it to her charities weekly, but she could still bring his foundation to the ground because of this little hot shot.
Eriol ignored him and ran down the stairs. He spotted her just as she was leaving. He called out to her and gabbed her arm to stop her from leaving and she whirled on him like a panther with it's claws barred ready for the kill.
" Get away from me! " she screeched and people stopped and starred.
" Duchess calm down and listen to me please. " he begged.
" I have nothing to listen to! Anything you say can be said to my lawyer. "
Jiang came out of the elevator and headed towards them.
" Duchess you don't want to do this, just calm down and listen to me. I never meant for that to happen I swear! "
" Oh and you think that it makes it all right? " she demanded tears coming to her eyes.
She tried to pull away but he kept his hold on her. She glarred up at him with fury.
" Hiragizawa! Let Miss Daidoji go immediately! " Jiang commanded and Eriol's dropped his hand from her arm.
A resounding crack sounded as her palm connected with his cheek.
" I guarantee that you will hear from my lawyer mark my words! " she spat. " And I have every reason to! First you barge into my organisation and refuse to leave and make a nuisance of yourself, then you handcuff me in front of my entire business board and cause me public humiliatioon that I will never live down; I would not be surprised if my enite board walks out on me because of you!
" Then to add insult to injury, you throw me in that tiny cell and leave me to rot away and then you freak out this morning because I busted you with the truth! How dare you leave me down there when you knew it was you who was the one to order the briefing to occur! Was it some pathetic, childish means of payback? Some cheap shot at the haughty snob who thinks she a princess! " she demanded angry tears falling down her cheeks.
" You told me Sakura was in danger and you've left me to fret all night about her safety and still I have not found out why she is danger, although I can take a calculated guess. I'll be adding personal stress to the list my lawyer will be receiving as well. " She hiccupped and took a breath.
" Mr Fu, you will be hearing from my lawyer as well. " she said moving her startling gaze onto him. " Although Mr Hiragizawa was lacking in his duty, someone should have picked up where he left off. This error in team participation will not go annoticed. You have made a mockery of me and I intend to take this to the highest it possibly can go. "
" Duchess, it was my fault, don't attack them ." Eriol pleaded.
She starred at him coldly.
" You think me prim and proper? Above the lower class like you? " she asked quietly. " Well let me assure you I'm going to sue you for everything you've got and then my pound of flesh. I'm going to sue the ass off you and I don't give a fig what happens to you! Not one bit! Oh, and while I think of it, Fu make sure that Sousikii gets a raise. He was kind enough to look after and enquire about me." she allowed a small smile of satisfaction at the look of stunned surprise on both their faces before she turned and walked out.
She was not above them that she couldn't cuss like him too. She got into her car and sped off into the morning traffic refusing to let her tears blind her. Let them try and give her a speeding ticket.
Eriol stood frozen to the spot as he watched her walk away. He should feel angry as all hell, but only felt a deep shame that wouldn't budge. He felt the cold anger radiating from behind him where Jiang stood glarring at him. He closed his eyes and sighed. He coud feel one of his headaches coming on.
He saw the deep hurt in her beautiful amethyst eyes flash through his mind again and his chest hurt when he tried to breathe. He pulled his badge and his gun out of his jacket and handed them to a startled Jiang. He couldn't let her go when he had hurt her so badly.
" I know, suspended until further notice right? " he shot Jiang a look and then saluted him as he ran out the doors and headed for his car.
" Hiragizawa! " Jiang shouted but only managed to go red in the face again.
Later that day . . . (At the Daidoji manison, China . .)
Eriol sighed as he rubbed his tired eyes. He slammed the lid down on his laptop that sat on the passenger seat of his car. He looked up at the huge mansion in front of him. He'd whistled when he had first pulled up a few hours ago. Ever since then he'd grown tired of looking at it. How the hell was he going to get in? Since he was more or less fired, he had nothing better to do, so he might as well hang around and make sure nothing happened to her. Nothing more had been found on those three killings and that made him even more nervous. What was the person waiting for? Not to mention that business that Xiao Lang had rung in with the other night. Morimoto was behind bars and still he was making a nuisance of himself.
He was trying to come up with a plan when he heard the sound of a motor. He looked up as the huge metal gates that graced the mansion slowly swung open a silver car drove out. The right blinker came on and he had a glimpse of Tomoyo before she drove passed. Wondering where she would be going without her body guards, he followed her.
Tomoyo was sick of crying. Her eyes were red and puffy and she looked a fright. Luckily being the boss of her company meant she could take time off when she needed it. She had called in and asked Daniel to take over for a while. She just wasn't up for it. Thankfully none of her directors had walked out on her. They knew that she would never do anything against the law and had smiled reasurringly when she had confronted them on it.
She drove towards her own place that she had bought with her own money a few years ago. Sakura didn't even know about it. It was her secret retreat when life got too hard and she needed to recharge her batteries. She pulled into the driveway and sighed. Not a guard in sight. They would ring her when they grew worried, but she wouldn't need them.
She locked her car and then walked into the house and closed the front door. She ran a hot bath and lit the candles and threw rose petals and bubblebath into the water. She was stressed and miserable and she was going to pull out all the stops when it came to making herself feel better.
Half and hour later, wearing a long, silk, lavander nightgown, she walked into the kitchen and poured a glass of wine and headed for her bedroom. She curled up in her comforter and put on her glasses on and started reading a book she had long ago abandoned and wanted to finish.
She must have fallen asleep because she was startled awake by a crash and a curse. She froze and with her blood pounding in her ears she listend as she could hear muffled sounds. She slipped out of her bed and crept towards her door and peered out. She could see the light from a small torch in her bathroom and she gasped softly.
She crept forward and and grabbed an umbrella from the holder in the hallway and held it out in front of her as she crept further towards the bathroom door. She could hear a sound that was unmistakably a medicine bottle and she frowned? A desperate user looking for a quick fix? They must be desperate for all she had was some stress pills, aspirin and sleeping tablets.
She saw a dark figure and then with all her strength she let out a battle cry, slammed on the light and aimed the end of the umbrella at the intruder which triggered the unmbrella and it popped open startling the both of them. The figure dropped the bottle that they were trying to put back into the cabinet and put their hands up.
" YOU! " Madison cried her eyes widening.
" Don't shoot Duchess. " Eriol placed his hands up so she could see them.
There was three seconds of silence.
" What the hell are you doing here! " she demanded jabbing the unbrella closer, effectively trapping him.
" Borrowing some aspirin. " he bent and picked up the bottle to show her.
" And what am I? A pharmacy! " she demanded angrily.
" No, but you were closer. " he replied honestly.
" Mr Hiragizawa what the hell are you doing within three metres of my home! "
" Keeping and eye on you. "
" Keeping and eye on - " she lowered the umbrella and then started to laugh.
" Hey I don't think it's that funny Duchess. " he said frowning. Maybe his headache was making him delusional.
She placed her back against the wall and then slid down to the floor still laughing.
" Oh it's just too much really. " she said between laughing. " It's a just a horrible nightmare gone beyond endurance. I think I've finally cracked. "
" Hey, " Eriol crouched down in front of her. " Are you sure you're ok? You're not having a relapse or anything? "
That made her laugh even harder and then she started to cry.
" Kami, " Eriol muttered and scooped her up and carried her to her lounge room where he sat her down on the lounge.
" Where's you drink cabinet? "
" What? Oh. " she stopped laughing long enough to point one out to him. He grunted and then poured her a good splash of something strong and brought it to her.
" Drink. "
" But I - "
" Drink it. " he said and watched as she threw it back and coughed.
" Goodness what on earth was that? " she choked.
" Something that should bring you back down to earth in a hurry. " he said and then took the glass from her.
" Are you ok now? " he asked as she wiped her eyes beneath her glasses that she was still wearing.
" Fine I think. " she replied and caught him looking at her. " What? "
He leant close and studied her.
" Huh. I never knew. "
" Never knew what? " she asked blushing.
" That you wear glasses. " he replied smiling. " I like it. "
" They're just for reading so don't get too used to them. " she replied sliding away from him.
He noticed the gesture and smiled.
" Now once again tell me why you are in my home." she asked.
" I told you, I borrowed some aspirin. You give me one hell of a headache Duchess. "
" I give you -? " she asked incredulously and then saw his teasing grin and shook her head.
" Why were you following me then for that is the only way you would have known that this is where I live? "
" Clever girl. " he smiled. " Like I said, I was keeping an eye on you since that I am practically without a job to occupy me anymore and besides, I wanted to talk to you about yesterday and today. "
" There is nothing for us to talk about. " she said standing up. " Yo've done and said more than - " she paused and then turned on him surprised. " Wait, what did you say? Without a job? What-? " He smiled and stood up also.
" Yeah, I handed in my badge and my gun so I could come after you and plead with you not to bust the arse off my boss, just me. "
Her eyes widened and she blinked.
" You fired yourself on the behalf that you want me to tear you to shreads and not your organsiation along with it? "
" Yep and so I could find you and apologise without all the official propaganda that goes along with it. "
" And you think that I will forgive you? " she asked coldly.
" Yes, when you see me at my worst. " he got down on his knees and looked up at her.
" W-what are you d-doing?" she gasped.
" Begging with you. " he said smiling softly. " Please milady, " he pleaded. " I was the one that stuffed up, not them. I'm just a rookie, I only started a few months ago. I still haven't ironed all the kinks out yet. I admit, I was angry at you, but that is no excuse for leaving you all alone yesterday. I am very sorry. "
" That's all good and well Mr Hiragizawa, but do you intend to explain your actions regarding my office yesterday? "
He smirked and his sapphire eyes darkened as he continued to look up at her.
" That was only teasing to begin with, but I won't apologise for cuffing you. You deserved it Duchess after you set those three thugs on me. What happened to Jerry? "
" That I will not apologise or feel guilty for. " Madison said looking away. " You deliberately provoked me. "
" How about we call it mutual attratction and call a truce? "
" Mutual attraction! " she asked incredulously. " What are you blathering about? I do not like you one bit! "
Eriol smirked as he got to his feet.
" You wana bet on that? " he asked stepping closer to her.
" What about your headache? " Madison asked stepping away. " Aren't you supposed to be leaving now? "
" Now that I borrowed your aspirin? "
" Yes, exactly. You can guard me from outside. " she pointed to the front door.
" But I would feel better knowing I can watch you here inside. " he stepped closer again.
" Yes, well, it's the 'watching me' part I don't like. Now move it Hiragizawa. "
" Make me. " he smiled and she starred at him in shock.
" You won't go? "
" Only unless you make me. " he said and lifted her chin.
" But that isn't fair, " she stated. " You don't play fair. " she whispered as his mouth came down on hers.
She shivered from the top of her head down to the ends of her toes and unconciously stepped closer to him as his circled her tighter into his arms. He was gentle and soft with her and she melted. She had never been treated this way before and she sighed into the kiss with delight. Then it struck her and she jolted away from him blushing several shades of red.
" You can stay on the sofa, " she pointed to it refusing to look at him. " but you leave at dawn. "
She made her way back down the hallway towards her room and paused only slightly to look back over her shoulder at him. He was standing where she had left him watching her. She blushed again and then closed her bedroom door and only hoped that she would be able to sleep once again. . .
The air flight attendant scanned the passport and smiled down at her.
" Welcome aboard Mrs Miyabi. Your husband is already waiting for you. Please make you way through the curtain. " " Thank you. " she replied and made her way down the isle and swept the curtain back and scanned the crowd.
She made her way down the row of seats and then sat down next to the man that had dragged her into this in the first place. He glanced at her as she sat down and did up her seltbelt. Take off was in a few minutes.
" Made it just in time. Escape plan fall through? "
" It wasn't from the lack of trying. " she muttered. " I knew I wouldn't get far before you came after me, so there was no point was there? " she clenched her teeth when she sensed him smirk.
" And besides, " Sakura said shooting him an angry look. " It wouldn't be fair to these people if you held up their plane just for me. "
" And you say we don't know each other properly. " he chided taking hold of her hand and linking his fingers with hers.
" I never said that. " Sakura corrected. " I said we didn't know each other well enough for this FARCE you claim will save my life. " she hissed softly so no one over heard them.
Syaoran just smiled and then looked out the window as the flight attendant's voice came over the speaker to announce that they were about to take off. Sakura sucked in her breath as the plane jolted and they started the take off. Li shot her a side ways look when her fingers clenched on his. She wasn't terrified, just a little uneasy.
She shot him an apologetic look and then leant her head back against the head rest and closed her eyes as they flew up into the sky.
She was awoken sometime later by Syaoran's angry voice hissing at someone on the other end of the phone. He ended the call and then sat back in his chair totally pissed. Sakura watched him curiously and wondered what could have happened to put him in such a black mood.
" Syaoran? " she asked softly. He turned annoyed amber eyes on her and she waited.
" Forget it Avalon. " he said and turned back to the window.
Frowning, she continued to watch him and then knowing that he would tell her later if he was going to at all, she laid her head gently on his shoulder and went to sleep and missed Li's eyes shift to watch her in the window.
Sakura stetched as people passed by. They were in Hawaii and she watched as the people smiled in excitement as they walked out of the terminal and headed towards the main tourist centers. Li was somewhere getting their luggage and she turned to take in her surroundings. It truly was beautiful.
A noise made her turn around and she saw Li carrying their bags towards her. She smiled as he came up but he still had that troubled, brooding expression on his face. So far he hadn't sharred with her what was bothering him and she was worried. Had something happened to Tori, her father or Madison? What ever it was, it was driving her crazy.
Li motioned for her to follow him to the taxi stand and she crossed her arms and watched him walk on. When he realised she wasn't following her turned on her angrilly.
" What are you doing? We have to get to the hotel and sign in. I'm not in the mood for playing games Avalon. "
" Good. That makes two of us. " she shot back. He frowned and then put the bags down in frustration.
" Avalon - "
" Miyabi now husband. " she replied sweetly and watched his eyes narrow.
" Will you please just tell me why we are standing in the middle of this place argueing when we have better things to do with our time? "
Sakura rose her eyebrow up at him as she walked towards him.
" My don't we sound like an impatient husband? " she asked as she flicked her hair. " Married for only a few hours and already can't wait to take his husbandly rights. Aren't I a lucky woman? " she shot him a look over her shoulder. " Too bad for you that's it's not official. "
She missed the embarrassed flush that had arisen on Li's face as she continued towards the taxi. She turned and rose her eyebrows up at him and waited for him to catch up.
" Are you going to tell me why you are mad? I know it had something to do with that phone call that you received. "
" Don't miss much do you? "
" Not when it concerns you. " she saw his arched eyebrows and flushed. " And me and mine. " she covered.
" I don't want to talk about it. " he said and opened the car door for her.
" Bottling things up doesn't help. Now I wondered who told me that?" she shot back sweetly.
The taxi driver asked where to and Li gave him the directions before looking back at her.
" It concerns work ok. That is all you need to know for the time being. "
" Alright then. Don't say I didn't warn you. " Sakura sat back and watched him tense out of the corner of her eye.
" And what do you mean by that? " he asked aware of the driver watching them.
" You keep things from me and I get a bad feeling, I'll book it outta here faster than you can catch me. "
" You are under contract. You break it and I have full authority to haul your butt back into a cell where you'll stay until I say so. "
She shot him a sultry look with a warning flashing in her emerald eyes.
" I'd like to see you try it. " she purred.
She got out of the taxi before he could reply and waited while Li paid him and then walked ahead of him while he carried their luggage. She breathed in awe at the hotel and the area around it. Beautiful clear, blue waters, to-die-for beaches and palm trees everywhere.
" Hey if I ever do disappear, " she looked over her shoulder at him. " Consider the fact that I've traded these boring legs for a tail. I'll live in that water any day. " Li rolled his eyes and walked passed her into the foyer.
" Good afternoon sir. How can I help you? " the man behind the front desk greeted.
" Room for Miyabi. " Li replied.
" Ah of course. Room 210. Allow someone to take those bags for you. "
" Thanks. " Li said and turned to find Sakura smiling at the guy.
" Hi. " she greeted cheerfully.
" Ah hello Mrs Miyabi I take it? My, if you don't me saying so, you look quite young to be a Mrs. "
" Why thank you. Aren't you sweet. " she smiled blushing.
" Come along now dear, " Li said slinging his arm around her and leading her off.
" Hey! I was talking bully! " she hissed.
" Flirting with the guy behind the counter is going against the staying invisible thing we talked about. You do remember that don't you? "
" I'm no idiot. Of course I remember baka. " she shot at him.
" Well stop trying to destroy everything we organised. " he said frustrated.
" How is my saying hello to the guy going against the major plan? " she said. " You know Li I think you're taking this thing way too seriously. " she wagged her finger at him. " I think maybe someone is spacing out on me. "
" Get with the program Avalon. " he said as the elevator doors opened and they stepped inside.
" It's not Avalon remember. Miyabi. M.I.Y.A.B.I. " she spelled knowing she was annoying the hell out of him.
He shot her the familar death glare and she smirked.
" Who was it that was going mental before I jumped in and rescued her? " Li shot back.
" Hmph. " Sakura said crossing her arms. When Li hit, he hit hard and low.
Li smirked and crossed his arms looking at her triumphantly.
" Stop looking at me. " she snapped and stepped out into the hallway, " Dictator. " she muttered glarring.
They arrived into their room and looked around. It was a really nice suit and Sakura pushed the balcony doors open and stepped out into the sea breeze and smiled.
" Sugoi. " she breathed as she looked around the bay and the many people laying around on the beaches below.
She turned around and reached for Li's hand and dragged him outside with her. She stood by him as he too looked around at everything. Unable to contain her excitement of the place, she wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him laughing happily. Caught by surprise, Li hugged her back and rested his chin on her head as he looked towards the water. Hopefully here he could take Sakura's mind off her troubles and keep her safe.
Keep her safe above all.
" I dibs going swimming! " she cried and went to dash off.
" Whoa, whoa, where do you think you're going? " Li wrapped his arm around her middle as she tried to dash away.
" Swimming. " she said he eyes alive.
" Not today. " Li said and watched her eyes dulll and then be replaced by fire.
" Why not! " she demanded pouting.
" Because we have to remain unseen for a little while. " he said gently. " Sorry Sakura. " he let her go.
She gave him a mutinous look as he walked back inside. She walked in ready for a fight but when she saw him taking out some of his clothes she smiled.
" What are you doing? " she asked trying to sound normal.
" Shower. " he replied and then headed towards the bathroom. " Order something if you're hungry. "
" Thanks. " she said biting her lip.
She waited until he closed the door before she pounced on her suitcase and ripped out her black bikini. She shot the bathroom door a quick look before she opened the door and ran down the hallway a terrific smile on her face.
Li let the water run over his face and down his back letting it soothe his troubled thoughts. How could Hiragizawa get suspended? He was supposed to be helping him with the files and protecting Daidoji and Sakura's family. How could he be such an idiot? An image of Sakura's hurt face flashed through his mind before he looked up eyes going wide.
" Oh shit. " he slammed off the water and bolted out of the shower. Wrapping a towel around his waist, he opened the door and saw that the suit was empty.
" Damn her! " he hissed and nearly tripped over in is hurry to get his clothes on.
Sakura cut the water cleanly and deeply as she dived into the clear, blue water. She surfaced taking a deep breath. She trod water as she looked out to the sea and smiled to herself. She was going to have to go and buy a camera. This scenery was to die for.
She rested her arms on the edge of the pool and rested her chin on her arms and stared out at the ocean and it's beauty. She must have spaced out because when she blinked she was aware that there was someone beside her. She jumped and splashed back in the water.
" Hey, sorry didn't mean to startle you. " came a friendly voice.
Sakura raised emerald eyes to look at the man with long, blonde, curling hair that just reached above his shoulders. He held a hand out so he could pull her back up ans she met his blue eyes before she reached for it and took it. She rested back on the side of the pool blushing. Hey, Xiao Lang wasn't the only cute male around.
" Great scenery isn't it? " the stranger asked.
" Yeah, sure is. " she breathed in agreeance.
" Sorry, I haven't introduced myself have I? " he asked smiling. " Name's Torin. "
" Sake. " she repled smiling. It was the name that Li and herself had agreed to. At least she would respond to it.
" That's an interesting name. " he said smiling in return. " Nickname or short for something else?"
" A bit of both. " she replied evasively.
" First time here? " he asked.
" Yeah. I was just thinking that I would have to go and buy a camera and a few hundred rolls of film. "
" Sounds like a good idea. "
" Your first time here? " she asked turning to look at him. " Or been here before? "
" Been here before. I come for the waves. "
" Ah, a surfie. I see. " she replied smiling. " Must get some good waves here. "
" Yeah, and some good competition. " Torin replied.
" Must be exciting. " she replied.
" It has it perks. Hey, since it's your first time here, I bet you don't know the best spots around here. "
" Am I that transparent? " she asked jokingly.
Torin smiled and then hauled himself out of the water. He turned back to help her out of the pool.
" I know a great place to get a drink after a quick swim. Care to join me? "
" I - " Sakura felt the old fear swim over her and she looked at him warily. He seemed nice enough though. What would Li do?
---------------
Animated chibi Li popped into her mind waving his tiny fists at her angrily, angry lines above his head.
Avalon! What the hell are you doing! I thought I told you to stay away from strangers! Do you ever listen to me!
----------------
Sakura smiled and fought the giggle that came to her throat. She allowed Torin to lead her towards the bar across from the pool. She refused an alcoholic cocktail, but decided on the tropical fruit drink that Torin said that was the next best thing. Her eyes lit up with delight when the man behind the bar handed over a pineapple cut in half and hollowed with a fruity flavoured drink inside. She smiled when she saw the little umbrella and the flower on the side. She took a little sip and purred with delight.
" This is great! " she beamed up at him as she took a seat on the bar stool.
" Told you I knew all the great places didn't I? " he smiled and sat down beside her.
" What other great places do you know? " Sakura asked eager to know. . . .
Li ran down to the beach and scanned the crowds and the water and as far as he could tell, she wasn't here either. He had scanned the pool area and hadn't seen her. That's when panic set in and he followed his lead to the ocean. He knew she wanted to swim, but where?
He asked a few people if they had seen her, managing to keep his panic at bay so he could at least ask calmly without bringing attention to himself or Sakura. No one on the beach at least hadn't seen her, so that meant she was back at the hotel. She couldn't have gotten that far. He'd only been in the shower for five minutes.
He was walking passed the pool area again when he heard a female laugh that sent shivers up his spine along with familar awareness. He turned slowly and scanned the crowd. He raised his hand to block the glare from the water and then his breath caught when he noticed her.
She was sitting on a bar stool leaning over towards some guy all the while drinking from what looked like a pineapple. Whatever they were talking about, she was engaged in whatever he was saying. Feeling his anger and his hackles rise, he made his way over to them all the while watching the guy that was with her.
" . . and then the next thing I knew someone was shouting wave! Wave! And then I was dumped and came up sputtering and choking all the while wrapped up in sea weed. Not my most glorious moment I can assure you. "
Sakura couldn't stop the laughter after his story and put her drink down on the bar so she didn't drop it. She gripped her stomach and shot him an apologetic smile.
" I-I'm s-s-or-ry, " she giggled. " But it's so funny. "
Torin smiled and finished the last of his drink. He looked back over at her and had to admire her. She was not the usual beauty that he came across. No for some reason, she wasn't just pretty, she was drop-dead gorgeous and she was oblivious to it. She was indeed very special.
He was about to say something when he caught the dark figure behind her shoulder glarring at him. He frowned when the guy stepped out of the shadows still glarring at him. He read the message of 'back off' and his frown deepened. Sake saw his frown and wondered what was wrong. She slowly turned on her stool and looked behind her and gasped.
" Syaoran! " she jumped up and watched as he walked up to her still glaring at the both of them. Li turned his eyes on her and she cringed inside.
" I've been looking for you. " he said, but she could hear the cold fury under the calm tone he used.
" Ah, " she looked away from him and then saw Torin looking at her. " Sayoran, allow me to introduce you to a friend that I just met. This is Torin. Torin, this is Syoaran. "
Torin nodded still frowning.
" Nice to meet you. You know Sake? " ( AN: remember it's pronounced Sar-key. )
Amber eyes flicked to pin him.
" I should, considering that she's my wife. " he said calmly.
Both Sakura and Torin gaped. Sakura couldn't believe it, the way he said it made he sound like one of his possessions. Sakura banked her anger and forced a smile as she looked at Torin.
" Don't mind him Torin, " she said still smiling. " Syoaran gets majorly protective of me when he sees me with someone, don't you darling? " she asked pinning Li with an angry glare. " It's quite adorable. " she laughed.
" You never said anything about being married " Torin said looking at her.
" Didn't I? I guess it must have slipped my mind with all the breauty of the place. " she smiled. " Syaoran, why don't you sit down and join us? You'll love this drink, " she shot him a look and waited.
" I'd like to, but we have other things to do. " he shot Torin a smirk and Sakura went red. " Maybe some other time? " When hell froze over.
" Sure. I gotta go anyway. Got training. See you later Sake. " Torin walked off and Sakura watched him go.
" In all the time that I have known you, " she said quietly turning on Li. " I have never seen you be so rude and arrogant. How dare you emply that we were going up to our room to - to " she choked on the words.
" Don't get me started. " Li said taking her arm, leading her away from the bar. " You deliberatey disobeyed me. "
Sakura pulled her arm out of his grip and glarred up at him.
" Disobey you? Who the hell are you to sound like my keeper! I agreed to come here on equal terms. Not the other way round. "
" We will continue this up in the room. " Li bit out looking around them to make sure no one had heard them.
" No. " she said and watched his glare grow angrier. " First I am going to apologise to Torin for the way that you acted. Then I will decide if I want to go up to room and yell at you some more, or stay down here and ignore you. "
" Have you forgoten the reason why we are here? " he hissed angrily.
Her eyes darkened and she stepped away from him. He suddenly realised how she was dressed and his eyes skimmed her from head to toe. The black bikin hugged her figure and accentuate the curves drawing attention to her long legs and her cleverage. The small wrap around did nothing to hide the lush curves of her hips and he swallowed hard. She turned away and the sunlight glinted off the jewel that hung from her belly button.
" I'll see you later. . " she said sadly and walked off.
" Torin wait up! " he turned when he heard her call his name, his board under his arm.
" Sake - "
She rested her hands on her knees as she caught her breath. She looked up at him and then straightened.
" Listen, I'm sorry for how Syaoran treated you. He gets so easily jealous that I forget sometimes how it may look to him. "
" It's fine. "
" Torin, " she said her eyes sad. " He's not usually that rude, he's usually more composed. I'm sorry. "
" Can I give you some advice Sake? "
" Sure. " she said warily.
Torin shifted his board starring out at the water.
" If he really cared for you, you wouldn't be the one down here apologising for him when it's obvious that he has the problem. If he can't trust you around other people, then I don't think he respects you enough even though he has married you. " Sakura gasped and he turned to look at her, his soft blue eyes looking at her in concern.
" A guy like that can only mean trouble for you Sake. I don't think you will be happy. "
" How dare you -! " Sakura gasped shocked. " You don't know him or me well enough to say such a thing! "
" Yeah, you're right. I'm sorry. But Sake, " he looked at her still. " It doesn't take a genius to see how he treats you. " Sakura raised her chin.
" Syaoran can be demanding sometimes, but it's just the way he is. I wouldn't have married him if I wasn't certain. "
Torin shook his head sadly and her anger rose.
" What! " she demanded. " What do you disapprove of? Not that it's any of your business. "
" Sake - " he reached over and cupped her cheek startling her. " The guy couldn't even give you a ring. " he said softly.
" A ring? " she asked stupidly and then blushed when she realised that Li hadn't covered that aspect yet.
" He doesn't even respect that aspect of your vows. You should reconsider your life with him Sake. "
" Why do you care?" she asked curiously.
" Because you're a pretty girl and too special to be destroyed by someone like him. You need warmth and love, not cold demands and dark shadows. "
" Maybe I'm his light as he is my dark. " she whispered as he starred at her.
" No darkness could penetrate your light. It's too bright. " he smiled and lowered his mouth down towards hers.
" I'm - " she turned her face away and let his kiss fall on her cheek. " Sorry. " she said and walked away.
He watched her go and then when his name was called, he walked over to his friends and started his training.
Li looked up as the door opened and she walked in. She closed the door and then looked up and froze when she saw him watching her. She looked down and sighed, Torin's words running through her head. What he had said had confused her. She wasn't married to Li in the first place, but why did some of his words ring true?
" What a laugh. . "
" What is? " She looked up startled. She hadn't thought that she had said it aloud.
" What is a laugh? " Li repeated as he walked over to her and met her gaze.
He had banked his anger and was waiting for her to say something. He had a lot of things to say to her about resonsibility and how she had to help him if he was going to save her, but one look of that sad, confused face made him wonder what the hell had happened.
" Sakura? "
" Isn't it funny? " she said not looking at him. " Torin is convinced my husband doesn't respect me and doesn't care for me at all. But isn't it ironic that the one person who is posing as my cold husband, is the man who is doing everything in his power to protect me and is my friend? It's like a lie within a lie? Or something more sinister, I can't tell.
" He said I shouldn't have been out there defending your honour when it was you who were treating me badly not him. Isn't it funny?" she looked up at him. " He was the injured party, I'm simply used to it, the way you act I mean, but still he said I was too special to be making excuses for you, or something like that. "
She walked away from him and placed her back against the bathroom door as she pushed it open looking at him.
" And what's even more hilarious is that our cover could be blown sooner than we thought for the groom forgot to put the ring on his bride's finger. " she laughed and let the door close behind her, but not before seeing the look on his face.
" What a joke. . . "
Sakura sat down at the table in her pj's consisting of a singlet top and shorts. Li had food delivered up to their room and she looked down at the variety of salad, chicken and dessert. She placed some salad on her plate and then on Li's while he finsihed talking on his phone. She made sure he had enough to eat, before she poured them both a drink and started to eat her own. She coughed politely getting his attention and she waved her fork at his plate and arched her brows. Li raised a hand and then walked over to the table and sat down. He concluded the call and then smiled at her apogetically.
They ate in companionable silence and when they were finsihed, Sakura collected their plates together and placed them on the tray that the housekeeping would remove later, and returned with his dessert. She took hers out onto the balcony and watched the ocean below as she ate thoughtfully.
Li watched her go and sighed. Following her outside, he sat down beside her and watched the ocean and the moon as it began to rise. They finished dessert and then they stayed where they were grateful for the cool breeze.
" You know I'm sorry for before. " Li said humbly and she turned to look at him. " But I can't help it when I freak out when you up and disappear on me Sakura. Last time it wasn't as serious as this, " he turned to look at her. " You have to understand that. I can't help you if I'm not beside you. "
" I don't need a bodyguard Xiao Lang. " she replied evenly. " It's the same as last time when I was with you - all I need is a friend, not somebody who tells me how to live my life. By making me run, Moto is making sure I do whatever he says. That's total domination. All I need is someone I can be myself around. "
Li wrapped his arm around her shoulder and hugged her close to his side.
" Poor kid. You never get a break do you? "
" From Moto? No. You? Never. " she shot him a sassy grin so much like her old self that he smiled.
" Li? "
" Hmmm? "
" How long do I have to hide in this room? When will I be able to go out there and have fun? "
" As soon as I know that it is safe. " he replied. She sighed and pulled away from him and starred up at the sky.
" Will it ever end? Will I ever be able to return to my life? Without Moto threatening me and my family? "
" Moto is not the one that we need to worry about now Sakura. "
" Huh? How can we not? "
" You forget, Moto is in jail. "
" But - '
" It's whoever he has hired to deal with you that we have to worry about. "
The way he said it so calmly sent shivers down her back. But what he had said was true, Moto was behind it, but it was whoever that was doing all his dirty work that they had to worry about. She took one more look at the stars and then stood.
" I'm going to head for the sack. What side do you want? Right? Left? "
" Huh? " Li looked up at her stupidly.
" Get with the program Syaoran, " Sakura berated. " What side of the bed do you want so that I don't lay on it when you want to sleep. "
" Oh, " he turned his head away and tried to banish the red in his face.
" Oh for heavens' sake. " Sakura muttered. " We are adults here or was I mistaken by that assumption? "
Li turned to look at her and she rolled her eyes impatiently.
" Don't worry about it, " he said calmly. " I was going to crash on the couch. "
" Oh no you don - "
" Don't argue with me on this Sakura. " Li said and stood up and stretched. " I have work to do and I'll probably be up all night with it. I don't want to keep you awake with me. "
" But you were awake all the through the flight. Aren't you tired? " she asked concerned.
" I'll be fine. Don't let me keep you up. "
" But - " Li smiled and kissed her gently on the forhead to reassure her before he walked in and sat down at his laptop.
She stood out on the balcony watching him before she sighed and walked inside and crashed on the bed. She wasn't sure what side she took, as she fell asleep the moment her head hit the pillow. As soon as she had fallen asleep, Li sighed and leant back in his chair and closed his eyes tiredly.
Japan . . .
The little cafe on the corner bustled busily for being early in the morning. Seemed every one was out to get the elixir of the day. Two men sat contentedly at the table out the front watching the morning go by. The taller of the two with dark hair and equally dark eyes, sighed as he took another heart-warming sip of the coffee he had ordered. He turned to his friend; fair hair, spft eyes and glasses and smiled.
" I'm glad we found this place Julian. " Tori said and rubbed at his tired eyes. The new job was a killer.
" Yeah, I'm glad we did too. I was getting sick of trying to encourage you to keep one foot in front of the other. "
" Can it Julian. " Tori grumbled sipping once more at the hot drink.
Julian smiled happily and drank from his own cup.
" Doing these night shifts are killing me. " Tori complained, stiffling a yawn.
" But at least you're getting paid for it right? " Julian said frowing over his friend's gaunt face.
" Umm hmmm. " Tori muttered and then blinked his eyes in the bright light and then frowned.
" What? " Julian asked shifting in his seat.
" Hey, I'll catch up with you later ok. " Tori said easing out of his chair, his eyes locked on something across the road.
" Umm, sure. " Julian said wondering what had gotten into his friend.
" Damn bags, " someone muttered under their breath as they tried to manage the paper grocery bags as well as the keys to the car.
" Want some help with that or are you planning on swearing at the bags all day? "
Luna screeched in fright and dropped the bags she was holding and watched angrily as all her groceries hit the ground and pooled at her feet. She shot angry eyes to pin him where he stood.
" Damn it Tori, " she glarred. " Don't creep up on me like that! Couldn't you see that I was busy? "
" Yeah I could, that's why I came all the way over here to help. " he smiled cockily and she fumed.
" Well what the hell are you waiting for? " she demanded. " Help me pick it all up! "
They knelt down and she crammed everything she could back into the bag and then angrily slammed it into the boot of her car. She threw her hair over her shoulder in annoyance and continued to glare at him.
" You want your other bag or are you going to leave me holding it? " Tori asked cocking a brow.
She growled low in her throat, snatched the offending bag from his arms and threw it in the boot along with the other one and slammed the lid closed. She saw him looking at her and snarled.
" What the hell are you looking at Avalon? "
" What's got you in a tizz? " he asked leaning his hip against her car as he crossed his arms to watch her.
" I am not in a tizz. " she seethed and went to open the car.
Tori leant across and neatly took the keys out of her hands and tucked them in his folded arms and watched her eyes darken in fury.
" Whatever the game you're playing Avalon, I'm not interested. Give them back before I have to break something. "
" Try it. " Tori replied calmly. " Now where do you want to go? I'll drive you. "
" Why? "
" Because you're not in any state to drive. " Tori replied and pushed passed her and got into the driver's side.
" The hell I not! " she leant down and glared at him through the window. " Move. "
" Get in. I'll leave without you. " he started the car and she was forced to move around and get in the other side.
" Now where do you want to go? "
" Just take me home. " she replied frustrated.
" Ok, the park it is. " Tori smiled at her and set the car in motion.
" Do you have a problem hearing Avalon? " Luna demanded when they pulled to a stop in front of a park.
" You are in no mood to be going anywhere right now. You going to tell me what's happened to get you in a flutter? "
" I am not in a flutter! " she scowled and he smiled at the obvious.
" Come on Luna, " Tori said calmly. " You've got enough stuff back there to go on an excursion; a very long one. "
" Maybe I'm out of supplies. " she replied tartly.
" Maybe, but I know you better. What are you running from? " She turned and scowled at him again.
" I am not running! "
" Prove it. " Tori said.
She crossed her arms and looked out the window ignoring him.
" Ok then, we'll head back to your place then. " he started the car.
" NO! " she cried and then shank back from his knowing gaze. She didn't want him to see all the packing she had done.
" So, you have been busy. " Tori said. " What's going on? "
She sighed knowing that he would wear her down until she told him what she was doing. She had helped him before on their journies last year, maybe he could help her.
" I'm going to look for my family. " she said softly. Ok it wasn't the whole truth, but it was all she could say.
Tori sucked in a breath knowing how big this was for her. She had told him before when they had been trying to get out of the university that she had been sold to that monster when she had been small. She had no idea what had happened to them. He guessed she was finally making a stand to see what she could find.
" Are you sure about doing this? " he asked.
" Of course I'm not! " she snapped and then ran her hands through her hair. " But I have to do it. I promised myself that one day I would go looking for them and that day is now. "
" Well that explains a lot. " he muttered.
" Look I didn't ask you to sneak up behind me and stick your nose in where it doesn't belong. Just give me my keys back. "
" You know I can't do that. " Tori said, his dark eyes serious.
" And why not? " she demanded losing patience.
Tori thought about the murders and shivers went up his spine. His gaze locked with hers and he remembered how they had met and she had decided to help him with no thought of the danger that she could be putting herself in. He allowed a small cocky smile to form, knowing that once she saw it, she would know that nothing she did or would do would change his mind.
" Because I'm coming with you . . . . "
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