To Dance with the Devil

If there was anything Kagome learned it was that when one danced with the devil, they never won; even if the so-called devil was their husband, notorious and elite gangster, Takahashi Inuyasha. Too bad Kagome was stuck with him, till death do them part.

.xx.

To Vacation with the Devil

Kagome managed to sleep for the better portion of the flight. Inuyasha had to gently shake her awake just before the plane landed in Cairo International Airport. The intercom buzzed to life and the flight attendant indicated in English and Arabic that they were beginning their decent in to Egypt, etc. etc. etc.

With a flutter, Kagome opened her eyes and looked around for a few moments before realizing she was on a plane with Inuyasha, flying to Egypt. She released a jaw-splitting yawn and drank half her bottle of water before she was able to function like a normal human being. To all of that, Inuyasha was amused.

"Slept well?"

She nodded. "Plane sleep is quite refreshing."

"Especially in first class seating?"

Not being able to fight it, Kagome grinned stupidly. "Especially in first class seating."

Inuyasha, despite their situation, couldn't help but feel smug. He had done something that impressed Kagome to the point where she subtly complimented him. It was one for the books…

The duo disembarked the airplane and was welcomed by humid and hot air. Their flight had to land on the tarmac and they were to follow a marked path in to the terminal—the flight attendant said something about the gate that connected the plane to the airport was not working correctly. Kagome used her hand to shade her eyes from the noon sun sweltering down onto them and Inuyasha immediately took note. Get her sunglasses and a sunhat… and airy clothes. He was the protector, he was the hunter, and he was to be her husband. Inuyasha's duty in her life was to ensure that she would never be uncomfortable in anything and that she would always get what she wanted… away from Naraku's evil.

"The limousine is picking us up just outside of the airport. I have porters grabbing our bags and having them delivered to the hotel."

Kagome looked up at him, astonished. "You have personal porters?"

"No," Inuyasha pushed the door open for Kagome to enter and held it open for the person directly behind them. "But money talks."

Kagome simply nodded slowly and chose to say nothing while walking alongside Inuyasha—she was trying to figure out her life in the time it would take them to walk to the Customs and Immigration hall, clear immigration, and exit the airport. She would never have guessed, even two weeks ago, that she would be half-engaged to mob lord, Takahashi Inuyasha, travelling to Egypt, and anticipate a proposal – extravagant or otherwise.

I wish he would tell me what actually happened that night Mama died… Kagome zoned out from reality and allowed her feet to guide her, her attention half on Inuyasha and where he was heading. Luckily he was half a step in front of her and proved to be an efficient guide for her subconscious to follow.

I mean… I feel bad for being a recluse with respect to him… but what does he expect? I'll throw my arms around him and thank him for saving me? She inwardly snorted. No… Mama and Daddy didn't teach me to be a damsel in distress. I'm a fighter and if he did the extensive research he says he did, he should know that.

But that letter…

That letter he has. It was definitely from Mama. And she signed it off as 'Aunt'. How does he know my mom? If he's thirty-two then… he was twenty-two when Mama died. And his brother? The letter said his brother also helped.

Kagome hated secrets. She hated the mystery and she hated not knowing. Gone were her fantasies, hopes, and dreams of having a beautiful wedding with all the trimmings, of having her mother sitting right at the front watching her with pride… She was stuck with her reality of marrying who the Asian subcontinent coined the Devil: Inuyasha Takahashi, deadliest mob boss alive with connections to every corner of the world.

Possibly the universe.

She was so lost in her thoughts she didn't realize Inuyasha stopped walking to line up for immigration clearance. She walked right in to him and stumbled back a bit.

"You were on autopilot for quite some time, Kagome." He observed when she caught her balance. Kagome blushed in embarrassment and apologized for running in to him.

"No need," he rumbled. "What were you thinking about?"

He knew everything about her, she'd be damned if he knew her thoughts too.

"Nothing important."

But she forgot he was a self-proclaimed mind-reader.

"Our marriage and your situation is not what I would consider 'nothing important'." His voice held nothing but concern for her. Kagome was almost taken back at the genuineness in his voice—it sounded as if he actually cared for her, and wasn't putting her through a shit show because he had to.

"It's a lot to take in." She revealed. "Just put yourself in my shoes."

She refused to say anything more.

Thankfully, he didn't press.

.xx.

Inuyasha had a penthouse suite at the Four Seasons Hotel located by the Nile River. Kagome's jaw was slack as she was guided by Inuyasha, with his fingers pressed against the small of her back, in to their place of residence for the following three days. The duo came to a stop at the reception desk and Inuyasha promptly checked them in, obtained their key cards and guided Kagome to the elevator that would take them straight up.

"Come here often?" She managed to ask, aware of how his presence filled the hotel lobby. He knew where he was going, and he knew what he was doing.

"No, first time." He revealed. "I just do this frequently enough. Here is your card," he handed her a small envelope. "Our room has two bedrooms, you can take the master. You're to stay in the hotel all day today until I return from my meetings- no exceptions." He added when he saw her open her mouth in protest.

"They have their pool and spa. Spend time there." Inuyasha pulled a black card out of his pocket—the American Express Centurion card. Only the wealthiest and most elite people in the world get an invitation to possess that card…

He must've gotten an invitation from American Express… Kagome thought. "I can pay for it myself." She said pushing his hand and card out of the way. "You don't have to—"

"I don't have to." He agreed. "I want to. You're stuck in this hotel all day because of me, it's the least I can do." Inuyasha offered the card to her again. "You don't have to use it—" it was a new feeling for him, being understanding and amicable. Normally he got everything he wanted whenever he wanted it. "But take it, please?"

And he never said please. To anyone.

Hesitantly, Kagome took his centurion card and tucked it in to her back pocket. The elevator door dinged, just in time, and the duo exited the small compartment and made their way to the grand penthouse door. Inuyasha swiped his key card and pushed the door open, revealing a beautifully furnished and elegant hotel room.

Their bags were placed neatly against the foyer wall.

"This is…"

Kagome had no words. The suite was as big as her shrine, if not bigger. Ironically, the room was decorated with a Moroccan theme, which finally solidified the fact that Kagome was nowhere near home. She felt a presence behind her and angled her head to find Inuyasha a hairs width away from her.

"Spectacular." He finished. Their room had the perfect view of the Nile River and, unbeknownst to Kagome, Inuyasha had requested the master bedroom have a view of the Nile—the bedroom that he had offered for Kagome to sleep in.

Kagome was quick to step away from Inuyasha. His presence unnerved her; he frightened her yet made her feel safe at the same time. "When are you leaving for your illegal meeting?"

He tried very hard not to roll his eyes.

"Shortly. I want to freshen up first. Are you hungry?"

Kagome shook her head. "No, just tired."

"You slept the entire way here." Inuyasha was deadpan. She had slept for the better part of their flight and, although he wasn't going to admit it to her, he enjoyed their banter and playful conversation. It was embarrassing telling her how he originally lost his virginity, but he appreciated it…

Inuyasha couldn't remember the last time he had a connection with somebody the way he did with Kagome.

I wouldn't call it a connection, really… but whatever we have, it amuses me. Annoying at times, but definitely amusing.

"And I have jetlag." Kagome breezed past him heading towards the bedroom, but was abruptly stopped when his fingers curled around her wrist. Within the blink of an eye Kagome found herself whirled in to Inuyasha's chest.

Her eyes widened.

"Your bedroom is that way." He used his head to usher to the room opposite of where she was walking. Kagome was too stunned to fight him.

"Sleep tight."

He released his hold on her and sauntered off towards the second bedroom.

Kagome gaped at his retreating back. What the hell just happened?

.xx.

"Have you learned Arabic yet?"

Kagome had her headphones on talking to Sango on the phone while soaking in a sea salt bath. The spa was a spectacular place to be and, despite not wanting to adhere to Inuyasha's demands, Kagome couldn't imagine being anywhere else other than the spa.

"I've been here for, like, eight hours. The word I've heard the most is habibi… or something like that."

"What does it mean?"

"No idea." Kagome sunk deeper in to her bath. "I didn't realize how badly I needed a vaca—I'll call you back."

"Devil?"

"At six o'clock."

Sango giggled but bade her friend farewell anyway. Kagome tore her headphone off and glared at the impeccably suited silver-haired man leaning against the doorframe. She was thankful that there were suds left from her sea salt bubble bath, keeping her modesty intact and prevented Inuyasha's eyes from wandering.

"Having fun?"

"You're being a pervert." She was tart.

Inuyasha chuckled. "No, I'm not. I knocked a few times but you weren't acknowledging it—" he took a step in to the private spa room. "So, being the gallant fiancé that I am, I rushed in to rescue you."

"You're not my fiancé yet." Kagome muttered. It didn't escape Inuyasha that she used the term yet at the end of her sentence. That could only mean positive things.

"I can still fear for your safety, can I not?"

Kagome's eyes were locked onto his, unblinking. She was trying read him with no success. "I suppose you can. How was your meeting?"

Inuyasha took another step in. "Boring. I'm never a fan of them—both the legal and illegal kinds." He added the last bit with a wink. Kagome giggled.

"I presume them to be very boring?"

"Very. In fact, they're so boring that I took the liberty to arrange a private tour of the Pyramids of Giza for us today, and a private tour of the Temple of Amun-re tomorrow." Seeing the excitement in her eyes caused an unknown feeling to flood in to the pit of Inuyasha's stomach. What was it about the woman sitting in front of him that made him want to do nice things?! And what the hell is the feeling I get after I do things I think she'd like?

Inuyasha was sure the feeling was satisfaction of doing things for her that only the provider in her life would be able to do.

"Did you really?"

He nodded, unfolding his arms. "I did. Dry up and meet me back in our room—I have another surprise for you."

For the second time that day, Kagome gawked at her vacation buddy retreating. Another… surprise?

.xx.

There were dresses upon dresses, shoes upon shoes, and jewelry that would've made the crown princess of any country jealous. Colours and silks that were beyond Kagome's imagination were displayed before her, like a museum and the jewels? They sparkled so beautifully that, for a brief moment, Kagome wondered if they were created in a world not theirs.

"Do you like them?"

Kagome turned around and found Inuyasha standing a foot away from her, watching. She looked over her shoulder at the plethora of gifts he provided and turned back. "You didn't have—"

"I know. I wanted to."

The exchange of words was becoming a common theme in their relationship.

"But… why?"

Inuyasha closed the gap between them and grabbed her by the shoulders. The heat radiating off his body was seeping in to her pores and she was very aware of how close he was. Kagome's head was near spinning—from the surprise tour of the Pyramids of Giza, to the museum of gifts presented to her, and the closeness of Inuyasha's body to hers, it was all too much.

"Because I want to protect you. Because I need you to see that you can trust me, and that nobody in this world will ever be as important as you will be to me as my wife."

Inuyasha's gut clenched when he saw a flicker of vulnerability in Kagome's eyes. Whatever wall she kept up and shield she wrapped herself in was beginning to wane.

"You can't want to protect me because I'm to be your wife." Kagome whispered, but she didn't shrug away from his touch. "You have to want to protect me because I'm Kagome."

Shock rocked him to his core. Because you're… Kagome?

"Marry me because I'm me, not because I'm my mother's daughter." Her voice was a whisper.

Inuyasha knew her walls were cracking. "I want to marry you first. Who you are, Kagome, is what will determine how our marriage will go…"

Just as quickly as she let her guard down, she threw it back up. She pushed him away and turned back to the gifts he had laid out for her—she couldn't look at him. "We're going to the Pyramids today?"

Inuyasha wouldn't let her see how his shoulders sagged. He knew he couldn't get greedy; he had to woo Kagome and make her feel special. He knew deep down that that was what Kagome really wanted: not a marriage of convenience but a man that wanted to be with her because of who she was. It was unfortunate that he couldn't give it to her the order in which she wanted, but based on the glimpses he caught of her personality beyond the wall she had up, he knew that he could easily want to be with a woman like Kagome.

One day at a time.

"Yes we are. Pick anything you like from here and meet me in the living room?"

He saw her nod and backed out of the room.

What Inuyasha didn't see were the tears streaming down her cheeks. When Kagome heard the door to her bedroom click shut, she sank to her knees and buried her face in her hands, letting the tears freely escape from behind her eyelids, and onto the plush beige carpeting of her room. He wants to protect me… I know he does… but how do I let somebody help me when I've been helping myself for the last ten years?

.xx.

Alas, this chapter has come to an end :)

Few things: Husband has returned from vacation (he was gone for 3 weeks), so my update schedule won't be as frequent as it was for the last few days, but I will continue updating on (hopefully) a weekly basis.

Two: I know a lot of us are romantics at heart and don't want Inuyasha and Kagome to feel annoyed with each other, or anything other than love and affection. We all know they're gonna fall in love and we all know they will be together but… I dunno, just based on the situation Kagome is put in, I feel like a bit of hostility is warranted until she realizes that he will do anything to protect her.

And we're slowly getting there :D