Disclaimer: I do not own Inu-Yasha
AN: Woot! I had fun writing this chapter...well not at first...at first it was an unorganized mess and I had no idea where I was going. But after going over and over the two pages I had written I decided to step away from it and work on other fics. Then it came to me...Then I couldn't stop writing and thinking of so many different ways it could all go. I hope you like the version I went with. Please review and tell me what ya think!
Chapter 8:The Choice
She walked with her hand around the crook of his arm. Blushing bright red. He had almost kissed her! What was more awkward, he had teased her. She found herself embarrassed, but still liking it. What is wrong with me?
As night fell upon them she started getting a chill. He stopped long enough to take off his suit jacket and drape it over her shoulders. She was blushing all over again. "Arigato." She said in a voice barely above a whisper. He just nodded, as they continued to walk.
She wanted so very badly for him to remember her. To have everything click and him be in love with her. However, she knew that wouldn't happen. She would never rank as a love interest for this powerful and wealthy man. She was not beautiful. She was not rich. She was just a thorn in his side. He was just toying with her. Still...She could hope. She continued to look around avoiding Sesshomaru's gaze as she calmed herself. It was a romantic spot. The fountains were beautiful. The plants gave off a heady fragrance. The stars were bright. "I love it here. The air is so fresh and smells wonderful. Not like the city." She sighed. Too bad there were no lovers here. Just a boss and an assistant.
Sesshomaru stopped at a hand carved bench indicating she should sit. As she did, he sat next to her, a hand over the bench behind her spreading his long legs out in front. She tilted her head curiously as she looked at him. It was a sight. She had never seen him look so... relaxed. His golden gaze looking at the stars. She watched him breathe in, then look at her. Stare really. She started to shift uncomfortably.
Finally, he spoke."Then why did you come to the city? Why not stay where you were with your family? Why apply to such a huge company?" He looked into her eyes as if they would tell all her secrets. "You are attractive enough to land a husband. Why put yourself through the working world?" He kept his stoic mask, though inside he was shocked at his genuine curiosity. Knowledge is power, he told himself. It would make for an easier seduction if he knew how she thought. It is not like I am really interested. He told himself. Just passing the time before I get her into bed and ending this distraction. Just one taste and she will be out of my mind and company. Then it will be business as usual.
She took a moment, a bit startled by his questions. He hadn't shown any interest in her background before. What is he up to? "Well, I just didn't see any reason to stay home and be a shrine maiden." She shook her head trying not to think of the now useless well. "I didn't want to sit around mooching off of my mom and grandfather. Then what? An arranged marriage? I don't think I would be content with just any guy for a husband. Especially, one who only wanted me as some trophy. I am my own person. I am smarter than a good deal of people. I have a thirst for knowledge and adventure. Sitting at home all day doing an occasional ritual...It would have slowly killed me." She frowned surprised at her own admission. "The past was so long ago...I have to look ahead. I have to make something of myself. I am so much more than some reincarnation..." She realizes she was getting a little too passionate in her speech for just a few simple questions. "Sorry...It's just that I had to fight really hard to get where I am now. I need the challenge. I need to be my own person. Make something of myself. I know that sounds silly coming from a girl. I just cannot change how I feel." She looks down at her feet. Embarrassed.
He contemplated her answers. They were not what he had expected. She surprised him at every turn. Yet, she felt the same need he did. To be his own person. Not some carbon copy of his father. He wanted to be challenged. As for an arranged marriage... He shivered at the thought. "It is not silly. You really should have said that in your interview. I may have hired you without my father's insistence. It is rare to find a person who wants a challenge these days. Most are just here for the paycheck. The way you spoke back to me. It had my blood boiling. I still cannot believe you did that. Most grown men quake in their suits at the thought of angering me." He heard her snort and turned to look at her giving her a menacing glare. Seduction forgotten for a moment.
"I would not doubt it. You have money, good looks and power. Power to end their careers. Who wouldn't be quaking?" She sees him arch an eyebrow. "What? Besides, if your father hadn't insisted on me having the job, my bet is you wouldn't have hired me. You want people to do as you say, and they need their paychecks." She didn't wait for him to get a word in, she just kept babbling on. "That and you do have a very intimidating presence. It has...err will take a lot of getting used to. I mean look at you. Designer suits. A no nonsense, you better obey me or die attitude. A strong body. Penetrating gold eyes. You can have anything you desire. Cars, homes, islands...any woman...just snap your fingers and its yours." She looks a bit startled as she hears him snap his fingers.
"Does that mean you are mine now?" He smirks as he watches her cheeks turn pink, yet again. Her mouth was open in a slight 'o' of surprise. He leans in closer to her his lips just grazing her earlobe as he whispers huskily. "Well? I am waiting for an answer woman." Oh yeah! He had her right where he wanted her.
She felt her body react to his nearness. A slight shiver. Yet, she was feeling very warm. Her mind was a hot mess. She wanted him. Had longed for this, since their kiss in the past. However, she was his employee, and it was wrong. Wasn't it? He was still just joking with her, right? "I-I am your assistant. So, yes. In a way, I am yours." Her cheeks felt like they were on fire. She was out of her element here. It was such a dramatic shift in attitude. Surely, he was joking. "Besides. You don't want me, remember? You are perfectly fine with Jaken, not some plain Jane country bumpkin who stands up to you. Now enough with the jokes." She tries to laugh, but it sounded just plain sad. She looked away from him. What has she gotten herself into?
He shook his head. What low self-esteem. "I am not joking. I am very serious. You know I was not talking about an assistant. I was talking about a woman, that I desire, as you put it. And plain Jane you are not. You know this. You are very attractive. Most people at The Window were wondering if you were a model or actress. They see your beauty. The only one who does not, seems to be you. Now that, that is cleared up. I ask again. I snapped my fingers does that mean you are mine?" He wanted to kiss her senseless. Who was he kidding? He wanted to ravish her on this very bench. He didn't think it was possible to get any harder than he was now.
"I-I..." Think Kagome. This is what you wanted. But will he respect you if you give in? "...think not. It seems my statement was in error. As I said. I am my own person. No one has ownership over me. Not even you. No matter how tempting. All the money, power, and good looks, isn't worth becoming a slave too." She tried to end it there. She just couldn't stop herself from asking. "What exactly are you wanting anyway? A one-night stand? A silly little office affair? Then what? Don't get me wrong. It's modern day. I am not exactly saving myself for marriage, but I won't give myself to someone who just wants me to sate their lust." Their faces were inches apart as she looks him dead in the eyes, letting him know she means business. "I don't play games Mr. Nobunaga." With that she gets up. "I think you should take me to my room. Now."
He heard every word she said. Honestly he did. However, she all but admitted she was a virgin. Unclaimed territory. Not only that, but the little witch stood up to him. Again. He should be angry, but instead he had never been so turned on. He mentally shook himself. She was right though. If he used her that way, he would be no better than Kouga. That was a sobering thought. Besides, virgins wanted romance. Could he even do that? He knew he wanted her and knew he wanted her out of his company. He stood up facing her. Really looking at her. She was lovely in the starlight. He could act the gentleman. He could give being romantic a try. It would throw his dad for a loop, as well. Doing this would complete many of his objectives. Very practical and he gets what he wants. "Very well, I will take you to your room. It was not my intention to make you upset. For this, I am sorry. I am not used to a woman like you, Kagome. You are right. Money, power and wealth get you a lot of things, but not everything. I am a little rusty at actually trying for a woman's affection. I do, however, like a challenge. Just like you." Flashing a devilish grin. "I want you Kagome. I am not going to make that a secret. Whether it is just lust...I honestly cannot answer. If you want a courtship, I will give you one." He looks down into her eyes. "You will find I am very good at coming out on top, in my challenges." He smirks as he watches her eyes widen with surprised. Her luscious mouth opening and closing as she tried to find something to say to him. Oh yes, this was going to be fun. He started walking away.
She got up to follow. "Why me? As I said you could have picked anybody. Why would you want to ...ahem...um..." She just couldn't say it. The "f" word. Grasping at words, she came up with. "date me?" She just didn't understand it. Was he just toying with her, just because he was bored. She kept in pace with his long stride. They reached her room and she turned to see if he was going to answer her. "Well?"
He shrugged. Putting a hand on either side of the door, keeping her in the middle as he bent down eye to eye with her. "Does there have to be a reason? You challenge me. You confuse me. I understand so many people. I understand money, power, popularity, but I have no idea what it is that drives you. Was it only to get away from some guy?" Just thinking about that boy had him angry. His jaw clenched with a slight tic. He turned his head up for a moment, trying to calm himself. "That is another thing I do not understand. You let some asshole beat up on you. You show fear to some boy. Yet, you can stand up to me." He shook his head. "You are the only woman who has ever spoken back to me and infuriated me. You are a mystery to me in all ways." He felt her light breath on his neck and that turned anger into lust. He saw her hand inching for the door knob and he sighed with disappointment. "Maybe you are afraid of me. Go ahead and run."
Her hand stilled. She looked up at him eyes narrowed. "I am not afraid of anything. Not Hojo and especially, not you!" She was angry because that wasn't true. She was afraid of Hojo. She was afraid of him. She wanted him, but she didn't want her heart broken again.
"Then prove it. You have two choices. You can run away into that bedroom where it is safe." He watched her flinch at his words. She was probably thinking of how she ran from that boy. "Or you can kiss this Sesshomaru right here. Right now. Prove you are not scared of me." As he spoke he moved closer and closer to her. She looked like a deer caught in the headlights. He didn't smile. Part of him wanted her to run. Maybe that would lessen the attraction he felt. Part of him wanted her to kiss him. To finally know what she tasted like. "Well Kagome? What is your choice?"
AN: Oooohh Ooooh Is she gonna kiss him? Will she run? Sesshomaru is as always efficient in taking steps to what he wants, but is he going too fast? Find out in the next chapter! PLEASE REVIEW! tell me what ya think!