The benefit was going splendidly, and Meghan found herself relaxing as she and Subaru made their way around, mingling with the other attendees. Most of the people that were there were government officials, so Meghan knew a good number of them. She and her father had gone on several business trips together in the past, and she was well acquainted with most of the other people there. The benefit of being the prime minister's daughter she supposed. But everyone there was so friendly that Meghan was glad that they had come.

She was delighted to have seen her father earlier in the evening as well, but only for a few minutes, as he had some pressing matters he had to attend to back at his office. She'd even spoken with Katsuragi, who was on her father's detail for the evening, for a few minutes. She missed seeing all of the other bodyguards as much as she used to, but they were all busy with work, so she had told him to tell all of them that she said hello. It hadn't been too terribly long since she'd see Kaiji, still keeping in touch with her old childhood friend, but it had been quite a while since she'd spoken with the others.

Subaru had his arm securely wrapped around her waist the entire time, like he was afraid she'd float away if he let go. The thought charmed her, and she felt the desire to see if he wanted to head home for the night. But with several other dignitaries to greet, she knew that she'd have to save her desires for later.

The small ballroom in which the benefit was taking place was quite beautifully decorated she had noted, loving the flower arrangements set up around the room. A band was set up in the corner, playing music for those who ventured onto the dance floor.

Subaru looked at her and smiled, leaning forward towards her ear. "I'll be right back, think you can handle yourself out here?"

She laughed. "Yes, I'll be fine." He kissed her cheek gently and removed his arm, leaving her to chat with some of her father's friends. She chit-chatted with them for several moments before deciding she wanted to take a brief break from all of the mingling. She excused herself and headed over to a table with champagne glasses scattered across it. Feeling a little thirsty, she sipped politely at the bubbly liquid, and sighed contently. She decided that if he was still up for her, she'd seduce Subaru when they got home, and have her way with him. The picture of him in that suit burning bright in her mind and she giggled to herself.

"And what's so funny my pet?" A voice said from behind her, and Meghan had to loosen the sudden death-grip she had on her champagne fluke. She turned warily to see Ichigo standing behind her, the smile he had on his face making her want to turn and run. Why was he here? The only people that had she knew that had been invited were government officials. How had he gotten an invitation?

"M-Mr. Alric..." She stuttered.

He took a step towards her and chuckled. "You look as if you've seen a ghost."

"I-I just wasn't expecting to see you sir... How did you...?"

Ichigo reached around her to take a champagne fluke from the table and took a generous swig. "I'm a lawyer Mrs. Ichiyanagi. I've worked with many of the people in this room. I'm always invited to these types of events."

"I see... Well I do hope that you have a nice evening, if you'll excuse me..." She said and went to step around him, but Ichigo stepped in the same direction, blocking her path.

"Come on, let's dance."

"Oh, no thank you, I do have to be finding my husband..."

"Don't make me embarrass you my little pet." He said, grabbing her wrist and dragging her towards the dance floor. She bit her lower lip as he squeezed her wrist, forcing her to dismiss any protests she had. He placed one hand on her waist, low, and grabbed her hand with his other hand. He held her hand firmly in his, squeezing it tightly as if to tell her to obey him, and held it to his chest. Leading her across the dance floor, he swayed her to the beat of the music. Everyone around her didn't appear to notice her immense discomfort, and she really didn't want to cause a scene at such a nice event, so she stayed quiet. Diverting her head and gaze firmly away from him.

"You know, I have to say that I was rather surprised when I saw you here. But I must say, I'm rather glad to see you in your little dress." Ichigo said with a lowered voice, so only she could hear him.

"My husband and I were invited..."

"Correction little Meghan, your husband was invited. He probably just brought you along because he felt sorry for you."

Tears stung the back of her eyes, but she refused to release them. "I was invited too Mr. Alric."

She felt as the hand on her waist began to trace little circles over her hip, and she swallowed her sudden desire to vomit. "Probably your father's influence then. No matter. What I'd rather talk about is this scrumptious little dress your wearing."

"I would rather not talk about that sir, if you don't mind."

"Oh but I do mind. Your husband doesn't seem to be paying you much attention, even looking the way you do right now, maybe I should just take you somewhere private." He whispered in her ear, causing Meghan to push back slightly on him, trying to remain as calm as she could.

"Mind if I cut in?" Meghan heard a familiar voice ask from behind her. Ichigo's grip on her loosened, and she was able to see Subaru behind her, smiling politely, but with pure venom in his eyes. Meghan inwardly sighed in relief, silently thanking her husband for cutting in.

Ichigo smiled politely and extended a hand towards Subaru. "Of course you can my fellow. You must be Mr. Ichiyanagi. I'm Ichigo Alric, Meghan's boss."

The venomous look in Subaru's eyes seemed to soften slightly. But only slightly as he took the other man's hand in his. "I see. Nice to meet you. Now if you don't mind, I'd like to have this dance with my wife."

"Of course," He said, nodding politely before glancing over at Meghan, "I'll see you at work tomorrow." Ichigo then turned and slowly left the dance floor. Meghan swallowed a sigh of relief and turned to look at her husband, who had his eyebrow lifted at her.

"I leave you for just a few minutes and I already have to fight of suitors?" Subaru said softly, in a teasing voice as if to mask the jealous undertone that Meghan couldn't help but to notice.

She smiled at him and laughed nervously. "Sorry, I didn't expect to have any."

He held out his hand to her, offering her a dance, and she graciously took it. Subaru emitted charge of pure electric jealous from him, one that surprised even her. She knew he could get jealous, but this was a whole new level. He had nothing to be jealous of, she could well assure him of that, because she had no intention of being anywhere near that despicable man once she finally was able to quit. But she couldn't tell Subaru all of that. She desperately just wanted the feel of Ichigo's arms around her gone, wanting to feel Subaru's arms around her once again. Subaru wrapped his arm where Ichigo's hand had rested around her waist, and he pulled her close. He gently swayed to the music along with her, but only a few seconds in, he stopped and looked down at her.

"Why are you shaking?" He asked, concern pulsing from his voice.

"Oh am I? Sorry, I do believe that my boss's hands were a little cold. Must just be a chill." She excused quickly.

Subaru lowered his head towards her ear and nipped it quickly, so no one else could see. "Then how about we get outta here and I can warm you up myself?"

Meghan smiled and nodded. "I'd like that."