Sequel to Murky Magic (From SessKag Week 2021)

"It's not the right colour."

Kagome kept her smile plastered on her face. "Oh? It matches the sample you gave me."

The customer glared at her—she'd clearly never been contradicted before. "This is nothing like the sample I provided. I'm not paying for it."

Kagome sighed and moved the wrapped box of cupcakes off the counter, only to have the woman stop her. "What are you doing? I'm here to pick these up."

Blue eyes narrowed, suddenly catching on. "You just said you wouldn't be paying for them."

"Well, of course not. It's shoddy quality, and they're supposed to be the shade of a robin's egg—"

Kagome tugged the box out of the woman's hand. "If you're not paying for them, then you don't get to take them with you," she said, placing the treats on the shelf behind her—out of reach of the irate customer.

"This is no way to run a business!" she screeched. "I want to speak to your manager!"

Kagome stared at her for a moment, then shrugged, taking off her apron as she spun around, her smile more like the baring of fangs when she faced the woman again. "Hello, I'm the manager and owner of Aitori, how can I help you?"

The customer sputtered, glaring between Kagome and the cupcakes. "I will take my business elsewhere if you don't—"

Kagome crossed her arms. "You're more than welcome to. Now, either pay for your order or don't. But either way, you're leaving my store immediately." The woman huffed, begrudgingly handing over her credit card. Kagome waved at her as she left the store, managing not to kick something as the door shut behind her.

"Ungrateful wench," she grumbled, grabbing one of the leftover cupcakes and sinking her teeth into it.

"Bad day?"

Kagome jumped, not having heard the door chime again, a smile breaking out on her face at the sight of her next customer. "Sesshoumaru! I thought you were going to be working late today."

"The board found it in their best interest to adjourn early," he said, his jacket draped over one arm.

"Give me a few minutes to close up. I just need to—" He grabbed her arm, forcing her to lean over the counter, his tongue sliding along the corner of her mouth. Kagome flushed, skin tingling when he pulled back, licking the blue icing off his lips.

"Not as sweet as you, but close, I suppose."

"Tease," she said, sticking out her tongue before taking another bite of the cupcake.

He let out a dark chuckle. "You are welcome to return the favour."

Kagome lifted her chin, popping the rest of the frosted treat into her mouth. "If you're lucky."

His lips curved into a smirk as she began her end-of-day routine, his eyes never leaving her as she quickly collected the leftover food in the display case. "I am always lucky."