Sequel to Chapter 53 (InuKog, Construction Worker, Yellow)

"I don't see why you had to drag me to this," Kagome groused, pulling at the hem of her dress. It went down to her knees, but it was still something she wasn't used to.

"Because it's to celebrate the building's completion, and you're the one that came up with the design in the first place," Kouga replied. "Plus, you kept my team from cuttin' any of their limbs off."

She pursed her lips, forcing herself not to bite her lip to keep her lipstick from staining her teeth. "And it has nothing to do with the hot blonde hanyou that did the site inspection a while back."

"Technically, his hair is silver—"

"I rest my case."

Kouga groaned. "You weren't there. It was like he'd stepped out of the fuckin' Greek Parthenon. And he knew I'd been starin'—"

She crossed her arms. "And yet, no matter how many times I tried to convince you otherwise, you never actually called him."

"Damnit, Kags, I work for him. Or at least his company. I ain't givin' his uptight brother any reason to fire me—or my team." They wandered up the bar, Kouga snagging himself a beer.

"Or you could've just grown a pair and let me deal with the bastard."

Kagome covered her snort at the panicked expression on Kouga's face, both of them turning around to find the subject of their conversation wearing a dark green dress shirt and a smirk. Kouga audibly gulped, and she nudged him from behind. "Looks like you've got some things to sort out. I'll see you later."

"What? No—" But he was quickly intercepted, Kagome giggling to herself as she made her way over to the buffet table. She passed by the barbecued meat with a face, opting for the sashimi instead. Grabbing a small plate and some chopsticks, she reached for the salmon, only to have someone else choose the same piece.

She sighed and released it. "Sorry, it's all yours." The salmon was placed on her plate, and she looked up and found herself drowning in amber.

"You had first claim to it." The owner smirked, and Kagome nearly dropped her plate.

"I thought you had to work late!"

Sesshoumaru offered her another piece. "I convinced the board it would be more productive for us to mingle instead of mediate." He glanced around. "Where is your date?"

"Currently trying to pick his jaw off the floor." She motioned to the other side of the room.

"Inuyasha was finally able to get ahold of him?"

"More like sink his claws into him."

Sesshoumaru made a face. "I do not need to know the details of my brother's conquests."

Kagome finally set her plate down, hands on her hips. "You're the one who sent him to Kouga's site on purpose."

"On your recommendation."

She grinned. "And I was right." They turned to watch Inuyasha put a hand on Kouga's shoulder, the wolf's face turning bright red as Inuyasha whispered something in his ear, fangs flashing as he nipped at the pointed tip. Then he shoved him toward the nearest exit, Kouga only half protesting. "Ha! You owe me dinner!"

Sesshoumaru chuckled, an arm wrapping around her waist. "Why do you think I gave up the best piece of sashimi?"

She rolled her eyes. "That does not count."

Lithe claws tapped her hip, eying the top of her dress. "Breakfast, then?"

Shivering at the implications, she crossed her arms. "What happened to mingling?"

"I think the board will forgive me for wanting to spend the evening with my fiancée, especially when she looks so lovely."

Kagome slid her finger down the inside of his tie before pulling it out of his vest. "Especially when they've stolen you away from me every night this week."

"Hnn."

"We better leave now, then," she mused. "I like to work up an appetite before eating."

Sesshoumaru smirked, already leading her out of the room. "I am aware. Hopefully, my time away has not affected your stamina."

"Guess you'll have to find out, won't you?"