An intelligent person would've headed straight for the bar—and left her alone—but Kenta always had more money than common sense. They followed her in, switching between snickers and snide comments about her outfit. Kagome ignored them as best she could, focusing on smiling at those who needed to be smiled at.
The shrine wasn't hurting for money, but renovations had been put off longer than they should have, and too many were cropping up all at once. It was the perfect fodder for Kenta, and he continued to berate her about how her pathetic little shrine would be at the bottom of everyone's lists that night.
"I would rather own a shrine than a barn," she said, flipping her hair over her shoulder. "Or was the talk of you enjoying the company of farm animals merely rumours?" She laughed at the disgusted expression on Himeko's face. From what she'd heard, Kenta had sent in multiple complaints to the security department at the school, but there hadn't been any leads on who'd defaced his car. It made her smile whenever she saw him waiting for the bus because his car was being repainted.
Himeko glanced at her date. "I thought your family was in the hotel business," she said, suddenly worried.
"I was referring to his preference for hanging around asses," Kagome smirked, making sure Himeko saw her look of sympathy. "And cows." The woman bristled, looking at Kenta to defend her, and Kagome's smile only grew.
They deserved each other.
Something clinked against her glass. "I find it a reflection of someone's worth is based on their actions towards others, not their bank account. Or their upbringing." The man from the curb had followed them, clearly determined to add in his two cents so she would fawn all over him.
She swirled her wine around in her glass, not bothering to make eye contact. "Bank accounts shouldn't even be considered. Money corrupts almost as quickly as power." She glared at Kenta. "The ones who stick by you before or after all of that are the ones you want to keep around."
"Indeed."
She frowned, not expecting the man to agree with her. She glanced at him from the corner of her eye, but Himeko stepped between them. "And what about when those people don't want you around? Some people need to be cut out so they don't leave a stain on their reputation." She had more barbs at the ready, but Kenta elbowed her in the side, and they both straightened.
A group of five men entered the room, and Kagome recognized the one in the middle as Ganjou Katsuro, the head of the city's leading architectural company. He enjoyed funding small projects as much as the big ones and was at the top of Kagome's list of potential backers.
She stepped forward, her wine nearly sloshing out of her glass, when Kenta grabbed her elbow. "This isn't your world, Higurashi," he said, twisting the knife by using her last name. "Leave the elbow-rubbing to the professionals."
She yanked her arm away, ready to let him have it, regardless of their present company. All the little red flags during their relationship were suddenly glaringly obvious, and she was tired of constantly being belittled by him. But Ganjou and his followers were headed straight for them, and she needed to make a good impression.
Kenta beat her to it, gushing about his latest accomplishment. If Kagome didn't think it would hurt Mama's connections, she'd dump the entire contents of her glass on Kenta's head. But as it was, Ganjou barely acknowledged him, instead bowing to the man beside her.
"Yasei-san, it's so good to see you! I was told you wouldn't be attending the soiree," Ganjou said, the men who'd followed him giving a wide enough birth that no one else would intrude on their conversation.
The man smirked. "I had originally planned on skipping it but was persuaded to attend in exchange for an after-dinner stroll."
Ganjou looked between them, his chuckle deep and understanding. "I can see why. She is lovely." Kagome bristled, ready to deny the man's claim, but he wasn't finished. "What have you been up to lately? Your company seems to be running well without you. Do you have secret plans in the works?"
The man's arm slid around her waist. "It is interesting that you mention that, Katsuro-san, as I will be helping to rebuild the Higurashi Shrine as my next project." The only thing keeping her mouth from falling open was her indignation that he'd touched her without permission.
"Are you really? That does sound fun," Ganjou mused. "I used to frequent that place as a child, though it has been years since I've been there. Do you know who runs it now?"
"They have managed to keep it within the family," the man said. "My lovely date's mother and grandfather currently run it." He chuckled as his grip tightened, preventing her from escaping. "She would be running it herself but seeks to broaden her horizons through the medical field." He paused, the corner of his mouth curving up into a smirk. "Though recently, she'd been dabbling into painting."
Kagome's head whipped around, eyes wide. Finally focusing on the man's profile, she noticed the similarities. She'd created the image of silver hair and punk features that she'd never considered he'd use an entirely human ruse.
Ganjou brightened, turning his attention to her. "Is that true? You are ambitious, Higurashi-san. I applaud your drive." He offered up his business card. "Please let me know if I can be of assistance. I don't have nearly the resources as Ogonshoku Industries, but I would love to at least visit the shrine next time I'm in the area."
Kagome's heart was beating a mile a minute, and she didn't know which person to react to. Sesshouamru nudged her, and she accepted Ganjou's card. "Thank you," she said, bowing. "I'll pass your information on to Mama and Gramps."
"I hope you enjoy your evening, Katsuro-san." Sesshoumaru clinked their glasses together as he leaned closer. "And beware, the sharks are already beginning to circle." He inclined his head in Kenta's direction, and Ganjou let out a tired sigh.
"I had thought so, but thank you for confirming. Perhaps I will cut my visit short tonight." He smirked. "I only showed because of the rumours that you would be here."
"Feel free to make an appointment with my assistant when you plan on visiting the shrine," Sesshoumaru replied. "We will take you on a personal tour."
Kagome nodded in agreement, and Ganjou clasped her hand in his. "It was wonderful to meet you." He turned to Sesshoumaru. "Don't let this one go, Yasei-san. She seems like the kind to be able to keep you in line."
"Indeed." She flushed, biting her lip as Kenta and Himeko all but tripped over themselves to follow Ganjou toward the next group of people. "We could have made an entrance if you had allowed us to enter together," he chastised.
She turned on him, temper flaring. "You never told me you'd be showing up as someone else!" she hissed.
Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow, then gave a mock bow. "I am Shou Yasei," he said. "CEO of Ogonshoku Industries. I can give you my card should you require more proof."
Kagome groaned. "You never once mentioned your business was this big."
He shrugged. "You seemed more interested in my hobbies than my annual income." He snagged her hand, laying a kiss across her knuckles. "Which I appreciated."
Her blush had never quite gone away, and it only worsened at the close contact. "I don't care about how much you make."
"Which separates you from 99% of the population." He hadn't let go of her hand, and with each passing second, she felt less inclined to pull away. "You look beautiful."
"So do you." She cursed under her breath, clenching her eyes shut as she willed the heat in her face to go away. "You know what I mean. I wasn't expecting—"
"You were expecting the punk to wear Prada?" he mused. "How charming."
She bit the inside of her cheek, feeling vulnerable as she met his gaze. "It's why I wore this dress," she murmured. "We were supposed to match."
Dark brows rose, his cheekbones now sporting the same colour, and there was a flare of youki before his mouth was on her. One hand was flat against her back, keeping her steady as he tasted her thoroughly, tongue teasing and tempting her to respond. Her hand had already found his arm, gripping him tightly as she tried to remember she was holding wine in the other.
There were some low whistles as some of the guests walked by, and Kagome broke the kiss, trying to catch her breath. He gave her a quizzical look, though it was through half-lidded eyes and dark lashes, and she bit her lip. "I don't want to tarnish your reputation," she said weakly.
He was smug about something, though he didn't voice it, his hand still on her back. "As I said, actions speak louder than words, Kagome."
Sucking in a deep breath, she rolled her shoulders back. "And what do my actions tell you?"
His eyes softened, and her stomach fluttered. He'd looked like that before, but she'd thought it was because of what they'd been talking about, not her. "That you are trying to make a difference, regardless of your field." His eyes flickered over her shoulder. "And that you have a prowess for vengeance should the instance call for it."
She snorted, knowing precisely who he was looking at. "You have more honour than that."
"Perhaps." He pulled her closer, his arm now fully wrapped around her waist. "But it is a good reminder not to cross you."
"Were you planning on doing that?"
"Never." He sounded so sure that she laughed, relaxing against his hold.
"Is there anyone else you need to talk to tonight?" She stared at her wine glass, hoping her blush wasn't too noticeable.
"You forget, the only reason I am here is due to your invitation," he replied, already leading her toward the exit. "Are there any other connections you wish to make?"
Kagome set her glass down on a random table. "I've got the CEO of Ogonshoku Industries in my back pocket," she said. "I think I've done enough schmoozing tonight. Besides—" She tilted her head up, unable to hide her smile. "—I'd rather have ramen."
"Gorgeous and frugal. What an enchanting date you are."
"You should hang out with me more often." They stepped through the main doors, and she inhaled the night air, though she turned her head to get more of his scent into the mix. "I'm full of surprises."
"I think I have had enough for one night," Sesshoumaru pulled out his phone, punching in a few keystrokes. "Though I dare say the farmer from earlier will be quite shocked when he returns to the parking lot to find his car towed."
Kagome gasped, covering her mouth with her hand to stifle a giggle. "You didn't."
He shrugged. "I was worried it had been stolen, so I had Jaken flag the licence plate. The police take those matters very seriously." She gave up, using him to keep herself upright as she burst into laughter. Sesshoumaru sniffed haughtily. "Serves him right for insulting you."
She went up on tiptoe, attempting to kiss his cheek, but he anticipated the movement, claiming her mouth again. Kagome moaned softly, gripping his collar. The heat from his body seeped through their clothes, and his eyes were amber when he pulled back. She'd thought it was the reflection from the sunset, but she could feel his claws biting into her back.
"Are you really hungry for ramen?" he asked, voice hoarse. She shook her head, and he nodded stiffly, leading her toward his car. "Good. I am more in the mood for dessert." She shivered, managing not to catch her dress in the door when he slammed it shut.
They could have ramen tomorrow. Maybe in the afternoon, based on the way he was looking at her. It was fine. She always liked dessert more, anyway.