Chapter 2
She didn't respond at first, due to the rare speechlessness he'd invoked in her. Kagome had been flirted with enough in her life, but his sincerity and depth of conviction was something new. Most men saw her as a pretty piece of arm candy, only to be intimidated by her intellect which would ultimately sour any relationship. Toga, on the other hand, didn't seem like the type of man/demon to be intimidated; more like he was the one who would intimidate others. After she habitually hit CtrlS on her laptop, she crossed her arms and leaned back in her seat.
"If I didn't know any better, Toga, I'd think you were hinting at spending more time together." She still smirked, but she was genuinely curious if he was teasing her, or if there was more to it. A deeply buried part of her hoped for the latter.
"Forgive me for not making it more plain, my dear…if you are free, I'd like to take you out for dinner. Tomorrow evening, perhaps?"
Well, that's very to the point, Kagome thought.
Taking a moment to let his offer sit with her, she smiled lightly before replying, "Hmmm, I may have to think about this." She noted his minor show of confusion and smothered a smirk, "I'll tell you what, I'm going to be at the club tonight…if you want my answer, be there around 9:45pm tonight." She'd been putting her laptop away while speaking, and when she finished she stood. "It was a pleasure seeing you again, Toga."
With a wink, she left the coffee shop. Noting the surprised expression lingering on his face as she passed by the window. If he came to the club, then she'd know he was serious. If he didn't, she'd be disappointed but it would give her an answer still.
oOoOo
She'd been anxious the rest of the day. Even now that she was at work, changing into another of her favorite outfits, her stomach was fluttery. She hadn't been effected by a man, human or demon, in a long time; but, the connection with Toga had been instant. Since that first meet of the eyes she'd been enthralled.
If he isn't here tonight… she shut that thought down before cinching the tie around her neck and flipping the white starched collar down over it. Her hair was in a bun, shirt buttoned all the way up, but her black pencil skirt was nice and short. It wasn't really a surprise that dressing as a business professional was not only a crowd favorite, but one of hers as well. It was a way for her to take her original career path and reshape it for the night life.
"Miko, you're up in 5," Riana called as she entered the backstage area, discarded clothes lightly clutched to her chest.
"Got it! Ohhhh, is that your goddess bit?"
"Yep, it's the middle of the month."
"I should've known, you're such a creature of habit," Kagome chuckled.
She chuckled again when Riana flipped her the bird before sitting to remove the stilettos. Kagome leaned down to see in the mirror and applied a light coat of shimmering beige lip gloss, only to freeze when Riana spoke again.
"One of the CEO guys from the other week is in the front row, just FYI."
Her breathing stilled, "Oh?" she asked, trying to sound calm.
"Yep, silver hair, gold eyes…couldn't miss him."
Kagome forced oxygen back into her lungs and stood, straightening her outfit one last time. "I guess he enjoyed the show."
"I'm sure he did." Riana's smirk and chuckle gave away nothing more than her usual mirth. Kagome knew better, but she wasn't about to ask and get herself in a verbal trap. Riana had a bad habit of reading people on a deeper level than most, and she didn't want to hear her speculations about him, or her at this moment.
"I'm on," Kagome said. She could still hear Riana laughing as she walked to the curtain and waited for the lights to dim.
Once her name was announced, she stepped out and into place. Her back to the crowd, legs slightly apart, hands on her hips. She hadn't looked for him. She'd wait, do her dance, and then walk the floor afterwards. Taking a deep breath, she channeled Miko as the alluring persona deserved. She heard the beginning of her song, "Girl on Fire" by Alicia Keys and let a sensual smirk take hold.
Swaying her hips and letting her arms flow to the beat of the music, she snapped around to face the pole and the room. This time she didn't see him immediately; instead, she noticed his oldest son as she prowled to the pole.
Maybe he's the one Mizo meant, the thought had her internally sighing. Outwardly, no one would know of her inner monologue. She was the essence of sexuality, fluid moves, enticing eyes, and with every inch of newly revealed skin she could feel all eyes on her. She'd already removed the tie, using it to twirl around the pole before ripping open the front of her white dress shirt. The black bra underneath contrasting perfectly with her complexion. With her back against the pole, she slowly unzipped her skirt down the front, spun to walk back the length of the stage and let it slowly, teasingly, slide down her legs with each step. Once it hit the floor she kicked it to the back of the stage, near the curtain. Now she only had her lingerie with the unbuttoned shirt hanging from her arms. With one pull, her long hair fell around her and in the downward motion of her hand she unhooked her bra. Taking hold of the pole again, Kagome bent backward, letting the bra fall away as she snapped back up. As the song wound down, she climbed half way up the pole, let go with her hands, and used her abs to hold herself horizontal and her legs to grip. On the last note, she let her hands land on the floor, legs still gripping the metal. Kagome opened her eyes, and locked gazes with familiar gold.
He's here!
She let her legs fall and landed on her feet. She grabbed her clothing and left the stage without glancing back. However, once she was backstage, she quickly changed into an emerald green bra and matching thong, military-like pants except there were slits from ankle to high thigh, a brown leather sleeveless and low cut crop vest, and black military-like boots but with high heals and were sheer.
Another deep breath, makeup touch-up, and she was ready to do some floor work. Though, before she did, she grabbed a blank card that was kept in the back for notes and scribbled on it before slipping it into her bra. By the time she walked out onto the main floor of the club, she was ready for whatever came next. Even though she didn't go to Toga immediately, she could feel him watching her. Kagome hadn't walked five steps away from the backstage curtain before she had a regular taking her by the hand and guiding her to the bar. She smiled and flirted like always, but she could feel molten eyes boring into her back.
"How've you been Bank?" she asked.
"So much better now that you're in front of me." His reply was the usual, and his perusal of her body wasn't a surprise. "I can't decide if you're more stunning in green, black, or red."
Kagome giggled, but before she could retort with one of her typical retorts, another voice joined the conversation. "I believe, she's the most breathtaking in blue."
They both glanced up to Toga standing just behind Bankotsu looking to all but Kagome like he was making friendly talk. Though Kagome could see the barest hint of pink lining the whites of his eyes.
"Now that I can drink to!" Bankotsu grinned and waved for the bartender. "I haven't seen her in blue in a while, but you're right. I'm Bank," he said reaching out his hand.
Toga shook it but barely took his eyes off Kagome. "Toga…Taisho."
"No shit! Taisho, THE Taisho. Man, my brother works in your security division." Bankotsu was somewhat clueless at times, he apparently noticed nothing of Toga's tense body language.
"Well, it's my sons' business now. I'm retired but I remain on the Board of Trustees. You seem familiar with Ka…Miko, here."
Kagome almost kicked him for the near slip, but she noted his apologetic glance and let it go. "Bank is a regular of this establishment. Apparently being the youngest of 7 has made him needy for attention." Kagome teased. It was a classic topic between them.
"Only your attention," Bank said while wiggling his eyebrows.
"You say that to every girl you ask for a lap dance from." Kagome chuckled and shook her head at him. "Don't think I didn't see you the last time with Jewels."
"Jealous?" He smirked at her before winking at Toga.
She was glad he was including Toga in the conversation, otherwise it might have been tense. "Oh, deeply. Your lap is the thing of dreams, Bank." She tried keeping a serious face, but the mirth was seeping into her eyes and her shoulders were shaking with repressed laughter.
"Now who's lying," Bankotsu laughed. "I see how popular you are, even caught the attention of a Taisho, which from what I hear is no small feat." He nodded his head to Toga who only cocked a brow, but he too had a smirk.
"It's not that our favor is hard to win, it's just that we are selective of those we choose to bestow it upon." Toga spoke while locking eyes with Kagome again, and the way his gaze held hers sent a thrill down her spine.
"Well, Miko is a treasure even if she is the clubs biggest tease." Bankotsu joked while grabbing the beer that had been set in front of him.
"You say that like my teasing hasn't been appreciated, or had you walking delicately a time or two." Kagome watched Bank nearly choke on his beer before smiling in victory. The sound of Toga's chuckle only added to the sweet moment.
"She does have that effect on people." Toga stepped a little closer to her before leaning down slightly. "And I'd be honored if you'd join me for a dance."
His voice had goosebumps rising all over her body, memories of their first, and last, private dance replayed in her mind which only added fuel to the growing fire in her veins. She'd never been so hesitantly eager for a dance in her entire life. "How could a girl say no to such a gentlemanly request…" she managed to stay in character, but it was proving more difficult than expected.
"Don't mind me, I'll just go find Jewels." Bankotsu stood and paid for his drink. "Take care of yourself, Miko." He nodded to Toga before heading off towards a tall, thin blonde wearing a bra and a miniskirt.
Kagome shook her head, "He's a good guy but doesn't want a long-term relationship with anyone. We get a lot of those types here."
"I'm sure, though it is a wonder you haven't been pursued more," Toga said, leading her away from the bar and towards the private dance areas.
"Who said I haven't, I just haven't been interested in any of the ones who've tried. Koga being one of them."
"Ah, so how many potentials do you currently have?" He was curious, not that he was worried but he did want to know what kind of competition there was.
"None that are serious," she cut her eyes to him and smirked, "Unless you plan to place yourself in that category."
"I have requested a date with you, and I know your real name." He sat in the booth as she pulled the curtain shut. The current song was nearly over so she waited for the next one.
"True, but that doesn't necessitate serious interest in a relationship. Could just be that you're curious, and will lose interest after one date." She stood between his knees, waiting for the next song to begin. She watched his facial expressions and was slightly surprised to see a displeased scowl.
"I do not ask out just any woman, Kagome." She let her real name slide since they were alone and the music would drown out anyone hearing them. He continued, "Your regular was right that catching our attention is not easy. Though, you've had mine since the moment I looked into your mesmerizing eyes."
Kagome tried to hide the pleased shock from her face, and surely she'd only minorly succeeded. The fact that he'd admitted to being hooked the same moment she had was enough to send flutters through her stomach again. "Is that so?"
As "Waiting for Tonight" by JLo started, Kagome began rolling her hips to the beat. Turning until her back and ass were to Toga, and stepping back so that when she bent her knees in a deep hip roll, her ass hovered over his lap. It wasn't long before his hands came to rest on her waist and he attempted to pull her back into him. She held her ground, though. Thrusting her chest up and following with a full body roll until she sat on his crotch area, bringing his knees together so she could spread her legs wider on either side of his for balance. She covered his hands with hers on her waist, guiding one up to just below her breasts, and the other down to her outer thigh.
His breath against her neck was a little jarring, but she stayed the course and kept moving against him while being fully aware of the bulge she was gyrating against. "I couldn't take my eyes off of you that first time, nor anytime since." The words a whisper for only her, just barely heard over the music. "The way you move your body, this exquisite body, is as hypnotizing as it is painfully arousing."
She gasped then, not just at his hotly spoken words, but because his hips bucked just slightly up into her and she'd forgotten to put up a scent barrier until just then. The deep inhale he took told her she'd been too late to keep him from knowing how she was responding to him.
"But it isn't just your body, or your delicious smell, it's also your mind that has my attention." He'd growled at the word "smell" and she had to press against him just a little harder for her own sake. She quickly stood, turned and straddled him like that first time, never losing the beat or making it seem rushed. Now that she could see his face, it was obvious his beast was trying to rise. His eyes were redder than before, and the marks along his cheeks were darker. It was exceedingly arousing.
"What do I smell like?" She whispered, gazing straight into his soul.
Another growl and inhale, "Summer rain and lightening, just now a heavy hint of mint."
She hadn't known what to expect, but that hadn't been it. She licked her lower lip, not really realizing she had until the hand previously at her ribs moved to the back of her head, threaded into her hair. Before he could pull her closer, Kagome locked her elbow with her hand on his shoulder to keep the little distance there was intact.
"The song's ending, and I promised you an answer…" she was breathing heavier, the only real sign that she was drastically effected.
The red in Toga's eyes flashed before receding back to white. He smiled lightly, "You did." His hand in her hair loosened but he let his claws gently scrape against her scalp. "Tell me…"
Kagome shivered. "Our dance is done for tonight, I'm gonna head home…but check the front pocket of your pants when you leave." Quickly, using his confusion, she kissed him on the cheek and walked out.
oOoOo
He sat there for a moment, seeing her disappear into the back again before he chuckled and stood. Patting the front of his pants, he felt something in his right pocket.
Little minx is sly, he thought.
Meeting Sesshoumaru at the door, he pulled the card out to see a phone number written down, and the word "Yes" under it.
"Did you enjoy yourself, father?" Sesshoumaru asked in his usual bored tone. Though Toga could see another question burning in his son's eyes.
"Is that jealousy I see in you, son? But to answer you, more than I've enjoyed myself in a century." Toga said.
"Don't be foolish. Though, this one have to admit the one you favor is a rarity among her race."
Toga's eyes sharpened, "High praise from you, of all people."
Shrugging, Sesshoumaru walked the few steps to the exit. "This one has always stated facts." He looked back to his father as he pushed the door open, "If you had not shown your interest, I would have." Then he left the building.
Toga was slightly surprised, he'd never thought his oldest would ever admit interest in any woman of any race. He then chuckled, though leave it to Kagome to ensnare us both.
He followed after Sesshoumaru and caught up to him in the parking lot. "And what is your interest in her, exactly? Casual?" Toga waited, gauging the other's reaction. If the boy was only physically interested then his decision was easy, Sesshoumaru would not touch her. However, as the demon world had different customs and allowances for partner sharing, even mate sharing, if his interest was real then Toga would have much to think on.
Sesshoumaru stopped by their car, which they'd rode together. He didn't respond immediately, which was also a little surprising. Toga waited though, if he had to guess, he'd wager his son was organizing his thoughts and how to properly express himself. Finally, Sesshoumaru glanced to his sire from the corner of his eye. "My beast craves her. It's never even stirred for a female before, until her."
The only sound following his statement was the mild pulsing of bass from the club behind them. Toga had thought Sesshoumaru meant more than casual, but not that his innermost self was calling for the same woman his own was. It wasn't unheard of, but exceedingly rare. "Is this why you came with me tonight, to see if was a one time calling from your beast or if it was stronger? Potential mate, stronger?"
He watched as his son stiffened more, if possible. "This one needs no mate…" Sesshoumaru started but Toga cut him short.
"Do not lie to me, or to your beast. If both of our beasts are stirring for her, then it must be discussed. Our ways allow for such a thing."
"Hers does not," Sesshoumaru stated stiffly.
"Not in the same sense, however there is much more to her than all of her kind. It would be her choice to have one, both, or neither of us. It must be discussed. She's an actual Miko, she would have been educated in our ways to an extent." Toga wasn't upset that his son felt the way he did for Kagome, but he would ensure she was aware of the whole situation from the start.
"You seem sure of yourself."
"She said something similar earlier." Toga smirked. "I have a date with her tomorrow evening, and I have her phone number," he held up the card for Sesshoumaru to see, "I will broach the topic then."
Sesshoumaru looked hesitant for the first time in his life. It would've been comical if the situation they found themselves in wasn't so important to them both. "This one will trust your judgment in speaking with her, for now."
Toga nodded, "All will be well, my son."
She's worth the effort. She's worth both of our affections.