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I do not
own Rurouni Kenshin, bla, bla, bla...
Notice: Be
warned. It will include violence, some uses of it profanes language, and will
include some extent of explicit sexual contend. So keep on reading at your own
risk.
Thank you
for your kind reviews.
Please,
make me happy and review this…
I will be
working on my second fic, Sakuras on White Snow soon, so stay tunned.
Thank you
to those who made suggestions and comments.
MIR AND Mara: I will never be able to repay your
kindness.
Arigato!
Thanks!
Muchísimas Gracias!
Geili Magnum!
Shukran!
Don’t
forget to go to Tales of the Meiji Era site. They have moved to a new server
and have very good pieces it is worth to look into. So go and update your
bookmarks! http://ellone-loire.net/tfme/i2.html
Hana, a
very SPECIAL THANKS TO YOU.
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Chapter 8: To be…or not to be?
The ship
rocked steadily, the sound of its bow piercing the now tranquil waves of
Chinese Sea ripping through the darkness of the night.
Whispers,
voices rose over that sound, carried by the breeze.
-
It’s
very, very, very unfortunate... - a masculine voice grunted
-
I had
invested a lot of time in him... - the
woman's body was hiding the man’s one
-
He was
a real moron. In fact, we should congratulate ourselves that he failed now.
Think about the mess we could have stepped into had this happened in a more
delicate moment. - a second man was added to the conversation
-
Definitively.
However, it is an unfortunate, incredible loss ... I can’t believe he had
failed. We practically gave him the man’s head served in a silver tray, he only
had to severe it!.
-
According
to our informants, somebody helped the dealer. - a third voice, much
younger and with an almost jovial tone joined
to the previous ones.
-
Xian?
We should have eliminated the old devil at the same time
-
Oh,
no, not. It was not Xian. It was a woman.
-
A
woman? A woman! – There was a mixture of indignation and incredulity
flowing through the second man's voice - Ah... The whore, that’s for sure! We
shouldn’t rely on that kind of women-
The stare
of the female near him almost scorched him to death, but the man didn’t flinch
a bit.
-
The
slut that we hired was burnt to death on the house in a very odd way.
The fire had affected nothing else in the rest of the room. Most surprisingly,
the woman that helped him, allegedly his official lover, was supposed to be at
her home at the moment of the attack, miles away from Yukishiro’s house. –the
youngest in the group intervened
-
What
do we know about her?
-
Nothing.
There are not records of her existence before her appearance in Beijing. Rumor
has it that Yukishiro met her in a reception given by the British Consul to
Shanghai and from then on he protected her and her business officially.
Strangely enough, some sources keep insisting she’s the same woman that
rescued him from the desert helping him to return to Dunhuang. They also inform
that Yukishiro had been obsessed with finding the desert’s woman, and during
his quest he found the same answers that were given to us: basically nothing.
However, he stopped his search when he met this woman, who is a jewels dealer.
Of course, it is unlikely that both women are the same person, since one of
them was seemingly a wild nomad traveling the Silk Route, and the present lover
of Yukishiro is a beautiful and sophisticated woman according our sources.
-
Maybe
he found this one more interesting than the wild nomad… I would…- said the
first man; touching almost casually the silky skin of the beautiful woman sat
by his side with his fingers. - Anyway I want that as soon as you are in
Shanghai you watch and study her carefully. Try to learn as much as you can
about her. Collect every little piece of information about her, any bad habit
we could exploit to our advantage. Take note of her vices, either if she
consumes opium or alcohol, if she is indebted with him, if he forced her to
stay with him, if she is ambitious, any expensive likes she might have or any
addiction to the power... or to powerful men. Her sexual behavior, if she is
loyal to him or has any other secret lovers… Everything. Then, Yumi will
work on what you find. Every human has a price or a weakness to be used against
him or her. It is a mere question of
finding out and taking advantage of it appropriately.
-
Heishin
had been so easy... - said the woman - It’s a pity that we should begin anew.
-
Wails are
a waste of time, a weakness, are unworthy of the strongest ones. Houji, Soujirou, leave immediately. We will
stop here for the following two days. That will buy you the time to prepare my
arrival and find out the things I’ve asked from you. Take the trunk with the
telegraph, and keep in touch me every night at the fixed time. That will let me
to take in advance the appropriate measures.
-
Understood,
Shishio-sama.
Then, the
men called Houji and Soujirou left, covered by darkness of the night. Another
ship was awaiting them, anchored at short distance from the first one. Their
trip to Shanghai almost had reached its last stage.
* * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * *
Only three
days were left for the meeting and there were too many things yet to take care
of...
They were
waiting for their client's emissaries. They would arrive anytime soon, and she
was in a hurry to check the last details for their guests’ visit.
Asiyah
registered mentally the arrangements made for each one of their guests, the
kind of food they have ordered and those “special requests” their visitors had
made.
It seemed
everything was all right.
However,
she was well aware of the fact that smallest details were the ones which ruined the best-planned meetings.
She had a
long list of those to take care of yet. She went through the pages on her lap paying attention
to every detail in them.
-
It is
two in the afternoon and you had not eaten lunch yet. - Enishi’s tall figure blocked sunlight,
preventing her from continuing her job. She raised her head only to be met by
his slightly concerned gaze.
-
Ah ...
I have lots of things to do yet... I can’t waste any minute now.
-
You
have lately been skipping meals and sleep due this meeting. I don’t want you to
continue such behavior. It does not please me at all. - he looked at her with a
serious stare to continue in a softer voice- Everything will be fine. I trust
you. You had always managed these things very, very efficiently since you are
in charge of them. This time will not be different from the past ones. Besides,
I want you to shine... They say that our guest brings a very special lady. I am
sure that she is not a match for you at all ...unless by the time of their
arrival you keep those blue rings around your eyes you have right now.
-
I do
look bad, don’t I?
-
I
would say rather pathetic in fact- Enishi had now an amused smile plastered on
his face
-
Thank
you very much for
you compliment...
-
Don’t
mention it, you really deserve it. - he chuckled lightly
Enishi
called the old Chinese housekeeper, and taking the papers Asiyah was holding on
her lap he gave them to the older woman. Then, he hooked his arm around
Asiyah’s one, driving her out of the house. A tablecloth was disposed under a
tree. A complete, smoky meal was awaiting them. They kneeled on the cloth, and she served the meal for both.
Things had
changed greatly between them from the moment they shared that chat at the
clinic.
Enishi still
was the same insufferably obsessive, rough-around-the-borders, antisocial man…
but not quite.
He had been
always aware in the past of every and each need or wish she could have,
carrying them out subtly before she could even ask anything, but now he was
meticulous twofold towards her.
On the
other hand, he had been opening himself to Asiyah, being less and less cautious
and distant towards her. He had even behaved with a certain amount of
affection; in his very personal way ...and only if they were all alone.
He had told
her about his story, in fully creepy detail. That made the hairs on her neck
stood on their ends. What she heard convinced her to take the place that
Heishin’s sudden retirement had left in the organization, in spite of her
initial reluctance in participating on these ‘business’. Obviously she would do
it from the shadows, since her gender would never allow her to do it openly in
China.
Enishi had
surprisingly offered the position to her since he thought intelligence was the
most important resource and it had no gender. To think otherwise was to waste
the most valuable recourse. He told her she was smarter than most men he had
met, certainly than any other male in his organization, so she was the one and
only worth of the position.
His kind
flattery succeeded at last, and she found herself accepting his offering but on
the condition she would retire at the moment he got his revenge.
She would
make it only because of Enishi and Tomoe’s sufferings. Her involvement would
end at the moment that the merciless murderer who killed Enishi’s sister got
his retribution. The man who sunk him into an existence of agony and
unspeakable sufferings, turning his hair into silvery white due
to pain, would paid dearly for all that. She would make sure about it.
Then, if
the bonds between them developed as she expected, they would look for a distant
place and they would begin life anew, together.
-
I left
a new dress in your room.
-
Thank
you - Asiyah sighed.
-
I know
you can have whatever you want by snapping your fingers, but I would like for
once you honored me wearing actually something I chose myself for you. If you
find I missed your size, then let me know, and I will take you to buy whatever
you want next time...
-
No,
the size is perfect.-
<Too
perfect, in fact>- She thought
-
Then
the problem is…- he further pressed the issue
-
They
are quite… revealing, if you know what I mean.
They were
too tight, marking in such detail the curves of her breasts and hips that she
felt almost naked when she tried to wear them. Besides the deep cuts left her
legs impudently exposed[1]
to her knee as she walked.
-
I
didn't say you should wear them to leave the house. That would not
please me at all. - he was looking into
her eyes intently now- To be honest, I have been expecting you to wear them in
any of those occasions we spend some time alone after dinner.
She blushed
intently, by the implied meaning. He wanted her to dress in them solely for
him.
Although he
had always behaved as a perfect gentleman, his interest in her as a woman grew
unmistakably with each passing day. From time to time, he performed any action
or dropped any remark that made it clear he wanted their relationship to be
actually consummated anytime in the very near future. His suggestive stares and
comments were more and more frequent during past weeks.
However, as
ruthless he could be with his enemies, cold and calculating murderer when it
suited him, he was in his own very odd way, attentive and tolerant with women, especially
with her.
She thought
the tragic demise of his sister played a significant role in such behavior. He
used to restrain his harsh temper to some extent when women were around.
He was used
to take what he wanted without asking, but she knew somewhat that he never took
any female into his bed by force. It simply wasn’t his style.
She was
aware however he always got what he wanted; he only changed his means to
achieve his goals according the situation.
Asiyah knew
his impatience heightened with each passing day, and it was only a mere
question of time to give up to his subtle but persistent suggestions if she
really wanted to stay by his side. And she really wanted it.
She
expected to become her actual consort at the moment in that the Great Tiger was
ready to wake up.
But Enishi
was really far from such a state, his mind sunk in confusion, anger and
destructive desires.
He had only
recently opened up to experience another type of feelings with her, those that
she needed to be ready for his awakening, sharing feelings with her that could
really be considered of friendship and sincere affection... but only when they
were totally alone.
Though it
was not the best of moments she realized there was not any other alternative
except to give in, resisting as long as she could, hoping that in the meantime
some event triggered the awakening of the mystical beast.
To be
honest however, she was actually interested in going further in their
relationship. She found herself blushing furiously at the thought realizing it
wouldn’t help her in her resistance attempts.
However the
worst thing was that he was aware of her feelings, as in that very moment, the
mischievous glint in his eyes speaking by itself.
That’s why
he persevered with his subtle approaches.
-
Anyway,
the one on your bed is more... proper, just for a formal meeting. It is for
tonight’s dinner. I expect you wear it.
-
Oh...
Well then, I will use it if it is really... modest. If it is not, you will have
to wait the guests leave us alone.
Enishi
chuckled, shaking his head lightly. He felt delighted at the very
feminine modesty of that strange lady; so different from the women he used to
be in touch with.
It was
promising.
However, he
only hoped her to be less bashful and modest with him.
-
I found
Heishin’s “private” deals records... - she said casually- He trusted his
earnings to our good friend the British Consul, so we can say goodbye to
that money. The English dog has not given any signal or step to give it back. We
cannot do anything against him it without facing unpleasant consequences...
-
We’ll
see... I don't believe Lady Berry would be pleased if her husband's private
activities become of public knowledge...
-
I
already attempted to...
-
No,
dear… I’m not talking of his dubious opium and slavery deals...- he interrupted
her- let’s only say there are much more delicate issues involved… they are more
intimate, to say the least. If they were known they would tarnish the
reputation of a whole high society British family. A Peer is involved. I have proofs and witness...
-
Any
white British won’t take Chinese women as witness seriously...
-
Oh,
no, no, no, little one. Nobody cares if British gentlemen have some ‘affairs’
with Chinese women. In fact is to be expected from any respectable European
man. You know what they say to their maidens when they marry: spread your legs
and think in England.[2]
Some interesting things are not expected to be performed on respectable wives
usually, you know. But we men still like these things, so we usually find
someone willing to give us such pleasures. -
to his amusement Asiyah blushed an interesting shade of crimson, just
two tones above the color of her hair- Speaking personally, I would prefer to
have a wife clever and willing enough to please me in every way I could wish.
Anyway, I found somebody in England, as British as Queen Victoria[3],
and he actually is not a woman... though I really think he would love to be
one. He is ready to open his mouth... By the way… he is the son of a British Peer.
Lord Berry ‘abandoned’ him… He want a payback. That is the beauty behind this
whole affair... - the cruel smile of Enishi allowed her to see his white,
perfect teeth.
-
Oh...
What a surprise... - Asiyah murmured in total embarrassment. There were
things on the Berrys that she really preferred to ignore. Suddenly a thought
crossed her mind - Does your hand reach to England...?
-
I have
always believed it was useful to know the weaknesses of those who could pester
my life at any given point. I made sure to be able to use these things against
them if required. There are a lot of people in the Syndicate that deal with the
Englishmen directly. It is not difficult to obtain the appropriate information.
We will make a social visit to Lord and Lady Berry after our guests from Japan
leave us.
-
Speaking
of which...
-
No,
stop it. I said it is enough for the day, and then it’s enough. I want
you to take the rest of the day for yourself, even tomorrow maybe. Give
something to do to the servants. I pay them for that.
-
Yes, I
know, but they should be overseen...
-
They
will make it right. They know the consequences of their slackness. You, I want
you to rest right now. It is not a suggestion. Boss’ orders. Once our clients
arrive, I will need you constantly there. That’s why I prefer that as long as
your presence it is not urgently required, you try to rest and relax. I want
your mind ready and awaken for the moment I might need it. Maybe this system
does not allow you to be my business partner openly, but we both know that you
were born to fill that place.
-
I
don't like to be involved in these things. You know that I’m only doing this
for you, and to honor your sister's memory.
-
The
time of achieving Justice is near, my dear. Be patient, and bear it with me. –
As every time he heard her talking in such way he felt deeply touched. Their
faces were so close that they almost come into contact with each other’s. He
brushed tenderly Asiyah’s cheek with the back of his hand – Only a few
months, only a few months and we will be free... I received very promising
reports only two days ago. I am expecting confirmation. It they are truth, the
wheel of fate will begin to turn... and we’ll finish this so quickly that you
will think of it as a bad dream only.
He let his
hands rest over her shoulders briefly, to slip them slowly downwards through
her arms, making her shudder visibly. They looked at each other’s eyes for what
seemed an eternity, until Enishi broke the charm, taking both hands from her
forearms, to lean forward. Cupping her face with both hands, he brushed his
lips lightly against hers, as if probing her reaction to his touch. It was the
first time that he really approached her so intimately. He expected some amount
of surprise, even a timid rejection but instead she tossed her arms around his
neck seeking for a deeper contact, while she entangled her fingers playfully on
his silvery strands. He got the impression she was just longing to do it from a
long time ago.
Faced with
such clear response, his kiss changed from a cautious, chaste approach, to an
avid, spicy one, fully matched by her in every little flick of his tongue. He
made her sit on his lap while they embraced passionately each other
-
It
is… it is not... fair! - Enishi’s
voice sounded ragged and hoarse when they finally broke the kiss. His smoky
glasses couldn’t hide the wild fire shining in his eyes – I am fully aware that
you know I have been waiting patiently this answer of yours for weeks. Now you
decided finally to give the step at the time you know I cannot entertain myself
in any kind of distractions!
-
Who
said life was fair?
She
chuckled lightly, giving him a roguish stare, to let her head rested on his
chest afterwards. He let slip her dupatta to strike her shining hair gently,
taking finally in her scent as he had longed for so many months, as he hold her
close to him by her waist with his other arm.
She knew
that there would be no turning back; no second thoughts would be accepted now.
Though he was the one who had begun the game... she couldn’t help herself and
stepped passionately into it, in spite she knew it went against of all her good
judgment.
Now, she
would face the consequences.
-
Ah... you
are such a naughty, naughty girl... darling...
I think I should teach you a lesson later… Maybe tonight we could
discuss about it. If you want to, that is. - the soft touch of his palm
traveling from her waist to her hip emphasizing the true meaning behind his
words sent shivers down her spine. But he was giving her the chance to refuse
to play the game
-
I thought
you said that you didn't want any distractions... – she played little at
hard-to-get, knowing in advance he wouldn’t fall for the trick. She didn’t want
him to either.
-
As a
businessman I recognize an opportunity when I saw it, and I seize it whenever
it arises… But again, the decision lies at your hands. It’s for you to accept
or reject my invitation.
She felt
her cheeks burning, and a certain amount of embarrassment at the undeniable
desire arousing in her.
Asiyah shut
her eyes tightly, letting herself go. She couldn’t deny her own need any longer
and leaning forward, she kissed him hard, drawing a surprised, sharp intake of
breath from him at her unexpected behavior.
-
How
interesting… - he whispered into her ear, after breaking the kiss- I bet that
was a ‘yes’…
The wicked
smirk while his fingers touched tantalizingly the skin under the sleeve of her
garment and the melting stare he gave to Asiyah made her to swallow hard.
-
Yukishiro-sama–
the groom interrupted them, calling Enishi from a cautious distance, with his
head bowed to the ground. He didn't want to get his master’s anger interrupting
him in a personal moment - The carriage that will take you to the port will be
ready in fifteen minutes.
-
We should
better get ready to receive our guests.
Asiyah
jumped from his lap pretending to dust off her clothes.
She knew he
was studying her flushed face through his half opened eyes, a lopsided grin in
his lips, looking forward what the night would bring them.
He grabbed
her, passing an arm around her waist before entering the house, to press her
firmly against his body. Then he whispered huskily into her ear
-
I will
be returning home with them around dinnertime. - he made a pause, looking at
her significantly. His voice was a deep croon playing through her
senses- Make that dinner as brief as you can. That won't be difficult
considering that they should be tired because of the trip. We will speak with
them about our business tomorrow morning. Remember to follow my advice. Rest
well, my dear. I can assure you, you’ll need it.
-
I will
keep that in mind.
-
Good.
You’d better do it.- he chuckled, letting her go to enter the house. He turned
to see her right in the eyes, getting serious, and taking her hand he kissed it
just in the palm, making her shudder at the soft touch- I promise you won’t
regret your decision, darling. I will take care of you as my mate from now on.
She said
goodbye to him in the front door formally as usual, but their eyes and fleet
touches spoke volumes.
She sighed
deeply, when the carriage was lost from her sight. Despite Enishi’s advice, there was not time to rest. She had to
get ready... It would be a long, long night.
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His eyes
were fixed on the landscape, passing by the carriage window, but his mind
didn’t register it. His thoughts were drifting far way from there; they were in
fact still stuck to the events on his house’s gardens that afternoon.
The girl
would be his before the night ended.
He smirked.
The timing
was far from the ideal, but as he had said to her, he seized every opportunity
when it rose.
After her
acceptance during that afternoon, it was the time to conclude the matter
between them.
He had
thought it would be tougher to get her consent, though he was aware long ago
she wanted him as much as he wanted her. He knew though she was refusing
herself to give in, which puzzled him greatly. He wondered about her reasons,
but he could only guess.
However he
was sure it wasn’t social conventions that made her to refrain herself.
She wasn’t
even concerned with following humans’ social rules, which he had to remind her
from time to time to avoid further complications.
Besides,
everyone thought they were already lovers, especially after Heishin’s attack.
The story
of her appearing from nowhere to save him spread among his men, despite his
efforts to hide it.
Only a few ones
knew the truth about their relationship, and they would keep their mouths
tightly shut.
Thus, her
behavior kept him wondering. She was a really complex woman, a challenge.
And he
certainly loved challenges.
She had
that lovely shyness, blushing at his stares and comments every time he dropped
one (which he did rather frequently since he figured the effect on her). He
loved to see her reddened cheeks. He could even imagine her flushing face over
the pillow of his bed later when he whispers on her ear his suggestions on how
to pass the night.
Yet, she
barely concealed her desire that day, in fact she acted rather boldly.
That
explosive mixture promised a very interesting night ahead.
Beautiful,
sensual, smart, powerful… and dangerous.
The perfect
combination to spice up a man’s life he thought, as a wide grin spread through
his features.
He tried
his best to discover her true plans, but she was really cunning and slippery. Enishi
could tell she smelled his intentions long before he could even try them on
her.
Young as
she may seem she was acting as a seasoned diplomat, avoiding carefully any
problematic spot, sneaking from his grasp every time he thought he was about to
find out anything on her.
That had
turned the situation into an enticing game, making her more desirable to
attain.
But as
everything involving her, their situation was unusual.
Once he
learn about her true nature he develop some amount of suspicion, especially at
the reasons she held to save him twice, but then he remembered Tomoe’s choice.
After that,
he couldn’t help but to grow attached somewhat to her during those last weeks.
He told her
about his past quite reluctantly, but he knew she would find it out eventually.
It was
wiser to be the one telling her about it then.
The fact
that she was moved to tears when he told her about Tomoe’s fate and his life
after that event touched a chord inside him. He had expected rejection as he
usually caused around him, but instead he got unpredicted sympathy and
commitment from her.
It was then
when he decided to offer her Heishin’s position.
She was
sly, smarter than most men and her mind registered and took care of every
little detail. But the actual reason
that made him to do such proposal was the anger, the sadness and the decision
to help him he felt arising in her when she heard about his story.
He had
never believed in premonitions, or judgments founded on feelings. Anyway, he
had never believed in the existence of legendary creatures as Jinni. And now he
was living with one of these under the same roof… and he soon would be sharing
more with her too.
Therefore,
after failing to get loyalty through money and fear, he would try that new
path.
Now he got
used at the sight of the Jinniyeh and the ghost side by side, close to him when
he was working at his desk on his library.
And strange
it might sound that sight made him feel somewhat comforted and not lonely
anymore.
Yes, it
would be good to consummate their relationship that night; especially because
he had the unusual feeling that he had found his partner for life in her.
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Four days after
the conversation between Shishio Makoto and his men, they were placed around a
high, large western style wooden table, next to their hosts. Yukishiro Enishi
was situated on one end and Asiyah on the other one, while their guests were at
their sides.
The dinner
elapsed almost boringly, with them barely engaged in formal and polite
conversation about the trip, weather and some news about Japan’s politics…
Anything
but the brilliant and sharp conversation that she used to keep to relax the
customers before any deal.
Enishi was
far from being pleased
Asiyah had
been unfocused and definitely distant during the whole dinner.
Enishi had
few doubts about the reasons behind her behavior.
He could
feel her emotions stirring around her being, her ki jumping with anxiety.
Enishi
realized his mistake.
She was too
young and seemingly inexperienced considering her constant blushing, and he was
too openly forward during their afternoon meeting about what he expected from
her that night.
Although
she seemed to be ready for the next step on their relationship, now it was
clear he got the wrong perception.
Maybe he
would have succeeded in seducing her easily if he had waited their usual chat
after dinner. Enishi was sure she was so responsive to him that afternoon
because he caught her off guard. Had he pushed her to the point of consummating
then, without giving Asiyah any opportunity to think about what was happening,
they wouldn’t be facing the unproductive consequences developing before his eyes.
She was
ready and eager then.
However,
after he left the house she had plenty of time to change her mind about the
situation and to get scared regarding it.
He wanted
to kick himself into oblivion for his own idiocy.
He found
himself in the worst scenario for a business negotiation, with his personal
affairs affecting his professional activities as they were now.
He thought
it would be better to postpone things with her for a couple of weeks, and then
to move forward cautiously. By the time they were freed of Shishio’s presence,
he would conclude his affair with Asiyah. Because since he figured she was
willing, he would make certain that she became his woman.
However,
his main concern now was the business with his Japanese customers.
Therefore,
from that moment on, he would focuse only in the deal.
He would
need some extra training that night at the basement to drive out his
frustration…
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Finally, after
eating the desserts she guided Sadoshima Houji and Seta Soujirou, the
emissaries of their client from Japan, Shishio Makoto to their rooms.
Then she
returned, looking for Enishi.
He was not
in any of the usual places. It took half an hour for her to find him, down in
the basement. His Chinese jacket was
gone, hurled on a bench, replaced by one of his tight training tops to favor
his movements. He was wrapped in sweat, engaged in heavy exercises, as if he
was trying to get tired on purpose.
-
I
thought we had a date...
-
Oh,
well, you are not the only one with such idea. I also thought it, till we sit
down to have dinner. - he had stopped his training when he saw her going down
the stairways. He couldn’t help to show disenchantment and a bit of suppressed
anger on his voice- Somehow, I understand. I pressed you too much during
past weeks, being too forward, making comments and acting boldly. Let’s talk
about this after Shishio’s departure. Meanwhile, you will be able to think thoroughly
if this is really what you want. I will be able to understand you if you decide
to step out before we try anything. But if you are not sure and you still go
ahead and then you try to withdraw, I will be very disappointed. I will
accept it if we try and then things don’t work out between us. We would part
company in that case. At any rate, I want you to be absolutely committed if you
decided we can move ahead. I know I’m. This is not about sex, though you are aware of how attracted I feel to
you and to be honest, I’m admittedly a bit... eager. I’m also conscious
you noticed it. Maybe you feel pressed by this, but don’t. You know I can buy
sex, if I wished to. But this is not what I want right now. You are alone. I’m
alone. I already told you my story. I know yours, at least part of it. I’m not
a man for romance. You already know it, and I know you don’t even expect this
from me, so let’s speak out clearly. We get along very well, and I am really
interested in exploring this... but I will never force you. Honestly, I think
we actually are a couple to some extent; we only have to finish that
part of our… affair. This afternoon you made me think you were ready and as
willing as I’m, but maybe I got the wrong impression. Perhaps you need more
time to figure things out. Therefore, try focus yourself in our business and
relax about our... relationship. Take your time, think about what you want,
what you really want. Then, we will talk when things get more peaceful
around us. Now, you go to your room and
rest. I... I will stay here for a while.
Definitively
he needed to vent his frustration... He would require at least three hours
there to calm down. And the good old cold bath, obviously.
-
Enishi...
Yes, I am tense, anxious, and a bit panicked.
You not even know how much I am. But it’s not due the reasons you
imagine... These people... your guests from Japan… they are not what they pretend to be... There
is something... wicked, a malevolent aura that surrounds, envelops them. I feel
them as a threat to your safety. The boy is... He gives me goose bumps. I don't
trust them.
-
Well,
little one, you are perfectly aware what kind of business we are doing here.
I’m positive you are not naïve concerning that. Obviously, none of our
customers is people to be trusted. They are murderers, wanted criminals or
revolutionaries. They all are dangerous and potential enemies. It would be
foolish to think that given the chance, any of them wouldn’t try to finish me
off. - he frowned. He was convinced everything was an excuse of hers – We are
used to this kind of people, and we always managed to avoid any treat or
danger. The boy is Shishio’s number two, and it is very efficient in his job. A
first class assassin, as reports say. I am warned and ready to finish him off
if necessity demands it
-
Enishi,
I am not talking about the usual threat. I know you are the best; the
strongest, the quickest, and you can destroy almost any attacker by
yourself. But I am talking about a very different kind of threat. One that you
cannot face alone because you are totally defenseless against it. Let’s go to
my room, I will give you something that will protect you to some extent, if you
find in any situation that you cannot handle in the usual way.
Enishi
followed her, rather intrigued. She opened one of her mysterious large trunks,
those that she kept thoroughly chained and locked. Asiyah took two objects from
it, a ring with strange patterns engraved in the internal face. The exterior
surface however was a simple flat-golden band, without any carvings on it. She
asked him to take off the small ringed earring he used to wear and she passed a
small bright trinket through it.
-
Oh,
no... Forget it. I won’t use that awful
thing in my ear. I’m not any savage from the Southern Seas...
-
I didn’t know you were so picky about these
things... Though, you have given me a pretty good idea... It would be
interesting to try some tattoos on you, as those people from Polynesia made on
their... - his death glare made her giggle - It’s a joke! C’mon! Don’t be so
grumpy and dark all the time. Oh, well,
what the Hell...
She
shrugged, and touched the bright little jewel. It changed to a more
conservative black and white round shaped object. It had the traditional
Chinese symbol for Tao, representing the balance of things.
-
Is
this tasteful enough for you, Boss?
-
It’s
not funny – he inspected the earring carefully, not totally convinced- Is it
absolutely necessary to use this... this thing?
-
I don’t
want you to take any risks. Thus, you’ll use it. - He knew she would make
certain he never take it off- It is said it will avoid most of spells that
witch and wizards can try against other humans. It also can help against
demons, but those are far more dangerous and complicated. I really hope we
never find any in our way. As for the ring...
-
It’s
too big... - Enishi played with the jewel on his finger, looking at it with
little if any enthusiasm.
-
It
will adapt to your finger as soon as you become his master. And it won't obey
to another one than you starting from now. - she murmured some words and indeed
the ring fitted perfectly to Enishi’s size - This ring could mean the
difference between life and death. I could say the same concerning the earring.
You should never take them off. The ring is very special, although you will be
able to make use of it once so I would recommend you to use it wisely and if
there is no other alternative left to you.
It can open a magic portal and to take you out from where you could be
trapped to any place that you chose. Any questions?
There was a
long, uncomfortable silence. His gaze
was still fixed in the jewel on his hand till Enishi slowly locked his eyes on
hers
-
To be
honest, I am still wondering if our guests were the real cause of your anxiety
at the dinner.
She smiled,
cupping his face on her hands, and she leaned forward locking her lips above
his starting a burning, deep, spicy kiss while he hugged her tightly.
As soon as
they broke the contact, she saw him smiling pleased.
That was
all the encouragement he needed.
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Sadoshima
Houji, known by his friends and foes as Houji of the Hundred Senses, packed
carefully the device again. It was advantageous that Shishio-sama was a man
shrewd and rich enough to be acquainted with new technologies. To carry that
small transportable telegraph with them was an excellent idea beyond any
doubts…
The hostess
was an ordinary little girl. She seemed
completely overwhelmed by the place and circumstances Yukishiro made her live
in. She had behaved with nervousness, almost shy and isolated from the
conversation, looking at Soujirou with particular persistence when she thought
that she wasn’t being seen.
Their
reports point out that she run a fine jewels’ business. They wondered who
had arranged it for her. Surely, it was a reward for her ‘favors’ from any
former lover that ended at Yukishiro’s hands as much as she was now.
The reports
also indicated that Yukishiro had a particular obsession with young girls. The
facts seemed to fit flawlessly into the big picture
That girl
without style or refinement would be utterly destroyed under the splendid light
of Yumi-san, Shishio-sama mistress’.
As it was
apparent, Yukishiro held her by his side through fear, so it should be easy to
come closer to her.
She showed some
amount of interest in Soujirou, who seemingly was of a similar age range with
her. It would be convenient that the boy was the one to begin the
approach.
After their
report, Shishio-sama gave its approval to move ahead with that plan, thus in the
morning they would begin to do some probing on her.
-
I
don't know, Houji-san. There is something… odd in her. I don’t believe
she is what she pretended to be. Her ki is very strange ... I admit however she
was truly nervous and rather fearful. Maybe we are right, and she is some kind
of whim to Yukishiro. But I got the impression there is any other thing
bothering her.
-
What
do you think we should do concerning this?
-
While
you visit the ship with Mr. Yukishiro tomorrow morning, I will be in charge of
exploring the possibilities regarding her.
-
Well,
Soujirou, it would better you return to your room. We’ll be in contact again
with Shishio-sama tomorrow night, just before the arrival of ship.
Both men
separated, and the youngest returned to his room, enveloped by the corridor
shadows.
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Autor’s
notes: As I’m a mean person(I learnt from the best: Hana-chan (Hana Himura)).,
although the following chapter is ready, but I’ll post it next Monday. Next
chapter is OF COURSE the lemon, which was edited and corrected with the
invaluable help of Mara and Hana Himura. So stay tunned! To those who could
feel offended or don’t want to read it, don’t worry, I wrote it in a way it can
be skipped without breaking the continuity of the fic, so FEAR NOT!
(Note to
Hana-chan: Hehehehehe You know what I mean, dear Hana! Hey you, yes, I mean YOU
readers, read her wonderful stories. And DON’T forget to check Mara’s too)