At What Price

SUMMARY: Walking to the elevator, Kagome pressed the button on the side of door. A few seconds later the elevator door opened, letting her on. Kagome stepped in blindly, because she had her head down and was rummaging around in her purse looking for her lip gloss.

Author's Note: not action packed but it is building up to it... This chp is more about the tension after the fact. Anyways enjoy and review please.

CHAPTER 30: TRAPPED
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Sesshoumaru was quick to pull both himself and Kagome to their feet. He swiftly pulled his undamaged shirt off and handed it to Kagome, who quickly put the shirt on, and then stared at him.

“You and I need to talk!” Sesshoumaru replied, as he reverted back to his less then warm personality. When he finished that command, Sesshoumaru picked Kagome up like a sack of potatoes over his shoulder.

“I can walk you know!” Kagome said, with irritation building inside her.

“You will listen to this Sesshoumaru, and not make inane comments!”

“Umph!” Kagome hit Sesshoumaru in the shoulder with her hand. ‘Jerk, why I ought to….’ Her thoughts turned dark, at just the mere thought of kicking Lord Fluffy’s butt. Kagome sighed heavily, ‘if only I could.’

He smirked. “In two days we will have our engagement party. It will be held at the palace, at seven o’clock.”

Kagome was now horrified. ‘That would mean Inuyasha would be there. Great! Just great!’ she thought frantically. ‘Wait! Why am I so nervous? I knew that this was inevitable, Inuyasha was going to find out sooner or later.’ Kagome swallowed a large lump forming in her throat. Inuyasha wasn’t the only one who was going to find out.

Sesshoumaru seemed to pick up on Kagome’s wondering thoughts. “Inuyasha will be there, and so will his bitch. I believe, she will grace us with her unwanted presence.” He paused for a second. “Kagome, under no circumstances are you to deck her.” He admonished, as he continued lecturing her.

Kagome could believe what he just said. ‘What?! Do you honestly think that I go around punching people?’
Sesshoumaru realized Kagome was upset, once she went completely rigid in his hold. “You will act civil Kagome.” Sesshoumaru warned. “You are now my fiancée, and will act it” He grew more serious as he talked. “Do not act like an unruly heathen! It will draw suspicion upon our deal, and any fiancée of mine will not embarrass me with such acts.”

‘And again with another order,’ Kagome fumed. Her ears were ring at Sesshoumaru’s demands, but she couldn’t help herself as she let out a rather unladylike snort, much to his disapproval. ‘Inuyasha.’ That named elicited more from her thoughts than she had planned on it. ‘Oh my gosh! I forgot all about work today. I bet Sango is worried that Sesshoumaru probably killed me.’ Kagome’s mind screamed. ‘What about my family?’ Kagome hadn’t spoken to her mother in two days! She was bound to be miffed that Kagome hadn’t called her.

Kagome swallowed hard, as panic set in. ‘I need to call. Mom is going to kill me. Forget Sesshoumaru killing me if I do something against is wishing, mom won’t give him the chance!’ Kagome was envisioning her mom reading the newspaper, only to see that her daughter had married Tokyo’s most eligible bachelor, and didn’t tell her. *front page of the newspaper reads* “Lord of Western Lands Marries Shrine Maiden, Only To Have Angry Mother-In-Law KILL Her.” Images of Kagome’s mother, with a smile on her face, as her hands are around Kagome’s throat strangling the life out of her. Kagome shuddered.

“Secondly, your possessions will be moved into the estate tomorrow. You will live with me here, for now.” He waited for her to say something, but she didn’t so he continued. Sesshoumaru felt her shudder and thought it was because she was mad, however; he didn't care none to much. “Thirdly,” Sesshoumaru’s hold tightened around Kagome, “last night who attacked you?” Sesshoumaru

Kagome thought for a moment as the horrible images flooded her mind. She felt cold. Kagome honestly didn’t know who would want to hurt her, and the only person she had a sinking feeling about was Naraku. But, he only wanted to date her, right? “I don’t know Sesshoumaru.” Kagome grimaced. “May, I ask you something?”

His silence was her answer. Sesshoumaru dare not speak to her while he tried to get his anger under control.

“How will I get to work?” she asked innocently. “And seeing how I missed today I don’t think I should miss any more, or Inuyasha will become suspicious.” Kagome was changing the topic of their conversation because she was sensing Sesshoumaru's wrath building.

“I will take you to work in the mornings since you insist on still working, however; Kagome you will not take the ring off at any time.” He warned her.

“Yesum, MASTER!” Kagome said sarcastically, and in retaliation Sesshoumaru pinched her bottom.
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Thursday…

Kagome had no more stepped one foot into the office when she was assault by an over zealous Sango.

“What happen? I thought he killed you? I was so worried? When’s the wedd….”
*Thump!*

Kagome’s hand covers Sango’s mouth. “Ssshhhhh! Sango are you nuts? Be quiet!”
Sango nodded her head. Kagome dropped her hands. “We will talk about this later. Is your instant messenger working on your computer?”

“Yes.”

“Good! I’ll send you a very length letter then. But, I really have to go. I missed yesterday. I can’t believe it.” Kagome mumbled. She was picturing a huge pile of paper work awaiting her up at her desk.

Walking to the elevator, Kagome pressed the button on the side of door. A few seconds later the elevator door opened, letting her on. Kagome stepped in blindly, due to the fact that she had her head down, rummaging around in her purse looking for her lip gloss. She didn’t notice Inuyasha standing in the center of the elevator and bumped right into him. He was the last person Kagome really wanted to be with at the moment.

“Umph! Oh, sorry.” Kagome looked up, a little mortified that she wasn’t watching were she was going.

“Kagome!”

“Inuyasha!”

They said their names at the same time. Kagome became very, very uncomfortable and shoved her left hand deeper in the purse. Making sure it was well hidden from Inuyasha’s view. ‘Act cool Kags. Be calm and collected.’ she told herself. ‘Sesshoumaru never said I couldn’t hide the ring from view.’

“Where the hell have you been? I was worried sick, Kagome. You should have called.” He vented at Kagome, as she started to scoot closer to the still opened elevator door. It was like she was trying to escape from him without him noticing.

’Damn, damn, damn!’ Kagome cursed as the elevator door slide shut, effectively trapping her inside with the small elevator with Inuyasha. Kagome never had experienced claustrophobia, but was beginning to feel something akin to it. She turned around and faced him again. “Uh, well…” Kagome stuttered.

“Feh, I forgive you for your incompetence in being tardy.” He stated with a cocky grin. “Besides, I have some big new to tell you. You are so, not going to believe this! I talked to my ass of a brother last night.” Inuyasha chuckled for some unknown reason.

“Really?!” Kagome answered in surprise. She wasn’t about to pick a fight about that rude comment Inuyasha had just made, because she was to dumbfounded at his last sentence.

“Yeah, I had to. Something to do with father’s will. Damn stipulations.” Inuyasha muttered darkly. He looked over to Kagome and noticed that she was growing more and more agitated. Her face paled completely white.

“You aren’t gonna get sick are you?” He gave her a worried glance. “You're not looking good Kags.”

Kagome shook her head. “Fine. You were saying.” She managed to choke out.

Inuyasha dropped the subject of her looking sickly and started in with his news. “Well, that arrogant ass has finally got engaged.” Inuyasha stopped when Kagome started to turn a shade of green, instead of ghost white. He saw her lean against the elevator door for some support as she was now shaking.

A wave of nausea hit Kagome as she took a beep breath praying it would pass. ‘Soon, very soon.’ The word replayed in mind. ‘Sesshoumaru didn’t tell me, Inuyasha called. Why? He better not have said anything. That would be in violation of the agreement. Then I would have to…’

“Kags, are you going to puke? Sit down.” Inuyasha place a comforting hand on her shoulder.

“I am fine, really. I think I’m getting a little claustrophobia.” She gave a shaky breath. ‘Act normal stupid. He’ll get suspicious.’ Kagome averted the subject from her back to Sesshoumaru. “Wow, really? Who would have guessed that he would ever do that!”

Inuyasha looked concerned, but when Kagome brought up the subject on Sesshoumaru again he couldn’t help himself. This was something he never though his brother would ever do, marry. Yep, the ice prince finally found someone. “Yeah, he didn’t say who though…”

Relief came fast to Kagome, as she still sagged against the wall of the elevator, but some strength came back to her limbs.

“That queer!” Inuyasha said with annoyance. “I bet it is Jakotsu, Sesshoumaru is marrying. Jakotsu has always been desperately wanted to get with Sesshoumaru. Maybe his persistence has finally paid off!” Inuyasha started laughing uncontrollable with the visual aids flashing in his thoughts.

“Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha !” Kagome mimicked a dry laugh to Inuyasha bellowing. ‘Jerk!’ She thought fuming. ‘Sesshoumaru is not queer, stupid!’ Kagome fought the gasp. ‘Kags, where did that come from?’ she asked in horror. Kagome knew she had better control her feeling, because she could never really mask them well.

The elevator finally stopped at the top floor and the doors slide open, releasing Kagome from her prison. She however never moved from the sagging position against the wall. So, as the elevator opened, it made Kagome’s body fall from her so called entrapment, which she so desperately wanted out of. “Aughh!!!!!!!!!!!” Kagome squeaked in fear. She was so enwrapped in their conversation that she wasn’t paying attention to anything.

Inuyasha grabbed her upper arm to stop her descent to the ground. He pulled her to an upright position but with such a force that made their bodies collided.

Kagome eyes were closed, and she had to keep herself from sprinting to her desk after Inuyasha had helped her. She shrugged his hand off of her arm and backed away. Kagome was trying to fight the feelings that were thought to be deeply suppressed. It was maddening at just how one ride in an elevator could bring them in such close in proximity to each other, and caused Kagome to feel things that she had hoped would diminish with time. Kagome didn't want her feelings to rule her today.

Inuyasha felt something stirring inside him at their contact, but it faded when Kagome walked away.

Kagome needed distance.

“Hey Kags! Are you missing something?” Inuyasha jogged to catch up with her.

“What?”

“You’ve had your hand in your purse ever since we got on the elevator. Did you lose your keys or something?” Inuyasha asked in a curious tone.

’Crap, crap, crap!’ Kagome shot her hand out of the purse like she had been burned by a hot object. She scowled. “No.” Kagome was swift to recover and gave him a smile while quickly grasping her hand together in a manor that concealed the diamond ring. “I was just, uh, making sure I had my lipstick in the purse.” ‘Good cover Kags.’ No, it was a lie she scolded. Well, not really she was looking for her lip gloss but that wasn't the real reason she had her hand in the purse. ‘I’m beginning to become too good at this,’ she thought sadly. ‘and hiding other things.’

“Oh,” Inuyasha scratched his head. “sense when did you start wearing make-up?”

“Baka, since I was thirteen. You’ve never noticed?” Surprise registered on Kagome face.

The two walked together in light conversation until Kagome noticed a beautiful bouquet of red roses at her desk. ‘Wow! Where did those come from?” She asked in wonder.

“Who the hell sent you those?!” He bellowed.

Kagome thoughts ran rampant. ‘Sesshoumaru!’ Her temper flared. ‘You aren’t going to make this easy are you? If you insist on not play fair…’

“Kags, who would sent you those damn flowers?” It sounded accusing to Kagome. ‘I’ll kill him,’ Inuyasha thought in a moment wrath. ‘No one give flowers to his....

“Inuyasha,” Kagome turned to him.

‘Oh shit! She is pissed.’ Inuyasha recognized Kags’ calm before the storm look in her eyes, as his ears flattened to his head.

“Why is it not okay for someone to send me flower? It’s not like you should care. As I remember…”

Inuyasha backed away from Kagome trying to escape into the safety of his office.

Kagome stopped when she noticed he was slowly creeping away. She wasn’t the least bit sorry, however; Kagome sighed. Why wouldn’t someone want to give her flowers? She wasn’t Inuyasha anymore. Kagome was her own woman.

Her finger tips tenderly fingered the silky feel of the rose petal. Silver-blue eyes found a note card sticking out of the bouquet. Kagome noticed that there was writing on it, and leaned in to observe it more closely.

‘That’s strange it looks like its written in…’ The coloring, from far way, looked black but upon closer inspection Kagome saw it was blood. She felt sick. Horror filled her entire soul and wrapped around her, almost chokingly. The words scrawled on the note card disturbed the women reading it.

I will have you. Sooner or later.
Signed,
Forever yours.

The roses were thrown into the trash by a very worried Kagome.
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Shard: Thanks, but I must admit that this story is already written

Lady of the West: thank you for your flattering praise. As for Inuyasha’s reaction, we have a ways to go. Thank you for the offer, I’ll email on that.

Andross: you made me speechless… *blushes*

Gina: LOL! Thanks for the awesome review Gina.

Deatara: Thank you for the review. I hope the wait is worth it, and that I don’t disappoint.

Tallen: loud is good, and liking this story is great! However, patience is needed, my wonderful reviewer. Just know you won’t be disappointed.

Hermionebrowneyes: Thanks again for the review. *blushes* I’m glad you think it is a good story.

lost child: I’ll try to keep up the good work!

Selena: Thanks!

~Anime fan~
=^~.-^=: Bows to the roar of clapping. Thank you, thank you! Yes, reading about Jaken getting whooped on is always a good thing. LOLS

chanda: Thanks for the latest review. I’m glad you liked the chapters. Poor Inuyasha, he will be floored when he finds out, or will he?

Coyote Chi: I must agree with you, reviewers are slave drivers! But, they are worth the time and effort I put in this story when they review. Plus, I’ll keep on Truckin'

Gem: Glad you found that funny.

Galadrihm_Star: Thanks dude! I loved your review!

Snowfall: Thanks for reviewing! LOL! Yes, Kagome found out just how much Sesshoumaru can stomach touching her.

mhs02: LOL! Yes, finally you all see the brilliance of Sess/Kag little *cough- cough* fling! Thanks for the review.

Crymsyn: Yes, Sesshoumaru can be quite a handful. Oh, Crymsyn just wait for the drama to unfold! Its beautiful! LOL! Thanks again.

Sesshouchick: *authoress giggles* So you’ve had that happen, uh? I don’t know what I’d do if that happened. As for Sesshoumaru, beauty, body, but what an attitude! Thanks for reviewing!