InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ A Universe of Illusions ❯ Chapter 6 Truths Revealed ( Chapter 6 )

Chapter 6: Truths Revealed

 

“Hello, hun.” Jakotsu greeted, idly plopping on a chair on the immense terrace of the hotel. “How's the ankle?”

 

“It's fine, arigatou.” Kagome responded with a smile. “The swelling has diminished, now it's only the bruises.”

 

“You shouldn't have been forced to cross that damnable bridge.” he complained with such theatrical drama. “That thing didn't look safe to me.”

 

“Sesshoumaru has already spoken with the insurance.”

 

“Humph! Don't allow them to convince you into accepting a deal. You could have died.” advised the exasperated make-up artist.

 

“Yes, well… I rather not think too much on what almost happened.” she said with a note of disturbance in her voice.

 

However, it wasn't much the incident that had her disturbed, but Sesshoumaru's arms, strong and powerful, the gentleness in which he removed the splinters…

 

A loud laughter invaded the quiet air of the terrace. Jakotsu glanced over his shades, looking for the culprit.

 

“Is that either Yura or one of those damnable noisy parakeets?” he questioned maliciously.

 

In the hotel's garden, there were many tropical birds wandering freely, including a dozen of tiny parakeets and parrots, which had the habit of surprising the unaware guests passing by their perches wanting food.

 

“I think it was Yura'.” Jakotsu confirmed seeing their stylist crossing the bar carrying dozens of bags next to Miroku.

 

“Well, well,” Jakotsu said with an ironic smile, “it appears spending's all she's got left. What senseless girl. Just to trap Sesshoumaru again after ending broke.”

 

Kagome looked at her shocked.

 

“Oh, I had the impression… there was already something between them.”

 

“Could be, though I fear it won't turn to be more than a one night fling. She looked too desperate, you know? Allow me to give you some piece of advice.” he said in a hush voice while inclining his head toward Kagome. “Always leave a man wanting for more.”

 

Kagome almost choked on her drink.

 

“I don't… know what you're referring to.” she said, though knowing it wasn't a good tactic trying to lie to him. “Why would I want him wanting more? We don't… there's nothing… To my understanding, he is still with Ami Kodama.”

 

Jaksotsu gave her a mocking stare that said he could tell her more, but at that moment, Yura and Miroku joined them. Yura dropped her bags on a chair and took a seat.

 

“Oomph, I'm exhausted!” Yura said and lifted her dainty hand to call for a waiter. “Bring me a Golden Sunset.”

 

It was a delicious cocktail of gin and mango juice that had become the favorite beverage for everyone at the end of a hot day of shooting.

 

“You look like you've been training for the Olympics Games,” observed Jakotsu seeing the tiredness of Yura, “participating in the `Buy-till-you-drop' competition.”

 

Yura only laughed.

 

“Yes, I think I did.” she said happily. “We have been in Ratchparop Street, they sell Gucci shirts at less than half the original price!”

 

Kagome barely paid any attention, she couldn't stop going in circles with the conversation she just had. Jakotsu had the reputation of counting on a certain instinct when it came to what was happening around. In truth, it wouldn't be too surprising he was right about Yura, she thought observing her. Suddenly, that day shone with more intensity than usual. Could she have been used and discarded? If that was the case, she should feel a slight pity for her: she should have been more precautious, though she knew experience was useless when it came to Sesshoumaru Matsuki.

 

But, what would he say in regards to Ami Kodama? Did he really know what nobody else knew?

 

“Well, I better go and pack my suitcase.” Yura announced as she stood up. “The airport shuttle will leave at six-thirty.”

 

“Six-thirty today?” Kagome was taken aback by her announcement. “I thought we were leaving tomorrow morning?”

 

“And you will leave tomorrow morning but I am heading home.”

 

“And not go to Ko Samui?”

 

Yura gave a head shake, no.

 

“You won't need me; you will only be doing nude shots there.”

 

Kagome blanched.

 

“Nude shots?”

 

“Yeah.” was Yura's displeased response. “Didn't you know?”

 

“No. Actually I didn't.” Kagome said starting to feel a buzzing in her ears. She left her drink on the table and got up, very slowly. “Gomen, I… the sun is giving me a headache. I'm going back inside.”

 

Her voice quivered, her ability to conceal her emotions had vanished.

 

Kagome kept herself as erect as she could while moving to the interior. She was aware that her pathetic excuse wasn't fooling anyone, they were probably laughing behind her back. One way or another, she manage to reach the bar and exited the terrace. A sort of nuclear explosion had taken place in her head. As soon as she finds Sesshoumaru, she would murder him.

 

The time came before she expected. Kagome found him leaving the elevator with Kouga Tsuchie. She threw him a glare full of ire and said in between gritted teeth:

 

If you have a moment, I would like to speak with you in private.”

 

Sesshoumaru gave her a surprised look.

 

“Let us go upstairs.” He then addressed Kouga who at the moment was staring at Kagome with sadness. “Gomen ne, Kouga, I will join you shortly.”

 

He reentered the elevator and Kagome followed behind. His eyes watched her questioningly, but no words were exchanged, not even when the elevator reached Sesshoumaru's floor, and not even as they walked through the hall. Sesshoumaru opened the door to his suite and motioned for her to enter.

 

Kagome hesitated for a minute, perhaps it would be better to speak with him at the lobby. However, they wouldn't have any privacy there, besides, in the state of anger she found herself in, if he were to lay a finger on her, she would have left him crippled. Therefore, she stepped inside.

 

Sesshoumaru followed behind and closed the door.

 

It was a suite a lot larger than hers, with a spectacular view of the river Chao Phraya and the Wat Arun. (t.n.: the temple of dawn) She went over to the window with her tight jaw due to the agitation she felt inside, she barely saw the beautiful panorama she had before her.

 

“What did you want to talk about?” Sesshoumaru finally asked.

 

Kagome had been rehearsing her own discussion, a few choice words that would leave him speechless, but hearing his question, she ended with blanks…

 

“I… um… it's about the trip to Ko Samui.” she began with a shaky voice. “I was wondering what kind of clothes will I be wearing?”

 

“I have not decided of any.” he answered calmly. “You will not be wearing any.”

 

She looked at him in the eyes. Kagome hadn't expected him to admit it so shamelessly. She had frozen in place.

 

“You mean it is true? I couldn't believe it when Yura told me.”

 

Sesshoumaru continued to demonstrate no care.

 

“We are announcing products for the skin. What did you expect to wear, a fur coat and hiking boots?”

 

“Up until now, I have been posing somewhat clothed.” she said with annoyance. “Not much, but at least it was decent.”

 

“The photos for the beach are reserved for the second phase of the campaign. They will not be for the television, only for the magazines.” Sesshoumaru explained.

 

“I don't pose nude. It's on my contract.” Kagome protested.

 

“Where?” was his retort.

 

Kagome stared at him horrified.

 

“In all my contracts. Ami knows… always make sure that I don't…”

 

“Not this time.” Sesshoumaru shook his head. “Look for yourself.”

 

He headed over to a table and opened his briefcase. He handed a red folder to her, the same one Ami had handed to her to sign the contract. She examined it word per word, frantically. That little voice was not so sure, but she had placed her faith on Ami.

 

“As you can see, there is no such clause.”

 

“You must have concealed it.” Kagome accused with fury. “You tricked me!”

 

“Not at all. I made it very clear to Ami that we needed to do some nude shots. Without doubt, she must have presumed that in this occasion, there would be no objection on you part.”

 

Kagome felt the floor open beneath her feet. She couldn't believe Ami would betray her like that. Although, before anything, Ami was a woman of business and, with the prestige that the contract represented, she had no qualms about accepting.”

 

But even if Sesshoumaru had her trapped, Kagome wouldn't give up without a fight.

 

“Well, I refuse to do it!” she declared with disdain. “I won't pose naked!”

 

“In that case this Sesshoumaru will be forced to sue you for breach of contract.” he replied with slight threat in his tone. “I have invested a large amount of time and work in this campaign and I will not tolerate your stubbornness to destroy everything. Believe me; I do not hand idle threats. You may be able to face it economically, but you can start kissing your precious career goodbye. There is an overabundance of models and not a soul will hire one that only causes problems.”

 

“I have not caused any problems.” she argued.

 

Kagome fought to hide the panic she felt growing in her interior. She had not doubt he would sue her, and she couldn't allow herself to lose, in fact she wouldn't be able to afford an attorney to represent her. But she wasn't about to let him know.

 

“I am obligated to maintain my professional image,” she said, “and everyone knows I never pose nude.”

 

“Never?” Sesshoumaru queried, he turned back to his briefcase. “And what do you call these?”

 

Kagome knew very well what was enclosed in that folder. Her knee began to quake and she had to sit down. The folder had opened as it dropped to the floor, spilling its contents: several black and white professional snap shots, sharp and on a glossy paper.

 

She saw her own face, younger, smiling before the camera, though the expression was very different, more like a frightened deer before the headlights of some car. Her shoulders also revealed the tension she felt. Kagome's professional sight felt disgusted by the pathetic look of an amateur. Was she really that awful once upon a time?

 

The photo had very extraordinary lighting that captured the softness and the texture of the peachy skin of a pair of firm breast with hard and delicate nipples. She could appreciate the technical skill, though at the same time she felt a chill run down her spine.

 

Seeing those photographs had her hands trembling. To be aware of their existence had tormented her continually. Kagome always feared, since he did have a right, he would make them public. And that moment he used them to force her to do something she didn't want to do. The evidence of those photographs destroyed any possibility of a solid legal defense.

 

Sesshoumaru headed to his small bar at the other side of the room and came back with glass of brandy. Kagome accepted it, but, suddenly, her fighting spirit rebelled.

 

“No thanks.”

 

“Drink it. You look like you need it.”

 

To her misfortune, she had no more strength to resist, even on a matter of no importance and, apart from not liking brandy much, she drank it rapidly.

 

“Well done.” he said removing the glass. Then he sat on one of the comfortable sofas available in his suite. “Now let us discuss the matter of those photographs.”

 

“What is there to discuss?” Kagome stated bitterly. “I have no choice, do I?”

 

“No.” he conceded with a soft smile. “However, you worry unnecessarily. Just like you, I have no desire to associate the campaign with cheap nudity. At any rate, it is address only to the female market and photos that are too explicit do not receive the response we are looking for.”

 

“It doesn't matter how you try to adorn It.” she said. “The thing is, I'm going to have to pose naked in front of a camera, ne?”

 

“Yes, nonetheless, not openly. Actually, on the majority of the shots, you will only need to expose your back, or in positions that obstruct the parts more… intimate. It will not be anything to make you feel ashamed.”

 

“But… the crew will be present; I will have to be naked before them…”

 

Her voice broke and her eyes filled with tears, though she tried to hold them back. She didn't want him to think she was using them as a tool for compassion.

 

“I can't do it, I can't.”

 

“Is that what bothers you?” he asked applying an unexpected softness to his tone of voice. “To be naked in front of the crew?”

 

Kagome nodded.

 

“Well, what if it is only this Sesshoumaru?”

 

Kagome felt confused.

 

“You?”

 

“And if I take the shots, I am confident we can manage without the rest of the filming crew. We will take the shots in the beach, that way there will be no problems with lighting, and mostly you will not need any make-up.”

 

“But, don't you need to return to the Yokohama?” her voice faltered.

 

“There is nothing that cannot be held for a few days. The holidays are near; therefore, there will not be much work anyways. And I am sure no one will complain about an early vacation. They will receive the same salary.”

 

Kagome couldn't stop from trembling. The memories from that evening in Sesshoumaru's studio kept flooding her brain. Her stomach felt in such a knot like that day she posed in front of him wearing only a flimsy beach wrap and her breasts exposed.

 

The alternative was much worst. With Kouga, it wouldn't be so bad, but Miroku… she could just imagine him ogling at her like a carnivore eyeing a fresh piece of meat.

 

“Al… right.” she said, her voice still sounding broken. “If I have to do it… I prefer it's you.”

 

Sesshoumaru nodded, accepting her capitulation without the least sign of triumph.

 

“I will inform the rest of the change in plans. Will you be coming down for dinner?”

 

“No, I don't think so.” replied Kagome standing up on wobbly legs. “I'm not hungry. I'm going to my suite.”

 

Sesshoumaru grabbed her hand.

 

“Try to get some sleep.” he said.

 

In his voice there was a slight note of concern. Kagome wanted to believe it was for her and not because of the aspect she might have the next day before the camera.

 

“The plane will not take off till eleven, but there will be much work to be done. It will be better to leave this place by nine and a half.” added Sesshoumaru.

 

“Hai.” Kagome nodded, incapable of looking into his eyes. “I'll see tomorrow then, oyasumi.”

 

“Oyasumi.”

 

Kagome left the luxurious suite. After closing its door, she let out a deep sigh. What has she gotten herself into? She will be spending three days, three days with him on an isolated beach.

 

Though Sesshoumaru did made it clear he only wanted to obtain the photographs he needed, and, besides, he was sadistic enough to go through with his threat of suing her. The thought of those photos being made public made her tremble.

 

No, she had no other choice. Kagome had to make him understand she was only going to Ko Samui to work and nothing more. And it shouldn't be too hard, she kept telling herself. Five years ago made tomorrow look like a little trip into a slaughterhouse.

 

 

 

The island was a tropical paradise, a delicate emerald jewel shimmering with a sea of turquoise colors. Arriving at a small airport in Ko Samui, an island on gulf of Thailand, they took a trip on a small but luxurious yacht of twelve meters long with a spacious cabin equipped with air conditioner and a satellite navigation unit.

 

They reached the island in less than an hour, but the place could easily be a thousand kilometers in the middle of nowhere. It was a point lost in between the sky and the sea. There were sheer rocks of limestone mixed into the thickness of the jungle made of mangrove swamps and went all the way to the sea along the length of the whole shore, except at a spot where it was surrounded by a cove made of sun bleached sand and crystal waters.

 

Sesshoumaru sailed the yacht over to the cove and anchored it next to the beach. Kagome could clearly see a school of different colored fish swimming in between the coral covered rocks. It didn't look to be any deeper than a few centimeters, but in actuality it was more likely several meters down.

 

“What do you think?”

 

A paradise.

 

“It's… gorgeous.” she said moving her raven strands from her face and tying to control her emotions.

 

They had eaten breakfast together that morning in Bangkok, though they hardly spoke at all the rest of the way. Sesshoumaru had behaved very professional, still Kagome didn't manage to calm herself under the prospect of spending three days alone with him, three nights together in that tiny yacht.

 

“Not until a couple of hours later, can we begin.” he said, looking at the sky. “I think I will be swimming till then. What about you?”

 

“No, thanks.” responded Kagome. “I'd rather go back to my book.”

 

“The Alexandria Quartet?” Sesshoumaru read the title of her book. “A bit intense to read in a place such as this, ne?”

 

Kagome simply shrugged. An air of superiority was her only line left of defense left.

 

“I prefer true literature to those books about sex and riches to which they now call romance novels.” (t.n.: guess what Kag, you're in a romance fic with sex and riches, ha,ha)

 

Kagome didn't know that with that declaration, Sesshoumaru would take her as an appalling snob.

 

A strange light of threat flashed through those amber orbs, but then he smiled and removed his sandals.

 

“All to their tastes.” he commented while pulling his shirt off. “Do you mind spreading sunscreen on my back?”

 

Kagome stiffened.

 

“Now we will know if this lotion does work.” he said with a mocking smirk the moment he handed her the plastic tube.

 

Kagome felt terrified. Her heart was beating with such force she feared Sesshoumaru could hear it. Yet, what reason could she use to deny him? He would know it was nothing but an excuse and laugh at her cowardice. Taking the tube and removing the cap, her hands began to shake lightly.

 

His towering form intimidated her. There was something almost… exotic about the fine silvery mane of his. The silken strands glimmered under the rays of the tropical sun, like a cascade of liquid metal to which she could run her fingers and watch as they fall in between the digits. She could just imagine his hair creating a white curtain around her body as it caressed her sensitive skin.

 

“Turn around.” she instructed.

 

The ironic smile that curved and stretched those troubling and attractive lips of Sesshoumaru's revealed he was conscious of the effort Kagome made to keep her feigned composure. He gathered his gorgeous hair over to one shoulder and turned around.

 

Kagome faltered for a moment, there was a likely chance she wouldn't be able to overcome the risk that touching him signified. She feared succumbing to the strong desire growing in her being. But thanks to her willpower she managed to pour some lotion on her palm.

 

Sesshoumaru's skin was warm and soft despite those hard as a rock muscles. Spreading the lotion at the shoulder, she rubbed softly, very slowly, and in circles over the span of his long back. She wanted him; she wanted him with so much longing it overpowered her soul. Kagome wanted to snake her arms around him and feel his powerful body against hers.

 

“Arigatou. That will be enough for now.”

 

The cynical tone of his voice brought her back to reality. She realized she had gone too far in the simple job of applying sunscreen lotion. She removed her hands and recapped the tube.

 

“Dewa matta.” Sesshoumaru said with a smile that could mean anything.

 

Kagome nodded without daring to pronounce a single word. She was glad to be far from him, she had come to her senses in spite of being a prisoner of restlessness. It was necessary to be by herself to regain her calmness.

 

It was not easy. Perhaps it was the heat. Though there was a cool breeze from the sea, she felt her forehead covered in sweat. Kagome attempted to read, but it was impossible to concentrate. She had no defenses against her imagination.

 

In the end she couldn't resist any longer and she gave up. Dropping her book on her lap, she closed her eyes and indulged in her fantasies. She could almost feel the hand of Sesshoumaru over her naked breasts, and her, caressing his muscles. Her lips released a low groan and she moved unconsciously, imitating the swaying of the yacht.

 

Kagome knew she was stoking her flames, but the desire was too powerful to control. It was more likely that the vision from her imagination will soon come to pass. Wasn't that the real reason that drove him to propose such a trip, the real reason why she had not accepted?

 

The most humiliating thing was to know how very little he cared. It was nothing but a minor diversion for him. And when he was finished, he would be back to Ami as if nothing had happened. What was worst, betraying her friend or betraying her self respect?

 

She was disgusted to admit she was capable of sinking so low, except she didn't know how to escape her destiny. With just the first kiss, in his studio, Sesshoumaru had marked Kagome, and from then on the time to reclaim his rights was inevitable, even if it was to happen five years later. She belonged to him. At the moment he chooses, she will fall at his feet.

 

She yield to a languid sleepiness which was taking over, full of strange and feverish dreams.

 

 

 

Kagome awoke with a start by a freezing drop of water that landed on her stomach. Sesshoumaru was watching her with a smile while playing with a cube of ice that he rubbed over an expose part of skin in between Kagome's pants and blouse. She sat abruptly and glared at him in indignation.

 

“Did you sleep well?”

 

After asking, Sesshoumaru slipped the piece of ice into his mouth and sucked on it, just as he did five years ago.

 

“Hai, arigatou.” responded Kagome trying to recuperate the air of disdain she had cultivated during the entire morning, though she couldn't look him in the eyes, for fear of him discovering any traces of the dreams she just had.

 

“Coke?”

 

“Arigatou.”

 

She grabbed the can and drank. It was more than three and the exhausting heat of the tropical afternoons fell over them.

 

Sesshoumaru sat in front of her and down his whole soft drink.

 

“I have taken a look at the other side of the island,” he informed Kagome, “it is much rockier than here, but there is a pair of places that are worth investigating. In a moment the light will be good enough to begin. I think we will start with the beach.”

 

“Alright.” Kagome answered after taking a big breath. “What do you want me to do?”

 

“I think it will be best for you to sit on the sand, facing your back to the camera, with the rocks and the efflorescence in the background and with the sun at a suitable angle.”

 

“Alright.”

 

“You are not arguing?” Sesshoumaru asked with a provocative smile.

 

“No.”

 

“Well, that is new.” he chuckled.

 

“After blackmailing into posing nude for you, I don't see any use in complaining about anything, ne?” she replied with apathy.

 

Sesshoumaru arched both eyebrows surprised.

 

“Blackmail? It is a very strong word. This Sesshoumaru simply insisted on your fulfillment of your contract.” he corrected calmly.

 

“Anyways, why is it so important? Why couldn't I just wear a bikini?”

 

“Because I wanted you to pose nude. That is why this Sesshoumaru hired you”

 

“For the campaign or for your own personal fancy?”

 

“What do you think?” Sesshoumaru inquired with a sardonic smile.

 

“I think you planned it all!” replied Kagome angrily. “I think you chose this place because you… wanted…”

 

Sesshoumaru finished the sentence with such an explicit word, it left her pale.

 

“To fuck you?”

 

“You already knew.” he added. “And what is more, you want to just as much as I do. Do not try to deny it; your body's reactions betray you.”

 

Kagome blushed. He was right. With his stare, her breasts reacted, her nipples hardened in such a way that it was visible under the material of her blouse.

 

“I desire you.” confessed Sesshoumaru in a low voice keeping her stormy-eyes. “I desired you from the first moment I saw you.”

 

Kagome was shaken.

 

“But… I was only seventeen.”

 

“I know.” Sesshoumaru said with a soft chuckle. “Unfortunately for me, ne? I do not expect you to believe me, but I had no intention of touching you, this Sesshoumaru only wanted to teach you a lesson, because you needed it. You thought you could buy anything with money, including me. Therefore, I had to teach you that the career of a model is not a diversion to entertain little rich girls. You know? Even though I was hard on you, you did very well. I was impressed.”

 

Kagome was stunned. Still, she didn't want to lower her defenses.

 

“And I suppose making me pose seminude for you was part of this lesson?”

 

“In part. Turning to a photographer without the protection of an agency was a stupid risk. You could have gotten yourself into a great deal of trouble.”

 

“It looked to me like I did get into a great deal of trouble.” Kagome said with skepticism.

 

“Yes, well… unfortunately, things got a bit out of control.” Sesshoumaru admitted displaying a captivating grin. “And you ran away like Cinderella after the clock struck twelve, without giving me the opportunity to apologize, leaving behind a couple of photos instead of a glass slipper. Though I must admit, there were much more interesting.”

 

Kagome shook at the memory the photographs.

 

“But… you could have apologized… after we saw each other again.” she said, and thought, `And not kept me believing you are nothing but a womanizing pig.'

 

“True.” Sesshoumaru conceded. “However, seeing how much you had grown, I realized, this Sesshoumaru did not regret anything. On the contrary, I was wishing to explore even more profoundly.”

 

“That's why you hired me? You thought that I would just allow you…”

 

Kagome couldn't finish.

 

“Of course not.” Sesshoumaru assured. “I have been following your progress with plenty of interest, I cannot deny it. It was incredibly gratifying to see how with experience, a talent I had initiated had blossomed. I had heard many great things about you from people I respect. That is why, when this Sesshoumaru needed to look for the Shikon Girl you were the obvious choice.”

 

“And how well she fits you!” spat Kagome in her ire.

 

Sesshoumaru was leaning on the outboard of the yacht and was giving her a cold and enigmatic stare that was very disconcerting.

 

“Actually no. As a general rule, I prefer not to sleep with the models I work with. That only leads to a mess of complications not foreseen.”

 

The heart of Kagome had begun to beat at high speed.

 

“Although on this occasion,” added Sesshoumaru, “I think I will make an exception.”