Restless Whispers

Standard Disclaimer Apply: I don't own Rurouni Kenshin. This is for Entertainment purposes only.

A/N: Ah! sorry to keep you waiting! I was pretty messed up during these past months. Inspiration to write its continuation never visited me until recently. Your reviews helped a lot. It's just that I couldn't find my will and type the right ideas. Sort of...

After passing the exams from the Board, I have been busy again.....argh! Then again, gomen ne.

Ah....gomen for the grammar again....eheheh...



Chapter 9 – Two sides of the Coin

It was so impossible to ignore the heat emanating from his skin. His intoxicating, alluring manly scent could drive a woman’s libido insane. It was already proven many times, by his many women and me. To touch and taste him were all I could hear at the back of my mind, begging for a release from this carnal torture and yet at the same time a part of my consciousness hindering to lower what few scraps of pride I still have. I could almost feel the warmth of his shallow breaths against my left drenched cheek. I knew for sure that he wanted me so badly this time.

As he always does….

Then he whispered my name. His voice was blended with thoughtfulness and care that seemed to be so contrast to his own frigid personality.

I cursed myself for momentarily entertaining the thought that he might….he might change his ways towards me. That he might see all the wrongs he did to me. That he might begin to correct them…starting to open his heart to me, by genuinely loving me.

My emotional defense had started to crumble. It was so disappointing, I know. The promise to numb myself from his machinations wasn’t that at stable right now. What a pathetic woman I am! I inwardly laughed at myself.

I should fight….I know….

Should I hope? Should I pretend that a better future will come upon us if I ever mend his broken heart as I endure this preposterous torture? I have so many questions wanting to be answered. When will this end? What should I do to make him understand the reason why I went away? Will Aoshi change for the likes of me? Will he open himself up, letting me see the real him? Will he…..ever learn to love me, as I loved him before? Certainly not since he had wasted so much of his time and effort on making me realize what I really am to him. It only means that I should stop hoping, isn’t? And my only salvation against his dirty tactic on succumbing to his will was to remember the incident at the hallway, just outside my bedroom’s door. The pain was back, reminding me of my only purpose to his life – as his baby-maker, his exclusive whore.

As we danced nakedly into the cradle of the darkness, I blankly looked at his impassive face, silently asking him how he could be so numb, so insensitive after all we had shared. How could he make love to a woman, to me, without any emotional attachment? The touches of his expert hands and lips seemed so bold, fiery and welcoming and yet I couldn’t reach him. Was it all lies then, Aoshi? Sure. He said it so after I had fulfilled the bargain with the faggot.

Why do you hate me so much, Aoshi?

“Is this your idea of putting yourself into sleep, Aoshi?” I bravely broke the eerie silence between us. Although the room was blessed with darkness, I was avoiding his penetrating stare.

“Sleeping is the last thing I will do when I have something much better, much entertaining in my mind.” Aoshi huskily said as he guided me to our slow dance. His moves were smooth, just like the old times. His hand was comfortably settled at the small of my back, teasing it with his fingers - particularly his thumb.

I could smell the spirit of vodka on him.

Of course I already knew his game. Aoshi is known for his roguish and scandalous self. He liked winning against his prey.

“I don’t have to guess what it is for I know for sure the answer for that. I wonder why you just couldn’t get on with it since it is evident that that is what you really come for tonight.” I mumbled.

The bastard chortled.

I didn’t like his reaction. I need to go for the blood. “Didn’t your stepmother satisfy you much tonight that is why you are here? Do you need a little more ‘pampering’ before you go to sleep? Ah. Of course! Since it is my duty to be your whore, why bother to ask?”

His hold to my back slipped more boldly as his arm replaced his playful hand. It made me drew closer to his chest, caging me into his heating embrace. I could almost kiss his skin after the daring movement.

“My, oh, my….someone has been snooping around.”

“Don’t need to. It was loud enough to be heard by anyone who is unfortunately still awake. How disgusting,” I scoffed as I abruptly shut my eyes.

“But it’s nothing compared to our very own…”

“And I am not damn proud of it,” I immediately cut him in, grumbling. “Ours was more disgusting.”

He chortled. “Being jealous doesn’t suit you, my minx. So as being a nag. As far as I can remember, I didn’t give you any right to comment on my ways since you are only here for the punishment, and of course, to produce me the heir I need.” Aoshi coldly replied. Then he inhaled my hair’s scent.

“It seems like being a soon-to-be-mother gives you a hard time to realize your disposition in my hands.”

“I’m not…”

He immediately shushed me. “Ah! Still denying? I’m not naïve, Misao.” Then he caressed my waist and then to my abdomen. There was a tiny swell forming, which was a simple obvious sign of my pregnancy. “At the phase of our unprotected rutting, I’m sure my seed had already taken its toil to yours.”

Anger seeped in. I want to escape from his embrace but the chill of the night was giving me the hard time to move away from his warmth.

“Since I already have your precious heir inside of me, why bother to torment me more?” I asked, controlling a bit of my temper. “Is sex all you want?”

“Do I have to answer that silly question since you already know all along?”

I didn’t respond to his taunting.

“Since you want to hear it from me, I’ll oblige. Obviously, sex is one of the delightful getaways, a very old one; man had craved for momentarily retreat from the harsh reality of our world. After eating the forbidden fruit, man had realized the power of this kind of pleasuring. It is as simple as that.”

“Bullshit,” I cursed.

“And fortunately, you satisfy my need perfectly. You give me that gift. Hearing this from me, it’s a compliment. I never just give those words to any woman I sleep with.”

Just only sex….Those words repeatedly echoed into my mind. How could he perceive a couple’s magical union this low?

“And also because of the extreme orgasm you produce as I make you come,” then he laughed devilishly. “Seeing you tremble under my touch is priceless. How you grow weak under my sexual machinations. How you beg to be taken by me repeatedly.”

“Stop it! You can just fuck your stepmother or any other whore since sex is all you want.” I angrily spat.

“Jealous? That is not a good virtue to deal with. But then again, knowing how understandable person I am, I’ll make an exemption. I could abide that side of yours. Something tells me that I should enjoy savoring it.”

My face began to flush. “Me?” I scoffed afterwards. “Jealous? Not in this world. And not because of you!”

“And now with a lie to tell. More and more, your vices keep coming.” He swept me to his left as he gradually bent his head, lowering his lips to nip and then lick the side of my neck.

I controlled the intake of my breath as soon as his tongue slowly threaded a swirling path from my lower neck to the back of my earlobe. “Your bad influence proves to be so potent.”

He chortled. “It isn’t only my dark influence that is potent right now, Misao.” He playfully nibbled my earlobe. “Guess what it is?”

I could feel his half-rigid shaft against my abdomen, brushing on its surface and tempting me for foreplay.

I remained silent. He was enjoying the emotional turmoil I’ve been going through that moment. It was just like him, happy seeing other people in misery than of his own. Ah. Just like what others would have put it, so as I, misery loves company.

“You’re angry because I had fucked with that woman, right?” Aoshi asked with his solemn voice as he brushed his nose to the side of my neck. “Does that turn you on, imagining me fucking another woman? Megumi isn’t that bad to taste, you know.”

“You’re sick, Aoshi.” I tried to shove him but to no avail. Hearing another woman’s name from his lips definitely enraged me. And now he coupled it with his assuming that I find this all sexually arousing as him talking about his pleasures with other woman particularly with that bitch. It was almost unbearable.

“That is why I found you at your bed ‘milking’ and so much ready to be taken.” Then he kissed and sucked the hallow part of my slender neck. “It drives me so wild to see you like that.”

No. He didn’t. No. Had he seen me on that awful, embarrassing state? How can I be so careless?

“You don’t have to be ashamed of your passion as long as it’s me that you are dreaming about.”

Just to spite him, I chortled and said, “Who says that it was you? You’re not the only man that I had sexed with during those four years I’m away.” I had hoped he believed my lie.

Then I felt his hand slowly making its way between my thighs. I know for sure what he intended to do.

“Pity. And now I mean to erase your men’s identities and touches from your memories.” Aoshi was dead serious. I could judge it into his cold voice. “You will only remember me, none other.”

“Aoshi, no…” I protested because for sure I will be at his mercy again. And also, I couldn’t forget the incident from the hallway.

He chuckled. “You said that you will pamper me, right? I definitely need it right now.” Then he inserted his point finger to the center of my womanhood. He languidly thrust it in and out while his thumb circled my sensitive nub.

I immediately gasped as I instinctively clasped at his shoulders. I buried my head against his chest for the shame I felt for this weakness. “Oh….this isn’t fair, Aoshi.”

“Who says I have to be? I have no plans to be fair with you, Misao. I love seeing you in despair, at my mercy.”

“Ah…you are completely right about that….you do love punishing me….”

“Good. You are learning. Glad to have heard it from your very own enticing lips.” Then he kissed me. “No man will ever touch you like this. Do you understand me, Misao?”

“I won’t give in.” I solemnly pledge.

“You already have.” Another finger was inserted and this time with more blissful force. “Open your legs and thighs for me.”

I struggled from his hold but he was too strong for me to fight against with. And also, his hand making love to my womanhood gave a lot of influence to wither my resistance. The sound of its motion from the building liquid and both of our harsh breathing were all I could hear. I was beginning to be damped down there once more. I felt the ticklish sensation all over and then suddenly tremors rushed in. My toes involuntarily curled a bit. It was so powerful and heavenly. My natural juices were overflowing….shameful as it is. It flowed to his hand then rushed to the sides of my weak, satiated thighs.

“Ah….beautiful…it’s about time. I love to touch you here, even to taste you.” Once again, his lips collided with mine.

There was so much humiliation on my persona right now. He was once again won over me. I have to fight back or else….

Remember what he had done to you, Misao. He played you for a fool. Time to make him pay.

I bit his lips, hard enough to make it bleed. I could taste his blood from my own. “Bastard,” I hissed.

It was the perfect time for me to escape from his embrace and malice. With 3 feet apart from his personal space, I look for anything that will cover my naked body from the cold of the night. Then my eyes found my discarded robe lying near the foot of the bed. I immediately ran for it while Aoshi was confounded and a little bit busy tasting his own blood from his bitten lips.

He had gotten so far from tormenting me this way. Is my sin of leaving him really a big deal to the point that he had to humiliate me numerous times and even callously treat me this way?

“Think again, Misao,” I heard a voice at the back of my left ear. Could it be him?

Aoshi was beside me before I could pick up my sleeping robe. I never had noticed his quick move or his presence. He didn’t give me the time to recuperate from his startling sudden appearance. Within seconds, he picked me up like as if I weigh nothing and then out of the ordinary, he fiercely embraced me.

With unexpected vicious emotions, Aoshi gripped one of my shoulders and thighs. His hold almost hurts. The pain was definitely there to remind me that Aoshi was loosing the control of himself, for being impassive and cool at the situation like this.

My orientation was turning as he held me tightly against his chest. It was so fast I didn’t even notice for quite some seconds that I was back to his arms. My forehead settled against his cheek. I heard his grunt and curses, the fact that he finally showed his anger. And because of it, I couldn’t stop my tears from falling. Never in my life had I experience of being held with great anger like this. Aoshi, even he treated me callously, never man-handled me this way.

I was afraid for the next hurtful actions he might do to me and dreadful words he might toss over me. I was both crying in and out of my persona. Calling for a stop, a reprieve from his rage was all I need.

Since when did Aoshi have this dark temper?

“Is this what you want? Escape from me?” Those words were soft, almost unable to be heard by my ears. He was breathing fast. I could feel his hands began to tremble because of his unruly emotions.

My mouth wanted to move. I wanted to speak, to explain, to coax him to stay on control. I wanted to heal him if my leaving him had ever created such monstrous persona to him. Why would he be this angry when I am just giving him a great favor, a freedom from a doomed relationship?

I’m the one who had been hurt. I’m the one who had been deprived of everything only a true love can give. I’m the one who had been played for a fool many times by his sexual machinations and dominance. I’m the one who’s the victim here, not him.

And yet…

“Yamete….Aoshi,” I pleaded for him to return to his stable self. I couldn’t breathe normally because of his tight clasp to my body. I was hoping my voice could reach him.

My tears continued to roll down, waiting for his response. Aoshi was somehow lost to his inner thoughts. I couldn’t see his eyes. He was hiding them from me for whatever reasons he had. And then, within appropriate seconds, he loosened his tight grip to my aching shoulder and thigh. But he still haven’t had released me from his caging embrace.

“Yamete….Onegai…” Once more I pleaded. My trembling right hand cupped his face, hoping to ease away some of his tension. After touching his cheek, I felt its dampness. He was also crying which was so unexpected for him to do so.

“Aoshi, I…”

“Don’t you ever touch me there, Misao, if you know what’s good for you,” Aoshi coldly warned.

I gradually took my hand away from his drenched face. There had been a minute before I spoke again.

“Listen, Aoshi, we should stop all of these non-sense. Can’t you see that it is hurting us both?!” I gently coaxed.

“You should have thought of that before you left me,”

Something had snapped out from me. He got no right to accuse and blame me for his demise. “Why you are so angry to me? What did I do to make you rage this way? Does your pride hurt knowing that I’m the one who ended this crappy relationship by leaving you? What’s the essence of staying when you said it yourself that you don’t love me!”

He snorted.

“What is it then?! Tell me!” I demanded.

He didn’t speak for the moment I wanted to hear his answer. I waited for him to reply. I asked him again and yet he didn’t budge. It was like I’m talking to a cold wall.

I wriggled my body to ease some of his hold on my body. I wanted to look at his blue eyes, to remind him of what was the real score. Despite of my efforts, he still hid his eyes from me by turning his face away from me and his long bangs were covering most of his features.

Gathering all of my strength, I reprimanded him, “I was played for a fool, Aoshi, not you. You used me like any other women you had in your life. I gave you so much of myself to the point that almost none was left for me. There were many times I was hoping for you to see through me, to finally accept me not as your sex partner or temporary fancy but as your soul mate. So don’t you ever accuse me of being the bad person here!”

He still wasn’t responding. It seemed that none of those words had affected him.

I need to reach within him. “I loved you, Aoshi. And still is.”

I could tell that his body flinched as soon as he heard my confession. Yes. I still do love him despite all the shameful things he had forced me to do, despite all the nasty treatment and callous words he had given to me, and despite of knowing after his confession of not loving me in the first place.

Once again, I wanted to touch his face, his very heartbreaking profile. There was this ache needing to make him listen to me, realizing the truth of it all. As one of my trembling hands was about to cup his chin, he clasped it, making my effort to comfort him stop.

“Why won’t you let me love you, Aoshi?” All the pain I harbored during the last years of soul searching had burst at this moment. All this time I was hurting because the only one I truly love doesn’t want to reciprocate my feelings. Finally, I had said it to him, at this close range near his heart.

Aoshi bowed his head. As I softly cried against his chest, I heard him chortled. His deep voice reached to his inside, reverberating. I didn’t expect it from him, to have this reaction. Well, I guess, this man I was speaking of tried to defend his emotions by masking it.

“Are you sure that your feeling for me is love?”

What kind of a question is that? I asked myself. Was he that so insensitive to know my real feelings for him?

I was about to answer him back when he shifted my position and gently laid me back to my bed. He brushed away my bangs from my moist face, tucking some of it to my ears. And then, with the back of his fingers he wiped the traces of my tears.

He was wiping my tears, for God sake! The familiarity of this kind of touch, with gentleness that I couldn’t fathom was reigning havoc both in my mind and heart. It disturbed me for it somehow reminded me of a certain memory way back when we were still together. I just couldn’t remember it clearly since I have been harboring so much hatred against him. Most of my memories with him were somehow repressed. His gentle touch….like this…like no other….a split moment of vulnerability which he hated the most…shows the different side of Aoshi.

This is the man I desperately wanted to heal. This is the man whom I’m hoping to love.

I tried to speak but it seemed that I have not accumulated the right words to say. And then I noticed that he was blankly staring at me.

There was a teardrop landed on my flushed cheek.

There had been moments before I reacted. He was indeed crying.

“Aoshi,” I softly called out his name. “I…”

He didn’t give me the chance to speak up. “Sleep tight, Misao. Good night.” Aoshi impassively whispered as he stood up, preparing to walk out from me.

Suddenly I had this will to call him back, back to my arms. I have had this ache again to comfort him. I levered up myself by my elbows and then called him. I was about to leave the bed, to follow him yet my legs won’t move. I called out again but he continued to saunter his way towards the bedroom door determined to leave.

Each of his footsteps away from me led to another emotional dispute. Now that he knew that I still love him, the possibility of using it against me is inevitable. When will we be able to find the solution for everything that had transpired between us?

Will I loose you forever?

Before he closed the door, his back and the light of the hallway were all I could perceive, he said, “Don’t vow on anything that you can never give.”


*******


“I love you, Aoshi. Always remember that.”

I instantly woke up from my sleep with sweat all over my face, neck and body. Naked, I still sweat as if I had run a million mile. Even though summer was over, my body perspired so much especially when I had these nightmares.

Those words again, tormenting me every now and then. It always reminded of me my dark past that I’m trying to forget. They say that a brain has a capability to repress some of its deepest, darkest secrets to the point of no return. But why is it that mine doing the exact opposite? This nightmare often visits me to my sleep, always hearing the voice of the one who was assuring me those words. They’re lies poisoning my every day life.

I need to have a bath, I told myself as I looked at the mirror. The image staring back at me projected a perfect example of a wasted person. The formation of my beard is there so shaving is one of the things I have to do on the list. The smell of vodka reeked through my skin pores and breath. My hair needs some trimming now that its length passes just below my shoulder level. But as I looked at it, I wouldn’t mind having this style for a while since I personally find it inexplicable attractive and refreshing to my eyes. Good thing that I never had problems managing my hair. Over all, I need to get ready and presentable for the main event this coming evening.

But first, I still have some errands to run.

Businesses at the architectural firm had to be taken care of since I haven’t been mostly present to the meetings with the newest clients and the site visits for the on-going projects in Tokyo, Singapore and Dubai. The budgets and the construction plans I have to review were surely piled up to my office but thanks to the efforts of my diligent subordinates and employees, I don’t have to worry so much on that category. They have had lessened the works I am about to take. That is the reason why I am paying them costly, isn’t?

My ‘other’ business seemed to be running smooth. I believed on Kamatari Honjo’s touch in managing the club while I’m still away. No complaints had been heard from the members. If they do have one, the coordinator will do the solving.

The issue of living with my father and his wife had already been taken care of since I made it clear to them that I don’t want them here in my mansion. At least, the old man had been completely agreeable to my proposal for them to settle on one of my newly bought estates in Osaka. He will be the one to manage the construction affairs of our company in marine ports and certain historical sites.

Asking them to move out of my mansion is somehow the best decision I’ve ever had in years. People see me callous because of that. To begin with, I had secretly bought this mansion from him with the help of one of my trusted close colleagues. He needed the money to pay his huge debt to his wine distillery business. His pride gets on his way on seeking my help. Out of the ‘goodness’ of my heart, I obliged by devising that tactic. He should be thankful, you know. Though his face has the legendary iciness, my father still couldn’t hide the shock knowing that I’m the one who had bought and now own the old Shinomori Mansion, the Black Moor. It was indeed, priceless.

So what? I just didn’t care as long as it serves my purpose – him to be away from my eyes’ perception and his bitch away from my precious dick. Since I now manage most of the Shinomori’s wealth and businesses, as his heir, emotional attachment inside the family had to be abolished. It was just as simple as that. Though indirectly, he thought me this way. Seijuro Hiko Shinomori had molded his only son into a practical monster, a heartless realistic scumbag, than of being a pitiful considerate dreamer.

Look what I had become, old man. Are you happy now?

Living separately will do much good for the both of us. There wasn’t a time in our lives we weren’t arguing with each other. We were always against each other’s throats especially when he tried to entirely run my life in his bidding. He didn’t want me to have my very own disposition. All he concerned about was his opinion, acknowledging it as the absolute right. I’m sick and tired of being manipulated by his schemes. And also, I can’t help the feeling of anger and despair every time I saw his face. He so much reminded me of my dark past for he too played one of the major roles of my lifetime torment. My father is one of the reasons why I never get out of my nightmares.

He will never hurt me ever again. I won’t allow it.

The grandfather clock’s alarming sound had awakened me from my musing. It reminded me the time. It’s 9 in the morning which only says that I’m late for the office. But that wouldn’t be a problem since I am the boss of my company. I checked the clock again, counting the hours I have to spend to finish all the errands there.

“I might not be able to make it back in time for the evening ball.” I mumbled to myself as I took a clean towel from my walk-in closet.

Then 3 knocks were heard at the door of my bedroom. It must be Iwasu, my valet.

“Come in,” I ordered.

The old man entered my domain. Together with him are 3 pretty, giggling maids who were about to bring and prepare my morning meal. They were looking at my naked back as I stood close to one of my drawers to find some papers I needed for reviewing. Iwasu immediately reprimanded them. He also ordered them to leave as soon as they finished their chores….and their ogling.

Dressed like a valet should be, always in clean formal wearing like of the English, Iwasu seemingly projected how prime and proper he is. He had been in the Shinomori’s for 50 plus years now. He must have seen all of my ancestors’ legendary charm to all kinds of female and also, the depravity when it matters of debauchery. Nothing is new.

I know for sure that he had witnessed all of the highs and lows of this cursed family. And also, he was here the night that had changed a whole lot of me.

He is more than a valet to me. Instead, he is more of a father figure to me than my very own flesh and blood. He is also my confidant when I was still growing up as a boy. And sometimes, even at the present.

“Breakfast is served, Young Master Shinomori.” Iwasu said. He was used seeing my naked form so he didn’t need to comment or reprimand.

“I’ll have my bath first, Iwasu. Kindly prepare those I need to wear, both for the office and for the evening gala.” I strode towards the bathroom without glancing at my old valet.

“Right away, Young Master.” He was set to his errands and then finished it without any difficulty. He already knew my taste and style so I won’t have to worry about his picking.

“Excuse me, Young Master, should I inform the Madame for the upcoming evening gala?”

The Madame he was referring to is Misao. It had been over 4 months since that incident at her room. Since then we never had sexed together. I never visited her much into her room, always searching for a diversion to settle my urge to taste her, to feel her warmth. Funny, it seemed she had won over me this time.

Surprisingly, she had found a way to have a long term reprieve from my sweet tormenting. I couldn’t stop recalling every detail of her words, telling me to control my anger, to forget my revenge. And also, after hearing her confession that she still loves me - double it with my unexpected breakdown - I had to reassess myself again. I didn’t expect her words would greatly paralyze my thinking, even most of my will to gain vengeance.

Not because we share the same sentiment but rather the shock of it. Or is it?

So, she loves me. Bullshit! Will I have to believe in such crap?

“The woman is not naïve. She knows what’s happening in the mansion.” I said as I entered the bathroom to look for my toothbrush. “And besides, it had been a month since I announced it into my dining room that I will hold a ball to this mansion. She was there beside me.”

Misao has been the ideal mistress of my House ever since that night. I know for sure under her sleeves she is plotting something that I could not fathom. No reluctance on her part, she dines with me, together with her two little wards since I requested her to do so. She avoids to have long arguments with me whenever I get the chance to vent some of my frustrations which is at first was not my intent. But there were still times that she couldn’t hold her temper. It’s understandable since she’s carrying my child. And also, knowing her to be a hot-headed chick from the very beginning, definitely that settled the score. And often enough, she also agrees with most of my decisions regarding the care for the baby. There were also times she checks on me on my office, to see for my need to rest, not for sex which is one of my major frustrations. I remember how many times I ordered her to get out and find other things to work on with as long as it isn’t about me. But the stubborn pregnant woman kept coming back until I noticed and realized that I have to control my temper for the sake of her fragile condition. So I let her be.

She can be so annoying and charming sometimes to the point that a day without her intervene is a bore to me. My past memories with her seem to come back to me now. The feeling of her care and warmth is so addicting, just like the old times. Am I getting soft against her? I have to double guard myself if that’s what all of these leading for. She’s indeed a sly one.

She told me she loves me. Fuck!

She thought that she could outwit me this time? Think again, my minx.

“Ah. I forgot about it. It was the time when Master and Mistress Shinomori were to move to the Osaka estates. I believe Mistress Megumi wanted to join the ball you will establish. Well, she actually insisted it but was back down when Master Seijuro gave her the scariest glare I’ve ever seen and…”

“You got to understand the old man. My father wouldn’t want his foxy wife mingle with any rakes of the town. Even from me,” I began to clean my teeth after supplying Iwasu the answer to my father’s protective behavior.

Iwasu snorted. “You are his son. Why does he have to regard you as one of them?” He was standing near the bathroom door, holding the towel I left at the vanity. His back was to my view.

A minute passed by before I get to answer him back. “That is one of the good reasons why he should be wary of me. I inherited the Shinomori’s curse. He himself had gone through with it.”

I could feel that Iwasu was shaking his bald head. “Not that again,”

“Born being a notorious rake, a glorifying cad,” I continued to tease the old man as I went to the shower room to have my bath. “And besides, it isn’t secret to all that Megumi and I shared a past together. If it wasn’t for me, my father might not have met her.”

“Of course, Young Master Aoshi.”

I started to wash my long hair and put enough amount of shampoo. “There’s another thing though,”

“And that is?” He inquired.

The warm water from the shower spout continued to pour down to my face and body. The steam of it had started to crowd my space. My hands were bracing against the moist tiles of my shower room as I pondered my words.

I breathed deeply and mumbled, “I am my mother’s son.”


*******

I could hear people downstairs were filling the hall area. Tonight is the night for a very special social event. Iwasu-san said that it had been a long time since the Black Moor Mansion had received this kind of honor, a gathering of the richest and very influential people of his level of society. Young Master Shinomori – Aoshi – doesn’t want to include this mansion to the list of being a venue of such capriciousness. If so, why does he hold an evening ball if at first he didn’t want to? I wonder.

The time is around 7 in the evening. The people must have already crowding the lounge area. The main hall will not be opened until the Master of this House signals it so. Iwasu said that his young master will not be doing it until I am at his side.

Did the old man request him to wait for me so that everything will be quite right to the eyes of the guests? Likely so.

How cute. How considerate of them both.

“You look beautiful, Madame. Young Master Shinomori will be proud to see you in that light lavender gown.” Makoto, my personal bubbly maid and only ‘friend’ in this mansion, praised as she was straightening my long, black hair by brushing it numerously.

Makoto Ichigo, The 30 year old, red-headed woman was given to me as my personal attendant to all of my needs since Aoshi made it known to all that I have to be well-taken care of. Why not? Since I’m carrying his precious heir, it is only normal for him to be so much protective. Nothing more, nothing less. I already accepted that love has nothing to do with his behavior. And by doing that, it only makes easier to the both of us.

Until I change him…Until I make him see the truth behind my words…

“Of course, he will, since he’s the one who picked and gave this gown.” I drawled as I looked at myself at the mirror of my vanity.

“Meaning that he personally had chosen this one for you! How sweet of him to do so!” She said dreamily. “I envy you for having him under your spell. A rich, handsome and thoughtful man like him is so much hard to find these days. Well, who would have thought that a super influential man like him will be succumbed to your charm, Madame? No offense, Mistress Misao. It was like a fairy tale, you know.”

Has she eaten right this morning? Or better yet, has this girl been one of the women Aoshi sexed with during past 4 months? She always seemed to be so pro with her Master. It was so obvious that this woman is very much enamored to Aoshi. Most of the brainless maids of this mansion are, so what’s new?

The image of the two of them, mating…..I had enough of it…..

Aoshi had refrained himself from me for the past four months. I can’t help not to think that he might have taken his lust to his other women. Knowing him being a prisoner of carnal ways, the possibility is palpable.

Now that I have this reprieve from his touch I get to have this silly idea of possessiveness of having him out to another woman’s bed! What’s wrong with me?

“The dress perfectly fits to your body shape, Mistress Misao. How come you don’t look like bloated in your pregnancy? With the right dress to wear, it’s possible for people to mistake that you aren’t pregnant. Do you think there is something wrong with your womb? Oh my goodness! Young Master Shinomori will not like it!” She covered her mouth with her hands while holding the brush. She seemed look like worried.

Often times, this woman tests my lengthy patience and godly kindness.

“I don’t feel anything wrong within me, Makoto. You may report that to your Young Master,” I grumbled.

With wide eyes, she said, “Oh! Sorry for being a blabber mouth, Mistress. It was just that I’ve never seen this kind of pregnancy, you know.”

“Now, you know.” I coldly replied.

She inhaled and traced the shape of her own waist, looking at her slim profile to the mirror. “How I wish to have such kind of pregnancy. I still want to look sexy and attractive despite the morning sickness and stuff.”

Then my brain goes with it again, imagining her having Aoshi’s heir instead of me. She will be happy to have his son bore by her. Just by the sound of her voice, with so much enthusiasm, there’s no doubt about it that she’s willing to exchange her body to accommodate her master’s wish, to have a lavish lifestyle and of course, to taste him. She’s not bad looking. She’s pretty in Aoshi’s standards, prettier than I am, I think. Her body is slim and her legs and thighs are shapely. Her breasts are large; enough to drive a man salivate. Has Aoshi already included her into his wide collection? I mentally shook my head. The thought of it was plainly telling me that I should be thankful that he had chosen me instead of others.

Of course not!

And then it also occurred to me that she might….

“Are you pregnant, Makoto?” I need to know.

“Well….”

She will be the death of me, I know.

“Hmmm…”

“Makoto,”

“I have had sexed. I have lost count of it this month,” Makoto assessed as she absently massaged her right temple.

“And?” I asked with sly anticipation.

“But I don’t feel anything living inside of me,”

“Are you sure about that?”

“I still have my monthly bleeding, Mistress Misao. And right now, I have my period.” She blatantly announced. “Why you asked?”

I coughed. My eyes were deliberately avoiding her inquisitive ones. “I’m just concerned of you. You look like you want to be pregnant.” What a pathetic excuse!

Thank goodness the woman accepted it. She was back to her musing. “Well, of course I want to be pregnant! I want to have a child of my own. It completes a woman to produce an offspring.”

Even if it’s not made out of love?

“Of course, Makoto.” I sullenly replied.

I was about to asked Makato who’s her sex partner when someone interrupted us by knocking at my bedroom’s door. Makoto and I were startled because we were deeply involved with our little chit-chat. It must have taken our minds for a while for the impending event that will about to happen this evening.

“Mistress Misao, may I come in?” It was Iwasu, Aoshi’s trusted old personal valet. He even managed the whole mansion daily affairs.

“Mistress, I have to finish coiling your hair at your top. Young Master wouldn’t like it for you to be late at the ball!” She quickly yet carefully fashioned my hair into French coiling braids and leave some long strands tousled to have a curling, seductive effect.

“You can come in, Iwasu-san,” I called.

Then the old man entered my room as respectable as he can ever be. I can see his genuine smiles at me.

“You look gorgeous, Madame. You are so refreshing to the eyes of men as always.”

My face began to redden. “Thank you, Iwasu-san, but you don’t have to patronize me.”

“I am just speaking what my heart tells me so. You can not forbid an old experienced man like me to say what’s beautiful and what’s not. These eyes had seen so much for the past 65 years.” Then he winked at me as I saw his reflection at my vanity mirror.

“That would only mean that your vision is failing you,” I retorted and chuckled.

“It was kind of vague but not blind,” He defended.

“Did HE order you to tell them to me?”

“I have my own will and taste, Madame. There’s nothing to fret about.”

Lucky for you, Iwasu-san. You are as free as a bird….

“If I may say, Madame, Young Master Aoshi is already waiting for you down the main hall together with some other important guests. But if you are not yet ready, you may still finish what you two are doing. I’m just here to inform you where you will find the young master when you happen to be in your way.”

With some other special guests? “Do I have to present myself there, Iwasu-san? I don’t stand a chance with them, you know, simply because I obviously don’t belong to their world. I - ”

“As I had said, I’m just here to inform you his whereabouts. If you want, I’ll accompany you as you go and see him.” Then the old goat smiled sweetly.

“But…”

“Finished!” Makoto happily announced. “You look marvelous, Mistress Misao. Don’t be a party pooper. It will be such a waste if you don’t go down and let them see how beautiful you are. Ha! You should thank my artistic touch! Flaunting yourself in the midst of those rich, sophisticated people won’t be a great hassle.”

Sure….. After 2 months, I’ll strangle this woman with my very own eager hands.

“Good. Glad to hear that.” Iwasu calmly said as he approached my chair. He stopped beside me as soon as he looked at me once again at my mirror with such appreciative eyes. “So, may I have this honor to accompany you to the young master of this House?” He gave his hand, signaling me to accept his offer.

There was a hesitation on my part to do so. Why does Aoshi have to flaunt me to every of his close rich associates and society friends? As what? His personal whore and baby maker? To think of it makes my innards enrage. Is the incident at the House of Eros, me being auctioned and humiliated in front of every lustful man in that exclusive brothel, not enough for him?

Ah….this is still a part of his revenge….

“Pray that I can surpass this, Iwasu-san.” I took his wrinkled yet steady hand and stood. We were preparing to leave the premise of my sanctuary as he led me towards our destination.

With a gentle pat at my nervous hands, he whispered, “You will, young Mistress. You will.”

tbc.....