Office Politics by LazyLizzie

Making the Deal

"What the hell do you think you're doing? This is not what we agreed on when we spoke on the phone yesterday! Sesshoumaru!"

"You did not speak to me, woman. You should have known that I am not as trusting as my little brother. I am not so foolish as to entrust that amount of money on a small business that's about to go under without anything in return."

"I'm good for the loan. You know that. I'm not going to back out on you. Higurashi Fruits is not going to fail. Look, I made one bad decision. I get that. Just help me get through this and I'll pay you back. Promise. Take back this contract and ask you're people to revise it. I need that loan."

Sesshoumaru sat calmly in his chair, amused at the woman's sudden change in demeanor. Just a second ago, she looked just about ready to purify him right there � not that she really could. Now, she looked weak and vulnerable. As if she would break at any moment. The thought of having this much power over her pleased him. Right now, she was more attractive than ever before.

Kagome looked at the self-satisfied look that flashed across Sesshoumaru's face. It was quick, but she caught it. She smiled inwardly at the fact that he actually thought he could take her down that easily; as if she was nothing more than some helpless twit that he found on the streets. As underhanded as it sounded, if she couldn't appeal to him as a businesswoman, then why not target the misogynistic pig underneath and pretend to be a helpless woman who would do anything for his help? And really, she would do anything to save her family's company. She had gotten them into this mess and she would get them out of it, intact.

Sesshoumaru studied her face and replied, "A merger is the only thing that can guarantee that Taishou Corp. will not get the short end of the stick. That much money will certainly impact the company, no matter how you look at it. So, unless you can come up with something better, this is our offer. Take it or leave it."

"Sesshoumaru, we've known each other for a long time, you and I. Ever since college, when I went out with Inuyasha. You know how I do business and you know that I would never do anything to make you doubt me. Please. I can't afford to go through with a merger. This is my family's company and, by principle, I can't just let strangers in. You just have to trust that I'm good for the loan."

"First you say that you're not just some person that would take away my company's money and that I need to trust you. Then you say that I'm a stranger that you, essentially, can't trust. Now, I'm a little confused, Kagome. What exactly do you mean?"

"Look, all I'm saying is that this is my family's company. It can't be run by someone who isn't family. I will never allow that to happen. I'll do anything you want. I'll do anything."

"Anything? You would think that you would learn from the movies that saying that is never good."

"Anything."

The look on her face was so serious yet so fragile. It looked like she was about to cry. Anything, huh? How convenient for me.

"Fine. Give me the contract and I'll have it changed. It's still a merger, but I'll be something more like a silent partner. I won't interfere with any of your decisions; I won't even sit in on your meetings. I want part of the profits, of course, and I want the final say when you and your family are in disagreement about something. That's the best I can offer."

Cautiously, she tried to think over what he had just said. "So, you don't really have a voice unless we can't decide on something? Right?"

That smirk. Again.

"Right. Of course, you would do anything, right?" Smirk. "I want you to be at my disposal 24/7. You will do anything and everything that I tell you and you will not complain about it."

"Fine. You win. Whatever you want. I won't complain. I will be happy to do whatever you ask of me."

She had forgotten what an ass he could be. But, so long as her company was still hers, then that's fine. He could be as big of an ass as he wants. She got what she wanted.

"By the way, Kagome, make sure that no one finds out about this arrangement. I'd like you to keep this between the two of us. If anyone were to find out, well, there'll be a clause in the contract about that. And I assure you that the terms will change drastically."

"Likewise. I would rather this be a secret. I'll have my lawyers go over that part with yours. Just to make sure that I'm protected as well. If you tell anyone, then I should get back your share of Higurashi Fruits."

"Fine. I shall inform you when this new contract is drafted. I must say, Kagome, I rather enjoy doing business with you. I look forward to the two of us working together."

"Me too. I'm so excited."

She took his offered hand and shook it across the table. He got up and walked over to her side to show her out of his office. Just as she was about to open the door, he tightened his grip on her hand and placed a small kiss on her exposed neck. Then, as if nothing had happened, he opened the door and ushered her out.

"Good day, Ms. Higurashi."

With that, he shut the door, leaving her fuming.