Tango in the Devil’s Lair

By Memorie

Disclaimer: I don’t own Rurouni Kenshin or any of the characters for that matter.

Summary: Kaoru never imagined her first job would involve a gang of thugs, kidnapping, and their sexy, obnoxious leader. Will her boyfriend Enishi rescue her in time before the Battousai takes over her heart completely?

This chapter is rated M for minor coarse language.

Chapter 1

A Ballad Misplaced

Kaoru Kamiya sat at a large table waiting patiently for her soon-to-be boss to walk through the doors of the office. The ticking of the clock only made her even more nervous and she silently fidgeted with her skirt’s hem.

‘Okay, no need to worry. She liked my resume and said I looked capable for the job. All I need to do now is sign a form and I’ll officially be working at the Akabeko. If only she wasn’t taking so long, then maybe I’d be out of here already instead of stressing and slowly losing my hair.’

The door opened suddenly and Kaoru jumped in her seat, her train of thoughts broken by the loud bustling noises outside in the restaurant. The sweet, tall lady came hurriedly inside with a clean sheet of paper in her hand and shut the door quickly.

“Alright, Kaoru. Before I let you sign, I do want to warn you about a few things.” Miss Tae sat in her big chair and placed the sheet in between herself and Kaoru. Kaoru couldn’t help but smile curiously.

“What’s there to warn me about?” She leaned in slightly ready to pick up the pen. She wanted to get out and tell Enishi immediately. He’d be so proud of her. Now she’ll finally be able to save up for the trip to Hong Kong.

“Well, since the Akabeko is such a popular restaurant, it is very rich and holds a lot of money in the safe at the back of the restaurant. We regularly take the money to the bank, but we mainly leave it here.”

“Miss Tae, I hope you aren’t warning me to stay away from the safe in fear that I’d try rob you.” Kaoru asked, laughing nervously. Miss Tae blinked twice before throwing her hand in the air and laughing merrily.

“Of course not, Kaoru.” She began to settle and wiped a tear from her eye. “No, but something akin to that. We’ve been having many robberies over the past year, more than ever actually, and it’s the same group of men. Apparently, it’s led by the Battousai.” She paused to see Kaoru’s reaction. As expected, her mouth was slightly agape.

“Um, are you sure you want to be telling me this?” Kaoru asked slightly wary. Battousai was a well-known criminal, only in his early twenties, popular with all other criminals and even some daring teenagers in high school. Yet no one had any leads to where his underground hideout was or his exact features. The only thing he was known by was a cross shaped scar on his left cheek and hair as red as the blood that pours out of his victims. Not even the police wanted to mess with the guy. Why would a bloodthirsty criminal like him come rob a humble, busy restaurant like the Akabeko?

Miss Tae smiled apologetically, “I’m sorry, Kaoru. It’s just that one of the staff threatened to sue last month for not informing her on that little detail. I just wanted to forewarn you before you signed the paper. I understand if you decide to reconsider your decision.”

Kaoru smiled politely, “No. I’m quite confident in my kendo skills. As long as you keep a broom close by I’d probably be able to take out these crooks so the restaurant works in peace again.”

Miss Tae giggled softly and smiled brightly, “I wouldn’t want to risk your life just for the sake of the restaurant. I see already you’d be great here.” She placed the pen on the edge of the paper and Kaoru eagerly took it, not for one second worrying about the consequences in the future.

She’d sealed her fate.

“So, how’d it go?” Enishi asked Kaoru as he wrapped his arms around her waist on the couch back at his place. She sighed into his chest and smiled contently.

“I’m officially saving up for the trip starting Monday afternoon. Aren’t you proud of me?” She childishly snuggled closer and felt more than heard the rumbling of his chuckles in his chest. It made her smile wider and feel lighter.

“Of course I am. I’m so glad you’re going to be visiting me in Hong Kong.”

Kaoru looked up at him then frowning slightly, “oh, why must you leave, fair gentleman?” she whined in an English accent and pouted; one of his favourite traits of his girlfriend.

He smiled weakly, “You know my sister’s having a difficult time at the moment. And with the baby on the way, she and Akira need all the help they can get. Besides, mum and dad have always wanted to move back ever since she did.” He stroke her cheek lovingly and she purred quietly.

“I only wish I could come straight away. Don’t forget about me while you’re there.” Kaoru warned and smiled softly when he leaned in to kiss her.

“I wouldn’t dream of it.”

A week had past since Kaoru was employed, and so far, it had come on smoothly. She was exhausted after the first day, but faired fine after the third day. She still had many assignments to complete for school and kendo classes to teach, but the thought of doing it all for being with Enishi was what kept her standing strong. She’d already received her first pay check, and had a small celebration with Enishi. Though he didn’t understand the need to celebrate, it had made Kaoru happy, so they threw a party with all her friends and even her and Misao’s dogs.

Kaoru ran around the kitchen collecting full, delicious-looking dishes and ran back out into the busy restaurant to serve the hungered customers. Everyone was satisfied with the Akabeko’s menu, and Kaoru began to memorise the faces of the people that came nearly everyday.

It was late that Tuesday night and many of the daily customers had left with filled stomaches. The restaurant had become quieter now with only a few people eating their fill of beef-pot for dinner.

“There’s your change, sir.” Kaoru smiled brightly as the man she’d been serving for over an hour left a hefty tip in her jar and walked out with a satisfied smile. Kaoru thanked him again and went to clear his table. When she returned from the kitchen, she decided to just stand behind the long counter and keeping an eye open for the remaining customers in case they needed anything.

Tsubame had left early that afternoon with a slight headache so Kaoru was asked to remain a bit longer. She hadn’t minded at all, and called her dad and Enishi to alert them of her lateness. There was only her, Shura, two cooks and Tae left in the restaurant, but that was enough to last till closing time.

“Hey Kaoru,” Kaoru looked up when Shura came to her with a mischievous smirk plastered on her face. She signalled with her eyes to the door and walked off into the kitchen before Kaoru could ask her what it was.

Standing in the door was Enishi with an umbrella in his hand. He smiled sheepishly at her and walked up to her quickly without attracting too much attention from the other customers.

“What are you doing here?” Kaoru asked surprised. He came and stood in front of her but the counter blocked him from leaning in and kissing her hello.

“As if I’d let my girlfriend walk home alone in the dark and when it’s raining.” He stated firmly and smiled sheepishly.

“Oh, you’re so sweet.” Kaoru cooed cutely. She was about to head into the kitchen when the front door suddenly opened and a short man wearing a stylish hat and sunglasses stepped inside the room. He had a suspicious aura hanging around him, with the way he held onto his black overcoat and the way you couldn’t see his eyes.

But Kaoru, the unjudging and oblivious person she was, did not notice a thing. She shooed Enishi to a table and smiled brightly when the man approached the counter with a stride worth filming and cherishing. He walked with such grace it was heavenly. Kaoru shook herself out of her thoughts.

‘Oh my gosh, Enishi’s right there and I’m admiring how this man walks.’

A slight frown spread over her features when she noticed five more men step into the restaurant, all looking rather suss. She glanced in Enishi’s way and noticed how he too found the men rather suspicious.

Nonetheless, Kaoru smiled with slight difficultly and faced the man in front of her again.

“Good evening, sir.” Kaoru said brightly. The man seemed to have been looking at her, yet she couldn’t tell; his sunglasses were in the way. “Can I help you?”

There was a slight pause, as if the man in front of her was just staring. She felt slightly unnerved, but tried her hardest not to snap. She looked around cautiously to find the other men had taken their place in various sides of the restaurant, mainly close to customers. One man was terribly close to where Enishi sat. Kaoru’s eyes locked with Enishi’s for a split second before returning to the man in front. He hadn’t made a move at all, as if waiting.

Then, as Tae was exiting the kitchen, he smirked smugly. “I think you can,” he reached for his glasses and slowly, eerily slid them down the bridge of his nose, revealing two piercing amber eyes that rendered Kaoru almost helpless. Almost. “How about you hand over all the cash stashed in that large safe of yours and maybe I won’t blow your pretty face.” He raised his hidden hand from the coat pocket and held a gun to Kaoru’s forehead. He took his hand off with his other hand, shaking out his dark red hair high in a ponytail.

As he did this graceful gesture, the other five men in the store proceeded to pull out large automatic guns, hidden rather well in their coats. All the people in there were in sudden hysterics and dropped their heads to the tables and trembled dangerously. Enishi hadn’t coward like the rest, so a man stepped over to him and pressed a gun into his head muttering words Kaoru figured were not to move or he’d shoot.

Kaoru watched as the man in front of her levelled the gun with her eyes. She could feel her heart pounding powerfully in her chest but refused to show fear in her eyes. She tried to remain calm and collected, mimicking the man before her. He raised an eyebrow gently and smirked.

‘Never knew it’d be this scary with a gun to your face. Funny, I don’t see my life flashing before my eyes.’

“What are you waiting for?” He asked calmly, like he was in no hurry.

“I don’t have the key,” she replied just as calmly. His eyebrow rose even higher before smirking again and looking rather amused. He pressed the gun into her cheek and forced her to turn her head. He watched with fascination as she didn’t break eye contact, but smirked wider when he noticed the sweat breaking out on her brow.

“Well I suggest you go get it before I pull the trigger.” He snorted lightly.

“Don’t touch her, you bastard!” Enishi shouted from behind. Kaoru looked horrified as the man in front of her turned his head dangerously slowly towards Enishi’s sitting figure just a few feet away. The man glanced back at Kaoru and flashed a deadly grin, his eyes lit up with a glint that scared the wits out of her.

‘Why the hell did Enishi get involved!’

“Hey guys,” the man called to his comrades as he slowly stepped closer to Enishi, “I think we have a prince charming in the restaurant tonight.” He sang with mockery in his smooth voice and the other men snickered in response. “Are you here to be a hero and save your precious princess?” he continued his taunting steps to Enishi and slowly put away his gun. Kaoru nearly sighed until the man pulled a sword from his belt and the glittery length shone blindingly in her eyes.

‘A sword? In this day and age!’

The man ran a finger along the blunt side of his sword while staring angrily at Enishi, Enishi not daring to turn away. “I despise heroes.” He seethed and ran the blade slowly yet barely touching across Enishi’s throat.

“STOP IT!” Kaoru yelled at the top of her lungs. She couldn’t stand to watch this man threaten Enishi like that. Who did he think he was!

The amber eyed man turned around to notice the complete anger on Kaoru’s face. He turned back to Enishi as if she hadn’t spoken. “Oh, she’s a feisty one, isn’t she? How do you deal with such an animal?” He smirked at Enishi noticing the dangerous flicker in the white haired man.

“Get away from him!” She yelled again angrily. This time, the man did turn around fully, facing her again. He raised his sword so the tip sat on Kaoru’s shoulder lightly.

“Go get the key, Pussy Cat.” He smirked hotly. Kaoru’s eyes widened slightly.

‘Pussy Cat?’ she couldn’t get her eyes off of the arrogant pig. He seem to get the wrong idea.

“Oh, come on sweetheart, I already know I’m irresistible and it’s hard not to stare at me but I really need you to get me that money.” He said it like he was embarrassed and placed a palm against his scarred cheek. The men behind him roared with laughter.

‘That’s it! Where’s my pepper spray!’ Kaoru thought dangerously. She glared at him and walked over to the wall opposite the kitchen door with confidence and held her head high.

“Meow!” He cat-called out to her. She grit her teeth dangerously tight. She reached an invisible, little box in the wall and punched in a code. She made sure they weren’t looking, though it really didn’t matter anymore, they planned to steal the money anyway. The small door flipped open with a sound of approval to relieve a big key. She snatched the key and stomped back the other way, all the while feeling the man’s amber eyes on her exposed legs and tight skirt and top.

“Very nice.” She heard him mutter before she walked into the kitchen. She stared shocked at a group of four men standing in the kitchen, holding the cooks hostage. She walked stiffly to the back of the kitchen, faintly noticing a tall man with spiky brown hair had followed her from the front of the shop. She opened the safe and looked in shocked at the amount of bags obviously filled with money in them. No wonder these crooks came here, the Akabeko must be worth three million or more. To have money sitting around the back of the store carelessly like this must mean Miss Tae’s family was loaded.

The man behind her stepped into the small safe and whistled low. He began to grab the bags in his hands. When he couldn’t hold anymore by himself, he shoved some into Kaoru’s arms.

Kaoru remained quiet, wishing very well that none of these men had automatic guns and that the broom was closer than possible. Unfortunately, it was in the store room at the back, and even if she tried to go up against these men… well, she couldn’t see her future after that.

She followed the man back to the front, realising Tae hadn’t moved from where she stood next to Kaoru before Kaoru went to the safe. Her boss didn’t look as terrified as the other customers, though. Maybe she was getting quite used to this. Was she talking to the red haired man just now?

“Hey Battousai, you were right! They’re loaded tonight.” The loud man who’d accompanied Kaoru to the back boasted as he began lifting the bags like they were weights. He laughed with the other men and threw a few to relieve himself from all the bags.

“I’m always right.” Battousai smirked watching Kaoru stomp her way beside Tae and in front of him. She dumped one of the bags forcefully onto the counter and faced him with burning sapphire eyes. Battousai’s smirk widened.

Kaoru noticed he’d already sheathed his sword and held his gun in front of her face again. “There you go, Battousai.” She emphasised every word and showed off a sneering smile.

‘Please go away now. Please go away now.’ Kaoru chanted in her head as he slowly brought the gun down to level her chest while eyeing the bags.

As he brought his eyes back up to her face, and for several seconds, he seemed to be contemplating something. Finally, his lips lifted in another annoying smirk that had Kaoru nearly whacking him over the head. “How old are you, Pussy Cat?”

“Old enough to know I have no obligation to tell you anything.” Kaoru rolled her eyes and could feel Enishi’s smile upon her. She would’ve smiled back if only she didn’t have a gun pointed at her.

The Battousai rested the gun on his shoulder and cocked his head to the side all the while smirking at her. “I think I like you,” he told her and waved to a man to grab the remaining bags in front of him. “Jump over the counter, my sweet Pussy Cat.” He smiled brightly waving his gun carelessly in her face.

Kaoru froze. “E-excuse me!”

“I said jump over, you’re coming with me.” He repeated and stepped back.

Enishi hollered with rage and was about to charge at Battousai when two men tackled him and held him still while he struggled to get to Kaoru.

“Down, boy.” Battousai muttered and smirked at Kaoru who’d seemed to stop breathing.

Kaoru’s heart beat had sped up so suddenly she thought she was going to pass out from hyperventilating.

“Please, sir. If you need a hostage, just take me, I’m begging you.” Tae began and stepped forward. “I’m the daughter of the owner of the Akabeko, so please leave Kaoru alone.” But Battousai ignored her, only hearing the last part. He never took his eyes off of Kaoru’s frightened ones.

“Mm, Kaoru. It suits you nicely, Pussy Cat. Now hurry up, I don’t have all night.” He purred deep in his throat. Kaoru furrowed her eyebrows and stepped away from him as if he were hurting her with his eyes.

“No, I don’t want to go anywhere with you.” She spoke softly like a frightened child. She hugged her hands to her chest feeling how bad they started to tremble.

A sudden spark of anger flashed in the Battousai’s eyes and he snarled dangerously.

“No?” he parroted with a growl. He turned swiftly and aimed the gun at Enishi. Kaoru’s heart stopped as he pulled the trigger and Enishi cried out and fell to the ground on his knees. His thigh started to bleed profoundly and soaked through his jeans.

“Enishi!” Kaoru cried out.

“Don’t worry. He’s not going to die. But his dick will be next.” He stated with no hesitance in his voice and got ready to aim.

“You just shot my boyfriend, you fuck!” Kaoru screeched, anger suddenly taking over her. She could feel her blood boiling in her veins.

“I know.” He purred and held out his hand for her to take. “Now hurry up, Pussy Cat.”

Kaoru slammed her fist on the counter angrily and cried out suddenly. She didn’t move for a while, maybe deciding with herself what to do. She shot Enishi a glance and felt a pang of guilt rush in her.

‘He’s hurt because of me…’ she thought sadly. She turned to Battousai again and glared at his outstretched hand. She ignored it completely and jumped up onto the counter and sliding on her bum to the other side, totally forgetting she had a skirt on.

“Ooo, black panties. I like that.” Battousai murmured as he eyed her with a hungry look.

“Fuck you.” Kaoru growled and stood next to him with as much confidence as she could muster. She noticed that up-close, he was really short, only slightly taller than her. His amber eyes held a tint of violet, but it was almost invisible.

“My, what a potty mouth. Might have to wash it out with soap.” He leaned in closer and sniffed at her neck making Kaoru stiffen and feel violated. She stifled a cry and wished she was closer to Enishi. He was still on the floor holding his leg in pain, his breathing accelerated.

Battousai took a death grip on Kaoru’s arm and began to drag her. Suddenly, she started pulling away and squirming. She began to scream and scratch at his hand so he’d let her go. But he didn’t. He began to force her and signalled to the other men to start leaving.

Kaoru continued to twist and turn, trying vainly to release herself from his grip. And just as they were passing Enishi, she bent down stretching out her hand just as he reached out his. They took each other’s hands and held on for dear life.

“Don’t leave me, Enishi.” Kaoru whimpered softly but with a deep urgency. Her grip on his hand was loosening as Battousai continued to tug on her other arm.

“I’ll come get you, I promise.” He coughed out, biting on his lip at the pain. Kaoru managed to forget for a split second of her situation and smiled before a hand gripped at her ponytail and pulled violently, forcing her to let go of Enishi’s hand and cry out in pain.

“Come on now, Pussy Cat. No time for teary farewells. We’re leaving!” Battousai’s voice rang loud and clear. From the corner of his eye, he noticed how Tae frantically reached for the phone on the wall. He pulled out his gun with swift movements and shot at the phone just missing her. Tae yelped in surprise and jumped away from the sparks and the flying pieces of burnt plastic.

Battousai smirked with satisfaction as he yanked at Kaoru’s hair and threw her into an open car door. He slid in just before she began to scream bloody murder.

As the tires screeched loudly and the car jerked out of the parking space, Enishi passed out in his own blood hearing the sound of Kaoru’s screaming slowly fade away into the night.

“Battousai, she’s rather loud.” The driver of the car growled annoyed while turning a sharp corner. Battousai, who had managed to tie Kaoru’s wrists and ankles in the spur of a few seconds, roll his eyes.

“You think I don’t know.” He turned to Kaoru who hadn’t shut up since they got in the car and raised his palm in a knife-like shape. He brought it down the back of her neck with precise strength and speed. The atmosphere was suddenly quiet as Kaoru slumped in her seat and dropped her head onto the Battousai’s laps pathetically. He turned her head so she wasn’t suffocating and moved her hair from her face. He stared down at her flushed features and smirked pleased.

“Sleep tight, Pussy Cat.”

TBC

Please review if you liked it.

Memorie