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Soft instrumental music filtered through the ballroom of the Kojiro Estate. Despite his wealth and influence, invites to his annual Christmas party were scarce. Notwithstanding his position as Lieutenant Commander for the North Blue division, he prized his privacy as a natural introvert. He wasn’t one for fame and glory, but even he recognized that status is fleeting. It wasn’t enough to have an impressive military record, some social charm was a necessary evil. So, a fancy party given two or three times a year was his compromise. A short entrance with some brief mingling with guests, and a discreet departure was his key to maintaining prestige without much effort.
The party was in full sway, the mood was quite merry, and the wine selection was simply divine.
With a champagne glass raised with graceful poise, Ashura Yue looked the picture of elegance. Pristine Marine ancestry was apparent in her polished style and perfect posture. Her evening dress wasn’t nearly as flashy as the others but that didn’t make her dull by comparison. She chose a wine-colored, trumpet-style, velvet dress. The scoop neckline was modest, a bit unlike her. But her entire back was exposed, save only for a few thin strands of pearls that served as loose lacing.
Despite the party’s lively atmosphere, she had quite a sour look on her face. And it was all his fault.
She had been looking forward to a fun night out with a close friend. The last person she expected to see here, at a Marine ball of all places, was Captain Trafalgar Law.
Truth be told, she barely recognized him with his wiry hair slicked back and his elegant navy suit, tailored beautifully to his tall, trim figure. With his tattooed hands covered by dark dress gloves, he looked the very image of a gentlemen.
She quickly downed the wine glass, coughed a bit at the sharp taste in her throat, and quickly grabbed another one from a passing tray.
It wasn’t so much his appearance that upset her though. Seeing him was always a rare pleasure, a secret treat to visually enjoy. It was who accompanied him, clinging to his arm so possessively, that made the sweet bubbly turn sour on her tongue.
Siobhan Weathersby, that prissy little princess, made it clear to every lady in the room that he was her escort. Not that she’d ever believe a word out of her mouth, but maybe there was some truth to the statement. Law was uncharacteristically attentive, far from his usual aloof self. He wasn’t exactly smiling but he appeared pleasant and engaged in trivial conversation. It was disgusting to watch, but more than that, she was disturbed by how easily he played the social part. The man she knew wasn’t one to posture and make small talk with anyone, for any reason. His silence made his few words golden to the ear but also sincere in sentiment. She didn’t like this version of him, not at all.
She flinched at the sound of his light chuckle and was determined to not let him further ruin her night. There was more to do here at this party than just standing around, and she was going to enjoy the distraction. She set the glass aside and walked along the side of the room towards the exit. A hand on her waist swiftly turned her around. She held up a hand to protest but was hugged close to the man all the same. Her raised hand came up to stop the approaching lips of Captain Burghardt.
“Oh come now, my dear, we mustn’t refuse tradition,” he whined as he pointed out the mistletoe that hung overhead in a big, beautiful display. His flushed face grinned greedily at the prospect, but she rolled her eyes in turn.
“You’re not drunk enough to possibly mistake me for your wife, Captain,” she said dismissively as she pried herself free.
He cringed at the mention of his old lady, and she easily slipped away into the crowd which surged by the doorway. The orchestra was playing the lively start of a popular folksong of this island. She was relieved that it wasn’t a slow song and readily joined into the dancing throng. Despite the height of her heels, she was light on her feet. She was soon joined by an old friend, a classroom chum during her early education. He grinned from ear to ear in his familiarly roguish way as he took her by the hand and spun her about. He was as charming as ever and the perfect distraction.
By the songs end, she was breathless but with a smile upon her face once again. He kissed the top of her hand with a playful wink. “I won’t keep you long, my lady. No doubt your escort is close by, but please save one more dance for me later this evening.”
Her smile faltered somewhat but she nodded and withdrew her hand. She hadn’t come with an escort, not in the traditional sense anyway. But she hadn’t seen her friend in a while, and she wasn’t naïve enough to go looking for her either. No doubt she was up to her ears in cloakroom shenanigans with the beau she’d been forbidden to be seen with.
She withdrew to the side of the room, content to slip into the shadows. There was something cozy about the darkness, a sense of security even. For now, she was content to watch the scene play out before her. Disengaged from all pretenses, the solitude felt peaceful. Her expression relaxed, almost serenely, as she felt her angst begin to ease.
Long fingers slipped in-between her own, tentatively interlocking. This contact was cautious, not forceful, and she found herself curious. She turned to see a pair of golden eyes gleaming down at her. Trafalgar Law towered over her with a hint of a smirk. He raised a finger to his lips as he took a step back, tugging her towards him. She followed without question as he led the way. She didn’t know where but also didn’t care either. Anywhere with the Pirate Captain was where she wanted to be.
He pushed a door open and pulled her inside. Not even bothering to turn on the light, he wrapped one arm low across her waistline. He took hold of her chin as he angled his mouth to meet hers. “At last,” he whispered just before his lips claimed hers.
This…was very unexpected. She was surprised by his forwardness, even if she was secretly thrilled by it. She warred within, unsure of his intentions, even as his hand began to wander. She trembled against him, but she trusted him. She did, she knew she did, even when he would break her heart.
Law tugged slightly at the pearl strands at the back of her dress, letting them slide along his fingers, all three hundred and twenty of them. He had counted each one habitually as his gaze kept returning. He couldn’t help himself, no matter how discreetly. But he’d resented the openly, lustful leering of the gentlemen around her, and loathed the one who had the nerve to adjust the front of his trousers. Thankfully, she had been in too much of a terrible sulk to have noticed.
He hadn’t expected to see her here, but really, he should have known it was a possibility. She had the connections, but she looked so out of place at such a party. She shined best in solitude, when appearances didn’t matter, and titles were meaningless.
He also didn’t realize just how much he’d missed her. How long had it been since he’d seen her? He couldn’t remember, but it’d been even longer than he’d had the opportunity to touch her. He relished the faint whimper she breathed against him as he deepened the kiss. He’d nearly forgotten the taste of her sweet mouth and it tasted even better than tonight’s vintage champagne.
She wrapped her arms around his neck as she finally kissed him back. This slight surrender on her part was unexpected as well. He allowed himself a few more reckless seconds in her embrace, with some selfish fondling of her curves for good measure too. The way she eagerly pawed at him pleased him, but it wouldn’t do to get completely carried away here. He chuckled softly as he stepped back, taking hold of her hands to stop her. He brought them up to his lips with one last kiss. “Sure beats a kiss under the Mistletoe, doesn’t it?”
She blinked slowly at the mention but then her expression darkened. “You’re just a stupid drunk, aren’t you?” She accused. “Mistaking me for your---”
“I could never mistake you for the likes of her,” he scoffed bitterly in turn. “It’s just business as usual, Ash.”
“And what am I then? Hmm?” She continued to challenge as she got right in his face. Damn, she was too fearless for her own good.
“My secret treasure,” he smoothly asserted as he lightly tasted her lips once more.
She reddened at that and shoved him back for good measure. “You really are drunk! Now get lost already before I turn you in to security!”
He smirked at that. “You’ve made up your mind so soon then? Now that’s a real shame.” He said off-handedly as he turned to leave the room. The door clicked softly behind him, leaving her alone to fume at his nerve.
She stood there, glaring at the door with tight fists and clenched teeth. The nerve of that man! How dare he get so handsy with her in the first place! She was determined to leave this all behind her and forget the party altogether. She stormed out of the room, past startled guests on her way towards the exit. Around the corner she stumbled her friend, her cheeks pink with a silly smile on her face. It wasn’t clear if she was intoxicated or just really pleased with herself, but she caught hold of her friend’s arm. “Hey now, what’s your hurry? You’re not leaving already, are you?”
Ash glared at her but paused as she noticed her friend’s gaze drop down to her cleavage. That…was definitely unusual. She giggled as she reached out to tap on something sticking out of it. “I guess I can’t blame you when you got a better invite.”
Ash looked down to see something peeking out from just under her collar. She pulled it out, marveling at the mystery as she turned it over in her hand. It was a dark green, metal key with the number B27 engraved. She blinked slowly as she stared at it, then her face flushed red as she realized what it was…and just who had put it there in the first place.
Her friend laughed as she gently pushed her out the door. “Just go for it, Ash!”
She stumbled a little bit on the concrete outside and turned to see her friend wink as she closed the door. She shivered slightly at the chill on her skin, as she hugged the key close to her racing heart. She frowned as she considered such an impossibility. A wild night in the bed of a cold-blooded pirate was certainly tempting; but such recklessness belonged to those shiftless souls of the Grand-Line. Not to mention that one night wouldn’t be enough to satisfy her selfish craving for his elusive heart. Her natural insecurity began to undermine her thoughts. She despised Siobhan, but knew that most of that was based in petty jealousy. She was beautiful, effortlessly so even. No doubt she’d offer her faultless body up to him, so why would he settle for her when he clearly had better? Her expression crumbled as she wondered if perhaps this was nothing more than an accident made by hasty hands.
Law watched her stew from his perch on the rooftop. Siobhan had been quite handsy upon his return, eager to pull him towards the Mistletoe. His gentle redirection wasn’t working like before, so he made his excuses to leave early. He just had to get out of there before his temper blew his cover. Not to mention, the very thought of Ash waiting for him in his bed made him impatient to leave.
He was surprised to find her just standing there, and he scowled down at the sight. She was just staring down at the key, turning it over and over in her hand. Seriously, what was a holdup? Sure, he’d been impulsive to slip her his hotel key, but he didn’t think she’d still keep him waiting.
Perhaps she needed a little more persuading…
He smirked at the challenge as he tugged on his stiff collar to loosen it. His nimble fingertips unbuttoned his shirt midway, letting his tie come undone in the process. He wrapped the silk tie around his palms, grinning wickedly, before he jumped.