Summary: Kagome wears many hats: a schoolteacher by day, a dancer by night, and a sometimes vigilante crime fighter for hire. Through her jobs she meets former police officer, Sesshoumaru and struggles to keep her lives separate. Though they met by chance, Kagome and Sesshoumaru's lives intertwine as a mad man wreaks havoc on their loved ones' lives. Chaos ensues as secrets unravel.

Tease

"Alright boys, we all know why we're here!" Koga roared above the crowd in the strip club, "As of tomorrow, Sesshoumaru loses his freedom."

The four men raised their glasses to the toast. Miroku chuckled, "You know Koga, the adoption is only being finalized; it's not like Sesshoumaru is getting married."

"Whenever you bring a girl in your life, you lose your freedom, trust me. It doesn't matter what age they are."

Sesshoumaru shook his head before taking a swig of his drink. He glanced at his surrounding and bit back a sneer. The strip club was dimly lit and the nearby fog machines clouded his vision slightly. Every so often, a bolstering laugh would resound from the nearby VIP table with scantily clad women echoing the laughter. His eyes shifted back to his group of friends. Miroku and Naraku sat across from him in their plush booth, looking over drink options while Koga sent wolf whistles to some waitresses walking by the group. Koga and Miroku had encouraged him to come out to celebrate the formal adoption of his daughter, Rin. He'd expected a dinner or perhaps going to a bar, but never a strip club. At least Naraku had persuaded the men to pick one of the least sleazy clubs. Sesshoumaru sighed. He was out of his element and it was becoming increasingly evident that he was only an excuse for his friends to hit the town.

"What is it?" Naraku asked.

The red eyed man regarded his friend with a bemused grin.

"I don't understand the purpose of this gathering."

Naraku chuckled, "Lighten up, Sesshoumaru. Have a little fun tonight. I'm sure it's been a while."

Sesshoumaru sent a mild glare to the man and focused his sights on the stage. A brunette was bending over to the howls of a few regulars. She flipped her hair and snapped up a couple singles from a hooting male. She blew him a kiss and picked up the rest of her cash. Sesshoumaru scowled.

"Ah, why do you have to make that face? This is a nice place. Just pick a girl and we'll get you a lap dance," Koga coerced.

Sesshoumaru scanned the choice of girls, but none stood out to him. A few voices rose above the crowd, drawing the man's attention.

"Stop it! Touching the girls is prohibited!" an elfish looking blond protested.

One of the patrons, a plump older man with greased black hair and swollen, cracked lips, wrapped his arm around the young woman. He was grinning profusely as another hand made it's way down to cup her behind.

The woman pushed him back, earning her a slap in return. "Listen here, whore," the patron began, "I paid a lot of money to be a VIP here and I can touch who I want, however I want!"

"This is why I hate these places. It always brings out the scum," Sesshoumaru muttered.

He made a move to stand, but before he could another waitress blocked his path and made a beeline for the man.

"Hey, you need to leave. I won't allow you to lay another finger on any of these girls," the mystery woman said coolly.

The man sized her up and smirked. "Do you know who I am? I'm Hikoru Satsutura. I could buy you if I wanted."

The waitress, a petite woman with inky black waves and piercing cobalt eyes, laughed haughtily, "I don't care if you're the Prime Minister of Japan, get the hell out! Oh and just so you know, there's no way you could ever afford me."

The black-haired woman turned to her fellow waitress and inspected the bruise forming on her cheek. "You should go in the back and put some ice on that, Ami. I'm sure the owner wouldn't mind if you left early either."

By now, most of the crowd was watching the standoff and quite a few were having a laugh at Hikoru's expense. As the waitress ushered Ami away, Hikoru yanked the woman back by her wrist.

"Just stay out of it, bitch, and get us some space!"

The woman fumed and yanked out of Hikoru's grip. "Oh you want some space?"

The waitress grabbed the man by the collar of his shirt and flung him over her shoulder. Hikoru yelled in shock before landing with a roll.

Sesshoumaru's eyes widened, 'Now that's new.'

Sesshoumaru took in the girl more appreciatively. She was pretty, as expected from all the girls there. She had ivory skin, flushed red from all the attention she was receiving, and plump pink lips. She had curves in all the right places, accented by her skin tight black dress that ended around her upper thighs. She racked her fingers through her thick hair and sighed. A couple bouncers broke through the crowd and escorted the man out.

"Thank you, Mai. I don't know what I would do without you here to help me," the blonde gushed.

The girl referred to as Mai nodded with a grin. "It's fine I'm always glad to help."

The head bouncer returned to the two women with the owner of the club.

"Mai, what the hell is going on? You picking fights with my best customers again?"

The ebony haired girl folded her arms, indignant. "I was picking a fight? Please, I was protecting the girls you and your bouncers are supposed to protect!"

The owner, Sai, rolled his eyes and pulled Mai closer. "Listen, I know you have this whole tough guy, tomboy thing and you think it's cute. Sweetheart, I gotta tell you, it ain't sexy to see a girl flinging around guys and all I sell is sexy."

Sai glanced at Ami and inspected her cheek. "Ami, go change out. You could use a day in bed."

Ami offered a small smile and a nod before heading to the back. Sai turned back to Mai.

"Now, I actually like you, but you need to remember to put the customer's needs over your own. Flirt a little, play with your hair, shake your ass, I don't care; just keep them happy."

Sai left and Mai went to retrieve some drinks when the bouncer blocked her.

Mai placed a hand on her hip. "Excuse me, Jouga. I need to get back to work."

"You need to watch that little mouth of yours," Jouga countered.

"I don't need this today," said Mai brushing pass Jouga.

Jouga was broad man with decent looks, but way too dense and irritable to catch the eye of Mai. As of late he'd taken to using a more aggressive approach. Jouga gripped both of Mai's wrists and pushed her against the wall. Mai squirmed against him.

"What the hell are you doing you creep?" Mai gritted out.

"First you turn me down in front of all the guys and now you're doing my job as bouncer? You tryna make me look real bad, Mai. I think you need to say sorry and I think I know how."

Jouga pressed himself against the girl, laying kisses on her neck. Mai broke free, sending a knee into Jouga's groin. As he keeled over, Mai pushed past him and tried to lose her aggressor in the crowd. Sesshoumaru glanced over and frowned. He watched the young woman dart around the customers looking frenzied. She ran past his booth. Jouga followed her in a rage.

"You little bitch. Wait until I catch you!"

As Jouga plowed through the crowd, Sesshoumaru kicked out his foot and tripped the man. Jouga toppled over and skidded into a nearby booth. Mai looked over her shoulder and locked eyes with Sesshoumaru. She offered a slight smile and mouthed a thank you before disappearing backstage. Jouga stood up and turned back to Sesshoumaru.

"Don't make me mess up that face of yours, pretty boy," Jouga threatened.

"Your voice irritates me. Leave," Sesshoumaru countered.

Jouga stomped over and pulled Sesshoumaru up by his collar, "Why don't you say that to my face? I was gonna get that slut, but I have time to pound on you too!"

Koga stood up with a glare. "Hey shut up! You don't know who you're messing with here."

Sesshoumaru gripped the bouncer's wrist and tore Jouga's hand away from his collar. He pulled Jouga's hand behind his back and slammed him onto the table.

"Reconsider your threat and leave my presence. Otherwise I'll be forced to arrest you."

Sesshoumaru flashed his badge at the eye level of the bouncer before yanking him off the table. Jouga stumbled back and cradled his bruised wrist with a glare at the men. After a short staring match, Jouga resigned and retreated back to the front door, mumbling obscenities.

"That was a surprising display, Sesshoumaru," replied Naraku with knowing eyes.

"I'll say," Miroku chimed in, "You even pulled your badge out on the guy. What got you so riled up?"

"I only have a few more days to make use of this badge before I am relieved from the force. I wanted to make good use of my time," Sesshoumaru answered coolly.

The silver haired man sat down and took a long swig of his drink. His eyes fixed themselves on the door that strange waitress had gone through.

"If you want a night with her, I'll arrange it," said Naraku.

Koga watched the two exchange looks, confused. "Wait who? Someone actually caught this ice prince's eye?"

Miroku caught on with a wide grin and let out a jovial laugh. "That raven haired beauty, right? That guy was chasing her I presume and you stepped in."

Sesshoumaru didn't answer, but glanced at the backstage door again. Koga caught on and grinned.

"That's what I'm talking about! Let's end this night right!"

Naraku smirked and stood up.

"Where are you going?" Sesshoumaru asked.

"Don't worry; you don't need to thank me," was the man's response.

Naraku spotted Sai socializing at a nearby booth and approached him. The two men spoke and though they were too far to hear, Sesshoumaru knew he was their topic of conversation from Naraku's gestures. Sai nodded a few times and headed into the back. Naraku returned to the group and picked up his drink.

"Let's go. The owner has prepared a private room for a dance."

Miroku was up in an instant, not needing a greater explanation. Sesshoumaru rose slowly, conflicted on how to feel. Part of him wanted the night to finish and another part of him was filled with an almost giddiness, a feeling he hadn't had since he was a child.

The four men stepped into a small room. In the room was a couch and a few chairs all facing a platform that served as a stage with a pole in the center. Sesshoumaru sat in the centered seat when he heard the doorknob turn and two female voices filled the room.

"Alright, the entertainment's here!" Miroku swooned.

Mai walked up with a woman named Eri smiling bashfully behind her. Mai wore a prominent scowl, directed at Miroku.

"I'm not your entertainment," the young woman spat. She turned to Sesshoumaru and her eyes softened slightly, "Actually, I just came to tell you I don't do lap dances."

Koga folded her arms, "If you aren't even gonna dance, why did you come here anyway?"

Mai ignored him. Her eyes remained focused on the silver haired man before her.

"I saw what you did for me and I thought I at least owed it to you to tell you in person. Eri here though is built similarly to me. She's a great dancer and has agreed to give you guys a private show."

Koga shrugged his shoulders, "A show's a show, right Sesshoumaru?"

Naraku fixed his eyes on the new girl expectantly and Miroku didn't mind either way. Mai smiled at the girl and was about to leave when Sesshoumaru spoke.

"No."

Mai cocked a brow at the man, "Excuse me?"

"No. I don't want this other woman," Sesshoumaru reiterated.

Miroku's face fell, "Aww come on, don't be difficult, Sesshoumaru."

Kagome frowned, "Eri is the only girl available so if you don't choose her, you don't get a dance."

"I didn't choose her. I want you," Sesshoumaru answered without skipping a beat.

Miroku saw the pained expression on Eri's face and turned to Sesshoumaru, "Don't be mean, Sesshoumaru. I'm sure Eri will perform beautifully." He flashed a smile at her and she blushed.

Sesshoumaru glanced in the pair's direction, "Have her entertain you then."

He focused his attention on Mai once more. Mai fumed, placing a hand on her hip.

"You're so arrogant! I told you I don't offer lap dances."

"What do you offer then?" Sesshoumaru asked.

Mai smirked, "Nothing, but drinks and good conversation."

Sesshoumaru returned the smirk, "Then that is my request from you."

"You want to use your lap dance money just to talk to me?"

Sesshoumaru nodded and stood, "Is there a location more suited for that task?"

Mai's eyes burrowed and she eyed Sesshoumaru suspiciously. The girl exchanged a look with Eri who just shrugged.

"You've had stranger requests, Mai," Eri added.

Mai huffed and contemplated Sesshoumaru's demand, "Fine if you want to talk, we don't need another room. We'll sit at the couch, then you won't miss the show."

The last line Mai uttered with a twinge of disgust, but Sesshoumaru decided not to comment on it.

The two moved over to a plush couch tucked in the corner of the room. Mai sat, nearly hugging her body to the arm of the couch.

"You're trying to sit as far as you physically can from me," Sesshoumaru noted, slightly amused.

"I'm sure your used to others fawning over you, but sorry I'm not that type of girl," retorted the girl.

She folded her arms and turned her body away. After hearing a small chuckle, she glanced back over to the man.

"What is it? What's so funny?"

"You really are interesting. You're by far one of the most baffling women I've met. You work at a place where your main objective is to flirt and pleasure others, yet you operate as if it is the opposite."

Mai's mouth was fixed on an angry pout. She saw the gleam behind Sesshoumaru's eyes and a small smile escaped her lips.

"Don't tease me."

Sesshoumaru smirked. "So your name is Mai? I believe that's for the other girl called you."

"That's what I'm called, and you're Sesshoumaru. What did you want to talk about?"

"That was an impressive throw earlier. I don't know many people, much less a woman, with that upper body strength," commented Sesshoumaru.

Mai beamed at the compliment, "I do strength training regularly."

"It shows," Sesshoumaru said with a grin. He admired the girl again.

"So," Mai asked, "any special reason for this outing? Getting married? Getting Divorced? Birthday?"

"Adopting actually."

Mai straightened up, interested, "That's a new one. Are you joking?"

"Humor is the least developed aspect of my character."

Mai laughed. The sound was sweet like spun sugar to Sesshoumaru. She sat a little closer to him with a soft smile.

"Why did you decide to adopt? It's a big decision."

Sesshoumaru shifted comfortably, "I was an officer. I received a call about a little girl being abused. She was removed from the home and placed in foster homes while her guardians underwent a trial, but she kept running away. I always found her and we became close. After her guardians were convicted, I saw the opportunity to adopt her and took it. It will be finalized tomorrow."

Mai's cobalt eyes shone at his story.

"Wow," she breathed, "you're definitely one of the good ones, a rare breed. I want to do that, adopt I mean."

"Really?" Sesshoumaru didn't know if she was just making conversation or serious.

"Yes, that's actually why I'm here. I'm a teacher by trade. I love the work, but I don't make enough to pay all the fees associated with adoption."

"You're a teacher?" He tried not to show it, but he was astonished. She was literally most boys' wet dreams. On top of that, she looked so young to teach.

Mai smirked, "You don't have to look so shocked, Sesshoumaru. Most of the women here have respectable day jobs. Eri over there is getting her Master's. Sadly, being smart doesn't pay nearly as much as being sexy so here we are. It's not like this place is anyone's first choice."

Sesshoumaru nodded. Kagome continued, "Still, at least the money is good."

"Where do you teach?" the older man asked.

Mai laughed again, "Oh no, that's too personal. I don't need my two lives merging."

"Fair enough."

The club owner walked in, "Hey Mai, your next client is here."

Sesshoumaru frowned, "I thought you didn't give lap dances."

Mai stood, "Sometimes I make exceptions."

His frown deepened, "I see."

Mai smiled down at him, "Wait here one moment."

Mai left the room and reemerged moments later with a sum of money and a note. She handed both items to Sesshoumaru. He took them, puzzled.

"I'm not gonna charge you; I liked talking to you. Spend that on your little girl."

Sesshoumaru pocketed the money with a smile, "What's this paper then?"

Mai grinned wickedly, "I'm making an exception for you. Call or text that number for your private dance and I mean private. Just for you, not your friends."

The club owner shouted for her again. Mai sighed.

"Sorry, cutie. Work calls. Eri'll finish your night off well though."

Mai left, blowing the man a kiss.

"Damnit, girl. You better be worth all this waiting."

"I assure you, this is worth the wait, Mr. Genoka" Mai retorted coyly. She wore a schoolgirl's uniform, per his instruction.

She moved with a feline grace, a sultry sway in her hips as she glided to him. Languidly, her hands drifted down the sides of her body, caressing her curves with soft moans. She teased him, brushing her fingertip against the hem of her skirt. Slowly Mai bent over, showing off her black thong.

"Shit, Mai," Mr. Genoka grinned.

"No, Kagome," the woman said softly.

"What?"

Kagome straddled her client. She untied her red ribbon and wrapped it around his neck. She tighten it dangerously around the older man.

"My name isn't Mai, it's Kagome and you aren't Mr. Genoka."

The man paled and pushed the girl off him. Kagome retaliated with a kick to his head. The fake Mr. Genoka fell back, unconscious. Kagome rooted through his pockets, finding his phone.

"Gotcha."

She delivered another kick to the man, this time in the stomach. She tucked the phone away and pulled out her own.

"Ok Bankotsu, I have the phone. Meet me outside."

She slipped out the dance room, barely acknowledging the other dancers as she ended her shift.