Thanks a Latte by Sereia

Chapter 1

Kagome hid her wince as the bell chimed. She'd installed it so she could work in the back of the café but still know when customers arrived, allowing her extra time to prep pastries and muffins.

Ever since he'd shown up, she'd hated the sound of it.

At first, it had only been after the lunch rush. She'd thought he ran his own business, granting himself a later lunch to avoid the crowds, but after he'd showed up with colleagues, his roving eyes and lewd comments made her that much more uncomfortable.

And now he showed up every day at random times, so her hackles went up in disgust every time the bell rang on the off chance he was the person walking through the door.

He'd started off asking her for a date, going as far as to describe exactly what they'd do together, but the jeers had quickly turned malicious as she continued to turn him down. She'd put in a report to the police, but the only witnesses were the other men who accompanied him, and he'd stated outright that they were reliable backup.

She didn't want to think about the deeper meaning of that statement, especially when he'd returned to the group and nudged them all, their smiles turning into lecherous smirks when she'd been caught staring.

Kouga had been nice enough to walk her home when he could, but it was getting more difficult with Sango being in her final trimester, and she couldn't keep stealing him away when he was needed at home.

She'd bought herself a taser just in case, but so far, the only interactions she'd had with the vile slug were within the walls of her café. Maybe he was married and didn't want his wife to find out he was hitting on someone else, though she shuddered at the thought he was married to anyone.

Hedoro Mukotsu was a weasel of a man, standing no higher than four feet, but had all the arrogance of someone twice that size. She'd offered him a smile the first time he'd ordered an espresso, and he'd been smitten ever since.

Smitten was a far less severe definition of his grotesque obsession, but it was the word he kept using, so it had stuck in her brain. And he reminded her of it every chance he got.

"My dear, how lovely it is to see you again."

Kagome stiffened, and she took a deep breath, slowly turning around. "Good afternoon. What can I get you today?"

Mukotsu's beady eyes narrowed. "Must we resort to formalities? There's no one else here—"

"Either order something or leave," she cut in, keeping the register between them. She didn't trust him as far as she could throw him, and there wasn't enough money in the world to even get her to touch him.

He sighed and leaned over the counter, his suit bunching around his shoulders. "But I came to see you."

She stifled a shudder. "I never asked you to." Glancing around, she was chagrined to realize he'd been right about there being no one else around, and she wasn't about to keep him company, so she turned away, intending to work on the inventory list.

His reflexes were quicker than anticipated, and he grabbed her wrist before she could escape. "I've been nothing but kind to you. Why do you always spurn my advances?"

She yanked her hand away, resisting the urge to wipe it on her apron. "Because you won't listen. I've already told you—"

He waved her off with stubby fingers. "Yes, yes, so you've said. But I've yet to see this mysterious boyfriend of yours in here." He smirked, ogling her again. "Seems to me like he's not fulfilling your needs. Now, if you were mine—"

Kagome crossed her arms. "He's busy with work. As you should be." She kept herself against the other counter—and out of reach.

He glared at her as he stroked his tie, then smirked. "It's not nice to lie to your customers. I know he doesn't exist. You have no reason to deny me an evening in your company. I'd be more than willing to walk you home today."

Panic seized her, and she pointed to the display of books sitting next to the register. "That's him. He's got a deadline, so he hasn't been able to see me lately." A wave of daring grabbed her. "But I've told him all about you."

His eyes flickered toward the black and white headshot, and she saw him hesitate. Taisho Sesshoumaru wasn't a household name in the fiction industry—yet—but his popularity grew with each novel he released, and the final installment in his series was rumoured to break records.

He actually frequented the café, though he kept to himself, sitting in the back corner every Friday working on what she assumed was his book. Silver hair tied back under a dark cap, amber eyes fixated on his computer screen from 9:00 am to 2:45 pm. He hadn't said more than his order each time, and a soft grunt was all that ever followed her questions about refills.

She enjoyed his books, though. So when she'd first realized who he was, she'd offered to set up a mini-display for customers. The look he'd given her told her how often he received such a request without payment, but she'd assured him all the proceeds would be e-transferred to him on the spot.

Kouga was a wiz with computers and had set up a separate QR code for people to use if they wanted to buy his book. She hadn't sold more than five in the last month, but it was an excellent conversation starter.

With the customers, that is. He hadn't spoken to her since, content to plunk away at his computer while the bustle of patrons moved around him. If she'd been busier, she would've been pissed he'd taken up a table for so long, but most of her clientele took their orders to go, so she hadn't cared how long he stayed.

The door chimed again, and she nearly sagged with relief as a large group of college students filtered in, arms full of textbooks. Most of them settled around a table while one of the males sidled up behind Mukotsu, looking at his phone before confirming their order over his shoulder.

Kagome raised her chin at the unwanted guest, and she could see him weighing his options, but he eventually bowed, eyes gleaming with dark promise. "Until we meet again, my dear." Then he shuffled out of the café, and she was glad to have the distraction of a long list of caffeinated beverages and their corresponding snacks.

..::**::..

Wringing her hands together, Kagome approached Taisho's table two days later. He never wore any headphones, and as a daiyoukai, he was more than capable of sensing her approach, so she wasn't surprised when he raised his eyebrows in question. She'd only just refilled his cup, so there was no need to bother him, but Mukotsu was due at any minute, and she was desperate.

"Will you pretend to be my boyfriend today?" she blurted, cheeks heating as he continued to stare at her.

Amber eyes blinked twice, belying his shock, before he leaned back in his chair with a sigh. "Was this your ploy from the start?" He motioned toward the book display when she frowned in confusion, and her cheeks darkened.

"Of course not! I really do enjoy your books!" She bit her lip, anxiously looking out the large windows. "It's only for a few minutes. I need—" The bell chimed, the condescending, squeaky tone filtering in off the street, and she gave Taisho a pained smile. "I'm sorry," she whispered, then shifted her body behind him and wrapped her arms around his neck.

The author stiffened, claws raising to remove her, and she tightened her grip, a whispered plea stilling his hand as she plastered a smile on her face. She kept her eyes on his computer, words running together as she heard Mukotsu approach. "Shouldn't you be ready to greet me behind the counter?" he asked.

Kagome blinked, pretending to have just noticed him. "Oh! Sorry. I got distracted." She rubbed their cheeks together. "Don't leave without saying goodbye, okay?"

Mukotsu blocked her from leaving, giving Taisho a once-over before sneering at her. "You shouldn't be so familiar with someone you don't know, my dear. I doubt this man even knows your first name." Neither did he, because she'd adamantly refused to give it to him, but she wasn't about to admit to anything.

If Taisho played along, it might be enough to dissuade the businessman from coming around anymore.

But that was a big if.

She rolled her eyes, then kissed the daiyoukai's temple. "Let me know when you need a refill." She heard his sharp intake of breath and implored him to read the room—or at least the small space around his table.

"Are you actually going to order something today?" she asked, trying to push past him without physically touching him.

"Don't I always?" he retorted, not giving her any room. She didn't give in, forcing him back with the chair sitting opposite Taisho so she could get past him.

"No. You usually wear out your welcome very quickly. Not that you had any after your first visit," she muttered. She saw him shift out of the corner of her eye and tried to move out of the way. He was too close, the stench of his cologne clogging her senses and making her head spin. If he touched her, she might start gagging.

A hand shot out, nimble claws wrapping around the man's wrist and stopping him an inch from her elbow. Kagome wasn't sure who was more shocked, her or Mukotsu, but they both turned to Taisho, his eyes narrowed into a menacing scowl. "Desist in pestering my girlfriend, or I will break your legs," he said softly.

Mukotsu jerked away at the venom in his voice, but Taisho held fast, digging his claws into his flesh to make his point. "This is harassment!" he sputtered.

"Your definition is skewed," the author stated, waiting until he jerked again to let go, the man sprawling onto the floor. "The owner of this establishment has requested you leave her alone. Do so, or I will have the authorities escort you from the premises." His aura flared in warning, youki bathing the café floor, and she could've kissed him for the way Mukotsu scrambled backwards.

It was intimidating, to say the least, but it was enough to send the businessman scurrying out the door without even a backward glance. She strode quickly to the nearest window, making sure he'd really left, then turned around and gave the only remaining customer a grateful smile. "Thank you. He's been bothering me for over a month."

Taisho nodded curtly, and the air between them became strained. Kagome eventually snapped her fingers and motioned to the menu above the counter. "What can I get you? It's on me for that stellar performance."

He eyed her quietly, to the point where she had to stop herself from squirming, then glanced at the menu. "How fresh are your croissants?"

She brightened, almost skipping behind the counter. "I'll make a fresh batch!"

..::**::..

He was still here.

2:45 pm had come and gone, and now it was nearly closing time, but Taisho was still seated at his table, the remnants of the two croissants she'd gifted him next to his laptop, even though she'd cleared his plate away.

She'd offered him a bowl of the soup she'd made for the evening rush, but he'd silently refused, eyes not leaving his computer before she returned to her post behind the register. Unable to put it off any longer, she began her closing duties, doing a final sweep around the café before switching off the machines.

Taisho finally stirred, packing up his belongings and shrugging on his sweater before meeting her at the front door. He held it open for her, glancing around before doing the same. Kagome blushed as she set the alarm on her phone then turned the locks. "You didn't have to wait so long," she said. "You made a great first impression."

A pale eyebrow rose, followed by one shoulder in a careless shrug. "It would be rude of me not to walk my girlfriend home." He held out his hand before she could protest, looking at her expectantly.

Her blush only deepened. "There's no one around now—"

"Do couples normally require an audience on their outings?"

Was he serious? "No, but we're not a couple!"

His hand remained raised. "Did you not state such earlier today?"

Kagome groaned, covering her face. "There was a reason for that."

He chuckled softly, and her stomach clenched at the sound. "Regardless, you have stated the connection between us, and as your boyfriend, I am obligated to see you home safely." The side of his mouth curved up into a smirk. "Kagome."

Her jaw fell open, which only made him smirk more, and she lifted her chin. "It would serve you right if I made you wait all this time only to walk home alone," she said.

"But you will not," he challenged.

"Oh? And what makes you so sure?"

He caught her hand, lifting her knuckles to his lips. "Because, unlike the vermin you threw out earlier, you are a creature of honour." While Mukotsu's gaze had made her shudder in revulsion, Taisho's gaze made her shiver.

"Alright," she relented. If a soon-to-be-famous author was offering to walk her home, who was she to refuse?

He intertwined their fingers, the pad of his thumb rubbing the back of her hand as they fell in step together, and she snuck glances at him as they walked in silence.

Maybe there'd been a reason behind his long hours spent in the café besides work.