Dale is a 23-year-old university student working on his thesis. Fortunately, rather than having to endure the interruptions and distractions at university, his “Uncle” Tom has invited Dale to stay with him at Walton Manor. In the countryside he has plenty of space, almost continual silence, and a butler to cater to his every whim. Dale and Tom have always had a mutual admiration for each other, and now they have the chance to explore this attraction. Yet Dale doesn’t count on falling in love with Dominic, the muscular Italian employed as Tom’s gardener. Despite his feelings for Tom, Dale can’t help the fact that the more he sees Dominic, the more attracted he is. Unfortunately, Tom is a jealous man. Even worse, he reveals a hitherto unseen sadistic side, which frightens Dale. One night Tom’s jealousy boils over, and Dale finds himself punished for his feelings for Dominic. From then on, Dale’s tranquil existence at Walton Manor is permanently shattered. Once things are set in motion, they are impossible to stop. After a final confrontation between Dominic and Tom, Dale discovers the most shocking truth of all.

The Human Cage

“I’m making a sandwich,” he replied innocently. “You want one too?”


His uncle regarded him from the doorway and then walked up to the bench.


Dale slammed the knife down on the cutting board and looked at his uncle.


“Why the hell do you want to know? What if I told you I was on the toilet?


Dale snorted. “Don’t tell me you’ve been spying on me because if that’s the case, I’m going to pack my things. I appreciate your generosity, but I don’t have to put up with your paranoia. You and I have finished. You made sure of that.”


“Don’t say that,” said Tom, his eyes full of pleading. “You don’t know how sorry I am. I know I can be a bit jealous sometimes, a bit controlling, but it was all for love. Let’s just try again. Please?”


Dale looked into Tom’s eyes. He wanted so much to give Tom what he wanted, but he couldn’t. It just wasn’t there.


Chapter 30