Chapter 6 - A Dangerous Desire

Kade's eyes widened as he heard what the contract was. So it wasn't just a deal to make him drop the case, it was a form of control, one he couldn't take back. 

"At first, I only wanted you to keep your mouth shut about the case, but it seems like you're too stubborn to do so," Dante explained, confirming Kade's suspicions.

Dante glared at Kade. "The debt you're in can't be paid back. You'll stay here."

Kade was speechless. He had no clue how to take this in. He just stared with those wide ruby eyes of his, his jaw almost on the floor.

Dante walked over to stand directly in front of Kade, reaching down to grab his chin and tilt his head up.

"Do you regret it?" He asked, his voice deep.

...

"The case. Do you?" He added, tightening his grip a little.

"No." Kade finally replied, not giving up even now. "I have no regrets. And what you're doing only proves it further."

The room was silent for a few seconds before a cold laughter filled the room. "You think you can make an impact? Fine. Let's play." Dante then let go, stepping back and turning to leave the room.

As Dante turned his back, Kade could see the blood seeping through the bandages, knowing that he had been the cause.

He clenched his hands into fists, determined to win the sick game between them.

6 pm, dinner time.

Kade was sitting across from Dante, a plate of food in front of each of them. It was a simple plate of mashed potatoes and some dry chicken. Kade glanced down at it, and then up at Dante.

Kade was dressed in the same boring clothes, just a sweater and plain pants while Dante had taken on a tailored suit.

"Is this all you ever eat?" 

At Kade's words, Dante looked up, his deep eyes meeting the detective's.

"No, that would be quite dull, wouldn't it? You should be grateful that I even considered inviting you down to eat with me."

Dante took a bite of the chicken, chewing on it. 

"I wouldn't call it an invitation when I was forced."

Dante put his fork down.

"Eat your food, Kade."

Kade raised his eyebrow, not used to being addressed by his name, especially not by someone like Dante.

"Sure, Dante."

Kade then took a forkful of mashed potatoes, bringing it to his lips. He expected it to be gross but found it to be surprisingly filling in flavor.

As he ate, Dante watched him from across the table, his intense eyes following his every movement. He found it almost endearing.

Dante put his utensils down. "You seem much more compliant. Did you finally realize that disobedience is a waste of time?"

Kade looked up, his mouth full of mashed potatoes. He swallowed quickly. "It's not a waste, I'm just hungry." He replied, cutting a piece of the chicken.

"I can see that." Dante mused, not even hiding his gaze, he didn't care if Kade noticed. "And here I thought you didn't like the food."

Kade swallowed the bit of chicken, a bitter smile on his lips.

"It tastes better when I don't think about the circumstances."

Kade continued to eat for a while, Dante eventually joining in. The moment was rather domestic, even if the circumstances were one of a kind.

After finishing the food, a servant came in and took the plates. Only then did Kade look up and speak. "It's weird how you go from threatening to whatever this is."

Dante smirked in response. "Even though you stabbed me in the back, quite literally, it's not like I won't feed you." He spoke, fixing his sleeve. "I can't have you starving, it'll just make you hate me more."

Kade nodded. "True." He agreed although he was still planning an escape.

After dinner, Kade walked up to his bedroom again, although Dante stepped in behind him and closed the door. 

"Kade," 

Kade paused, turning around to face Dante, realizing that he had been standing behind him. "What is it?"

Dante shook his head, standing right in front of Kade and looking down at him with that deep gaze of his.

His fingers twitched a bit as he wanted to reach out... but decided against it.

He stepped closer to Kade, backing him against the wall. The room filled with tension as their eyes met. Dante's head lowered near the crook of Kade's neck, breathing in his scent.

...

"Excuse me?"

With that, Dante realized what he was doing and his head whipped up. 

"...Nevermind, sorry." 

He turned his heel and left the room, closing the door behind him as he left. Kade watched him leave, feeling a mixture of confusion and slight irritation.

Dante knew he had developed a rather... dangerous desire.