His morning awakening was starkly different - he sprung up in bed, pushing away Alexander's heavy hand from his chest. Alexander, lying next to him, opened a sleepy eye and murmured.

"It's still early. Why did you startle awake?"

He snuggled closer, whispering soothingly in Daniel's ear while gently stroking him.

"Did you have a bad dream? Your heart is racing."

"Why are you here?"

Daniel's mind quickly returned to the previous night, and a blush crept across his face as he felt the gentle touch of fingers tracing his chest in the dim light. The wine had been a mistake, especially combined with the banya; it had lowered his defenses completely.

"Because I want to be close to you," Alexander uttered sleepily, nestling into Daniel's neck.

Listening to the rhythmic cadence of Alexander's breathing, Daniel carefully slipped out of bed when he heard a soft sniffle from Alexander. In the darkness, he searched through the closet, avoiding the shower to prevent waking Alexander. After dressing quietly, he tiptoed into the living room. Tengiz was nowhere to be seen - his bedroom door stood open, revealing its emptiness. Presumably, he was stationed outside, guarding the perimeter.

Navigating automatically to the kitchen, Daniel drank some water and started the coffee machine. As he mindlessly watched the dark liquid fill his cup, the realization hit him: there was no guard present. Holding the cup, he cautiously approached the front door, peered through the peephole, and breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing no one outside.

Slipping on his jacket and shoes, Daniel carefully opened the door, looked around, and quietly made his way to the elevator. Running away would be futile; they would catch him quickly. Yet, he felt an overwhelming need to walk, to reflect on the events of the previous day. Luck was on his side - the guard in the parking lot seemed to be dozing in the tranquility of the early morning. Daniel crouched down, sprinted up the incline, slipped under the barrier, and emerged into the chilly embrace of the misty dawn.

He began walking slowly at first, then picked up speed, trying to escape the unpleasant memories.

He willingly sought kisses and embraces, craving warmth and affection. He chastised himself for foolishly getting drunk and turning their transactional exchange into something more intimate. The shame was unbearable, intensifying the painful recollections. Daniel shook his head, suppressing a whimper of embarrassment, avoiding eye contact with the few early risers - even they seemed to look at him with disdain.

He froze in place, realizing that dawn had fully broken. Moscow buzzed with activity, even on a Sunday, restless and full of energy. It was time to return. Daniel couldn't risk Alexander thinking he'd run off. The thought of how he'd react made Daniel flinch - Alexander was quick to anger and seek revenge. The guard in the booth stared at him in shock, his mouth agape, before hastily making a call.

"He's back! Yes, downstairs. Alone. I'll be right there," he said into the phone before hanging up and beckoning Daniel. "Come in quickly, they're waiting for you."

The hopes that the absence had gone unnoticed shattered instantly. Daniel made his way across the courtyard, warily glancing at the second guard who swiftly opened the door for him. He stepped into the elevator, heading up to the 7th floor. As he prepared himself mentally for a difficult conversation, he was abruptly yanked out of the elevator the moment the doors opened.

"Where were you?!" Alexander snapped, gripping him tightly and shaking him. Daniel, his gaze fixed on Alexander's shirt buttons near his throat, responded softly.

"Went out for a walk."

"A walk?" Alexander repeated, shaking him once more to meet his eyes. His face displayed a myriad of emotions, but he restrained himself from unleashing them on Daniel. He stated calmly, suppressing his feelings.

"Next time, let me or the guards know."

"You were all asleep," Daniel replied in a monotone, flinching as Alexander's firm grip hinted at bruises to come. "It hurts."

Alexander released him immediately, his expression shifting as he probably thought of the traumatic experiences in the zone. Daniel, shielding himself behind his long lashes, waited passively for what would come next, idly thinking that this could potentially work to his advantage. Here, he wouldn't be physically harmed, nor would he be reminded of past violence. That was a positive.

"I'll fire that incompetent asshole," Alexander declared into the silence. "What's the point of paying him if he sleeps on the job?" He then asked gently, "Are you hungry?"

"Yes," Daniel responded, rubbing his arms. Evidently, this gesture triggered Alexander's guilt, as he pulled Daniel close, rubbing him, and spoke soothingly.

"If you enjoy walking, go ahead. But you'll have some company - the guards will keep an eye on you. It's a pity you're up so early; I was hoping we'd cuddle. We could catch up after breakfast."

"I'd prefer to watch a movie or do something else," Daniel replied uneasily, reluctant to revisit the events of the previous day. If Alexander expected the same level of enthusiasm from Daniel today, sober and clear-headed, he was mistaken.

Alexander regarded him with a stoic expression, his demeanor unreadable, and finally said.

"Fine. We'll do as you wish."

Throughout the day, Daniel remained on edge, observing Alexander's calm demeanor with a mix of tension and resentment. Whenever their eyes met, Alexander would flash a warm smile, which Daniel would reluctantly return. Daniel's thoughts were consumed by a single determination: he wouldn't allow himself to be vulnerable again, to soften or give in emotionally. He'd comply with Alexander's demands, but he wouldn't give him the satisfaction of genuine connection.

Despite Daniel's apparent detachment, Alexander seemed unfazed. He cracked jokes, chuckled at his own humor without expecting Daniel to reciprocate, and shared anecdotes about the neighborhood and its history during their brief outings and meals. He didn't seem bothered when Daniel responded with brief, one-word answers to personal questions. Unlike before, Alexander didn't arrange any activities for them that day, which Daniel found somewhat disappointing. However, he did notice that Alexander's presence felt less oppressive in public spaces.

Instead of leading him to the bedroom, Alexander sprawled out on the couch in front of the TV and tapped on the couch for Daniel to join him. "Like a pet," Daniel thought wistfully as he sat down beside him, noting the distance between them.

As they watched Star Wars into the late afternoon, Daniel began to unwind. He shifted from sitting rigidly upright to a more relaxed, semi-reclined position and allowed Alexander to intertwine their fingers without pulling away. Absorbed in his own thoughts, Alexander absentmindedly massaged each of Daniel's fingers, seemingly lost in his own world rather than following the movie's plot. They were physically close yet mentally distant, a dynamic that Daniel found tolerable.

"I am not drinking," Daniel responded tersely when Alexander opened a bottle of red wine for dinner, which this time was delivered by the housekeeper, not the bodyguard.

"A superb coupage, Almaviva 1995," Alexander remarked, displaying the label before pouring the wine into glasses. "It would be a shame not to savor such a vintage. It has notes of berries and smoke, a truly unique combination. Go on, one glass won't hurt," he coaxed, wafting the glass under Daniel's nose to let him appreciate its aroma. Changing his tone, Alexander added, "You should loosen up a bit, Danny. It'll be easier for both of us if you adjust more quickly. Close your eyes."

"Why?" Daniel asked, eyeing the rich burgundy liquid swirling in the glass.

"You'll see. Please close them," Alexander's voice tinged with impatience as Daniel hesitated briefly before following through. Setting his glass down with a soft clink on the table, Alexander settled beside him, encircling Daniel's waist with his arms, and brought the rim of his own glass to his lips. He whispered, slightly irritated.

"Come on, Danny."

Daniel tasted a sip of the wine, which burst in his dry mouth with a berry-rich flavor. He swirled the liquid on his palate before swallowing.

"Can I open my eyes now?"

"Go ahead," Alexander responded, planting a noisy kiss on Daniel's ear before handing him the glass. "How do you find the blend?"

"I'm no wine connoisseur, but it's good," Daniel replied, taking another sip, attempting to discern the hinted smoke flavor, and shrugged nonchalantly.

"I can guide you through it," Alexander said with a smile, taking another sip from his glass. "How about some cheese?"

The glasses were discreetly refilled, but Daniel didn't object. The wine was undeniably delightful, casting a light, carefree ambiance over their tense conversation. It was tempting for Daniel to entertain the thought that Alexander might eventually become fully civilized, understanding that one cannot possess another person like a slave. Beneath the wine's tart berry notes, which artificially elevated the mood, it became somewhat easier to envision an alternative to their current torment. And through the gentle haze induced by the wine, Alexander appeared in a softer light, stripped of his previously perceived demonic qualities.

The kisses that followed the sips felt more genuine and natural. Once again enveloped in a pleasant haze, Daniel managed to suppress his reflexes and remain still. While he didn't actively engage in the kisses, he allowed himself to be kissed.

When Alexander gently led him to the bedroom, Daniel obeyed silently, his eyes filled with resignation. He was undressed swiftly, his skin met with the warmth of lips, gentle strokes, and firm squeezes, accompanied by Alexander's heavy and frequent breaths. Goosebumps dotted his skin, his breath caught from the intense sensations, and a suppressed yet undeniable desire grew within him.

As skilled fingers traced over sensitive areas, sending waves of pleasure coursing through him, Daniel found himself struggling to reconcile his reactions with the man who had caused him so much pain both mentally and physically. Amid the pleasant haze induced by alcohol and the tantalizing touch of lips and fingers, rational analysis became elusive.

"Look at me, Danny," Alexander whispered, positioning himself between Daniel's parted legs. "Look at me."

Daniel raised his eyes, his vision slightly blurred as he gazed at Alexander, who appeared flushed and glistening with a sheen of sweat. A sharp gasp escaped him when Alexander widened his stance further and took Daniel's cock into his mouth. The warmth and pressure of Alexander's mouth around the head, the deliberate motion of his tongue against the sensitive underside, overwhelmed Daniel with an intense wave of desire. Any lingering apprehension was consumed by this overpowering sensation.

As Alexander continued his attentive ministrations, Daniel's resistance waned. Wet fingers pressed against his entrance, slowly pushing in and stretching him in a way that was surprisingly arousing. A particular touch against an inner point sent shivers throughout his body, prompting him to thrust into the inviting warmth of Alexander's mouth. The urge to come was unbearable, and when it finally washed over him, it was with an intensity that left him shaking. Gasping for breath, Daniel, after a few erratic thrusts into Alexander's throat, collapsed onto the bed, his voiceless ecstasy echoing silently in the room.

"You're impatient," Alexander chuckled huskily, spitting to the side before positioning himself closer. "Now help me," he guided Daniel's somewhat weakened hand, still trembling from the intensity of the orgasm to his now slickened cock and eagerly resumed the kiss.

Daniel, still in a haze of post-orgasmic daze, found himself reciprocating the kiss, his hand instinctively sliding down Alexander's shaft. The sounds of pleasure from their shared intimacy reignited Daniel's arousal. Alexander rub against him, pressed into his fist, letting out a louder moan as his limp body flexed. With a sob, he came and buried his face in Daniel's damp neck, his hot breath warming the skin. As Daniel drifted into sleep, lulled by the gentle mumbling, his mind was blissfully empty.

After a challenging period, this tranquility was enough.

Waking up the next morning, he still basked in the serene calmness, refreshed by rest that hadn't entirely worn off. Alexander, the one who roused him, greeted him with a satisfied smile.

"Good morning, Danny. You seem more at ease today," Alexander said, planting a soft kiss on Daniel's nose, his breath carrying the scent of mint and coffee. "Did you rest well?"

"Morning," Daniel muttered, taking a moment to gauge his feelings. A strange calmness shrouded him, but deep down, an unsettling feeling hinted that he was losing himself. Perhaps this realization would become more prominent later, but for now, he chose to ignore it. The tranquility of the moment was too precious to dissect.

"I slept okay. How about you?"

"I sleep better when I'm with you," Alexander replied, gently brushing Daniel's brow where faint pink lines still lingered, remnants of past injuries that would soon fade away.

"Danny, I wish we could start anew. So, you wouldn't have stolen from me, and I wouldn't have had to react the way I did. We could have just started dating."

"I wish I could erase it all," the tranquil atmosphere shattered instantly. Daniel subtly shifted his head away, avoiding Alexander's touch. The weight of Alexander's fingers paused momentarily before repositioning.

"I didn't handle it well from the start. Danny, consider psychotherapy to heal your mind. You can pretend all you want, but I can see the fear in your eyes and how easily you're triggered into panic. I want you to be well," Alexander urged, gently pressing Daniel's cheek to meet his gaze. "I'll say it again: if I had been more composed back then, you wouldn't have ended up in prison. Every time I see you, especially when you're anxious, I regret it deeply."

"But you did," Daniel responded with a hint of sadness, locking eyes with Alexander's troubled gaze. "And because of that, I endured unimaginable horrors - repeated rapes, beatings, and came close to death multiple times. Now, I live in constant uncertainty, feeling trapped once again. In some ways, my situation has worsened, and the unknown terrifies me."

"You brought this upon yourself by stealing," Alexander said through clenched teeth. "How can you even compare! There are no bars..."

"There may not be steel bars," Daniel echoed, his voice filled with resignation. "But there are guards, barriers, and restrictions on living freely - working, making decisions, moving around. There's also the looming threat of another criminal case that could land me back in jail. And who knows, maybe you'll find a reason to throw me there again when you grow tired of me. Even if I doubt psychotherapy will truly help, I'm willing to try it since you've made it a condition. See? I'm willing to cooperate."

"I won't send you back to jail because, unlike you, I keep my promises," Alexander retorted, straightening up with taut cheekbones. "The case remains open only to ensure you don't flee the country. I get it, and I'll consider ways to grant you more freedom. I'm also willing to cooperate, Danny. You look pale," he softened his tone, leaning closer. "Please don't be anxious. I only brought it up because I want you to seek treatment. You can discuss anything with the therapist but avoid diving into the specifics of our arrangement - she only knows the basics. I need to go; I have an important meeting. Try not to see everything as a ploy. My conditions are clear. If you follow them, you won't be at risk. Do you understand?"

"I understand," Daniel replied with a touch of sadness. Alexander held his gaze for a moment, then stood up.

"Have a good day, Danny. I'll see you tonight."

"You too. Wait," Daniel suddenly sat upright in bed, hastily pulling the blanket down to his waist before quickly pulling it back up to cover himself. Alexander's green eyes sparkled with curiosity and desire as they scrutinized him. "I've been wondering, if I'm under house arrest, how can I move around Moscow?"

"Anything is possible with the right connections," Alexander replied cryptically. "Don't worry, there won't be any repercussions. I've taken care of everything."

Frustrated and overwhelmed, Daniel sank back onto the bed with a groan. Conversations with Alexander were always so elusive, as he skillfully sidestepped any direct confrontations. While he might regret some of their past, he showed no remorse for their current situation. He seemed content with the way things were progressing between them.

Daniel ran his hands through his hair, reflecting on the events of the previous day. Somehow, he had sunk even lower than during his time in prison, where he had always managed to maintain some semblance of composure. Now, any remaining fragile barrier he had left had completely shattered in this supposed freedom. A simple caress and good treatment were enough to break down that barrier, for Daniel to surrender.