Returning to the apartment under the cover of darkness, Daniel dutifully ate the dinner prepared by Tengiz, barely registering its taste due to exhaustion. After bidding Tengiz goodnight, he retreated to his room. Surprisingly, Alexander didn't interrupt his workout as he often did, suggesting he was working late - an unexpected relief. Daniel had grown to cherish these minor comforts that he might have overlooked in the past. He turned on Netflix, mindlessly scrolled through the options, settled on "Game of Thrones" - finding its intense, gory and steamy scenes a good backdrop for contemplation - and settled in for the night.

Five episodes had come and gone when suddenly, the door eased open slowly and silently. A familiar mane of hair appeared, peeking through the gap, letting out a sigh of relief upon spotting him. Daniel struggled to suppress a sigh of yearning; he should've gone to bed early, Alexander did not try to approach him when he was asleep. Alexander, no longer lingering at the doorway, fully opened it and entered the room. However, he spoke in a hushed tone for some reason.

"Did you have dinner?" he asked, shrugging off his jacket.

"Yes," Daniel replied softly, pausing the show. He added with restraint, sensing the unspoken question in Alexander's green eyes, "I had a hearty meal - steak, spinach balls, salad - but skipped dessert, I'm not fond of cheesecake. I chewed everything thoroughly, taking my time. I believe I've maximized nutrient absorption."

"A little humor is good," Alexander remarked as he began to undress. Daniel glanced up at him without saying a word, meeting the comment with silence. He felt obliged to react, and he did, even adding a touch of sarcasm to provide the human response Alexander always seemed to seek. With the minimum requirement of engagement met, Daniel hoped for some quiet.

Alexander dropped his clothes, leaving them in a messy heap on the floor - a collection worth more than enough to sustain an average Russian family for half a year. Standing up, he positioned himself with his legs apart, as if showcasing himself. And indeed, Alexander had much to flaunt: he was tall, and athletic, with long legs, broad shoulders, and well-defined muscles. His charismatic and attractive appearance could easily draw people to him without any need for coercion. Yet, inexplicably, he seemed to prefer exerting control over those who had no interest in him. It was a perplexing contradiction, but one that Daniel had come to accept as just another facet of Alexander's complex personality.

He settled onto the bed's edge and took Daniel's hand. "I had hoped to leave early, but those stubborn Austrians held me up. Herr Gerlitz has been a herr-ible nuisance for the past three days," Alexander chuckled at his own play on words, which Daniel found less amusing. He traced the pink mark of his scar before resting his palm against his cheek, rough from the day's stubble. "How was your day?"

"The same as yesterday," Daniel replied flatly, not reacting to Alexander's touch. The man's actions were unpredictable; he could easily shift from gentle gestures to menacing threats. "I spent my time reading, walking, reminiscing with Ksenia, and running."

Alexander fell silent, lingering in anticipation, then gently placed his hand back on the bed. Leaning in, he hesitatedly brushed his lips against Daniel's, clearly contemplating something.

"Why aren't you ever curious about me?" Alexander asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty. Daniel observed him, his eyes reflecting miniature versions of Alexander, maintaining an outward appearance of composure.

"Why should I?"

"Aren't you interested in learning more about me?" Alexander murmured, moving his nose closer to Daniel's. Daniel subtly pulled back. "I live in this building too, yet you've never shown any curiosity or desire to visit. You hear me discuss my work and interesting projects, but you never delve deeper, even though you've worked on similar projects yourself."

"So what's the point? I noticed you lived here within the first month. I've seen you visit me in comfy clothes, and Russians don't typically wear pajamas outside their homes. As for work..." Daniel gave a wry smirk. "Why should I yearn for something out of reach? I've come to terms with it, isn't that what you wanted?"

"That's not it," Alexander whispered with a sullen tone, rising from his seat. "I'm going to shower. Stay awake, okay? We'll chat later."

Daniel grimaced, understanding the implication behind "chat." Such a transparent euphemism. He sighed deeply, resigned to the impending conversation, and resumed watching the show. Five minutes later, Alexander emerged from the bathroom, hastily drying himself off as if he were running late for something. His face brightened upon seeing that Daniel had waited for him.

Tossing the towel onto the same heap of clothes on the floor, he pulled back the blanket and eagerly eyed Daniel, who lay relaxed on the bed. After removing his briefs and studying Daniel's expression, the drawn-out dance of their relationship continued, setting its own rules. Alexander softly requested consent, as if Daniel could decline sex. Daniel lifted his hips in a practiced motion to assist with the removal of his underwear, spread his legs, and reached for Alexander's aroused cock. However, Alexander intercepted his hand, entwining their fingers, and said in a pleading tone.

"I'd like to take things further tonight," Alexander said.

Daniel tensed visibly, biting his lip and pausing for a prolonged moment. He locked eyes with Alexander's expectant green gaze before slowly lowering his eyelids in silent agreement.

Alexander quickly reached for the nightstand, retrieving a tube of lubricant and condoms. He leaned in, capturing Daniel's lips with fervor as he positioned himself above him. Alexander's kisses were always intense and consuming, causing Daniel to gasp in response, fully aware of the direction things were heading. Without needing to reciprocate, Daniel simply made his lips available. Reluctantly, they eventually parted, both breathing heavily.

"Damn, you forgot your water again. After running, hydration is crucial," Alexander said, noticing the full glass of water on the nightstand. The maid always left water by Daniel's bed overnight.

"I've had my fill," Daniel weakly objected, but he obediently took a sip, offering a momentary pause. With a soft groan, he set the glass down, and it landed gently on the plush carpet. Meanwhile, Alexander took Daniel's unenthusiastic cock into his mouth. Alexander approached both kissing and sucking with unrestrained fervor, fully immersing himself in the act. He swallowed deeply, occasionally pulling back to catch his breath, and used broad strokes of his tongue on the tense balls and the pulsing entrance. He playfully nibbled on the sensitive skin of Daniel's inner thighs, emitting muffled growls, clearly savoring the sounds of Daniel's pleasure.

Daniel arched his neck, sensing the ease with which Alexander's fingers entered him. The consistent prostate stimulation during previous experiences had loosened him up, making penetration less restrictive. Now, Alexander effortlessly slid in two fingers, moving them in a flexible, rotating motion. Waves of arousal surged through Daniel, sending subtle shivers down his spine and causing his groin and thigh muscles to tense.

Daniel let out a muted moan, biting down on his lip to stifle any louder sounds, while instinctively thrusting his hips towards the warmth engulfing him. He yearned to come quickly, to release the built-up tension, to cleanse himself and retire for the night. The intensity of their connection was undeniably powerful, but its impact was most felt in retrospect. In the heat of the moment, Daniel found himself surrendering to the overwhelming sensations and not being able to control his emotions.

Now, he desired to hold him close, to envelop him, craving the reciprocal embrace - to find solace in human connection amidst the turmoil. Sensing his longing, Alexander paused, swiftly put on a condom, climbed on top, and kissed deeply, sharing the intimate taste of his own pre-cum before positioning himself at the entrance. Alexander's eyes, normally green with a subtle rim, now darkened to a captivating black - intoxicated with desire, wild, shining black - the hue of his intense passion. Daniel found himself lost in those eyes, inhaling deeply, mirroring the reflection of his own duality, and let out a moan as Alexander began to penetrate him. The discomfort was brief, mainly at the point of entry, and quickly faded - thanks to Alexander's thorough preparation. However, the feeling of being fucked again, of a dick penetrating a hole not designed for entry, caused a deep, almost palpable discomfort.

"You're holding me really tight... Is it hurting you?" Alexander asked, his breath uneven.

"No, just continue," Daniel replied, biting his lip and closing his eyes tightly, eager to get it over with.

"I can't go on like this. Please, Danny, look at me," Alexander said, planting hurried kisses on Daniel's face, pleadingly repeating, "Please."

Daniel opened his eyes, diving back into the intense, overpowering darkness that kept him from retreating to his mental refuge. Immersed in this darkness, he distinctly felt the initial hesitant thrust, followed by more: tentative at first, then progressively gaining momentum and firmness. Alexander let out a deep, guttural moan, gripping Daniel's shoulders, arms, and sides tightly, lifting his knees to open him further. Supporting himself on his arms, Alexander looked down, watching as his lubricated and condom-covered cock entered the stretched, reddened opening. Clearly enthralled by the sight, Alexander grew increasingly passionate, biting Daniel's neck and shoulders with sharp, forceful kisses.

Daniel shook his head and placed his hands on Alexander's moist, solid chest. As he pushed back against him, he also pulled Alexander close, letting out louder moans with each motion. He felt swept up in a vigorous, dynamic whirlwind of sensations - intense, sweet, and burning - tightening the tension in his lower abdomen. Eventually, he came from the sensation of fingers around his cock, letting out a muffled cry. His eyes darkened, his body instantly went limp, and Alexander's swift, sharp thrusts only heightened the overwhelmingly pleasurable feelings.

Daniel continued to twitch subtly in the aftermath of climax, even as Alexander withdrew, tenderly kissing the marks left from biting. A lucid thought began to emerge through the warm haze. Suddenly, a growing unease and fine tremor signaled the onset of returning clarity.

He had just betrayed himself, yielding to pleasure with an enemy inside him. He felt worthless, degraded, and morally compromised. These thoughts were not just overpowering; they were agonizingly painful. The sweaty, intimate contact felt repulsive, prompting him to resist and recoil. With a fierce moan and a bitten lip, Daniel pulled away from the embrace, shaking uncontrollably, trying to distance himself and escape the suffocating weight of his emotions - the metaphorical weight that seemed to crush and suffocate him, leaving him gasping for air.

Daniel found himself in the bathtub, submerged in hot water. He quickly rose, trying to wash away the sweat, lubricant, semen, and the intense self-loathing he felt. Alexander, pouring water over him and gently stroking him with his other hand, was visibly trembling - the shower head quivered in his grip. For the first time in their acquaintance, Alexander's face showed not desire but pity. His lips turned downward; his eyes filled with a direct, humbling gaze. Overwhelmed by this newfound emotion, Daniel moved the hand holding the shower head away from his chest, attempted to grasp the tub's slippery edges to stand, but faltered and collapsed - drained of all strength and devoid of any lingering anger. A profound emptiness consumed him.

Alexander lifted him from the tub, placed him gently on the floor, and wrapped him in a towel. Though Alexander remained silent, his focused and stern demeanor was easing, and Daniel's trembling was starting to wane. Determinedly, he blocked Daniel's attempt to exit the bathroom, enveloped him in an embrace, rested his face against Daniel's temple, and guided him towards the bedroom. He spoke softly as he poured a glass of Daniel's favorite McCallan Horizon and placed the damp glass in Daniel's weak hand.

"I didn't realize you were struggling so much, Danny. I believed I had given you ample time to accept that you were mine. I thought I'd done everything possible to make you feel cherished."

Daniel took a sip of the warm, rich, and malty drink, his mind wandering as he half-listened to his companion, showing clear disinterest in the conversation. Discussing intimacy or emotions seemed pointless at this moment. He felt trapped, with no real options. After a brief pause, Alexander spoke with a hint of sadness in his voice.

"I've waited so long, and I'm tired now. Maybe I rushed things. But, Danny," Alexander turned to face him, searching for a glimmer of connection in Daniel's vacant eyes, "Please, try to accept me. I won't let you go anywhere now. But I promise to give you everything you desire—just tell me what you want."

"Daniel murmured softly.

"A job. That's all I want, apart from freedom. But asking for freedom seems out of reach, doesn't it?"

"Indeed," Alexander concurred solemnly, planting a kiss on Daniel's shoulder. "Okay, you'll have a job. But..." He paused, then waved it off. "We'll discuss it later."

Daniel finished the remaining whiskey, placed the glass on the nightstand, and curled up under the blanket, pulling it up to his chin. Silently observing him, Alexander switched off the bedside lamp, nestled close, his breath warm against Daniel's ear. Later, as Daniel drifted into sleep, Alexander whispered.

"You got me hooked, Danny."

Daniel, already drifting into a fitful sleep, thought he must have misheard the unfamiliar phrase due to its strangeness. He chose not to ask for clarification, preferring to lose himself in forgetfulness.