"...Stockholm syndrome is a psychological defense mechanism that forms unconsciously but can be gradually recognized by the victim. It manifests on two levels: behavioral and psychological. Behaviorally, the victim displays acceptance, obedience, compliance, and assistance to the aggressor, which can lead to a positive response such as reduced violence, reluctance to kill, and willingness to negotiate. This increases the victim's chances of survival and well-being. Psychologically, the syndrome manifests through identification with, justification of, and forgiveness towards the "terrorist". These mechanisms help maintain the individual's self-integrity, including self-respect, self-love, and willpower."

"Daniel, I'm scheduling a call with the agency for eleven. Are you available at that time?"

Startled, Daniel closed the browser window.

"Y-yes, I'm available. Thank you."

Daria scrutinized him closely, her smirk betraying her awareness of his underlying neurasthenia - a mild one, as Daniel had managed to keep any major breakdowns hidden from her.

A tacit understanding had been established between Daniel and Daria. She had come to terms with her titular role, seemingly biding her time until she could transition to another directorial position. She begrudgingly accepted the "improvement" recommendations, recognizing their value in enhancing her portfolio for future job opportunities. Daniel observed Daria's willingness to indulge in what she sarcastically termed "luxuries": she gladly consumed the canapés and petite pastries provided in the office, enjoyed the specialty coffee, ensured the purifier-humidifier remained filled with water, and made use of the refrigerator's contents. She was a conformist, much like him. Together, they formed a dream team- a duo of morally flexible prostitutes.

Alexander also showed some restraint: to avoid overtly highlighting his clear favoritism, he refrained from frequently visiting their office, seldom took them out for lunch, and departed for home separately. While these tactics provided some cover, it was still evident to everyone that Daniel was frequently seen in the CEO's car and that Alexander was giving disproportionate attention to the newcomer.

However, the situation was slightly more bearable. At least Alexander didn't act on any sexual fantasies in the office, which Daniel had feared might happen. The thought of satisfying Alexander on the conference room's teak table or in his personal office would have been especially humiliating and repulsive.

This leniency from the powerful towards the powerless didn't irritate Daniel; instead, it elicited a sense of gratefulness. Both Daniel and Alexander were acutely aware of the unspoken power dynamics, and while Daniel knew he couldn't refuse if Alexander made demands, Alexander also recognized this.

This peculiar gratitude carried a tenderness that Daniel couldn't shake off, which somehow coexisted with his resentment. While Daniel believed that many aspects of his feelings towards Alexander aligned with Stockholm syndrome, this unexpected tenderness didn't quite fit. Despite this, most of the syndrome's characteristics resonated with Daniel's relationship with Alexander, particularly the facets related to "identification with, justification of, and forgiveness towards the "terrorist."

Daniel never forgave him, and truth be told, Alexander never sought forgiveness. While Alexander occasionally apologized for minor transgressions, he never acknowledged the more significant wrongs. Daniel wasn't inclined to grant him any forgiveness, yet he reluctantly found himself making excuses for Alexander's actions on certain occasions. This internal conflict perfectly mirrored the mindset of someone affected by Stockholm syndrome, striving to preserve some semblance of self-worth.

Daniel often tried to put himself in Alexander's shoes, imagining how he would react if he wielded the same psychological traits and immense power, only to discover that the object of his intense affection had betrayed him at a crucial moment.

However, he found it challenging to distance himself from his own perspective and truly understand Alexander's point of view. Perhaps if Daniel had ever experienced love at first sight or felt an overwhelming desire to be with someone against all odds, he might have found it easier to empathize. Yet, Daniel's past relationships had always been straightforward, lacking any deep emotional connections.

He had always been adept at avoiding commitment, never experiencing heartbreak or truly grasping its meaning. For Daniel, the disappointment of not realizing his dream would have been more painful than discovering that his betrayer also stirred up unexpected romantic feelings.

Even without the absence of such experiences, Daniel believed he would have sought retribution against the wrongdoer, albeit perhaps not as forcefully or severely as Alexander. Their differences lay more in their methods than in their fundamental intentions.

Daniel never attempted to fully comprehend Alexander's complexities; he had come to accept that such understanding was beyond his grasp. Alexander's emotions oscillated wildly, swinging from intense adoration to darker, more unsettling feelings bordering on disdainful hatred. Alexander's emotional range was broader and more intricate than Daniel's, with moods that shifted swiftly and unpredictably. While Daniel yearned for more consistent warmth from Alexander, he also found solace in the familiarity of Alexander's fluctuating emotions.

As the New Year approached, the city transformed with festive melodies, twinkling lights, and grand Christmas trees decorating squares both big and small. The scent of tangerines wafted through the air, a daily treat also served generously on a large dish in the corporate canteen.

A planned ski trip loomed on the horizon, and Daniel pessimistically anticipated death or at least broken bones on the slopes - he was desperately reluctant to go. He would have preferred solitude in the city over a holiday getaway. Spending the holidays alone would have been a welcome gift from Alexander, but Daniel didn't dare voice such a wish, fearing Master's disapproval.

Alexander buzzed with excitement about the upcoming trip, viewing it as an important milestone in their evolving relationship. The relationship game continued, with Daniel playing along, and a satisfied Alexander loosening the leash - as a result, everyone got what they wanted. Disrupting the fragile equilibrium they had recently achieved over minor issues seemed unnecessary. Daniel contemplated the prospect of spending a week away, hoping he wouldn't sustain any injuries or have a nervous breakdown, especially in unfamiliar surroundings.

With a heavy sigh, Daniel revisited the website detailing symptoms of Stockholm syndrome. The mild sedatives prescribed by Ksenia, which he had increased to two pills daily, hadn't provided relief. It was time for him to delve into understanding the underlying causes and explore effective treatments for this syndrome on his own. Daniel approached psychotherapy with utmost seriousness. While Ksenia introduced some relaxation techniques during their sessions, their interactions served broader purposes.

Alexander was kept informed of their discussions, and this seemed to yield the desired effect; he occasionally echoed Ksenia's familiar tones and exhibited a mix of compassion and yearning after particularly intense sessions. The dynamic between victim and aggressor was shifting subtly as the victim was influencing the aggressor- everything was going according to the plan.

Alexander appeared to be in a foul mood, a fact Daniel discerned instantly. For some inexplicable reason, Alexander meticulously wiped the soles of his shoes on the mat, even though they hadn't come into contact with the slushy snow - he had entered the car in one underground parking area and exited in another. Moreover, the smooth leather soles lacked any treads that would trap and hold the snowy mush. Alexander seemed to be intentionally delaying, attempting to collect himself, but instead, he appeared to be escalating his agitation, evident from his irritated sniffling. Daniel met his gaze with a stoic expression and quietly retreated to the bedroom, his way of de-escalating conflicts.

For Alexander, Daniel's decision to take a bath, following that puzzling dive that last several minutes, had served as a clear indicator of a tense atmosphere. He had immediately become subdued, and Daniel had unapologetically capitalized on this - he couldn't afford to overlook any leverage, even if it seemed crude.

Daniel sprinkled a handful of aromatic bath salts into the water, followed by a generous pour of bath gel. The scent of almond blossoms filled the air with a delicate sweetness as the water foamed into a rich lather. As he undressed, memories of his unsuccessful visit to Powerplace played in his mind, pondering his next steps.

He was determined not to abandon the mission of locating that waiter. Entering the establishment with caution, he left just as discreetly, already anticipating potential repercussions. However, his overly careful behavior seemed to give him away. When he approached the receptionist with some crumpled bills, hoping for information, she merely raised an eyebrow coolly and declared.

"We don't disclose personal details about our staff."

If he had been at his best, before the traumatic events, he would have effortlessly charmed the receptionist into sharing both the waiter's name and phone number. His charisma, combined with his striking appearance, had always been a winning combination. However, in his current tense state, his charm seemed to falter, making interactions very difficult.

Thankfully, Nikita had provided him with some information, though even he seemed cautious at times. To successfully execute his plan, he needed to be mentally robust and exude confidence - only then could people trust him enough to bend or overlook rules. But recovery and obtaining information about his innocence seemed unattainable in his current submissive state, and breaking free from this subservient position seemed impossible without crucial information- damned vicious circle.

He only further exacerbated his situation; Alexander followed through on his threat after the second unsanctioned outing and revoked Daniel's privileges of going out alone. Now, all he could do was bide his time and hope for a loosening of restrictions.

A draft from the door momentarily pulled Daniel from his thoughts, causing him to glance sideways. Alexander, now in casual home clothes, dragged a lightweight rattan chair closer to the tub, rolled up the sleeve of his burgundy long-sleeve shirt, and dipped his hand into the water. He seemed more composed than he had been ten minutes prior, suggesting nothing serious had occurred. Daniel's breath hitched when Alexander's firm, cool fingers grasped his knee, but he resisted the impulse to withdraw his leg.

"How was your day?" Alexander asked, moving his hand upward to massage Daniel's muscles.

"Good, how was yours?" The gentle touches on the sensitive skin of his inner thigh sent warmth spreading through his lower abdomen.

"The usual, nothing out of the ordinary," Alexander replied, his hand drifting lower to caress more intimately. "Anything you want to share with me?"

"About work?" Daniel asked, his voice marked by hesitation.

"Fuck work!" Alexander erupted suddenly, pulling his hand back. "I saw what you were reading today - you've been looking up symptoms of Stockholm syndrome. Yes, don't give me that look - you knew I was monitoring your online activity! I get why you're investigating your former colleagues, still searching for someone else to blame - I don't care, keep searching. But damn it, Danny! Stockholm syndrome? Do you think I'm some kind of maniac or aggressor?"

Daniel remained silent, realizing that any response would be misconstrued. He tightly pressed his lips together, acutely aware of his vulnerable state. Drawing his legs up to his chest and wrapping his arms around himself, he braced himself for what Alexander would say next.

"Danny, I've done so much to help you. You're seeing the best doctor, you have a job - even if it's not in your dream field, it's a start! You live comfortably, and if you want something, all you have to do is ask. As for walking - I canceled your walks because you disappeared without warning again!" Alexander's voice grew more intense as he leaned in, locking eyes with Daniel.

"And still, I'm labeled the aggressor! If I were truly aggressive, I would've left you to face the consequences in that prison for your theft, Danny. Can't you see that?"

"I understand this," Daniel responded quietly.

"And if you understand, then why...?" Alexander trailed off, running his fingers through his hair in frustration. "How can I ever understand you? Let's get out of here; I don't want to talk in this place."

With reluctance, Daniel rose from the tub, careful not to jostle Alexander as he stepped out and grabbed a towel. Alexander's unwavering, intense gaze made him feel even more uneasy. How could he convey his feelings to someone with such a different and seemingly primitive mindset? Daniel felt lost, cycling through possible explanations, all of which seemed inadequate. He flinched slightly when Alexander took the towel from him to dry him off. Alexander paused, taking a deep breath.

"Alright, let's discuss this later when I've calmed down. Did you eat dinner?"

"Yes," Daniel replied with a sigh of relief, covering his eyes briefly. Alexander crouched down to dry Daniel's feet, leaving the towel on the floor, then stood up slowly, running his hands up his legs. Instantly, Daniel's body began to react; warmth and heaviness spread through his lower abdomen.

Alexander ran his hand between his legs, squeezed slightly his balls and semi-erect cock with satisfaction, and exhaled.

"When you're this compliant, my anger fades. Let's go."

Their sex was intense and passionate, typical of makeup fucking. Daniel tensed, his back arching against the smooth sheets with every forceful thrust. His fingers gripped Alexander's sturdy shoulders, his emotions a turbulent mix of desire and anger. The line between love and fury blurred as he pinched his own skin to the brink of pain and bit his lips during their passionate kisses. His conflicting emotions were evident as he both desired and wanted to hurt, torn between the two feelings.

Breathing heavily, Daniel threw his head back, avoiding Alexander's intense stare. As climax approached, his fingers tightened around him, and Daniel let out a loud cry, drowned out by the pounding in his ears. Instead of the anticipated relief, he felt a tremor of tension, muscles spasming uncontrollably.

Gasping for air, Daniel tried to steady his breathing, attempting to suppress the dangerous urge to harm Alexander. A soft, satisfied exhale followed, accompanied by a whisper in his ear.

"Mine."

Daniel arched his back, pushing off for momentum, and landed a punch on Alexander's stunned face. Following it up with another strike to his swollen lips, Daniel's hands moved instinctively, honed by Sennoy's training. Dazed by two powerful blows, Alexander shook his head to clear his senses and retaliated with a punch to the stomach. Momentarily winded, Daniel's eyes darkened before he resumed his assault, throwing punches without hesitation or precision, seizing the opportunity while he still could.

Thrown back onto the wide bed by Alexander's defensive counterattacks, Daniel writhed in pain but quickly lunged back at him, fists flying. Alexander, his anger boiling over, retaliated with more accurate and forceful punches, his face twisted in a furious grin, snorting with each powerful strike. The sharp pain pulsated through Daniel's body, yet seeing Alexander equally bloodied and bruised filled him with a primal satisfaction.

In the heat of the moment, Daniel rolled off the bed, hitting his head on the nightstand. Shaking off the ringing in his ears, he grabbed the bedside lamp by its crystal stem, gathering his remaining strength for one final attack. As Alexander dodged, the heavy lamp struck his arm, making a crunching sound. He howled in pain and instinctively shielded his face.

The world seemed to burst into a chaotic frenzy of blood and violence before fading into darkness.