The Untouchable

Chapter 72

"Danny, where are the other copies of those files? Hmm?" Green eyes were affectionate but unyielding. "Danechka, I won't let you use them anyway, so please don't make me declare you incapacitated. I have the report and can use it anytime. Even if you send the files to someone else, I'll claim they're forgeries."

Daniel remained sullenly silent. There was no doubt Alexander would do anything to keep him. The incapacitated status would come sooner or later, tethering him to Alexander - Daniel was certain of that. That's what long-term psychotherapy was for - the bastard had planned all the steps in advance.

Alexander didn't even try to pretend remorse - he wasn't familiar with it at all. He seemed somewhat relieved that he didn't need to play a role anymore. He spoke openly, directly, once he was sure Daniel wouldn't fly into hysterics. He promised him a wonderful future, showed him the account attached to his own. The number of zeros impressed but didn't convince him: every transaction had to be approved by the owner. And what was the use of such money without freedom? The meaning was lost, as was the dream: Alexander would never allow him to go back to New York and pursue his dreams there.

One thing was unclear: what did Alexander himself want? With the situation cleared up, he couldn't hope for reciprocity, couldn't expect Daniel to grow fond of him over time. This uncertainty was alarming: it was clear Alexander had specific course of action in mind. The erratic man was completely unpredictable and therefore frightening.

"Danny, I repeat: I don't want to ruin your life even more. On the contrary, I want your life to expand, become fuller. You can enroll in a doctoral program anytime, start working on a research project - our science is thriving too. And, unlike in the West, you don't have to beg for grants here. You'll have everything you need to build a reactor: money, a research center, and staff. All you have to do is say yes," Alexander shifted, wrinkling his nose - his legs must have gotten stiff from the uncomfortable position. He sighed dejectedly. "Danechka, please don't think it pleases me to threaten you with incapacitation and back you into a corner. I had hoped I'd never have to resort to such threats. I'm terribly sorry for you, but I'm willing to spend the rest of my life begging for forgiveness. I'll do anything, absolutely anything, to make you happy. Danny, you're smart, very rational, you understand how the world works. Try to see the positives in your situation, to understand me - a man who loves you madly. No one will love you like that, I'm sure of it, no one. And you... you care about me too, I know it. Yes, your attitude towards me changed a few days ago, but not fundamentally - I can feel it. There's nothing we can't change together for the better."

Daniel remained silent, seeing no point in wasting breath. Alexander wasn't wrong about his attitude remaining fundamentally unchanged. Deep down, Daniel had always suspected Alexander might pull another fatal surprise. So now he felt only impotent rage, without disgust or revulsion. Kneeling in front of him, arms locked at his sides, Alexander was still the same Sasha he had joked, worked, slept with, kissed, and embraced. The same familiar scent of woody perfume and a clean, healthy body filled his nostrils. The same enveloping velvet baritone, once soothing, now spoke. And with this impotent rage, Daniel found himself wanting to nestle against Alexander's broad, firm chest, seeking protection from himself.

Because there was no one closer in the world than Alexander.

Alexander moved forward, scanning Daniel's mood with his attentive green eyes, lips parting for a kiss, eyes misting in anticipation. Miraculously restraining himself from kicking, Daniel pulled back sharply on the bed. A spasm of pain crossed Alexander's handsome face. He squeezed his eyes shut, as if the rejection was unbearable, his nostrils flaring, lips trembling, crumpling the bedspread.

"Danechka, please don't chase me away. Please... Beat me, pour all your anger on me, but don't chase me away. I'll take everything from you, don't be afraid of the consequences," Alexander took a sharp breath as if about to dive into water, grabbed Daniel's legs to pull him close. That touch was the final straw. Daniel braced himself and kicked as hard as he could in the chest.