My head bounced on something soft. Heavy eyelids opened in the dark, cramped space.

"Boss. He's waking. Give him another shot or not?" said someone to my left. My breathing quickened. What!

"No. We're here either way." The vehicle rolled to a stop. The cranking of a motor could be heard as well as the sound of metal being moved. The vehicle started again this time going at a slower pace. Thin, warm fingers caressed my cheeks.

"Welcome home," said Ace. The side door was opened and bright light flooded the van. I was half carried, half walked up to the building. The looming doors were opened. I stepped into a beautiful house fashioned after Greek styled villas.

Pillars and natural stone work was incooperated into the different spaces of the house. Through the haze, I mumbled one word.

"Beautiful."

"I agree." A voice spoke from behind me. I turned my head to see Ace walking comfortably behind us.

"Carry him up." The two men somewhat carried me up the staircase that broke off from the sprawled out living room.

"This one." He said as he directed them to a door on the right.

The doorway opened revealing a stylish room. The bed stood on a raised platform with a beautiful abstract painting hanging above it.

"Into the bathroom." He instructed. We passed a fireplace with a loveseat couch facing it. The bathroom brightened upon entry.

"Leave." They released my hands. I leaned heavily on the bathroom counter and watched as they closed the door. Ace walked to the edge of the tub and pressed a button. Sitting on the edge he watched me.

"Go and shower." I blinked twice.

"Why?" He frowned at my question. "No... Why have you taken me from... that place?" I asked with hesitation.

"You gave me my answer." He responded.

"I gave you your answer?" He smiled brightly.

"Fa la nana bambino, Fa la nana bel bambin, Fa la nina, fa la nana, Nei braeceti della papa!" He sang to me. My eyes widened.

"A few years ago we had captured some of Tendom's men. And the only words you would hear out of their mouths were those. After hearing the same thing for weeks on end, well, it tends to stick with you." He turned behind him and turned off the water.

My façade dropped for all to see. My posture was fixed and the dejected, drowsy look was replaced with indifference. I striped and walked into the shower.

Perverted eyes stared at my every move. I ignored his gaze and chose a shower head to stand under. I washed my body and hair. The sound of water going next me caused my blood to boil. I chanced a look.

Standing in all his glory, Ace began to shower. I rolled my eyes. The soft feelings I had for him were long destroyed the moment I awoke in that room. I finished and moved to leave the dual shower room.

A strong hand shot out holding me. I shrugged his hand off. No need to pretend at this point.

"Go into the tub and wait."

"If I don't?" I stated bluntly.

"You really don't want the answer to that." He retorted. I smiled charmingly at him.

"But, I do!" A strong punch landed square in my face. The week-long fast finally manifested itself. The strength and bravado that I had vanished in a second. I leaned on the glass door caving in weakly.

The strength packed into the punch felt the same, yet different. Chuckling entered my ears.

"Now I know what you are. I'm not going to be easy on you anymore!" said Ace, as he turned me to face him. You call those other times going easy? All mafia heads are demons! I noted in my head. I stood looking blankly at nothing in particular waiting on my vision to clear.

"Use it!" He ordered. I felt the thin firm object in hand and a tube in the other. With my limited vision I managed to brush my teeth without any notable issues. Finished in the shower he held my hand and guided me to the square tub.

I retrieved my hand and eased into the warm water. I closed my eyes and leaned into the edge of the tub. Oh god, I hope he doesn't start talking. I prayed in my mind. Several moments passed and nothing was heard. The tension in my neck and shoulders loosened up tremendously.

In the midst of enjoying the small luxury, I felt the water in the tub move. I opened my eyes. A pair of bright black eyes stared back at me. I opened my lips, but closed them. If I say I'm no longer in love with him, Ace would kill me where I sit!

Sighing in my heart, I did not stop the incoming advancement. I accepted his kiss and tried my best to sell him the dream he desired. He lifted his face from mine.

"Different." He whispered. "Damien, Do you..."

"I love you Ace." I wrapped my hands around his neck and initiated the kiss. He gasped for air as we parted. Are they tears or water? I questioned myself, as I looked into his eyes.

Ace moved away and sat down next to me. My skin began to itch. Something is wrong. I looked at his face carefully. I moved and sat down on his lap. He looked at me in shock. I held his neck in my right hand, while I intertwined our fingers with my left. I passionately kissed his lips.

Time eased by and the end of the tunnel was seen. Slowly his body loosened up. Finding an opening I sent my tongue into well-known land. He groaned into the kiss, before allowing us to surface for air.

"Ace, I love you." I professed my love to him again, as I kept on layering kisses on his lips. Weak hands pulled me closer.

"Damien! I love you too!" Right there. Again! They're real! He broke eye contact with me.

The sparkling emotions that ran down his face were ceaseless. I reached up, but pale fingers, flushed pink stopped me. I embraced him, without a single judging thought on my mind.

Releasing me he wiped his face and stepped out of the tub without saying another word. I watched him take up a bathrobe and then flee the bathroom. I blinked twice. What an interesting young man.

Long after the incident in the tub, knocking was heard at the bedroom door.

"Yes." I answered. The strange man who delivered meals to me opened the door.

"Good afternoon Mr. Dagasse. Lunch is ready. If you would like something, you can come down stairs." He stated solemnly.

"Ok..." He's not confining me to this room? "I'll be down in a minute." I said respectfully. The man closed the door.

The more time I spend with you the less I feel I know about you Ace. I sat in contemplation on the bed for five minutes. Just go with it. The sooner you leave the better things are for you. I walked downstairs.

Following memory I entered the kitchen. I was guided to take a seat at the kitchen island. The man served me a bowl of clear vegetable broth soup. I looked at it with pure joy. Finally something I can eat!

I looked around between sips.

"Where is Ace?" I asked the man.

"Mr. Ackerman is not in at the moment." I looked up at him. Ace left? This seems too strange. The pervert with the attachment issues has left me alone on his own accord? Something is really wrong!

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