CHAPTER SEVEN

They had spent about half and hour traveling in complete silence. Dante faced the window throughout the drive. He found watching the trees and sky peaceful. The driver, who later introduced himself as John, turned on the stereo to clear off the boredom in the air.

Despite that, it was the longest thirty minutes of Dante's life. He had no idea where he was being taken to whatever was waiting for him there.  About twenty minutes later, the car got to a stop. Dante looked outside the window and was speechless. They were stopped before a tall gold gate. The type of gate you'd find in modern royal films. Where are we? He wondered. 

Some moments later, the large gate opened for them to go in. A long tiled road came into view. It was such a beautiful setting. At each side of the road, beautiful flowers and tress were planted. They were still in Saint Hok but Dante felt like he entered another world entirely. They passed through a vineyard and an orchard. The apples on the apple fruits looked too good to eat. 

Dante found it unbelievable a place like this exits. His mouth was wide agape as he took in the sights. He uttered to himself in utmost surprise, "wow" "oh my God" escaped his breath every second as they drove further into the fortress. Ten minutes later, the car pulled up in front of a castle like mansion. Dante gasped in disbelief as he admired the structure before him. 

His eyes twinkled in mesmerization, he stared at it intensely. While coming here, he felt anxious and unsure but right now, all he's feeling is excitement. He couldn't wait to tour the place. John stood behind Dante, allowing him to admire the building to his heart's content. 

What is this? Is Sebastian living here? He asked himself.  

"Shall we?" 

"Oh..yeah." Dante was embarrassed. He was lost admiring the place he didn't notice he was keeping John waiting. Aside from the house, the entrance itself was a work of art. Someone opened the door from inside and they went in. 

Is this a house or a business ground? Dante wondered as  men kept going to and fro. Some carrying documents, some conversing with their headphones. It looked like a bodyguard residence. 

"Follow me." 

John led Dante to an elevator. They got in and John inputted the floor number. Three minutes later, the elevator dinged open and they got out. Not for the first time today, Dante's jaw dropped. It was as if they were in another building. Two houses built in one? Dante couldn't wrap his head around it. 

Dante trailed behind John like lost sheep as he was taken to God knows where. They took a fleet of stairs and got to a transparent glass door. The door opened automatically and a huge swimming pool came into view. Dante heard splashes. Sebastian is in there, he thought to himself. 

"He's here, boss." John announced. Sebastian swam out of the pool. Dante looked away shyly, trying to avoid looking at Sebastian's bare chest. 

"You can leave." 

John bowed and left. Sebastian wore a white robe and went to Dante, who was still looking sideways. 

"Doctor?" Sebastian called. 

Dante turned to him slowly, "yes?" 

"Have you had lunch?" 

"Huh?" Dante wasn't expecting that question. "Um..no, I haven't." 

"Come with me then." 

"O..ok" 

Dante followed Sebastian. They took a different door in that led to a long hallway. Dante made sure he left a considerate amount of space between him and Sebastian as they walked. Walking through the hallway, Dante silently admired the artworks hung at each side of the wall. These arts would cost a fortune, he thought. He was tempted to touch one of them. He was so lost he didn't notice Sebastian looking back at him. 

"You like art?" His question snapped Dante out of his gaze. 

"Oh...yeah." 

"I have a room full of paintings. I can take you there sometimes." 

"Th...thanks." Dante smiled appreciatively. When they finally got to the dining room, Sebastian told Dante to sit and wait while he goes upstairs to his to change. 

"The maids would serve you so you can begin eating. No need to wait for me." 

Dante nodded. As soon as Sebastian left, Dante screamed silently. A Mafia indeed. What did I get myself into? A personal doctor for a Mafia boss? What if I get killed one day? Dante rambled on in his head. Five maids came into the dining room to serve the lunch. Dante wondered if anyone else was joining aside Sebastian because the foods on the table could feed five people and there'll still be leftovers. 

"You've not started eating?" Sebastian asked as in came in. He was fully dressed now. 

"The food was just served." 

Sebastian sat opposite Dante and picked up a spoon, "eat anything you like, okay?" 

Dante nodded though he still has a question in his mind ; why am I here? The both of them ate in silence. After lunch, Sebastian led Dante to his study. 

"Um...why am I here?" Dante finally asked the burning question. 

"Here, sit." Sebastian offered him a seat. Dante sat down and Sebastian sat down on the couch opposite him. 

"Your residency ended yesterday." 

"How did you...oh.." Dante sighed and nodded, "yeah." 

"You didn't tell me and you never contacted me regarding when you'll resume." 

"You're my employer so isn't your say final?" 

"True but my say has to, at least, be in your favour, don't you think?" 

Dante nodded. "I'll resume on Monday." 

"Remember? You'll be living here. In this house and...

"Yes, I've read every detail in contract. I can live with the terms." 

Sebastian smiled in satisfaction. It's going smoothly than he expected. "So I'll send someone to get your things tomorrow, is that okay with you?" 

Dante inhaled sharply. He hasn't signed on the contract, he can still back off. Do I really wanna do this? He asked himself. You know what? What do I have to lose?

"Yes, it is. I'll come with the signed contract too tomorrow." 

"Hmm" 

There's no going back now. 

MONDAY

Dante started living with Sebastian on Saturday. He didn't find it as overwhelming as he thought it would be. Sebastian wasn't home on Saturday and Sunday so Dante didn't feel pressured. The workers and maids are all welcoming. Dante found out that he isn't the only doctor in the house but the other medical personnels are for the bodyguards. He is Sebastian's personal doctor so that makes him higher in rank? Maybe. 

He hasn't visited the bodyguards' resident since he got here. He had no cause to visit. The environment is peaceful and comfortable. His room is the best he's ever seen. His work officially starts today and he's currently in the car with Sebastian. They on their way to an event. A merger ceremony of T institute and Go construction. 

"We're here, sir." 

The car's door opened and Dante stepped out. He adjusted his suit. He has no idea what brand he's wearing but it's surely expensive. 

"Shall we?" 

Sebastian and Dante approached the big event hall, five bodyguards behind them. When they got in, Dante felt so out of place. The place was filled with the scent of expensive perfume and expensive people. Dante felt odd. 

.Sebastian leaned towards Dante's ear and whispered, "you can look around but don't get too far. I'll be around." 

With that, Sebastian left Dante. Look around? Dante wondered. He stood rooted on a spot. Now I know how transfer students feel at a new school. He thought to himself. 

"Well look who it is. The doctor who rejected my offer." 

Dante turned when he heard that familiar voice. He rolled his eyes when he saw who it was. 

"Oh, you." 

"Oh, you? Why are you so disrespectful?" 

Dante scoffed, "says the man who splashed water on an innocent civilian and refused to apologize!" 

"You're still on that topic, huh?" 

Dante shrugged. Keane closed the gap between them. It was then that Dante got a good look at his face. He hates to admit it but Keane is quite handsome. His long brown hair makes him so attractive. 

"Your face doesn't fit your attitude." 

Keane laughed lightly, "what is that supposed to mean?"  He asked, leaning forward. Dante leaned back, this caused him to almost fall but Keane was quick to catch him by his waist. 

"Careful." He whispered softly, not breaking eye contact. Dante pushed him away and balanced well. 

"Where are you going?" Keane asked as Dante began to walk away. 

"Away from you." 

Not a chance. Keane followed Dante. "Stop following me." 

"I have the right to freedom of movement." 

Keane took Dante's hand and pulled him. Dante kept trying to wriggle his hands out but Keane's grip was strong. 

"You'll only hurt your wrist if you keep struggling."

"Where are we going?" 

"Shh" 

They took the backdoor. A "Wow" escaped Dante's breath when they got out. The water fountain took Dante's breath away. The dark sky added to the scenery's beauty. 

"Look at you gawking at this little fountain. The one at my place is bigger and better." 

Dante arched his brow. "did you bring me out here to brag about your fountain?" 

"Why did you reject me and chose Sebastian?" 

"Isn't it obvious?" 

Keane folded his arms, "no." 

"You had an ulterior motive. I emptied water on a billionaire and that billionaire offered me a job. Doesn't that sound suspicious?" 

Keane took a step closer, "true but do you think I'm the only one with a motive? What about that prick?"

"Sebastian? Why would he have a motive?" 

Keane chuckled. "You're getting fooled by him too, huh. I didn't expect that from you, doc." 

Dante couldn't comprehend what Keane meant by that. Getting fooled? Why did he make it sound as if Sebastian is a bad person? 

"What do you mean?" 

Keane's straight face got replaced with a playful smile, "I'm hungry. Let's go back in there." 

"But...

Keane took Dante's hand and pulled him along. As they went back in, Dante's head was clouded with thoughts. What did Keane mean by that?