Jeremy smirked some at that and chuckled. "So you wanna be my sugar daddy, then?" He winked playfully. But then of course as the conversation went on, the playful nature dissipated and for now there would be no returning to that. This needed to be addressed. Avoiding it wouldn't take it away.
He couldn't help but frown some. Every time he saw the pain and discomfort in Dante's eyes, he really wanted to cry. He knew what he was going through. He understood it too much and he wished Dante had never had to experience such a thing... to be honest, Jeremy would rather the roles be switched right now. Keep Dante safe and just suffer all over again himself. After all, Jeremy had already gone through it before. At least it wouldn't be a new experience.
But Dante's situation...was so much more complicated. The politics of it all were weighing down Dante's recovery. If only they could just runaway from anything and do as they pleased together without any consequences.
He moved closer to Dante again and allowed himself to touch Dante's cheek as he looked him in the eye. "Look at me," he instructed softly, studying his expression. "I'm here for you. No matter what. No matter how long. No matter who dares touch you, you're mine, and I'll take down anyone who tries to say otherwise, with you at my side," he swore. "I love you," he reminded. "And I want you to just...remember when I first opened up to you about my...experience. Did you ever think--for even a moment-- that I was worthless or disgusting?" He asked rhetorically. "No. You didn't. Because having someone do that to you...it doesn't mean anything about you. Bad timing, bad everything in that moment. Sick b*****d... that's all. And to be honest...it wasn't until I opened up to you about it, and you accepted me so openly that I started to realize all of this. You healed me more than you can imagine. Before you, I...well," he paused to chuckle some. "You know how I was at clubs after work and on weekends before I met you. I didn't think I was worth more than a one night stand. You proved me wrong, and I love you for that. I love you for that and so much more, Dante," he said softly, gently stroking Dante's cheek with his thumb. "I don't want you to feel ashamed or disgusted by yourself, because you don't deserve it. You're beautiful, and sexy, and smart, and witty, and strong. You were my light at the end of the tunnel, and...whenever I'm with you," he paused, knowing he was being sappy. "I'm surrounded by light. Even know. Forever and always. I just wanted to remind you of all of that, and assure you that you're worth so much more than that b*****d told you...I know it's sappy, but as embarrassing as it is...I mean it. I really do." It made him sick to think about anyone making Dante feel like less than he actually was. "And I mean it when I say I want to kill him...but I'd much prefer he rot in jail for the rest of his miserable life."
Jeremy took a deep breath, relieved that he finally managed to form the words that had been building up inside him this whole time. He only wished he could reach him, if only for a moment. But he needed to think objectively as well.
"I think those are all great ideas," he agreed, lowering his hand. "We can get everyone who enters that court room to sign a contract. We'll get that phone, or at least the pictures...and I could never hate you. Don't even think that way." He kissed him gently.
"I didn't tell you this... but I have an important business deal about to go through, it's worth billions to my company and about twenty thousand jobs. I can't jeopardize it Jeremy... so many are depending on me. If he sends anything to the media before we have a chance to cut off the vipers head, he could scare them off. It's taken me three years to even get to this point...."
Jeremy nodded. "I understand...but you realize that means we have to act fast... he may not have done anything by now, but we can't guarantee that for next week or even tomorrow. You know his name and occupation. We could hire a private eye. Figure out where he's from. Maybe even get a few picture of him and that old bodyguard of yours. From there, we'll either have to get him to relinquish the photos, be that sending them to me, or getting his phone somehow. But our key evidence would be those pictures. They'd be enough to put him away for a long time. We'll get him, Dante. It's just a matter of using our resources, playing to his weaknesses, and outsmarting him." Just like with many business deals.
"Sometimes I wish I could just be another guy on the street again... things were simpler when I worked as a PA or for you...."
He smiled some at that then rested his forehead on Dante's. "You're telling me," he chuckled. "And it was so much easier to sneak in quickies, too," he joked, trying to lighten the mood, even just a littler.
Syaoran-Puu
Sorry this took so long!
