Cass quickly connected the device to his phone, hands trembling with anticipation as he pressed play. He listened from start to finish, his earlier excitement bleeding away with each passing second.
By the time the recording ended, his chest felt hollow.
Not a single word.
Not a single slip.
Not a single shred of evidence.
Cass's disappointment sank deep, gnawing at his stomach until it hurt. Tomorrow was his last chance his last day to gather proof and he didn't even have a guaranteed plan.
Fvck… I'm really doomed this time.
A sudden knock on his door jolted him out of his thoughts. He dragged himself to open it and found Rin standing there, face twisted in anger. The moment Rin stepped inside and shut the door behind him, he looked one breath away from smacking Cass across the head.
"You bastard," Rin snapped, locking eyes with him. "You promised to update me! This is the second day you haven't even called me. Do you know how worried I've been?"
Cass sighed, guilt pooling in his chest. He'd completely forgotten his promise too consumed by his own troubles to even think of Rin.
"Sorry… I… umm, totally forgot."
Rin's jaw tightened, but he exhaled, softening a little. "So… how did it go? Did you get evidence?"
Much to Rin's dismay, Cass slowly shook his head. "Nothing. They've planned everything too carefully. I'm even starting to think I'm doomed. I've tried every plan I could think of… but it's useless."
Rin looked at him, eyes wide, ready to break down in frustration. "You can't give up! But then again… you can't do this alone, Cass."
"Meaning?" Cass frowned.
"I mean why not just ask Damian for help? There's practically nothing he can't do. I'm sure he'll help you."
Cass immediately shook his head. If only Rin understood the weight of the dilemma. If only he knew why Cass couldn't risk it, why he couldn't let Damian get involved.
"I can't," Cass murmured firmly.
"Why not?!" Rin protested. "He's your lover anyway, he'll definitely help you!"
Cass pressed his lips into a thin line before answering. "I definitely can't. And I won't. Don't worry I have another plan."
Rin's frustration deepened, his voice rising. "Cass, tomorrow's the last day! If this 'plan' doesn't work, you're doomed!"
Cass sighed again, but his tone was resolute. "I know. But there's nothing else I can do except try. Don't worry it'll work. Let's just see."
The third day finally came. And with it, the crushing pressure that sat like a stone on Cass's chest.
Much against his will, Cass found himself once again standing outside Kai's ward door. His dignity was hanging by a thread.
*Alright Cass… here goes your pride.*
He pushed the door open. Relief washed through him when he saw only Kai inside no one else. Perfect.
Kai's sharp eyes narrowed in curiosity, studying him as if already sensing trouble. But the answer came quickly when Cass gritted his teeth… and dropped to his knees before him.
Kai's brows arched.
Cass's voice was steady, but his pride burned as he forced the words out:
"Kai… I'll give you all the credit. You really do want to make me suffer. And you're winning. I'm sure you know that if I don't get evidence, I'll be expelled. Much to my disgust… I'm pleading for you to help me. You and I both know what you're claiming isn't what actually happened. All I need is for you to testify to the Dean with the truth. Otherwise… I'm finished. Please."
Kai's lips curled, a flick of his tongue betraying his amusement. Cass, on his knees, even while begging still carried that arrogant, stubborn demeanor.
And damn it, Kai hated to admit it, but the sight made his blood run hot. His interest in Cass hadn't died down. If anything, it burned brighter. He wanted his dick buried inside Cass so badly, he could barely control himself.
This was his chance.
Kai stood from the bed slowly, deliberately, circling around Cass like a predator. His fingers brushed against Cass's cheek, tracing down to his neck, then his exposed collarbone.
Cass endured it, every muscle tight, every nerve screaming at him to punch this bastard and storm out. But he held himself back. This was the only option left.
Kai, already hard, lowered himself until his lips hovered dangerously close to Cass's ear. His voice was a dark whisper only they could hear:
"I'll help you out… but only if you agree to have sex with me."
Cass froze. His body went rigid. His mind snapped.
Of course. Of course this vulgar bastard would demand something like that.
"That's the only way you'll help me?" Cass hissed.
"Yes." Kai's answer came quickly, eagerly.
Cass clenched his fists, the last thread of restraint trembling inside him. Then he spat out his reply, sharp as a blade:
"Then I don't need your help. Suit yourself."
Even though he knew how badly this refusal would end, even though it might doom him completely Cass would never sell his body to Kai for a way out.
If it came to that, even begging Damian would be a far better choice.