Chapter 6

~Back in Dane Creighton's Mansion ~

Mrs. Creighton found herself deep in the pages of a book in the solitude of her living room. Her eyes were masked by her favorite exquisite prescription glasses. However, the once tranquility she savored was suddenly disturbed by the whimpering sobs of one of the mansion's servants, whose clothes were soaked and clinging to her body.

Upon seeing the maid's disheveled state, Mrs. Creighton directed her to rouse her son from his slumber, all too aware of what might have ensued. She exhaled a weary sigh and lowered her glasses onto the bridge of her nose to address the sobbing maid.

"Madam," stuttered out the young girl through hiccuping sobs, "The young master refuses to stand up. He sent me away from his suite and threatened to kill me if he saw me again." Her words were laced with genuine terror; she knew all too well that their volatile young master wouldn't hesitate to make good on his threats.

A second sigh escaped Mrs. Creighton as she gently placed her book on the side table and stood up to comfort the terrified maid. "Go back to your duties, dear," she assured, patting the girl reassuringly on her back. "I won't let him chase you away. I will go wake him up myself."

The maid nodded and sniffled before she risked leading Mrs. Creighton upstairs to Dane's private suite.

The older woman unlocked the door and entered quietly.

"Dane," she called softly. She sat down next to his sleeping form on his bed and stroked his arm tenderly.

"What part don't you understand? Leave before I make good on my threat." His response came gruffly from beneath heavy eyelids. His words were slurred with sleep but carried an undertone of menace.

Unfazed by his harsh words, she sternly tapped him on the shoulder, "Enough of this rudeness, Dane. You're late for work."

Upon recognizing his mother's voice and touch, Dane reluctantly opened his eyes to find her looking at him disapprovingly. He moved closer to her, resting his head in her lap and wrapping his arms around her waist before drifting back into sleep.

"What about your job?" his mother asked softly, stroking his hair lovingly and humming a soft tune.

"Mom," he mumbled sleepily, "I'm the boss. The law doesn't bind me; I can come and go as I please. Let me rest in your arms for now."

A tender smile graced Mrs. Creighton's face as she bent down to kiss his forehead and stroke his hair affectionately. They remained in that position for over half an hour until Mrs. Creighton finally broke the silence.

"Dane," she urged gently but firmly, "You need to get up now; you're late for work." Her back was starting to ache from sitting still for so long.

After a few more moments of snuggling into his mother's comforting embrace, Dane finally agreed with a resigned sigh. "Alright, Mom, I'm getting up." He eventually managed to pull himself out of bed, gave his mother a peck on her cheeks, and headed towards the bathroom for a hot bath while Mrs. Creighton returned to the solace of her living room.

Dane emerged from the bathroom with a towel secured around his waist moments later, making his way to his private suite's dressing room. He had a long day ahead and needed to dress appropriately for work. After some thought, he decided on a sophisticated blazer paired with a crisp white shirt and sleek slacks. His choice of footwear was equally refined – elegant leather shoes that added an extra touch of class.

He took the time to enhance his natural good looks with careful grooming. A golden watch found its place on his wrist, and he dabbed on a potent cologne that filled the room with its rich aroma. Thus prepared, he left his private quarters.

Dane's mood soured instantly when he spotted the maid he had dismissed still lingering in his home. His piercing gaze was enough to make her tremble in fear as she hunched over, avoiding eye contact.

His mother quickly intervened, sensing the tension between them. “I asked her to stay," she stated calmly but firmly, "And I am certain you won’t go against my order, would you?"

Dane’s fists clenched at this; it pained him to upset his mother.

"Son," Mrs. Creighton swiftly changed the topic before things could escalate further, "Eat breakfast before you leave for work.”

“Alright!” Dane grumbled in reply and moved to join her at the dining table.

“How soon will you be returning today?” Her voice carried a note of distress that was hard for anyone to overlook.

Dane paused just as he was about to take a bite from his spoonful of breakfast. "Late!" He responded tersely.

Mrs. Creighton wasn't surprised by this response; she knew it meant that Dane would likely gather his crew at one of their regular spots tonight and not return until morning after spending time with yet another woman - which also explained why he always seemed so drained in the mornings.

“When are you going to quit, my son?” she asked, concern lacing her words.

"Mom, stop interfering with my business." His voice was firm as he pushed his chair back and rose from the table.

“You are presently seated in front of your mother. Not one of your servants or men. Sit down. I'm still not done talking!” Mrs. Creighton's patience had worn thin; she slammed her fist on the table to emphasize her point.

Dane felt a surge of emotion threatening to erupt within him, but he remained outwardly calm as he sat across from her. He did this out of respect for her and because he didn't want to cause her any distress.

"What do you think you're doing? The son of the interior minister is leading a criminal gang and consorting with prostitutes after dark," Mrs. Creighton exclaimed in anger.

"Mother, please don't sully your lips by speaking about that despicable individual," Dane replied, his voice cold as ice.

Mrs. Creighton was at the end of her tether with her son's behavior. "Don't disrespect your father like that!" she retorted, raising her voice.

"That man is no father of mine!" Dane shot back fiercely, his patience finally wearing thin. “No one else dares to raise their voice against me and remain unscathed. You are the sole exception, mother.”

“Are you threatening me, son?” Mrs. Creighton questioned.

“Threat?” Dane's rage was simmering beneath his cool exterior, hotter than a wildfire. “Can't you see how much I cherish you as my mother?”

He took a deep breath to calm his frayed nerves before adding, “And let me make it clear that I have no interest in following in those footsteps. I have no desire to be with anyone who has been with other men before.”

With those final words hanging between them, Dane rose from his seat and exited the mansion without uttering another word or bidding farewell to his beloved mother.