Chapter 5

Breakfast the next morning was torture. Everyone was asking too many questions. What happened? Was he tortured? Didn't his lip seem swollen? Didn't he have an injury on his neck? I'm pretty sure it looked like a bite.

It was all starting to drive her crazy, and to make matters worse if someone wasn't gossiping about Dukat then they were grumbling about Dukat's presence on the station. Everywhere she went his presence haunted her.

Approaching Ops, she had hoped for a bit of a reprieve from the gossip, but her heart sank when she saw that Dukat was already present on the bridge. Seemingly taking a tour, most likely to show off his previous knowledge of the station and to hear himself talk. Even Sisko was rolling his eyes at Dukat's long explanations of how the station had been so much better when he was in charge. Kira quickly took her position, avidly avoiding Dukat's eyes. She tried to focus on her task, but she felt herself blush every time she felt him watching.

"Kira!" Sisko requested, motioning for Kira to come closer.

"Yes Captain?" She took her place next to Sisko's side.

"Can you please take Gul Dukat off the bridge and perhaps show him the replimat or anywhere that is not the bridge?" Sisko whisper fiercely, pulling his liaison officer in closer.

Kira paled slightly before she shook her head, "Yes, of course."

"Dukat. Let's go!" Kira demanded heading to the lift, motioning for him to follow.

"As you wish," Dukat smiled an evil grin.

Kira frowned as she commanded the lift to descend. Dukat beamed.

"Good morning, Major," Dukat grinned, glancing over at Kira as they excited the lift, "I'm glad I caught you this morning. I want to re-discuss what happened last night..."

"Dukat, I really don't want to talk about it... It was all a mistake."

"Really now, Major. It didn't feel like a mistake to me. I understand that you are overwhelmed now but, soon you will see that this is for the best."

"For the best! Are you kidding me Dukat? In what world is this... would this... be the best?!"

"Major, I really must ask that you keep your voice down," Dukat hissed, looking around him.

"Keep my... keep my...!" Kira fumed, but glancing around she did see that they were starting to draw quite the crowd.

Turning on her heel she continued walking towards the replimat. They walked in silence for some time, Dukat's silence unnerved her. What is he planning? She glanced over at him studying his features. His eyes were focused straight ahead, and his posture was rigid.

"How is Ziyal?" She finally asked.

Dukat turned his head to eye the commander, "She is well. We have been "hanging out" as she calls it. She is also exceeding remarkably well at her studies. I am quite impressed, especially considering her disadvantages."

Kira eyed him wearily, "Is one of those disadvantages her Bajorn heritage?"

"It does her no favors," Dukat confirmed.

Kira seethed, "Dukat..."

"Come now Major. I am not saying that I dislike the girl, I am simply being realistic. She is a half Bajoran on Cardassia. You know how my people are," Dukat glanced beside him to study Kira.

Kira's anger subsided, but only slightly, she had to admit he had a point. Being a half Bajorn on Cardassia would be exceedingly tough, her Bajorn ridges would be seen as a disadvantage, even if they aren't. Sometimes it only matters how things are perceived.

"What does your wife think of her?" Kira couldn't hold back her curiosity.

Her stomach fluttered strangely in her chest at the mention of his wife. She still hadn't figured out her feelings on the matter... not that she had given it much thought.

"The girl doesn't exist to her."

Kira eyed Dukat, his answer was rather clipped and vague. She had been expecting a much larger answer considering how moral Cardassian's were regarding their families. But perhaps being the leader had its advantages and perhaps his wife was a compassionate sort. She knew that she would not be that compassionate towards an erstwhile husband and an illegitimate daughter. Perhaps his wife was a better woman than her. She was starting to develop a headache again. Why were things always so complicated with him?

"I was expecting more..." Kira continued.

Dukat remained strangely silent, it wasn't until they had reached the replimat that he spoke again, "Do you even like me?"

Kira glanced at her companion in surprise, the question sounded almost wistful.

"Rarely," She admitted.

"You must have felt something that morning..." He trailed off, sure she would know his meaning.

"Not love," She admitted, but she refused to acknowledge her desire.

"I'm not asking for love," Dukat stopped and turned towards Kira grabbing her hand.

Kira pulled back like she had been burned. Looking around the replimat she spotted a few curious onlookers. Her cheeks burned.

"Come," Kira whispered harshly and she stalked off towards her quarters.

Dukat followed obediently. Once they entered her quarters Kira turned around, her fire once again returning.

"What was that all about?" She demanded.

"I was merely trying to get your attention."

"You had it," Kira waved her arms. "It doesn't mean that you need to touch me."

Dukat could practically see fire escaping from her nostrils.

"You had no problem with me touching you before," He barked.

"That wasn't in public!" Kira retorted.

"Well excuse me Major, but I am finding it very difficult to figure out what you want exactly!" Dukat demanded.

"I don't know!" Kira threw her arms up in the air exasperated.

Kira eyed Dukat up and down. What was he playing at? She had assumed that once he had gotten what he wanted that would be the last of it. Instead he seemed quite content to continue invading her space. She looked at Dukat's thin frame. She could picture the lean muscle that was hidden underneath. He was surprisingly good... Kira blushed. Refocusing her eyes, she saw Dukat waiting. Saw the hunger in his eyes. She momentarily wondered if perhaps they were sharing the same thought.

"Tell me you want me," Kira whispered.

It was tiring to constantly fight his advances and really this is what she deserved didn't she. She had let her emotions get the best of her. She let her anger and her loneliness take over and had used him to scratch an itch, an itch that she could still desperately feel.

"I always want you," Dukat breathed as he scooped Kira into his arms kissing her deeply.

Kira's mind went blank. Hands desperately roaming over each other. She moaned into his mouth as she felt his desire. Breaking the kiss, she quickly removed the bottom half of her uniform. Taking his cue Dukat opened his trousers. His member sprang free from its confines and Kira eyed it hungrily. Grabbing it she backed Dukat towards the wall. Kira brought her hand up and cupped his cheek, lifting her leg up along his side. Dukat grabbed her from beneath and lifted her up towards him. Kira assisted until Dukat was firmly inside her. They stared deeply into each other's eyes. Only when Kira rolled her hips did they return to kissing. Dukat held her to him and thrust inside her. Kira rolled her head back in passion as Dukat kissed her neck, gently nipping it. Kira gasped. Dukat smirked. Kira brought her head down and bit into his neck. Dukat hissed and bucked into her, making his displeasure known.

"There's easier ways to claim me," Dukat hissed, his voice heavy with passion.

"But not as fun," Kira smirked.

They kissed, nipped and explored each other until finally they both came to their eventual climax. Dukat's legs shaked and shuddered as he rode out his climax. Feeling like he couldn't hold them anymore he collapsed against the wall. They ended up on the floor in a tangle of limps. Kira sighed in pleasure as she rolled off him and laid exhausted on the ground. She looked over at Dukat who was staring at her. Oh, this is ridiculous she thought as she closed her eyes. Kira couldn't help but laugh at the situation, Dukat also let out a chuckle of his own.

"Can I see you again?" Dukat asked.

"Ohh... I suppose," Kira growled.

While he was here she would enjoy herself. Once he left though, that was a different story, she knew that they wouldn't be seeing each other again. How could they? Her ploy was slowly crumbling. What would she do? Invite him over secretly and hope that no one noticed? And now she was no better than any other Bajorn mistress. How the mighty have fallen.

"Shit!" Kira yelled out, suddenly sitting up.

Dukat stared at her curiously.

"Sisko's probably wondering where I am. I was supposed to take you to the replimat. Shit!" Kira frantically looked for her pants and was pulling them on when her com badge chirped.

"Sisko to Kira."

"Kira here!" She sounded out of breath.

There was a pause, "Are you alright Major?"

"Yes! Yes, I'm fine," Kira coughed slightly, "I just got sidetracked, I'm on my way now!"

Dukat watched her with amusement, grinning to himself.

Kira quickly made her way back to Ops, taking her normal spot, she tried to will the blushing to leave her face. Her shift progressed the same as always however, whenever she smiled at her friends... it suddenly felt fake. What would they think if they knew? These people who trusted her, even as she herself was being entirely untrustworthy. For prophets' sake, she was sleeping with the enemy - literally.

For the rest of the day, Kira spent her time trying to avoid Dukat. She was worried that if she ended up seeing him again she would do something that she would regret - well regret more - and she had been doing a mighty outstanding job of it too, until she ran across him that evening in Quarks.

In a moment of weakness, she stopped to watch from afar, Dukat seemed carefree as he laughed with Quark, he seemed happier than she had ever seen. She was about to leave when Dukat noticed her and waved her over. Cursing to herself she walked over and sat down in one of the empty chairs.

"Ah, Kira," Dukat grinned.

"How are you Dukat?" Kira asked.

Quark interrupted, "The Gul here was just telling me that he plans on returning to the station more often. Which I think is fantastic, I could always use more customers."

"Oh, is he?" Kira smirked while Dukat grinned, taking a sip of his Kanar.

"I asked him what was bringing him back so often but apparently it's top secret," Quark continued, "But you know me. I am not one to judge, as long as one is willing to drink at my bar or play at my daboo table."

She was pleasantly shocked, apparently Dukat had the good sense not to brag this time.

"Top secret..." Kira smirked and turned her attention to Dukat.

"Very top secret," Dukat teased. "I would hate to bore you with the details but, suffice to say that I'm required in this sector more often. There is business to attend to, but don't worry, it should be rather pleasurable, I think. A deviation from my regular work."

"And how long is this... deviation, expected to last?" Kira couldn't help but tease back, recognizing his thinly veiled excuse.

"Hopefully, forever," Dukat confirmed.

Kira choked on thin air. Sputtering she turned her attention back to Quark. Under the table she could feel Dukat's hand on her thigh. At his touch she sat up straighter, trying not to look at him, not wishing to see his smug face right now.

"Are you alright, Major?" Quark asked.

Kira nodded and murmured some noises she hoped worked as an answer.

"Would you like something to drink, Major?" Quark asked, eyeing her cautiously.

Kira was about to refuse, wishing desperately to escape the situation but, considering her day she thought that perhaps she could use a drink, "Spring wine."

Quark nodded and left, grinning to himself, pleased at another sale. Dukat turned his attention to Kira, squeezing her thigh.

"Hello, my dear," He grinned.

"Dear?" Kira didn't bother to hide her surprise.

"I do believe it is typical to use terms of endearment when one is in a relationship," Dukat started.

"We're not in a relationship," Kira pointed out.

"The marks on my body seem to imply a different story," Dukat raised his eyebrow.

Kira closed her eyes, he had her there, "What do you want, Dukat?"

"Another date when I return."

"I don't know..." Kira started.

It seemed that every day was starting to become more confusing than the last. Everyday her world unraveled just a little bit farther. She wished for the days when everything had seemed so black and white. Instead, she was finding it increasingly difficult to retain her anger when Dukat was sitting politely beside her.

"Is there someone else? Should I be jealous?"

"No, there's no one else."

"I'll be the perfect gentlemen," He persisted.

"You're no gentlemen," Kira retorted.

Angry sex was one thing... but a date... A date with Dukat...

Staring at Dukat she saw nothing but honesty in his eyes, but his grin still caused a shiver to run through her. She debated saying no but she knew that he would just call later and knowing him it would probably be 03:00 hours, just to annoy her. There was also a possibility that even if she did say yes, the date still might not happen.

"When?" Kira asked.

"A few days?"

"A few days," She relented.

"Excellent! We must celebrate!" Dukat grinned.

"What are we celebrating?" Quark asked, as he set down the spring wine in front of Kira.

"I have just secured the business deal of a lifetime," Dukat flourished.

"Lots of latnium?" Quark asked, his eyes wide.

"Better than latnium."

"Precious stones?" Quark continued, unsure there was something better than latnium.

"The most precious," He raised his glass for a toast and his eyes twinkled at the Kira.

Kira was unsure if she should feel embarrassed or flattered, either way she blushed, taking a sip of spring wine. This was going to be a long night.

"How are things working out with the civilian government?" Kira inquired when Quark finally left.

Dukat huffed and took another sip of Kanar, "It's nothing like the previous government but things are...improving."

"What made you join?" Kira asked legitimately curious.

"Really Major. That should be easy to figure out. When a ship is going down you don't stay with it. "

"Well actually, Terran's had a saying 'the captain goes down with the ship'."

Dukat laughed, "How illogical, no wonder they aren't nearly as advanced. I mean the Captain has years' worth of education, experience and wisdom. If they go down with the ship, then all that is lost. What a waste."

"It's seen as a sign of respect."

"There are other ways to show respect that don't involve a senseless death."

"Do you even know what respect means, Dukat?"

Dukat looked abashed, "I use your title do I not, Major? I have nothing but the highest respect for you."

"...And yet you still won't leave me alone when I ask you too."

"It is because of the respect I hold for you that I want to be with you. I believe you are mixing up a lack of respect with persistence. I know a good thing when I see it... Major."

Kira took a sip of her wine, using the glass to hide her smirk.

"Tell me more about yourself?" Dukat asked, raising his glass towards her.

Kira sighed and quickly downed the rest of her spring wine, Dukat chuckled in amusement.

"Surely you must have read my Starfleet personal profile. I know that I have quite the record on Cardassia," Kira huffed, motioning at Quark to bring her another spring wine.

"That may be true..." Dukat stated, leaning forward, "But what I would really like to know cannot be found in those profiles. Things like... hobbies. What do you do... when you're alone in your quarters?"

Kira was thankful for Quarks prompt service as he placed a new glass in front of her, "Should I start up a tab?"

Kira smirked, "Charge it to him," she tipped her glass towards Dukat.

Quark turned in anticipation.

Dukat tipped his glass in ascent, "Whatever the Major requests, I will provide."

Quarks grin increased as money symbols danced across his eyes. Kira took a sip of her drink, quietly thinking to herself.

"Surely you will answer my question now?" Dukat persisted.

Kira turned to face him, completely flabbergasted, "You really need to learn how to make conversation."

"On Cardassia we are expert conversationalists," Dukat looked wounded.

"Apparently, it's lost in translation then," Kira could feel her patience wearing thin.

Dukat took another sip of his drink, a silence filled the air. Kira covered her own discomfort with another sip of spring wine.

"I mostly pray...or mediate... or read the scriptures," Kira spoke.

"Ah yes, your su..." Dukat caught himself, "Your scriptures have always intrigued me. We have not had a similar type of...religion for centuries. I must admit that I have not read many of them however... Perhaps you can tell me more about them. I find my information in that area severely lacking."

"What would you want to know?" Kira asked unsure.

"Oh, anything really? In the past Cardassia had many stories and parables in its religions. Does yours have something similar?"

"It does..."

"What is your favorite?"

Kira thought long and hard about this before finally answering, "The parable of the ugly daughter."

Dukat leaned forward intrigued, motioning for her to continue.

Kira took a deep breath and told the story.

"There once was a farmer who had three daughters. Two of the daughters were radiant beauties and everyone in town admired them. The third daughter however was rather plain and to some quite ugly. The first two daughters found husbands easily. The first was married to a rich banker who offered her father much in the way of loans, which grew his farm and household. The second daughter married a doctor, who took care of their entire family. The father was glad to have such support in his old age. But by the 30th moon the third daughter was still unmarried and the farmer had all but given up on her finding a husband. She was too plain and too ugly. Then a prince of a neighboring planet came along and saw the daughter and he was instantly enamored. He went up to the farmer and asked what he must do to be granted this girl's hand in marriage. The farmer, just happy to have found someone, said that he did not have to do anything, that he could simply have the daughter. The prince was taken aback. This man knew nothing about him, or what he offered and, yet he offered up his daughter. He was furious, and he refused to let the farmer off. He told the farmer all about his planet and their many riches and how his daughter would be a princess. He offered the farmer much gold and jewels. He offered protection and a new home if he so wished. He gave the third daughter his world and to the farmers surprise the third daughter beamed in happiness and for once the farmer truly saw his daughter. He saw that not only was she beautiful, but that she actually out shown her sisters."

"That doesn't make any sense. None of that would change a person physically," Dukat replied confused.

Kira laughed, "She was beautiful the whole time. She was only ugly because others perceived her to be ugly, even when she wasn't. She sort of internalized it and became ugly herself. So, when someone showed her she was actually beautiful she became..."

"Beautiful..." Dukat finished in disbelief.

Kira laughed, "Yes..."

Dukat held her gaze, his expression unreadable.

"Making Dukat silent, that is quite a feat Major. More drinks?" Quark interrupted sidling up to the table.

"I seem to have that effect on him," Kira laughed, "Yes, I will have another."

"Same here," Dukat spoke up.

Quark brought his arms around from behind his back and settled the two glasses onto the table, "I thought that might be your answer."

Dukat grinned in amusement as he grabbed the fresh glass of Kanar. Kira rolled her eyes and quickly finished off her second glass so that she could move onto number three.

They sat in silence for a moment as Kira enjoyed her wine, Dukat appeared to be working through something in his head. She was about to ask when her com badge chirped.

"Sisko to Kira."

"Kira here," Kira responded tapping her com badge.

"Is Dukat with you?"

Kira's stomach dropped, she wasn't sure how she felt about that. Why would Sisko assume that she was with Dukat? Or better yet, why was she with Dukat?

"Yes…" Her voice stuck in her throat.

"The Cardassian ship is here to retrieve him. They have requested that he board immediately."

"I suppose that means my time is up?" Dukat sighed.

"More than you know," Kira whispered under her breath, as she quickly downed her glass of spring wine.

Kira was starting to feel the effects of the spring wine as they were walking away from Quarks. As the lights and sounds of the bar began to cease her head began to feel foggier. Dukat marched beside her as they made their way down the promenade. Following Dukat into the turbolift, Kira stumbled over her feet, Dukat reached his hand out and caught her, drawing her in close. Kira laughed as she pressed herself against him, his chest rumbled against her.

"Oops," Kira stated.

As the lift moved Dukat brought Kira's face to his own and kissed her tenderly.

"I think this is where we should say good night," Kira couldn't help but smirk.

"Don't you think the night would pass more pleasantly...together," Dukat leaned forward for a kiss.

Kira quickly kissed him before leaning back out of reach and whispering, "Not here and you sir are being requested to your ship."

Kira winced as she heard her words being slurred. Dukat released her and they stood beside each other for a moment before the lift reached Ops.

"Dukat!" Sisko barked.

"Yes, Captain?" Dukat inquired as he clasped his hands together.

"Try not to get kidnapped in the future."

"I might be hard pressed to follow that order Captain, after all, it did end up being rather enjoyable."

Kira could feel herself blushing and she hoped that no one was watching. Sisko raised an eyebrow sending a questioning glance to Kira, but saying nothing, perfectly content to let Dukat's strange answer simply fade. He did not wish to inspire a conversation with the man. Kira watched as Dukat was transported off the bridge. Outwardly she looked as calm as always but internally she sighed. She felt the burden on her shoulders releasing.

Shaking her head Kira brought her attention back to the present. Watching Dukat leave she knew that she was never to speak of what happened. She felt like she had betrayed everything, her friends, her people, even herself and now she had to live with it. Fortunately, she had experience in that area.