The tension eventually faded as they shared some Spring Wine and casually talked. It wasn't until the evening was coming to a close and Kira was unsure how to proceed that she spoke up again.

"Dukat..." She started.

Dukat gave her his attention.

"We... I mean... I... I can't do this".

"Do what?" He inquired.

"This..." Kira moved her hands back and forward, "Us... I can't love you."

Dukat sat up rigid. He eyed her carefully, he knew he wanted more with Kira, love, marriage, a family but she never had to know that, "I know you'll never love me. I am a monster after all. But you treat me like a man. You're the only one. I would like us to continue."

Kira breathed, stunned at his reaction, this was the first time he had called himself a monster, and although she would agree, coming from his lips it seemed strange, out of place.

"But no love?" Kira questioned.

"I only want what you can give me," He confirmed.

Kira breathed a sigh of relief. For some reason when it came to Dukat she had expected things to be more complicated.

"Wait..." Kira looked at Dukat shocked, "Does that mean you only want me for my body?"

Dukat grinned, his voice held a deep chuckle, "I did say I was a monster."

Kira rubbed her face. The monster of the occupation... Dukat was oblivious to her change in mood.

"Are we having a serious conversation?" Dukat inquired in a jolly mood.

"No! Maybe... Yes," Kira sighed.

Dukat grinned and laid his hand down on Kira's knee.

`Oh great` Kira thought. `Not only am I not in love with the man. Which if at least I was, then I could blame this whole thing on being so blinded by love I could see no wrong in Dukat. Nope.. instead I'm just the women who apparently is fucking him, for what? Shits and giggles?`

Everything was starting to slip out of her grasp so fast. She had no excuses left anymore, none. They had come to an agreement on whatever this relationship was... which was not love. So why did she still feel butterflies when Dukat touched her knee? Kira watched all her friends down below enjoying themselves. Oblivious to the fact that up here she was drowning. Being sucked into a whirlwind she felt she had no control over. She felt Dukats breath on the side of her face.

"Look down there. That's not your world anymore. You belong in the shadows with me. Look at all your friends. Don't tell me you don't love getting away with this, right under their noses. Knowing that only you can bring me to my knees. I'd do anything for you," Dukat`s hand slid inside Kira's thigh.

She gasped in surprise.

"My dear," He leaned over and kissed the side of her neck.

Kira had to admit, for as much as she hated hiding whatever this relationship was from her friends. She did feel slightly powerful knowing that Dukat wanted her so badly. Knowing that no one suspected a thing.

"Just tell me what you want me to do," He whispered.

She gave it a little thought, an idea forming in her mind, one that might solve her current problem, and she couldn't help but grin, "Oh you would never do it," she teased.

"Try me," Dukat's grin never wavered.

"Alright. But if you don't do it, we're over."

Dukat barked in laughter, "My dear, you already said that we're not an item."

"No sex," Kira intoned, keeping Dukat's gaze.

Dukat raised his eyes in surprise, "Are you bargaining with sex?"

Kira hummed in agreement.

"You naughty woman, I like it, you're on."

The travel back to Kira's quarters was brimming with tension. What had she done? Kira thought. She had been joking, but he had taken her up on it, she had no choice but to go through with it. They entered the quarters and Dukat made a motion to grab Kira but she lifted her hand up, stopping him. Dukat stopped his movement and stood still. She maneuvered her way to the replicator. Dukat raised an eyebrow ridge, but watched in delight as she strode with purpose and excitement.

"Computer. Black dog collar," she eyed Dukat, "Large..."

Dukat tried not to let his surprise show but there was no stopping it. The computer made a collar and Kira picked it up, seductively walking towards him. She held it out to him. Her nerves were completely on edge. Now that she had entered the moment she was curious as to what he would do. She also felt that familiar pull of power as Dukat looked at the collar. Could he do it? She wondered. Dukat always had to be the one in charge, this surely would put him off his game.

"You did say there was a better way to claim you," Kira teased, holding the collar up on her finger, letting it catch the light.

Dukat eyed it for a moment, then eyed Kira up and down. He hadn't wanted to let onto his feelings but he knew this would give her a good indication. Would she believe that he would wear it regardless of the fact that they were just having sex. He thought back to his other comfort women and he knew he would have never worn a dog collar for any of them. Hell he wouldn't even wear a dog collar for his wife. Would she realize the significance or just assume he was sex crazed. Dukat grinned, although really, both had merits. Dukat himself craved power and he would stop at nothing to achieve it, perhaps this show of faith would bind Kira too him. Was he willing to let himself do it? He knew that for her he would. He took the collar and buckled it into place. Kira couldn't help but gasp slightly, her eyes widened. Dukat felt at least some satisfaction in surprising her. She had thought for sure he wouldn't do it.

Kiras eyes shimmered with desire and power. The collar suited him, in fact it suited him too well. It downright looked good and he had put it on, for her. Would he have put it on for all his mistresses? At that moment Kira didn't particularly care. She walked up to him, lust clearly in her eyes. She grabbed him by the collar ring and pulled him towards her. He grabbed her waist and they fell into a passionate embrace.

Kira was laying on the floor, completely tired and sated. Dukat laid beside her, naked except for his collar. She had still marked him and Dukat pretended to be offended but truthfully the marks kept him happy for days afterwards while he was fighting around the depths of space.

"Perhaps, we should go for a walk on the promenade," Kira laughed, she was teasing, but the idea of parading a dog collared Dukat actually caused her face to flush.

Dukat scoffed.

"Yes... I think that is exactly what we should do..." Kira grabbed onto Dukat's arm and attempt to push him up.

"Enough!" Dukat hissed, he had behaved enough but he was not going to let her completely demoralize him, "You go to far."

"What? Don't want to prove your love?" Kira laughed.

Dukat's face turned stern, "Kira. Neyrus..." His voice practically pleaded.

Kira stopped and watched him. He removed his arm from her hands, "You have me, body and Pagh. But that is too much, you must let me retain some dignity. Remember I am still a man, not a toy," His eyes spoke volumes and Kira was forced to glance away uneasy.

"Pagh..." The little word slipped through her lips in surprise.

Dukat leaned towards her, reaching for Kira's hand he grabbed it and brought it to his chest, "I said I would take whatever you give me and I will. But remember, I am in love."

"But you said..." Kira snapped, annoyed that she had been lied too.

Dukat stopped her, "I never denied loving you."

Kira's mouth dropped open. She had always suspected, but he had been so crass earlier and then their conversation in Quarks, she thought she must have been imagining it. She had somehow naively convinced herself that he only wanted her for her body. She could understand that that, but this revelation was too much.

"How long..." The words could barely be spoken.

Dukat sighed, "A long time."

Staring into his eyes Kira could see the truth. She had seen it many times before but she had always denied it.

"Oh," It was all Kira could say.

She admitted that it was pretty lame in comparison to Dukats comment but she wasn't sure what else to say. Her eyes were drawn to the collar he now wore. She reached up to remove it and he stilled her hands.

"I do not mind it," He spoke, "If you find it desirable I am more than happy to wear it. I just would like to keep it between us."

His statement ended with his typical grin and Kira felt some normalcy returning. Kira wrapped her arms around herself. Dukat stayed still, watching Kira closely. He wanted nothing more than to wrap his arms around her but he felt he needed to hold his ground. Kira watched Dukat closely, without warning she launched herself into his arms and held him close. Dukat closed his eyes and held her close.

"So..." Dukat started.

Kira reacted by placing her lips upon Dukats. She kissed him passionately. Dukat responded, holding her close to his body. She opened her mouth and deepened the kiss and Dukat eagerly responded. They laid like that for some time until they broke away kissing in small pecks. She took Dukat by the hand and brought him to her bed. Dukat was prepared to lay down on the bed when she stopped him. She sat down on the bed, and whispered, "Come here."

"As you wish," He breathed, using his strength he grabbed her and moved her up the bed slightly as he crawled on top of her.

They resumed kissing and Dukat could feel Kira moan underneath him. Between kisses they removed each others clothing. She removed the collar from Dukat.

He tried to protest but Kira just smirked, "Next time. It's just in the way."

Dukat nodded in agreement. His long body pressed up against hers. Kira squirmed beneath him as his fingers explored her body and he nipped and kissed everywhere. Reaching her legs up she wrapped herself around Dukat so his hard member was now sliding in between her legs. He groaned in pleasure. For once he finally felt in control again. But with the way she was wrapped around him he was slowly loosing control. His body covered her and he was entranced by the feeling. All the times prior she had been on top. He had enjoyed it but it was also clearly a sign that Kira was the only one in control of this relationship. He let it continue because it didn't bother him and he was happy to please her. But now that he was in control he found his heart was racing. His heart reached out and tried to sing with hers. It ached and pained in his chest as it was denied.

"Please..." She breathed, rolling her hips against him.

And with that single word he was undone. He guided himself into her and he moaned deeply. She was hot and wet around him. He started out with long, slow, steady strokes. Making sure that he was in a good angle, but when she started meeting his thrust with more energy he picked up. Soon he was thrusting with abandon. Kira was moaning and squirming beneath him. Her head was thrown back in passion and she was panting. He felt happy that he was making her come undone. It was only a matter of time until both of them came. Kira screamed out her orgasm and Dukat joined her as the walls around his member contracted. Together they rode the after shocks, kissing each other deeply.

Dukat rolled off her and since the bed was only a single took the opportunity to snuggle into Kira. Kira lifted her head so that it was in the crook of Dukats shoulder. She wrapped an arm around him. Dukat beamed, perfectly content.

"I can feel you smiling," Kira teased.

"How can I not smile when a dream has come true," Dukat answered cooly.

"You're always going to say stuff like that aren't you?" Kira couldn't help but smile to herself as well.

"I'm not going to change just because we are together," Dukat smirked but he could feel her tense around him.

"I'm a different man now Kira. One you will be proud of," He continued.

Kira slightly relaxed.

"Make no mistake. I will still fight for Cardassia, no matter the cost. But I also fight for my family...which includes you, and what is important to you," Dukat finished.

"So you will fight for Bajor?" Kira asked leaning up and looking down into Dukats face.

Dukat looked over at her, his mind was going a mile a minute. He could still clearly think of reasons for why he would sacrifice Bajor, but he was also realistic in the knowledge that it would cost him Kira. He also knew that Cardassia didn't need to Occupy Bajor, there was other ways that Cardassia could be rebuilt and having Bajor's cooperation would be beneficial. A cooperation that Kira could help establish...

He took her hand in his and placed it over his heart, "I will fight for Bajor."

Kira couldn't help but smile, the smile causing her eyes to light up. She leaned down and they shared a chaste kiss. Dukat felt like he could just lay there forever.

Kira resume her position curled up to Dukat.

After a breath Dukat spoke, "Are we going to tell everyone?"

Her brows furrowed. If it was up to her she would continue to keep the relationship a secret. She didn't really want to become one of Dukat's long line of mistresses, at least not publicly. There was also no way that she could possible explain it to anyone and have them understand, Prophets know that she herself couldn't understand it.

"That you're fighting for Bajor..." Kira pretended not to understand.

Dukat laughed, "Not quite, I mean tell people about us."

Kira groaned, "We probably shouldn't. No one will understand and there is still too much at stake. Can't they just figure it out on their own... if they choose too."

Kira laughed, "It could probably be our wedding day and some people would still not really get it."

Dukat's heart leaped at the comment. He knew it was in jest but it still meant that unconsciously she was not opposed to the idea, right?

Kira's mind drifted off as she contemplated this. She could imagine Bashir and Dax both whispering to each other as Kira and Dukat stood up at the altar.

"Whose wedding is this again?" Bashir asked curiously.

"I'm not sure," Dax informed him, "I feel like I knew when I saw the wedding invitation but now that I'm here I can't seem to remember."

"You don't suppose it's Kira and Dukat's do you?" Bashir half laughed.

"No. Of course not, that would be silly. They must just be doing a rehearsal of some kind. Before the actual couple comes forward, you know."

"Mmmm," Bashir hummed noncommittally, "They are doing a stand up job though, that kiss looks almost real."

"I know!" Dax whispered in surprise. "I don't remember Kira ever being that good of an actor in the holo suites."

Kira chuckled to herself, lost in her fantasy. Dukat watched her closely, smiling a little, lost in her beauty.

"Perhaps you're right," He smirked and then laughed, "Send out little cards? You have been cordially invited to partake in the knowledge of the secret relationship between Nerys and Cabul."

"Cabul?" She looked at him confused.

Dukat closed his eyes, he hadn't meant to reveal his given name, "It's my given name."

"Cabul Dukat..." Kira spoke, feeling the sounds on her tongue.

"It means 'clad in gold and silver.'"

Kira snorted, "Of course it does."

Kira laughed and then responded, smirking, "Perhaps we should just be each others dirty little secret."

"It was more than I had ever hoped for," Dukat grinned.