Pushing Boundaries

[ROBERT SNOW]

Robert didn’t know if he was prepared for this dinner. Cadence had been his companion at many dinners, but all of them had been business related and all of them she had attended as his secretary. Now she was actually his date. If tonight went well, he planned to ask her if she would be his date at the annual Greenwolfe University benefit. They wouldn’t need to stay long, but he felt as a major partner and contributor to the school, he should at least make an appearance. Who better to bring along than Cadence? He wasn’t attracted to anyone else anymore. But that was only if tonight went well. In the event that it was awkward and strange then he would forget about attending altogether and send his deepest apologies. David was driving him to Cadence’s apartment building to pick her up and he mulled over this new step in their relationship as he stared out of the window. He didn’t like how vulnerable relationships made him. To actually care for someone was a weakness that could be exploited at any turn, and Robert was a powerful man with powerful enemies. Could he risk Cadence being hurt in the crossfire if one of his enemies ever tried to start battle with him? Hadn’t he exposed her plenty in the past? Was Cadence herself still capable of being a weapon against him? There were so many questions and concerns that he didn’t know the answer to and didn’t care to explore deeply—not now, not ever. But he knew at some point he would have to face these problems. It only weighed heavier on his mind when he ignored it.

When they reached Cadence’s apartment building, he realized he had never actually seen the inside of her apartment. The outside he’d seen once or twice, but he had never bothered to go up with her. It was strange and unbalanced, considering she knew every room of his mansion just about as well as he did by now. He tried to picture it, knowing it would be spotless and tidy, but would she have a lot of color? Muted colors perhaps…nothing bold unless it was an accent in the room. Just the fact that he was wondering about it was enough to unnerve him somewhat. He climbed out of the car and was about to text her that he’d arrived when a shape moving toward him caught his eye and he looked up. All of his anxiety melted away at seeing Cadence walking toward him confidently, her sexy outfit drawing his eyes the full length of her legs, over her hips and breasts until they found her stoic yet beautiful face. She even had a little more make-up on than usual. In a word, she was stunning and Robert felt a confident smirk tugging at his lips as he watched her approach. “Good evening, Miss Higgins.” It was a smooth greeting in his deep voice and he held the car door open for her when she reached him. She climbed right in and he slid in beside her.

“The Blue Scallop, David.” Once he’d delivered instructions, he looked to Cadence once more and let his eyes visibly drink her in. The end of the evening seemed such a long time to wait to tear that dress off her body, but patience would make it more worthwhile. “You look beautiful this evening.” His grin was that of a hungry predator waiting calmly to pounce on his prey. Her response was noncommittal but polite and he sat back in his seat slightly, studying her. “I realized when we parked outside your building that I’d never seen your apartment before. I wonder if we might remedy that this evening.” She had to chance to refuse, but Robert never liked to hear the word, “No.” It would be wiser for her to indulge his curiosity tonight.

[CADENCE HIGGINS]

Cadence was only partially interested in attending her date with Robert. In the end, she could try and make up an excuse for the meeting, but she knew deep down what it was. A date. She had no idea what to wear, knowing he expected her to look exceptional, but she didn't want to overdue it and make him think this was something she genuinely wanted. It wasn't necessarily that she didn't want to go, but it took them to a level she wasn't sure she wanted to go to. She'd spent a lifetime despising him, and the last few years getting close to him in order to bring him down, but in the end he had managed to change her mind about who and what he was, and get her to not hate him so very passionately anymore. He wasn't the murderer she thought he'd been, and if it turned out he was she would certainly end his life without so much a second thought. He had let her get close. Too close. She could take him down if she wanted, but the fact of the matter was she didn't want to. She had come to enjoy him, both in company and in bed. She respected him more when he forced her submission, and even now, days after his rough treatment, she was still skeptical about crossing him. He'd left his mark, made the line in the sand very clear, and though she preferred to toe it, she wasn't sure she would cross it for some time again.

She chose a a short sleeved black dress with a low v-neck and a tea length hem. She wore clear stockings over her legs and open toed black pumps with a heft three and a half inch heel. Her hair lay in soft waves around her shoulders and her make-up was slightly heavier than it would be at the office. She looked classic and casual all at the same time. A delicate pearl necklace adorned her neck, matching earrings gracing her ears and a bracelet to boot. Not wanting Robert to come up into her home she made sure to be in the lobby well before his pickup time. She sat and waited patiently, her black pea coat in hand. Finally the car pulled up and she stood, sliding the jacket around her thin frame and making her way out towards her boss. Or rather, her date.

“Good evening, Miss Higgins.” His voice was deep and smooth, its usual charming. There was a cocky sort of smirk on his face and she gave no indication as to how she felt. "Good evening, sir." She answered, glancing up at him and then away as she climbed into the back of the town car. Robert slid in beside her and shut the door and Cadence crossed her legs at the ankle, her knees pointing away from Robert and towards the door as her hands folded on her bare knees. “The Blue Scallop, David.” Her eyes stayed on the window as the car began t0 move, unsure still about the evening ahead. “You look beautiful this evening.” Her jade eyes turned to meet his and she felt like a rabbit being cornered by wolf. "Thank you, sir.“ She said slowly, her gaze confident as it met his, showing she wasn't ready to back down just yet. "I realized when we parked outside your building that I’d never seen your apartment before. I wonder if we might remedy that this evening.” It was a bold request, one she dearly did not want to oblige. Cadence was silent for a moment considering her answer. She did not want Robert in her personal space. It was the single place that was strictly hers. He already owned her body, and she wanted his presence to stay clear of her home in the off chance that he decided to get too comfortable with it. Then again if she said no she would surely pay for it, and Cadence wasn't entirely sure she cared to see what he doled out next. It had taken two nights to recover completely from his previous treatment, which was a long time for a Gargoyle. "Perhaps we should see how the evening goes before finalizing plans." She purred, making it clear in her reply that she wasn't willing to say yes yet, but she wasn't exactly saying no either. "One never knows what the night has in store for us." Her gaze lingered for a moment longer before looking back towards the window, but her eyes only lingered for a moment. "You're very dapper tonight." She cooed, looking back at him, her face stoic despite the comment delivered.

[ROBERT SNOW]

Cadence may have been trying to hide her displeasure at his request, but Robert could clearly see she did not look forward to the idea of him being in her home. Her hesitation to answer only confirmed it and he wondered why that would be. What did she have to hide from him? Possibly nothing, but he highly doubted it. Women always had secrets. “Perhaps we should see how the evening goes before finalizing plans.” Her voice was seductive to ease her answer, but it was certainly a noncommittal answer. Yes, perhaps they should see how the evening went…perhaps he could find out what she was hiding. “One never knows what the night has in store for us.” Her eyes stayed on his and a trace of a smirk appeared on his lips before she looked away. “That’s true…” he replied softly, glancing over the elegant edges of her face when she wasn’t looking. He’d never really focused on the individual components that made Cadence beautiful before. It was strange to do so now, but he found his actions out of his control. When her eyes came back to him, he didn’t look away but he felt a little foolish being caught studying her. He didn’t like feeling foolish.

“You’re very dapper tonight.” He gave a slight smirk at the compliment. Tonight he had opted for a slate gray suit[/u], a light blue shirt and a dark blue tie, bringing out the colors in his eyes. “Thank you. Compliments are always appreciated from lovely young women.” His smirk grew before he looked out the window at the passing city. Truth was, he didn’t think a compliment from any other woman, old or young, would move him all that much, except for Cadence’s compliments. He didn’t fuss over his looks, but he didn’t like to look disheveled either. Having that effort be appreciated was nice coming from Cadence, though her face didn’t speak much to her compliment. He peeked back over at the woman sitting beside him, his eyes traveling over her legs and up her willowy frame. Her blonde hair fell just right in gentle waves at her shoulders. It was tempting to just bury his hand in it and tug gently, the way she liked him to do. Of course he didn’t, wanting her to look just as impeccable as she did now while they ate dinner, but that didn’t take away the temptation. “I’ll find it extremely difficult to return you home in the impeccable condition you’re in now. I’m already finding it difficult to keep my hands off you.” Even so, he didn’t reach out to touch her in anyway. Somehow that felt like it would be awkward. Normally he only touched her when he had to or when they were in the throes of passion. He’d never simply touched her to touch her outside of their sexcapades. Perhaps as the night went on it would become easier.

Still, he didn’t want this dinner to be awkward, and with the silence in the car, he felt it might be. He looked over at his date with an inquisitive look. “Is this strange? Going to dinner with me when there’s no business behind it?” Of course it was, but he wanted to bring out any issues to the forefront. Why did it have to be strange? Was there a way to remedy it? It wasn’t often that he dated, but when he had in the past, he’d been very smooth in his dealings. There was no reason why he shouldn’t be able to smooth things out now.

[CADENCE HIGGINS]

“Thank you. Compliments are always appreciated from lovely young women.” Her brows quirked up and then down quickly at the comment, looking away again. Cadence had little to say. She never had much to say to Robert. His business was his and hers was hers. It was just that simple. She had no personal life really, spending most of her time at work. She worked late with Robert most nights, staying well after her allotted time, and was often in early to take care of other business. Of course the reason she often left so late was because of his sexual appetite at the end of the evening, which had become the extent of her personal life. There was nothing deep about Cadence to talk about, or rather that she was interested in talking about. She wasn't an open person, and she wasn't willing to open up to Robert of all people, which was why she remained silent.

“I’ll find it extremely difficult to return you home in the impeccable condition you’re in now. I’m already finding it difficult to keep my hands off you.” She looked over at him, a coy expression on her face as she expected him to reach out, but he did not. Part of her felt like tempting him, but she knew better, knowing he would take the bait and it would end in him doing something there in the car in front of the chauffeur, something she wasn't interested in happening. She tried to think if he'd ever really touched her nonsexually before. He'd put his hand at the small of her back when leading her into a room before, but that often ended in sex. Then there was the entire time he was in his bed after the accident. Things had been briefly different between them during that time. It wasn't about sex for a couple of days, but she had constantly pushed him. Had he touched her then? "You're a patient man. If anyone can resist temptation I'm certain it's you." She said smoothly, her hand sliding a little over her lap.

“Is this strange? Going to dinner with me when there’s no business behind it?” Her eyes found his and she considered her answer. Of course it was strange. Strange wasn't even the word she would use. Maybe awkward? Foreign? "Yes." She answered after a moment. "Our relationship is professional." She reminded. "I'm your assistant, and though I'm often asked to perform tasks that exceed normal professional responsibilities, it doesn't change the dynamic of our relationship. This, perhaps, does to some degree." She informed him, looking him in the eye confidently. She wasn't on his time right now and she felt she could speak how she pleased. Yes, in the end he could make her submit to anything he wanted, whenever he wanted, on his time or not, but she felt braver about speaking her mind in that moment. "I'm just unsure of your intentions, Robert." Her gaze moved to her own lap, not wanting to look in his eyes after that challenge.

[ROBERT SNOW]

As always, Cadence was considering the diplomatic answer to Robert’s question, but he just wanted the truth. He knew what her answer would be before she even spoke it. “Yes.” He nodded, not disappointed since it was expected. “Our relationship is professional. I’m your assistant, and though I’m often asked to perform tasks that exceed normal professional responsibilities, it doesn’t change the dynamic of our relationship. This, perhaps, does to some degree.” There was nothing about her statements that he could really argue with except for the suggestion of there being no personal relationship between them. He certainly thought there was a little something there, otherwise he wouldn’t have gone out on a limb asking her to dinner, but he remained silent and relaxed. “I’m just unsure of your intentions, Robert.” Not sir—Robert. That was a step in the right direction for the evening. He didn’t want her to see him as her boss for once. Still he was surprised she would need him to spell out his intentions. In the spirit of honesty, though, he decided not to hold back. A small smile came to his lips as he looked at her calmly.

“I thought my intentions were clear. I intend to make you mine, Cadence.” The look on her face confirmed that she wasn’t expecting the answer he gave and he smiled a little wider. “Is that so surprising? You say this has been a professional relationship, but I don’t easily forget kindnesses done for me since they seem so few and far between.” He was hesitant to talk about his emotions ninety-nine percent of the time, but he wanted it laid out on the table. There was no harm in telling Cadence how he really felt when they were in the privacy of his car. He knew David wouldn’t breathe a word of it to anyone, if he was even listening. “You stayed by my side throughout my coma. I would not have blamed you for a moment if you left me in a hospital bed. But you made sure I had the best care in the comfort of my home, even if I couldn’t appreciate it. And you watched the nurses care for me without holding it over my head. I was practically human, but you protected my privacy. That to me suggests there is something just slightly more than a professional relationship between us.” He gave a slight shrug of his broad shoulders before his eyes came back to hers. The icy blue gaze was insistent and genuine. “I am not a sentimental man, Cadence, but the way you cared for me…perhaps that changed me a little. Since then I have been determined to make you mine because…well, I simply despise the thought of anyone else having you. I can’t tolerate the thought of you leaving.” He could have told her more, how he thought of her at random points in the night, how little things reminded him of her, how she affected him so much more than her brother did but they were so similar in his mind—the only people besides his parents who ever truly cared for him. There was very little besides her outright betrayal that would convince him she felt nothing for him.

He gaze softened once again to an inquisitive gaze. Her reaction was a little unreadable besides the surprise written in her eyes. “So I figured a nice dinner would be a good first step to making you mine. Clearly I’ve surprised you, but I hope I haven’t frightened you. If I did, that wasn’t my intention. I just felt I should be straightforward with my intentions.” He wasn’t apologetic for having been so honest, knowing she would come around eventually. Robert would do whatever it took to persuade her to be his.

[CADENCE HIGGINS]

His look was calm as he watched her intently, a mildly amused smile crossing his lips. "I thought my intentions were clear. I intend to make you mine, Cadence." His? The staement annoyed hr and surprised her. Cadence belonged to no one. She would never belong to anyone. "Is that so surprising? You say this has been a professional relationship, but I don't easily forget kindnesses done for me since they seem so few and far between." He didn't need to spell out the kindness in which he was referring. She knew he meant his coma and her lips pursed lightly. "You stayed by my side throughout my coma. I would not have blamed you for a moment if you left me in a hospital bed. But you made sure I had the best care in the comfort of my home, even if I couldn't appreciate it.". Part of her still wondered why she'd done it. "And you watched the nurses care for me without holding it over my head. I was practically human, but you protected my privacy. That to me suggests there is something just slightly more than a professional relationship between us." Cadence gulped knowing she had invited this. Her eyes tore from him and she glowered gently at the seat in front of her, angry that she had been so transparent.

He was quiet a moment and she turned back to meet his cool blue eyes. "I am not a sentimental man, Cadence, but the way you cared for me...perhaps that changed me a little. Since then I have been determined to make you mine because...well, I simply despise the thought of anyone else having you. I can't tolerate the thought of you leaving." for once she didn't really know what to say to him. The thought was a ludicrous one. Cadence and Robert, united. Still, as much as the thought disturbed there was something nice about the idea of him taking her to bed. Would the way he fucked her change? That was one thing she wasn't sure she wanted to compromise. What made it so intense was how taboo it was.

"So I figured a nice dinner would be a good first step to making you mine. Clearly I've surprised you, but I hope I haven't frightened you. If I did, that wasn't my intention. I just felt I should be straightforward with my intentions." Cadence glowered at him. "You do not, and have not ever, frightened me." Her voice was firm so he would know she was serious. "And I am not an object to be owned." She clarified so he would get that ridiculous idea out of his head. She was silent for a moment as she stared him down. "You leave no time for others to make their mark on me. You keep me very busy. I'm not entirely sure when you'll findthe time to attempt wooing me, Robert. I never took you as a man willing to be tied down. Especially to a secretary."

[ROBERT SNOW]

“You do not, and have not ever, frightened me.” Cadence’s firm tone made Robert raise an eyebrow. He was actually more amused than upset by her statement. It was obviously some sort of bravado, knowing she had surely been frightened when he’d caught her assisting Sebastian Davenport all those months ago or when he revealed the true story of her brother’s death. He didn’t argue, however, finding it a moot point. As he’d stated, it wasn’t his intention to frighten her. “And I am not an object to be owned.” Wasn’t she? Men and women owned each other every day—it was called marriage. One silly ring and they had ownership of all of each other’s possessions and children, even each other; that’s why it was so wrong to cheat on a spouse. When cheating on a spouse you were giving to another person what was not rightfully theirs. Still, women didn’t like to be seen as objects and were very sensitive about being treated as such. He would pick his battles wisely and avoid arguing with Cadence on his definition of the word “mine.” “You leave no time for others to make their mark on me. You keep me very busy. I’m not entirely sure when you’ll find the time to attempt wooing me, Robert. I never took you as a man willing to be tied down. Especially by a secretary.” Her words were meant to provoke him and he did feel a twinge of annoyance at her suggestion that he would be giving up his power over her. He remained level-headed, however, and he gave a small almost sardonic smile.

“You’re more than just a secretary, Cadence. You’re the secretary of the once most powerful Gargoyle in existence, now the third most powerful. That gives you status as well as being from a good family. Granted, your family isn’t at the top, but certainly in the upper crust. As for your schedule, I control that. I can make time to woo you. I have to say I’m glad no one else has been able to… ‘make their mark.’ I would like to keep it that way.” His eyes flashed dangerously, silently assuring that if someone else were to come into her life, he wouldn’t take kindly to it. There was something more he wanted to say, but he hesitated to speak it. He glanced out the window, turning from her for a moment. “You’re also Jude’s little sister…” he said very softly. When his eyes came back to hers they were actually much softer than they usually were. “That makes you a great deal more to me than a secretary.” He would do much and more for Cadence in honor of her brother’s memory. Even if she did betray him, Robert knew he would hesitate to punish her simply because of her relation to Jude. It might even paralyze him from exacting any sort of revenge.

The car began to slow and Robert looked out of the windshield to see the sign for the Blue Scallop. “I’ll call you when it’s time to pick us up, David.” “Yes, sir.” He climbed out of the car and walked over to Cadence’s side. Robert was a cruel man, but he was a polite one nonetheless, and he opened his date’s door for her and extended his hand to help her out. When she was out of the car, he placed his hand on the small of Cadence’s back as he escorted her into the restaurant. Naturally they had reservations and Robert had even gone so far as to get them a table in the quietest and furthest corner of the restaurant. This assured them privacy and he was glad they wouldn’t have to deal with anyone recognizing them or coming to bother them. “Do you prefer red or white wine?” he asked, plotting which bottle he would order for their dinner.

[CADENCE HIGGINS]

The way he smiled made her bristle slightly. "You're more than just a secretary, Cadence. You're the secretary of the once most powerful Gargoyle in existence, now the third most powerful. That gives you status as well as being from a good family. Granted, your family isn't at the top, but certainly in the upper crust." her family's status being brought up only served to irk her further, as was his pompous remark about once being the most powerful Gargoyle to exist. She knew there was some amount of truth in his claim, but the fact he was so quick to throw it out annoyed her. "As for your schedule, I control that. I can make time to woo you. I have to say I'm glad no one else has been able to "make their mark." I would like to keep it that way." it took a great deal of restraint not to roll her eyes at him. Robert would make personally sure that no one got the chance to even attempt to "steal" her from him. She was sure some amount of threatening would be involved and her hours at his beck and call lengthened. She saw the dangerous look he offered, and a smug part of her felt proud that she had been offered so much control over him. In an instant she could hurt him, though she knew deep down the pain she would receive in return would be ten fold, which strangely excited her more than frightened her.

"You're also Jude's little sister.." she hadn't expected him to bring Jude up and her lips pursed slightly at his audacty. "That eakes you a great deal more to me than a secretary." He was looking out the window like a coward and she huffed softly, turning away from him and doing the same. She didn't have much time to stew as the car slowedin fron of their destination. Robert gave his orders to his driver and then got out of the car, coming around to escort her from the vehicle. She made no fuss, taking his hand when offered and allowing him to guide her into the restaurant by the small of her back. Robert gave his name and immediately they were escorted to a quiet table in the back.

"Do you prefer red or white wine?" he asked, ad she thought it over for a moment, knowing her answer long befre she spoke. "Red. Dry." Robert pulled her chair out for her and he took a seat, sliding her coat off and allowing him to hang it on the back of her chair, offering a polite "Thank you." For his kindness. The bus boy came immediately to fill their water, but Cadence ignored him as though he were a fly buzzing about, her eyes intent on Robert. She waited for him to settle, her hands neatly in her lap. Once the boy left an they were alone once more she opened her mouth to speak. "How much of your possessiveness towards me is due to my relation to Jude?" She asked boldly, her tone even but bordering on cold.

[ROBERT SNOW]

“Red. Dry.” Robert nodded, appreciating her choice since he preferred reds as well, and pulled Cadence’s chair out for her like the gentleman he was. When she slid her coat off her arms, Robert helped her out of it and then hung the coat on the back of her chair. “Thank you.” He replied with a soft, “You’re welcome.” A busboy came over and filled their glasses, but both Cadence and Robert ignored him, Robert sliding his coat off and hanging it on the back of his own chair before sitting. When he looked across the table at his date, her eyes were fixed on him. There was a purpose behind her gaze, but he didn’t ask while the busboy was flitting about them. Finally he left, leaving Robert and Cadence alone. He remained silent, allowing her to say what she would. “How much of your possessiveness towards me is due to my relation to Jude?” His eyes hardened, his gaze narrowing somewhat at her tone. He supposed he was possessive towards her, but that wasn’t how he would describe it. In his mind, he simply cared for her wellbeing and enjoyed her company far too much to let someone else steal it. Overall, he disliked the question.

“Careful with your tone, Cadence. Just because I have admitted to your importance to me doesn’t mean I will not punish insubordination.” He took a sip of water before actually answering her question, feeling her eyes on him. “And I can’t quantify how much of my feelings toward you are dictated by your relation to Jude. I have told you once that my decision to hire you was helped along by the memory of your brother. He meant a great deal to me. Your relation to him recommended you, but since then I have gotten to know you. You are very different from your brother, but in some ways you do remind me of him. I want to see you do well because that’s what he would have wanted…and I owe him. You know I do…” He glanced up at her, seeing she was not pleased with his words, and he sighed. “But I also want you to do well because you deserve it. You’re dedicated, no one could accuse you of being otherwise. In whatever way I can I want to help you. Yes, that’s partly because of the debt I owe your brother, but it’s mostly because you’ve earned my respect. Whether you want it or not, my help is there…as are my feelings.” He took another drink, very uncomfortable admitting he had feelings for her.

“In simple terms, your relation to Jude would spare you if you were ever to betray me, but that couldn’t dictate any affection I have for you. I’m selfish when it comes to you because you’ve made me want to be around you.” His eyes were boring intently into hers when the waiter arrived. “Can I start you two off with something to drink?”[/i] “Yes, a bottle of Grenache at least three years old, preferably imported.” The waiter made a brand suggestion and Robert agreed to it. When he disappeared to fetch it and allow them time to look at the menus, he looked across the table at Cadence once again. “Any other questions?” he asked, his voice even as it had remained throughout his explanation. Hopefully it wouldn’t involve admitting more of his feelings.

[CADENCE HIGGINS]

The look he offered alone was warning that she was treading on very thin ice. She loved provoking that look. "Careful with your tone, Cadence. Just because I have admitted to your importance to me doesn't mean I will not punish insubordination." She didn't bother looking apologetic because that wasn't how she felt, but she wondered if she might pay for it later. "And I can't quantify how much of my feelings toward you are dictated by your relation to Jude. I have told you once that my decision to hire you was helped along by the memory of your brother. He meant a great deal to me. Your relation to him recommended you, but since then I have gotten to know you. You are very different from your brother, but in some ways you do remind me of him. I want to see you do well because that's what he would have wanted...and I owe him. You know I do." There was something about Robert talking aout her brother that annoyed her. It was private to her, and yet he was deeply tangled in her brothers memory. Robert was a huge part of Jude's past, which connected them on a level she wasn't willing to accept yet. She didn't like Robert remembering Jude when she was around, but she always would. In some ways Cadence could thank Robert for even existing. Had he succeeded in saving her brother, she might never have been born.

"But I also want you to do well because you deserve it. You're dedicated, no one could accuse you of being otherwise. In whatever way I can I want to help you." Her brows creased slightly. Cadence had never asked for his help, nor would she ever. Was he so confident to think she might? "Yes, that's partly because of the debt I owe your brother, but it's mostly because you've earned my respect. Whether you want it or not, my help is there, as are my feelings.". Feelings. He was admitting to weakness and there was a part of hrthat ated to take advantage of such vulnerability, but Cadence wasn't foolish enough to believe there would be no consequences if she dared try anything so stupid. Her eyes wandered to her water and sh reached for it, taking a small sip.

"In simple terms, your relation to Jude would spare you if you were ever to betray me, but that couldn't dictate any affection I have for you." she looked at him with cool, jade eyes. How could he know she was thinkin of betrayal? Because she had done so in the past most likely. She was still Cadence, and though part of her wanted to betray him, another part did not, and that part was stronger these days. She had no real reason to hate him. He had known Jude and she had not, which was all sh hd against him really. "I'm selfish when it comes to you because you've made me want to be around you.". She swallowed hard, simply staring into his eyes. Her look never faltered, even as the server came to collect their drink orders. She sat slently allowing Robert to control the situation. It's what he was best at. At last they were alone again and Roberts gaze fell on her once more. "Any other questions?" "No." She answered quickly, letting her eyes linger a moment before they fell on the menu before her.

Cadence was silent while she looked over the menu, mentally deciding on the swordfish. The servor returned with glasses and their wine. He opened the bottle and poured them each a glass before placing the bottle down on the table. Neither uttered their thanks, and when asked if she had made a decision on supper she made her order for the swordfish. Robert placed his order and again they were left to their own devices. "There is nothing I need that requires your assistance." She told him, her voice even and not as cold as earlier. "Your offer is generous but unnecessary." She reached for her glass of wine and swirled it around before taking a sip. It was good and she took another sip to show her approval before setting the glass down once more.

[ROBERT SNOW]

“No.” Cadence was quick to answer and Robert felt perhaps he had struck a nerve. He could understand her being uneasy about these newfound feelings for her; he was uneasy about them too. But did she have to make it so difficult by refusing to comment on them? That was the way Cadence was, and while it made her more intriguing, it also made her more frustrating. His date’s eyes fell to the menu and his did the same after a moment. They offered a few selections of chicken and beef, but Robert was more interested in the seafood. He silently decided on the salmon and fresh water scallops. It didn’t take long for the server to return with their wine and Robert largely ignored the young man while he inspected in the menu further just to be sure he was decided. When the bottle was open and the glasses poured, he placed his order for the salmon and scallops and Cadence placed her order for the swordfish. It didn’t bother him in the least that she chose one of the most expensive dishes; he’d hardly glanced at the prices anyway.

When they were left alone again, Robert reached for his wine and took a sip. It was exactly what he wanted and he made a mental note to tip the boy well for his suggestion. “There is nothing I need that requires your assistance.” His eyes lifted to hers, quirking up an eyebrow at her even tone. “Your offer is generous but unnecessary.” She lifted her glass of wine and he lowered his, watching her for a moment in silence. It took that long to gather his patience once more. “Perhaps not now, but my offer was more directed at the future. If you ever sought to advance beyond the position of my secretary, then you have my recommendation. Or I would help you with anything else you needed. You need only ask.” He took another sip of wine. It really was very good. Grenache was as good in its youth as it was in its prime. His eyes lifted again to Cadence’s and he wore a small smile. “Not that I’m encouraging you to leave. You’re welcome to remain my secretary as long as you wish.” All that he was offering was genuine. Robert had a soft spot for Cadence and he would gladly help her in any way he could. The woman was just so damn suspicious, though.

It was getting tedious trying to get in her good graces and Robert wasn’t known for his patience. “Is there nothing I can say to please you this evening? You seem wholly adamant not to enjoy your time.” He wasn’t a very subtle man either. At least this might get to the root of Cadence’s hesitance.

[CADENCE HIGGINS]

“Perhaps not now, but my offer was more directed at the future." He was looking at her sternly and she knew she might have triggered something of a reaction from him. "If you ever sought to advance beyond the position of my secretary, then you have my recommendation. Or I would help you with anything else you needed. You need only ask.” She would never ask, and he knew that. Cadence wasn't one for asking favors. He took another sip and so did she, their eyes glued to one another in their silence as they enjoyed the wine. “Not that I’m encouraging you to leave. You’re welcome to remain my secretary as long as you wish.” There was a part of Cadence that wanted to leave the position to spite him for offering to help her leave, but another part knew if she weren't in his office, another woman would be and somehow that bothered her more. Would he fuck the new secretary? Exert his dominance over her as well? And what of Cadence? Would he cease to pursue her? Was that what she wanted? Her eyes fell to the table in an attempt to hide the jealousy she suddenly felt at the nonexistent new secretary he had once she moved on.

“Is there nothing I can say to please you this evening? You seem wholly adamant not to enjoy your time.” Subtlety was not something Robert was known for, and his question drew her gaze once more. She was genuinely lost for words. What could she say to that? She seemed hell bent on destroying their evening, but why? He was being kind. Then again, maybe that was the root of it. She didn't want Robert to be kind. She didn't like change, and this was a big one. "My apologies." She said softly. "I'm just adjusting to...this. You." She offered softly reaching for her glass once more and looking into it for a moment, pondering before taking a small sip and setting it down again. Her eyes wandered back to the man across from her, not sure how to lead the evening on. She sat straight and wished their food would come so as to have an excuse to be quiet and not make small talk, but even the salads would likely be a few minutes more. "How are you managing with the Rudolph case?" She asked, wanting to get him talking, and not about them or any of the favors he intended to do for her.

[ROBERT SNOW]

Robert held Cadence’s gaze as she considered his question, feeling impatient for an answer. He didn’t like feeling like he was wasting his time and Cadence wasn’t encouraging him to believe that this was worthwhile. Of course, he had gone into this knowing she would be reluctant… “My apologies. I’m just adjusting to…this. You.” Just like that, he felt his patience growing. It was an adjustment for both of them. He had to remind himself of that. With a stiff nod, he reached for his wine once more and took a drink, feeling the silence falling on them like heavy rain. He briefly wondered how many men had allowed silence to fall over the table with Cadence across from him and how long those men had lasted. Of course he couldn’t really be compared to them, but he still had to admit he felt a little anxious. Where were their salads? At least then there would be an excuse to be quiet.

“How are you managing with the Rudolph case?” He looked back at her and gave a noncommittal shrug of his shoulders. “It’s a complicated case and hard to tell what’s true and what’s false. I have a hard time believing he wouldn’t notice a fellow Gargoyle chained up in his basement or hear her being tortured by his son, but then he seems genuinely remorseful. Perhaps he’s just a good actor.” Another sip of his wine indicated he had no reaction to the accounts of unlawful imprisonment, rape and torture of the young Miss Kerry by Rudolph’s son James junior. It was a big case, one that had only come out when the sun returned and Kerry had regained her strength to escape. There was no denying James’ junior’s guilt and he’d been sentenced to a year’s imprisonment with a healthy dose of torture to repay his debts, but his father was another matter completely.

When the salads arrived, he filled her in on what details of the case she had questions about, but there weren’t many. It wasn’t exactly dinner conversation, but they were both dedicated to their work. Once a silence had fallen again, he looked up across the table at her, sipping his wine before picking at his salad again. “How are your parents these days?” Their eyes met but he didn’t falter, his look curious and confident. “I don’t believe I’ve asked since our first interview. It’s been quite a long time since I’ve seen them.” He remembered her parents as being kind if not a little quiet. No doubt they had changed in the eighty-some years it had been since he last saw them.

[CADENCE HIGGINS]

Cadence listened patiently as Robert talked about the case. It was the biggest current story in Gargoyle news, one the humans were sniffing around at even. The victim was in recovery and the guilty party was being tortured severely for his trangressions, but it was still being decided how guilty Rudolphs father was. Cadence had filed plenty of paperwork on the case so it had seemed like a good topic to switch to. Something she was semi knowledgable on, but she found she had nothing to offer to the conversation as Robert spoke. Thankfully the salads arrived and saved her from having to have a steady flow of conversation. She asked some questions while they ate and Robert filled her in, not terribly disturbed by what he was saying. She was just glad he was talking and the attention was off her.

The conversation slowed as their salads dwindled and Cadence was aware that Robert was watching her. She reached fo her wine and sipped it as Robert spoke again. "How are your parents these days?" The woman faltered a moment, the hand on her glass stiffening as she looked at the man across from her. It took amoment for her to remember that Robert had once been relatively close to her parents considering his relatonship with their son. Still, it wasn't a question she expected to be asked and she faltered a moment as he contnued. "I don't believe I've asked since our first interview. It's been quite a long time since I've seen them.". She supposed it had. Probably since the funral. Before Cadence even existed. The thought made her stomach squirm, which was surprising since little Robert did made her feel so uneasy. She would sooner choose his firm hand to his delicate questioning.

"They're well." She offered gently, the edge from her voice gone now. She never considered what sort of relationship he'd had with her parents, but she recalled her father asking how Robert was when he'd learned she would be working directly below him, but even then he didn't mention Jude being friends with the man in their youth. "As well as can b expected considering their age." She added. Cadence had no idea what they had been like prior to her birth, and she didn't know what more she could say on the subject. "I would ask aout your amily, but I'm afraid I know very little about them." She wasn't entirely sure she wanted to know. He never asked for hert be in touch when he woke from his coma, and no one came to visit, not while she was there which was the majority of the time. She drained her glass and set it down, discarding her salad and waiting fo Robert to refill her glass and answer her probing question.

[ROBERT SNOW]

“They’re well. As well as can be expected considering their age.” Even though Cadence didn’t elaborate, Robert was genuinely glad to hear her parents were well. They were good people and he’d done a terrible thing not being able to save their son. He was certain they weren’t the same as they used to be, but he was frightened to know how much they changed. It’s why he’d never reached out to them before. Seeing her parents again was one of the very few things that scared him. He wondered if Cadence’s initial hatred of him stemmed from a hatred her parents bore him. Funny how he’d never asked…then again, he was probably just as afraid of the answer as he was of ever seeing them again. At least they were still alive and relatively well. Jude would be happy with that.

“I would ask about you family, but I’m afraid I know very little about them.” Robert’s eyes suddenly came to hers again, a shock of warning there when his eyes first met hers, but they softened almost immediately. He never really talked about his parents. His father had been head of the Council before him, good friends with Robert’s predecessor, and considering how public his family was, it was surprising to him that Cadence should not know his parents were dead. He wasn’t upset about her ignorance, though, not once he’d rationalized why she would ask about his family. Robert took a sip of wine before answering her question, reaching for the wine bottle to refill Cadence’s glass and top his off. “They’ve long since passed. Now they just guard the cemetery.” He gave a small, defeated sort of smile, tilting the neck of the bottle from Cadence’s glass once it was refilled. “My father was head of the Council before me. Back when the Council was more discerning of who earned a seat there.” His father’s reign as the head of the Council was something Robert was very proud of. Henry Snow had been a shining example of what the head of the Council should be and his fellow Council members had been just as devoted to justice. Now anyone with a political background could earn a place amongst them, no matter how merciful. “He’s the reason I chose to become a politician.” He remembered how proud his father had been that day. The man had actually smiled at him, practically glowed with happiness. His mother had been equally as proud. “He and my mother groomed me for politics.” Talking about his past and his parents made Robert feel strangely uncomfortable, not sure if he wanted to tell Cadence so much about himself. Then again, he had referenced his parents and their pride in him in public speeches. Still, it felt different to tell Cadence over dinner like this…

Robert took a long drink from his wine, snapping out of his nostalgia. It was a good thing the food arrived then, otherwise he wouldn’t know what to say. He was able to think of things while the waiter set their food in front of them and asked politely if they wanted anything else. Both of them declined, and the waiter nodded before taking off again. Robert dug right in to his salmon and fresh water scallops, appreciating the flavor and consistency of the seafood. The Blue Scallop rarely disappointed him with their food. He looked across at Cadence and decided she must be pleased with her swordfish since she didn’t hesitate to take a second bite after the first. For a brief instant, he noticed how very much Cadence looked like her brother and it left him thinking about her parents again. “Did your parents encourage you to take the political track? Or was that your choice and yours alone?” He’d never asked her why she’d gone into politics. Yes, she’d wanted to take him down, but that couldn’t be the sole reason she chose this life. He was interested in her motives.