He was terrifyingly fierce, even more so than my own father.
I dared not defy him.
After changing into the pants and stepping out, the room was empty.
On my way out, I saw him fetching takeout at the entrance.
There is only one order.
I seated myself beside him, watching as he opened the box of pizza, my mouth watering involuntarily.
He glanced up at me, "Want some?"
"Y-yes," I nodded truthfully.
"Impossible," he turned the pizza away from me.
I fell silent.
I couldn't snatch it; I wouldn't stand a chance against him.
"Do you know how much your father owes me?" he queried.
"One million dollars," I recited, having heard it from him before.
"At least you remember that. That's great." He chuckled, a mix of frustration and amusement. "And yet,you're eyeing my food. Are you going to add another 20 bucks to the tab?"
I hadn't eaten all day; my thoughts were consumed by only one word – 'Pizza'.
"Please?"
I beseeched him with my eyes.
"In your dreams," he drawled, his tone mocking. "Don't think a pitiful plea will sway me. I, Nathaniel, am not swayed so easily."
"Alright," I swallowed hard, settling quietly, not daring to utter another sound.
He delved into the pizza, taking one piece and eating it before dismissing it with a curse, "This is terrible."
Then, grabbing the cigarettes and lighter from the table, he retreated to the balcony.
I watched him smoke, neck craned upward, his third cigarette already lit.
My stomach growled, yet he showed no sign of returning.
Glancing between the pizza and my stomach, I seized the opportunity when he wasn't looking, snatching a piece of meat on the pizza, and stuffing it into my mouth.
The moment his gaze met mine, my heart skipped a beat, freezing mid-chew.
Instead of reprimanding me, he reached for his phone, dialing a number. He turned his back to me as he conversed.
I exhaled in relief.
Hunger trumped fear; I continued to sneak bites when I could.
When he hung up and approached, I realized the the crust remained, but the toppings was gone.
"Where's the toppings?" he demanded.
"I-I don't know," I stuttered.
"Don't know?" His gaze pierced me, hand lifting –
I flinched, expecting a strike, frozen in fear.
His finger wiped the cheese from the corner of my mouth.
I was done for!
"You've had your fill. Now, what about your father's debt?" he leaned back leisurely, regarding me.
"Make him repay you."
"He’s fled."
"Then... I pay?"
"You? How? Do you really think that you worth a million? You are not well-endowed in the front and lacks curvature at the back. How could you worth one million?"
"You…" Insulted, I seethed silently, unable to retaliate.
"Eat and leave. Don't bother me again." He rose, patience worn thin, slamming the door on his exit.
Of course, I would leave. It would be foolish not to when I was told to.
I hastily finished the crust, bolting out.
But, within half an hour, I sheepishly returned to the rented room.
