Do you need an invitation?

It seemed like an open warning to her that this was what was going to happen if she ever tried to escape. Sherryl didn’t know if it was a mafia thing, but why did he want to keep her here? Was she just part of his amusement, something to toy with while he enjoyed threatening and terrifying her? He could have chosen any other captive, but, to her misfortune or maybe fortune, this man had bought her—not for a small price, but for thousands of dollars.

When the door to the room was knocked upon, Dallion didn’t even bother looking up as he said, “Come inside, Nickison.” It seemed like he could tell who it was just by the sound of the knock or the timing. The butler entered, pushing a trolley of food. “Leave it here. Dismissed,” Dallion’s words were brief, and the butler didn’t stay a second longer than necessary. He stepped out, closing the door behind him.

Sherryl eyed the food. It looked mouth-watering, and the smell was magnificent, making her stomach rumble in protest. Dallion had his eyes on her, watching as she practically drooled over the lavish spread.

“Eat what you want,” he said. Sherryl, who had been fixated on the food, snapped her head to look at him. Was he serious?

“Did you think that is what I would say?”

Her soul was being worn down by this man’s mind games. Sherryl nodded to herself that, at this rate, she’d be completely drained or driven insane if she stayed here a few more weeks.

“I haven’t had my meal this morning or afternoon. The master gets fed first, and then comes the little mouse. Go sit on the bed,” he ordered. He dipped a finger in one of the dishes, his eyes never leaving hers, before putting it into his mouth and humming with approval, “So tasty,” he murmured after withdrawing his finger.

He piled food onto his plate, one delectable dish after another. Sherryl tore her eyes away from him and the plate, forcing herself to stare at the wall instead of the food she so desperately craved.

“Do you know how to cook?” he asked, as he walked around to sit next to her.

“The basics,” she answered, still avoiding his gaze. “I don’t think I can make something like this, though.”

“I figured. A life like yours wouldn’t have access to the imported ingredients, the kind you only find in Cross empire markets,” Dallion said casually. His tone wasn’t meant to belittle her, but that didn’t stop the words from making her feel small.

She had never mingled with elites ever since her mother died when she was just eleven years old back then, her world was then limited to those of her status after moving in to her foster home.

“What are you sulking about?”

“Nothing,” she said, trying to end the conversation.

Dallion narrowed his eyes at her clipped response, clearly displeased. “Nothing? What did I say about obedience?”

Sherryl clenched her jaw, suppressing her hunger. “You promised to feed me.”

“Who said I’m not?” He caught her eye, staring at her with unsettling intensity. “Open your mouth, little mouse.” Her face turned crimson, and she quickly looked away.

“I can eat on my own.”

“I don’t remember asking if you could. I said I’ll feed you. Now, don’t be stubborn, or you’ll stay hungry until tomorrow night.” His voice dripped with amusement. “Say, ahhh.”

Sherryl’s face burned even hotter, but her stomach growled louder than her pride.

“Why are you doing this?” she asked, her voice small and resigned.

“Doing what?”

“This,” she mumbled, adding, “Master Dallion,” as if she could appease him by acknowledging his authority.

Dallion tilted his head, his face a mask of faux wonderment. “But you said you wanted to eat, didn’t you?”

“Yes, but—” she trailed off, at a loss for how to deal with this man. He was enjoying this, his grin widening as she struggled to make sense of it all.

“Because I like tormenting you,” he admitted, as though it was a fact of life. His red eyes locked onto hers, making her feel exposed. “I’ve never gotten this kind of satisfaction from anyone else. Do you know why?”

“Because I’m your captive?” she guessed, swallowing nervously.

His grin morphed into a smile. Leaning in closer, he whispered like he was telling a secret, “You’re special, little mouse.”

Sherryl blinked. Special? This was torment, not something to be celebrated.

“You don’t believe me,” he said, his smile flipping to a sad frown as if her doubt had hurt him. “Last chance. Open your mouth, or stay hungry until tomorrow.”

Her stomach growled again, and reluctantly, she opened her mouth.

“Good girl,” Dallion praised, feeding her with the fork, alternating between spoonfuls and forks of food. Throughout the meal, he never took a bite himself.

“Aren’t you going to eat?” she asked, remembering how he’d said he hadn’t eaten all day.

“What a thoughtful little mouse I have,” he said mockingly, feeding her another bite before finally taking one for himself. “Soon, we’ll have a harmonious relationship. Who knew that one punishment would bring us so much closer?” he chuckled. “Now, open up.”

Sherryl shook her head, feeling too full and too drained to continue this charade.

“Your face says otherwise. Don’t worry, I’ll take you somewhere soon. I need you to know you’re in good hands,” Dallion said cryptically. “Just so you know, I’ve never fed anyone before. Not even the dogs out back. You must feel honored, little mouse.”

Sherryl didn’t respond, merely chewing the last spoonful he gave her. She wondered if she’d survive long enough to understand what he meant by all of this.

When it was finally time to sleep, Sherryl stood awkwardly as the butler arrived to clear the empty plates and trolley.

Dallion removed his slippers and climbed into bed. As he arranged the blanket, he noticed her still standing at the foot of the bed like a statue.

“Do you need an invitation?”

“I don’t mind sleeping on the floor, Master Dallion. A captive shouldn’t—”

“Don’t test my patience, Sherryl,” he warned, his voice dangerously low. “I’m tired. Get in the bed. Now.”

Reluctantly, Sherryl obeyed, her heart pounding as she moved closer to the bed.

“Switch off the lights first,” he ordered. “There’s a switch by the door. And then, get in.”

She did as told, switching off the lights, leaving only the bedside lamp lit for him as he read from a book. Finally, she dragged herself over to the bed, knowing full well that sleep would not come easy tonight.