Chapter 20 #2
“I am becoming a little concerned about your eating habits. You barely touch anything I bring. I don’t want you to become weak or get sick from lack of nutrition. How can I play with a weak little kitten if you don't eat?"
He grinned at me, his grey eyes twinkling in the rooms glow. I certainly didn't appreciate his twisted humor, but I kept silent.
"Kitten, I need you to eat this food. I will sit with you until you clean up at least half of what you have in front of you.”
I felt a spark of anger shoot through my body, but I kept myself in check because of the deal I made with him for Tuna. Thank God he hasn’t annoyed me this past week. I am sure I would have erupted eventually if he did. I mean, who the hell can stay in a constant state of rage?
Eventually, the steam must escape from somewhere. I know he is just dying for me to blow my cork so he can take the belt or some other device and whip my ass with it.
He still hasn’t made me submit to the last two punishments I owe him. I am thankful for that. I’m hoping he forgot about them, but I know better. He’s just biding his time. I chose my words carefully, hoping he would at least understand how I felt, although I highly doubted he would.
The man is all about his needs, well, most of the time.
“It's not that I don’t want to eat, Atlas. My appetite is gone because I'm depressed being caged up in this room twenty-four hours a day, every day. I’m going bananas! I am not an animal. Even if I were an animal, someone releases them from their pens at least once a day.”
He looked at me with no emotion on his face.
“So, what are you telling me? You will not eat unless you get some fresh air and sunshine?”
I clenched my fists in my lap, feeling frustrated with him. “You are not hearing me, Atlas. I need to get the fuck out of this goddamn room. If you want me to eat again, you need to let me out of here. I don’t care if it is just in the main house or the backyard; please, free me from this prison.”
He reached out and cupped my chin, tilting my head to meet his gaze. His grey eyes locked with mine. I could feel the tears threatening to spill.
His voice was very soft.
“Kitten, I am not a blithering idiot. I understand you perfectly. I would love to take you out somewhere and let you frolic in the sun, but your picture has been all over the news, so that is not an option. Once we leave here, you can run wherever you wish. You will have miles of sun and sand, but for now, I can only permit you into the main house and allow you to swim in the basement pool.”
I perked up immediately when he said I could go into the main house and swim in a pool I never knew existed. I grinned from ear to ear at the fantastic news.
I couldn’t wait to scope the place and figure out how to get out of here. Gaining his trust would be tricky, and it also meant complying with his demands without the attitude. I had to act like I was falling for him; I guess.
I needed something to keep my brain occupied because doing nothing was slowly killing me. “I would love that, Atlas. You promise you will let me out of here?”
He looked at me with a slight smile.
“I promise, pet. But you better behave yourself. If you try anything stupid like running away, I swear I will paddle your ass raw, making sure you can’t sit for a month, and I will do it without the pussy pleaser.”
I could feel my heart almost flop out of my chest once the words spilled from his mouth. If I got the chance to get out of here, I had to make sure he could never catch me.
I knew he would beat me black and blue and maybe even open my skin. The thought made me want to vomit, but I kept my composure and didn’t flinch on the outside.
“I understand what would happen if I tried to run from you. That isn’t my plan. I need to get away from these four walls, that’s all.” I could see he didn’t trust me by the doubtful look on his face.
“Okay, as long as you understand the consequences if you betray me again. Now, I want you to eat breakfast, shower, and dress. I will take you to the main house and show you where the pool is. If you can throw me down and take the remote from my pocket, I will let you go.”
He tilted his head back, laughing. I smiled sweetly at him, although I wanted to kick him in his balls for the cruel taunt. He knows damn well I can’t whoop his ass like he does mine—the asshole.
I finished most of my breakfast. I didn't realize how hungry I was. It's a fact that being depressed suppresses the rumbling hunger in your stomach.
After Atlas checked my butt, ensuring all the welts he left on me last week were gone, he allowed me to shower alone for a change.
My feet were finally healed, so I was ready to run when the chance presented itself. I had to take my time planning the next steps.
I didn't want to blow it. When I got out of the shower, I went to the bed, where he laid out my summer frock, thong and bathing suit. My heart fluttered with joy when I saw he left my door open. Fuck yes! He was letting me out. I couldn’t contain my excitement.