"My throat feels so dry."
I began to feel thirsty after spending almost an hour under the shower. I found nothing to wear except a white oversized shirt. After drying myself, I slipped it on and stepped out, feeling refreshed and slightly relaxed.
After experiencing so much in the last twelve hours, I felt silent and defeated. My head was blank, with an odd twinge of disappointment and sorrow. Running my fingers through my messy, damp hair, I walked outside to look for some drinking water.
But the moment I opened the door, a delicious, mouthwatering aroma drifted into my nostrils. Curious, I followed the scent to the kitchen, where I found my young kidnapper chopping vegetables with such skill, it looked as though he were simply playing with them.
On one burner, a pot of rich-looking beef soup simmered and on another, a pan of oil was heating. His tight black t-shirt clung to his frame, highlighting the tough, lean lines of his muscles.
"Mm… Should I just go back? Seems like he really enjoys cooking," I murmured hesitatingly, though the smell was pulling me like a magnet.
My stomach felt uncomfortably empty. Wanting a better view of his cheerful and almost playful way of cooking, I quietly stepped closer and closer to the kitchen counter.
The rhythmic sound of chopped vegetables hitting the pan filled the kitchen as he handled the spatula like a sword. I stopped near the kitchen entrance, leaning against the wall.
Instantly, he looked up and offered me a sudden, arresting smile.
"Wait a little. I am almost done," he casually declared, focusing again on the pan.
I hastily denied it, shaking both my hands and head. "No, no, no. I'm only here for some water. I don't need food."
"Huh? Really? Are you sure?" he asked in a puzzled tone. "You haven't eaten anything since last night. It's already late afternoon."
The cuts on my feet were still fresh and painful, though the bleeding had stopped. Leaning against the wall for support, I nodded quickly, "Yes, I'm not—"
Grrr!
My stomach growled loudly in protest, interrupting me and embarrassing me completely. I wanted to dig a hole and hide. He instantly looked up with an amused expression.
Then, he threw his head back and burst into a youthful laughter, teasing in his velvety voice as he passed me a water bottle, "Sit down. I would love to share my meal with you, Madam."
"No, no. I'm really fine," I mumbled shyly, twisting the bottle cap.
He pulled a chair for me and gestured for me to sit down next to the kitchen counter. "I insist. Let me flex my cooking skills at least."
I was barely able to suppress a laugh as I finally surrendered. "Well, I dare not refuse the mighty Young Master's offer. Can I?"
Shrugging, he shook his head. "No, you can't. You're trapped with me now. You have to follow my every word or—"
He stopped mid-sentence and winked mysteriously.
"Or?"
I was too thirsty. After gulping down the entire bottle of water, I asked cautiously, "Or? What will happen?"
"You'll see. I'll just warn you. Don't disobey me or try to trick me."
Resting my face in my hands, I blinked as I looked at his perfectly sculpted, youthful face. His posture was so straight and composed. He could easily pass as an A-rank actor or model.
I wondered what kind of circumstances had forced someone so young and full of potential to join the dark world of the notorious Voss Vault.
Staring at his classically handsome features, I answered after a brief silence, "You look quite innocent and kind. I don't think you could be ruthless to anyone unnecessarily."
"Ayy, you're still very naive," he leaned closer to me suddenly.
His familiar, manly perfume hit me instantly, stronger than the aroma of the food. He whispered into my ear, "Don't let this face fool you, M'lady. I can do anything to get what I want."
"Huh? Anything? What do you mean by that?"
He chuckled softly and passed me a bowl of hot, delicious soup. "Try it. It's one of my favourites."
I wanted to question him further, but the meal distracted me.
Sitting at the kitchen counter and chatting casually, we finished eating. He even served fresh apples and peaches afterward.
Outside, the bright sunlight had already dimmed as darkness began to wrap everything. I got up, exhausted after eating more than usual. After a long time, I got company while having a meal.
"Umm… I should go back to the room now. Thanks again for the meal."
"Not yet," he said sharply, grabbing my wrist and stopping me.
Standing up from his chair, he said, "You are yet to serve me, Mrs. Richard. How can you leave already?"
I looked into his deep eyes in confusion. "How may I serve you? Should I do the dishes?"
"No."
He gave me a playful smile and pulled off his black T-shirt, revealing his perfectly toned physique. I gasped, an unwelcome rush of excitement hit me for a moment as I stared at his chiseled chest.
"W-What is the meaning of this?"
Pretending not to be affected, I glared and took a step back, annoyance was clear in my voice. "I thought you would be different from those creeps and perverts."
A sting of disappointment ached in my chest as I sniggered bitterly. "So you brought me here to sleep with you, right? To fulfill your lustful desire?"