Eighteen: Playing Tough

Travis

He wrapped the towel around his waist and began walking away.

"That's not I meant, you're never too old for me." I tried convincing him as I saw that he had returned back to frowning.

We got to the room and the I spotted the meal at the corner of a couch, where a table sat.

Did I forget to mention that his room looks like a living room?

"Are you hungry?" He asked.

"Very well sir." Honestly, I've been trying to hide my grumbling stomach for awhile now.

"Suit yourself." He pointed to the meal.

I was truly hungry, but why would he let me eat his own meal?

"You're not going to eat?" I asked to be sure of what I was about to do.

"Why are you so scared? You're hungry right?" 

"Well, it's weird that you'll have me eat your food."

"You've only spent a week or two in this mansion, but you act as if you know me completely." He puts a cigarette into his mouth.

"I too have a heart you know." He added, then turned to open his wardrobe.

I'm really hungry right now.

I went to take a look at the meal on the table and even sniffed it for any weird smell.

What if the chef poisoned this? Then I'll just die as a chicken.

Why are all these thoughts ringing in my head?

It's probably not my fault. Mr. Alvarez has a lot of enemies I'm sure.

Anyone would want to kill a dominant man like him.

The food was palatable. The aroma could feed a hungry soul.

I can't resist even though I want to. I'm too hungry to resist by the way.

I began eating the meal without a second thought.

"You didn't just call me here to give me food did you?" I spoke out my thought.

He cracked a gun and scoffed.

I didn't want to be afraid, but I had no choice. The spoon in my hand was trembling.

"There's going to be a party here tonight. All the members of the company are to attend." He broke the news.

"What! What's the occasion?" I asked and began tearing a chicken's breast.

Such a great meal.

"It's my birthday."

My jaw dropped open.

"Whoa! That's amazing." I gave him a thumbs up.

"So, how old are you big man?" I relaxed on the cushion not minding that he was holding a gun.

Something in me tells me that I might have won his heart.

The visit to his room, the treat... Not to mention the brief smile he gave earlier.

I wonder what part of me charmed him so much.

For Stephanie, it was the fact that I cared too much.

She always made that point clear in an argument.

For me she was perfect, even her flaws made her more perfect.

"I'll be..." He steals a look at me, reading my curious gaze.

"It's okay, if you don't want to tell me. I mean you don't have to trust me, I've only spend a week or two remember?"

"You're clever." He nodded and lobbed the gun at me, while I caught it with both hands.

"So, why the gun?" I asked.

"I'm expecting enemies. I want you to protect Carlos." He said and began selecting another gun from his collection.

With all his securities, who will be stupid enough to take such a risk?

His guns sat in a corner of the wardrobe like an asset worth protecting.

I can't believe I have a gun now.

What can stop me from putting a bullet into the head of the man standing in front of me?

After him, his son will be the next.

"You're handing me a gun when I don't even know your enemies and besides, I'm hurt to defend your son." I complained and put the gun aside.

"Alright then." He scoffed and turned around quickly, swinging something in his hand.

A blade flew towards me, aiming for my face.

I quickly tilt my head to a corner, catching the blade with my hand.

I widened my eyes as I saw how sharp the blade was.

"What the fuck?" I muttered with a heavy breath, still holding the knife firmly.

"I believe you have proven yourself to still be fit for dangerous attacks." He said pleasantly, like it didn't bother him that I could have been killed.

How did he even know I'll catch it?

Has he been monitoring me somehow?

I do train in my room sometimes. Could there be a camera there watching me?

Mr. Alvarez must be even more dangerous than I thought.

Here I thought I have won his heart, but in reality, I'm just another pawn.

I won't let him use and dumb me.

I'll have to prove how valuable I am to him.

Right now he only wants my body. I have to show him I've got a lot in my brains as well.

"You should leave now, so you can get ready." He commanded.

"Make sure Carlos attends the party."

"Yes sir." I said, walking away.

"Travis." He called.

"You may love my son, but don't forget I own you. Whatever it is that he has in that little mind of his, let me know okay?" He spoke coldly.

I nodded forward twice to indicate an 'okay'.

"And make sure no one spots you, while returning." This time, he warned.

"I won't." I assured him.

The bodyguard was still standing there few inches away from the door.

This time there were two.

That must be their duty spot.

I paced gently passed them, greeted them warmly. But neither of them responded. 

Their faces were strict with black goggles on.

I looked around properly to ensure no one was around the walkway before striding quickly away from Mr. Alvarez's corner.

He owns me? I spat.

The lines got me there for a minute.

Goodness! 

Why do rich people think they own it all?

Can money really buy everything in the universe?

If it can, I'd have traded Stephanie's life for it.