IN THE CAGE

10. CANDIDNESS

...ACE pov's...

.......

.......

.......

Fawn was angry with me. His eyes sparkled softly staring out the window. Like a bird with broken wings, his desire to be free was evident. But I-I, I'll never let it loose. I understand the reason he's angry and hates me and I won't blame him. The girl with kindness and naivety seemed to be going to hate me after what I did.

I understand but that doesn't mean I'm gonna let go. I understand Fawn's sadness, her wrath, and every time she scolded me, I don't know why I was disturbed. I know her honesty is part of her kindness. I would rather be blatantly hated by him than be loved with falsehood.

Maybe that's why I'm having fun on top of her suffering. Fawn is a rare girl. Her honesty is like entertainment to me. I was happy to see every change in his expression. From his enthusiasm about Rashid's family, the boredom he showed blatantly from being cooped up in the house, to his anger every time I forced myself on him. He is very expressive and innocent.

"Excuse me, sir." Felix walked into my room with a treat. "I brought food for Miss Fawn."

Felix was getting more polite in front of me. As I recall, he never mentioned Fawn with the frills of miss. Does he feel guilty for creating a ruckus at home?

"Put it on the couch" I said.

Felix nodded. He breezed tensely towards the sofa located near the open balcony window. Fawn sensed his arrival and threw a sour delicacy.

"Miss Fawn, food..."

"I don't want to eat."

I sat at the desk and decided to get involved in their conversation before Fawn exploded and threw the tray of food in Felix's face. I don't want the old man to be under any inner pressure.

"Fawn, don't be fussy." I stood by the sofa, my eyes glaring towards Fawn who was still sitting while clutching her knees. Like a cornered rat. 

"Eat!" i said again.

"No, I don't trust him."

Felix widened his eyes as Fawn again looked for trouble.

"Whatchu mean? My servant couldn't have poisoned you. There's nothing you need to fear."

Why does eating need trust? Does he feel like an important person or does he just vent his anger on me to Felix? It seems like option number two is the answer.

"He may not have poisoned it, but who knows if he didn't spit on my food."

"Huh, that's outrageous!" Felix offended.

"Who knows? This house is full of psychopaths. I'd rather starve to death."

This girl really knows how to make people angry. Every single one of his harsh remarks, sharp tone of voice and hatred in his eyes, anyone who received all of his harsh treatment couldn't possibly not rise in blood. N-except me. I've been used to seeing Fawn's balls, even though she's only been here a week. Every outburst of his anger and his insults were already like songs in the ears.

I will only be affected by his words if he hits me. As the leader of the Hunter family, I won't let a meaningless person seem to hurt me.

"You remember our deal, Fawn?" I passed Felix and sat on the couch. My existence seemed to make Fawn wary. His shoulders shuddered in horror as I anchored my butt on the sofa. He must be afraid I might attack him. What an adorable fear.

"If you die here or when your pulse drops, three people who-"

I stopped saying as Fawn pulled the tray on the table and started eating. Tears were back in his eyes, ready to spill in one blink.

"Felix, you can go." I didn't want Fawn's emotions to get worse with Felix's whereabouts so I drove my servant away. After Felix's departure, I immediately approached Fawn and forced her trembling hand to release the spoon she was holding.

"Do you hate me?" I asked playfully. The answer is clear.

"I'm sorry, if I don't threaten you, you won't eat." I clasped his hand. Gives him peace as the tears that spill on his cheeks get louder. 

"You just have to be good, Fawn. You don't have to fight with Felix, eat when told to eat, have fun with me. That'sthat's all. If you think of me, you don't have to get hurt like you do now."

I thought I had spoken as best I could, but Fawn forced her hand out of my grasp. He pulled himself up and looked at me amusedly. There were wounds in his eyes and pent-up scorn.

"I'm sorry too, Ace. But I'm human. I have no intention of being cooped up here without a fight. Even if you lock me up for a thousand years, I'll never be anything you want me to be. I'm. Would. Always was. And. Forever. Hating you!"

"Thank you." I rubbed her hair softly. My actions seemed to surprise her again, just as when I rubbed her cheek, Fawn immediately pulled herself out of my hand.

"What exactly is wrong with your brain? Didn't you hear what I said?" Fawn astonishment. A pair of chocolate pupils dilated. Judging from Fawn's reaction right then and there, I think getting her to let go was quite helpful. The sadness that had accumulated in his eyes was swept away by confusion and ambiguity.

She became adorable with her eyes and red nose.

I felt like kissing her again. But that act will surprise not only him but me as well. I've never kissed a woman in my entire life, even as long as I've been in a relationship with other people, so this desire feels very foreign.

"Eat," I said again. Putting aside my absurd desire to want to eat Fawn, I forced her to go back to eating. "I don't like keeping bones."

Fawn glared at me with hatred before doing as I commanded. Her slumped shoulders sluggishly behind my gray sweater look cute. He looks so good in my embrace. 

Oh, speaking of Fawn's clothes, I just realized that I haven't provided anything for her to wear. He's my toy now, thinking that my employees are in and out of this house and seeing him roam around with just********* and oversized t-shirts pisses me off a little. Fawn is mine, and although I like to see her in my clothes, I don't want her to be the consumption of hungry spies out there.

"Ace," Fawn's voice roused me from the daydream. He glanced at me in wonder. "I have a question for you?"

He looked at me doubtfully. The fork spoon that touched her lips made me thirsty. Does he tease me or hate me? I became frustrated just by thinking about the taste of those lips on my lips.

"Ask me." I try to be calm.

"You..."

"Yes?"

Fawn shook her head, as if there was an inner debate in her right brain and left brain. I wonder what exactly he was thinking.

"I want to know..."

"Tau???"

Drrrrtttt.., drrrrrr.tt.....!

My phone vibrates in my pocket. I checked the screen and saw a call coming from Uncle Jack. I was about to answer him, but seeing that Fawn had not continued the question, I hung up my uncle's call for a moment.

"What do you want to ask?" I looked into his eyes.

"Ti-no. Forget it." Fawn scratched her temple and avoided my gaze. He started cursing himself with a low voice that could still reach my ears.

Really, what exactly happened to this girl. There should be a limit to being cute, right?

Drrrrt! Drrrttt!

My phone rings again. Without having to delay like before, I immediately answered Uncle Jack's phone.

"Hello, uncle?"

"For God's sake, Ace. What did you do to not pick up your phone!" My uncle talks like he screams. Hearing her voice, I could imagine her neck veins sticking out everywhere. What else is this old man's problem?

"I'm sorry, uncle. I work." I replied with regret.

"Forget your apology, get to Margot's apartment now!"

Hearing Margot's name mentioned in uncle's panic, I immediately twitched. "What's going on?"

"Margot was attacked, Ace."

"..."

Ice water is like spilling on my head. My body trembled in rage and seething fear.

"Margoth? Is Margot okay?"

...----...