Fine, muttered Ariana, her annoyance palpable at his demeanor.
She retrieved a new loaf of bread from her bag, removed the packaging, and approached him.
The aroma of the bread seemed to rejuvenate Bennett somewhat. His eyes suddenly became alert and fixated on it.
Observing his reaction, Ariana thought of Holden and Adrian, who were missing and likely hungry. Annoyed, she withdrew the bread just as she was about to hand it to him.
While Ariana didnt intend to let Bennett starve to death, she also had no interest in hand-feeding him. She picked up a slender stick from the ground, impaled the bread on it, and held it to his mouth.
Here, eat.
Arianas expression was one of clear disgust, her actions reminiscent of feeding an animal, which made Bennetts face darken. Clenching his teeth, he said in anger, What is this, feeding a dog? Cant you just tear it up and give it to me?
You wish, Ariana responded icily. Im already being kind by not tearing you apart. Holden and Adrian have no one to feed them, yet here I am, taking care of you.
The mention of Holden touched a nerve, but Bennett quickly regained his composure and snorted. You really have a sharp tongue. But thats all you have. Youre more timid than a hamster I once owned.
With that, he stooped to take a hefty bite of the bread on the stick, chewing with vigor. His cheeks ballooned, making him look quite Like a hamster.
Ariana couldnt suppress a laugh. I thought you preferred birds of prey. Who knew you had a fondness for harmless hamsters as well?
You dont understand, Bennett replied, taking another bite. A true animal lover appreciates all creatures, unlike someone who professes a love for dogs yet cowers at a mastiff.
Why not just say my name? Ariana rolled her eyes, fed up with the ongoing exchange, and urged him, Come on, hurry up; my arm is getting tired.
Bennett hurriedly consumed the rest of the bread.
Youre not hungry anymore, right? Ariana flung the stick aside, preparing to sit back down and relax.
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Im good now, Bennett replied. But as soon as Ariana settled down, he began to complain once more, But now Im incredibly thirsty. That bread was so dry. I need water, or I might die.
Then die. Ariana lay down and shut her eyes, disregarding him entirely. Youve only been thirsty for a day; you wont die.
Bennett was turning out to be quite the burden. Ariana had just sorted out his meal, and now, he was clamoring for water.
Bennett didnt give up. If you wont give me water at least let me take a leak. I really cant hold it in any longer.
Ariana maintained her indifference, keeping her eyes firmly shut, clearly indicating that he was on his own.
Im serious; its going to stink if I do it here. Bennett exclaimed, Im not joking around!
Despite his loud protests, Ariana responded with nothing but her persistent silence.
After a while, Bennetts complaints subsided.
By then, Ariana, thoroughly drained, had fallen into a deep sleep, completely oblivious to the fact that Bennett skillfully untied the ropes that had been binding him.