I'm willing to let you feed off me

Stella had almost slipped into subconsciousness when the man spoke, "You're awake? Are you hungry?"

Stella jerked awake and blinked her eyes a few times.

Her rational mind pushed the fears to the back of her mind as she calmly analysed the situation, "This man, in front of me, has saved me. Even if only as food, he must have no intention of letting me die. He wouldn't have saved me otherwise. Let's get to know him a little before I take any other decision."

These thoughts ran through Stella's mind in lightning speed as she said, "Yeah."

The man walked a little closer, and Stella had to stop herself from shrinking in fear. He asked, "The doctor has been here to bandage you up. Tell me if it hurts somewhere, I'll call him right away. And tell me if you need anything."

Stella nodded and slumped back as the man left the room.

She was drifting into sleep when he came back with a tray. He propped up pillows and made Stella sit up before placing the tray in front of her. There was a bowl of vegetable soup and a glass of milk on it.

For some weird reason, Stella did not want to eat. She picked up the glass slowly and brought it to her lips before taking a small sip.

She asked, "Did you make this yourself?" Stella was pointing towards the vegetable soup.

The man nodded and Stella was really surprised. To hide it, she took another sip from the glass and said, "I'm Stella. Stella McCartney."

The man said, "Den sharp."

Stella did not know how to get on with the conversation, so she took another sip. But this time, Stella noticed something. She had seen Den's gaze on her and seen him gulping.

She said, "Won't you eat too? You seem to be hungry too."

Den's gaze lingered on Stella for a lot longer than any girl would have found comfortable. Finally, he said, averting his eyes, "Yes I am hungry."

Stella thought for a moment before slipping the oversized shirt she was wearing down one of her bandaged shoulders. She said, "Here."

Den looked surprised at her comment before his lips pursued in anger, "What do you mean by that?"

Stella immediately knew she had done something that ought not to have been done. But she did not mind, she had always attracted trouble like a flame attracts moth, and she couldn't quite say that she disliked it.

Stella looked deep into the bright red eyes with her amber ones. Then she said, word for word, "What I mean is I'm willing to let you feed off me if you treat me properly. Give me proper food and clothing and freedom."

Stella knew this was going too far. This man would either keep her like a pet or a prisoner.

She was bargaining for too much. But what did she have to lose? Stella was already in the house of this man, and it didn't look like she could escape in her current condition.

Den stood up, all riled and said, "What do you mean feed off you. What do you think I am? Some kind of animal?"