“Hey, I just made a clever observation.”
His shoes clatter on the marble floor, till he stops right in front of me.
I didn't practice for this scenario.
He slowly squats.
My heart trembles like a hummingbird is stuck in my chest.
“What’s so funny, pet?” he asks.
I don't give an answer just yet, as a momentary authority figure, only he can give me permission to speak, even when I’m spoken to.
“You have permission to answer me.”
Our eyes finally lock, and I get to see those light green eyes of his, which I recognize so well, aren’t warm and kind like Bruno’s, these are cold and distant.
“Answer me, pet! Are we going to have a problem?” his harsh voice yells at me.
What do I do? How do I check if this is him or not? I’m going to be in way more trouble if I don’t answer!
“No, sir.”
“Then stop what you are doing, unless you want me to report this act of disobedience to your master. Is that clear?”
Is that clear?
Is that clear?
There it is, Bruno's quintessential phrase, the authoritative fatherly tone is the same, I have to take a chance.
“Dante?” I whisper with a trembling voice.
His eyes go from icy anger to absolute confusion in a flash. The same thick eyebrows as Bruno’s suddenly form a small "V" on his forehead.
“What did you say?!” He screams, losing control of his voice and mind. “Why did you call me that, pet? Who are you?!”
Fuck! Did I make a mistake?
Every other slave is staring at us right now.
I noticed then he noticed and quickly turned around to inflict terror upon them. Everyone promptly returned to deadeye stares towards the floor.
Satisfied by this, he comes back to me again. His expression is pure darkness, I have to give him an answer, and I have to give it to him now!
“I...”
Suddenly the door opens.
No!
Bruno crosses the threshold, and when he sees how close we are, loses his shit. He takes long strides towards me while Dante, alleged, gets up and walks away from me, as quickly as he can.
All the darkness he had before vanished, and confusion is all that’s left.
Bruno grabs me by the arm and pulls me towards him. His anger rises and I know he’s about to burst. I can’t use my words to warn him, but I can grip his arm tightly.
He turns his head and looks down at me. He finds my eyes wide open, crying out in despair, trying to convey a message.
