Brush with a Gangster

Basil

*"You don't know me
I don't know you, but I want to"

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My heart skipped a beat. I quickly got out of his hold and scrambled to my feet. The vase on the table was the nearest weapon I could find. I took hold of it and prepared for the combat.

But all I could hear is a pain filled groan as his eyes closed again. Not fooled by this reaction, I stood my ground waiting for him to jump on his feet and attack.

"How long are you going to stand there like that?", came a deep voice. His eyes were still closed. He turned to my side and opened his eyes again. "I need water", he commanded. His voice was deep and he uttered each syllable perfectly like an erudite. Maybe he was in jail for a white collar crime or maybe he was a professor and in the jail because he was a big pervert.

"Huh?"

"Water", he raised one eyebrow. "Can you speak English?", He asked in an almost mocking tone.

"Of course I can"

"Then get me some. Be quick".

"Excuse me mister, I'm not your servant".

He turned his head back and closed his eyes again. His voice seemed to have no affect of the brunt his body has taken, "But you are taking care of me, I gather".

"So?"

"So?, Won't you provide water to the man you're taking care of?"

"So you should ask for it"

"I'm asking for it"

"You're not asking. You are telling me to get you water", I corrected him.

He turned to me again, staring with his big sea green eyes. "Madam, will you please get me some water?"

"With pleasure", I smiled and ran to get him some.

I kept the glass on the floor beside him. "I wasn't expecting you to wake up so early".

"No, you weren't expecting me to wake up at all", he commented as he tried to get up but failed. Taking deep breaths he calmed himself and turned to me.

"If you wouldn't mind, madam", even in this state he was being sarcastic. But I took mercy on him.

I took a bowl and filled it with the water to help him drink it easily. I put the bowl near his lips and gave his head a support to sip it slowly.

After he was done with it, I kept the bowl on the floor and sighed. This is not my job.

"Don't make that face. I don't like this any more than you do. I will be out of hair as soon as I can", he said looking up at the ceiling.

"For someone who's just been out of prison, you're very bossy".

"I'm not used to requesting people for anything. If I want something, I will order and it will be done. I don't ask." He looked at me from head to toe, "Specially not from a young girl like you".

"You're not just bossy. You're rude as well. Besides I'm not that young. I'm twenty three".

"You are young for me. I'm almost a decade older than you".

"That does not mean you can't ask me...."

He interrupted, "I would like to sleep now. Your voice is like a hammer to my head", he sighed an exaggerated sigh.

"I can talk however and whenever I want. This is my house", I was getting riled up.

"I have no doubts about that. However, if I don't get a proper rest I might die. If I die," he turned his head to me, "it will be your fault. So go on run to your room. And stop bothering me", he ended with an angry tone.