The lunch went better than expected, if Peter is honest. In contrast to the previous meetings, this time there were no arguments or inappropriate comments from Tombstone. This was seen as a positive aspect in Peter's eyes. However, there was a remarkable silence that had not been unobserved in this form before.

Even the employees noticed something.

Tombstone did not tend to lose himself in unnecessary conversations, but he still played a significant part in the conversation. As a rule, he began to introduce short sentences into the conversation and left most of the rest to Peter.

The next topic was the weather.

The training

And these were also the main topics, but not today. The patron was either very angry or busy with his activities, which apparently included bribing politicians and controlling drug cartels in east London.

He hoped it was the latter.

After eating a few bites of the chicken, which looked and tasted delicious and expensive, Peter looked up and scrutinised Tombstone's face, which radiated authority and elegance. His own face, on the other hand, combined with the sauce on his cheek, looked like that of a kitten. As Peter observed Tombstone's composed behaviour, he was overcome with a shiver.

The man demonstrated an impressive combination of strength and control with every movement, which contrasted starkly with Peter's own awkward and fidgety demeanour. Tombstone's icy gaze seemed to pierce Peter's soul, making him feel small and insignificant in comparison. The silence between them felt heavy, almost suffocating. Peter shifted uneasily in his seat, suddenly hyper-aware of every sound around them.

The clinking of cutlery, the distant chatter of the other diners was acoustically amplified by the absence of conversation. He couldn't help but wonder what thoughts were occupying Tombstone's mind, what motives and emotions were at work behind this calm façade. Glancing nervously around the room, Peter couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched, that his every move was being analysed.

"What are your thoughts?"

May God forgive him his sins.

"I wanted a wish from you." Peter phrased the question in a low voice, as he had rarely asked for things in the past. He was already uncomfortable after a short time, as he assumed that Tombstone and Harry would make the decision about the fulfilment of his wishes. Harry in particular was a challenge for him, as he spent a lot of his financial resources on buying sweets, which Peter remembered as being particularly high quality and expensive.

Toys were also procured by Harry regardless of Peter's wishes, whether directly from Germany or America. When they were younger, Harry cried and demanded a sleepover with them and cuddles together as "compensation".

Indeed, albeit for Harry's own peace of mind. In return, he received a monetary settlement, which was passed on directly to his aunt for the rent.

The relationship between Tombstone and Peter was completely different. "And what was your wish, Peter?" That cold, humiliating look from Tombstone. Tombstone was always ready to fulfil any wish, as long as Peter was prepared to pay the appropriate price.

If he refused, a person very close to him would die.

The sweets and toys imported from faraway lands were not gestures of kindness, but rather a means of exerting control over Peter. It can be assumed that Harry wanted to buy Peter's loyalty and affection, to make him indebted and submissive.

In relation to Tombstone, it should be noted that this is an entirely separate issue.

If the consideration offered was inadequate, he would not receive any compensation.

In the previous conversation, the robber in white was discussed, who danced in front of the protagonist until his legs were weak and he could no longer walk.

"I am aware of the fact that you would prefer me to dedicate myself to ballet, but I consider it more beneficial for my personal development if I -" any attempt to appear mature was quashed as he looked up.

The young ballerina froze as the giant in front of her smashed the glass in his hand. He was beside himself with rage, and that rage was directed at Peter.

Tombstone made no verbal expression and showed no movement, but simply stared into Peter's chocolate-brown eyes. There was nothing but betrayal in those eyes, which radiated a certain coolness and horror. Peter should have known that it was not a good idea to ask this question when the man was so angry.

Peter took a standing position and asked for forgiveness. He then took another sip of the clean water and walked off in the direction of his room.

As he walked in circles, he bit his fingers, stammered a few meaningless words in panic and imagined every possible horrible scenario. He wondered if making good on every threat before it materialised might be a solution.

"What have I done?" he muttered quietly to himself.

There was a possibility that Tombstone would stop funding and Peter would be forced to work in a factory. In that case, it would not be possible for Peter to earn an income comparable to his current one.

If Tombstone does not close the money tap, what would be the consequences? One possibility would be that he breaks Peter's leg. This does not seem entirely unlikely, as the man has already threatened to break Peter's leg on several occasions and these threats have materialised in two cases. Peter had claimed at the time that he needed the money.

Alternatively, it could be considered that-

The question arises as to whether Tombstone would ensure that Peter actually signed the form. However, this is not to be expected. Tombstone is aware that Peter does not want to sign the form. And aunt may was also against it.

His patron is aware of his aunt's importance to him and knows that his aunt is unable to live on her own. Would the patron really take such an action just because of a question asked by Peter?

He crossed the room, his steps calm but firm. "No, he wouldn't do that, would he?" he muttered as Peter stood in front of the bed and looked in the mirror.

Peter reflected on what had happened and his thoughts on it.

Tombstone had broken Peter's arm and had been told not to return until the healing process was complete. Apart from taking regular medication, he paid little attention to Peter (at this time he longed for the warmth and care of a man as cold and distant as Tombstone).

Peter was unable to escape the situation and was forced to merely change his clothes and give in to the idea of a little boy for a limited time.

This situation occurs again.

Peter lifted his fingers and massaged the bridge of his nose, muttering "Always me..." several times in succession. He then made his way to the ebony wardrobe, the door of which he had no difficulty opening. Inside were several items of clothing that had been made by various renowned tailors. Even Queen Victoria would have been envious of this selection.

The selection of suits was remarkable.

The selection of blouses included a multitude of variations.

He found the sailor's uniform particularly unpleasant, the fabric of which could be described as soft, but which was worn by children. He himself was almost 15 years old. The shorts were too short, the stockings too long and the shoes were of an average standard (or so he had rarely worn shoes before).

"That's it..." he pulled out the pajamas and looked at them, glancing sideways at the wardrobe.

He took out one suit for a later date so that he could move around Mayfair inconspicuously.