Page 70 of Resolutions

His breathing has grown heavy. “Call me Emperor.”

My eyes fly to Farris. He nods encouragingly, mouthing, “It's okay.”

“Emperor?” I manage to choke out.

“Say it again. Beg your Emperor for help. Now!”

Farris tightens his grip on my hand as I force out the words: “Please, my Emperor, save me. I was a very foolish little bunny. I can't survive without money anymore. Please... Emperor...please.”

“Yes.” He's practically panting now. “God, your voice does things to me. Fuck, my balls are so tight.” A grunt. “From now on, you will only refer to me as the Emperor. Understand?”

My teeth grind together so hard my jaw aches. “Yes, Emperor.”

He lets out an audible groan. “Where are you?”

“I just got to town.” The lie comes easier now.

“Good, that makes it easy. Park in my parking lot and I'll come out.”

“Emperor...” I inject a plaintive note into my voice. “Ah, could we maybe meet at The Last Drop instead? I haven't had a coffee in so long.”

I might actually throw up.

“You know what to do.” In my mind, I see his face, the small smirk in the corner of his mouth, his eyes narrowed. The girls are right, he really isn't attractive.

“What do you mean?”

“Don't be such a dumb-shit, Melanie. You want something from me.” The tone of his voice tells me he's enjoying this.” I know you do.”

I roll my eyes at Farris, who nods his agreement. “Please, Michael," I correct myself. "Sorry, Emperor, could you please see your way to allowing me to get coffee at my favorite coffee shop?”

“Ahhh, fuck, little bunny, now I don't know if I should stroke one off with you on the phone or save it for later.” He laughs, causing my skin to crawl. “I think I'll wait; the anticipation will make it all that better. Be seated on the left side by the door at two o'clock. Make me wait or contact Cameron and there will be hell to pay. Remember, you've earned punishments, little bunny. Don't do exactly as I say and I promise they - will - hurt.” Michael disconnects the call.

After that, we proceeded as planned. I erased everything in my phone, then Farris ran it over. I threw it in the dumpster nextto the store. Farris and I positioned ourselves across the street in the McDonald's parking lot. Sure enough, just like Law said, thirty minutes later, a grey van pulled in next to the dumpster. Mr. Daggers and another man I don't know got out and looked around, circling the dumpster. The other man climbed over the side and emerged with my phone, which he handed to Mr. Daggers. The two got in the van and drove off. We waited, then went to Law's mother's house until the meeting.

Now, hours later, I sit watching the door, remembering Law's final instructions: “If anything goes wrong, immediately drop like dead weight. Don't struggle—it will make it harder on him.”

Maxwell's voice comes through my earpiece. “Black Lexus pulling in.”

My pulse spikes.

“Stay calm, everyone,” Law cuts in. “Sebastian, visual confirmation?”

“Target confirmed. Getting out of his vehicle. Black pants, white shirt, black suit coat. He's on his phone.”

“Copy. Tobias, you copy?”

“Ten-four, I copy.” Tobias's deep voice fills my ear. “We'll move as soon as you make contact.”

“Here we go. Places everyone. Melanie, remember your role, you're exhausted, desperate, and scared. Let him think he's won.”

The bell above the door chimes. Every muscle in my body tenses as Michael walks in, predatory grace in every movement. His dark sneer finds me instantly, a shark scenting blood in the water. Seeing me, he breaks into a mischievous-looking smile.

“We all have eyes on him, Melanie. You're safe. We're here,” Law murmurs in my ear. “Let him come to you.”

I watch Michael order, bile rising as I overhear him say his name is “Emperor” to the barista with that smug little smirk. He stands at the counter staring at me while he waits for the coffee.

“He's just trying to make you uncomfortable,” Law says. “This one's got an ego the size of Detroit. Let him play it out.”

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