Page 71 of Resolutions

After “Emperor” is called, Michael steps to the condiment station, making me wait even more. I shift in my seat for his benefit, at least that's what I tell myself. Essentially, I know Law and the guys are here. And I know that they are four of the biggest muscle showcases I've ever seen, but this is Michael, the man nightmares are made of. Who knows what he has up his sleeve?

“Melanie, do not drink the coffee, it's laced,” Sebastian warns quietly.

That bastard. He wouldn't be able to handle me getting away again, so this time he'll drug me. Fucking jerk! How many other women have you drugged and taken, Michael? I force myself to look up as he walks toward my table. The expression on his face is triumph mixed with cruelness. He makes my skin crawl.

“Aww, my poor, disheveled little bunny.” He talks to me in baby talk as he circles the table slowly, examining me from every angle. “You look... so desperate, needy. Do you need me, Melanie?”

“Michael—” I start.

“Who?” His voice carries a warning edge.

“Sorry,” I duck my head submissively, “Emperor.”

“Trust me, you won't make that mistake again.” He sets a coffee in front of me. “Not once I'm done with you. Aren't you going to thank me for the coffee? And invite me to sit with you?”

Blowing out my breath and keeping my eyes on the steaming coffee in front of me. “Thank you, I've missed coffee. Please, have a seat.”

Michael seats himself across the table from me. “So, how ya been?” His laugh fills the room. “Naughty, that's how. You've been very, very naughty. But it's alright, I have a special treat in store for you tonight. Tell me, Melanie,” he takes a drink ofhis coffee, “do you know what an Emperor does to a disobedient woman?”

I shake my head no.

“Well, I certainly don't want to ruin the surprise. Let's just say, when I'm done, you'll be needing the cane for walking.” He winks at me. “But don't worry, I'm a fair man, I make sure there's always pleasure in pain.” He peers from me to my coffee, then back to my face. “Drink up.”

I pick up my cup, swirling it around. “It's hot.”

“I don't care. You wanted it.” his jaw clenches. He sets his cup on the table and leans forward. “Now. Drink. Up.”

Locking eyes with him, I slowly lift the cup. Seeing Sebastian and Law walking toward the table, I keep my eyes on Michael.

“Michael Thorne,” Law says clearly, suddenly right behind Michael. “We have a warrant for you.”

The change in Michael is instant. From predator to caged prey, in a heartbeat. He starts to rise but Sebastian's already there, one hand on his shoulder. “Going somewhere, Emperor?”

“What?” Michael's eyes dart wildly. Farris steps to the side of Sebastian, Maxwell fills in next to Law. The coffee shop has gone eerily quiet. “Who are you?” Michael's hand twitches toward his jacket.

“Don't,” Law says eerily softly. “Just don't. Keep them where we can see them.”

For one frozen moment, nobody moves. Then Michael explodes into action, at least he tries to. Like a spring, he shoves back from the table, but Maxwell's ready. Shoving his leg under the chair, he tilts Michael off balance. As Michael windmills his arms, Farris and Law catch his wrists, yanking them behind his back. The cuffs make a satisfying click.

Knowing he's caught, Michael goes berserk, pushing back and bringing his leg up to catch the table. I grab my coffee before it goes flying. Farris intercepts the table and shoves it back down.Michael is frantically winding and twisting his body like a caught snake.

Sebastian steps behind Michael's head, his fingers finding pressure points behind Michael's ears as he pushes on both sides. Michael yelps and stops moving.

“The more you struggle, the more I'll push.”

“What the fuck is this?” Michael's voice cracks with rage and disbelief. “Who are you? You can't.”

“Actually, we can.” Law produces the warrant. “Emperor Maikeru, Michael Thorne, you're under arrest. Melanie, would you please step away from the table?”

The color drains from Michael's face. “YOU! You bitch did this.” Michael thrusts himself forward toward me, but the guys restrain him.

I quickly stand and step out of the way, throwing both coffees away.

Farris and Maxwell grab his legs while Sebastian and Law control his upper body. Michael thrashes like a landed shark, screaming about police brutality, about his rights, about being a karate expert and being able to take them all.

“Congratulations, Emperor. I'm a Grand Master, and you'd be passed out before you even touched me.”

Michael stares at Sebastian. “You can't take out one of your own. Let me go and we'll work together.”

---