Page 39 of Debts and Desires
“Did you eat?” he asked.
“That’s what you’re worried about? Did you not hear the rest of what I said?”
“I heard just fine. Did you eat?”
“Did you? Or did you only have a liquid dinner?” I asked, crossing my arms.
“I only had a little to drink.” I glared at him. “Okay, alot. And I ate some spaghetti before I came up. It was good. Did you have any?” I didn’t answer, too angry. “I’ll add four days, Emogen. I’m not playin’ with you.”
“Then add them! It’s not like you’re ever letting me leave, are you?”
Before he answered, I grabbed my phone and marched out, slamming the door behind me. I scurried to his room where Mac was sitting by the door, head tilted.
“In,” I whispered. He wasted no time trotting into Carter’sroom before I locked the door behind us. I was still holding the key, hoping it was the only one to open the bedroom doors. I marched to his bed, angrily tossing back the blankets before climbing in. Mac took his place at the foot. There was a knock not long after.
“Emmy, I’m sorry,” he said.
“Go to bed, Carter.”
“Let me in and I will.”
“I want to be alone,” I answered. He knocked again. And again. And again. “I’ll give you three more days if you leave me alone tonight,” I gritted. The knocking stopped and there was silence. I was too tired to do the math, but I knew the amount of days I’d just earned in less than ten minutes meant I really would be stuck here forever. Even though I had eaten, I was too pissed to tell him. He could suck my dick for all I cared. I don’t know how long it was before I finally fell asleep, still grumbling to myself as I cuddled Mac.
17. ALL WORK, NO PLAY
September 12
Day Sixteen
155 Hours to Go
Knock. Knock. Knock.
“Em?” Carter’s voice rumbled through the door.
“Go away!” I groaned, annoyed that he wasstillbothering me. Another round of knocking followed. I went to say something when he spoke.
“I need to get clothes for work, Buttercup.”
Work?
I looked at the clock. It was a little after seven. I tried to ignore him, but my bladder had other plans. Grumbling under my breath, I got out of bed and headed for the bathroom to go. He kept knocking, calling my name. I didn’t care if he was late. He made me wait for him last night. He could wait for me. I flushed and washed my hands.
“Emmy?” he called again with another knock. His voice held a tinge of exasperation this time.
“For fuck’s sake, hang on!” I gritted as I walked over. Unlocking the door, I offered him a sharp glance before retreating back to bed. “There.”
Carter entered, only to freeze when he saw Mac.
“He ain’t supposed to be on the bed,” he asserted. But I didn’t respond. I didn’t want to talk to him. He snapped his fingers. “Mac, out.”
“Mac, stay,” I said quickly, sitting up. Carter’s eyes met mine, and so did Mac’s.
“Mac. Out,” Carter repeated.
“Stay.”
The poor dog’s confused eyes flitted between us, torn between two conflicting commands. At first, I was sure he was going to leave, but then he sidled up next to me and laid back down. I couldn’t help the smirk that tugged at my lips.
