Page 3 of Savage Queen (Blood Empire 3)

Chapter 1

Harlow

“WATER!” I SHOUT, ASI pace back and forth in the cell that they’ve been holding me in these past few days, while running the steel cup against the bars. “More water!”

I swear if this motherfucker makes me drink my own piss or something, we’re gonna be throwing hands.

“Would you shut the fuck up,” he roars from the top of the stairs. The place is dark; only the glow of the moonlight streaming in from the little window on the other side of the room helps me see my surroundings.

“Well, give me some water and maybe I will,” I sass back. “While you're at it, can I get a cheeseburger or maybe a steak? The fucking sandwiches you keep giving me taste like fucking cardboard.” I scrunch my nose up as I think about the one I haven't touched, sitting on the tray on the other side of my cell.

“You’ll get your water when I bring your next meal. Try and make it last longer,” he snaps.

“But you only feed me three times a day. What kind of bed and breakfast are you running? I’ll be sure to give you a one star review.”

“You think you're so funny, don't you, My Hummingbird? Let's see if you’re laughing when I have my fun with you.”

“That would require you to actually show your face. You only bring me food when I’m asleep. Come to think of it, I haven’t seen you since you locked me in this homemade prison. Does your mommy know you're keeping girls in the basement?”

“Your mouth is gonna get you killed, Harlow,” he growls.

“And you're just gonna get killed,” I sing back.

“Says the one behind bars,” he chuckles.

“Oh honey, there’s so much you’ve missed out on all these years that you’ve been dead. See, I’m not that little mindless sex doll that you loved to flaunt around and share with your top paying clients. I eat little bitches like you for supper. This whole kidnapping thing is cute and all, but you’ve only signed your death certificate.”

“Keep talking, little girl. You’re only making it so much sweeter when you’re choking on my dick.”

“Ha! I wouldn’t try that if I were you. I’m telling you right now, I will one-hundred percent bite it the fuck off.”

He lets out a sound like some kind of constipated bull as he charges down the stairs and over to me.

“I’ve had enough from you! Don’t make me fucking drug you.”

I can’t see his face, but I can make out his silhouette.

“Kinda surprised you haven’t already.” I tilt my head to the side, squinting like it's gonna help me see better, but it doesn’t. “So, what are your plans with meexactly? If you're looking to get married and settle down with some kids, I hate to break it to you, marriage isn't really something I’m into. And I’m not ready for any kids right now. You know how hard it would be to dance around and slowly kill you with a round, heavy belly? Nah, I love to be graceful and shit, it makes the cuts cleaner and the blood pour more smoothly.”

“You really have changed, haven't you?” he questions.

I roll my eyes even if he can’t see me. “Duh, I’ve only told you that a million times. About time you let it sink into your thick skull.”

“I’ve been keeping tabs on you over the years. I knew who you became, but I’ve never seen your work for myself. A real shame, I’ve heard interesting things.”

“Aww, were your buddies gossiping about me while you raped innocent people? Like a bunch of teenage perverts?”

He just chuckles, pissing me off.

“Watching the light fade from your eyes is gonna be so satisfying. But not until I’ve used, marked, and abused your body... because don’t you remember, Hummingbird? You're mine. This body is mine, and I won't be allowing you to whore yourself out anymore. I have you now, and I’m never letting you go. Not until I no longer have a use for your pretty little body.”

I try not to let his words get to me, but my mind flashes back to being under his thumb. Countless men sticking their dicks where they don’t belong. I hated being here. I hate feeling so vulnerable. I promised I would never let someone take advantage of me again, to ever get the upper hand.

It’s never happened before, but I won't let him get to me. I won't let him win. He will regret what he's done. I will see his blood on my hands. I will see it with my own two eyes as he takes his last breath and the light fades from his gaze.

“You should have just stayed dead, Triver,” I say, my voice sweet like sunshine and rainbows. “But now, I’ll get the pleasure of killing you... twice.”

“Oh silly, little Harlow. You were always so naive. I think I’ll leave you down here a little bit longer to learn your lesson. Then I’ll have my fun,” he says before turning around and heading back up the stairs.

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