27. Dream
I woke up with a sharp pain in my neck and wrists, my head pounding like a drum, and my bladder full. The air was cold, damp, and reeked of mildew. It took me a moment to remember what had happened—the car ride with Zaraa, Lamari’s voice, the slap that sent me into the wall, and then his hands around my neck, squeezing until everything went black.
I blinked, trying to focus on my surroundings. The room was different from before. This one was smaller, darker, and more suffocating. The walls were bare and stained, and the only light came from a dim, flickering bulb hanging from the ceiling. My hands were tied behind me, my wrists burning from the rough rope. My ankles were bound, too, leaving me slumped in an old wooden chair.
They moved me while I was out , I realized, my chest tightening.
I bit back the panic clawing its way up my throat. I couldn’t afford to break down. Not here. Not now.
I closed my eyes for a moment, forcing myself to breathe deeply. My body ached, but I pushed through the pain, twisting my wrists against the ropes. It was useless for now, but I had to keep trying.
Voices drifted in from outside the room, muffled but angry. I tilted my head, straining to hear.
“She better be worth it,” one of them said, his tone irritated. “Four million dollars ain’t no pocket change, man. He ain’t gon’ cough that up easy.”
“Man, pipe down,” another voice snapped. “That nigga got bread. He’ll pay up. I’m about to call him about the drop.”
I swallowed hard, their words confirming what Lamari had said. This wasn’t just about me—it was about the ransom. My stomach churned as I thought about Damier, about how furious he’d be when he found out what was happening.
He’s going to come for me, I told myself. I just have to hold on until he does.
But as much as I believed that, I knew I couldn’t just sit here waiting to be rescued.
The sound of heavy footsteps outside the door made my stomach drop. The door creaked open, and Lamari stepped inside, his swollen red eyes glaring at me with a mix of fury and smug satisfaction.
“Well, well,” he sneered, closing the door behind him. “Look who’s awake.”
I stared at him, my jaw clenched. “What the fuck do you think you’re doing?”
“Getting paid,” he said, his tone flippant. “You’re about to make me rich, Imani. That boyfriend of yours is going to cough up the dough real quick when he realizes what’s at stake.”
“You’re delusional,” I spat. “You think Damier’s just going to hand over money and let you walk away? You’re a fool, Lamari.”
His expression twisted, the smug grin dropping. He stepped closer, his presence suffocating.
“You think I care what he’ll do?” he hissed. “You think I’m scared of him? He’s just a nigga with money, Imani. He’s not better than me. He’s just lucky. That’s all he is—lucky.”
I glared at him, refusing to back down. “You’ll never be like him, Lamari. That’s why you’re here, desperate for his scraps.”
The words hit their mark, and I saw the rage flare in his eyes. He grabbed my chin roughly, forcing me to look at him.
“You think he’s a king, huh?” he snarled. “You think he’s some kind of savior? Newsflash, Imani—he’s not. And I’m going to show you why he’s not better than me.”
He leaned in closer, his intentions clear. He was ready to take advantage of me, and my stomach turned with disgust as he placed his hands on my breasts. I thrashed against the ropes, my heart racing as I tried to pull away.
“Get off me!” I screamed as he started kissing my neck and twisting my head.
His grip tightened, and he smirked. “What’s wrong, Imani? He can fuck you, but I can’t? I had you first.”
Without thinking, I lunged forward, sinking my teeth into his wrist as hard as I could. He let out a roar of pain, jerking back and clutching his arm.
“You bitch!” he bellowed, raising his hand and slapping me so hard that my head snapped to the side. Pain exploded across my cheek, but I stayed upright, glaring at him with every ounce of defiance I could muster.
He stepped back, shaking his head, his chest heaving with rage. “You’re not even worth it,” he muttered, his voice low and venomous. “I’m going to get my money, and then you’ll see who’s really in control.”
He stormed out, slamming the door behind him.
As the room fell silent again, my body shook with adrenaline and anger. My cheek throbbed, and my wrists burned, but I wasn’t going to let him win.
I glanced around the room, my eyes landing on the jagged edge of the broken cot. I had to stay focused and figure out a way to get free. I had to pee so bad. I cried because I had to let it out on myself.
Lamari’s words echoed in my head, but I clung to one thought.
Damier’s going to find me. And when he does, it’s over for you, Lamari.